GB2279391A

GB2279391A - Installing frames in building structures

Info

Publication number: GB2279391A
Application number: GB9413304A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hudson
Original assignee: MANSE WINDOW DESIGN Ltd
Current assignee: MANSE WINDOW DESIGN Ltd
Priority date: 1993-07-01
Filing date: 1994-07-01
Publication date: 1995-01-04
Also published as: GB9413304D0; GB9313606D0

Abstract

A securing bracket 10 for securing a window frame 11 in an opening of a building 12 comprises a first portion 13 which is secured to an inner course of bricks 15 through plaster layer 16 and a second portion 17 which is secured to the window frame 11 by screw 18. A trim member 19 clipped onto portion 13. The first portion engages the second portion and is slidably adjustable thereto using a dove-tail connection member 20 which is integrally moulded with the second portion 17. The dove-tail connection member 20 has a serrated surface which inhibits movement of the first portion away from the second portion but allows relative movement towards each other of the first and second portions in the manner of a ratchet. In this way, the perpendicular distance between the first and second portions is adjustable so that the bracket 10 can accommodate the various sizes of step in the window opening caused by the different thicknesses of layer 16 Fig. 3 illustrates a door and frame in which a moveable locking member of the door is received in a keep portion which is recessed into the frame. <IMAGE>

Description

APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF INSTALLING A FRAME IN A BUILDING STRUCTURE The present invention relates to apparatus and a method of installing a frame in a building structure and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with apparatus and method of installing a window or door frame in a building structure.

A known way of fixing wooden window frames into, eg, brickwork of a building structure is to put screws through the frame itself into the brickwork. This is undesirable in the case of UPVC windows since it may damage the aluminium core or plastic covering of the window frame which can lead to deterioration of the window frame.

Prior attempts to overcome this problem have suggested the use of brackets which are fixed by means of screws to the brickwork. The brackets then receive the window frame itself and retain it securely in the opening. For security reasons, the brackets must be fixed to the brickwork on the interior side of the window opening, which on a two-course wall usually means that the brackets are fixed to the interior course of bricks. The window frames, however, are suitably located on the exterior course of bricks. Since the windows are usually installed after the plastering of the interior of the building has taken place, a layer of plasterboard and/or plaster then covers the interior course of bricks around the window.

This layer of plaster may vary in thickness but might typically be between 0.5" to 1" thick. The existence of the plaster layer which is raised from the level of the exterior course of bricks, means that a flat bracket cannot be fixed through the plaster layer and also rest flat against the outer course of bricks for receiving the window frame. Conventionally, this problem is overcome by removal of a portion of the plaster/plasterboard to expose a securing surface of the interior course of bricks which securing surface is substantially level with the outer course of bricks. This process is time consuming and untidy.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided securing apparatus for securing a frame member in an opening of a building structure, the apparatus comprising a bracket having a first portion arranged in use to be secured to a securing surface of a building structure, and a second portion arranged in use to be secured to a frame member, characterised in that the first and second portions of the bracket are moveable relative to each other to co-operate with different securing surfaces in use.

Preferably the first and second portions are moveable translationally with respect to each other.

In a preferred arrangement, the first and second portions comprise first and second plate portions respectively which plate portions are arranged in use to be substantially parallel to each other. Preferably the perpendicular distance between the plate portions is adjustable.

In a preferred arrangement, there is a connecting member between the first and second portions. Preferably the connecting member is fixed relative to at least one of the first and second portions and is arranged to move relative to the other of the first and second portions.

The connecting member may comprise a ratchet surface arranged to inhibit relative movement of the first and second portions in use.

Preferably the connecting member comprises a serrated surface.

In a preferred arrangement, the connecting member is fixed to the second portion and the first portion is arranged to slide on the connecting portion.

Preferably the connecting portion comprises an elongate dove-tail section arranged to inhibit relative movement of the first and second portions in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal extent of the dove-tail section.

Preferably the first portion is arranged in use to be secured to an interior surface of the building structure.

The second portion is preferably arranged in use to be located in the region of an outside edge of an opening.

In a preferred arrangement, the apparatus is arranged to secure a window frame or door frame in an opening of a building. The first portion may be arranged to be fixed to the building by conventional fixing means such as screws.

