GB2297992A

GB2297992A - Frame assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2297992A
Application number: GB9502902A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bois Edmund Arthur Du
Original assignee: REGENCY INTERNATIONAL PLC
Current assignee: REGENCY INTERNATIONAL PLC
Priority date: 1995-02-15
Filing date: 1995-02-15
Publication date: 1996-08-21
Also published as: GB9502902D0

Abstract

A frame assembly (10) comprises an outer frame (11) adapted to be received in an aperture, a dividing member (20) in the outer frame (11) which divides or sub-divides a frame opening (18) afforded by the outer frame (11), manually operable means (34) to move at least one end (32) of the dividing member (20) with respect to the outer frame (11) to a condition wherein the dividing member (20) is removable from the outer frame (11) so that the frame opening (18), is cleared for emergency egress.

Description

Title: Frame Assembly Description of the Invention This invention relates to a frame assembly and more particularly but not exclusively to a window frame assembly.

The method of emergency egress from habitable buildings e.g. in the case of fire, is the subject of vital concern to a building designer. In recent years attention has been focused on the provision of windows particularly in habitable buildings with at least two storeys, the windows having casements or sashes which are openable from within in an emergency so as to provide for emergency egress.

Of course, to be of practical use, the opening provided when the window casement or sash is opened must be sufficiently large for the escapee to pass therethrough.

Where the openable window casement or sash is sufficiently large, this presents little problem. However where the window opening is divided by a mullion and/or a transom, the clear opening when the window casement or sash is opened may not be sufficiently large to permit the escapee to pass therethrough.

One proposal in a window assembly with an opening casement is for the window assembly to have at least two such openable window casements, and for one of the casements to have affixed thereto a dummy mullion which opens from the assembly with the casement. Thus when at least the window casement carrying the dummy mullion is closed in the frame the mullion would appear to be a member dividing the frame.

Of course, the dummy mullion needs to be securable relative to the outer frame of the assembly when the window casement is closed and to this end, typically shoot bolts or the like may be provided on the mullion which engage with upper and lower outer frame members. However particularly where the frame is tall or at least where the upper frame member is spaced significantly above the floor, the uppermost shoot bolt can be difficult to reach in an emergency, particularly by a short person. This problem can be mitigated by providing a lower level operating handle which actuates the shoot bolts through linkages, but this solution has cost implications.

An alternative solution where the outer window frame is large enough, is for the dividing member to be positioned off-centre in the outer window frame, so that when the or one casement is opened, the clear opening is sufficiently large for emergency egress. However this may not be acceptable in many situations for aesthetic reasons.

According to one aspect of the invention we provide a frame assembly comprising an outer frame adapted to be received in an aperture, a dividing member in the outer frame which divides or sub-divides a frame opening afforded by the outer frame, manually operable means to move at least one end of the dividing member with respect to the outer frame to a condition wherein the dividing member is removable from the outer frame.

Thus where the dividing member divides the frame opening, the frame opening is cleared when the dividing member is removed, for emergency egress.

Where the dividing member sub-divides an already divided frame opening, when the dividing member is removed the formerly sub-divided part of the frame opening may be sufficiently large for emergency egress of a person.

The frame may include an opening wing mounted therein for hinging movement relative to the outer frame. Preferably the manually operable means is accessible for operation, only when the wing is hinged relative to the outer frame, to an open condition.

The invention has been developed particularly but not exclusively for use where the dividing member is a mullion and the frame assembly has a pair of hinged wings which when closed, each abut against upstands of the mullion.

To provide a clear frame opening for emergency egress, the pair of hinged wings are each opened and the mullion is removed by operation of the manually operable means.

The pair of hinged wings are preferably each hinged to a respective opposite upright outer frame member. However the invention is applicable in other situations where it is desired to provide an emergency egress opening.

Preferably the dividing member has at an end remote from the manually operable means, a spigot which is received in an opening in one of the outer frame members, to locate the dividing member at that end, the other end of the dividing member carrying one of a removable thrust element and a reaction element, the other of the movable thrust member and the reaction member being carried by the outer frame, the thrust and reaction elements co-operating when the manually operable means is operated, forcibly to move one end of the dividing member relative to the outer frame member to a condition, preferably laterally out of the frame opening, wherein the spigot can be removed from its opening at the other end of the dividing member to permit of removal of the dividing member from the frame assembly.

The thrust element may be rotatably mounted on the dividing member or outer frame member, and may carry an abutment. The reaction element may too comprise an abutment, the abutments of the thrust and reaction members being brought into engagement as the thrust element is rotated to cause displacement of the one end of the dividing member relative to the outer frame, to the condition wherein the dividing member can be removed from the frame assembly.

