GB2361950A

GB2361950A - Window frames

Info

Publication number: GB2361950A
Application number: GB0004936A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Hardy
Original assignee: LB Plastics Ltd
Current assignee: LB Plastics Ltd
Priority date: 2000-03-02
Filing date: 2000-03-02
Publication date: 2001-11-07
Also published as: GB0004936D0

Abstract

A window frame formed from hollow plastic components comprises upper and lower frame members 6, 7 interconnected by spaced side frame members 8 and a transom 9 extending across the frame between them to divide the frame into upper and lower openings 10, 11. Each side frame member 8 comprises a relatively narrow upper portion 8A and a relatively wide lower portion 8B interconnected end to end, such that the upper opening 10 is of greater width than the lower opening 11. A combined closure and guide member is fitted at each lower corner of the upper opening 10 and comprises a body portion 15 dimensioned to conceal gaps 14 formed in the frame at the associated corners and incorporating guide means engageable with an inner frame 12 hinged to the upper opening to guide it into position within the opening as it closes. The guide means may comprise a ramp means 23A, 23B at its outer end, engageable with the inner edge of the inner frame 12 as the frame closes. The ramp 23A, 23B may also operate to provide vertical and horizontal alignment of the inner frame when closed. The combined closure and guide member may be provided with locking means to engage with a locking member on the transom 9, and may also comprise first and second body portions 16A, 16B at right angles to each other, adapted to seat against the sides of the transom 9 and side members 8. Also disclosed is a guide member adapted to facilitate the alignment of an opening frame of a window within its fixed frame.

Description

2361950 Window Frames This invention relates to window frames and

particularly to frames for casement windows designed to present the visual appearance of a sash window.

Casement windows consist of an outer frame presenting one or more openings in which an inner frame is hingedly mounted so as to be movable out of the plane of the outer frame to open the window. Traditional sash windows consist of an outer frame in which an inner frame is slidably mounted so as to be movable vertically or horizontally within the outer frame to open the window. Sash windows are of more complex construction than casement windows and the latter are consequently generally preferred for cost reasons. However for aesthetic reasons it is frequently desired to imitate the appearance of traditional sash windows while retaining the cost savings inherent in the casement window construction. While this can be readily achieved in relation to wooden window frames, it presents certain difficulties in relation to modern window frames of UPVC or similar plastic material.

Most UPVC window frames are constructed from top, bottom and side frame components cut from the same plastic extrusion, mitred at their ends and welded together to form a rectangular frame. A cross member or transom is commonly fitted between the two side members or jambs to divide the frame into upper and lower window openings. In general the lower window opening is fixed glazed, that is to say that it is not adapted to open. The upper opening is fitted with an inner frame hingedly connected to the outer frame either at the top or one side so that the inner frame can be moved out of the plane of the window as a whole to an open position in which it is generally retained by virtue of frictional forces in the hinges. in order to produce the visual appearance of a traditional sash window, the hinged inner frame can be styled such that in its closed position it has the visual appearance of a sliding sash frame although not in fact constructed to slide relative to the outer frame.

A difficulty which arises in constructing windows of this kind from 2 conventional extruded plastic components is that if the outer frame is constructed in the usual manner from a common outer frame component, the width of the openings above and below the transom will be the same. Consequently when the inner frame is mounted in the upper opening, the inner edges of the frame structure in the upper zone are closer together than in the lower zone of the window. The vertical sight line defined by the inner edges is therefore not continuous and in this respect the window does not have the appearance of a traditional sash window.

The problem can be overcome by constructing the outer frame from narrow upper jamb members and wider lower jamb members connected end to end so that the opening above the transom is of greater width than the opening below it. By arranging for the difference in width to correspond to the width of the jamb members forming the inner frame, a continuous vertical sight line can be attained. However simple butt jointing of the upper and lower jamb members results in a gap being formed where the upper jamb member joins the transom which is not acceptable aesthetically. In U.K. Patent Specification No. 2319280 it is proposed to overcome this difficulty by constructing the outer frame in a series of steps requiring complex cutting operations to be carried out during fabrication. This requires the use of special equipment designed specifically for the purpose of producing frames of this kind and is both complex and expensive.

The invention is also concerned with the problem of guiding the opening inner frame into position in the outer frame and with security against unauthorised entry through the window. As a result of play and wear in the hinges on which the opening frame is mounted, the frame can move out of correct alignment with the opening in the main frame designed to receive it. This can make the inner frame difficult to shut and can have an adverse effect on the appearance of the window. Excessive play can also facilitate unauthorised entry through the window.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a guide 3 member adapted to facilitate alignment of an opening frame of a window with an outer frame opening in which it is adapted to be received, the guide member comprising a body member having first and second body portions disposed at right angles to one another, means for locating the body member in a corner of said outer frame opening so that said portions thereof lie respectively against the frame members forming said corner, and guide means on both of said body members operable to engage edge portions of said inner frame and guide same into and centralize same in the associated opening in the outer frame when said inner frame moves from an open towards a closed position.

Preferably said guide means comprises ramps formed at outwardly directed edge regions of said body portions.