The second portion may be arranged in use to be secured to a frame member by conventional means such as screws. The second portion may be arranged in use to extend substantially across a cavity of a wall of a building.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a frame in an opening of a building structure characterised in that the method comprises securing a first portion of a bracket to the building structure and securing a second portion of the bracket to the frame, the method further comprising moving the first and second portions relative to each other to accommodate a step portion in the opening.

Preferably the method includes translationally moving the first and second portions relative to each other to alter the perpendicular distance between respective first and second plate portions.

Preferably the method includes inhibiting relative movement of the first and second portions in at least one direction.

Preferably the method comprises a method of securing a frame in an opening of a building structure using securing apparatus according to any statement herein.

The method may comprise a method of installing a window frame or door frame in an opening of a building.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure and frame arrangement for use in an opening of a building structure, wherein the closure comprises substantially timber and the frame comprises substantially non-timber material, the closure in use being arranged to be hingedly mounted in the frame and being arranged in use to move between opened and closed positions in the frame, characterised in that the frame has a recessed portion arranged in use to accommodate expansion of the closure.

The closure may comprise a door. Alternatively, the closure may comprise a window.

Preferably there is provided at least one sealing means between the door and the frame.

In a preferred arrangement, the or each sealing means is located in the frame. Preferably, the or each sealing means is retained in an integral retaining means in the frame.

Preferably, at least one sealing means comprises a brush seal. Preferably, at least one other seal comprises an elastically deformable seal, such as a rubber or foam seal.

In a preferred arrangement, at least a portion of an edge of the door on the side of the door furthest from its hinge is chamfered.

Preferably, the frame has a hollow section. In a preferred arrangement, there is a reinforcement member located inside at least a part of the hollow section of the frame.

Preferably, at least one locking member of the door is arranged to co-operate with the reinforcement member when the door is locked in the closed position in the frame.

In a preferred arrangement, the frame comprises plastics material and preferably UPVC material.

The frame may be mounted with securing apparatus or in a method according to any statement herein.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame for receiving a closure member, the frame comprising: a recessed portion between an edge of the closure member and the frame when the closure member is in a closed position, the recessed portion being arranged in use to accommodate expansion of the closure member.

Preferably, the frame comprises a door frame for a door.

The frame may be according to any statement herein.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is a provided a closure and frame arrangement for use in an opening of a building structure, the closure in use being arranged to be hingedly mounted in the frame and being arranged in use to move between opened and closed positions in the frame, the frame having a keep portion arranged to receive a moveable locking member of the closure, characterised in that the keep portion is recessed into the frame.

Preferably the closure comprises substantially timber material and the frame comprises substantially non-timber material.

Preferably the keep portion is recessed into a channel formed in an extrusion of the frame member.

The keep may be arranged to extend along the frame.

In a preferred arrangement the keep is arranged to extend along substantially the full length of the frame.

Preferably the keep is arranged to extend into the frame such that it projects substantially into a reinforcement member of the frame.

In a preferred arrangement the locking member is arranged, in use, to extend into the reinforcement member when the locking member is in a locking position.

There may be provided a plurality of locking members at spaced locations along an edge of the door.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinge for mounting a closure member in a frame, the hinge comprising a stepped portion arranged in use to form a predetermined gap between the door and frame when the door is in a closed position in the frame.

The closure member may comprise a door.

The hinge may be provided with fixing holes arranged in use to receive fixing elements which, in use, pass through the hinge into a wall of an opening in which the frame is mounted.

The fixing elements preferably comprise screws.

There may be provided a plurality of hinges at spaced locations along the closure member.

The invention also includes any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows, schematically, a cross-sectional view of securing apparatus according to embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows, schematically, in perspective the apparatus of Figure 1, Figure 3 shows, in sectional view, part of a door and door frame arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows, schematically in part-sectional view another part of the arrangement of Figure 1, and Figure 5 shows in perspective view the door and frame of Figures 3 and 4.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, these show generally at 10 a securing bracket for securing a window frame 11 (shown only in Figure 1) in an opening of a building 12.

The bracket comprises a first portion 13 which is secured by means of screws 14 to an inner course of bricks 15 through plaster layer 16 and a second portion 17 which is secured to the window frame 11 by screw 18. A trim member 19 clips onto portion 13 to conceal the screws 14.

