GB2365476A

GB2365476A - Frame arrangement allowing a second frame to be inserted in two opposite directions

Info

Publication number: GB2365476A
Application number: GB0012885A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Anthony Whiting
Original assignee: R A Whiting Design Ltd; Home Doors Ltd
Current assignee: R A Whiting Design Ltd; Home Doors Ltd
Priority date: 2000-05-27
Filing date: 2000-05-27
Publication date: 2002-02-20
Also published as: GB0012885D0

Abstract

A frame arrangement 10 for an aperture in a wall comprises two frame members 12,20 and a securing means 18 wherein the securing means 18 is formed to allow the second frame member 20 to be inserted onto the first frame member 12 in two generally opposite directions. The securing means are in the form of two discrete elements 26,28 one of which may be a deformable clip 26, between which the two frame members 12,20 are held. The clip means 26 may be provided with a detent 34 to engage the second frame member 20. The frame arrangement may include attachment means 30,36 to fix the securing means 18 in two possible positions on the first frame 12. There may also be a plurality of first frame members 12,212 and connection means 100 to connect adjacent frame members (fig 15), or the first frame 12 member may be formed of two sections that are pivotally attached to each other (fig 11). Ties 44 may also be provided to fix the first frame member 12 to the wall (fig 3). Also disclosed (fig 13) is an upper frame member which defines a ventilation channel 224 which is mounted in an aperture defined in a wall.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> Frame Arrangement This invention relates to frame arrangements for apertures in walls. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to frame arrangements for use in window apertures.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a frame arrangement for an aperture in a wall, the arrangement comprising a first frame member and securing means to secure a second frame member to the first frame member, the securing means being formed to allow the second frame member to be inserted onto the first frame member in a selected one of first and second generally opposite directions.

Preferably, the securing means is arrangeable on the first frame member in a selected one of a first position to allow the second frame member to be so inserted in the first direction, and a second position to allow the second frame member to be so inserted in the second direction.

The frame arrangement may include attachment means to attach the securing means to the first frame member in the selected one of the first and second positions.

In one embodiment, the attachment means comprises first and second formations on the first frame member to co-operate with corresponding first and second formations on the securing means. When the securing means is in the first position, each of the first and second formations on the securing means may co-operate with a respective one of the first and second formations on the first frame member, and when the securing means is in the second position, each of the first and second formations on the securing means may co-operate with a respective one of the second and first formations on the first frame member.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a frame

arrangement for an aperture in a wall, the arrangement comprising a first frame member and securing means to secure a second frame member to the first frame member, the securing means comprising first and second securing elements on the first frame member, wherein the second frame member is held between the first and second securing elements.

The frame arrangement may include attachment means to attach the securing means to the first frame member. The attachment means may comprise first and second formations on the first frame member to co-operate with corresponding first and second formations on the securing means.

The attachment means may comprise projecting means on one of the securing means and the first frame member, and recess means on the other of the securing means and the first frame member. Preferably, the projecting means is on the securing means, and the recess means is on the first frame member. In one embodiment, the projecting means comprises first and second projections, each of which may be provided with barbs. The recess means may comprise first and second recesses, each of which may be provided with barbs corresponding to the barbs on the projections.

The securing means preferably comprises first and second securing elements, wherein the second frame member can be held on the first frame member between the first and second securing elements. The first securing element may comprise clip means which may be resiliently deformable on insertion of the second frame member, whereby the resilience of the clip means holds the second frame member on the first frame member. The second securing means may comprise sealing means to provide a seal against the second frame member. The first and second securing elements may be discrete securing elements.

The clip means may comprise a decent member to engage the second frame member. The decent member may comprise a sloping surface to allow the second frame member to slide over the detent member. The detent member

may have an engagement surface to engage a part of the second frame member to hold the second frame member on the first frame member, the engagement surface being opposite the sloping surface.

The clip means may further include a resiliently deformable portion to deform when the second frame member is being inserted. A connecting portion may connect the deformable portion to the attachment means on the clip means. The detent member may extend from the resiliently deformable portion.

The sealing means may comprise a sealing member to engage the second frame member. A stepped portion may extend between the sealing member and the attachment means on the sealing means.

The second frame member is preferably held between the clip means and the sealing means.

The first frame member may comprise a main body, and a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the main body on opposite sides thereof. The flanges may be detachable from the main body.

