GB2296930A

GB2296930A - Closures for apertures

Info

Publication number: GB2296930A
Application number: GB9500557A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wilhelmus Johannus Mari Batist
Original assignee: BCA LEISURE Ltd
Current assignee: BCA LEISURE Ltd
Priority date: 1995-01-12
Filing date: 1995-01-12
Publication date: 1996-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2015-01-12
Also published as: GB2296930B; GB9500557D0

Abstract

An arrangement for releasably and sealing closing an aperture in a wall 5 (e.g. of a caravan) comprises a closure panel 4 and at least two frame members (2 and 3 or 6 and 7) adapted to be clamped about the periphery of the panel or of the apertured structure by clamping means; the frame members and clamping means forming a composite member which is provided with a sealing member 8 for releasing engaging with the panel or the periphery of the apertured structure and the clamping means (e.g. screws 19A and 19B) being embedded in the composite member so that the clamping means is isolated from the environment on one side of the structure to prevent cold-bridging.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO CLOSURE APPARATUS The invention relates to closure apparatus such as door, window and other closure assemblies and in particular but not exclusively to such assemblies for use in caravans or trailers.

Conventionally, closure assemblies such as doors or windows in structures such as caravans or trailers and the like comprise panels for positioning in an aperture of a wall or ceiling for example. Such panels may be partially transparent and are provided with handles, catches or the like. In addition, such panels are typically provided with a peripherally mounted frame for engaging the edges of the aperture and, more usually, a second frame mounted on the surrounding wall for example, near or adjacent the edges of the aperture. Often a continuous seal is provided on one of the frames so that when the frames are brought into engagement, i.e. the panel is placed in the aperture, the aperture is sealed.

Such frames are typically mounted on the panels or about the edges of an aperture by the use of adhesive or more commonly by the use of adhesive in conjunction with screws or bolts which pass through pre-formed holes in the frames and penetrate the door panel or surrounding wall for example. Studs, rivets, nails or the like may also be used.

The above arrangement provides closure assemblies which both close and seal an aperture in a structure so isolating one side of the structure from the other, for example the inside of a trailer or caravan from the external environment. However, a number of problems have been found to exist with the above arrangement which have hitherto not been tackled.

In particular, the use of screws, bolts, nails, studs etc, which are typically metallic, to fix a frame to a door or to the edges of a surrounding wall for example may be particularly problematical. Firstly, such items are poor insulators and therefore transmit heat or cold from one side of a structure to the other. For example, it is common for screws and bolts etc to transmit cold from outside a caravan or trailer to a point inside the caravan or trailer forming a cold spot. Such cold spots are prone to formation of condensation thereon. Production of condensation inside a caravan or trailer is undesirable since condensation produces a damp atmosphere. When maintained for a long period of time condensation and damp encourage rusting and rotting inside the structure and within the panels or walls.Secondly, expansion and contraction of screws or bolts etc inside panels or walls further encourages production of cracks and fissures in the underlying structures of the panel or wall. Water is then drawn into the underlying structure via such cracks and fissures causing further rotting of the underlying structures. In a similar way, the use of screws or threaded bolts in panels or walls also encourages the ingress of water along the surface of the screw or bolt thread. In cold weather, freezing of any water contained in the panels or walls causes further expansion and darnage to same.

These problems are exacerbated by the changes in external conditions and long periods during which caravans or trailers are not used. Indeed, it is not uncommon to find, for example at the end of winter, rusting screws holding door frames in place on damp and rotting walls. In this case it is not simply necessary to replace the screw but also to replace at least a section of the wall which is very time consuning and expensive.

Further problerns are encountered in the production of frames suitable for use as a door or window panel or wall surrounds. Aluminium or other lightweight non-rusting forms of metal are typically used. Such materials are moulded to the required shape and do not degrade quickly when subjected to a variety of weather conditions.

However, such frames are good conductors and produce cold spots on the inside of structures such as trailers, caravans or window frames in a house for example.

Typically, thermal breaks are provided in the form of insulating joints between separate internal and external frames. The separate frames are fixed to the internal or external frames of a panel or wall for example using screws or bolts etc as described in the previous paragraphs. Whilst this arrangement overcomes some of the disadvantages described above in that a thermal break is at least partially provided between the internal and external environments, it is still typically necessary to have screws or bolts which penetrate the door or wall panel thus providing a means for the ingress of water into such panel and also subjecting the panel to the stresses of expansion andlor contraction of the screw or bolt mounted therein.