In use, the window frame 11 is secured to the second portion 17 and is placed on the outer course 12 of bricks in the window opening. The first portion is then made to engage the second portion and is slidably adjustable thereto using a dove-tail connection member 20 which is integrally moulded with the second portion 17. The dovetail connection member 20 has a serrated surface which inhibits movement of the first portion away from the second portion but allows relative movement towards each other of the first and second portions in the manner of a ratchet. In this way the perpendicular distance between the first and second portions is adjustable so that the bracket 10 can accommodate the various sizes of step in the window opening caused by the different thicknesses of layer of plaster/plasterboard 16 on the inside course 15 of bricks. The window frame 11 can thus be secured on the inside to the wall without the necessity to chop out part of the plasterboard. The second portion of 17 of bracket cannot be removed from the first portion 13 once in place since the dove-tail connection 20 prevents this.

Referring to Figures 3 to 5 these show a door and door frame arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, in Figures 3 and 4 a timber door 21 and frame 22 of UPVC material are shown.

The door 21 is hingedly mounted on the frame 22 at a first end 23 (shown in Figure 4) and at its other end is arranged to close and seal with the frame 22 by means of an internal seal 23 and an external deformable elastic rubber seal 24. The shape of the frame 22 and the edge 21a of the door 21 creates a cavity which accommodates expansion of the timber door 21, eg, in cold, wet weather when the frame does not expand or expansion of the frame 22 in hot, dry weather when the timber door 21 does not expand. The leading edge 21b of the door 21 is chamfered to provide clearance from the frame 22 during opening and closing. The seals 23 and 24 are retained in integrally moulded retaining members in the frame 22. An aluminium reinforcing member 25 extends throughout the hollow frame 22 which provides extra strength.

Figure 3 shows a keep portion 26a recessed into the frame 22 and arranged in use to receive a locking member 26 of the door. The keep portion extends along substantially the full length of the frame 22 and also extends into the reinforcing member 25 for extra security.

The locking member 26 extends sufficiently far into the keep portion 26a as to also extend into the reinforcing member 25, again for extra security. Several such locking members may be provided along the length of the door 21.

Some or all of the locking members may be arranged in use to adopt the configuration shown automatically when the door 21 is closed.

At the opposite end 23 of the door (shown in Figure 4), a hinged member 27 is also secured to a reinforcing member 25 and to the door 21. Second integrally retained rubber seal 28 seals the exterior of the door 21. Two screws 29 secure the hinge member 27 to the door 21. A plurality (not shown) of such hinged members 27 may be used to mount the door in the frame along the length of the door. A portion 27a of the hinged member 27, which portion is secured to the frame 22, has a shoulder 27b which permits accurate spacing of the door 21 from the frame 22. In addition, screw holes 27c are provided in the portion 27a to enable the hinged member 27 to be secured directly to masonry by means of screws 27d.

The above described arrangement permits a secure mounting of a timber door in a plastic frame and because of the cavity between the frame 22 and the door 21, any expansion or contraction in the door or frame due to ambient weather conditions is accommodated. In addition, the provision of several locking members and/or hinges aids security and also stability of the door against bending.

The bracket arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be employed for mounting the frame 22 in an opening of a building structure.

Whilst the above descriptions use the example of a timber door and the UPVC frame it will be understood that any suitable material may be employed alone or in combination without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Securing apparatus for securing a frame member in an opening of a building structure, the apparatus comprising a bracket having a first portion arranged in use to be secured to a securing surface of a building structure, and a second portion arranged in use to be secured to a frame member, characterised in that the first and second portions of the bracket are moveable relative to each other to co-operate with different securing surfaces in use.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are moveable translationally with respect to each other.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first and second portions comprise first and second plate portions respectively which plate portions are arranged in use to be substantially parallel to each other.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the perpendicular distance between the plate portions is adjustable.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein there is a connecting member between the first and second portions.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the connecting member is fixed relative to at least one of the first and second portions and is arranged to move relative to the other of the first and second portions.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the connecting member comprises a ratchet surface arranged to inhibit relative movement of the first and second portions in use.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the connecting member comprises a serrated surface.