The frame arrangement may comprise a plurality of said first frame members and may also include connecting members to connect adjacent first frame members to one another. The connecting member may comprise first attachment means extending in a first direction to engage one of two adjacent first frame members, and second attachment means extending in a second direction to engage the other of the two adjacent first frame members.

Preferably, the first and second attachment means comprise projections adapted to be received in recesses in the respective frame members. Each first frame member may comprise third and fourth recesses which can receive two of the first projections on the connection means. The connection means may also include aperture defining means for apertures for screws to be received

into the ends of the adjacent first frame members via the connecting member. The aperture defining means may be in the form of plates or walls extending between the respective attachment means.

The first frame member may constitute a lower first frame member upon which a sill assembly may be provided. With the lower first frame member, the securing means may comprise only one of said securing elements, which may be a clip means.

The sill assembly may include an intermediate member which can be secured to the first frame member, between the first frame member and the second frame member.

The sill assembly may comprise an outer sill member extending from the intermediate member.

Fastening means may be provided to fasten the sill member to the intermediate member. The fastening means may comprise a spigot member which can be received in a recess in one or both of the sill member and the intermediate member. In the preferred embodiment, the spigot member comprises oppositely extending projections, and each of the sill member and the intermediate member comprise a recess to receive one of the projections.

A sealing member may be provided between the sill member and the intermediate member, the sealing member may be in the form of a tape, for example an adhesive tape, suitably a double sided adhesive tape.

The first frame member may be mountable on the wall, conveniently between an inner and an outer skin of the wall.

Ties may be provided to fix the first frame member to the wall. Each tie may comprise a main portion adapted to extend into the wall. The main portion may define at least one aperture whereby mortar between adjacent

bricks or blocks forming the wall may extend into the aperture to secure the tie to the wall. The tie may further include a securing portion adapted to be received in one of a pair of opposed recesses in the outer frame member. The outer frame member may comprise inwardly extending flanges to hold the securing portion in the recess.

The first frame member may constitute an upper first frame member which may be provided with a ventilation channel. The frame arrangement may further include a cover means mountable over at least one end of the upper first frame member. Preferably the cover means comprises two cover members, each being mountable over respective opposite ends of the upper first frame member.

The cover means is preferably configured to conform to the shape of the respective end of the upper first frame member.

A connecting member may be provided to connect each end of the upper first frame member to a respective side first frame member. The connecting member may comprise the features of the connecting member described above.

A spacer member may be provided between the upper first frame member and the side first frame member. The spacer is particularly useful for windows in apertures in which one skin of the wall extends further into the aperture than the other skin. Such apertures are generally known as "check reveal" apertures.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided an upper frame member which can be mounted to a wall at an aperture defined in the wall, the upper frame member defining a channel therethrough for ventilation.

The upper frame member may comprise the features of the first frame member described above.

The first frame member may comprise an outer frame member and the second frame member may comprise an inner frame member.

In another embodiment, the first frame member may be formed of two sections, being pivotally attached to each other along one wall thereof. This embodiment is suitable for use in the formation of bay windows, whereby the angle of the first and second sections to each other is governed by the angle of the bay window.

The arrangement may further include bracing means extending between the first and second sections in pivoted positions. The arrangement may further include reinforcing members each of which may be provided within the respective first and second sections. The bracing means may be attached to the reinforcing members. Preferably the bracing means comprises a plurality of bracing member each having an elongate main portion, which may be curved. The bracing member may also include an outwardly extending portion extending from one end of the main portion. The or each outwardly extending portions may be receivable in one of the recesses in the reinforcing members.

The bracing means may comprises a plurality of pairs of bracing members spaced along the length of the sections. Each bracing member preferably defines an aperture in the main portion. The aperture may be in the form of a slot. The bracing members of each pair are preferably connected together by appropriate fastening means, for example a nut and a bolt which may extend through the overlapping apertures in the main portions.

Cover means may be provided between the pivoted sections. The cover means may be adapted to be altered to different lengths and bent into desired angles depending upon the angle between the first and second sections.

