GB2297991A

GB2297991A - Frame assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2297991A
Application number: GB9502815A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Kennedy
Original assignee: Marshall C & C Ltd
Current assignee: Marshall C & C Ltd
Priority date: 1995-02-14
Filing date: 1995-02-14
Publication date: 1996-08-21
Also published as: GB9502815D0

Abstract

In order to provide a frame assembly for a door or a window for inclusion in an opening in a wall, which assembly defines the size of the opening required to house a frame (2) of polymeric material whilst allowing for thermal expansion of the frame (2), the frame assembly comprises the frame (2) of polymeric material, and at least one strip like resilient contact member (18) for contacting the frame (2) and an inner edge of the opening when the frame assembly is in position in the opening, whereby the frame (2) is capable of movement with respect to the opening when in position. The frame assembly may be used to construct a wall having an opening, by the steps of building the wall up to a selected height for the lower edge of the opening, placing the frame assembly in a selected position on the wall, building up the wall on either side of the frame assembly so that the inner faces of the opening contact the resilient contact members (18) and so that a space is allowed between the frame and the inner faces of the opening to allow for thermal expansion.

Description

FRAME ASSEMBLY The present invention relates to a frame assembly for a door or window for inclusion in an opening in a wall, for example in a brick building which is under construction.

Traditionally, such frame assemblies have been constructed of wood but frame assemblies of other materials such as aluminium or polymeric material have been in use for many years now. Polymeric material is preferred, as it can have a lower thermal conductivity.

The material is extruded into profiled sections which are fitted together to define a frame assembly which may have many complex interconnecting parts for providing heat insulation or defining areas for connecting the frame assembly to the wall or to glazing. A particularly preferred material which is now coming into use is PVC-u, which is a tough, rigid polymer construction with low thermal conductivity.

It is the normal practice in the building trade to construct windows and doors according to the sizes of the openings for them. In the case of existing buildings, the openings are measured and in the case of building under construction, the sizes of the windows are specified from the plans. The windows are then constructed by the window manufacturer to fit the size of the opening. The windows are constructed slightly smaller than the opening to allow for thermal expansion, if the windows frames are to be made of polymeric material.

Openings for walls and doors in brick buildings under construction are normally defined by wooden formers constructed on site or, in more recent years, constructed from a reusable former, for example as set out in GB 2236350A. The wall is built up around the former, a lintel being placed across the top of the wall above the window. When the wall is complete, the former may be removed and the window or door inserted. This has proved to be a relatively labour intensive procedure, and it has been proposed, (for example in GB 2253234A) to use an outer frame of extruded material as a former which is included into the wall during construction, an inner frame being snap fitted relatively easily into place when the wall is complete. However, this procedure still leaves a stage in which the opening is unsealed and it involves an extra step of construction.

Windows may be fixed in position in the openings by fixing bolts of known design passing through the frames and into holes drilled into the brickwork (which can only be done if the brickwork has already been constructed) or by the use of brick ties mortared into joints between courses of brick.

Any gap appearing in the constructed window or door between the window or door frame and the opening may be filled with compressable mastic or foam sealant which has adhesive and sealing properties.

All buildings constructed with brick walls will have a thermal insulation cavity built into the wall. It is common practice to insert a cavity closing device in openings for doors and windows during construction to prevent access of moisture and draught to the cavity. A cavity closer is shown for example in GB 2255124A.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved frame assembly of polymeric material which does not have the problems discussed above.

A subsidiary object of the present invention is to provide a frame assembly which is simple to construct, easy to incorporate directly into the wall of a building under construction with the minimum number of steps and which can seal the opening at an early stage in construction.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a frame assembly for a door or window for inclusion in an opening in a wall, the frame assembly comprising a frame of polymeric material, and at least one resilient contact member for contacting the frame and an inner face of the opening when the frame assembly is in position in the opening, whereby the frame is capable of movement with respect to the opening when in position in the opening.

The present invention also provides a resilient contact member for use with a frame of polymeric material in constructing a frame assembly for a door or window for inclusion in an opening in a wall, the resilient contact member comprising a first part for contacting the frame and a second part for contacting an inner face of the opening, resilient deformation of the resilient contact member between the first and second parts being possible.

