GB2299122A - Installing window and door frames in sub-frames - Google Patents

Description

1 a 2299122 WINDOW AND DOOR FRAMES This invention relates to the

installation of windows or doors in a wall of a building or the like.

Traditionally windows and doors have been incorporated into buildings during their construction in two principal ways. According to one technique the building is constructed with openings of appropriate size to receive windows and doors which are then inserted when the building is fully constructed. Fitting at this stage is difficult and the window or door is liable to damage and to breakage of glass. Moreover if the opening is not to precisely the correct dimensions, the window or door, will not fit or additional packing requires to be inserted to take up excess space.

An alternative technique involves positioning of the complete window or door frame in position during construction of the building and building around the frame using the frame as a guide. However this has the disadvantage that the frame is frequently damaged or broken as building work continues and the glass requires to be fitted as a separate operation once building is completed. These drawbacks are particularly acute in the case of windows and doors of plastics material which are particularly susceptible to damage by scuffing or scratching and to breakage.

- 2 - In order to avoid these disadvantages it has been proposed to construct windows and doors from an outer frame which is placed in position at an early stage and around which the building wall is constructed, the window or door frame proper being separately fabricated and glazed and being engaged with the outer frame when building is essentially completed. In previously proposed arrangements of this kind engagement of the completed window or door with the outer frame is effected by flexible clip or like components which spring into engagement between the frames. The outer frame is of limited rigidity and capable of twisting and movement and is frequently twisted out of true built around it. This prevents the clipping mechanism which can f 1 e x i n 9 as the brickwork is proper engagement of result in the window or door being inadequately secured in the opening and in extreme cases can prevent clipping engagement altogether A further disadvantage of existing systems of thi kind is that the interference fit between the frames requires close tolerances to be maintained during building. The mann.er of interconnection of the frames is also such that it is generally extremely difficult or impossible to remove the window or door from the outer frame once it has been placed in position and the clipping mechanism has engaged.

S 1 - 3 It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.

The invention provides a method of installing a window or door in a building or like structure comprising providing an outer frame extending around at least three sides of an opening formed in the structure, bringing an assembled window or door frame into non-interference engagement within the outer frame and releasably securing the respective frames together solely by operation of latch means which are reversible to enable subsequent disengagement of the frames from one another without deormation or removal of components of either frame.

When used to insert a window or door into a cavity wall construction, the outer frame preferably serves to close the cavity around the opening in addition to providing a framework to receive the assembled window or d o o r.

The outer frame preferably extends at least across the bottom and along the opposite sides of the opening. The top of the opening may be closed by a separate frame component. Alternatively the frame may be four sided.

Preferably the frames are secured together by rotary movement of latch means carried by the frame of the window or door and engageable in recesses in the outer frame. Preferably multiple latch means is provided at spaced locations around the window or door.

The invention also provides a window or door ass"erfibly secured in a building or like structure by the method aforesaid.

The invention also provides a set of components for use in installing a window or door assembly in a building or other structure and comprising an outer frame adapted to extend around at least three sides of an opening formed in the structure and to be secured to the structure of the building or the like, a window or door frame adapted for non-interference engagement with the outer frame, and reversible latch means comprising the sole means of securing the window or door frame in position in the outer frame whereby the frames may subsequently be disengaged from one another by reverse operation of said latch means without deformation or removal of components of either frame.

The outer frame preferably comprises integral bottom and side frame members and a separate top frame member. Alternatively the outer frame may comprise integral top, bottom and side frame members.

Preferably at least the bottom and side frame members of the outer frame incorporate components adapted to engage with and close the cavities in a cavity wall construction.

Preferably said latch means comprises latch members provided at spaced locations and movable between out of use positions in which they permit the window or door frame to be positioned within the outer frame and locking positions in which they project from one frame into engagement with the other.

Preferab,. ly said latch means in recesses in said window or door frame into positions in which they project from into engagement with recesses in the outer frame. Preferably the recesses in said window or door frame are formed by channels in the outer surface of the frame, said latch means in said out of use position being located within said channels and flush with or below the outer edges thereof.

are rotatably mounted and movable said recesses Preferably each latch member comprises a body member secured within the associated channel and a latch member rotatably mounted in said body member for movement between said out of use and locking positions.

- 6 Advantageously a portion of said latch member is exposed at a surface of the window or door frame which is visible following installation and incorporates means engageable by a screwdriver or other tool to enable movement between said positions. Preferably also the latch means incorporates means providing a visual indication of the position of the latching member.

