GB2296734A - Mounting closures in apertures in cavity walls - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly system 2 for a closure such as a window for an aperture 3 in a cavity wall 4, comprises an element 5 for insertion in a cavity 6 in the cavity wall 4a, 4b frame 7, the element 5 and sub frame 7 being securable together whereby the sub frame extends round less than four sides of the aperture 3, and means to secure with a push-in action a frame 9 of the closure in the sub frame 7. The securing means can be an adhesive strip attached to an upstand 7b of the subframe or mechanical. <IMAGE>

Description

AN ASSEMBLY SYSTEM The invention relates to an assembly system, and a set of parts for making same, and to a cavity closure for insertion into the aperture of a cavity wall.

The use of a PVC profile to provide cavity closures and cavity elements is becoming more prevalent, both for new houses and for up-grading old windows or doors. However, such an assembly system does not readily provide a firm connection of a window or door frame in an opening of the wall.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to seek to mitigate this disadvantage.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a set of parts for providing an assembly system for a closure for an aperture in a cavity wall, comprising an element for insertion in a cavity in a cavity wall, a sub frame, the element and sub-frame being securable together whereby the sub frame extends round less than four sides of the aperture and means to secure with a push-in action a frame of a closure in use in the sub frame.

The means may comprise an adhesive tape. This is a simple, inexpensive yet efficient securing means.

The sub frame may include an abutment to which the adhesive tape is secured in use.

The element may include a convex surface whereby to provide positive retention of the sub frame in use. This provides an effective alternative.

The element may be hollow. This provides for lightness, with strength.

The set may include a polystyrene insert for insertion in the hollow element.

The element may have internal reinforcing means.

The reinforcing means may comprise a diamond-shaped array of struts.

The reinforcing means may comprise a diagonal array of struts. The element may comprise substantially a rectangular body in one face of which there is a socket.

The sub frame may include a spigot for insertion in the socket.

There may be two sockets, one in each of substantially parallel opposed faces of the body of the element.

The element may be symmetrical about a median line through the two sockets.

The faces of the element may have the socket being keyed to provide a key for plaster.

The sub frame and element may have complementary cooperative engagement means.

The engagement means may comprise complementary hook means.

The set may include a support bracket insertable in the cavity for supporting part of the frame in use.

The support bracket and element may have complementary hook means for securing one another together.

The set may include an auxiliary element part adapted to enable extension.

The element and sub frame may be integral.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly system, comprising a set of parts as hereinbefore defined.

The assembly system may have an adhesive tape secured to the sub frame by its own adhesiveness.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a wall, including an aperture in which an assembly system may comprise a set of parts as hereinbefore defined is mounted.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a cavity closure for insertion into the aperture of a cavity wall, comprising an element adapted to be received in the aperture including means to facilitate fixing of the closure to one or both skins of the wall, and a bridging part, adapted to bridge at least the entire width of the aperture resting on horizontal surfaces of the skins of the wall, and including means to facilitate fixing a frame of a closure element to the cavity closure.

The fixing means may comprise an upstand of the bridging part, and may additionally comprise a plurality of ridges or serrations of the bridging pan.

The upstand may include at least one flange for assisting connection of a frame of a closure element.

It is preferred that the element for insertion into the aperture comprises an elongate member, which may be substantially hollow and in this case the element may have internal reinforcing means, such as a plurality of webs. It is preferred that the element comprises substantially a rectangular body, the fixing means to facilitate fixing of the closure member to one or both skins of the wall may comprise a socket. Alternatively, the fixing means may comprise two sockets, one in each of substantially parallel opposed faces of the body of the element.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall, including an aperture in which a cavity closure as defined hereinabove, is mounted.

A set of parts and an assembly system for a closure for an aperture in a cavity wall are hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is an exploded transverse section through a window jamb utilising a set of parts according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows the set of Fig. 1 assembled; Fig. 3 shows the set of Fig. 1 assembled, with the addition of a flush-fit cill; Fig. 4 shows the set of Fig. 1, assembled, with the addition of an alternative cill to that of Fig. 3, being a standard or step cill; Fig. 5 shows part of an assembled set of Fig. 1, with a support bracket for the area of the cill; Fig. 6 shows an end elevational view of the cill; Fig. 7 shows an extension piece for an element of the set; Fig. 8 shows an alternative element of the set, and extension piece.

Fig. 9 shows a section through a cavity wall including a further embodiment of cavity closure according to the invention; Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of cavity closure; Fig. 11 shows an end elevation of a yet further embodiment of cavity closure; and Figs. 12A - 12D and Figs. 13A - 13D show respectively different views of two wall tie brackets.