By providing a resilient contact member, movement of the frame due thermal expansion of the frame can occur and will lead to resilient deformation of the resilient contact member. The resilient contact member can be designed to specifically and safely take up such expansion without becoming permanently deformed. The term Resilient deformation" is here used in constrast to plastic deforamtion". Permanent deformation occurs in the latter case.

Thus, the resilient contact member can define a surface which can be placed into contact with the inner face of the opening in a manner which will allow expansion of the frame to occur after installation. The resilient contact member can thus be made to fit into the opening without allowing an expansion gap. This can lead to great simplification in the assembly procedure. The periphery of the resilient contact member can define the size of the opening required to accommodate the frame assembly, leaving sufficient space for expansion. No special allowance or measurement need be made on site, as the appropriate expansion analysis can be taken into account in the design of the resilient contact member.

No special former is required to define a size of opening bigger than the frame which will be used. Therefore, the frame assembly can be used to define its own opening in a wall under construction. The frame assembly can be built into the wall during construction of the wall (and fixed thereto, as set out below) thus eliminating any further installation steps. The invention can provide great simplicity in installing a door or window.

Furthermore, the resilient contact member can safely absorb stresses generated due to the expansion of the frame without compressive forces being transmitted to parts such as the frame or glass. For small openings, this has not been a problem in the past, but larger openings may benefit particularly from the invention, as the expansion involved may be proportionately greater, as explained below.

The frame assembly is intended for a door or window but may be used for any fitting intended for inclusion in an opening in a wall. The frame assembly may include glass or panels, for example door panels, or any auxiliaries (e.g. ventilators) known for use in windows and doors and other fittings.

Preferably the opening is a rectangular opening in, for example, a brick wall, especially a cavity wall. The present invention is particularly suitable for inclusion of a frame assembly into a wall during construction.

The polymeric material is preferably PVC-u.

Polyurethane or glass reinforced plastic may also be used, or any other suitable material. PVC-u has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion.

The resilient contact member may comprise means positionable on a peripheral face of the frame which is normal to the plane of the frame assembly, so that the resilient contact member is resiliently deformable in a direction normal to the peripheral face. Preferably, the resilient contact member extends beyond the outermost periphery of the frame when seen in the plane of the frame assembly (i.e. the plane of the wall into which it is to be inserted). In this way, the resilient contact member can define the opening size for receiving the frame in a very clear manner. However, protrusion means may be provided on the inner face of the opening, for example a liner or extension of the brickwork, which protrudes inwardly from the inner face of the opening and which is contactable with the resilient contact member.

In this case, the outermost periphery of the frame can extend beyond the resilient contact member when seen in the plane of the frame assembly. More than one type of resilient contact member may be provided on the same frame.

As discussed above, one of the main advantages which can be achieved by the frame assembly of the present invention is the provision of a frame assembly which has parts defining the size of an opening for the frame, which size allows for expansion of the frame. A secondary advantage is that it can provide a frame assembly in which the frame can be fixed to an opening in a wall which is being constructed, such that mechanical stresses arising from thermal expansion of the frame can be taken up by members specially designed for that purpose. In broadest form, the present invention is considered to extend to brick tie type resilient contact members which show the second advantage but only show the first advantage to a limited extent.A particularly preferred embodiment of such a resilient contact member comprises a flexible strip, having means at one end for fixing to a frame such that the plane of the first end of the strip lies parallel to the frame, and means at a second end for inclusion into the courses of a brick wall, the strip being plastically deformable about a point between the first and second ends, through at least 90 , so that the plane of a second end lies parallel to the course of the brick work.

Such a brick tie type resilient contact member may comprise a strip of material, preferably metal (for example stainless steel) bendable (it can supplied in any shape, for example straight) through approximately a right angle to define an L-shape. The bend may be at any position along the fixing member as long as the distance between the bend and the part to be fixed to the frame is large enough to accommodate the movement of the frame due to thermal expansion. The length of the brick tie type member on the other side of the bend should be sufficient to give a good bond to the mortar in the brick work. One leg of the L may be fixable to the frame at a (preferably substantial) distance from the bend, the other leg being for incorporation into mortar joints of the brick work (preferably in horizontal joints).The second end may be suitably profiled, slotted or shaped for good adhesion to the mortar when installed. The leg of the resilient member in the brickwork may be substantially fixed when installed. The other leg protrudes from the brickwork and, being flexible about the bend of the leg, will take up movement of the frame in the plane of the frame towards and away from the inner walls of the opening.

