GB2505861A

GB2505861A - Attachment reinforcing a window frame around the handle connection

Info

Publication number: GB2505861A
Application number: GB1211137.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Sharples
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-22
Filing date: 2012-06-22
Publication date: 2014-03-19
Also published as: GB201211137D0

Abstract

A window frame attachment includes a reinforcing plate 300 positioned between a window frame actuator 200, such as a handle, and the window frame 100. The plate 300 is fixed to the frame 100 and transfers the load from the actuator 200 to the frame 100. The plate 300 may extend beyond the engagement area of the handle 200, so that the load is spread over a greater area, reducing strain on the frame 100 when the handle 200 is turned and preventing cracks in the frame 100. The plate 300 may be retro-fitted in order to reinforce the window frame 100 and cover any cracks that may have formed in the window frame 100. The plate 300 may be elongate and provided with apertures for mechanical fixing means such as screws and the handle mechanism. The plate 300 may be additionally secured by a bracket 350 which may be inserted inside the frame 100 structure. A method of installation and a kit of parts are also provided.

Description

IMPROVED WINDOW FRAME ACTUATOR ATTACHMENT

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an improved actuator attachment means for a window frame, and a method of installation of the actuator and attachment on a new or existing window frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Window frames, particularly a PVC window frame 10 as shown in figure 1, have attached thereon an actuator 20. The actuator comprises a rotatable handle which is used, via a mechanism, to lock/unlock and move the window frame between an open and closed position. In use, the actuator is subject to a range of stresses and bending moments, such as torsion during locking/unlocking of the window, and tension/compression during opening and closing of the window. These stresses are transferred to the frame, and with time, can cause fracture of the frame via fatigue, particularly in a region 30 proximate the actuator, close to the ends of the portion of the actuator which engages the frame, as best shown in figure I. Such fracturing is unsightly, and can result in the window being less secure, particularly if the fracture grows to the extent where the actuator is able to shear off.

An object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for an actuator and/or an actuator of a window frame, which when coupled to the window frame overcomes one of the above or other problems. More specificaly, a first objective of the present invention is to provide an actuator attachment, which when coupled to a window frame reduces damage to the window frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a window frame attachment comprising: a plate configured to be positioned between a window frame actuator and a window frame, wherein the plate comprises fixing means arranged to fix the plate to the window frame, the plate being configured such that it transfers load from the actuator to the window frame.

Preferably, the plate comprises second fixing means arranged to fix the plate to the actuator.

Preferably, the plate is of a size greater than a plate engaging portion of the actuator, more preferably, the plate is between 10-50 cm in length and 1 -5cm in width.

More preferably, the plate is about i 9 cm in length and is about 2 cm in width and is preferably 0.5 cm thick.

Preferably the plate is configured to increase the surface area of the window frame over which load is applied. Preferably, the plate is configured to conceal any cracks in the window frame. Preferably, the plate is configured to extend beyond the ends of a window frame engagement portion of the actuator.

Accordingly, the first objective of the invention is achieved since the plate both conceals any cracks in the window frame which are proximate the window frame engaging portion of the actuator, and increases the area over which load is applied from the actuator to the window frame, to thereby reduce the likelihood of cracking/further crack propagation.

Preferably, the plate is elongate in length, having a first end and second end. Preferably, the fixing means is positioned at the first end and! or the second end. Preferably, the fixing means is arranged on a window frame engaging portion of the plate.

Optionally, the fixing means comprises an adhesive.

Optionally, the fixing means comprises a mechanical fixing, such as a bolt, screw, rivet or nail. Preferably, the plate comprises one or more apertures for receiving the mechanical fixing.

Preferably, the plate is made of a material which is more rigid than a PVC window frame. Preferably, the plate is made of plastic or metal.

Preferably, the plate further comprises an aperture through which an actuating member of the window frame actuator is insertable.

Optionally, the window frame attachment further comprises a bracket, configured to extend around at least part of a side of the window frame, the bracket preferably comprising fixing means. Preferably, the fixing means are insertable into apertures in the side of the window frame. Preferably, the bracket is angled to define a first and second portion.

Preferably, the first portion comprises two tongue portions having the fixing means thereon. Preferably, the fixing means comprises two self-tapping screws, irisertable through apertures in the tongue portions.

Preferably, the bracket is retained in position via fixing means. Preferably the fixing means are operable to retain the actuator and plate in place on the window frame. Preferably the fixing means extend through the actuator, plate, frame and second portion of the bracket.