Referring to Figs. 1 - 8 of the drawings, in which like parts are indicated by like reference numerals, there is shown a set of parts 1, for providing an assembly system 2 for a closure such as a window (not shown) for an aperture 3 in a cavity wall 4, comprising an element 5 for insertion in a cavity 6 in the cavity wall 4, a sub frame 7, the element 5 and sub frame 7 being securable together whereby the sub frame extends round less than four sides of the aperture 3, and means 8 to secure with a push-in action a frame 9 of the closure in the sub frame 7.

The element 5 is a cavity closure element and is dimensioned to fit in the cavity 6 of the cavity wall 4, between its inner 4a and outer 4b (in use) leaves. The element 5 is extruded from plastic and is substantially rectangular, its two opposed major sides 10 having serrations 11 to provide keying for mortar, plaster and the like and also providing a hindrance to moisture transfer transversely. Each major side 10 has substantially centrally thereof a blind socket 12. The other pair of opposed sides 13 have sockets 14 defined by walls 15 with hook-like portions or projections 16. The element 5 is strengthened by integral internal webs 17 in a diamond-configuration, though the webs 17 could extend from corner to corner, in the form of a cross or X-configuration.

The sub frame 7 is also extruded from plastic, and has a generally L-shape with a depending leg 18 with a hook end 19 and a shorter depending spigot 20.

The leg 18 and spigot 20 project from the same side of the longer leg 7a of the L-shape. The opposite side has an integrally formed inclined finger or barb 21.

The shorter leg 7b of the L-shape comprises an upstand against which frame 9 of the window abuts.

The retaining means is in the embodiment in the form of double side adhesive tape which is secured to the left hand side face (as viewed) of the upstand 7b.

In use, the sub frame 7 is assembled off-site with the element 5 so that the spigot 20 is in the adjacent socket 12, with some play as can be seen in Fig. 2, and with the hook-projection 19 hooked into a socket 14 so that the hook-projection is hooked round a hook projection of the element 5. Securing means such as a screw (not shown) is then passed through the longer leg 7a of the sub frame 7 and the adjacent face of the element 5, to the left of the socket 12. The sub frame 7 is assembled with elements to form a three-sided frame, open, in use, at the top.

The double sided tape 8, is fitted to the upstand 7b, its exposed face being covered by a release strip for example of silicone. The assembly system 2 so formed is delivered to a building site. A bricklayer builds up the wall 4 to a required height and then the assembly 2 is inserted and the wall is built up on either side, the element 5 being in the cavity 6 (Fig. 2), and in this way the aperture 3 is formed for the window, assuming such is to be included in the wall. The upstand 7b is then adjacent the inner leaf (to the right of the socket 20 as viewed).

When the required height of aperture 3 is reached a temporary head tie-bar (not shown) is placed across the head of the sub frame, to close off the fourth side of the aperture.

The silicon release strip is then peeled off the double sided tape 8, and the window frame, if perhaps already glazed, is then offered up to the aperture 3 from outside (to the left as viewed) and is then pushed in to the aperture 3 so that it slides over the sub frame 7, and a jamb comes up firmly against the (exposed) adhesive surface of the double sided tape 8. The projection 21 during this action flexes downwardly away owing to inherent resilience and then springs back to catch behind a part 22 of the frame so holding it against the adhesive tape 8, which has been compressed about 25% of its thickness. The tape 8 is sufficiently strong to resist withdrawal forces of up to about 1.5 tonnes. The window is then completed in the normal way with silicon mastic seals 23 plastic reveals etc. a lintel replaces the head tie-bar, and the wall is complete.

During construction of the wall, wall ties can be used, which are received by a T-shape end piece in the sockets 14, usually the mid-position ones of the elements 5, which are provided for that purpose.

Fig. 3 shows a similar system, with the interposition of a cill 24 between the sub frame and the window frame. The cill 24 is a push fit as before, the cill being secured by screwing to the frame. In Fig. 3, the cill and frame are a flush fit at 25.

Fig. 4 shows a variation on Fig. 3, in which the cill and window frame are a step-fit at 26, in which case the tape 8 can be half the thickness, that is 2mm instead of 4mm thick. The assembly operation is the same.

Figs. 5 and 6 show a modification in which the element 5 is supported by a bracket 26. This bracket 26 has a part 27 substantially the width of the element, for receiving same, and a hook leg or upstand 28 for hooking into part of the element 5, and a leg 29 which leads to a further part 30 which in use is incorporated in the inner leaf of the wall 4. The part 30 thus bears on the wall and supports any cantilevering effect of the frame, particularly where there is a cill.

Fig. 7 shows an extension element, made by extrusion from plastic, which can be used to extend the element for fitting in non-standard cavities.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative where the element 5 (and extension 3) do not have internal ribs, but are hollow and filled with a core 32 (not foamed) of expanded polystyrene, which not only provides strength, but also provides additional thermal insulation.