The resilient contact member can be fixed by various means (for example adhesives, screws, snap fits, parts for inclusion in mortared courses of brick work and/or any other suitable means) to the periphery of the frame and/or to a liner (as set out below) and/or to the inner face of the opening. The resilient contact member may have any suitable form, for example, a spring, a leaf, a strip or a block of resilient material. If the resilient contact member is a block of resiliently deformable material, such as a foam strip, it must be carefully matched in size to the frame, to allow for thermal expansion. However, the resilient contact member preferably comprises at least one strip of resiliently deformable material, preferably of thermoplastic (preferably PVC-u) or aluminium, preferably in extruded profiles.Preferably; the resilient contact member is substantially coextensive with the periphery of the frame. Preferably, the resilient contact member is of a relatively tough material to prevent the frame being moved unintentionally when fixed in the opening.

A fixing member may be required for fixing the assembly to the opening in such a manner as to permit movement of the assembly relative to the opening in the plane of the assembly (i.e. the plane of the wall) but to prevent movement of the assembly normal to this plane.

The fixing member may itself act as a reslient contact member. Such a fixing member may comprise a flexible member in which movement is possible between two ends of the fixing member in the plane of the frame assembly, and may be a brick tie type resilient contact member as described above. Preferably, the fixing member is not generally for bearing structural loads applied by the weight of the frame assembly or by the expansion thereof, being mainly for fixing the assembly against movement out of the plane of the assembly, e.g. to prevent withdrawal of the assembly from the opening.

The fixing member may comprise a longitudinal connector, such as a peg, screw (preferably a self tapping screw), bolt or the like, for example a fixing device of the type referred to as a Fisher Fixing. The connector may pass through a hole in the frame assembly and through a hole in a member fixable to the opening (for example a brick tie or liner) or drilled into the side walls of the opening, the axes of the connector and the holes, when in use, lying out of the plane normal to the plane of the assembly, e.g. at least 30 thereto, preferably 60', most preferably about 90'. The frame assembly and/or the member fixed to the opening or the hoe in the opening side wall may be movbable along the axis of the connector, to allow for thermal expansion.

Fisher fixings, as known in the art, comprise a hollow shaft of plastics material, with the walls at one end slit. A screw passes down the middle of the fixing, with its head bearing against the end of the shaft, opposite the slit end, and its point engaging a block at the slit end, so that tightening the screw causes the block to bear against the shaft, making the slit walls bow out to grip the sides of a drilled hole in the wall.

Resilient contact members may be provided on all sides of the frame or only on two sides at right angles.

From the latter position, they may take up expansion of the frame assembly in all directions in the plane of the frame assembly. However, in order to minimise total movement of the frame assembly itself, it is preferred that the resilient contact members should be placed on all sides of the frame assembly.

The resilient contact member may have a first end fixed to the frame, opening or liner and a second end movable, or fixed to one or more of the elements (i.e.

the frame, opening or liner) to which the first end is not fixed, or it may be fixed at a position intermediate its ends (preferably in its middle) to one or more of these elements. The resilient contact member need not be rigidly fixed to any of these elements, so long as it is restrained when in use so that it does not fall out of position.

The resilient contact member should be designed to accommodate the likely range of movement of the frame.

In the United Kingdom, it is expected that frames will be exposed to a temperature range of from -15 C to + 30 C.

Normally, an expansion rate over this temperature range of lmm per metre length is allowed for when designing frames of PVC-u.

There may be any number of resilient contact members, placed at whatever spacings are suitable.

Resilient contact members which will be at the bottom edge of the frame assembly when in position may need to be of such spring coefficient that they can bear the weight of the frame assembly and still have some resilient movement.

If the resilient contact member is free with respect to the surface of the frame, opening and/or liner, the surface of the latter contacting the resilient contact member and the part of the resilient contact member contacting it should be such as to permit sliding movement relative to one another. Frame profiles normally used in the prior art are commonly provided with standard fixing parts on peripheral edges having parts engageable with clip-on or snap-in profiles to adapt them. The resilient contact member of the present invention can be made engageable with such fixing parts so that standard frames can be used.

