GB2398307A - Wooden conservatory framework; panels with wooden frames. - Google Patents

Abstract

A timber conservatory framework 22 has a decorative internal covering 26; it may also have a decorative external covering. Framework 22 has a top edge profiled to correspond with the profile of beam 18. A fixing element 78, possibly a screw, is driven down through beam 18 and framework 22, which attaches them together. The profiled beam 18 supports the corresponding profiled rafter 80. For aesthetic appearances the joints between beam 18, framework 22 and the rafter 80 are covered with internal fascia 70 and external fascia 72. The inner cover 26 extends to meet the rafter 80, which has a profiled edge to correspond with that of the cover 26 and so forming a continuous inner flush finish.

Description

1 2398307 Conservatory The present invention relates to wooden

conservatory structures.

A conservatory is a single storey extension, usually for a domestic dwelling, having primarily glass or other transparent or translucent walls and roof. This results in the conservatory interior being warmed by sunlight.

American usage refers to a conservatory as a solarium or solar lounge.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a timber conservatory structure comprising: i a framework of substantially timber supporting members defining a plurality of apertures; at least one panel frame substantially of timber and supported in one of the apertures by the framework; and mounting means associated with the panel frame and operable to support a panel in the frame, to close the corresponding aperture.

The supporting members may be selected from a range of predetermined sizes, to provide an aperture of one of a range of predetermined sizes, the or each panel being chosen from a range of predetermined sizes to fit the aperture so formed.

The framework may include substantially upright timber post members alongside each aperture, the or each panel frame being attached to the corresponding post members for support.

The or each panel frame may be attached to one or more post members by means of fixing members lying generally in the plane of the panel.

The structure preferably further comprises a decorative timber cover member covering the post member from view within the conservatory. The decorative timber cover member may be fixed in position by means of fixing members extending through the post member and into the cover member from the outwardly facing surface of the post member. A further decorative timber cover member may cover the post member from view from outside the conservatory.

The framework preferably includes a generally horizontal timber member or members forming a beam at the eaves of the conservatory. The beam member may provide an upper boundary for at least one aperture. A panel frame may be fixed to the beam member by means of one or more fixing members extending down into the panel frame from the upper surface of the beam member. At least one decorative timber fascia board may be provided, covering the beam member from view. The beam member may be covered from view from within or from outside the conservatory, or both.

The conservatory preferably has roof rafters supported at their lower end by the beam member. Each rafter may be supported at a position above a post member alongside an aperture and covered from view by a decorative timber cover member, the cover member meeting the lower surface of the rafter, and the cover member and rafter having moulding profiles which are continuous across the boundary.

The invention also provides a timber conservatory framework comprising timber post members between which apertures are defined for receiving panels to close the apertures, and decorative timber cover members covering the post members from view from within or outside the conservatory.

Preferably one of the cover members for each post is attached to the post by fixing members extending through the post from the opposite face and covered at the opposite face by the other cover member.

In another aspect, the invention provides a timber conservatory framework comprising a generally horizontal timber member or members forming a beam at the eaves of the conservatory, the beam forming an upper boundary for one or more apertures for receiving panels for closing the apertures, and supporting roof rafters of the conservatory.

The or each panel may be fixed to the beam member by means of one or more fixing members extending down into the panel from the upper surface of the beam member.

At least one decorative timber fascia board is preferably provided, covering the beam member from view. The beam member may be covered from view from within or from outside the conservatory.

Each rafter may be supported at a position above a post member alongside an aperture and covered from view by a decorative timber cover member, the cover member meeting the lower surface of the rafter, and the cover member and rafter having moulding profiles which are continuous across the boundary.

Examples of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a conservatory; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a conservatory; Fig. 3 is a front view of a conservatory in two configurations; Fig. 4 illustrates various conservatory components; Fig. 5 is a cross-section of a straight post arrangement; Fig. 6 is a crosssection of a corner post arrangement; Fig. 7 is a vertical section through a conservatory framework; Fig. 8 is an illustration of a panel; and, Fig. 9 is a further illustration of two panels.

Overview it is appropriate first to provide an overview of the conservatory structure shown in the drawings, before describing aspects in more detail.

The drawings illustrate a timber conservatory structure 10. This has substantially vertical walls 12 and a roof 14.

A framework for the conservatory 10 includes vertical posts 16, a ring l 5 of beams 18 at the top of the posts 16, and rafters 20.

The members of the framework are all timber, or substantially timber.

They define between them a plurality of apertures, particularly between adjacent posts 16.

