GB2294965A

GB2294965A - Glass panel edge gasket and framing members for a partitioning system

Info

Publication number: GB2294965A
Application number: GB9422231A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Bradley
Original assignee: KOMFORT SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: KOMFORT SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 1994-11-02
Filing date: 1994-11-02
Publication date: 1996-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2014-11-02
Also published as: GB2294965B; GB9422231D0

Abstract

A kit for edging a glass panel comprises a solid plastics gasket of a U-profile, preferably formed by extrusion, for fitting over the edge of the panel, and a channel member affixable to an adjacent member or surface and having a longitudinal channel adapted to receive the plastics gasket and panel edge. Preferably, projections or ridges are provided on the outer surface of the gasket which engage with corresponding projections on the interior surface of the channel member, and projections or ridges on the interior of the gasket to grip the panel edge. Also disclosed is a second kit in which the glass panel is edged by a first L-profile member and a second inter-engageable member. Also described is a method of providing a glass partition in which the first kit is employed at the top and side surfaces of the glass panels, and the second kit is employed at the floor. <IMAGE>

Description

Partitioning System The present invention relates to a partitioning system, in particular one in which the partitions are of glass or other transparent or translucent material (hereinafter "glass").

It is known to produce partitioning, for example for offices and the like, in which the partitioning material is glass. This presents a problem in fixing the glass within the frame in that the conventional screws and serrated clamping means cannot be used due to the brittle nature of glass. Conventionally, the edge of a glass pane is received in a channel member and silicone sealant is injected into the channel around the edges of the pane.

Once cured, the sealant provides a firm grip on the glass.

However, this is extremely time consuming and difficult to carry out in practice, with attendant cost consequences.

In general, a linking strut is provided between adjacent panes of glass when it is desired to provide a continuous stretch of glass partitioning longer than an individual pane. This linking strut is of generally Hsection, providing a pair of channels, one for each pane.

Normally, a door within the glass pane has a glass filler panel above it, and the assembly is held together by metallic bridging portions which are affixed to the adjacent glass panel and the glass filler panel and also provide a pivot for the glass door. These bridging portions must be bolted to the glass panels, necessitating time-consuming pre-drilling of the glass. Also, with an pre-drilling step, there is the risk of misalignment of holes leading to wastage of the pane.

It is, however, known to link two adjacent glass panels by a simple strip of silicone sealant which is bonded to the edge surface of each pane.

The present invention seeks to provide a partitioning system which is easier to erect than previously known partitioning systems, and which provides as or more attractive results.

It therefore provides a kit of parts for edging a glass panel, the kit comprising a solid plastics gasket of a U-profile formed by extruding to shape, for fitting over an edge of the glass panel, and; a channel member affixable to an adjacent member or surface and having a longitudinal channel adapted to receive the plastics gasket.

Preferably, the plastics gasket has an exterior longitudinally running projection for engagement behind a corresponding longitudinally running projection within the channel of the channel member. More preferably, the gasket and channel member each have two, one on each side.

Ideally, one or preferably both of the longitudinally running projections are a continuous ridge (or edge of a continuously running recess on the channel member), but this is not essential.

Preferred versions of the plastics gasket have at their opening inwardly directed sealing members for sealing against a glass panel therewithin. This sealing member can be a longitudinally running resilient flap, which will ideally be continuous.

It is also preferred if the sides of the U-profile are non-parallel in that they diverge outwardly thereby to grip the channel member more positively.

In a second, independent, aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for edging a panel, comprising a first member having a seat portion affixable to an adjacent member or surface and a side member extending transversely upright from the seat member,thereby to form an L-profile; and a second side member inter-engageable with the first member thereby to form a U-profile when so interengaged.

Preferably, the second side member is of an h-profile thereby to provide a longitudinal channel therealong for receiving a further transverse projection on the seat member. This is one way of providing a desired restriction against the second member tilting outwardly away from the first member.