It is therefore a first object of the invention to provide apparatus for sealing and closing an aperture which does not suffer the above disadvantages. In particular, the apparatus provides a thermal break between an internal and an external environment.

Furthermore the apparatus is constructed in such a way that the ingress of water into the underlying structure or material is substantially prevented.

It is a further object of the invention that such apparatus is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

It is further object of the invention that such apparatus is removable for example for replacement.

It is a further object of the invention that such apparatus provides means for ventilating an enclosure.

In its broadest sense the invention concerns frame members clamped about a panel andlor an edge of an aperture using at least partially embedded clamping means.

In a first aspect of the invention there is therefore provided apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure such as a wall comprising at least one closure panel; and, at least two frame members adapted to be clamped about at least part of a periphery of said panel or said apertured structure by clamping means, said frame members and clamping means forming a composite member and said composite member being provided with at least one sealing member for releasably and sealingly engaging with at least part of either said panel or the periphery of said apertured structure wherein said clamping means is embedded in said composite member so that said clamping means is isolated from the environment on at least one side of said structure whereby, heat, cold and moisture are substantially prevented from passing via said composite member from one side of said structure to the other.

In a further embodiment, said clamping means is accessible on the other side of the structure.

In a further preferred embodiment, said closure panel is releasable.

In a preferred embodiment said frame members comprise insulating material such as plastic, plastic composites, fibre glass, wood and the like. Ideally, said frame members comprise injection moulded material and, preferably, injection moulded plastic.

In a further preferred embodiment said clamping means comprises metallic or other heat conducting material. Ideally, the clamping means comprises screws, bolts, catches or the like.

In a further preferred embodiment the sealing member comprises a gripping portion which gripping portion is wedged between the frame members when the frame members are clamped about said periphery. Preferably, one of said frame members is provided with a panel for engaging with and concealing from view said sealing member. Ideally, said frame members and/or said sealing member are continuous.

Preferably, said frame members are releasably clamped together by the clamping means. In a further preferred embodiment at least one of the frame members is provided with a plurality of threaded recesses at preselected locations for accommodating screws, bolts or the like therein and, ideally, the other of said frame members is provided at corresponding preselected locations with a plurality of throughbores having neck portions for accommodating heads of screws, bolts or the like therein and preferably accessing same therethrough.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure such as a wall comprising: at least one closure panel having a first composite member, which first composite member comprises at least two first and second frame members clamped about at least part of the periphery of the closure panel by clamping means and, a second composite member, which composite member comprises at least third and fourth frame members clamped about at least part of the periphery of said apertured structure by clamping means, wherein at least one of said first and second composite members are provided with a sealing member for sealingly engaging said other first or second composite members.

In a preferred embodiment said first and second composite members are each provided with a sealing member. Ideally, at least one and preferably both first and second composite members are provided with an engagement portion which engagement portion is sized and shaped to facilitate sealing engagement of said sealing member with said engagement portion and hence said composite member.

In a further preferred embodiment at least one of said third or fourth frame members is provided with a panel sized and shaped so as to provide a clearance between said first and second composite members. Ideally, said front panel conceals from view at least part of said clearance and at least part of said sealing member and preferably, said frontmost sealing member if more than one sealing member is provided.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms front, frontmost etc and rear, rearmost, rearward, etc and upper, uppermost, lower, lowermost etc are for ease of reference only within a given arrangement or reference frame and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In addition, though this application refers primarily to apparatus for use in caravans or trailers, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, apparatus according to the invention has advantageous application to many other structures, including houses, containers, and train carriages for example.

In a further preferred embodiment said apparatus further comprises a means for holding one panel in place in said aperture. Preferably said means comprises at least a hinge or pivot. Alternatively or in addition, said means comprises at least one catch, latch, bolt or the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, said first and second andlor said third and fourth frame members are provided with first ventilation means, for example in the form of ventilation holes. Preferably at least one of said frame members is T-shaped in crosssection having therefore a front panel and a rearwardly extending base portion.

Ideally, said base portion is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes.

In a further preferred embodiment at least one further frame member is provided with second ventilation means, for example a plurality of ventilation holes which are, ideally substantially at right angles to the first ventilation means thereby forming a circuitous airway from one side of the structure to the other.