The apertures between the posts 16 are filled by a panel frame 22, to which, in turn, a panel 24 is attached to close the aperture.

Vertical Joints Between Panels Fig. 4 is a horizontal section showing various arrangements for forming joints between the vertical edges of panel frames 22. Two examples are shown in more detail in Figs. 5 and 6.

The panel frames 22 are shown without detail in Fig. 4. Each is positioned between two posts 16. Three forms of post are illustrated. An end post 16A (see also Fig. 4B) is for use at the end of a wall 12, where the conservatory meets the building for which it is provided. A straight post 16B (see also Fig. 4G) is used along a straight run of a wall 12. A corner post 16C (see also Fig. 4D) allows a change in the line of the wall.

A decorative timber cover member 26 is provided for each post 16 to cover the post member from view from within the conservatory, in the region 28. The covers 26 are labelled 26A, 26B, 26C to correspond with the respective posts 16A, B. C. It can be seen that the covers 26B, 26C are identical in section.

Further decorative timber cover members 30 are provided to cover the posts 16 from view from outside the conservatory, in the region 32. Three different profiles are used, respectively covering the posts 16A, B. C and suffixed correspondingly with A, B or C. The comer post 16C is not fully covered by an outer cover 30C. Instead, two covers 30C are provided, each partially covering the post 16C, but fully covering the junction between the post 16C and the adjacent panel frames 22.

Straight Post The structures associated with the straight post 16B can now be described in more detail, with particular reference to Fig. 5, which shows additional detail to that of Fig. 4.

The post 16B (see also Fig. 4G) is of generally rectangular section having channels 34 in both short ends of the rectangle, and two ridges 36 on the long sides of the rectangle. The section of the post 16B is substantially constant along the whole length of the post.

The panel frame 22 is square or rectangular, formed of four timber lengths, also of generally rectangular profile, as shown in Fig. 5. In the face abutting the post 16B, the frame 22 has grooves 38 which are complementary with the ridges 36 to locate the frame 22 against the post 16B. The depth of the frame 22 is the same as that of the post 16B, so that the inner and outer faces of the post 16B and frame 22 are substantially aligned.

This leaves one of the channels 34 facing the inside 28 of the conservatory, and the other channel 34 facing the outside 32 of the conservatory. The inner cover 26B is approximately square in section. A locating flange 40 runs along its length for receipt in the channel 34 for locating the cover 26B relative to the post 16B. This leaves two corners 42 exposed to the inside 28 of the conservatory. These corners are provided with a decorative moulding effect by appropriate machining.

A similar arrangement is provided to the outside 32. The outer cover 30B (see also Fig. 4C) is shallower than the cover 26B, but also has a locating flange 44 and moulded corners 46. This locates the cover 30B relative to the post 16B.

It is apparent from Fig. 5 that the horizontal width of the covers 26B, 30B is greater than the width of the post 16B, so that the joints 48 between the post 16B and the frames 22 are covered from view. From the inside 28, the size and position of the post 16B gives the impression of a substantial supporting post, but with a decorative finish provided by the corners 42.

The side of the frames 22 facing away from the post 16B are more complex in form. A deep rebate 50 and lip 52 allow for receipt of a panel 24, shown as a glazed panel in Fig. 5, having a sealed glazing unit 54 mounted in frame members 56 which are received in the rebates 50. A lip 58 covers the joint, for aesthetic reasons. A gasket 60 provides sealing between the frame member 56 and the lip 52.

The panel frame 22 is attached to the post 16B by fixing members, such as wood screws, which are located as shown at 62, that is, extending generally in the plane of the panel 24, through the frame 22 into the post 16B.

Consequently, the head of the screws 62 is covered from view, once a panel 24 has been installed in the frame 22.

Similarly, the inner cover 26B is held in position by a line of screws 64, each of which extends through the post 16B from the outside 32, into the post 16B. This holds the cover 26B in position without the fixing screw being visible from the inside 28. The outer cover 30B is installed over the exposed head of the screws 64, to cover them from view, and is held in position by adhesive, tacks or the like.

The arrangement at the end post 16B is similar to that described in relation to Fig. 5, but uses simpler profiles, as follows. The profile of the end JO post 16A is again generally rectangular, similar to the post 16B, but on the face which will abut a wall, the ridges 36 of post 16B are replaced by grooves, so that the post 16A can lie flush against a building wall. The inner cover 26A and outer cover 30A are reduced relative to the covers 26B, 30B by finishing square for abutment against the building wall, and having only one decorative corner. The decorative corner corresponds with the decorative corners of the covers 26B, SOB. Similar arrangements are provided for attaching the panel frames 22 to the post 16A, and for attaching the covers 26A, 30A to the post 16A, in order that fixing screws are not visible once the arrangement is constructed.

