GB2275718A

GB2275718A - Window or door construction

Info

Publication number: GB2275718A
Application number: GB9404180A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert D Mills
Original assignee: REGENCY INTERNATIONAL PLC
Current assignee: REGENCY INTERNATIONAL PLC
Priority date: 1993-03-04
Filing date: 1994-03-04
Publication date: 1994-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2014-03-04
Also published as: GB2275718B; GB9404180D0; GB9304380D0

Abstract

A window or door construction comprises an outer frame comprising a pair of jamb members (16), a top member (17, Fig 3) and a bottom member (15, Fig 2 and Fig 4) arranged in a generally rectangular configuration, at least an opposed pair of the top (17) and bottom (15) and jamb members (16) and the bottom member (15) having an inwardly extending formation (24) positioned towards the outer wall (17), and a recess (25a) and (25, Figs 2, 3 and 4) spaced from the inwardly extending formation (24) towards the inner wall (11), each recess (25, 25a) being adapted to receive therein a connecting element (26) of a retaining formation (27) whereby an inner frame (30) may be located between the inwardly extending formations (24) and the retaining formations (27) of the outer frame. At least one of the jamb members or the top or bottom members can have a sideways facing groove which faces inwardly of the building for receiving adjacent plasterwork. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Window or door construction Description of Invention This invention relates to a window or door construction, more particularly, but not exclusively, related to a new build application.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a window or door construction comprising an outer frame comprising a pair of jamb members, a top member and a bottom member arranged in a generally rectangular configuration, at least an opposing pair of the top, bottom and jamb members having an inwardly extending formation positioned towards the outer wall, and a recess spaced from the inwardly extending formation towards the inner wall, each recess being adapted to receive therein a connecting element of a retaining formation whereby an inner frame may be located between the inwardly extending formations and the retaining formations of the outer frame.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a window or door construction comprising a frame comprising a pair of jamb members and a top and a bottom member, the frame being adapted to be accommodated in an opening in a wall or panel of a building, the frame comprising along at least one of the jamb members or the top or bottom members thereof, a sideways facing groove which faces inwardly of the building in use, and is adapted to receive adjacent plasterwork.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a method of building comprising building a wall to a first level, locating relative to the wall an outer frame of a window or door construction according to the first aspect of the invention and continuing to build the wall, subsequently locating within the outer frame the inner frame, and inserting a connecting element within each of the recesses of the respective outer frame members.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a method of replacing a window or door frame, comprising removing the existing window or door frame, inserting into the opening an outer frame of a window/door construction according to the first aspect of the invention and locating in the outer frame, an inner frame.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a plan cross sectional view through one side of a building construction including a cavity closer in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side cross sectional view through a bottom part of the building construction of Figure 1.

FIGURE 3 is a side cross sectional view through a top part of the building construction of Figure 1.

FIGURE 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 1, but of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, a building construction comprises an inner wall 11 for example made of breeze block, and an outer wall 12, for example made of brick, providing therebetween a cavity 13. The construction includes an outer frame 14 which in this example comprises a bottom outer frame member 15, a pair of jamb outer frame members 16 of identical but opposite configuration such that only one jamb member 16 is shown in figure 1, and a top outer frame member 17, the members 15-17 being arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. The members 15-17 may be connected together by mitring at the corners and welding, or by simple butt joints as desired.

In this example, each jamb member 16 and bottom member 15 comprises an extrusion in plastics material having an integral closure part 20 generally of box section which extends into the cavity 13, and a pair of flanges 21,22, one extending each side of the closure part 20 and along a respective edge 11a,12a, of the inner or outer wall 11,12.

Each jamb member 16 and bottom member 15 provides an inwardly extending formation 24 which in this example is spaced adjacent the outer wall 12, but is at least positioned towards the outer wall 12, and a recess 25 spaced from the inwardly extending formation 24 towards the inner wall 11, the recesses 25 each being adapted to receive a connecting element 26 of a retaining formation 27 which comprises, in this example, an extruded bead. In use, an inner door or window, frame designated 30, is inserted into a respective door or window opening 31 provided by the outer frame from inside the building until the inner frame 30 abuts up against the inwardly extending formations 24. The beads 27 are then located in position with their connecting elements 26 in a respective receiving formation 25 thereby to retain and locate the inner door or window frame 30 in position.