Preferably said apparatus comprises first and second closure panels positioned in aligned manner and having space therebetween so as to provide for an insulated closure panel.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure comprising at least a first upper closure panel having a composite member as described herein peripherally clamped thereon, at least one second lower closure panel having a composite member as described herein peripherally clamped thereon further and further wherein the lower most portion of the upper composite member is adapted to sealingly engage with an uppermost portion of said lower composite member when the upper and lower closure panels are brought theretogether.

Preferably, a further composite member as described herein is provided clamped about at least part of a periphery of said aperture.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a composite member according to the invention as described herein. Preferably, the composite member is provided in modular form. This modular form is preferred since the modular form facilitates maintenance such as replacement of for example sealing members, wall panels or frame members when worn out or damaged.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a frame member according to the invention as described herein.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising at least one first and at least one second frame member and a sealing member. Preferably the kit comprises at least one first, at least one second, at least one third and at least one fourth frame members, at least one clamping means and at least one sealing member.

Ideally, it further comprises at least one closure panel. Preferably the kit comprises at least one first and at least one second composite member and, ideally, at least one third composite member.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that said apertured structure and/or said closure panel may be partially transparent and/or may be laminate.

Preferred embodiments of the invention may now be described by way of example only with reference to and as illustrated in the following figures.

Figure 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective part cross-sectional view of apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figure 4A shows a part cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 3 along AA'.

Figure 4B shows a part cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an alternative apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of frame members for clamping about a door or window panel frame in accordance with the invention.

Figure 7 shows perspective cross-sectional views of alternative frame members in accordance with the invention.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of frame members clamped about a door and an aperture for a door in accordance with the invention.

Figure 9A shows a plan view of a frame member for clamping about a door in accordance with the invention.

Figure 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the frame member in Figure 9A along line AA.

Figure 9C shows a cross-sectional view of the frame member in Figure 9A along line BB.

Figure 10A shows a plan view of a frame member for clamping about a door in accordance with the invention.

Figure 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the frame member in Figure 10A along line AA.

Figure 10C shows a cross-sectional view of the frame member in Figure 10A along line BB.

Figure 10D shows a cross-sectional view of the frame member in Figure 10A along line CC.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, sealing mechanism 1 for fixing door or window panel 4 in an apertured structure such as a wall, ceiling or floor for example, is shown.

Mechanism 1 comprises a composite structure 1A clamped about wall 5. Composite structure 1A includes frame members 2 and 3 of preselected size and shape and an elongate sealing strip 8. Mechanism 1 also includes composite structure 1B.

Composite structure 1B includes frame members 6 and 7 of preselected size and shape clamped about a panel 4, and a sealing strip 9.

Referring now to Figure 2, frame member 2 comprises a clamping portion 2A and substantially planar therewith a rear panel 2E. Generally perpendicular to portion 2A and panel 2E is an outwardly extending protrusion 2F. In this particular embodiment, protrusion 2F comprises a continuous wall having periodically spaced throughbores 2B and 2C formed therein. Alternatively or in addition, component 2F may comprise a series of spaced protrusions having throughbores 2B and 2C therein. Throughbores 2B and 2C are shaped to accommodate and hold the head of a screw or bolt therein.

For this purpose, throughbore 2C is of a smaller diameter than throughbore 2B. A clamp or other sealing means may be used to block and preferably seal the entrance to throughbore 2B after frame member 2 has been mounted.

Also rearwardly extending substantially at right angles from panel 2E is a wall 2G, which wall is, in this particular embodiment, substantially continuous. A recess 2D is formed between wall 2G and wall 2F. Recess 2D is sized and shaped to accommodate lip 8A of elongate sealing strip 8. Furthermore, wall 2G is sized so that the neck of lip 8A is securely gripped between the distal end of wall 2G and a surface 3C of frame member 3 when frame members 2 and 3 are clamped theretogether about wall 5.

Frame member 3 comprises a clamping portion 3A and rearwardly extending therefrom substantially at right angles a wall 3D. Wall 3D, here shown to be continuous, comprises a plurality of periodically spaced threaded recesses 3B located therein. Recesses 3B may be threaded but are more usually each provided with a brass insert (not shown) which insert has a threaded recess and is provided with a threaded outer surface for facilitating insertion and locking of the insert in a recess 3B.

For clarity, recess 3B is not shown here to be threaded. Frame member 3 also comprises on the rear surface of clamping portion 3A, a recess 14, which recess could be used to accommodate adhesive such as, for example, a sealing adhesive or a seal such as an elongate rubber seal. In this way water and other fluids are prevented from entering the regions between structure 5 and frame members 2 and 3.