The frame assembly may be combined with a liner, e. g.

of PVC-u or aluminium, or wood, preferably in the form of a cavity closer.

The invention extends to a combination of the frame assembly and such a liner or to a wall having a frame assembly in position.

Conventional fixtures may be provided, such as a sill on the bottom edge of a window frame. The sill may be integral with the frame, but is more likely to be a separate member fixed by snap-fittings or by screws or the like to the frame. The resilient contact member may be absent on the side of the frame contacting the sill.

Preferably, means are provided for allowing draught-sealing engagement of the frame assembly in the opening. The resilient contact member itself can, if substantially co-extensive with the frame, define a draught sealing member. Alternatively, an additional resilient strip co-extensive with and generally parallel to the frame sides may be provided. Alternatively, a rigid wall lying in the plane of the window or door may be provided on the frame, which wall, when in use, lies adjacent and overlapping a corresponding wall on the opening or liner, whereby the respective walls can move the respect to one another yet not expose any opening for draught.

The frame may be provided glazed or empty. The frame assembly may include a protective removable thermoplastic covering material over the glazing or over the opening within the frame, to protect against breakages on site or to provide some form of closure of the opening in the wall at an early stage in construction. Removable corner protectors may be provided, for protection of the frame assembly during transport.

Preferably, the entire frame assembly is contained within a heavy duty shrink wrap thermoplastic film to protect the assembly when on site. Fixing members are preferably provided fixed through the shrink wrap to the frame assembly, so that the fixing members are on the outside. In the method of the invention, the frame assembly can be placed on a wall during construction with the shrink wrap in place. The heavy duty shrink wrap may be cut away from the window once the wall is complete. A part of the shrink wrap may be left around the edges of the frame assembly, but this will give no problems.

The present invention further provides a method of constructing a wall including a frame assembly for a door or window, the frame assembly having a frame of polymeric material and resilient contact members for contacting the frame and inner faces of the opening, the method comprising the steps of building up a wall to a selected height for the lower edge of the opening, placing the frame assembly in a selected position on the wall, building up the wall on either side of the frame assembly so that the inner faces of the opening contact the resilient contact members and so that a space is allowed between the frame and the inner faces of the opening along at least two sides of the frame assembly, and placing a lintel over the opening.

The frame assembly may be glazed or have suitable panels, for example, door panels, inserted before or after construction of the wall is complete. The frame may be internally or externally glazed, ie the glass may be inserted into the frame from any suitable side.

According to the method of the invention, the frame serves to define the shape of the opening without the need of any other member.

The method may include the step of determining the size of the opening to be constructed, constructing the frame of the frame assembly to be smaller than the size of the opening, to allow for thermal expansion of the frame, and providing at least one resilient contact member on the frame for defining the size of the opening to be constructed.

The frame assembly may be held in position during construction, e. g. by wooden battens lying against the wall or fixed into the ground.

During construction of the wall, the bricks of the wall on either side of the opening may be placed in contact with the resilient contact members, preferaby without placing any load on the resilient contact members. However, in some cases the latter are compressed and displaced inwards, to allow for subsequent contraction of the frame assembly.

A liner may be inserted into the opening. The liner may comprise a cavity closer. Preferably, a first liner portion is placed on the part of the wall defining the lower edge of the opening, the frame assembly is placed in position on the liner and further liner parts are placed along the sides of the frame assembly, in contact with the resilient contact members, before the wall is built up around the opening.

If a fixing member for fixing the frame assembly to the wall is provided, it can be used as follows. In one embodiment, fixing members are included in the wall as the wall is built and connected to the respective part of the frame assembly once they have been placed in position in the wall.

However, preferably, the fixing members are fixed to the frame before the wall is constructed. When first fixed to the frame, the fixing members are substantially straight and lie substantially parallel to the frame assembly. The wall on either side of the frame assembly is built up to a level slightly above the point at which the fixing member is fixed to the frame assembly, for example as close to one half of the length of the fixing member as the brick size will allow. The fixing member is then bent over the top brick and mortar is applied over the top brick and fixing member to form a horizontal course in the brick work, which course rigidly holds the end of the fixing member.