The thrust element may comprise a series of abutments in the form of a series of teeth and the reaction element may comprise a series of teeth with which the teeth of the thrust element engage as the thrust element is rotated.

Preferably the thrust element is mounted on the dividing member and the reaction element is mounted in or on part of the outer frame member. The teeth of the thrust element may be provided along a curved surface of the thrust element which is centred on a point spaced from an axis of rotation of the thrust element so that the dividing element is moved longitudinally upon rotation of the thrust element as the dividing member is laterally displaced out of the window opening, thereby to facilitate dismounting of the dividing member.

The thrust and reaction elements may co-operate prior to operation of the manually operable means to retain the dividing member in its mounted position. Means may be provided to urge the thrust element in a direction opposite to that in which it is moved to cause dismounting of the dividing member, thereby to retain the dividing member in its mounted position. Such means may be easily removable to allow the thrust element to be rotated when desired. Such means also provides security against operation of the manually operable means, for example in a break-in attempt.

The thrust element, particularly where this is rotatable, may include a handle formation which prior to use extends along the respective dividing or frame member, the handle formation enabling sufficient mechanical advantage to be obtained when the thrust element is operated, to enable even a relatively weak person to remove the dividing member.

In a preferred embodiment, the dividing member provides a pair of upstands which project in opposite directions into the frame opening and against each of which respective wings abut when closed in the outer frame. Preferably the manually operable means which causes movement of the dividing member to the position wherein the dividing member can be removed, is accessible and operable at either side of the dividing member.

According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a method of egress through a frame opening afforded by a frame assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, the method including removing the dividing member by operation of the manually operable means.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a purely illustrative view of a frame assembly to which the invention may be applied; Figure 2 is a side view partly in cross-section of part of a frame assembly in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing a manually operable means partly operated; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the manually operable means in a further operated condition; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figures 3 and 4 showing a manually operable means operated such that a dividing member of a frame assembly is displaced to a condition wherein the dividing member can be removed from the frame assembly; Figure 6 is a plan view through a dividing member in a frame assembly in accordance with the invention, with various parts removed for clarity;; Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, but with different parts of the assembly removed for clarity.

Referring to the drawings, a frame assembly 10 comprises in this example, a window frame and has an outer frame 11 consisting of a pair of uprights 12 and 13 and a pair of cross members 14 and 15, which together present a frame opening 18. The frame opening 18 is divided by a dividing member which in this example comprises a mullion 20 which is mounted in the frame opening 18 and is attached as hereinafter described, to each of the cross members 14 and 15 of the assembly 10.

The frame assembly 10 further comprises a pair of hinged window casements 21 and 22, which are each hung on hinges attached to respective uprights 12 and 13 of the frame assembly 10 or to the cross members 14, 15 so as to hinge sideways. The casement windows 21 and 22 when closed in the frame opening 18, abut against respective upstands 24, 25 of the mullion 20, as best seen in Figures 6 and 7.

The mullion 20 is mounted in the position shown in Figure 1 as follows.

At an upper end 26 of the mullion 20, there is provided at each side of the mullion 20, a spigot 27 in the form of a plate which is of a slightly curved configuration as shown in Figure 2, and is attached to the upper end 26 of the mullion via a pair of fasteners 28.

Each spigot 27 is receivable in a respective opening 29 in the upper cross member 14 of the outer frame assembly 11 and locates the upper end 26 of the mullion 20 longitudinally and laterally relatively to the upper cross member 14 of the outer frame assembly 11.

It can be seen that the upper end 26 of the mullion 20 is milled (see surface 30) so that the upper end 26 of the mullion 20 matches as close as possible, the profile of the upper cross frame member 14.

However, a surface indicated at 31 is milled so as not to extend into the slight groove g provided in the upper cross member 14, but this is not essential at this upper end 26 of the mullion 20.

At a lower end 32 of the mullion 20 milling is again performed to provide surfaces 30a and 31a which match closely the profile of the lower cross member 15, although again surface 31a is milled so as not to extend into the slight groove g' provided in the profile 15 at that position, for a purpose hereinafter explained.

A manually operable means 34 is provided whereby the mullion 20 can forcibly be displaced out of the frame 13 to a condition wherein the mullion 20 can be entirely removed from engagement with the remainder of the frame assembly 10.

The means 34 comprises in this embodiment, a pair of thrust elements 35 which are each mounted pivotally on an axle 36 at either side of the mullion 20 and are retained on the axle 36 by means of starlock washers or the like. The thrust members each comprise a handle portion 37 to enable significant mechanical advantage to be obtained sufficient to force the mullion 20 to the condition wherein it may be removed from the remainder of the frame assembly 10.