Hence the inwardly extending formations 24 prevent the inner door or window frame 30 being removed from the outer frame from the outside of the building, although by removing each of the retaining formations 27, the inner frame 30 could be removed from the outer frame 14 from inside the building for maintenance or replacement, if desired.

In the embodiments described, the bottom outer frame member 15 is of identical configuration to the jamb outer frame members 16 although the top outer frame member 17 is of a different configuration. However the top member 17 does have an inwardly extending formation 24a which is of a similar construction to inwardly extending formations 24, and recess formations 25,25a to receive a retaining formation 27a in the same manner as the bottom outer frame member 15 and jamb outer frame members 16. However, in this embodiment the top outer frame member 17, has no closure part like part 20, although if desired, a closure part may be provided which would extend upwardly into an opening of a lintel 33 which extends across the top of the door or window opening 31.

Referring again to figures 1 and 2, the inwardly extending formations 24 are provided as box sections integrally with the respective flanges 22 which extend along the edge 12a of the outer wall 12. The inwardly extending formations 24 each comprise an edge 35 which extends generally parallel to the outer wall 12, the edge 35 in use, carrying a seal S in a groove thereof, the seal S engaging with the door or window frame 30 to prevent the ingress of moisture between the frame 30 and the inwardly extending formation 24.

The flange 22 is of a box like construction having a pair of spaced walls 37 and 38 interconnected by strengthening ribs 39. An outermost edge 40 has a formation 41 which, as shown in figure 2, may receive a corresponding formation 42 of an outer sill 43. The flange 22 has resilient feet 45 which rest on the edge 12a of the outer wall 12 to accommodate thermal expansion and contractions of the outer frame 14. The underside of the flange 22 has a locking formation 22a in which, at least for the bottom outer frame member 15, an enlarged part 43a of the outer sill 43 is received to retain the sill 43 relative to the bottom member 15.

The retaining formations 27 are each of generally box section configuration for rigidity, having an inclined upper wall W and may include a resilient seal 49 which co-operates with the door or window frame 30 for sealing, and to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in for example, the profile width of the inner door or window frame 30 or in the distance between the inwardly extending formation 24 and recess 25 or 25a.

As can be seen in figure 2, the retaining formation 27 of the bottom member 15 is received within a cavity 50 of an inner sill 51. The inner sill 51 rests on plasterwork 52 provided on the edge 1 lea of the inner wall 11. The plasterwork 52 conceals the flange 21 which extends along the edge 1 lea of the inner wall 11 and thus spaces the sill 51 from the flange 21.

Referring to figure 1, plasterwork 52 again conceals flange 21 but additionally, to conceal a line 53 where the plasterwork 52 abuts the outer frame 14, there is provided a cover part 54 which may extruded integrally with the retaining formation 27 or separately, and overlies the line 53. Thus in the event of any crack developing at the line 53 due to thermal expansion and contraction of the outer frame 14, such crack would remain concealed by the cover part 54.

In the example of figure 1, the cover part 54 has legs L which co-operate with a further recess 25a of the cavity closer 14.

It can be seen from figures 1 and 2 that the recess 25ss, is substantially identical to recess 25 but spaced further from the retaining formation 24. In figure 4, it can be seen that the connecting element 26 of the retaining formation 27 is engaged with recess 25a rather than recess 25 so that an inner door or window frame 30a having a larger profile width dimension than frame 30, can be accommodated. In the embodiment of figure 4, the provision of a cover part 54 is not required for the jamb members 16 and top member 17, as the retaining formation 27 overlies the line 53 where the plasterwork 52 and outer frame 14 join. In all other respects, the outer frame 14 shown in figure 4 is identical to that shown in figures 1-3.