It is preferred if the two members are interlockable, such that a second member cannot be removed from the first by a simple transverse movement in a straight line parallel to the side members. This inhibition against easy removal can be achieved by a transverse lip at the inner foot of the h-profile projecting when inter-engaged behind a transverse lip extending from a longitudinal ridge on the abutment member. However it is preferred if removal of the second member is feasible; this will be possible in this latter arrangement if the second member is tilted toward the side member of the first member thereby to close the gap therebetween. Such inward tilting is extremely unlikely to happen once installed.

It is envisaged that an opening to be provided with a glass partition by the method associated with the present invention will be provided at its top and side edges with an assembled kit according to the first aspect of the invention, and at its lower edge with the first member of the second aspect of the present invention. Then, an individual pane forming part of the partition can be installed by slotting the top edge into the gasket of the first aspect, swinging the pane to the vertical, and lowering the pane so that the lower edge rests on the seat member of the second aspect. The pane can then be slid horizontally until in the exact position required, perhaps involving engaging a side edge of the pane in a vertical edge channel according to the first aspect.Once the pane is in position , the second side member of the second aspect is engaged within the first member of the second aspect, and a sealing strip inserted between the pane and the side members of the second aspect, to grip the pane in position. The sealing members can be, for example, a uPVC strip, for example of circular cross section. Joints between individual panes are made by silicone sealant.

Thus, there are no vertical struts interrupting the partition and the overall effect is one of a continuous glass wall.

Doors are provided by erecting a door frame which attaches to the edge of an adjacent pane by a channel member according to the first aspect. Unless the door is a full-height door, the top edge of the door frame supports a filler panel using a channel member according to the first aspect. A top pivot for the door is affixed to the top member of the door frame and a bottom pivot is attached to the floor. A conventional glass door can then be hung on pivots.

In the case of a full-height door, the plastics gasket can be reversed along the width of the top of the door, so that the U-profile faces inwardly in the channel. Thus, the base of the U-profile provides a flat cover over the channel giving a neat flush appearance.

The embodiments will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:- Figure 1 is a sectional view of an edging element according to the present invention, suitable for use at the top of a pane; Figures 2 to 4 are cross sections through the portion above a door, showing the door frame and top edging according to the first aspect of the invention, Figure 2 showing a glass door, Figure 3 showing a timber door, and Figure 4 showing a full-height glass door; Figure 5 is a horizontal section through a partitioning arrangement incorporating a T junction and a glass door; Figure 6 shows a horizontal section through a timber door; Figure 7 shows in section an edging element according to the second aspect of the present invention, installed at the lower edge of a glass pane.

Figure 1 shows an edging strip according to the first aspect of the present invention. A channel member 10 is attached to the ceiling or other surface 12 by its base 16.

The attachment will generally be by screwing the channel member 10 to the surface 12 through holes (not shown) formed in the channel member 10. To help a user to drill these holes, the interior surface of channel member 10 has a pair of raised ridges 14 spaced apart by the width of the drill bit. This will help prevent the drill bit from slipping.

The channel member 10 has a pair of side walls 18a and 18b at either side of the base 16. These define a longitudinal channel into which is inserted a plastics gasket 20 which, similarly, has a rear face 22 and side walls 24a and 24b. On the exterior face of each side wall 24a and 24b is a longitudinally running ridge 26a and 26b which fits within a longitudinally running recess 28a and 28b on the corresponding interior faces of the side walls 18a and l8b of the channel member 10. This provides a positive retention of the plastics gasket 20 within the channel member 10.

Each side wall 24a and 24b of the plastics gasket 20 has at its outermost extremity an inwardly directed sealing lip 30a and 30b. These sealing lips 30a and 30b are resilient in nature, and directed slightly back towards the seat portion 22 of the gasket 20. When a glass pane 32 is inserted within the channel member 10 and gasket 20 these sealing lips 30a and 30b accommodate slight variations in the exact width of the glass pane 32 and provide a firm grip. The inwardly directed nature of the sealing lips 30a and 30b provides resistance against withdrawal of the pane 32.

Figure 2 shows a cross section through a partition incorporating a glass door. At the top edge of the glass filler panel above the door, there is an edging strip identical to that shown in Figure 1. At the lower edge of the glass filler panel 32 can be seen the top section of the door frame 34. At the top edge of the frame 34 is an aperture 36 which defines a channel and which receives a plastics gasket 20 identical to that shown in Figure 1.

