GB2296523A

GB2296523A - Window Frame

Info

Publication number: GB2296523A
Application number: GB9526061A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey Herbert Lee
Original assignee: Acbond Ltd
Current assignee: Acbond Ltd
Priority date: 1994-12-29
Filing date: 1995-12-20
Publication date: 1996-07-03
Also published as: GB9426278D0; GB9526061D0

Abstract

A side member for a window frame (10) comprises a first part 20 - 34 and a metallic fin (19) which extends therefrom and provides a barrier to ingress of water between the window frame (10) and the opening in which it is fitted. The invention find particular advantage for fitting a uPVC window frame in a timber framed building. <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE: A member for a side of a window frame DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a member for a side of a window frame and, in particular, to a window frame for fitting into a timber framed or modular building.

Window frames formed from plastics material such as uPVC are now very common and have the advantage of requiring little or no maintenance. However, such prior art window frames have been found to be unsuitable for fitting into timber framed houses or modular type buildings since water can penetrate into the building between the frame and the opening formed to receive the window. This is undesirable since water seeping onto the inner walls of a building can cause considerable damage.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a member for a side of a window frame whereby the frame is suitable for fitting into a timber framed or modular building.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a member for a side of a window frame to be fitted into an opening, comprising a first part and a metallic part extending therefrom to provide a barrier to ingress of water between the fitted window frame and said opening.

Preferably, said metallic part also acts to aid the securement of the window frame in the opening.

Preferably, the first part comprises means for retaining said metallic part.

The first part may be substantially L-shaped in section and comprise a horizontal and vertical limb.

The metallic part preferably extends from said vertical limb. The metallic part may be substantially T-shaped in section and comprise a top portion and a leg extending, preferably, at right angles thereto.

The retaining means may be formed on the vertical limb of the first part and may retain the top portion of the metallic part.

The retaining means may comprise two spaced apart arms extending from said vertical limb and wherein each arm has an inward directed lip thereby defining two slots. Each slot is formed by an arm, the associated lip and the surface of the vertical limb. The metallic part may be retained by inserting the ends of the top portion into the slots. In this manner the metallic part is retained and the leg extends from said vertical limb at an angle which may be 90 degrees. The metallic part may further be secured to the vertical limb by the use of an adhesive or screws. The leg of the metallic member may be provided with a plurality of apertures in order to aid securing the window frame to the opening.

The first part may be formed of aluminium or wood although, preferably, is of plastics material. The plastics part may be formed from uPVC and the metallic member may be aluminium.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window frame with plastics members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a plastics member with a retained metallic fin.

With reference to the drawings, a uPVC window frame 10 is illustrated and comprises four uPVC members 12, 14, 16, 18 each retaining an aluminium fin 19 which is T-shaped in section. A uPVC member is substantially L-shaped in cross-section and comprises a vertical and horizontal limb 20, 22. The horizontal limb 22 has a surface 24 against which a pane of glass abuts when it is secured in the frame. The vertical limb has an outer face 26 and formed thereon are two spaced apart arms 28, 30. Each arm has a first portion 32 extending at right angles to the face 26 and a second portion 34 extending outwardly and parallel to face 26. Formed on said first portion is a lip 36 extending inwardly. A channel 38 is defined by face 26, first portion 32 and lip 36.

The aluminium fin 19 comprises a top portion 40 and extending perpendicular therefrom is a leg 42.

In order to connect the aluminium member to the uPVC member, the ends of top portion 40 are simply inserted into the ends of channels 38 and the length of the aluminium member is slid along the channels. With the aluminium member retained along its complete length within the channels, the top potion 40 may be bonded to face 26 with suitable adhesives and/or secured by screws.

As shown in figure 1, the leg 42 associated with each of the uPVC members 12, 14, 16 and 18 extends outwardly from its member and perpendicular to face 26.

The window frame is fitted in a suitable opening in a timber framed or modular building in the conventional manner and legs 42 may be screwed to surrounding frame members.

The presence of legs 42 prevent the ingress of water between the window frame 10 and the opening into which it is fitted and hence prevents water from seeping onto the inside walls of the building. The legs also act as an effective draft proof barrier.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention (not illustrated) the above-mentioned window frame 10 is formed of aluminium and each frame member is formed with an integral aluminium fin. Each frame member is extruded in one piece with said integral fin.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the window frame is wooden and comprises side members which are of a similar shape to the uPVC members described above. An aluminium fin 19 (as defined above) is secured directly to an outer face of a vertical limb of a side member in a similar name as described above with reference to the first embodiment. Alternatively, a slot is formed in said outer face and the top portion of the fin is fitted therein and secured by screws.

Claims

1. A member for a side of a window frame to be fitted into an opening, comprising a first part and a metallic part extending therefrom to provide a barrier to ingress of water between the fitted window frame and said opening.

2. A member as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallic part also acts to aid the securement of the window frame in the opening.

3. A member as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the first part comprises means for retaining said metallic part.

4. A member as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first part is substantially L-shaped in section and comprises a horizontal limb and a vertical limb.

5. A member as claimed in claim 4 wherein the metallic part extends from said vertical limb.

6. A member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the metallic part is substantially T-shaped in section and comprises a top portion and a leg extending therefrom.

7. A member as claimed in claims 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein the retaining means is formed on the vertical limb of the first part.

8. A member as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein said means retains the top portion of the metallic part.

9. A member as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the retaining means comprises two spaced apart arms extending from said vertical limb and wherein each arm has an inward directed lip thereby defining two slots.

10. A member as claimed in claim 9 wherein the metallic part is retained by inserting the ends of the top portion into said slots.

11. A member as claimed in claims 4 to 10 wherein the metallic part is secured to the vertical limb by the use of an adhesive or screws.

12. A member as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein the leg of the metallic member is provided with a plurality of apertures in order to aid securing the window frame to the opening.

13. A member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said first member is formed of plastics material, wood or aluminium.

14. A member as claimed in claim 13 wherein said plastics material is uPVC.

15. A member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said metallic member is aluminium.

16. A member for a side of a window frame to be fitted into an opening substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.