Frame member 6 comprises a clamping portion 6A and rearwardly extending therefrom wall components 6D and 6E. Wall component 6D comprises a plurality of periodically spaced throughbores 6B and 6C. Throughbores 6B and 6C are sized and shaped to accommodate a head of a screw or bolt therein. For this reason, throughbore 6E has a smaller diameter than throughbore 6B thereby forming a neck Wall component 6E is continuous and, in this particular embodiment, has an elongate U-shaped sealing strip 9 mounted thereon.

Frame members 2 and 6 are sized and shaped to provide a clearance A therebetween.

Frame member 6 also comprises flanges 6F and 6G, the outermost surfaces of which engage elongate sealing member 8 at 10A and/or 10C respectively. Frame member 2 similarly engages sealing strip 8 at 10B and 10D. Sealing strip 8 comprises a tubular member made from resilient material such as rubber. Strip 8 need not be tubular nor of circular cross-section, as shown in Figure 2, however strip 8 is deformable and preferably resiliently deformable as so to sealingly engage with wall 2G and/or panel 2E of frame member 2 and flange 6G and/or flange 6F of frame member 6.

Frame member 7 comprises a clamping portion 7A having a recess 14 as before described located therein. Frame member 7 also comprises a panel 7D substantially coplanar with clamping portion 7A and rearwardly extending therefrom wall component 7C. In this particular embodiment component 7C is continuous and is provided with a plurality of periodically spaced threaded recesses 7B. Frame members 6 and 7 are spaced by a gap 12. Gap 12 is here sealed by elongate projections 9A.

For ease of reference, projections 9A, as well as portions 10A and 10B of sealing strip 8 are drawn in full rather than in the deformed shape which they would adopt when in place as shown. Gap 12 may in addition or as an alternative be sealed by the provision of an enlarged portion or an elongate projection on strip 9 at 9B.

Frame members 7 and 3 are spaced by a clearance B. Panel 7D of frame member 7 defines clearance B and furthermore conceals part of strip 9 and indeed mechanism 1 from view.

Unlike frame members 6 and 7, frame members 2 and 3 are not spaced, rather frame members 2 and 3 abut one another at 13 when clamped in position.

Like reference numerals refer to like afore referenced features in the following figures.

Referring now to Figure 3, an alternative view of mechanism 1 is shown. Here, frame members 2 and 7 are pivotally connected theretogether by means of hinge 16 comprising hinge members 15A and 15B. Members 15A and 15B are mounted on a pivot which members and pivot are moulded onto frame member 3. Alternative, or additional, fixing means such as screws, bolts, nails, adhesive or the like may also be used as would be well understood by those skilled in the art. In order to provide a hinge with greater strength, an additional hinge member 15C can be provided (dotted lines) which together with hinge member 15B provides a U-shaped hinge member which substantially surrounds and is symmetric about hinge member 15A.

Hinge members 15B and 15C are attached to frame member 7 via flange 18.

Typically, members lSB and l5C are moulded onto frame member 7, though additional or alternative fixing means may be used. Also in the figure, strip member 9 has been extended to provide a further sealing mechanism. This can be seen more clearly in Figure 4A in which a cross-section along line AA' is seen. In the figure, strip 9 is provided on one arm of the U-shaped cross-section with an elongate tubular member 9C of circular cross-section. Typically strip 9 is made from resiliently deformable material. Portion 9C of strip 9 engages an outer surface of member 3D or, where present, a portion 15D of hinge member 15A at 9D. Typically, wall member 3D of frame member 3 will be recessed to accommodate portion 15D of hinge member 15A. As before, for clarity strip 9 is shown here in an undeformed state.The provision of deformable portion 9C on strip 9 ensures that sealing is provided in at least two independent locations within mechanism 1. Furthermore, portion 9C also substantially prevents ingress of water through clearance B, in the direction of the arrow, into mechanism 1. Furthermore, 9C conceals from view the internal arrangement of mechanism 1 and in this way is aesthetically pleasing.

9C may be sized and shaped to provide a further sealing point at 9E between frame member 7 and strip 9. Such an arrangement would further prevent the ingress of water or other fluids into mechanism 1 via clearance B.

Figure 4B shows a similar view to that seen in Figure 4A of the embodiment of the invention seen in Figure 1.