The thrust elements 35 each comprise a plurality of abutments in the form of teeth 38 which are arranged on a curved surface whose centre is spaced from the axis of axle 36. The teeth 38 in use engage with corresponding teeth 40 provided on a reaction element 41 which in the present case is provided by a respective rack element which is secured to the lower cross frame member 15 by means of respective fasteners 42.

Thus it will be appreciated that as the handle portion 37 is moved from the position indicated in Figure 2 to the position indicated in Figure 3, the respective abutments 38 and 40 of the thrust 35 and reaction 41 elements will abut and engage and tend to move the mullion 20 laterally out of the frame opening in the direction indicated by arrow A.

Because the milled surface 30a at the lower end 32 of the mullion 20 is downwardly inclined, and sits on top of a correspondingly inclined surface 30b of an upstand 15a of the lower cross member 15, it will be appreciated that significant resistance will be encountered to movement of the lower end 32 of the mullion 20 in the direction A. This is reduced due to the abutment teeth 38 of the thrust element 35 being provided along a curved surface which is centred on a point distant from the axis of rotation of axle 36, such that downward movement of the handle portion 37 will also tend to move the mullion 20 in the direction of arrow B. In practice, this will result in slight bending of the mullion 20 sufficient to allow the milled surface 30a of the mullion 20 to move over the top surface 30b of upstand 15a.Continued movement of the thrust element 34 as indicated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, will bring the lower end 32 of the mullion 20 to a condition in which the lower end 32 of the mullion is disengaged from the lower cross member 15 of the outer frame 11, and hence the mullion 20 can be removed from the remainder of the frame assembly 10 by a downward and slightly rotational movement of the mullion 20 as indicated by the arrow 44 in Figure 5 which will thus cause disengagement of the spigots 27 at the top end 26 of the mullion 20, from the respective openings 29 in the upper cross member 14.

Hence with the mullion 20 removed from the remainder of the frame assembly 10, a clear frame opening 18 sufficient to allow the emergency egress of a person through the frame opening, will be permitted.

To prevent either handle portion 37 of the thrust elements 38 being moved from the position shown in Figure 2, there is provided a locking pin 45 which is inserted laterally through a passage through the mullion 20. The pin 45 can only be removed from its passage by a longitudinal movement, but of course, at least when the casements 21 and 22 are closed against the mullion 20, this will not be permitted. Hence in addition to preventing inadvertent movement of either handle portion 37 to cause dismounting of the mullion 20, the pin 45 will prevent the handle portions 37 being moved for example during a break-in attempt.

Further features of the invention are as follows.

The pin 45 preferably urges the handle portions 37 in a direction opposite to that which the handle portions 37 are moved to cause disengagement of the mullion 20, so that an abutment 41a provided on the rack 41 co-operates with a corresponding abutment recess 38a of the thrust element 35, to urge the lower end 32 of the mullion 20 tightly up against the upstand 15a of the lower cross member 15 of the outer frame 11.

To provide sealing against the ingress of moisture, preferably a sealing strip such as double-sided sticky tape, is applied between the milled surface 30a at the lower end 32 of the mullion 20, and the upper surface 30h of the upstand 15b.

By providing a reaction element 4 1 at either side of the mullion 20, it will be appreciated that the mullion 20 will be located longitudinally of the lower cross member 15 of the outer frame 11, at least at the lower end 32 of the mullion 20. In another arrangement however, a reaction element may extend beneath the mullion and means may otherwise be provided for location of the mullion 20 longitudinally of the cross member 15.

Although it is preferred for a thrust element 35 to be provided at each side of the mullion 20 and coupled by means of an axle 36, if desired a thrust element 35 and corresponding reaction element 41 may be provided at one side of the mullion 20 only although the arrangement described above is preferred.

Various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the invention has been applied to a means 34 for removing a mullion 20 from the remainder of a window frame assembly 10, the invention is equally applicable to an arrangement for removing a transom and the dividing member which is removable may be a member which divides the frame opening 18 as in the specific embodiment described, or a member which sub-divides an already divided frame opening.

In the arrangements described with reference to the drawings, the lower end 32 of the mullion 20 has a milled surface 31a which ensures that no part of the mullion 20 extends into the groove g' of cross member 15. In another arrangement, the milled surface 31a may include a ramp which extends into the groove g' but allows for the mullion 20 to ride up out of the groove g' when the manually operable means 34 is operated.