According to a there is provided a 1 window or door frame to an assembly comprising a body on one of said frames and a mounted in said body member and movable between an out of use position flush with said body member and an in use position in which the latch member projects from the body member and from the associated frame, the latch member thus serving in use to lock the respective frames together.

further aspect of the invention atch assembly for use in securing outer frame, the latch member adapted to be mounted latch member rotatably The latch member may incorporate means to provide a visual indication of the position of the latch member relative to the body member and is preferably also provided with means engageable by a screwdriver or other tool to effect movement of the latch member between said p o s i t i o n s.

The invention also provides a frame member for a window or door assembly, the frame member having opposed generally flat faces interconnected by opposed edges, one of said edges incorporating a longitudinally extending channel and at least one latch assembly being engaged in said channel and incorporating a latch member rotaably movable between a position in which the latch member lies within said channel and a position in which the latch member projects from said channel, a portion of one side of said channel being cut away to permit access to said latch member to enable movement of same between said positions.

Preferably the latch assembly incorporates a body member adapted to be secured within said channel and rotatably supporting said latch member.

The invention also provides a window or door assembly comprising an outer frame secured in an opening in a building or like structure and a window or door frame incorporating latch means according to the preceding paragraphs engaged with the outer frame.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:8 - Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing different stages in the construction of a window; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing component parts of an outer frame according to the invention; Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing components of the outer frame in association with a wall of a building; Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-section through a window installed in a wall opening; and Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a corner of a window frame showing components of a latch device incorporated therein.

Figs. 1 and 2 show two stages in the window assembly according to the invention building. The window assembly incorporates frame constructed from top, bottom and side members 10A to 10D. Fig. 1 shows the frame fitting of a in a an outer f r a m e mounted in position on a partially erected wall 11 of a building which is then built around the frame using the frame as a template. The frame is anchored in position at intervals by means of wall ties 12 engaged in recesses in the frame members and secured between adjacent courses of bricks or building blocks as the wall is constructed.

Once construction is completed the frame 10 forms a lining around a window opening 13 in the completed wall as shown in Fig. 2. A window frame 14 which has been-pre-assembled and pre-glazed may then be inserted into the opening by movement in the direction of arrows 'A' in Fig. 2 and is secured in position in the outer frame 10 by operation of latch devices to be described hereafter.

As shown in Fig. 3 the outer frame 10 comprises a generally U-shaped frame formed from the bottom and side frame components 108, 10C and 10D. These are of extruded plastic construction and of identical cross-section and are chamfered and secured together at the lower corners by welding or the like to form an integral three-sided frame structure. The top frame member 10A comprises a metal component which is secured to the upper ends of the side members 10C and 10D by L-shaped corner brackets 15 secured to the respective frame components by screws or other suitable fixings, one of which is shown at 16 in Fig. 4. As seen in Fig. 4 the downwardly extending legs of the brackets 15 engage in channels 18 in the adjacent side member 10C and the horizontally extending arms of the brackets 15 - locate in downwardly directed channels 17A and 17B in the upper frame component 10A.

As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, the bottom and side members 108, 10C and 10D of the outer frame comprise a main body portion 20 having an inwardly directed face 21 and spaced, generally parallel, side members 22 and 23 projecting rearwardly into engagement with the cavity 24 in the wall 11. A metal component 25 of generally U-shaped cross-section is engaged between the leg members 22 and 23 to form with the rear or outer face of the part 21, a hollow cavity 26. The metal component 25 serves to rigidify and strengthen the side member 10C which in use project into the cavity 24 and thus acts as a cavity closure. A longitudinally extending channel 27 is formed in the surface 21 of the component 20 and is adapted for engagement by latch devices to be described hereafter.

The upper frame member 10A is supported on the upper ends of the side frame members 10C and 10D by the brackets 15 at its opposite ends. In addition to the recesses 17A and 17B into which the brackets engage, the frame member 10A incorporates a longitudinal channel 28 adapted to form a continuation of the channels 27 in the side frame members 10C and 10D whereby, when the frame is assembled, an inwardly facing channel extends continuously around it as best seen in Fig. 3. The upper frame member 10A does not project into the wall cavity above it but abuts the underside of a metal lintel 30 which closes the cavity at the upper end of the frame opening and supports the weight of the wall structure above.

As seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the window 14 comprises a main frame 35 formed from top, bottom and side frame members 36 of extruded plastic material mitred and welded together at their corners. An inner frame which may be a fixed glazed frame or, as illustrated, an opening frame 37, is mounted within the main frame 36 and is appropriately glazed, generally by means of a sealed double glazing unit (not shown). The outer surfaces of the frame members 36 define outwardly opening parallel channels 38, one adjacent each edge of the frame. The outer edges of the channels are provided with inwardly directed hooked formations 39 which enable various components to be clipped to the frame and also serve to retain latching devices operative to lock the assembled window in engagement with the outer frame 10.

As seen in Fig. 6, each latching device incorporates a body member 40 of moulded plastic construction and of generally T-shaped form. The body member is adapted to locate within the channel 38 which is disposed towards the inside of the building when the frame is installed and is provided with outwardly directed projections 41 at its outer edges or at its four corners adapted to engage with the projections 38 on the frame to retain the body member in position in the channel 38. The transverse portion of the body member 40 engages in openings 42 formed by removing portions of the channel 38 so that the body member lies wholly within the channel and does not project above its s i d e s.

A central aperture 43 is formed in the body member 40 and accommodates a 1..atch member 44 provided adjacent one end with laterally extending projections 45 of circular cross-section which locate in arcuate recesses 46 formed in the transversely extending portion of the body member. The latch member is thus rotatable about the central axis of the projections 45 between an out of use position in which it lies flush within the recess 43 in the body member 40 and a locking position in which it projects from the body member and the associated channel 38 into engagement with the channels 27 and 28 in the components of the outer frame 10. A plurality of latch devices 40 are provided at spaced locations in the bottom and side frame members 10A, 10B and 10C to enable locking of the frame 14 to the frame 10 at multiple locations. A recessed formation 47 is provided in the 13 - end of one or both of the projections 45 for engagement by a screwdriver or like tool to facilitate rotation of the latch member between its out of use and locking positions.

In carrying out the invention the frame members 10A to 10D of the outer frame 10 are assembled and the frame placed in position on a wall as illustrated in Fig. 1. The wall is then built around the frame which is held in place by wall ties 12 secured between selected courses of the surrounding brick or blockwork. A metal or other lintel such as the lintel shown at 30 in Fig. 5 is incorporated above the frame in the usual, ' way.

The assembled window frame 14 is then introduced into the frame 10 from the outside of the building or like structure until the channels 37 at the inner edges of the frame members 36 are aligned with the channels 27 and 28 in the outer frame. Adjustment of the frame 14 relative to the frame 10 to align the respective channels may be readily effected as there is no interference between the frames which can move relative to one another. A screwdriver or like tool is then applied to each of the locking members 44 in turn to rotate them from the out of use position within the channel 38 to the locking position in which they project 1 into the channels 27 and 28 as best seen in Fig. 5. The frame 14 is then securely locked in position at multiple locations.

A sill 50 is fitted to the lower frame member 36 before the window is located in position and a trim 51 may be attached to the upper frame member 36 to close the gap between the upper edge of the frame member and the adjacent brickwork. An internal sill 52 may then be fitted and internal plastering 53 applied at the sides and top of the frame. The sill 52 and plasterwork 53 will obscure from view the end portions of the latch devices which.would otherwise be visible.

The arrangement described provides a number of substantial advantages. By employing a separate top member of the outer frame which does not project into the wall cavity, the system may be employed with conventional metal lintels of the kind illustrated at 30 in the drawings. At the same time the side and bottom members of the outer frame form cavity closure members. Since engagement of the assembled window frame with the outer frame does not rely on an interference fit, the latch members may be readily engaged even if some degree of distortion of the outer frame has occurred during the building process. Moreover, in the event the window frame is incorrectly installed, the latches may be rotated to their out of use positions, so enabling the frame to be removed and re-positioned before the installation is completed by fitting of the internal sill and plasterwork. In the event replacement is necessary at a later date, the window may be readily disengaged from the outer frame by removing adjacent plasterwork and the sill 52 so that a new window can be installed without requiring replacement of the outer f r a m e.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example alternative forms of latch device may be incorporated which could be slidable instead of rotatable and the latch devices could be fitted to the outer frame and adapted to engage recesses in the window frame. Alternatively some latch devices could be provided on the window frame and some on the outer frame. Alternative means of retaining the latch devices in the frame may be employed and the latch member may be adapted to be rotated by application of a spanner or other tool if desired. Moreover while reference has been made herein primarily to installation of windows, the invention is equally applicable to the installation of doors or other components in a building or like structure.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification

16 to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon 17

Claims (27)

Claims:-

1. A method of installing a window or door in a building or like structure comprising providing an outer frame extending around at least three sides of an opening formed in the structure, bringing an assembled win ddw or door frame into non-interference engagement within the outer frame and releasably securing the respective frames together solely by operation of latch means which are reversible to enable subsequent disengagement of the frames from one another without deformation or removal of components of either frame.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the outer frame is located in position prior to constructing the wall around it.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said reversible latch means are carried by one frame and engageable with the other, the method including rotatably moving said latch means from a disengaged position permitting location of the frames relative to one another to an engaged or locking position in which the frames are releasably secured together after the frames are located in the desired positions relative to one another 18

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein multiple latch means are provided at spaced locations around the window or door, the method including rotating each of said latch means into its locking position in turn.

5. A method according to any preceding claim in which said-outer frame serves also to close the cavity in a cavity wall structure built around the outer frame.

6. A method of installing a window or door in a building or like structure substantially as hereinbefore described.

7. A window or door assembly secured in a building or like structure by the method according to any preceding claim.

8. A set of components for use in installing a window or door assembly in a building or other structure and comprising an outer frame adapted to extend around at least three sides of an opening formed in the structure and to be secured to the structure of the building or the like, a window or door frame adapted for non-interference engagement with the outer frame, and reversible latch means comprising the sole means of securing the window or door frame in position in the outer frame whereby the frames may subsequently be - 19 disengaged from one another by reverse operation of said latch means without deformation or removal of components of either frame.

9. A set of components according to claim 8, wherein said outer frame comprises integral bottom and side frame'members and a separate top frame member.

10. A set of components according to claim 8 or 9 wherein at least the bottom and side frame members of the outer frame incorporate components adapted to engage with and close the cavities in a cavity wall construction.

11. A set of components according to claim 10 wherein the upper frame member of the outer frame does not include a component to close a wall cavity and is adapted to butt against the underside of a window or door lintel positioned above said window or door o p e n i n g.

12. A set of components according to any of claims 8 to 11 wherein a plurality of latch means are provided at spaced locations around one of said frames, each latch means incorporating a latch member movable between an out of use position in which it permits the window or door frame to be positioned within the outer frame and a - 20 locking position in which it projects from said one frame into engagement with the other.

13. A set of components according to claim 12 wherein said latch members are rotatably mounted in recesses in said window or door frame and movable into positions in which they project from said recesses into engagement with complimentary recesses in the outer frame.

14. A set of components according to claim 13 wherein the recesses in said window or door frame are formed by channels in the outer surface of the frame, said latch members in said out of use position being located within said channels and flush with or recessed relative to the outer edges thereof.

15. A set of components according to claim 14 wherein each latch means comprises a body member secured within the associated channel, said latch member being rotatably mounted in said body member for movement between said out of use and locking positions.

16. A set of components according to any of claims 12 to 15 wherein a portion of said latch member is exposed at a surface of the window or door frame which is visible following installation, the exposed portion of said latch member incorporating actuating means adapted - 21 for engagement by a hand tool to enable movement of the latch member between said positions.

17. A set of components according to any of claims 12 to 16 wherein said latch means incorporates means providing a visual indication of the position of said latch member.

18. A set of components for use in installing a window or door assembly in a building or other structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A window or door assembly constructed from a set of components according to any of claims 8 to 18.

20. A frame member comprising an elongated component having a surface adapted to be directed outwardly of a window or door frame assembled from a plurality of such components, said surface incorporating a longitudinally extending channel, and at least one latch assembly located in said channel and incorporating a latch member rotatably movable between a position in which the latch member lies within said channel and a position in which the latch member projects from said channel beyond the associated edge of the frame member.

- 22

21. A frame member according to claim 20 in which an aperture is provided in a side wall of said channel permitting access to said latch member to enable movement of same between said positions.

22. A frame member according to claim 20 or 21 wherein said-latch assembly incorporates a body member adapted to be secured within said channel and rotatably supporting said latch member.

23. A frame member according to claim 22 wherein said latch member incorporates means to provide a visual indication of the position of the latch member relativP to said body member.

24. A frame member according to claim 22 or 23 including actuating means adapted for engagement by a hand tool to effect movement of the latch member between said positions.

25. A frame member for a window or door substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings.

26. A window or door incorporating one or more frame members according to any of claims 20 to 25.

27. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding Claims.