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8 wherein the connecting member is fixed to the second portion and the first portion is arranged to slide on the connecting portion.

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 9 wherein the connecting portion comprises an elongate dove-tail section arranged to inhibit relative movement of the first and second portions in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal extent of the dove-tail section.

11. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the first portion is arranged in use to be secured to an interior surface of the building structure.

12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the second portion is arranged in use to be located in the region of an outside edge of an opening.

13. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12 wherein the apparatus is arranged to secure a window frame or door frame in an opening of a building.

14. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the first portion is arranged to be fixed to the building by conventional fixing means such a screws.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the second portion is arranged in use to be secured to a frame member by conventional means such as screws.

16. Securing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A method of securing a frame in an opening of a building structure characterised in that the method comprises securing a first portion of a bracket to the building structure and securing a second portion of the bracket to the frame, the method further comprising moving the first and second portions relative to each other to accommodate a step portion in the opening.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the method includes translationally moving the first and second portions relative to each other to alter the perpendicular distance between respective first and second plate portions.

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the method includes inhibiting relative movement of the first and second portions in at least one direction.

20. A method according to any of claims 17 to 19 wherein the method comprises a method of installing a window frame or door frame in an opening of a building.

21. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A door and frame arrangement for use in an opening of a building structure, wherein the door comprises substantially timber and the frame comprises substantially non-timber material, the door in use being arranged to be hingedly mounted in the frame and being arranged in use to move between opened and closed positions in the frame, characterised in that the frame has a recessed portion arranged in use to accommodate expansion of the door.

23. An arrangement according to claim 22 wherein there is provided at least one sealing means between the door and the frame.

24. An arrangement according to claim 23 wherein the or each sealing means is located in the frame.

25. An arrangement according to claim 23 or claim 24 wherein the or each sealing means is retained in an integral retaining means in the frame.

26. An arrangement according to any of claims 23 to 25 wherein at least one sealing means comprises a brush seal.

27. An arrangement according to any of claims 23 to 26 wherein at least one other seal comprises an elastically deformable seal, such as a rubber or foam seal.

28. An arrangement according to any of claims 22 to 27 wherein at least a portion of an edge of the door on the side of the door furthest from its hinge is chamfered.

29. An arrangement according to any of claims 22 to 28 wherein the frame has a hollow section.

30. An arrangement according to claim 29 wherein there is a reinforcement member located inside at least a part of the hollow section of the frame.

31. An arrangement according to claim 30 wherein at least one locking member of the door is arranged to co-operate with the reinforcement member when the door is locked in the closed position of the frame.

32. An arrangement according to any of claims 22 to 31 wherein the frame comprises plastics material.

33. A door and frame arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A frame for receiving a closure member, the frame comprising a recessed portion between an edge of the closure member and the frame when the closure member is in a closed position, the recessed portion being arranged in use to accommodate expansion of the closure member.

35. A frame according to claim 34 wherein the frame comprises a door frame for a door.

36. A frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

37. A frame according to any of claims 22 to 36 when used with apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16 or in a method according to any of claims 17 to 21.

38. A closure and frame arrangement for use in an opening of a building structure, the door in use being arranged to be hingedly mounted in the frame and being arranged in use to move between opened and closed positions in the frame, the frame having a keep portion arranged in use to receive a moveable locking member of the door, characterised in that the keep portion is recessed into the frame.

39. A door and frame arrangement according to claim 38 wherein the door comprises substantially timber material and the frame comprises substantially non-timber material.

40. A door and frame arrangement according to claim 38 or 39 wherein the keep portion is recessed into a channel formed in an extrusion of the frame member.

41. A door and frame arrangement according to any of claims 38 to 40 wherein the keep is arranged to extend along the frame.

42. A door and frame arrangement according to any of claims 38 to 41 wherein the keep is arranged to extend along substantially the full length of the frame.

43. A door and frame arrangement according to any of claims 38 to 42 wherein the keep is arranged to extend into the frame such that it projects substantially into a reinforcement member of the frame.

44. A door and frame arrangement according to any of claims 38 to 43 wherein the locking member is arranged in use to extend into the reinforcement member when the locking member is in a locking position.

45. A door and frame arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.