In another embodiment, in place of one or a pair of thrust elements 35 being mounted for rotation on the mullion 20 or other dividing member, the thrust elements or an element 35 may be mounted on the upper or lower cross members 14 or 15 of the outer frame 11 with there being corresponding reaction members being provided on the mullion 20 or transom. In each case though, a handle portion 37 is provided so as to give sufficient mechanical advantage even for a relatively weak person to remove the dividing member, and the or each handle portion 37 extends longitudinally along a respective dividing member or other frame member so that it is concealed when the window frame is in normal use.

Although described with specific reference to a window frame assembly the invention may be applied to a door frame assembly or any other frame assembly in which a wing is mounted for movement in a frame, and the frame is divided or sub-divided by a member which needs to be removed to provide sufficient clear area for the egress of an escapee.

Of course, removal of the mullion 20 or other dividing member in the manner described above will probably result in damage to the frame assembly 10 or other frame which may then need to be replaced, but as the invention is intended to provide only an escape route in the event of an emergency, this would be acceptable.

Alternative arrangements to the spigot 27 and opening 29 arrangement at the end of the dividing member 20 remote from the manually operable means 34 may be provided, provided that when the manually operable means 34 is operated and the mullion 2() or other dividing member is moved, the mullion 20 may be removed from the remainder of the frame assembly 10.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A frame assembly comprising an outer frame adapted to be received in an aperture, a dividing member in the outer frame which divides or sub-divides a frame opening afforded by the outer frame, manually operable means to move at least one end of the dividing member with respect to the outer frame to a condition wherein the dividing member is removable from the outer frame.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the dividing member divides the frame opening.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the dividing member subdivides an already divided frame opening and when the dividing member is removed, the formerly sub-divided part of the frame opening is sufficiently large for emergency egress of a person.

4. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the frame includes an opening wing mounted therein for hinging movement relative to the outer frame.

5. An assembly according to claim 4 wherein the manually operable means is accessible for operation, only when the wing is hinged relative to the outer frame, to an open condition.

6. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the dividing member has at an end remote from the manually operable means, a spigot which is received in an opening in one of the outer frame members, to locate the dividing member at that end.

7. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the manually operable means comprises one of a removable thrust element and a reaction element carried at an end of the dividing member, the other of the movable thrust member and the reaction member being carried by the outer frame, the thrust and reaction elements co-operating when the manually operable means is operated, forcibly to move one end of the dividing member relative to the outer frame member to the condition wherein the dividing member can be removed.

8. An assembly according to claim 7 when appendant to claim 6, wherein when the one end of the dividing member is moved, the spigot can be removed from its opening at the other end of the dividing member to permit of removal of the dividing member from the frame assembly.

9. An assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the thrust element is rotatably mounted on the dividing member or outer frame member, and carries an abutment.

10. An assembly according to claim 9 wherein the reaction element comprises an abutment, the abutments of the thrust and reaction members being brought into engagement as the thrust element is rotated to cause displacement of the one end of the dividing member relative to the outer frame, to the condition wherein the dividing member can be removed from the frame assembly.

11. An assembly according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the thrust element comprises a series of abutments in the form of a series of teeth and the reaction element comprises a series of teeth with which the teeth of the thrust element engage as the thrust element is rotated.

12. An assembly according to claim 11 wherein the thrust element is mounted on the dividing member and the reaction element is mounted in or on part of the outer frame member, and the teeth of the thrust element are provided along a curved surface of the thrust element which is centred on a point spaced from an axis of rotation of the thrust element so that the dividing element is moved longitudinally upon rotation of the thrust element as the dividing member is laterally displaced out of the window opening, thereby to facilitate dismounting of the dividing member.

13. An assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein the thrust and reaction elements co-operate prior to operation of the manually operable means to retain the dividing member in its mounted position.

14. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein means are provided to urge the thrust element in a direction opposite to that in which it is moved to cause dismounting of the dividing member, thereby to retain the dividing member in its mounted position.

15. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein such urging means are easily removable to allow the thrust element to be rotated when desired.

16. An assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 15 wherein the thrust element includes a handle formation which prior to use extends along the respective dividing or frame member, the handle formation enabling sufficient mechanical advantage to be obtained when the thrust element is operated, to enable even a relatively weak person to remove the dividing member.

17. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dividing member provides a pair of upstands which project in opposite directions into the frame opening and against each of which respective wings abut when closed in the outer frame, the manually operable means which causes movement of the dividing member to the position wherein the dividing member can be removed, being accessible and operable at either side of the dividing member.

18. A frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of egress through a frame opening afforded by a frame assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the method includes removing the dividing member by operation of the manually operable means.

20. A method of removing a dividing member of a frame assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising the steps of operating the manually operable means.

21. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.