It will be understood that modifications are possible. Thus the major sides (or one of them) of the element 5 may be housed upwardly as viewed, that is convex, say by 2mm so that on flexing downwardly on insertion of the frame, the frame is positively sprung into place and retained there by the spring engagement of the engaging pan. Also, the sub frame may have a series of projections 21 rather than the one shown, some of which may project to the left, with a suitable ramp on the frame or cill to cooperate therewith and prevent withdrawal. In this case, there may be abolition of the tape 8 though where used, the tape may be on the window frame rather than the upstand of the sub frame 7.

Also, the sub frame 7 and cavity closure element 5 may be formed in one piece, rather than two separate pieces, and the sub frame, in any embodiment may extend round only two sides, usually the upright sides, of the aperture 3.

In all embodiments with separate element and sub frames the spigot 20 and socket 12 arrangement obviate the effects of suction and wind push on the window tending to dislodge it from the aperture.

The spigot and socket, not being a close fit, allow a degree of movement laterally on installation and in use, but the side walls of the socket prevent pulling out or pushing in of the frame under wind or suction effects.

Also, the tape may terminate short of the top edge of the upstand, providing a gap for filling in with plaster or the like.

The means instead of being a tape may be a wiper blade, in conjunction with the projections, suction cup or any other compressible gasket.

Referring now to Fig 9, there is shown a cavity closure 100 for insertion into an aperture 102 of a cavity wall 101, comprising an element 103 adapted to be received in the aperture 102 including means 104 to facilitate fixing of the closure 100 to one or both skin 105, 105a of the wall 101, and a bridging part 106, adapted to bridge at least the entire width of the aperture 102 resting on horizontal surfaces 107 of the skins 105 105a of the wall, and including means 108 to facilitate fixing a frame of a closure element (not shown) to the cavity closer 100.

A cavity closure 100 is dimensioned to fit in the aperture 102 of the cavity wall 101, and being substantially narrower than the aperture 102, the position of the cavity closure 100 within the aperture can be varied. The cavity closure 100 is suitably extruded from a plastics material and is substantially rectangular, two vertical (in use) opposed sides 109 having at least one socket 110 defined by walls 111 which forms means to facilitate fixing of the closure to one or both skin of the wall 101. It will be noted that in Fig. 9, two alternative forms of socket are shown, however, it will be appreciated that in practice it will be more usual to employ a single type of socket 110. The cavity closer 100 is strengthened by integral internal webs 112 which define, in this embodiment, six flutes which extend substantially the entire length of the cavity closure 100.

The end wall of one side of the cavity closure 100 is extended on either side of the cavity closure, to form a substantially planar plate which is the bridging part 106. The plate is dimensioned to be sufficiently wide to allow it to rest on horizontal surfaces of the skins of the wall 105, 105a thereby bridging the aperture 102, the element 103 depending from the bridge into the aperture 102.

The bridging part 106 is provided with the means 108 to facilitate fixing a frame of a closure element to the cavity closure, in the form of an upstand 113. The upstand may be provided with flanges 114 to assist in the connection of a frame of a closure element. The upper (in use) surface of the bridging part 106 may be provided, as shown with a plurality of ridges or serrations, which are positioned in oppositely facing orientations on either side of the upstand 113.

These serrations 115, whilst assisting in fixing a frame of a closure element to the cavity closure 100, also provide a key for mortar and the like.

In use, the cavity closure 100 is incorporated into a cavity wall at the point where a window is desired, and is placed in the aperture, the bridging part 106 bridging the aperture 102. The position of the cavity closure in the aperture 102 in relation to the skins is adjusted as desired, and it is secured in place via the fixing means 104. A frame of a window or a door (not shown) is then placed on the bridging part 106, on the desired side of the upstand 113 and is moved into close abutment therewith. The upstand 113 provides the means to facilitate fixing the frame of the closure element to the cavity closure, and it will be appreciated that any suitable means can be employed to fix the frame to the upstand 113.

One example of such means is double sided adhesive tape (not shown) which is secured to the side face of the upstand 113, between flanges 114. The exposed face of the tape is covered by a release strip, for example of silicone which is peeled off when the closure frame is offered up to the upstand 113. As will be appreciated, the serrations 115 help to prevent movement of the closure frame away from the upstand.

It will thus be understood that the embodiment described with reference to Fig.

9 provides a convenient cavity closure which is relatively easy to manufacture, can be used in a number of different cavity widths, and is unaffected by small variations in the width of the aperture 2 of the wall built in due to human error.

The cavity closure provides a solid attachment point for fixing the frame of a closure element such as a window or a door.

Referring now to Fig. 10, the embodiment of cavity closure 200 shown in end elevation therein is similar to that of Fig. 9, except that the upstand 201 has an asymmetrical free end 202, with a greater length of projection 203 to the right as viewed than that 204 to the left. This provides for ease of mounting a window or door frame on the one side (the left) and a cill on the right (as viewed).