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

Fig. 1 is a top sectional view of part of a frame arrangement mounted in an aperture in a wall and showing securing means in a first position; Fig. 2 is a top sectional view of the part of the frame arrangement of Fig. 1 but with the securing means in a second position; Fig. 3 is a top sectional view of a part of a frame arrangement showing ties for fastening the arrangement to the wall; Fig. 4 is a top sectional view of a part of a frame arrangement similar to Fig. 1 but with a wider first frame member; Fig. 5 is a top sectional view of a part of a frame arrangement similar to Fig. 1 but with one skin of the wall extending inwardly further than the other skin; Fig. 6 is an exploded view of two adjacent first frame members at a lower corner; Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of a lower part of a frame arrangement mounted in an aperture in a wall and showing the securing means in a first position; Fig. 8 is a side sectional view of the lower part of the frame arrangement shown in Fig. 7, but with the securing means in a second position; Fig. 9 is a top sectional view of a part of a further embodiment of a frame arrangement in a non-pivoted position and with securing means in a first position; Fig. 10 shows a top sectional view of the frame arrangement of Fig. 9 in a first pivoted position; Fig. 11 shows a top sectional view of the frame arrangement of Fig. 9 in a second pivoted position; Fig. 12 shows a top sectional view of a frame arrangement in a first pivoted position, with the securing means in a first position; Fig. 13 is an end sectional view of an upper part of a frame arrangement showing securing means in a first position; Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 showing securing means in a second position; Fig. 15 is an exploded view of an upper corner of a frame arrangement; and

Fig. 16 is an exploded view of an upper corner of another frame arrangement.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a frame arrangement 10 comprising a first or outer frame member 12 which is mounted in a window aperture 1 between the two skins of a wall of a building, namely the external brickwork 14 and the internal blockwork 16.

Securing means 18 secures a second or inner frame member 20 to the outer frame member 12. In Fig. 1, the securing means 18 is shown in a first position.

The outer frame member 12 is an extrusion which may be formed of any suitable material, for example uPVC. The outer frame member 12 comprises a main body 15 having first and second opposed walls 17, 19, the wall 17 carrying flanges 21A, 21B adapted to lie respectively over the brickwork 14 and the blockwork 16. Attachment means in the form of first and second barbed recesses 22, 24 are provided in the wall 17 to which securing means 18 can be attached. Recesses 22A, 24A provided opposite the recesses 22, 24 the purpose of which is explained below.

The outer frame member 12 also includes a further pair of opposed walls 51, 53 extending between and transverse to the walls 17, 19. The further walls 51, 53 define recesses 52, the purpose of which will be explained below. Each of the walls 17, 19 is provided with respectively a screw port 23, 25 each of which extends the length of the respective walls 17, 19. The purpose of the screw ports 23, 25 is also described below.

The securing means 18 comprises separate clip means 26 and sealing means 28, both of which extend the length of the outer frame member 12. The clip means 26 comprises a attachment means in the form of a barbed projection 30, which is received in the recess 22 to attach the clip means 26 to the outer frame member 12. The clip means 26 further includes a resilient portion 32

having a detent member 34 extending therefrom. The sealing means 28 comprises attachment means in the form of a barbed projection 36 received in the recess 24 to attach the sealing means 28 to the outer frame member 12. The sealing means 28 also includes a sealing member 38, which seals against the inner frame member 20, as shown. A stepped connecting member 40 extends between the sealing member 38 and the barbed projection 36.

In order to assemble the frame arrangement 10, the clip means 26 and the sealing means 28 are fastened to the outer frame member 12, by pushing the barbed projections 30, 36 into the respective recesses 22, 24. Thereafter, the inner frame member 20 is inserted into the position shown in Fig. 1 in the direction of the arrow A from the right hand side as shown in the drawings, i.e. from the inside of the building.

The inner frame member 20 comprises an engaging portion 42 which engages the surface of the resilient portion 32 and deforms it towards the outer frame member 12. The engaging portion 42 also engages the detent member 34. The decent member 34 has a sloping surface 34A over which the engaging portion 42 slides when the inner frame member is being inserted. When the engaging portion 42 has passed fully over the sloping surface 34A, the resilient portion snaps back away from the outer frame member 12 into the position shown in Fig. 1. The engaging portion 42 abuts against a substantially non- sloping surface 34B of the detent member 34 on the opposite side thereof to the sloping surface 34A, thereby securing the inner frame 20 between the clip means 26 and the sealing means 28.

Referring to Fig. 2 there is shown the same embodiment as in Fig. 1, and the same features have been designated with the same reference numerals. In Fig. 2 the securing means 18 is shown in a second position such that the clip means 26 is received in the second recess 24 to attach the clip means 26 to the outer frame member 12, and the sealing means 28 is received in the first recess 22, to attach the sealing means 28 to the outer frame member 12. With this arrangement the inner frame member 20 is inserted in the direction of the

arrow B from the left hand side as shown in the drawing, i.e. from outside the building.