Preferably also said body portions are dimensioned to extend along the associated frame members to a sufficient extent to cover openings left at said corners during fabrication of the frame.

Advantageously said body members are arranged to project from the surfaces of the associated frame components to a sufficient extent to serve as packing pieces taking up or reducing the clearance between the inner and outer frames when the inner frame is in its closed position.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a window frame formed from hollow plastics components and comprising upper and lower frame members interconnected by spaced side frame members and a transom extending across the frame between said upper and lower frame members to divide the frame into upper and lower openings, each side frame member comprising a relatively narrow upper portion and a relatively wide lower portion interconnected end to end and defining the sides of the respective upper and lower openings, such that the upper opening is of greater width than the lower opening, a combined closure and guide member being fitted at each lower comer of the upper opening and comprising a body portion dimensioned to conceal gaps formed at the corner and incorporating guide means engageable 4 with an inner frame hingedly mounted in the upper opening to guide the inner frame into position within the upper opening in its closed position.

Preferably said guide means comprises a ramp formed at the outer end of the combined closure and guide member and engageable with the inner edge of said inner frame as the latter moves from an open towards a closed position.

Advantageously the combined closure and guide member comprises first and second body portions arranged at right angles to one another and adapted to seat against adjacent surfaces of the transom and the associated side member, each of said body portions incorporating guide means for cooperation with said inner frame.

Preferably locking means is provided on the combined closure and guide member for engagement with a complimentary locking member on the transom. Where the guide member incorporates body portions at right angles to one another, further locking means may be provided for engagement with a locking member on the associated side member of the frame.

Advantageously the guide member is adapted for locking engagement with existing rib members provided on the respective components for other purposes.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows one form of window frame according to the invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the region circled in Fig. 1 during assembly with the upper opening or casement frame omitted and a guide component shown separated from the frame; and Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the guide component fitted to the assembled frame.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a window comprising an outer frame 5 formed from a top frame member 6 and a bottom frame member 7 interconnected by a pair of side frame members or jambs 8. A horizontal intermediate frame member or transom 9 divides the frame 5 into upper and lower openings 10 and 11. The lower opening 11 is fixed glazed and an inner or casement frame 12 is mounted in the upper opening 10. The frame 12 is hinged to the outer frame adjacent its upper edge so as to be moveable between a closed position in which it lies flush with the frame 5 and an open position in which it is inclined outwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the frame 5.

In order to create the appearance of a traditional sliding sash window, the casement frame 12 is provided at its lower corners with downwardly projecting ears or horns 13. This creates the impression in those familiar with sash windows that the upper frame is intended to slide vertically relative to the lower part of the window in order to open the window, although in fact it pivots about the hinges to an inclined position as mentioned above. In order to further recreate the visual appearance of a traditional sliding sash window, the frame components are constructed such that the inner edges of the upper and lower openings in the outer frame of the window are vertically aligned with one another to provide a continuous "sight line" when the window is viewed from the front as in Fig. 1. This requires a modified form of outer frame 5 compared with casement windows which are not designed to replicate traditional sliding sash windows.

As best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the upper and lower portions 8A and 8B of each side frame member 8 are formed from extruded plastic components of different dimensions, the member 8A being narrower than the member 8B. These frame components and the transom 9 are formed by extrusion from UPVC or other suitable synthetic plastics material and are of relatively complex construction incorporating formations to accommodate glazing units, seals and 6 other components which are required to complete the window structure. Due to the different cross sectional shape and dimensions of the components 8A and 8B and the transom 9, a gap 14 is formed at the lower corner of the upper opening 9 when the frame components are interconnected. If not closed this gap is not only unsightly but would allow ingress of dirt and moisture. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the gap is closed by a component which not only covers the gap but performs a number of additional functions. Principally the component acts as a combined closure and guide member.

As can be seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the components 15 comprises a body member consisting of two parts 16A and 16B disposed at right angles to one another. Flanges 17A and 17B are formed at the outer ends of the respective body portion 16A and 16B and serve to support and locate the component 15 in position. The flanges 17A and 17B are provided with respective openings 18A, 18B adapted to locate over ribs 19 formed on the transom 9 and upper jamb member 8A respectively. At their inner or rear ends the flanges 17a, 17b butt against upstanding formations 20 on the transom 9 and upper jamb 8a. At their forward or outer ends, recesses 2 IA and 2 IB are formed for engagement over inturned lips 22 on the transom 9 and upper jamb member 8A respectively. The surfaces of the body member 16A, 16B slope downwardly at their outer ends to form ramps 23A and 23B the purpose of which will be described hereafter.

It will be appreciated that a similar component 15 is provided at each of the lower corners of the upper opening 10 of the window frame. At each of these locations the components 15 perform essentially three functions. Firstly they serve to conceal the gaps 14 created at the point where the three frame components are interconnected. Secondly the ramps 23A engage the bottom edges of the inner frame 12 as it moves from its open to its closed position, thus guiding the frame into the correct position in the opening 10. The ramps 23B on the upstanding body portions 16B also provide lateral guidance. The ramps also serve the same functions in the event the casement frame 12 is hingedly connected to the outer frame 10 at the opposite side rather than at the 7 top, both arrangements being equally possible. Thirdly each component 15 serves as a packing piece which reduces the clearance between the inner frame 12 and the outer frame 10 at the associated corner when the inner frame is in its closed position. This limits the extent to which the inner frame and locking members associated with it can be levered away from the outer frame if forced entry is attempted.