Screws l9A and 19B for clamping frame members 6 and 7 and 2 and 3 respectively about panel 4 and wall 5 are clearly shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Screws 19A and 19B can be accessed via the entrances to throughbores 2B and 6B in frame members 2 and 6 respectively. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B throughbores 2B and 6B may be left open or alternatively partially or completely closed by the insertion of blocks or other sealing mechanisms or by extension of, for example, panel member 2E over throughbore 6B. Access to throughbore 6B is gained by simply pivoting panel 4 on hinge 16 in the direction of arrow C. Where inserts are used to close throughbores 2B and 6B, the inserts are proud of the surrounding surface and typically comprise resiliently deformable or soft material such as plastic.The inserts act as cushioned stops to cushion the impact of one frame member against the other, or against the panel, when the panel is being closed.

Referring now to Figure Sb, an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown.

Here composite member 1A is wider than panel 4 and therefore panel 4 is provided with a stepped region having an engagement flange 4A or a tapered region having an engagement flange 4B (dotted lines). Alternatively, composite member 1A may be shaped and sized so that it is not necessary to taper or step peripheral region of panel 4.

Referring now to Figure 6, frame members 6 and 7 for clamping about a panel for use, for example, over a window or door is shown. In this particular embodiment frame members 6 and 7 are split into upper and lower portions 21 and 22. Lowermost portions of the upper half 21 of frame members 6 and 7 is adapted to sealingly engage the uppermost portion of the lower half 22 of frame members 6 and 7. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the provision of frame members 6 and 7 which are adapted to releasably and sealingly engage there together as shown in Figure 6 enables the provision of a door or window which can be closed in part and opened in part simultaneously.In addition, when completely closed, composite members of which frame members 6 and 7 form part engage there together to provide a sealed joint at 23 and also about the periphery of the window or door with corresponding composite members mounted on a surrounding structure as a wall (not shown).

Larninate closure panels each having respective composite members clamped about their periphery and positioned in an aligned manner may also be constructed (not shown) so as to provide for an insulated closure panel.

At 24, at the base of a door having the general shape of that shown in Figure 6, ventilation means may be provided. This is shown more clearly in Figure 7 wherein frame members 106 and 107 form part of frame members 6 and 7 in the region 24 of the lowermost point of a door or window. A member 106 is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes 112 provided near the base of clamping portion 106A.

Frame member 107 comprises a clamping portion 107A and rearwardly extending wall 107C. Wall 107C comprises a plurality of ventilation holes 113 formed therethrough.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that when frame members 106 and 107 are clamped about, for example, a panel 4 having a gap 12 therebetween, clearance B, ventilation holes 113, ventilation holes 112 and clearance A provide a circuitous route from one side of mechanism 1 to the other. It is essential that whilst air may pass freely from one side of the structure to the other, water and other liquids may not easily do so. In this embodiment ventilation holes 113 and ventilation holes 112 are perpendicular to one another. Alternative arrangements of the ventilation means can be envisaged. For example, wall 107C may be provided on member 107 above the level of holes 112 in member 106 when the two members are clamped together. In this wall 107C is solid.Holes 112 then provide a route via clearances A and B from one side to the other of mechanism 1, whilst being hidden from view by panel 107B.

For ease of reference, similar views of frame members 2 and 3 to those of frame members 106 and 107 are also shown in Figure 7. Frame members 2, 3, 6, 7, 106 and 107 are made from injection moulded plastic, plastic composites and other heat insulating waterproof materials. Screws 19A and 19B may be replaced by bolts, clamps, latches, studs, nails, rivets and other fixing or locking mechanisms. Screws 19a and 19b are typically made from metal and preferably rust resistant metal such as steel.

Referring now to Figure 8, upper and lower portions 21 and 22 of frame members 6 and 7 are shown clamped about a door and situated within frame members 2 and 3 of a surrounding door frame. Hinges 16 are clearly shown here to comprise a central portion 15A and a surrounding U-shaped component comprising arm portions 15B and l5C. Four hinges 16 are provided on, as seen in the drawing, the right-hand side of the door. Hinges 16 may alternatively be provided on the left-hand side of the door at positions 16A. The frame members are provided with corresponding holes for this purpose at positions 16A. In addition, holes 25 are symmetrically placed about the frame members so the door is completely symmetrical and can be interchanged so that the right side as shown in the Figure becomes the left side.