Referring to Fig. 3, there is shown the embodiment of Fig. 2 with ties 44 which extend from the outer frame member 12 into the brickwork 14 and the blockwork 16. The ties 44 comprise a main portion 46 defining apertures 48 into which the mortar provided between the bricks and the blocks can flow. A securing portion 50 extends from the main portion 46 into a respective one of the two recesses 52 in the walls 51, 53 on either side of the outer frame member 12. The securing portions 54 are inserted in the recesses 52 by first arranging the tie 44 such that it lies generally perpendicular to its position shown in Fig. 3 and then twisting it until it lies in the position, as shown in Fig. 3. The recesses 52 comprise inwardly extending flanges 54 which engage outwardly extending flanges 56 on the securing portion 50.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is suitable in relatively narrow cavities of, for example, generally 50 mm, between the brickwork 14 and the blockwork 16. For relatively wider cavities, for example 65 mm and 75 mm, it is necessary to use outer frame members 12 that are also wider. A suitable such outer frame member is shown in Fig. 4 and designated 12A. The outer frame member 12A includes all the features of the outer frame member 12 as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and also includes extension members 60 to increase the length of the opposite walls 17, 19 which extend between the brickwork 14 and the blockwork 16.

The extension members can be formed of any suitable width to increase the overall width of the outer frame member 12A as desired. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, for example, the side members 60 are of a width of substantially 15 mm, which means that the overall width of the outer frame member 12A is substantially 65 mm. The width of the extension members 60 may be, for example, substantially 2 5 mm to render the overall width of the outer frame member 12A substantially 75 mm.

In Fig. 5, there is shown an adaptation of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4 for use in a check reveal window aperture, i.e. a window aperture in which one of the skins of the wall, in this case the outer brickwork 14, extends deeper into the aperture 1 than the inner blockwork 16. The position of the outer brickwork 14, which extends into the aperture is designated 14A. The embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4 can be used in such a window aperture, but need to be modified by removing the flange 21A from the wall 17. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 5, the insertion of the inner frame member 20 onto the outer frame 12 has to be in the direction of the arrow A, i.e. from the right hand side, within the building. The presence of the portion 14A of the brickwork 14 prevents insertion of the inner frame member from the left hand side.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown an exploded view of a corner arrangement of two outer frame members 12(l) and 12(2), for example the lower left hand corner of a window.

Also shown in Fig. 6 is a connecting member 100 for connecting the two outer frame members 12(l) and 12(2) together. The connecting member 100 comprises a main wall member 101 from two of the opposite side edges of which two elongate projections 102, 104 extend in a first direction. The projections 102, 104 are adapted to be received respectively in the recesses 22, 24 at the lower end of the upstanding outer frame member 12(2).

A subsidiary wall member 106 extends between the projections 102, 104 at right angles to the main wall member 101 at an end edge end thereof. The subsidiary wall member 106 defines an aperture 108 through which a screw or a bolt can be inserted, the screw or bolt can be threadably received in the screw port 23 to secure the connecting member 100 to the upstanding outer frame member 12(2).

Two pairs of further projections 110 (only one of which is shown) extend from opposite edges of the main wall member 101 in a second direction

therefrom, opposite to the first direction. Each projection of a respective pair extends from a respective end region of the wall member 101. One of the pairs of further projections 110 is aligned with the first projection 102, and the other of the pair of further projections is aligned with the projection 104.

The projection of each pair adjacent the upper edge, as shown, is adapted to be received respectively in the end region of the recesses 22, 24. The lower projection of each of the pairs is adapted to be received respectively in the end region of the recesses 22A, 24A of the other outer frame member 12(1).

The main wall 101 defines two apertures 116, 118 which, when the connecting member 110 is attached to the further outer frame member 12(1) are each in alignment respectively with a respective screw port 23, 25 and can receive screws or bolts therethrough to be screwed into 'the screw ports 23, 25, thereby securing the connecting member to the further outer frame member 12(l).

Thus, the two frame members 12 are connected to each other by the connecting member 100.

The embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 5 constitute the side members of the frame 10. In Figs. 7 and 8, there is shown the lower frame members of the frame 10 which form a sill assembly 60. As can be seen, the outer frame member 12 is the same as shown in Figs. 1 to 6. However, the inner frame member 20 is spaced from the outer frame member 12 by an intermediate frame member 62 which engages the clip means 26. With the sill assembly 60 shown in Figs. 7 and 8, no sealing means 28 is provided.

