GB2524100A

GB2524100A - Sash hardware locating system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2524100A
Application number: GB1404649.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Leonard Johnson
Original assignee: Grouphomesafe Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2015-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-14
Also published as: GB201404649D0; GB2524100B

Abstract

A sash hardware locating system for use on a pre-formed sash frame with a recessed channel along the outer side edges of the frame, the system having an L-shaped corner guide 11 for fitting into the recess 51b, an end cap 20 for fitting over the guide within the recess, and at least one aperture in at least one arm of the guide (12, fig 2) for receiving at least one screw 70 to fix the system to the frame. The end cap may be L-shaped and may cover the entire of the corner guide. One arm of the corner guide and end cap may include semi-cylindrical channels to create a bore to receive a shootbolt. The guide and cap may also have corresponding grooves or indents (16a & 16b, fig 2) and ribs or projections (26a & 26b, fig 2) to interlock and align the guide and cap.

Description

SASH HARDWARE LOCATING SYSTEM AND METHOD

The invention relates to a locating system for door and window hardware and to a method for installing the system. In particular, the invention relates to a locating system for door and window hardware, including but not limited to, pre-formed doors and windows comprising PVC or aluminium frames.

Glazed doors and windows, often collectively referred to as sash closures, may typically be constructed from single, double or even triple glazed panels mounted in a sash frame. The sash frames may, for example, be made of aluminium, uPVC or wood-plastic composite profiles which are typically fabricated as extrusions and then cut to the desired length and joined together to form the sash frame. The frame members may be welded together to form the corner joints or may be secured by other fixing methods, for example, by means of corner brackets that are affixed to adjoining frame members around the corner.

Depending on the nature of the sash closures, the corners typically provide a convenient location for mounting various sash hardware, for example, sliding door runners, bogies, corner drives, buffers, etc. or for guiding hardware that is mounted elsewhere along the sash edge, shootbolts being one such example.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a corner locating system for door and window hardware which results in a secure and robust construction. It is a further object of the invention to provide a corner locating system for sash hardware that permits both inward and outward sash movement, such as may be encountered in so called bi-fold or multi fold doors.

Accordingly, from a first aspect, the invention resides in a sash hardware locating system for use on a pre-formed sash frame of the type having a recessed channel along the outer frame side edges, the system comprising (i) a substantially L-shaped corner guide for fitting into the recess around the sash frame at a corner thereof, at least one arm of the corner guide being provided with at least one aperture for receiving a screw that engages with the pre-formed sash frame along a side edge thereof to secure the corner guide to the sash and (ii) an end cap for fitting within the recess over the corner guide, the end cap being adapted to be secured to the corner guide and to locate sash hardware.

From another aspect, the invention resides in a sash hardware locating system for use on a pre-formed sash frame of the type having a recessed channel along the outer frame side edges thereof, the system comprising a substantially L-shaped corner guide for fitting into the recess around a sash frame corner and an end cap adapted to locate sash hardware for fitting within the recess over the corner guide, wherein at least one arm of each of the corner guide and end cap is provided with at least one aperture aligned with respect to each other for receiving a screw that engages with the pre-formed sash frame along a side edge thereof to secure the corner guide and end cap to the sash.

By means of the invention, the system enables sash hardware to be securely positioned at the sash corner, for example, by forming the hardware integrally with the end cap, by affixing the hardware to the end cap, or by capturing the hardware between the corner guide and end cap. The end cap, or the end cap in combination with the corner guide, may alternatively or additionally be used to retain hardware operational at the sash corner(s) but mounted elsewhere along the frame edge, such as by means of a bore or passage through the system for retaining and guiding a shootbolt.

The system according to the invention is for use on pre-formed sash frames, that is, sash frames that have already been corner jointed and which do not therefore require alignment and/or joining of the frame members. Thus the present invention neither requires the use of fixing brackets, for example, to align the sash frame members, nor the use of corner screws driven through the corner formed by the aligned frame members for affixing the corner joints.

Advantageously, both the corner guide and end cap when fitted to the sash reside within the recessed channel of the sash frame so that the resulting sash construction makes the product suitable for both inward and outward door sash movement. The end cap is preferably substantially L-shaped for fitting over and around the corner guide.

The system is comprised of the corner guide and end cap. As will be appreciated, the end cap may be adapted for the particular hardware that is to be located at the respective corner. For example, the hardware may form an integral part of the end cap, or may be secured to the end cap or corner guide, or may be captured by the corner guide and end cap, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the end cap may, for example, either alone or in combination with the corner guide provide a passageway or bore for accommodating and guiding a hardware component, such as the end of a shootbolt of a shootbolt mechanism. Preferably, the end cap is in the form of an end plate, the outer faces in use thereof being substantially planar to provide an aesthetic appearance when fitted to the sash corner.

As with the corner guide, the end cap when fitted is accommodated within the recessed channels of the sash profiles, ensuring that the resulting sash frame remains suitable for both outward and inward door sash movement.

The system of the invention embraces the possibility of the end cap being secured to the corner guide either before or after the corner guide is secured to the sash frame. For example, the corner guide and end cap may each be provided with a screw hole, preferably a pair of screw holes, for accommodating one or a pair of screws to attach the guide to the cap. Thus the corner guide may be initially secured to the sash frame followed by the end cap being secured to the corner guide.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, at least one arm of each of the corner guide and end cap is provided with at least one aperture aligned with respect to each other for receiving a screw that engages with the pre-formed sash frame along a side edge thereof to secure the corner guide and end cap to the sash.