Referring now to Figures 9A, 9B and 9C, upper portion 21 of frame member 6 is shown. Here frame member 6 is suitable for use in a split door, in a similar way to the arrangement shown in Figure 6. The cross-sectional shape of frame member 6 is different when viewed along line AA (see Figure 9B) from that seen along line BB (see Figure 9C). For example, here the lowermost side of frame member 6 is not provided with a flange 6E for mounting a sealing member 9 thereon.

However the corresponding uppermost edge of the lower portion 22 of frame member 6 , seen in Figure 10A, is provided with such a flange 6E. This flange can be seen more clearly in the cross-sectional view of the uppermost edge of portion 22 of frame member 6 in Figure 10C.

Figures 10B and 10D show cross-sectional views of frame member 6 taken along the side edge and lower edge of portion 22 of frame member 6 respectively. Flange 6E in Figure 10D is relatively short in order to accommodate ventilation holes 112.

In use, frame members 2 and 3 are clamped about the periphery of an aperture wall S using screws 19B having first inserted portion 8A of sealing strip 8. Adhesive or rubber sealant may be inserted into recess 14 in frame member 3 prior to clamping the same about wall 5. If provided, frame member 6 and 7 may then be similarly clamped about panel 4 having first inserted therebetween sealing strip 9. Frame member 7 is connected by pivot 16. Pivot 16 may be mounted on frame members 3 and 7 by means of adhesive, nails, screws or other fixing means. More usually pivot 16 is moulded onto frame member 3.

Pivoting of panel 4 in the direction of arrow C disengages sealing strip 8 from portion 6F and 6G of frame member 6 and, where provided, sealing strip from portion 3D of frame member 3 and portion lSD of frame member 15A. In this way, the aperture in wall 5 is no longer sealed and liquid may freely pass from one side of the structure to the other.

When panel 4 is moved in the opposing direction, sealing strip 8 and, where provided, sealing strip 9 re-engage corresponding portions of opposing composite members thereby reforming the seals and closing the aperture in wall 5. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that whilst the above has been described, in particular with reference to Figure 5 wherein only one composite member namely composite member 1A is provided, member 1A may alternatively be mounted about the periphery of panel 4 so that sealing strip 8 sealingly engages the surface of wall 5.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the provision of a composite member comprising frame members which are clamped about rather than clamped to a panel or a wall by means of screws and the like ensures that it is not necessary to provide screws which penetrate the panel or the wall. This ensures that stresses and strains on the wall or panel from expansion or contraction of the screws is kept to a minimum and furthermore ensures that penetration of water into the panel or wall is also kept to a minimum. In addition, by ensuring that frame members are formed from insulating material so that the screws are isolated from the environment on at least one side of the composite member, a thermal break is provided.Furthermore, the provision of injection moulded frame members means that the apparatus of the invention is resistance to corrosion, easily removable and relatively cheap and simple to manufacture.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and these are intended to be covered within this application.

For example, a plurality of closure panels may be provided forming a laminate structure each having a composite member peripherally mounted thereon so that the closure panels may open separately or together. Furthermore, frame members 2, 3, 6, 7, 106, 107, seen in Figures 1 to 10, may be formed having substantially different cross-sections than illustrated herein. In addition, sealing members 8 and 9 though preferably clamped between respective frame members may simply be fixed to at least one of a corresponding pair of frame members by adhesive, staple, rivets, heat melting etc. Any such embodiments and any further embodiments obvious to a man skilled in the field based on the disclosure herein is intended to form part of this application.

Claims

1. Apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure such as a wall comprising: at least one closure panel; and at least two frame members adapted to be clamped about at least part of a periphery of said panel or said apertured structure by clamping means, said frame members and clamping means forming a composite member and said composite member being provided with at least one sealing member for releasably and sealingly engaging with at least part of either said panel or the periphery of said aperture structure wherein said clamping means is embedded in said composite member so that said clamping means is isolated from the environment on at least one side of structure whereby, heat, cold and moisture are substantially prevented from passing via said composite member from one side of said structure to the other.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said closure panel is releasable.