A sill nose 64 extends to the left hand side of the intermediate member 62 and is connected thereto by an elongate connecting member 66 which comprises a central portion 68 and first and second barbed portions 70 extending outwardly in opposite directions therefrom, and which can be received in respective recesses 72, 74 of the sill nose 64 and the intermediate

member 62. An adhesive tape 77 extends the length of the sill nose 64 between the sill nose 64 and the intermediate member 62 to provide further attachment of the sill nose 64 to the intermediate member 62.

A sealing member 76 is provided between the sill nose 64 and the external brickwork 14. A window board 78 extends to the right hand side of the intermediate member 62 connected together by mating formations comprising a tongue 80 on the board 78 received in a recess 82 of the intermediate member 62.

The connecting means 66 may extend substantially the whole length of the intermediate member 62, and of the sill nose 64 or, alternatively, a plurality of shorter connecting members 66 can be spaced along the length of the intermediate member 62.

Fig. 7 shows an arrangement in which the sill assembly 60 is inserted onto the outer frame member 12 from the outside, i.e. from the left hand side of Fig. 7, as shown by the arrow B. Fig. 8 shows an alternative arrangement in which the sill assembly 60 is inserted onto the outer frame member from the inside, i.e. from the right hand side, as shown by the arrow A.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 8, an intermediate member 62A is used in place of the intermediate member 62. The intermediate member 62A differs mainly from the intermediate member 62 in that the engaging member 42 is arranged at a different position on each, this position being selected to ensure that the sill use 64 and the window board 78, are held in the same position as in the arrangement shown in Fig. 7.

Referring to Figs. 9 to 12 there is shown a frame arrangement for a bay window. The frame arrangement comprises a first frame member 90 comprising a first section 92 pivotally attached at a flexible pivot 93 to a second section 94.

The sections 92, 94 are mirror images of each other, and each is provided with reinforcing means in the form of an elongate member 96 attached within a respective one of each of the first and second sections 92, 94 by appropriate fastening means, for example screws.

Second frame members 20 are attached to the first frame member 90 by securing means 18 in the form of clip means 26 and sealing means 28 as described for the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 shows the sections 92, 94 in a non-pivoted, or closed, position in which the window has an angle of 180 between adjacent parts of the frame. When it is desired to manufacture a bay window having an angle which is less than 180 , for example as shown in Figs. 10 to 12, the first and second sections 92, 94 are pivoted relative to each other, as shown in Fig. 10 until the first and second sections are arranged relative to each other at a desired angle C. In Fig. 10 the angle C is substantially 135 . Bracing means are provided at spaced positions along the length of the reinforcing members 96.

Each bracing means comprises a pair of bracing members 98 arranged one above the other. Each bracing member 98 comprises an elongate curved main portion 98A and a transversely extending attachment portion 98B at one end of the main portion 98A. The two bracing members 98 are secured together in the position shown in Fig. 10 by a nut and bolt arrangement (not shown) extending through overlapping slots 120. Each reinforcing member 96 defines a recess 99 facing the corresponding recess 99 in the opposite reinforcing member 96. Each recess 99 has inwardly extending flanges 99A to provide an interference fit against the attachment portions 98B to hold the bracing member 98 to the reinforcing members 96.

Fig. 11 shows the same arrangement as in Figs. 9 and 10, but in Fig. 11 the sections 92, 94 are arranged at an angle C of 90 to each other. In this arrangement, a plurality of pairs of bracing members 98 are again provided.

The bracing members 98 of each pair being connected to each other at their adjacent ends 98C by a nut and bolt arrangement (not shown), the bolt extending through the overlapping slots 120 of the pair of bracing members 98 and is secured to the bracing members 98 by a nut, the nut and bolt thereby securing the adjacent bracing members 98 together..

A trim member 140 is provided to extend between the spaced outer ends of the first frame member 90. Each of the sections 92, 94 is provided along the side opposite the pivot 93 with a holding member 122 defining a recess 124. Each recess 124 is adapted to receive a respective end region of the trim member 140. The trim member 140 may be in the form of a substantially flat sheet which can be cut to preselected widths as defined by points of weakness in the form of V cuts 126.

As can be seen from Figs. 10 and 11 the width of the trim member 140 is dependent upon the angle between the sections 92, 94. Generally, only three such angles are required, namely 180 , 135 and 90 . The trim member 140 is also provided with a hinge line 142 about which the opposite sides of the trim 140 can be hinged to accommodate the desired angle.