Flexible members may be included in the top and bottom as well as side walls of the opening by modifying the above technique suitably.

The present invention is particularly advantageous where coloured polymeric frames are to be used.

Normally, polymeric frames such as PVC-u are white which absorbs heat relatively slowly from the environment.

Darker coloured PVC-u frames will absorb a great quantity of heat and will reach a higher temperature, leading to a greater degree of expansion.

The present invention may be used with all sizes of opening and frame assembly. Use with windows of sizes in the range 600mm - 2, 5OOmm width by 900mm to 1500mm height are particularly contemplated.

The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a normal cross section through a part of the frame assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 shows the frame assembly of figure 1 included in a wall.

Figure 3 shows a different embodiment of the inclusion of the part of the frame assembly of Figure 1 into a wall; Figure 4 is a sketch of part of the frame assembly of the present invention showing the method of fixing fixing members in the wall; Figure 5 is a view of an outer peripheral face of part of the frame assembly of the invention; Figure 6 is a sketch of a window assembly according to the present invention during construction of a wall; Figures 7 to 9 show normal cross-sections of alternative embodiments of parts of the frame assembly, included in the wall; and Figures 10 and 11 show embodiments of frame assembly of the present invention when combined with cavity closers.

Figure 1 shows a normal cross-section of part of a frame assembly according to the present invention. The frame assembly of the present invention will be assembled from a plurality of extruded parts of the cross section shown (commonly four for a small window or more for a window having mullions), the parts being joined together at vertices by suitable connecting members (not shown).

The parts are composed of extruded section PVC-u having the eross-seetion shown in Figure 1. The parts define a space which may be filled with glazing as shown in Figure 1 or by the components of a door, where appropriate.

Referring to Figure 1 in detail, the frame assembly generally designated 1 has a PVC-u extruded frame 2, a resilient contact member in the form of a resilient strip 3 for contacting the wall and a brick tie type resilient member 4 for fixing in the wall. The frame 2 includes a stiffening member 5, comprising a tube of steel, aluminium or other suitable strengthening material, which extends longitudinally in a space formed in the frame 2.

The frame assembly of Figure 1 is for use with a window and glazing is shown, although the same frame assembly could be used with door components. The frame is shown internally glazed i.e the glass is inserted from the side that will be inside, and secured by a sealing strip. It could equally be externally glazed, in a manner known to the person skilled in the art.

The frame 2 is extruded with an outer face 7 for facing outward when the frame is in place, and comprises numerous strengthening ribs 8, webs 9, and fixing means, for example 10, as is common for such extruded members.

The strip resilient contact member 3 comprises an extruded section constructed from PVC-u. It is retained on the frame 2 by engagement of snap fit parts 11 with corresponding constructions on the frame. The resilient contact member is substantially co-extensive with the frame 2 and is engaged therewith along the whole of its length.

The brick tie 4 is shown in its bent configuration for fixing in a wall. It is fixed by means (not illustrated) engaging the frame 2 through the strip resilient contact member 3. Holes 12 are formed in the fixing member to improve adhesion to the mortar of the wall.

Figure 2 shows the part of the frame assembly of Figure 1 when included in a cavity wall generally designated 13, defined by two walls 14 and 15 having a cavity 16 between them.

The brick tie 4 is incorporated into the outer layer of bricks 14 in the mortar, as will be described further below.

The frame 2 is shown mounted in position with the outer edge of the resilient contact member 3 in contact with the inner face 17 of the opening. Stresses due to thermal expansion or contraction of the frame assembly are taken up by the free portion 18 of the resilient contact member. The frame assembly is fixed against removal from the opening in the direction normal to the plane of the assembly by brick tie 4. The brick tie 4 is, when in position as shown in Figure 2, only flexible in the direction normal to the inner face 17, as will be explained in relation to Figure 4 below.

A cavity closer 19 is shown schematically in Figure 2. Internal finishing, for example plasterboard, 20 is shown abutting the inner edge of the frame 2. A deformable silicone or mastic seal 6 is shown between the outer peripheral edge of the frame 2 and the inner face of the opening 17.