Within the door frame member 34 are internal formations 38 adapted to support the plastics gasket 20. A spacer block 40 is provided within the gasket for the filler pane 32 to rest on. At the lower edge of the door frame member 34 is a seal 42 for providing a draught-free seal against the closed door 44.

Figure 3 shows an arrangement very similar to that in Figure 2, except that there is a rather thicker door 46 of timber. Otherwise, the arrangement is identical.

Figure 4 shows a cross section through a full-height door. The panels either side of the door will be supported at their top edge by a channel member and gasket as shown in Figure 1, so it is aesthetically desirable to continue that channel member along the region above the door. In this region, a short portion of plastics gasket 20 can be inserted "back-to-front", that is with its open portion directed inward and the seat portion 22 closing the opening of the channel member 10. Note that the internal area of the channel member 10 incorporates additional recesses 46a and 46b behind which the ridges 26a and 26b of the plastics gasket 20 can latch, preventing the plastics gasket 24 from falling out.

Figure 5 shows a horizontal section through a portion of partitioning according to the present invention. At a wall 50, there is an edging strip 10 containing a gasket 20, both of which are identical to that shown in Figure 1, but used vertically. At a point within the wall, there is a door 44 framed by a doorframe 34 identical to the top doorframe of Figure 2. At the T-junction between glass panes 32, a silicone seal 52 is provided in the usual fashion.

At an extremity of one of the panes 32, there is a variant form of edging strip 60 which is provided with a channel identical in internal shape to that of channel member 10, and which receives an identically formed plastics gasket 20 for receiving the pane 32. However, on the rear of this form of edging strip 60 is provided a pair of recesses for receiving normal, non-transparent walls 62.

A spacer 64 between the two walls 62 maintains them at the correct distance. Thus, the second form of edging strip 60 provides a form of butt-joint between glass and non-glass walls. Alternatively, if aesthetically preferred, the variant form of edging strip 60 could be used at wall and ceiling edges of glass panel 32 in preference to the first form of edging strip 10. The exterior shape is an aesthetic question; the relevant technical features of the edging strip 10 or 60 is the internal surface of the channel and that it is adapted to receive and preferably retain a plastics gasket such as that shown at 20.

Figure 6 shows the alternative doorframe 34 for use in conjunction with a timber door 46.

Figure 7 shows the edging strip according to the second aspect of the present invention, suitable for use at the foot of a pane 32. It is not necessary to use the edging strip shown in Figure 7 at the foot of a pane; it is possible to use the edging strip 10 of the first aspect.

However, that requires that the pane be lifted into place and then allowed to settle down into the channel member at its foot. This requires significant lifting of the heavy pane 32 and is disadvantageous.

On the other hand, the edging strip 100 shown in Figure 7 comprises a first member 102 which has a seat portion 104 affixed to the floor 106. This may be above or below a carpet 108, as shown schematically in Figure 7.

Fixing of the seat portion 104 is generally by screwing it to the floor through the holes (not shown) whose drilling is aided by longitudinally running ridges similar to those of the channel member 10. Extending uprightly from an edge of the seat portion 104 is a first side wall 110. Thus, the first member has an L-section.

In the first stage of installation, the first member 102 is affixed to the floor, and a spacer 112 is laid along its length on the seat portion 104. The glass pane is then installed without the need to lift it over a side wall into a channel. It can then be held temporarily by the channel members 10 at its respective other edges. The second side wall 114 is then engaged with the first member 102 to provide a continuous U-profile edging strip along the lower portion of the pane 32. Once the second side wall 114 is in place, sealing strips 116 are inserted between the pane 32 and the U-profiled edging strip 100 to retain the pane 32 in place and positively bias the two walls outwardly.

Small differences in the nominal thickness of the glass pane 32 can be accommodated by providing varying widths of sealing strip 116.