Preferably, the second portion of the bracket and plate are positioned on either side of the portion of the frame which the actuator is connected to.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a window frame actuator comprising the attachment according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a handle portion, arranged to actuate an actuating member, the actuating member being configured to lock and close a window frame via a mechanism.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a window frame comprising frame actuator according to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a window actuator and window frame comprising; a window frame attachment comprising one or more plates configured to be positioned between a window frame actuator and a window frame, wherein the plate comprises first fixing means arrangeable to fix the plate to the window frame, the plate being configured such that it transfers load from the actuator to the window frame.

Preferably, the kit of parts comprises a window frame actuator.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided method of installing an actuator on a window frame, the method comprising: inserting a plate between the actuator and window frame; attaching the plate to the window frame by fixing means positioned on the plate; wherein the plate is arranged such that it transfers load from the actuator to the window frame.

Preferably, the method is a method of upgrading an existing window frame and actuator.

Preferably, the method is a method of repairing an existing window frame and actuator.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a window frame fitted with a prior art actuator Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a window frame fitted with an actuator and attachment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of figure I; Figure 4 shows a sectional view along line A-A of figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Figures 2 -4 show a window frame 100, with a window frame actuator 200 attached thereto. Between the actuator 200 and door frame there is positioned an window frame attachment 300.

The window frame 100 comprises a PVC inner frame 110, which is movably mounted, for instance, by a pivoted connection, (not shown) to an outer frame (not shown). The outer frame is rigidly mounted to a wall of a building (not shown).

Although the invention is shown in relation to a window frame it will also be appreciated that it may be applied to a window frame of a door, with the actuator being the door handle.

The actuator 200 comprises a handle 210, and an actuator mechanism 220, which extends from the handle 210 into the inner frame 110. The actuator mechanism 220 is arranged to engage with the inner frame and outer frame to lock/unlock the inner frame to the outer frame.

In this particular embodiment the attachment 300 comprises a plate 310, which abuts a frame engaging face 230 of the actuator, as best shown in figure 3. In this particular embodiment the frame engaging face 230 is substantially rectangular, having dimensions of about 7.2cm x 2cm. However, it will be appreciated that the frame engagng face will be a range of sizes to fit conventional window/door frames. For instance, the frame engaging face 230 of actuators are within the range of 10-25 cm x 1 -4cm, hence the attachment 300 can be correctly sized for actuators within this size range.

The plate 310 is mounted to an actuator engaging face 120 of the inner frame 110 by fixing means 400, as best shown in figure 3. In this particular embodiment the fixing means 400 comprise an adhesive strip, which is a high tack polymer adhesive.

In another embodiment (not shown) the fixing means comprise mechanical fixings, such as a bolt, screw, rivet or nail, which are arranged to extend through an aperture in the plate 310 and into the inner frame 110. The mechanical fixing means may opticnally be included with the adhesive strip.

In this particular embodiment the fixing means 400 is positioned at a first end 320 and at second end 330 of the plate. However in other embodiments they are positioned at any suitable point of the plate 310.

As best seen in figure 2, the plate 310 is substantially rectangular and is of a greater size than the frame engaging face 230 of the actuator 200. In this particular embodiment the plate is 19cm x 2cm and is 0.5cm thick. However, in other embodiments it is 10-50cm x 1 -5 cm and 0.25-2cm thick, or any suitable size to cover a range of window/door frames.

Since the plate 310 is arranged between the actuator 200 and inner frame 110, load applied to the actuator 200 is transferred to the inner frame 110 via the plate. As best shown in figure 2, the plate 310 is larger than the frame engaging face 230 of the actuator 200.

Accordingly, the load transmitted to the inner frame 110 is transferred over a greater area than without the plate 310. In this way, any cracks present in a window frame which has had the attachment 300 added as a retrofit, are less likely to propagate. This is because the plate 310 causes reduced localised stress around the actuator and also bridges the cracks.

Furthermore, new window frames are less likely to become cracked when fitted with the actuator attachment 300.

The ends 320, 330 of the plate 310 extend beyond the region of the inner frame 110 most susceptible to cracking. Accordingly, the actuator attachment 300, when retrofitted acts to conceal any cracks which may be present.

In this particular embodiment the plate 310 is made from an epoxy powder coated aluminium. In other embodiments the plate is made from another material which is more rigid than the PVC window frame, such as a metal or other plastic.

The plate further comprises apertures 340, through which is inserted part of the actuator mechanism 220, and screws 240 for fixing the actuator to the inner frame 110, as best shown in figures 3 and 4.

