GB2306993A

GB2306993A - Installing frames in apertures

Info

Publication number: GB2306993A
Application number: GB9522956A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Chadwick
Original assignee: Veka PLC
Current assignee: Veka PLC
Priority date: 1995-11-09
Filing date: 1995-11-09
Publication date: 1997-05-14
Also published as: GB9522956D0

Abstract

A locating device (11) consists of a bridging portion (13) extending from the external to internal surface edges of a wall unit (1). A depending flange (15) abuts the external wall (3) and a further depending portion (17) abuts the opposing internal edge. The depending portion (17) is resiliently deformable. A plate (19) extends perpendicularly from the bridging portion (13) and has an aperture to receive fixing means (43) for the strip (45) of the frame. An inclined plate (21) extends away from the external surface (23) and away from the bridging portion (13) and provides for snap engagement of the portion (35) of the frame. Depending toothed flanges (51) on the sides of the device penetrate the wall surface facing the aperture. Fig 3 illustrates a shorter device which does not have the flange (15) and depending portion (17).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FRAME INSTALLATION This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to frame installation, particularly, but not exclusively of the type used as window or door frames.

Conventional window installations are fitted to an aperture by first introducing and forming a sub-frame around the aperture's periphery; fixing it to the aperture defining walls and then mounting the frame forming elements on this subframe. The accurate introduction of a sub-frame and the subsequent framing unit itself is a complex and time consuming job.

The prior art systems are particularly unsuitable for the type of walls commonly found in temporary buildings. Walls in such applications commonly consist of a very thin exterior metal skin followed by an insulating material, (such as a polyurethane foam), forming the majority of the wall's thickness, with plaster board being fastened to the interior surface. Whilst adequately serving the needs of a wall structure, such composite materials are very difficult to accurately fasten a sub-frame or frame to.

In prior art systems it is known to provide a sub-frame which engages the surface defining the aperture and the external wall and to attempt to fasten this element to the wall forming materials by engaging a releasable fastener with the metal skin. Given the very thin thickness of this skin, only a few millimetres, such an engagement is difficult if not impossible to achieve. Indeed, in making the fastening the detachment of the skin from the insulating material commonly occurs.

To this sub-frame a further substantial element is then fastened by passing a fastener down through the sub-frame. The additional element provides suitable mounting and engagement for the preformed frame unit can then be introduced. Further suitable fastenings on the inside of the window are then employed to restrain the frame in place on the sub-unit. Such systems are complex, time consuming to assemble and unsuitable for the wall composition employed in temporary buildings in particular.

Amongst the aims of the present invention are the provision of an accurate, low cost and easily assembled system for such applications.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a locating device for use in aperture framing, the aperture being defined by an external wall surface, an internal wall surface and an aperture surface, the device comprising a bridging portion having at one end a flange portion engaging one wall surface in use, and the bridging portion having at the opposing end an element engaging the other wall in use, the bridging portion having engaging means to engage the frame in use.

A locating device of this construction is readily retained in position on the wall structure whilst the framing components are brought into position and attached. The nature of the positioning is suitable even for soft wall compositions which are not suitable to take penetrating fastenings.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a locating device for use in aperture framing, the aperture being defined by an external wall surface, an internal wall surface and an aperture surface, the wall including a relatively soft material, the device comprising a bridging portion abutting the aperture surface in use, the bridging portion having engaging means to engage the frame in use and the bridging portion being provided with one or more protrusions, the protrusions engaging with or penetrating the relatively soft material in use.

A system employing a locating device of this type ensures that the locator is readily retained in the desired position on the wall whilst the framing unit is brought into contact. The protrusions aid in retaining the locating device in position.

Such a locating device or clip is particularly suitable for cavity walls in which insulating material is provided between the brick and block work.

The bridging portion may extend from the external wall surface to the inner wall surface or only over part of such a distance.

Further possibilities for a locating device according to the first and / or second aspects of the insulation include: The bridging portion preferably comprises a plate.

The engaging means preferably comprise an element extending from the bridging portion. Most preferably the element extends substantially perpendicularly to the bridging portion. A suitable means for connecting the engaging means to the frame, such as a screw fastening, is preferably provided.

Such a system provides a quick and easily accessible fastening location for the frame to the locating device.

The engaging means are preferably provided on the inner half of the bridging portion.

Preferably the protrusions comprise a plurality of teeth on a flange portion extending substantially perpendicularly away from the bridging portion. Most preferably the protrusions are provided at either or both the side edges of the bridging portion.

The bridging portion may be provided with one or more upstanding elements which are designed to cooperate with the bottom of the frame in use. In this way they may provide support.

Preferably an inclined element, most preferably extending away from the external wall surface, is provided. This element preferably cooperates with a recess in the frame in use. The cooperation of the upstanding engaging means and the incline element with corresponding portions on the frame preferably provides a snap fit engagement during locating the frame.

Preferably the opposing end portion comprises a resiliently deformed element. A flange portion extending in a "v" shape profile is a particularly preferred form. The resilient deformation of this element upon introducing the clip to the wall aids in its retention.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a framing system composing a locating device according to the first and / or second aspects of the invention in combination with a framing element. The framing element is preferably of the extruded plastics type employed in window frames or door frames.