3. An apparatus according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein said frame members are made of insulating material.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said clamping means is made of heat conducting material.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing member comprises a griping portion which is wedged between the frame members when the frame members are clamped about said periphery.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of said frame members is provided with a panel for engaging with and concealing from view said sealing member.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said frame members are continuous.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said sealing member is continuous.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said frame members are releasably clamped together by the clamping means.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of said frame members is provided with a plurality of threaded recesses at preselected locations for accommodating screws, bolts or other like therein and, the other of said frame members is provided, at corresponding preselected locations, with a plurality of through balls for accommodating head of screws, bolts or other like therein and for accessing same there through.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second frame members are clamped about at least part of the periphery of a closure panel using said clamping means so as to provide a first composite member and, at least third and fourth frame members are clamped about at least part of the periphery of said apertured structure using clamping means so to provide a second composite member and further wherein at least one of said first and second composite members is provided with a sealing member for sealingly engaging said other first or second composite member.

12. An apparatus according to Claim 11 wherein each composite member is provided with a sealing member.

13. An apparatus according to Claims 11 or 12 wherein at least one of said first or second composite members is provided with an engagement portion which is sized and shaped to facilitate sealing engagement of said sealing member with said engagement portion and hence said composite member.

14. An apparatus according to Claims 11 to 13 wherein at least one of said third or fourth frame members is provided with a panel sized and shaped so as to provide clearance between said first and second composite members.

15. An apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein a front panel is provided so as to conceal from view said clearance and at least part of said sealing member.

16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second and/or said third and fourth frame members are provided with first ventilation means.

17. An apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein at least one of said frame members is T-shaped in cross section and so comprises a front panel and rearwardly extending therefrom a base portion which is provided with at least one ventilation hole.

18. An apparatus according to Claims 16 or 17 wherein at least one further frame member is provided with second ventilation means.

19. An apparatus according to Claim 18 wherein said second ventilation means is positioned at right angles with respect to said first ventilation means thereby forming a circuitous airway.

20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said closure panel comprises first and second parts positioned in aligned manner and having space therebetween so as to provide for an insulated closure panel.

21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said closure panel is divided transversely or longitudinally into at least two parts which are adapted to releasably, sealingly engage theretogether.

22. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said composite member is provided in modular form.

23. A kit of apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure such as a wall comprising at least one first and at least one second frame member and a sealing member adapted for use therewith.

24. A kit according to Claim 23 wherein at least one third and at least one fourth frame member is further provided.

25. A kit according to Claim 24 wherein a second sealing member is provided.

26. A kit according to Claims 23 to 25 wherein clamping means are further provided.

27. A kit according to Claims 23 to 26 wherein at least one closure panel is provided.

28. A kit according to Claims 23 to 27 comprising at least one first and at least one second composite member.

29. An apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure such as a wall as substantially herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying figures.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure such as a wall comprising: at least one closure panel; and at least two frame members adapted to be clamped about at least part of a periphery of said panel or said apertured structure by clamping means, said frame members and clamping means forming a composite member and said composite member being provided with at least one sealing member for releasably and sealingly engaging with at least part of either said panel or the periphery of said aperture structure wherein said clamping means is embedded in said composite member so that said clamping means is isolated from the environment on at least one side of structure whereby, heat, cold and moisture are substantially prevented from passing via said composite member from one side of said structure to the other, and wherein at least one frame member is provided with ventilation means which are concealed from view by the said frame member, and at least one frame member is provided with further ventilation means in manner to form a circuitous airway from one side of the structure to the other.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said closure panel is releasable.

16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second and/or said third and fourth frame members are provided with first ventilation holes.

17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of said frame members is T-shaped in cross section and so comprises a front panel and rearwardly extending therefrom a base portion which is provided with at least one ventilation hole.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least one further frame member is provided with second ventilation means.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said second ventilation means is positioned at right angles with respect to said first ventilation means thereby forming a circuitous airway.

23. A kit of apparatus for releasably and sealingly closing an aperture or part of an aperture in a structure such as a wall comprising at least one first and at least one second frame member as hereinbefore defined with reference to claim 1 and a sealing member as hereinbefore defined with reference to claim 1 and adapted for use therewith.

24. A kit according to Claim 23 wherein at least one third and at least one fourth frame member is further provided as hereinbefore defined with reference to Claim 11.

25. A kit according to Claim 24 wherein a second sealing member is provided.

26. A kit according to Claims 23 to 25 wherein clamping means are further provided as hereinbefore defined with reference to Claim 1.

27. A kit according to Claims 23 to 26 wherein at least one closure panel is provided as hereinbefore defined with reference to Claim 1.

28. A kit according to Claims 23 to 27 comprising at least one first and at least one second composite member as hereinbefore defined with reference to Claim 11.