In this particular embodiment the actuator attachment 300 further comprises a bracket 350, as best shown in figures 2 and 4. The bracket 350 is angled at substantially 90° to define a first portion 352 which is angled in relation to a second portion 354. The first portion 352 comprise an aperture 356 through which the actuator mechanism 220 extends, and is arranged such that it abuts a keeper plate 112 portion of the inner frame 110. In this embodiment the keeper plate is defined as a separate, optional reinforcement piece fined to the inner frame proximate a mortice. As best shown in figure 3, the bracket is fixed in position by means of the screws 240 which extend though further apertures in the first portion. The second portion 354 comprises two tongues 358A, 358B. The tongues 358 have apertures through which fixing means 360 in the form of self-tapping screws extend. The self-tapping screws 360 extend into the inner frame 110 to further secure the bracket 350 in position.

Accordingly, the bracket provides a more secure connection between the actuator 200 and inner frame 110, and also acts to conceal any cracks. The bracket also acts to conceal any substantial gaps in the inner frame 110 which may have been caused by over-routing of the inner frame during installation of the lock assembly into the inner frame.

The window attachment can be fitted to an existing window frame. This has the advantage of concealing any cracks which may be present in the frame, and prevents crack propagation. The window attachment can alternatively be supplied with the actuator and window frame tor fitting from new.

To fit the attachment to an existing window frame, initially the actuator 200 is detached from the inner frame 110. Thereafter the actuator 200 is reattached with the plate 310 positioned between the frame engaging face 230 of the actuator and inner frame 110. The plate 310 is secured to the inner frame 110 by the fixing means 400. The bracket 350 is inserted such that the first portion 352 abuts the keeper plate 112. The actuator 200 is then connected to the inner frame 110 and bracket 350 by means of the screws 214. Thereafter, the bracket 305 is further secured to the side of the frame by the fixing means 360.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A window frame attachment comprising: a plate configured to be positioned between a window frame actuator and a window frame, wherein the plate comprises fixing means arranged to fix the plate to the window frame, the plate being configured such that it transfers load from the actuator to the window frame.
2. A window frame attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate comprises second fixing means arranged to fix the plate to the actuator.
3. A window frame attachment as claimed in any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the plate is of a size greater than a plate engaging portion of the actuator.
4. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plate is configured to increase the surface area of the window frame over which load is applied.CV)
5. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plate is configured to conceal any cracks in the window frame. (00 20
6. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plate is configured to extend beyond the ends of a window frame engagement portion of the actuator.
7. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plate is elongate in length, having a first end and second end.
8. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means is positioned at the first end and/ or the second end.
9. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means is arranged on a window frame engaging portion of the plate.
10. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plate comprises one or more apertures for receiving a mechanical fixing.
11. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plate further comprises an aperture through which an actuating member of the window frame actuator isinsertable.
12. A window frame attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the window frame attachment further comprises a bracket, configured to extend around at least part of a side of the window frame.
13. A window frame attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bracket comprises fixing means.
14. A window frame attachment as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fixing means are insertable into apertures in the side of the window frame.
15. A window frame attachment as claimed in claims 12 to 14, wherein the bracket is angled to define a first and second portion.
16. A window frame attachment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first portion comprises two tongue portions having the fixing means thereon.CV)
17. A window frame attachment as claimed in claims 13 to 16, wherein the fixing means comprises two self-tapping screws, insertable through apertures in the tongue portions. (00 20 18 A window frame attachment as claimed in claims 13 to 17, wherein the fixing means are operable to retain the actuator and plate in place on the window frame.19. A window frame attachment as claimed in claims 13 to 18, wherein the fixing means extend through the actuator, plate, frame and second portion of the bracket.20. A window frame attachment as claimed in claims 13 to 19, wherein the second portion of the bracket and plate are positioned on either side of the portion of the frame which the actuator is connected to.21. A window frame actuator comprising the attachment according to claims ito 20.22. A window frame actuator as claimed in claim 21, wherein the actuator comprises a handle portion, arranged to actuate an actuating member, the actuating member being configured to lock and close a window frame via a mechanism.23. A window frame comprising a window frame actuator according to claims 21 or 22.24. A kit of parts for assembling a window actuator and window frame comprising; a window frame attachment comprising one or more plates configured to be positioned between a window frame actuator and a window frame, wherein the plate comprises first fixing means arrangeable to fix the plate to the window frame, the plate being configured such that it transfers load from the actuator to the window frame.25. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 24, wherein the kit of parts comprises a window frame actuator.26. A method of installing an actuator on a window frame, the method comprising: inserting a plate between the actuator and window frame; attaching the plate to the window frame by fixing means positioned on the plate; wherein the plate is arranged such that it transfers load from the actuator to the window frame.27. A method of installing an actuator on a window frame as claimed in claim 26, wherein the method is a method of upgrading an existing window frame and actuator.28. A method of installing an actuator on a window frame as claimed in claims 26 or 27, CV) wherein the method is a method of repairing an existing window frame and actuator. (0