Preferably the framing element provides an abutment surface to cooperate with the locating device engagement means.

Preferably a recess in the periphery of the framing is also provided to cooperate with the inclined element.

Preferably the external edge of the framing element extends over the flange portion. Preferably a seal is provided on this external extension to effect a seal between the external surface of the wall and the frame.

Preferably a further element is provided to cooperate with the internal surface of the framing. Preferably this element engages with the same fastening used to connect the engaging means of the locating device to the framing. Most preferably a snap fitting is employed. Preferably the additional element extends over the internal surface of the wall to a greater extent than the opposing end portion of the locating device.

Preferably plastic spacing elements are provided between the aperture surface and periphery of the frame. Support for the weight of the framing is thus provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a method for providing a frame in an aperture in a wall, the aperture being defined by an internal wall surface, an external wall surface, and an aperture surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a locating device, the locating device bridging the aperture surface and engaging the internal wall surface and the external wall surface, the locating device having frame engaging means; introducing a frame element to the locating device; and fastening the frame to the engagement means on the locating device.

In this way quick and easy location of the frame elements in the required position relative to a wall can be affected.

A locating device of the aforementioned type is particularly suitable for use on relatively soft walls such as those employed in temporary buildings.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention we provide a method of providing framing for an aperture in a wall, the aperture being defined by an internal wall surface, an external wall surface and an aperture surface, the wall including a relatively soft material exposed at the aperture surface, and comprising the steps of: providing a locating device at the aperture surface, the locating device having protrusions which are pushed into contact with the relatively soft material, the locating device also having engagement means for the frame; introducing the frame into the aperture; and fastening the frame to the locating device.

In this way a readily retained locating device or clip is provided to which the necessary framing can be fastened. The clip is accurately and easily retained in the wall material.

Preferably the methods according to the fourth or fifth aspects also include the provision of a further element which abuts the internal wall surface and is connected to the locating device. Most preferably the fastener used to connect the locating device and frame provides a suitable engagement for this element.

Preferably the framing element extends over a portion of the external wall surface.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross section through a wall, a locating device and frame element according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view through a wall, locating device and frame element according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figure 1 the wall unit (1) consists of a thin metal skin (3), on the external surface of the wall, an internal thick layer of insulation (5) and an internal surface (7) formed of plaster board. Due to the nature of the materials employed there is no readily available way in which a fastening can be introduced through the aperture defining surface (9) and yet provide firm retention. The materials employed are generally too thin or too soft.

The locating device (11) consists of a bridging portion (13) extending from the external to internal surface edges. A depending flange (15) is provided to abut the external wall (3) and a further depending portion (17) is provided to abut the opposing internal edge. This portion (17) consists of a shaped cross section which can be resiliently deformed away from the flange (15) to allow the locating device to be inserted over the aperture defining surface (9). The resilient nature of the portion (17) aids in retaining it in position.

Extending perpendicularly from the bridging portion (13) is the frame engaging means (19). This element consists of a plate provided with an aperture to receive fixing means.

The bridging portion (13) is also provided with an inclined plate (21). This plate extends away from the external surface (3) and away from the bridging portion (13).

When installing a frame a number of such clips are preferably provided at a number of locations around the aperture surface.

The framing unit (23) consists of an extruded plastics section (25) provided with internal reinforcement (27).

Glazing (29) is retained in the unit (23) in the conventional manner.

The periphery (31) of the frame (23) is provided with a recess defined by a rib (33) and an extended portion (35) on the external surface of the frame. This recess is provided with a groove (37) which upon insertion of the frame into the aperture enters into a snapping engagement with the inclined plate (21). The rear surface of the frame (39) abuts the engaging means (19) to provide the opposing half of the engagement.

A sealing gasket (41) carried on the extended portion (35) of the frame (23) engages with both the external metal surface (3) of the wall and also with the flange portion (15) of the locating device (11). This provides a weather tight seal on the external side of the framing.

Whilst the snap fit engagement between the locating device (11) and the framing (23) aids in its retention in position, to affect a long term mounting a screw type fastening (43) is introduced to hold the rib (39) and engaging means (19) in firm contact.

The internal appearance of the frame can be assisted by a further element (45) which has a snap fit engagement with the head of the fastener (43) and which provides a strip (47) extending over the portion (17) of the locating device.

Whilst a small part of the weight of the framing (23) can be supported by elements (49) extending from the locating device (11) by providing suitable plastic spacing elements at locations on either side of the locating devices (11) the majority of the framing unit weight is transferred to the wall by these units.

In addition to using the resilient nature of portion (17) of the locating device (11) an engagement between plates (51), which carry teeth (53), and the relatively soft material, the insulating material (5), of the wall can be affected. This engagement assists or optionally replaces the spring type engagement between the inner portion (17) and outer flange (15) and the wall.

