GB2343699A

GB2343699A - Device for collecting condensation from windows

Info

Publication number: GB2343699A
Application number: GB9926634A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Clapham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-11-10
Filing date: 1999-11-10
Publication date: 2000-05-17
Also published as: GB9824759D0; GB9926634D0

Abstract

The device 1 comprises: a resilient elongate lip 3 capable of being urged against a window; a channel 2 arranged such that condensation passing over the lip collects in the channel; and means 6 for securing the device to the window. The channel 2 may be elongate with the lip 3 extending along the channel length. End-pieces 8,10 are preferably provided to terminate the ends of the channel 2. The length of step 11 joining the base of each end-piece to the channel engaging portion may be less in the first piece 8 than in the second piece 10. The two end-pieces 8,10 can then in use abut the window frame with the channel 2 inclined.

Description

WINDOW CONDENSATION DRAINER This invention relates to apparatus for draining condensation from window panes.

Where a temperature differential exists across a window pane condensation is likely to form on the window. This is especially true of where the air on the warm side is humid. When sufficient condensation forms the droplets coalesce and run down the window. The run-off condensation can cause problems. These problems include water damage to items below the window, mould formation and wet rot of wooden window frames.

The invention seeks to reduce these problems.

According to the invention a device for collecting condensation from windows, the device comprising: i. a resilient elongate lip capable of being urged against a window; ii. a channel arranged such that condensation passing over the lip collects in the channel ; and iii. means for securing the device to the window.

An embodiment of the invention will be described by way of nonlimiting example by reference to the accompanying figures of : Figure 1 is an exploded view; Figure 2 is a rear view; and Figure 3 is a cross-section.

Device 1 comprises a channel portion 2. Channel portion 2 is conveniently a plastics extrusion for example of UPVC. This however is not essential and channel portion 2 can be made of other materials, such as brass which are not significantly affected by water and air. Desirably channel portion 2 is made of a material which is easy to cut with for example a hacksaw or craft knife to allow trimming of the device to fit the window.

Channel portion 2 need not be large: the volume of water involved is not great and a large device would be both unsightly and more expensive than necessary. In preferred embodiments of the invention the channel portion is substantially unshaped. The walls may be 1 to 3 mm for example 2 mm thick.

The channel portion may be 8 to 12 mm for example 10 mm wide and 8 to 12 mm for example 10 mm high.

Device 1 is provided with a resilient window engaging lip 3. In the illustrated embodiment window engaging lip 3 comprises a lip member 4 which is secured to an arm 5 of channel member 2. In the illustrated embodiment lip member is a drive fit to the arm but securing by adhesive or integral formation are examples of other ways of achieving this.

Means for securing the device to a window are provided. In the illustrated embodiment this comprises one or more adhesive pads 6. In this embodiment pads 6 are adhesive on each major face. One face is secured to the channel portion and the other to the window. The pads 6 and lip member are dimensioned such that the lip 3 is urged against the window in a sealingly relationship.

Other means of securing the device to a window such as adhesive putty will suggest themselves to the skilled.

A first end piece 8 is provided. End piece 8 seals an open end of the channel. End piece 8 is provided with drain 9. In the illustrated embodiment drain 9 comprise a hole in the end piece and a stub tube. In use a container would be provided to catch water exiting the drain. This water can then simply be disposed of. Since the water is condensation it is very soft and may be usable for example for topping up lead-acid batteries, for use in steam irons and for watering certain plants which thrive best on soft water.

In some embodiments of the invention a flexible pipe may be fitted to the stub tube. The condensate may then be led away to waste.

A second end piece 10 is desirably provided but this is not essential.

Desirably second end piece 10 is provided with a step 11. Step 11 is provided oo that when the base of step 11 and of the base of first end piece are in the same vertical plane channel portion 2 is inclined. The two end pieces can then in use abut the window frame at the base of the window and the channel will be incline so that condensate runs down the channel to waste.

For convenience in transport channel portion 2 may be shorter than the window. A plurality of channel portions will then be provided. The portions can be joined in a water tight manner by a resilient clip 12 which extends around the base of the channel portion with a tip 13 extending over and round a leg of the channel to provide a resilient bias.

The components will generally be provided in kit form. To install the kit the channel portion is made to extend substantially the width of the window by either or both assembly of channel portion units or by cutting to length.

The lip member if separate is joined to the channel portion. Similarly the means for securing the device to the window if separate are added as are the end portions. The device is then secured to the window near the base thereof.

Those skilled in the art will have little difficulty in devising modifications.

Claims

claims 1. A device for collecting condensation from windows, the device comprising: i. a resilient elongate lip capable of being urged against a window; ii. a channel arranged such that condensation passing over the lip collects in the channel; and iii. means for securing the device to the window.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the channel is an elongate member and the lip extends along channel.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein end-pieces are provided to terminate ends of the channel.
4. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein each end-piece has a base and a channel engaging portion, the length of the step joining the base to the channel engaging portion being less in a first end piece then in a second piece.
5. A device for collecting condensation substantially as described herein.