GB2299123A

GB2299123A - Glazing system

Info

Publication number: GB2299123A
Application number: GB9605623A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Rees
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-03-18
Filing date: 1996-03-18
Publication date: 1996-09-25
Also published as: GB9505497D0; GB9605623D0

Abstract

A glazing system comprises a series of bars 14 capable of being fixed at the ends thereof to an outer frame 10 and/or a cruciform unit (30, Figs 1, 3) and arranged along its length to receive and lock onto part 24, 26 of a series of co-operating bead members 16 such that & glazing unit 12 is located between the bars and the corresponding members. Preferably, the bars and the corresponding bead members are extruded from a plastics material, especially uPVC, and are provided with co-extruded flexible elongate gaskets 28 which, in use, seal against the glazing unit or units. The cruciform unit conveniently comprises a central boss (32, Fig 3) with one or more projecting elements (34, Fig 3) in each quadrant spaced at 90 degrees from the next, each element capable of being received into and gripped by a respective bar. For strength, the cruciform is preferably fabricated from glass reinforced nylon or other similar material.

Description

W I N D O W SYSTEM This invention relates to a window system and in particular relates to a double glazed system of "Georgian" appearance.

Georgian type windows, having a number of relatively small panes, are very popular for their appearance. While a traditional Georgian window is simply made from a wooden frame and plain glass panes, it is less easy to make a double glazed version. One proposal involves the use of an outer frame containing a single uninterrupted double glazed sealed unit within which, sandwiched between the two sheets of glass of the double glazed unit, is a series of inter-connecting horizontal and vertical plastic bars which give the appearance of a traditional Georgian frame from a distance. However, discerning houseowners are not satisfied with this arrangement.

The invention seeks to provide an improved system for producting a Georgian type window from double glazed sealed units.

According to the present invention there is provided a glazing system which comprises a series of bars capable of being fixed at the ends thereof to an outer frame and/or a cruciform unit and adapted along the length thereof to receive and lock onto part of a series of co-operating bead members such that a glazing unit is located between the bars and the corresponding members.

Preferably, the bars and the corresponding bead members are extruded from a plastics material, especially uPVC, which is well known in window applications. More preferably, the extrusions are provided with flexible elongate gaskets which, in use, seal against the glazing unit or units. It is especially preferred that the gaskets are co-extruded with the bars and bead members.

The cruciform unit conveniently comprises a central boss with one or more projecting elements in each quadrant spaced at 90 degrees from the next, each element capable of being received into and gripped by respective bars. For strength, the cruciform is preferably fabricated from glass reinforced nylon or other similar material.

The bead members and the bars are preferably a snap fit with one another to enable them to be disengaged if necessary to replace a glazing unit. A glazing unit will preferably be a sealed glass double glazed unit, but need not be: it could be a single glazed unit or indeed a solid panel infill.

The contruction of the unit of the invention emulates traditional wood Georgian windows but allows an individual pane to be removed for repair or replacement. It is also strong, weatherproof and easy to fabricate and install.

The invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an elevational view of a window made in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a similar view to Figure 1 from the other side; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a bar and cruciform; Figure 3(a) is an alternative form of fixing bracket; Figure 4 is a sectional view through a bar and member; Figure 5 shows the assembly of the fixing bracket; and Figure 6 illustrates the cruciform fixing.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate finished Georgian style windows in accordance with the invention. The windows comprise an outer frame (10) and sealed double glazed units (12) held within bars (14) and corresponding bead members (16) as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The bars (14), as illustrated more clearly in Figure 4, have a flat profiled upper section (18) together with a depending fixing section (20). Only the upper section (18) is visible in the finished window. The bars (14) are generally extruded from a plastics material such as uPVC. The fixing section (20) includes two tubular sections (22) which are capable of receiving screws, in particular self-tapping screws, or the prongs of a fixing member. In addition, the lower free edges (24) of the portion (20) have detent portions as illustrated in Figure 4 which co-operate with similar but oppositely directed detent portions (26) provided on the bead members (16). By this means, the detents (26) of the members (16) are a snap-fit into the lower edges (24) of the bars (14) the bars and members locating and gripping between them the sealed glazing units (12).In order better to grip and seal the glazing units (12), a pair of elongate gaskets (28), e.g. of neoprene rubber, are provided on either side of both the bars (14) and members (16). The gaskets are co-extruded with the bars or beads.