Figure 3 shows a part of the frame as described in relation to Figure 2, incorporated in a wall as described in relation to Figure 2 but further including an internal trim 21 for engaging the internal finishing 20 and a PVC-u finishing member 22 engaged with the trim 21 and included in the cavity 16.

Figure 4 shows how the brick tie 4 is included in position in the wall 13. Figure 4 is a view normal to the outer face 2a of the frame 2. The strip resilient contact member 3 has been omitted for clarity. The wall 13 is shown with the outer face 14 constructed of bricks, of which brick 23 is the one whose upper face is placed in position above the fixing point 24 of the brick tie 4. Mortar is shown stippled. When the wall has been constructed upto the level of brick 23, the brick tie 4 will be in its first position 4a shown in dotted lines in Figure 4. In this position, the brick tie lies parallel to the frame 2a. Once brick 23 has been laid, mortar maybe placed on its upper face and brick tie 4 bent down through positions 4b and 4c to position 4d in which it lies flat on the upper surface of the brick 23. Further mortar is then applied around and on top of the brick tie 4 before bricks 25 are laid on the mortar.

When in position, the brick tie 4 retains some flexibility in the portion designated 26 between the point of fixing of the brick tie and the point where the brick tie enters the mortar. Some movement of the frame 2 is possible in the direction normal to the inner face 17 of the opening.

Figure 5 is a view of an outer peripheral part of the frame assembly. Figure 1 is a cross section of Figure 5, along the line I-I. The frame 2 is shown, together with the strip resilient contact member 3 which is shown broken away at the top portion to reveal the formation of the frame member 2 underneath. A brick tie 4 is also shown fixed by a screw 27 through the resilient contact member 3 to the frame 2. In order to allow a standard frame 2 to be used which does not require special preparation in order to receive the brick ties 4, the strip resilient contact member 3 is provided with screw holes 27 at regular intervals for receiving screws that pass through the brick tie 4. The screw will be engaged between a central snap fit part 11 (see Figure 1; the inner periphery 11 of the snap fit part is shown in dotted lines in Figure 5) and an inner lip 28 formed on the frame 2.

Figure 6 is a sketch of the frame assembly according to the invention placed in position on the wall 13 during construction. The wall has been completed to a selected level 29 and the frame assembly 1 placed in a selected position. It is then retained in a position against wind etc by, for example a wooden batten 30 with one end in the ground or any other suitable anchor point and the other end resting against the top edge cf the frame assembly 1, the frame assembly being gripped lightly by a nail 31 passing through the end of the batten 30. This provides a simple method of fixing the frame assembly 1 in position while the wall is constructed around it as described above.

Figures 7 to 9 show different forms of resilient contact member for use in the present invention. In each case, the form of the frame 2 used is the same as in Figure 1, although any suitable form of frame could be used.

In Figure 7 the resilient contact member 3 comprises retaining parts 32 for engagement with suitable formations 8 on the frame 2. A brick tie 4 is shown fixed via a screw 33 passing through a hole in the channel-like resilient contact member 3 to the frame 2.

In Figure 7, movement of the frame with respect to the wall inner face of the opening 17 is taken up by the portions 34 of the resilient contact member. A resilient compressible foam 35 is shown in the space between the frame 2 and the resilient contact member 3 to improve adhesion and thermal insulation.

In Figure 8 the resilient contact member comprises a pair of parallel extruded strips 3a and 3b engagable by suitable formations 36 with the frame member 2 on either side of a central channel 37 formed in the respective surface of the frame 2. A brick tie type fixing member 4 is screwed directly into the channel 37. In this case, the brick ties 3a and 3b take up the movement of the frame 2 in their central regions.

Figure 9 shows yet a different form of resilient contact member 3 which is fixed at its ends 39 by snap fit formations to suitable formations of the inside of the frame 2 and makes no other contact with the frame. A brick tie type fixing member 4 is shown screwed to the frame member 2 through a hole 40 in the resilient contact member. The action of screwing the resilient member 4 to the frame 2 deforms the resilient contact member 3 towards the frame 2 in the central region of the resilient contact member, but enough space for further movement should be left.

Figure 10 and 11 show how resilient contact members of Figures 8 and 9 may be combined with cavity closers.