As is clearly illustrated by the perspective view of the locating device in Figure 2 the various elements can conveniently be provided by stamping and forming a single plate in to the desired configuration.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as represented by Figure 3, the wall structure consists of a wall of blocks (100), and a facing of bricks (102), with a cavity (104) between the two. The cavity can be completely filled with insulating material. Alternatively a sealing element (104) into which suitable sealing material (106) is introduced can be provided in the portion of the cavity around an aperture. Previously complicated prior art structures for attaching a sub-frame and then the frame itself to such apertures can be avoided by employing the locating device of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the locating device consists of a bridging portion (113) which is provided with a flange portion (151) at each side. The flange portion (151) and teeth carried thereon (153) are placed into contact with the relatively soft cavity material and pushed down until the bridging portion (113) butts the top surface of the material.

By providing upstanding engagement means (119), inclined plate (121) and weight supporting portions (149) in a similar manner to the first embodiment of the invention a framing unit (123) can be introduced and snapped into location. Releasable fastening means (143) and suitable covering elements and seals can then be introduced to give the final frame product.

It will be appreciated that whilst the bridging element (113) of this locating device could span the entire distance between the internal and external walls, and be provided with the end flange portions of the first embodiment, a sufficiently resilient location can be affected employing the teeth (153) alone. One end or both ends of the flange portion (151)~may be positioned in abutment with an edge (135) of the sealing element (104), or cavity, preferably the inside edge, to increase the resilience of the location.

Claims

ATMs 1. A locating device for use in aperture framing, the aperture being defined by an external wall surface and an aperture surface, the device comprising a bridging portion having at one end a flange portion engaging one wall surface in use, and the bridging portion having at the opposing end an element engaging the other wall in use, the bridging portion having engaging means to engage the frame in use.
2. A locating device for use in aperture framing, the aperture being defined by an external wall surface, an internal wall surface and an aperture surface, the wall including a relatively soft material, the device comprising a bridging portion abutting the aperture surface in use, the bridging portion having an engaging means to engage the frame in use, and the bridging portion being provided with one or more protrusions, the protrusions engaging with or penetrating ttle relatively soft material in use.
3. A locating device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bridging portion comprises a plate.
4. A locating device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the engaging means comprises an element extending from the bridqirig portion.
5. A locating device according to claim 4 wherein the element extends substantially perpendicularly to tEle bridging portion.
6. A locating dcvice according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for connecting the engagement means to the framc.
7. A locating device according to claim 6 wherein the. means for connecting the engaging means to the frame comprises a screw fastening.
8. A locating device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the enegagi rlg means are provided on the inner half of the bridging portion.
9. A locating device according to any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the protrusions comprise a plurality of teeth on a flange portion extending substantially perpendicularly away from the bridging portion.
10. A locating device according to claim 9 wherein the protrusions are provided at either or both of the side edges of the bridging portion.
11. A locating device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bridging portion is provided with one or more upstanding elements which are designed to cooperate with the bottom of the frame in use.
12. A locating device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an inclined element.
13. A locating device according to claim 12 wherein the inclined element extends away from thc external wall surface.
14. A locating device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the opposing end portion comprises a resiliently deformed element.
15. A locating device according to claim 14 wherein the resiliently deformed element comprises a flange portion extending in a "v" shape profile.
16. A framing system comprising a locating device according to any one of the preceding; claims in combination with a framing element.
17. A framing system according to claim 16 wherein the framing element provides an abutment surface Lo co-operate wL}i the locating device engagement means.
18. A framing system according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein a recess in the periphery of the framing element is further provided to cooperate with the inclined element.
19. A framing system according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the external edge of the framing element extends over the flange portion.
20. A framing system according to claim 19 wherein a seal is provided on the external extension to effect a seal between the external surface of the wall and the frame.
21. A framing system according to any one of claims 16 to 20 comprising a further element provided to cooperate witit the internal surface of the framing.
22. A framing system according to claim 21 wherein the further element engages with the fastening in use to connect the engaging means ot the locating device to the framing.
23. A framing system according to claim 22 wherein the further element extends over the internal surface of the wall to a grcater extent than the opposing end portion of. the locating device.
24. A framing system according to any one of claims 16 to 23 further comprising plastics spacing elements provided between the aperture surface and periphery of the frame.
25. A method for providing a frame in an aperture in a wall, the aperture being defined by an internal wall surface, an external wall surface, and an aperture surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a locating device, the locating device bridging the aperture surface and enraging the internal wall surface and the external wall surface, the locating device having a frame engaging means; introducing a frame element to the locating device; and fastening the frame to the engagement means on the locating device.
26. A method of providing framing for an aperture in a wall, the aperture being defined by an internal wall surface, an external wall surface and an aperture surface, the wall including a relatively soft material exposed at the aperture surface, and comprising the steps of: providing a locating device at the aperture surface, the locating device having protrusions which are pushed into contact with a relatively soft material, the locatinq device also having engagement means for thc. from; introducing the frame into the aperture; and fastening the frame to the locating device
27. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28 further comprising the step of providing a further element which abuts the internal wall surface and is connected to the locating device.
28. A locating device substantiaAly as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
29. A framing system substantially as hereinbefore described with preference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A method for providing a frame in an aperture in a wall substantially as hereinbeforc described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
31. A method of providing framing for an aperture in a wall substantially as hereirlbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.