The interengagment of the seat portion 104 and the second side wall 114 is by forming the second side wall 114 in a h-profile. Thus, there is a longitudinal channel therealong. This channel receives a further transverse projection 118 extending upwardly from the seat portion 104 on the open side of the L-profile. A still further upright projection 120 is formed on the inner surface of the seat portion 104, to prevent the h-section rocking on the upright projection 118. The top part of the still further upright projection 120 has a lip 122 projecting towards the second side wall 114; this together with an outwardly projecting lip 124 at the foot of the h-section prevents the second side wall 114 from being removed by a simple lifting action. To disengage these lips 122 and 124, the second side wall 114 must be tilted toward the first side wall 110, not possible when a pane is installed due to the sealing strips 116. The arrangement of the lips 122 and 124 can be seen more clearly in Figure 7a, an enlargement of the relevant portion of Figure 7.

Thus, the present invention provides a complete system for fitting a glass partition. The skilled person will appreciate that many variations are possible to the abovedescribed exemplary embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A kit of parts for edging a glass panel, the kit comprising a solid plastics gasket of a U-profile formed by extruding to shape, for fitting over an edge of the glass panel, and; a channel member affixable to an adjacent member or surface and having a longitudinal channel adapted to receive the plastics gasket.

2. A kit according to Claim 1 wherein the plastics gasket has an exterior longitudinally running projection for engagement behind a corresponding longitudinally running projection within the channel of the channel member.

3. A kit of parts according to Claim 2 wherein the gasket and channel member each have two such projections one on each side.

4. A kit of parts according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein one or preferably both of the longitudinally running projections are a continuous ridge.

5. A kit of parts according to any preceding Claim wherein the plastics gasket has at its opening inwardly directed sealing members for sealing against a glass panel therewithin.

6. A kit of parts according to Claim 5 wherein the sealing member is a longitudinally running resilient flap.

7. A kit of parts according to Claim 5 wherein the flap is continuous.

8. A kit of parts according to any preceding Claim wherein the sides of the U-profile are non-parallel in that they diverge outwardly, thereby to grip the channel member.

9. A kit of parts according to any preceding Claim wherein the plastics gasket and the channel member are adapted such that the plastics gasket can be retained within the channel member in reverse orientation such that the base of the U-profile is substantially flush with the opening of the longitudinal channel of the channel member.

10. A kit of parts for edging a panel, comprising a first member having a seat portion affixable to an adjacent member or surface and a side member extending transversely upright from the seat member,thereby to form an L-profile; and a second side member inter-engageable with the first member thereby to form a U-profile when so inter-engaged.

11. A kit of parts according to Claim 10 wherein the second side member is of an h-profile thereby to provide a longitudinal channel therealong for receiving a further transverse projection provided on the seat member.

12. A kit of parts according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein the two members are interlockable, such that a second member cannot be removed from the first by a simple transverse movement in a straight line parallel to the side members.

13. A kit of parts according to Claim 12 wherein the second side member has a transverse lip at the inner foot of the h-profile projecting when so inter-engaged behind a transverse lip extending from a longitudinal ridge on the abutment member.

14. A kit of parts according to any one of Claims 10 to 13 wherein removal of the second member is possible after assembly.

15. A kit of parts according to Claim 14 wherein removal must be effected by tilting the second member toward the side member of the first member thereby to close the gap therebetween.

16. A method of fixing a glass partition within an opening comprising the steps of (i) providing at the top and optionally at the side edges of the opening an assembled kit according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, and at its lower edge with the first member of a kit according to any one of Claims 10 to 15; (ii) installing a pane forming at least part of the partition by slotting the top edge into the gasket of (i), bringing the pane to the vertical, and if necessary lowering the pane so that the lower edge rests on the seat member of the second aspect; (iii) if necessary sliding the pane horizontally until in the exact position required; (iv) engaging the second side member of any one of Claims 10 to 15 within the corresponding first member and inserting a sealing strip between the pane and those side members to grip the pane in position.

17. A method according to Claim 16 wherein the sealing strip is a resilient plastics member of circular cross section.

18. A kit of parts for edging a glass panel substantially as any one disclosed herein and illustrated in the accompanying Figures.