Fig. 11 shows a yet further embodiment of cavity closure 300, in this case the upstand 301 having an asymmetrical free end 302, the left-hand side 303 as viewed being of wedge-shape with the inclined surface 304 extending downwardly to the right to provide for smooth, progressive mounting of a door or window frame into the gap between the inclined surface 304 and the upstand 301, the inclined surface 304 providing a positive securing action on push-fit of the frame.

There are as before serrations in the embodiment 200 and 300 for the same purpose.

Figs. 12 and 13 show wall tie brackets 400, 500 for securing by their ends 401, 501 in sockets 14, 104 etc., the wall tie brackets each having a flat body 3 with either three of four through holes 402, 502 with raised peripheries 403, 503 to provide a lightness and strength.

Claims (36)

1. A set of parts for providing an assembly system for a closure for an aperture in a cavity wall, comprising an element for insertion in a cavity in a cavity wall, a sub frame, the element and sub frame being securable together whereby the sub frame extends round less than four sides of the aperture and means to secure with a push-in action a frame of a closure in use in the sub frame.

2. A set of parts according to Claim 1, the means comprising an adhesive tape.

3. A set of parts according to Claim 2, the sub frame including an abutment to which the adhesive tape is secured in use.

4. A set of parts according to any preceding claim the element including a convex surface whereby to provide positive retention of the sub frame in use.

5. A set of pans according to Claim 4, the element being hollow.

6. A set of parts according to Claim 5, including a polystyrene insert for insertion in the hollow element.

7. A set of parts according to Claim 5, the element having internal reinforcing means.

8. A set of parts according to Claim 7, the reinforcing means comprising a diamond-shaped array of struts.

9. A set of parts according to Claim 7, the reinforcing means comprising a diagonal array of struts.

10. A set of parts according to any preceding claim, the element comprising substantially a rectangular body in one face of which there is a socket.

11. A set of parts according to Claim 10, the sub frame including a spigot for insertion in the socket.

12. A set of parts according to either of Claims 10 and 11, there being two sockets, one in each of substantially parallel opposed faces of the body of the element.

13. A set of parts according to Claim 12, the element being symmetrical about a median line through the two sockets.

14. A set of parts according to either of Claims 12 or 13, the faces of the element having the socket being keyed to provide a key for plaster.

15. A set of parts according to any preceding claim, the sub frame and element having complementary cooperative engagement means.

16. A set of parts according to Claim 15, the engagement means comprising complementary hook means.

17. A set of parts according to any preceding claim, including a support bracket insertable in the cavity for supporting part of the frame in use.

18. A set of parts according to Claim 17, the support bracket and element having complementary hook means for securing one another together.

19. A set of parts according to any preceding claim, including an auxiliary element part adapted to enable extension.

20. A set of parts according to any preceding claim, the element and sub frame being integral.

21. A set of parts for providing an assembly system for a closure in a cavity wall, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. An assembly system, comprising a set of parts according to any preceding claim, assembled.

23. An assembly system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. An assembly system according to Claim 23, with an adhesive tape secured to the sub frame by its own adhesiveness.

25. A cavity closure for insertion into the aperture of a cavity wall, comprising an element adapted to be received in the aperture including means to facilitate fixing of the closure to one or both skin of the wall, and a bridging part, adapted to bridge at least the entire width of the aperture resting on horizontal surfaces of the skins of the wall, and including means to facilitate fixing a frame of a closure element to the cavity closure.

26. A closure according to Claim 25, the fixing means comprising an upstand of the bridging part.

27. A closure according to Claim 26, the fixing means additionally comprising a plurality of ridges or serrations of the bridging part.

28. A closure according to Claim 26 or 27, the upstand including at least one flange for assisting the connection of a said frame of a closure element.

29. A closure according to any of Claims 25 - 28, the element for insertion into the aperture comprising an elongate member.

30. A closure according to any of Claims 25 - 29, the element for insertion into the aperture being substantially hollow.

31. A closure according to Claim 30, the element having internal reinforcing means.

32. A closure according to Claim 31, the reinforcing means comprising a plurality of webs.

33. A closure according to any of Claims 25 - 32, the element comprising substantially a rectangular body, the fixing means comprising a socket.

34. A closure according to Claim 33, the fixing means comprising two sockets, one in each of substantially parallel opposed faces of the body of the element.

35. A cavity closure for insertion into the aperture of a cavity wall, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

36. A wall, including an aperture in which an assembly system comprising a set of parts according to any of Claims 1 to 21, an assembly system according to any of Claims 22 - 24 or a cavity closure according to any of Claims 25 - 35, is mounted.