Referring now to figure 3, interposed between the top member 17 and the inner door or window frame 30 is a box section 59. This has provided therethrough a passageway 60 which extends from the outside of the building to the inside of the building and provides for ventilation. Adjacent the entrance to the passageway 60 at the outside of the building, there are provided a pair of formations 61 which provide a groove 62 to permit for example, a screen to be inserted across the entrance to the passageway 60 to prevent insects entering the passageway 60. Alternatively, the entrance (and exit) to passageway 60 may be provided by openings provided in the extruded section.

The box section 59 has a pair of leg formations 63 which engage with corresponding formations 64 of the top member T of the inner frame 30, so that the box section 59 is connected to the inner frame 30, by sliding, prior to the inner frame 30 being received in the outer frame 14, and thus essentially becomes part of the inner frame 30. Alternatively, the section 59 could be attached to the top member T of the inner frame 30 by snap interengaging formations, or otherwise.

As mentioned above, in respects other than the provision of a closure part like closure part 20k, the bottom and jamb members, the top outer frame member 17 is similar to the bottom and side jamb outer frame members 15,16, and similar parts are therefore labelled with the same reference numerals, with an "a" suffix added.

Where ventilation is not required, box section 59 could be omitted, but the inner frame 30 would then need to be made correspondingly higher to take up the space formerly occupied by the box section 59.

Referring again to the drawings, it can be seen that at least for the bottom 15 and jamb members 16 above the flange 21 which extends along the inner edge 11a of the inner wall 11, a lip 58 is provided and that it is at the junction of the lip 58 and the plasterwork 52 where the line 53 is indicated, where a crack may develop due to thermal expansion and contraction.

The flange 21 and lip 58 are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than a standard plasterboard thickness, and provide a groove G to receive the edge of a plasterboard P, a plaster skim K being applied up to lip 58 to form the line 53.

The top outer frame member 17 has a similar arrangement, although the lip 58a does not overlie the inner flange 21a of the outer frame.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the top member 17 may if desired be of identical configuration to the jamb members 16 and/or the bottom member 15 or an entirely different configuration to that described above.

In each case, it is only necessary for an opposed pair of the jam members 16 or top 17 and bottom 15 members to have the inwardly extending formations 24 to locate the inner frame 30.

The flanges 22 of the bottom and jamb members 15 and 16 need not be of the box construction described, but could if desired, for example comprise a single web.

It will be appreciated that an outer sill 43 of any desired size and configuration may be provided to co-operate with the flange 22 as described or otherwise, or the outer sill may be omitted if not required. The inner sill 51 need not be provided if not required, or may be provided of an alternative configuration. Preferably though the inner sill 51 where provided, provides a cavity 50 to conceal the retaining formation 27 of the bottom member 15.

The closure part 20 need not be of the box construction described, but could be of an alternative configuration. Where of a box construction, the closure part 20 may contain insulation.

The details of each outer frame may be designed specifically to receive a corresponding inner door or window frame 30,30a. The inner door or window frames 30,30a shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only. Any other inner door or window frame may be provided as desired, provided that the profile width of the door or window frame closely corresponds to the distance between the retaining formations 27 and corresponding inwardly extending formations 24.

In the examples shown, the inner frame 30,30a is made of extruded PVCU or other plastic, but could be a metal frame e.g. steel or aluminium, or even timber. The inner frame 30,30g, may be internally glazed as shown, or externally glazed, as desired.

In another arrangement, the bottom member 15 need not have an inwardly extending formation 24 and retaining formation 27 received by a recess 25 or 25a. However, at least the jamb members 16 have such inwardly extending formations 24 and retaining formations 27 to retain the door or window frame 30 as described.

The retaining formations 27 may have more than one leg 26 comprising a connecting element, to engage in a recess or recess of the outer frame member.

The outer frame 14 is primarily intended for use in a new build situation i.e. the inner and/or outer walls 11,12, are built around the outer frame 14 with the outer frame providing a template for a bricklayer laying bricks or blocks for example. However, the invention may be applied to a method of reglazing a window or door frame by providing an outer frame with or without closure parts 20 and inserting this into a generally rectangular configuration door or window frame opening of an existing building construction.