Figure 10 shows a part of a frame assembly as set out in Figure 8, attached by a fixing in the form of a self tapping screw 41 to a cavity closer 42 which is of itself of standard design known in the art. The cavity closer 42 is mortared into place using mortar shown densely stippled (43) and using a conventional brick tie 44 in a manner itself known in the art.

The engagement between the screw 41 and the frame 2 may be relatively loose, allowing movement of the frame 2 along the axis of the screw 41. For example, a hole 45 of a diameter closely matched to that of the screw to allow loose engagement therewith may be provided.

However, although movement of the frame 2 with respect to the screw 41 along the axis of the screw 41 is permitted, the screw 41 serves to prevent removal of the frame 2 in a direction normal to the plane of the window, due to the length of the hole 45 it is engaged with.

Any known form of cavity closer having a web for extending over part of the outer part of the wall 14 can be prepared for use with the invention by simply providing fixing means thereon, such as a hole for engagement with a screw 41. Such holes may already be provided in the cavity closer for engaging wooden window frames. If a cavity closer not having a web for extending across the outer part of the wall 14 is used, the arrangement of Figure 11 may be employed. In this case, a cavity closer 46 of a type known itself in the art is shown mortared with mortar 43 into the cavity 16.

This type of cavity closer has an open top. In the embodiment of Figure 11, a resilient contact member 47 which is similar to that shown in Figure 9 is used, but which is provided with a web for extending over the cavity and provided with engagement portions 48 for forming a snap fit with the cavity closer 46. A brick tie (not shown) may be used to secure the cavity closer 46 to the wall. A fixing member in the form of a screw 49 engaged in a hole 50 is provided. The relative dimensions of the screw 49 and the hole 50 are selected so that the frame 2 is restrained against motion normal to the window but a certain amount of motion along the axis of the screw is permitted.

The invention has been described by way of example only, and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of such features or any generalisation of such features or combinations.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A frame assembly for a door or window for inclusion in an opening in a wall, the frame assembly comprising a frame of polymeric material, and least one resilient contact member for contacting the frame and an inner face of the opening when the frame assembly is in position in the opening, whereby the frame is capable of movement with respect to the opening when in position in the opening.

2. A resilient contact member for use with a frame of polymeric material in constructing a frame assembly for a door or window for inclusion in an opening in a wall, the resilient contact member comprising a first part for contacting the frame and a second part for contacting an inner face of the opening, resilient deformation of the resilient contact member between the first and second parts being possible.

3. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient contact member defines the size of an opening into which the frame may be included, which size allows for thermal expansion of the frame.

4. The frame assembly according to claim 1, in which the frame and/or the resilient contact member are constructed from PVC-u.

5. A frame assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the resilient contact member comprises at. least one strip of resilient deformable material.

6. The frame assembly of claim 5, wherein the resilient contact member is substantially coextensive with the periphery of the frame.

7. A 'frame assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fixing member for fixing the frame assembly to the opening in such a manner as to permit movement of the assembly relative to the opening in the plane of the assembly but to prevent movement of the assembly normal to this plane.

8. A resilient contact member as set our in claim 2, having means at a first end for fixing to a frame such that the plane of the first end lies parallel to the frame, and means at a second end for inclusion into courses of a brick wall under construction, the strip being plastically deformable about a position between the first and second ends, through at least 90', so that the plane of the second end may be made parallel to the courses of brick work.

9. A method of constructing a wall including a frame assembly for a door or window, the frame assembly having a frame of polymeric material and at least one resilient contact member for contacting the frame and inner faces of the opening, the method comprising the steps o-f building up a wall to a selected height for the lower edge of the opening, placing the frame assembly in a selected position on the wall, building up the wall on either side of the frame assembly so that the inner faces of the opening contact the resilient contact member and so that a space is allowed between the frame and the inner faces of the opening along at least two sides of the frame assembly, and placing a lintel over the opening.

10. The method of claim 9, in which a resilient contact member in the form of a flexible strip is fixed to the frame so that the strip lies substantially parallel to the frame, wherein the wall on either side of the frame assembly is built up to a level slightly above the point at which the resilient contact member is fixed to the frame assembly, the resilient contact member being then bent through approximately 90 to lie on the top of the wall, and mortar is applied over the top of the wall and the resilient contact member, to form a horizontal course in the wall.