In Figs. 9 to 11, the securing means, comprising clip means 26 and sealing means 28 is in a first position to accept the insertion of the second or inner frame members 20 from the outside of the building, as shown by the arrows D.

In Fig. 12, the securing means is in a second position to accept the insertion of the inner frame members 20 from the inside of the building, as shown by the arrows E. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 12 a further trim 150 is provided to cover the inside faces of the sections 92, 94 and of the inner frame members 20. The further trim 150 is the same as the trim 140 and can be cut to a desired length if required.

It will be appreciated that, although there is only shown the arrangement

with the securing means in the second position for an angle C of 13 S , the same arrangement could also be used for other desired angles of C, for example 90` and 180 .

Referring to Figs. 13 to 16 there is shown an upper part of a frame arrangement, in which the upper frame members are shown. The outer frame member 212 is affixed to the brickwork of a building wall (not shown) and comprises a main body 214 having an upper wall 216, a lower wall 218, and side walls 220, 222. The upper wall 216 defines recesses 22A, 24A which correspond to the recesses 22A, 24A described in connection with the outer frame member 12. The lower wall 218 defining recesses 22, 24 which correspond to the recesses 22, 24 described in connection with the outer frame member 12. A central wall 219 extends between the screw ports 23, 25 at the upper and lower walls 216, 218.

In Fig. 13, the sealing means 28 is attached to the lower wall member 218 at the recess 24, the projection 36 of the sealing means 28 being received in the recess 24.

With the arrangement shown in Fig. 13, the inner frame represented by the inner frame member 20 has been inserted onto the outer frame from the right hand side of the drawing, in the inside of the building, as shown by the arrow A.

The outer frame member 212 is provided with a ventilation channel 224 defined by an elongate aperture 226 in the wall 220, an elongate aperture 228 in the wall 218, and an elongate aperture 230 in the wall 219. Each of the apertures 226, 228 and 230 extends a major proportion of the length of the upper frame member 212.

Referring to Fig. 14 there is shown a further version of the upper part of the frame arrangement, in which all the features are the same and are designated with the same reference numerals. The arrangement shown in Fig.

14 differs from that shown in Fig. 13 in that the inner frame, represented by inner frame member 20 has been inserted onto the outer frame from the left hand side of Fig. 14, i.e. from the outside of the building, as shown by the arrow B. In order to accommodate such an insertion, the sealing means 28 is held by the recess 22.

In both arrangements, clip means, designated 26 in earlier drawings, is not necessary and has not been used. Obviously, if desired, clip means 26 could be used with the upper frame member 212.

Referring to Figs. 15 and 16 there is shown an upper corner arrangement for the upper frame member 212. In Figs. 15 and 16, the upper frame member 212 is connected to a side frame member 12.

In Fig. 15, it is seen that a cover member 232 is arranged over the open end of the upper frame member 212. As can be seen, the cover member 232 conforms to the shape of the end of the upper frame member 212, having recesses and apertures which correspond to the recesses and apertures in the upper frame member 212.

A connecting member 100 is provided to connect the upper frame member 212 to the side frame member 12. The connecting member 100 is shown in Figs. 15, is the same as the connecting member 100 as shown in Fig. 6, having the same features, which function in the same way. The features of the connecting member 100 shown in Fig. 15 are designated with the same reference numerals on the connecting member 100 shown in Fig. 6.

In Fig. 15, the projections 102, 104 are received in the upper region of the respective recesses 24, 22 in the side outer frame member 12. The upper projections 110 of each pair are received respectively in the recesses 22A, 24A of the upper frame member 212, via the corresponding recesses in the cover member 232, and the lower projections 110 of each pair are received respectively in the recesses 22, 24 via the corresponding recesses in the cover

member 232.

The connecting member 100 is secured to the side outer frame member 12 by a screw or bolt which extends through the aperture 108 in the wall 106 of the connecting member 100 into the screw part 23 of the side outer frame member 12.

The connecting member 100 is secured to the upper frame member 212 by two screws or bolts which extend through the apertures 116, 118 in the wall member 101 into the screw parts 23, 25 in the upper frame member 212 via the corresponding apertures in the cover member 232.

