GB2286218A

GB2286218A - Connecting glazed frames

Info

Publication number: GB2286218A
Application number: GB9502383A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Edward Lancaster
Original assignee: Ultraframe PLC
Current assignee: Ultraframe PLC
Priority date: 1994-02-08
Filing date: 1995-02-07
Publication date: 1995-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2015-02-07
Also published as: GB9502383D0; GB9402369D0; GB2286218B

Abstract

A system for connecting glazed window frames (10) comprises first and second mutually engageable connectors (30, 32) fixed to side edges of intended adjacent frames, whereby engagement of the connectors connects the frames together. The connectors can be located in grooves in the frames and held in position by screws. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Construction of Glazed Structures DESCRIPTION This invention concerns construction of glazed structures, such as conservatories, and, in particular, connection of adjacent window frames for making up such a structure.

When a conservatory or other glazed structure is assembled, individual window frames forming the structure are fastened together in an unglazed state, usually by screwing adjacent frame members together.

Once the structure has been assembled, glazing panels for the window are then added and fixed in place. This is a time consuming process on site and so adds to the inconvenience for the customer as well as the cost.

An object of this invention is to provide a system whereby window frames when already glazed may be connected on site to form a glazed structure.

According to this invention there is provided a system for connecting glazed window frames on site to form a glazed structure comprising a first connector on a side edge of a first window frame and a second connector mutually engageable with the first connector on a side edge of an intended adjacent window frame whereby engagement of said connectors connects the window frames together.

The system may also be used for connecting glazed window frames to door frames.

The present invention further provides a method of connecting glazed window frames to form a glazed structure comprising the steps of providing each of a pair of intended adjacent window frame side edges with one or other of first and second mutually engageable connectors and connecting said frames together by means of said connectors.

The first connector is preferably of a hook type and the second connector is preferably of a hook receiver type. Both types of connector may be fixed to their respective window frame side edges by any suitable means. It may be convenient to use a screw through a connector and into the frame material to fix the connector in position.

The window frame side edges are preferably shaped so as to receive their respective connectors, whereby the connectors may be slid up or down to a desired position before being fixed in place. Preferably the frame side edges have channel formations thereon with returned sides and the connectors have edges retainable by said returned sides.

The window frames may be fully assembled and glazed before connectors are added and the connectors may be positioned using appropriate jigs before being fixed in place. Then the window frames may be transported to site and connected together by means of the connectors to form the desired structure. Assembly time on site is thereby considerably reduced compared to the previously used assembly techniques.

This invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a section through a connection between a pair of window frames; Figure 2 shows a first window frame connector component; and Figure 3 shows a second window frame connector component.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, a pair of window frames 10 are shown connected end to end. Each window frame comprises window frame members mitred at ends thereof and connected to form rectangular window frames. Glazing for the window frames has been omitted but would normally be in place before intended adjacent frames are connected together. Only side members 12 are shown. Each side frame member 12 forms has generally square main section 14 having on one pair of opposed sides, i.e., the intended front and rear faces of the window frame, additional generally rectangular sections 16 and 18 respectively to provide thermal breaks. The front section 16 has an extension 20 against which a glazing panel will abut. A channel 22 is provided in the rear face of the extension for a sealing gasket (not shown). The rear section 18 is divided into two.

On its face intended for connection to adjacent side frame members the member 12 has an inner pair of ribs 24 running the length of the member and an outer pair of ribs 26 also running the length of the member.

The inner pair of ribs are spaced apart and diverge slightly from each other. Furthermore, the ends of the ribs are returned towards each other at 28.

The outer pair of ribs 26 are flush with the outer face of the frame member.

The inner ribs 24 are intended to receive one or other of frame connector components 30 (Figure 2) and 32 (Figure 3).

The first connector 30 comprises a channel section having sides 34 and a base 36. The sides narrow and hence the base slopes before converging at a screw plate 38. The upper edges of the sides 34 each have a lip 40 on their outer edge. In use the component 30 is slid into the channel formed by the inner ribs of the frame member where the lips are retained behind the returns 28, with the screw plate downmost. Then when the connector is in a desired position, which may be determined by a suitable jig, it is fixed in position by means of a screw through the screw plate and into the frame member.

The other connector 32 comprises a screw plate 50 and a hook 52 extending from the plate. The plate is wider than the hook and edges 54 of the plate 50 are chamfered so that the edges 54 slope towards each other on the opposite sides of the plate to the hook. As with the other component, the component 32 is slid into place in an intended adjacent frame member with its edges retained by the inner ribs of the frame member as determined by a suitable jig and fixed with a screw through the screw plate 50 and into the frame member.

The two intended adjacent frame members can then be connected together as shown in Figure 1 by slotting the hook component 32 into the receiver component 30.

In practice as many pairs of components 30, 32 will be used as appropriate to the size of the windows to be connected.

To give the connected window frames a neat appearance, beadings 60 are fitted to cover the space between the connected frame members. The beading comprises an arcuate cover 62 and a profiled strip 64 extending radially from the inner surface of the cover.

The profiled strip is shaped and sized so as to be retained between the ends of the outer ribs 26 of the connected frame members when it is pressed into place.

Claims

1. A system for connecting glazed window frames or window frames to door frames on site to form a glazed structure comprising a first connector on a side edge of a first frame and a second connector, mutually engageable with the first connector, on a side edge of an intended adjacent frame, whereby engagement of said connectors connects the frames together.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connector is a hook connector.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connector is a hook receiving connector.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein frame edges are shaped to receive their respective connectors in a sliding fashion, whereby the position of a connector on a frame is selectable.

5. A method of connecting glazed window frames or window frames to door frames to form a glazed structure comprising the steps of providing each of a pair of intended adjacent frame side edges with one or other of first and second mutually engageable connectors and connecting said frames together by means of said connectors.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein frame side edges are shaped to receive respective first and second connectors in sliding fashion, comprising the step of selectively positioning and fixing said connectors to said frame side edges.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the first connectors are hook connectors.

8. A method as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein said second connectors are hook receiving connectors.

9. A system for connecting glazed window frames or window frames to door frames substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

10. A method of connecting glazed window frames or window frames to door frames substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.