GB2310277A

GB2310277A - Ventilated window frame

Info

Publication number: GB2310277A
Application number: GB9702736A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Ian Purkis
Original assignee: CARR JOHN GROUP PLC
Current assignee: CARR JOHN GROUP PLC
Priority date: 1996-02-16
Filing date: 1997-02-11
Publication date: 1997-08-20
Also published as: GB9603359D0; GB9702736D0

Description

WINDOW FRAME This invention relates to a window frame having a ventilation facility.

According to the present invention there is provided a window frame in which at least one structural element of the frame, typically a head or sash top rail, having an internal face and an external face, is provided with a ventilation path comprising a first linear path and a second linear path, the two paths mutually intersecting at an apex, with the first linear path extending, distal from the apex, to an external face of the structural element at which an external aperture is defined, and the second linear path extending, distal from the apex, to an internal face of the structural element, at which at an internal aperture is defined and over which internal aperture is fitted a positionally-adjustable, user-operable closure means for ventilation control by the user.

Thus, after formation of the structural elements of a window frame in say timber or uPVC, the first and second ventilation paths may be machined, e.g. at an inverted "tor' angle to one another, by drilling or slotting. The first path may be machined from the external face to terminate internally of the structural elements from a mid-point, or approximate mid-point, of the upper face of the structural element, of the window frame. The second path may be machined to intersect the first path and to break out at the internal face. The upper face maybe subsequently closed off, e.g.

by a push-in, friction fit closure means, possibly incorporating an insect screen.

A plurality of circular section ventilation paths may be produced by a drill or, after initial drilling, the drill or a slotting tool may be advanced a distance along the head to provide a single, or multiple, slotted ventilation path(s) of required cross-sectional area, and hence ventilation capacity, of the window frame in accordance with the invention. It follows that if the plural ventilation paths are circular, the closure member is plug-like, whereas if a ventilation slotted path is provided, the closure member is elongated, e.g. formed as a plastics or aluminium extrusion.

The or each control means may comprise a hingeable flap, which is a push or snap-fit into its closed position, with a pair of tabs, adapted to be gripped by the user, to pull the flap to an open position.

The mid-point of the upper face of the head is preferably closed off by a push-in extrusion of synthetic plastics or aluminium, preferably carrying an integral insect screen.

One, or a plurality of ventilation facilities may be provided in a head or sash top rail of a window frame in accordance with the invention.

Two examples of window frame in accordance with the invention are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view through structural element, being a head or sash top rail, of a window frame in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 is an expanded, isometric view of a structural element, being a head or sah rail, of a window frame, showing an elongate ventilation slot closed off by an extrusion in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

In both embodiments, like reference numerals are used for like components.

In the drawings, a structural element 1, such as a head or sash top rail, of a timber (or possibly uPVC) window frame is indicated as having an internal face 2 an external face 3 and an upper face 4.

A ventilation path 5, generally of inverted "V,' angle, is formed by drilling a first linear path 6 from the external face 3 where an external aperture 6A is provided to approximately midpoint of the rail 1, whilst a second linear path 7 is drilled from the upper face 4, to intersect the path 6 and to emerge, generally at the internal face 2, as an internal aperture 7A to provide a plurality of circular apertures 7A.

A plurality of circular section paths S may be provided, spaced along the rail 1.

Alternatively, as indicated in Fig 2 after initial drilling, a slotting tool may be inserted, so that path 5 becomes a slot of desired length to provide an elongated or slotted aperture 7B. Plural slotted paths 5 may be provided resulting in plural slotted apertures 7B.

At the upper face 4, the second path 7 is closed off by a push-in, friction fit closure 8, being a moulding or extrusion in synthetic plastics (PVC) or aluminium. The closure 8 incorporates an integral insect screen 9.

The aperture 7A is provided with a closure means 1 OA which, as indicated in Figure 1, comprises a vent body 11, which is secured by friction, adhesive etc., to the structural element 1 and is provided with a user-operable vent flap 12 shown in Figure 1 in the "vent closed" position, and hingeable, as indicated by arrow A, under control of the user, to a "vent open" position, and hingeable back to the closed position by use of a press button 13.

In the embodiment of Fig 2, a slotted path 5 has been produced, extending over a substantial length of the rail 1 and resulting in an elongated slotted aperture 7B which is fitted with a correspondingly elongated closure means lOB. The flap 12 is provided with two, spacedapart tabs 15 adapted to be gripped by the user to pull the flap 12 to its open position.

Claims

1. A window frame in which at least one according to the present invention there is provided a window frame in which at least one structural element of the frame, typically a head or sash top rail, having an internal face and an external face, is provided with a ventilation path comprising a first linear path and a second linear path, the two paths mutually intersecting at an apex, with the first linear path extending, distal from the apex, to an external face of the structural element at which an external aperture is defined, and the second linear path extending, distal from the apex, to an internal face of the structural element, at which at an internal aperture is defined and over which internal aperture is fitted a positionally-adjustable, user-operable closure means for ventilation control by the user.

2. A window frame as claimed in Claim 1, of timber or uPVC.

3. A window frame as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first and second ventilation paths are machined at an inverted "V,' angle to one another.

4. A window frame as claimed in any preceding Claim, comprising a plurality of circular section ventilation paths.

5. A window frame as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one slotted or elongated ventilation path.

6. A window frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherever the first ventilation path is machined from the external face to terminate internally of the structural element.

7. A window frame as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the second ventilation path is machined from a mid-point, or approximate mid-point, of an upper face of the structural element, and is closed off by a push-in, friction fit closure means.

8. A window frame as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the closure means is provided with an insert screen.

9. A window frame as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the or each closure means comprises a hingeable flap, displaceable under control of the user, between vent open, and vent closed positions.

10. A window frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig 1 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A window frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig 2 of the accompanying drawings.