In the windows as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, two cruciform members (30) are provided. As better shown in Figure 3, the cruciform members (30) comprise a central boss (32) from which, at 90 degree intervals, elongate projecting elements (34) extend. The elongate elements are shaped so as to be an interference fit within the upper portions (18) of the bars (14). A blanking piece (36) may be provided for each cruciform (30) so as to finish it off visually in the finished window. As illustrated, the blanking piece (36) is a push fit onto the boss (32). The cruciform may be made up of two pieces (apart from the blanking piece) which clip together.

The bars (14) may be secured to the elements (34) by means of screws (44) (see Figure 6) which will not be visible from the front or back of the window.

In order to fix the opposite ends from the cruciform of the bars (14) to the outer frame (10) screws may be passed through the outer frame (10) through suitably drilled holes into the tubular portions (22). The screws (not shown) should be of slightly greater diameter than the interior of the tubular portions (22) and should be of the self-tapping variety. The ends of the bars (14) will then be firmly affixed to the outer frame- (10).

Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, fixing pieces (38) may be provided. The latter may be screwed to the inner faces of the frame (10) e.g. at (39). The fixing pieces (38) are provided with prongs (41) which locate in and grip the interior of the portions (18) in a similar manner to the elements (34). The advantage of fixing pieces over screws is that the screw heads are not visible from outside the frame (10). The brackets may be made of metal or strong plastics material such as glass reinforced nylon. The prongs may be secured in place by means of screws (42) not visible from the front or back of the window (see Figure 6).

In use, the frame (10) is assembled and either drilled to receive screws or provided with fixing pieces (38) at the positions corresponding to the ends of the bars (14). Bars (14), cut to length, are fixed to cruciforms (30) and then placed in position within the frame (10) and secured using screws or fixing pieces (38) (which, if used, are screwed in place to the inner faces of the frame at (39)).. Double glazed sealed units (12), six for the window shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, are then put in place onto the underside of the upper portions (18) of the bars (14). Members (16), which will also normally be extruded from plastics material such as uPVC, are cut to length and brought to the reverse side of the window from that where the bars (14) are located.As illustrated in Figure 2 the upright bead members may extend at the whole length of the window while the horizontal members will be cut to correspond with the width of each of the panes (12). As well as being cut to length, the ends of the members (16) will be chamfered back as illustrated in Figure 2. The members (16) are then interengaged with the members (14) such that the detent portions (26) snap-fit within the lower edges (24) of the bars (14). This causes the gaskets (28) to be pressed against and grip the panes (12). Around the edges of the frame (10) there are provided retaining members (40) which are a snap-fit onto the frame (10) and also carry gaskets (28) similar to those on the bars (14) and members (16).

These complete the window.

If desired, the members (16) can be permanently affixed to the members (14) to prevent panes being removed.

The system of the invention gives a simple and aesthetically pleasing method of producing a window of Georgian appearance yet having the benefit of double glazed units.

Claims

1. A glazing system which comprises a series of bars capable of being fixed at the ends thereof to an outer frame and/or a cruciform unit and adapted along the length thereof to receive and lock onto part of a series of co-operating bead members such that a glazing unit is located between the bars and the corresponding members.

2. A system as claimed in claim in which the bars and the corresponding bead members are extruded from a plastics material.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 in which the plastics material is uPVC.

4. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the bars and bead members are provided with flexible elongate gaskets which, in use, seal against the glazing unit or units.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 in which the gaskets are coextruded with the bars or bead members.

6. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 in which the cruciform unit comprises a central boss with one or more projecting elements in each quadrant spaced at 90 degrees from the next, each element capable of being received into and gripped by respective bars.

7. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the cruciform is fabricated from glass reinforced nylon.

8. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 in which the bead members and the bars are a snap fit with one another to enable them to be disengaged if necessary to replace a glazing unit.

9. A glazing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

9. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 in which the glazing unit is a sealed glass double glazed unit.

10. A glazing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A glazing system which comprises a series of bars capable of being fixed at the ends thereof to an outer frame and/or a cruciform unit adapted along the length thereof to receive and lock onto part of a series of co-operating bead members such that a glazing unit is located between the bars and the corresponding members, and at least one cruciform unit which comprises a central boss with one or more projecting elements in each quadrant spaced at 90 degrees from the next, each element capable of being received into and gripped by respective bars.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 in which the plastics material is uPVC.

6. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the cruciform is fabricated from glass reinforced nylon.

7. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 in which the bead members and the bars are a snap fit with one another to enable them to be disengaged if necessary to replace a glazing unit.

8. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 in which the glazing unit is a sealed glass double glazed unit.