GB2287272A

GB2287272A - Seal for sash window

Info

Publication number: GB2287272A
Application number: GB9404532A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Mcglashan Cum Marshall
Original assignee: DRAFTSEAL SCOTLAND Ltd
Current assignee: DRAFTSEAL SCOTLAND Ltd
Priority date: 1994-03-09
Filing date: 1994-03-09
Publication date: 1995-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2014-03-09
Also published as: GB9404532D0; GB2287272B

Abstract

A sealing member (32) for location between two opposing relatively movable surfaces of a sash window comprises a compressible resilient body (36) having a flexible low friction and substantially impervious outer surface (38). The seal can comprise a foam body 36 having a vinyl cover 38 and mounted in a thermoplastic carrier 34. <IMAGE>

Description

SEAL ARRANGEMENT The present invention relates to a seal arrangement, and in particular to a seal arrangement for a sash window.

A sash window typically comprises two leaves which are slidable, in spaced vertical planes, within a window frame. This form of window, although not often fitted in newer buildings, was very popular in the recent past and thus a large proportion of buildings still feature sash windows. Further, in many areas local by-laws require that existing sash windows cannot be replaced with other forms of window.

Perhaps one reason for the decrease in popularity of sash windows is the difficulty in sealing such windows against draughts. Traditionally, no draught seals were provided, reliance being placed on accurate relative sizing of the frames and leaves. However, through time, wear and building settlement and the like tend to create sizeable gaps between the leaves and the frames.

One solution to these difficulties is proposed in UK Patent No. GB 2 140 064 B, in which pile weatherstrips are provided on the parting bead located between the leaves, and at various other locations on the window frame and leaves. As explained in the patent, the effectiveness of the pile as a seal is substantially reduced if the pile is contaminated with paint, and it is suggested that the pile weatherstrip is removed while the window frame and leaves are being painted, or that plastic covers are fitted over the weatherstrip during painting operations. while it may be relatively straightforward to monitor the painting operation immediately after the weatherstrips have been fitted, for example as part of a window refurbishment programme, to ensure that the weatherstrips are protected from paint contamination, it is likely that subsequent painting operations will be unsupervised and will result in the weatherstrip becoming contaminated.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a seal arrangement which obviates and mitigates these disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a seal arrangement for a sash window comprising a sealing member for location between two opposing and relatively movable window frame surfaces and for mounting on one of said surfaces, said sealing member comprising a compressible resilient body having a flexible low friction and substantially impervious outer surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of sealing a sash window against draughts comprising providing a sealing member comprising a compressible resilient body having a flexible low friction and substantially impervious outer surface between at least two opposing and relatively movable window frame surfaces.

Preferably, sealing members are provided for location between each side rail of a window leaf and the respective side frame of the window opening. Thus the sealing members serve the dual function of sealing the window against draughts and centring the leaf in the window opening for ease of opening. Most preferably, the sealing members are mounted on the side rails. The sealing members are thus concealed from view, whatever the position of the leaf within the window opening, and are also protected from paint contamination, though the presence of the impervious outer surface permits the seal members to continue to function even when coated with paint or varnish.

Preferably also, two or more sealing members are provided for location between each rail of the window leaf and the respective side frame. Further, a short length of sealing member may extend between each pair of sealing members to prevent draughts passing up between the sealing members.

For windows in which the side rails or side frames have been subject to different degrees of wear, the height of the sealing members may be varied to compensate.

These aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view of part of a sash window provided with a sealing arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of area 2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view of an upper sash top rail provided with a seal arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a sectional view of a lower sash bottom rail provided with a seal arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings, which illustrates a section taken through one side of a sash window. The window frame comprises a side frame member 10 located between inside and outside facings 12, 13. Together with a cover panel 14, the frame member 10 and facings 12, 13 define boxes 16, 17 which accommodate the weights (not shown) which are attached by pulleys to the sash leaves and which facilitate opening of the leaves Each leaf 18, 19 comprises at least one pane of glass 20, 21 located within a peripheral frame, in Figure 1 only a side rail 22, 23 of each leaf being shown. The rails 22, 23 run in channels 24, 25 defined by the side frame member 10, a parting bead 26 located in a slot 27 formed in the frame member 10, the outer facing 13 and a batten rod 28.

Two vertical channels 30 are formed in each side rail 22, 23 and a seal member 32 is located in each channel.

One of the seal members 32 is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 2 of the drawings, the member 32 comprising a thermoplastic carrier 34, a compressible resilient body 36 and a flexible low friction and substantially impervious outer cover 38. In this particular example the body 36 is formed of foam and the outer cover 38 of vinyl.

As is evident from Figure 1, the seal members 32 provide a seal against draughts between the side rails 22, 23 and the side frame member 10. Different sizes of seal members 32 may be utilised to accommodate, for example, wear to the window frame and thus may also be utilised to centre the leaves in the frame. Further, the sealing members 32 tend to minimise friction between the leaves and window frames, thus facilitating opening and closing of the leaves.

A further short length of seal member 32a extends between each pair of vertically extending members 32, to prevent draughts passing up the gap between the members 32.

The location of the seal members 32 on outer faces of the side rails 22, 23 is such that the seal members are not normally visible and thus do not detract from the appearance of the window. Further, the outer faces of the side rails 22, 23 are not normally painted, such that there is minimal risk of paint contamination of the seal members. However, even if such contamination should occur, the vinyl sleeve or cover 38 will remain flexible even when coated with paint such that paint contamination does not adversely affect the operation of the seal.

Reference is now made to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings which illustrate seal members 32 in different locations. Figure 3 illustrates an upper leaf top rail 40 provided with a seal member 32 for forming a seal with the upper frame member 42, while Figure 4 illustrates a lower leaf bottom rail 44 provided with a seal member 32 for sealing against the lower frame member 46. Compared to pile weatherstrips, the seal member 32 is better suited to forming a seal between opposing surfaces which come together in this manner. Further, any paint contamination will not adversely affect the operation of the seal.

From the above-description it will be apparent to those of skill in art that the above-described embodiment provides a simple and convenient means of sealing sash windows and avoids a number of the difficulties associated with sealing such windows using pile weatherstrips.

It will further be apparent to those of skill in the art that the above-described embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention, and that various moaifications and improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A seal arrangement for a sash window comprising a sealing member for location between two opposing and relatively movable window frame surfaces and for mounting on one of said surfaces, said sealing member comprising a compressible resilient body having a flexible low friction and substantially impervious outer surface.

2. The seal arrangement of claim 1 wherein sealing members are provided for location between each side rail of a window leaf and the respective side frame of the window opening.

3. The seal arrangement of claim 2 wherein the sealing members are mounted on the side rails.

4. The seal arrangement of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein two or more sealing members are provided for location between each rail of the window leaf and the respective side frame.

5. The seal arrangement of claim 4 wherein a short length of sealing member extends between each pair of sealing members to prevent draughts passing up between the sealing members.

6. A method of sealing a sash window against draughts comprising - providing a sealing member comprising a compressible resilient body having a flexible low friction and substantially impervious outer surface between at least two opposing and relatively movable window frame surfaces.

7. The seal arrangement substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.