The arrangement at the corner post 16C is more complex than at the straight post 16B and is shown in Fig. 6. The profiles of the panel frames 22 are the same as in Fig. 5, and fit against faces of the post 16C which are the same as the faces of the post 16B, but, unlike the situation in the post 16B, are not parallel with each other. This causes an angle to be formed between the panel frames 22, thereby providing a corner in the line of the wall being formed.

To the inside 28, a cover 26C is provided. This has the same profile as the cover 26B and is located by means of a flange 40 and channel 34, except that by virtue of the corner being formed, and abutment between the cover 26C and the panel frames 22, the flange 40 is not able to penetrate fully into the channel 34.

Screws 62 are again provided for fixing the panel frame 22 to the corner post 16C. The heads of these screws, exposed in the rebate 50, are subsequently covered by the installation of a panel 24 (not shown in Fig. 6).

To the outside 32, the single cover 30B is replaced by two covers 30C which are slimmer than the cover SOB, see Fig. 4E. Each is located at a respective join between the frame 22 and the post 16C and located by a flange 44, located in a rebate at the edges of the post 16C, fomming a channel with the adjacent frame 22, for receiving the flange 44. Prior to installing the l O outer cover 30C, screws 64 are driven from outside the post 16C, through to the cover 26C, to hold the cover 26C in position. The exposed heads of the screws are then covered by the outer covers 30C, held in position by adhesive, tacks or the like.

Joint at Horizontal Edges of Panel Frames Fig. 7 is a vertical section through the conservatory framework, showing, in particular, the arrangements at the top of the panel frame 22. At the bottom, the framework is finished by a sill 68.

At the top edge of the frame 22, a joint is formed between the frame 22, a beam 18 and rafters 20, with internal and external fascias 70, 72 provided for decorative reasons.

The profile of the frame 22, across the horizontal upper edge, is the same as shown previously (see Fig. 5, or 6, for example). Accordingly, horizontal grooves 38 are upwardly exposed to the beam 18. The beam section is generally rectangular, having two flanges 74 for location in the grooves 38. A groove 76 is provided on the face of the beam 18 which, after installation, faces up. This can receive the head of a screw 78 or other fixing member driven down through the beam 18, into the panel frame 22, to attach the beam 18 and panel frame 22 together.

One or more timber length is laid end-to-end to form a beam 18 around the entire periphery of the conservatory framework. The beam 18 serves to support the lower end of each rafter 18, which extends up from the beam 18, at an angle to the horizontal. Each rafter 80 (see also Fig. 7E) is cut in a bird's mouth configuration at its lower end, being provided with a rebate 82 to receive the beam 18, and a chamfer at 84, at an angle chosen so that the face of the chamfer 84 is vertical when the rafter is in position in its sloping orientation, with the beam 18 received in the rebate 82.

For aesthetic reasons, the joint is completed by installation of internal and external fascias 70, 72, spanning between adjacent rafters 80. The exposed lower edges of the fascias 70, 72 are preferably finished by a decorative moulding, preferably one which matches the moulding applied to edges of the covers 26.

Each rafter is preferably positioned to be immediately above a corresponding post 16, and thus also above a corresponding inner cover 26.

Consequently, the load from the rafter 20 is supported primarily by the post 16 immediately below, but the beam 18 helps spread load between the posts 16.

An important contribution to the aesthetics of the structure is provided as follows. The inner cover 26 extends up to meet the rafter 80. The lower edge of the rafter 80 is moulded to match the cover 26, as can be seen by the section at Fig. 7F. The end face of the cover 26 (Fig. 4H) is cut to be complementary to the lower face of the rafter 80 and thus, since the profiles of the cover 26 and rafter 80 are matching, the moulding profile becomes continuous across the boundary of the cover 26 and rafter 80.

Modularity The framework described above, formed by the posts 16 and beam 18, defines various apertures for receiving panel frames 22. The size of these apertures is primarily determined by the length of the posts 16, and their spacing. Consequently, it is relatively easy to provide a modular framework by providing posts and beam sections in a range of predetermined lengths, so that combinations of these components will result in apertures of a size in a range of predetemmined sizes. This, in turn, allows the panel frames 22 and the panels within them to be built to the range of corresponding sizes.