It can be seen that in a new build situation by virtue of the closure parts 20 being received in the cavity 13, no additional fasteners are required to locate and secure the outer frame 14 in position, and by virtue of the inwardly extending formations 24 and retaining formations 27, no fasteners are required to secure the door or window frame 30 relative to the outer frame 14.

Of course, fasteners may be provided additionally if desired, and where no closure parts 20 are provided, fasteners would in any event be required to locate the outer frame in the opening.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description the following claims or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A window or door construction comprising an outer frame comprising a pair of jamb members, a top member and a bottom member arranged in a generally rectangular configuration, at least an opposing pair of the top, bottom and jamb members having an inwardly extending formation positioned towards the outer wall, and a recess spaced from the inwardly extending formation towards the inner wall, each recess being adapted to receive therein a connecting element of a retaining formation whereby an inner frame may be located between the inwardly extending formations and the retaining formations of the outer frame.

2. A construction according to claim 1 wherein at least each jamb member and the bottom member of the outer frame includes a closure part which is, in use, received in a cavity between inner and outer walls of a building, and a pair of flanges which extend one each side of the closure part and along the respective edges of the inner and outer walls.

3. A construction according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the top and bottom members of the outer frame each having an inwardly extending formation and spaced recess to receive a connecting element of a retaining formation.

4. A construction according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the jamb members each have an inwardly extending formation and spaced recess to receive a connecting element of a retaining formation.

5. A construction according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the inwardly extending formations and the recesses extend along substantially the entire lengths of the respective outer frame members.

6. A construction according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the retaining formations extend along substantially the entire lengths of the respective outer frame members.

7. A construction according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the retaining formations comprise beads each having at least one integral leg providing the connecting element.

8. A construction according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the respective outer frame members each have a plurality of recesses spaced from the respective inwardly extending formations, with each of which the connecting element of the respective retaining formation may be received, whereby the space between the inwardly extending formation and the retaining formation of each member may be varied to accommodate inner frame profiles of different widths.

9. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each inwardly extending formation comprises a seal which co-operates with an inner frame member received by the outer frame.

10. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inwardly extending formations each comprises an inclined upper wall.

11. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each inwardly extending formation is moulded integrally with the remainder of the respective outer frame member.

12. A construction according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein at least the jamb and bottom members of the outer frame each comprise a box construction having a pair of spaced walls interconnected by strengthening ribs.

13. A construction according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the retaining formation of the bottom outer frame member, is concealed by an internal sill which has a cavity in which the retaining formation is received.

14. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least the jamb and bottom outer frame members where they extend along the edges of the inside wall, provide a groove adapted to receive plasterwork.

15. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least the jamb and bottom members of the outer frame are adapted to have a cover part attached thereto, to conceal a line between adjoining plasterwork, and the outer frame.

16. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner frame, adjacent the top member has a passageway therethrough which extends from the outside to the inside of the building generally perpendicular to the inner and outer walls, to provide for ventilation.

17. A window or door construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

18. A window or door construction comprising a frame comprising a pair of jamb members and a top and bottom member, the frame being adapted to be accommodated in an opening in a wall or panel of a building, the frame comprising along at least one of the jamb members or the top or bottom members thereof a sideways facing groove which faces inwardly of the building and in use in adapted to receive adjacent plasterwork.

19. A construction according to claim 18 wherein the respective members of the frame each have a receiving formation to receive a cover part which conceals the line between the adjacent plasterwork and the frame.

20. A construction according to claim 18 or claim 19, having any of the features of the construction of claims 1 to 17.

21. A method of building comprising building a wall to a first level, locating relative to the wall an outer frame of a window or door construction according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and continuing build the wall, subsequently locating within the outer frame, the inner frame, and inserting a connecting element within each of the recesses of the respective outer frame members.

22. A method of building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A method of replacing a window or door frame, comprising removing the existing window or door frame, inserting into the opening an outer frame of a window/door construction according to any one of claims 1, and 3 to 17, and locating in the outer frame, the inner frame.

24. Any novel feature or novel combination of features as herein defined and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.