It should be noted that the upper and lower jamb members 8A and 8B are butt jointed together along the line 24, the transom 9 being connected to the lower jamb member 8B along line 25. This method of interconnection can be effected using existing equipment employed for connecting transoms to jamb members of constant width and avoids the need for specialist equipment or complex cutting of the components. Although this technique results in the production of the gaps 14, these are closed by the closure member 15 which also serves the additional functions described above. Thus by virtue of the arrangement described a casement window having the outward appearance of a sliding sash window can be simply and easily produced using existing equipment and maintaining the continuous vertical sight line which is an important feature of traditional sash windows.

It should be appreciated that while in the illustrated embodiment, the guide members 15 serve to cover the gaps 14 formed at the lower corners of the upper frame opening, they could perform the dual function of guiding the inner frame both vertically and laterally and taking up clearance between the inner and outer frames, without at the same time covering any gap. Thus components such as the component 15 could be employed to perform this dual function in window frames where no gap was forned where the frame components were joined together.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example while in the embodiment the moveable inner or casement frame is mounted for hinged movement relative to the outer frame adjacent its upper edge, the casement frame could be hinged adjacent one or 8 other of its side edges without requiring any alteration to the combined closure and guide member of the invention. Nevertheless while a combined closure and guide member comprising two body portions at right angles has been described, the vertical portion may be omitted in top hung window constructions and the horizontal portion omitted in side hung window constructions if desired. The window frame components themselves may also vary considerably from those illustrated as regards their cross sectional shapes and dimensions and the transom may be positioned in any of a variety of locations to produce upper and lower window openings of different size.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification 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.

9 CLAMS 1. A window frame formed from hollow plastics components and comprising upper and lower frame members interconnected by spaced side frame members and a transom extending across the frame between said upper and lower frame members to divide the frame into upper and lower openings, each side frame member comprising a relatively narrow upper portion and a relatively wide lower portion interconnected end to end and defining the sides of the respective upper and lower openings, such that the upper opening is of greater width than the lower opening, a combined closure and guide member being fitted at each lower corner of the upper opening and comprising a body portion dimensioned to conceal gaps formed in the frame at the associated corners and incorporating guide means engageable with an inner frame hingedly mounted in the upper opening to guide the inner frame into position within the upper opening as the inner frame moves from an open towards a closed position.

2. A window frame according to claim 1 wherein said guide means comprises ramp means formed at the outer end of the combined closure and guide member and engageable with the inner edge of said inner frame as the latter moves from an open towards a closed position.

3. A window frame according to claim 2 wherein said ramp means is operable to effect vertical alignment of said inner frame within said upper opening in its closed position.

4. A window frame according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein locking means is provided on said combined closure and guide member for engagement with a complimentary locking member on said transom.

A window frame according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein said ramp means is operable to effect horizontal or transverse alignment of said inner frame within said upper opening in its closed position.

6. A wrindow frame according to claim 5 wherein said combined closure and guide member comprises first and second body portions arranged at right angles to one another and adapted to seat against adjacent surfaces of the transom and the associated side member respectively, each of said body portions incorporating guide means for cooperation with said inner frame.

7. A window frame according to claim 6 wherein each of said guide means comprises ramp means.

8. A window frame according to claims 3 and 4 and any of claims 5 to 7 including further locking means adapted for locking engagement with a locking member on the associated side member of the frame.

9. A window frame according to claim 4 or 8 wherein said locking means is adapted for locking engagement with existing rib members on the frame.

10. A window frame according to any preceding claim wherein the or each body portion is dimensioned so as to serve as a packing piece taking up or reducing the clearance between said inner and outer frames when the inner frame is in its closed position.

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

12. A guide member adapted to facilitate alignment of an opening frame of a window with an outer frame opening in which it is adapted to be received, the guide member comprising a body member having first and second body portions disposed at right angles to one another, means for locating the body member in a corner of said outer frame opening so that said portions thereof lie respectively against the frame members forming said corner, and guide means on both of said body members operable to engage edge portions of said inner frame and guide same into and centralise same in the associated opening 11 in the outer frame when said inner frame moves from an open towards a closed position.

13. A guide member according to claim 12 wherein said guide means comprise ramps formed at outwardly directed edge regions of said body portions.

14. A guide member according to claim 12 or 13 wherein said body portions are dimensioned to extend along the associated frame members to a sufficient extent to cover openings left at said corners during fabrication of the frame.

15. A guide member according to any of claims 12 to 14 wherein said body members are arranged to project from the surfaces of the associated frame components to a sufficient extent to serve as packing pieces taking up or reducing the clearance between the inner and outer frames when the inner frame is in its closed position.

16. A guide member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

17. A window frame incorporating guide members according to any of claims 12 to 16.

18. 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.