In Fig. 16, the frame arrangement is provided in a window aperture in which one of the skins of the wall defining the aperture extends deeper into the aperture than the other skin. Such an aperture is referred to a check reveal aperture. With such an aperture, the end of the upper frame member 212 is spaced from the side frame member 12. A packer 250 is therefore provided and is arranged between the connecting member 100 at the cover member 233. The packer 250 is provided with screw ports 252, 254 and recesses 256, 258, 260, 262 which correspond to the screw ports 23, 25 and the recesses 22, 24 of the upper frame member 212. The upper projecting member of each pair 110 is longer than the lower of each part 110 so that the upper projecting member of each pair can extend through the recesses 260, 262 of the packer 25, into the recesses 22A, 24A of the upper frame member 212 via the corresponding recesses in the cover member 218.

The connecting member 100 is secured to the upper frame member 212 by screws or bolts which extend through the apertures 116, 118 of the connecting member 100, through the apertures 254, 252 of the packer 250 and into the screw parts 23, 25 of the upper frame member 212 via the corresponding apertures in the cover member 232.

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.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A frame arrangement for an aperture in a wall, the arrangement comprising a first frame member and securing means to secure a second frame member to the first frame member, the securing means being formed to allow the second frame member to be inserted onto the first frame member in a selected one of first and second generally opposite directions.
2. A frame arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the securing means is arrangeable on the first frame member in a selected one of a first position to allow the second frame member to be so inserted in the first direction, and a second position to allow the second frame member to be so inserted in the second direction.
3. A frame arrangement according to Claim 2 wherein the frame arrangement includes attachment means to attach the securing means to the first frame member in the selected one of the first and second positions.
4. A frame arrangement according to Claim 3 wherein the attachment means comprises first and second formations on the first frame member to cooperate with corresponding first and second formations on the securing means, whereby when the securing means is in the first position, each of the first and second formations on the securing means co-operates with a respective one of the first and second formations on the first frame member, and when the securing means is in the second position, each of the first and second formations on the securing means co-operates with a respective one of the second and first formations on the first frame member.
5. A frame arrangement for an aperture in a wall, the arrangement comprising a first frame member and securing means to secure a second frame member to the first frame member, the securing means comprising first and second securing elements on the first frame member, wherein the second frame member is held between the first and second securing elements.

<Desc/Clms Page number 21>
6. A frame arrangement according to Claim 5 wherein the frame arrangement includes attachment means to attach the securing means to the first frame member, the attachment means comprising first and second formations on the first frame member to co-operate with corresponding first and second formations on the securing means.
7. A frame arrangement according to any of Claims 3, 4 or 6 wherein the attachment means comprises projecting means on one of the securing means and the first frame member, and recess means on the other of the securing means and the first frame member.
8. A frame arrangement according to Claim 7 wherein the projecting means comprises first and second projections, each of which is provided with first barbs, and the recess means comprises first and second recesses, each of which is provided with second barbs corresponding to the first barbs on the projections.
9. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the securing means comprises first and second securing elements, wherein the second frame member can be held on the first frame member between the first and second securing elements, the first securing element comprising resiliently deformable clip means which can resiliently deform on insertion of the second frame member, whereby the resilience of the clip means holds the second frame member on the first frame member.
10. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the second securing means comprises sealing means to provide a seal against the second frame member.
11. A frame arrangement according to Claim 10 wherein the first and second securing elements are discrete securing elements.
12. A frame arrangement according to Claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the clip

<Desc/Clms Page number 22>

means comprises a decent member to engage the second frame member, the decent member comprising a sloping surface to allow the second frame member to slide over the decent member and further including an engagement surface to engage a part of the second frame member to hold the second frame member on the first frame member, the engagement surface being opposite the sloping surface.
13. A frame arrangement according to Claim 12 wherein the clip means further includes a resiliently deformable portion to deform when the second frame member is being inserted, the detent member extending from the resiliently deformable portion.
14. A frame arrangement according to any of Claims 10 to 13 wherein the sealing means comprises a sealing member to engage the second frame member, the second frame member being held between the clip means and the sealing means.
15. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the first frame member includes a main body, and a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the main body on opposite sides thereof, the flanges being detachable from the main body.
16. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the frame arrangement comprises a plurality of said first frame members and also includes connecting members to connect adjacent first frame members to one another, the connecting member comprising first attachment means extending in a first direction to engage one of two adjacent first frame members, and second attachment means extending in a second direction to engage the other of the two adjacent first frame members.
17. A frame arrangement according to Claim 16 wherein the first and second attachment means comprise projections adapted to be received in recesses in the respective frame members, each first frame member having third and