Accordingly, various different conservatory designs can be built in modular fashion by making appropriate selections from the ranges of predetermined sizes.

Panels An example of a panel is shown in more detail in Figs. 8 and 9. The panel 24 is glazed, but could be partly glazed or blind. Frame members 56 extend around all four sides of the sealed glazing unit 54, which may incorporate a vertical member forming a flying mullion 86. The profile of the four frame members 56 is generally similar, but for aesthetic reasons, it can be seen that the head 88 is more substantial than the jambs 90, which are in turn more substantial than the sill 92.

Elevation Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate various aesthetic effects available by using the arrangements described. In Figs. 3A and 3B, various panels 24 are installed between posts 16, the panels having various combinations of opening and fixed lights, glazed and blind panels, doors and the like. In Fig. 3B, a region of brickwork 25 is shown, with shorter panels above.

Concluding Remarks It can be seen from the above description that the conservatory structure which has been described is substantially entirely timber (with the exception of glazing). In particular, the framework of posts and beams is timber, as are the panel frames 22 and frame members 56.

Many variations and modifications can be made to the examples described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular, many different dimensions, relative dimensions and shapes of the various components could be chosen, particularly for aesthetic reasons.

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 (24)

1. A timber conservatory structure comprising: a framework of substantially timber supporting members defining a plurality of apertures; at least one panel frame substantially of timber and supported in one of the apertures by the framework; and mounting means associated with the panel frame and operable to support a panel in the frame, to close the corresponding aperture.

2. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 1, wherein the supporting members are selected from a range of predetermined sizes, to provide an aperture of one of a range of predetermined sizes, the or each panel being chosen from a range of predetermined sizes to fit the aperture so 1 5 formed.

3. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the framework includes substantially upright timber post members alongside each aperture, the or each panel frame being attached to the corresponding post members for support.

4. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 3, wherein the or each panel frame is attached to one or more post members by means of fixing members lying generally in the plane of the panel.

5. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the structure further comprises a decorative timber cover member covering the post member from view within the conservatory.

6. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 5, wherein the decorative timber cover member is fixed in position by means of fixing members extending through the post member and into the cover member from the outwardly facing surface of the post member.

7. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a i further decorative timber cover member covers the post member from view from outside the conservatory.

8. A timber conservatory structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the framework includes a generally horizontal timber member or members forming a beam at the eaves of the conservatory.

9. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 8, wherein the beam l O member provides an upper boundary for at least one aperture.

10. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 9, wherein a panel frame is fixed to the beam member by means of one or more fixing members extending down into the panel frame from the upper surface of the beam l 5 member.

11. A timber conservatory structure according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one decorative timber fascia board is provided, covering the beam member from view.

12. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 11, wherein the beam member is covered from view from within or from outside the conservatory, or both.

13. A timber conservatory structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the conservatory has roof rafters supported at their lower end by the beam member.

14. A timber conservatory structure according to claim 13, wherein each rafter is supported at a position above a post member alongside an aperture and covered from view by a decorative timber cover member, the cover member meeting the lower surface of the rafter, and the cover member and rafter having moulding profiles which are continuous across the boundary.

15. A timber conservatory framework comprising timber post members between which apertures are defined for receiving panels to close the apertures, and decorative timber cover members covering the post members from view from within or outside the conservatory.

16. A timber conservatory framework according to claim 15, wherein one of the cover members for each post is attached to the post by fixing members extending through the post from the opposite face and covered at the opposite face by the other cover member.

17. A timber conservatory framework comprising a generally horizontal timber member or members forming a beam at the eaves of the conservatory, the beam forming an upper boundary for one or more apertures for receiving panels for closing the apertures, and supporting roof rafters of the l 5 conservatory.

18. A timber conservatory framework according to claim 17, wherein the or each panel is fixed to the beam member by means of one or more fixing members extending down into the panel from the upper surface of the beam member.

19. A timber conservatory framework according to claim 18, wherein at least one decorative timber fascia board is provided, covering the beam member from view.

20. A timber conservatory framework according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the beam member is covered from view from within or from outside the conservatory.

21. A timber conservatory framework according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein each rafter is supported at a position above a post member alongside an aperture and covered from view by a decorative timber cover member, the cover member meeting the lower surface of the rafter, and the cover member and rafter having moulding profiles which are continuous across the boundary.

22. A timber conservatory structure substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A timber conservatory framework substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. 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.