<Desc/Clms Page number 23>

fourth recesses which can receive two of the first projections on the connection means, the connection means also including aperture defining means for apertures for screws to be received into the ends of the adjacent first frame members via the connecting member.
18. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the first frame member constitutes a lower first frame member upon which a sill assembly may be provided, and the securing means comprising only one of said securing elements in the form of a clip means.
19. A frame arrangement according to Claim 18 wherein the sill assembly includes an intermediate member which can be secured to the first frame member, between the first frame member and the second frame member.
20. A frame arrangement according to Claim 19 wherein the sill assembly comprises an outer sill member extending from the intermediate member.
21. A frame arrangement according to Claim 19 or 20 wherein fastening means is provided to fasten the sill member to the intermediate member, the fastening means comprising a spigot member which can be received in a recess in one or both of the sill member and the intermediate member.
22. A frame arrangement according to Claim 21 wherein the spigot member comprises oppositely extending projections, and each of the sill member and the intermediate member comprise a recess to receive one of the projections.
23. A frame arrangement according to any of Claims 19 to 22 wherein a sealing member is provided between the sill member and the intermediate member.
24. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the first frame member is mountable on a wall having inner and outer skins, the first frame member being mountable between the inner and outer skins of the wall.

<Desc/Clms Page number 24>
25. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein ties are provided to fix the first frame member to the wall, each tie comprising a main portion adapted to extend into the wall, the main portion defining at least one aperture whereby mortar between adjacent bricks or blocks forming the wall extends into the aperture to secure the tie to the wall, and the tie further including a securing portion adapted to be received in one of a pair of opposed recesses in the outer frame member.
26. A frame arrangement according to Claim 25 wherein the outer frame member includes inwardly extending flanges to hold the securing portion in the recess.
27. A frame arrangement according to any of Claims I to I7 and 24 to 26 wherein the first frame member constitutes an upper first frame member which is provided with a ventilation channel, the frame arrangement further including a cover means mountable over at least one end of the upper first frame member.
28. A frame arrangement according to Claim 27 wherein the cover means comprises two cover members, each being mountable over respective opposite ends of the upper first frame member.
29. A frame arrangement according to Claim 2 7 or 2 8 wherein the cover means is configured to conform to the shape of the respective end of the upper first frame member.
30. A frame arrangement according to Claims 27, 28 or 29 wherein a connecting member is provided to connect each end of the upper first frame member to a respective side first frame member, the connecting member comprising the features of the connecting member as claim in Claim 16 or 17.
31. A frame arrangement according to Claim 30 wherein a spacer member is provided between the upper first frame member and the side first frame

<Desc/Clms Page number 25>

member.
32. A frame arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the first frame member is formed of two sections, being pivotally attached to each other along one wall thereof.
33. A frame arrangement according to any Claim 32 wherein the arrangement further includes bracing means extending between the first and second sections in pivoted positions, and reinforcing members each of which may be provided within the respective first and second sections, the bracing means being attached to the reinforcing members.
34. A frame arrangement according to a Claim 33 wherein the bracing means comprises a plurality of bracing members each having an elongate curved main portion, the or each bracing member also including an outwardly extending portion extending from one end of the main portion, wherein the or each outwardly extending portions is receivable in one of the recesses in the reinforcing members.
35. A frame arrangement according to Claim 34 wherein the bracing means comprises a plurality of pairs of bracing members spaced along the length of the sections, each bracing member defining an aperture in the main portion.
36. A frame arrangement according to Claim 35 wherein the aperture is in the form of a slot.
37. A frame arrangement according to Claim 35 or 36 wherein the bracing members of each pair are connected together by appropriate fastening means, which extends through the overlapping apparatus in the main portions.
38. A frame arrangement according to any of Claims 3 2 to 3 7 wherein cover means is provided between the pivoted sections, the cover means being adapted to be altered to different lengths and bent into desired angles depending upon

<Desc/Clms Page number 26>

the angle between the first and second sections.
39. An upper frame member which can be mounted to a wall at an aperture defined in the wall, the upper frame member defining a channel therethrough for ventilations.
40. An upper frame member according to Claim 39 comprising the features of the first frame member as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17 and 24 to 39.
41. A wall defining an aperture and having within the aperture a frame arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim.
42. A frame arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
43. An upper frame member substantially as herein described with reference to Figs 13 to 16 of the accompanying drawings.
44. 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.