In a preferred embodiment, the corner guide comprises a universal corner guide. A universal corner guide is able to engage with a range of end caps each incorporating or adapted to cooperate with various sash hardware. By such means, a window or door fitter, or the manufacturer, may select the particular end cap for use according to the specific requirements of the end customer and fit the appropriate end cap to the sash frame via the universal corner guide.

The system of the invention is preferably used with bi-folding door frames and the like. The profiles for such use typically comprise an elongate frame length, having a recessed channel along its outer edge face in use that allows the locating system to be accommodated within the recess, i.e. within the outer faces of the profile. The recessed channel may also be used to accommodate sash hardware such as hinges, locks, espagnolettes and the like other than at the corners.

The corner locating system preferably includes means for attaching the end cap to the corner guide. The end cap may, for example, clip over the corner guide such as by snap-fitting or by use of adhesive. In a preferred arrangement, however, the corner guide and end cap are each provided with a screw hole, preferably a pair of screw holes, for accommodating one or a pair of screws to attach the guide to the cap. Preferably, the corner guide and end cap are each provided with a pair of spaced apart screw holes substantially midway along an arm thereof such that the screws when inserted do not interfere with or obstruct any hardware that is or is to be located on the system. Advantageously, the corner guide and end cap are attached together, such as by the aforementioned screws, prior to securing the system to the sash frame.

The system may include means for enabling the end cap and corner guide to be secured to the sash within the recess of the sash frame, in the form of at least one, and preferably a pair, of screw holes which are aligned when the end cap is located over the corner guide for receiving one or a pair of fixing screws to fix the system to the sash frame. The or each screw hole may be profiled to allow the screw head to be countersunk so that the head lies substantially level with or below the external surface of the system component when screwed into the sash frame.

In a particularly preferred arrangement, the corner guide includes screw holes on both arms for affixing the guide to the sash frame along both side edges adjacent the sash corner. Thus, the corner guide may be securely fixed around the sash corner providing a robust "anchor" for the end cap and associated sash hardware.

Most preferably, the screw holes are provided towards the distal ends of the arms of the corner guide.

Advantageously, the corner guide and end cap together define a cavity for positioning of sash hardware components. For example, instead of the corner guide comprising a substantially solid block, the guide preferably includes at least one arm of substantially U-section, so that the base of the U-channel abuts the base of the frame recess when fitted to the sash frame. Further, the end cap preferably comprises a substantially L-shaped member, and the arm that fits over the U-section of the corner guide is preferably in the form of a plate, thereby to close the channel. In this way, a cavity is created between the opposing arms of the corner guide and end cap.

In a preferred arrangement, one arm of the end cap fits within the side walls of the corner guide U-section. The edges of the internal side walls may be profiled to guide the end cap arm, such as by means of a ledge or groove therealong, enabling the end cap to be assembled on the corner guide by sliding the end cap arm along the inner edges of the corner guide U-section until the respective corners of the end cap and corner guide abut. The outer side faces of the end cap and corner guide may include complementary mitred corners so that when assembled together the outer faces lie substantiallyflush with each other.

The distal end of one of the arms of the guide or end cap preferably comprises a closure piece providing a seal between the corner guide and end cap to substantially prevent ingress of dust, dirt or the like once the system is installed on the sash. As will be appreciated, when the arm of the corner guide is of channel section, a space may exist within the channel section which can accommodate part of the sash hardware. For example, the arm of the end cap may include an aperture providing a socket for guiding or attaching of hardware component, such as the pivot pin, the upper end of which is housed within the hollow section created between the corner guide and end cap. Of course, it will be understood that the arm of the corner guide may comprise a plate with the corresponding arm of the end cap of U-shaped cross-section. Whichever of the alternatives is chosen, it is preferred that at least one of the arms of the assembled system is substantially hollow for accommodating at least a part of the desired sash hardware.

When the system is intended for use with a roller or the like carried on a pivot pin, the end cap preferably includes a socket in the form of a tubular member so that the end of the pivot pin distal from the roller is substantially captured within the tubular member, the inner walls of the tube maintaining the pivot pin in an upright orientation to substantially prevent jamming of the roller as the sash is moved during opening and closing thereof. The pivot pin may be positively engaged with the end cap, such as by snap fitting, to allow some freedom of vertical movement once fitted.

As described above, part of the sash hardware to be received within the hollow section of the system may enter via an aperture or socket through an arm of the end cap. Alternatively, the arm of the end cap may truncated so that a gap is created between the respective ends of the corner guide and end cap, which gap may be used to receive a part of the sash hardware.

Both arms of the assembled system may comprise a hollow section, allowing sash hardware to be accepted on either or both side edges of the sash frame. For greater utility, however, it is preferred that the corner guide comprise one arm of hollow section with the other arm comprising a bore, or more preferably a substantially half-cylindrical groove, for receiving and guiding the end portion of a shoot bolt of a shoot bolt mechanism. In this way, the corner guide may be fitted (in any orientation around the sash corner) for locating a shoot bolt along one side edge of the sash frame and another type of sash hardware, such as a roller, along the adjacent side edge. Such a corner guide is therefore highly versatile and can be regarded as a universal corner guide for use with a range of sash hardware.

When one arm of the corner guide includes a semi-cylindrical groove, the end cap may include a complementary semi-cylindrical projection along one arm thereof for fitting into the groove on assembly therewith. In this way, the assembled system is strengthened along the side edge. On the other hand, when the relevant corner of the sash is intended to accommodate a shootbolt, the end cap may include a complementary, semi-cylindrical groove which together with the corner guide groove combines to form a bore for the shootbolt. It will be understood that the system according to the invention can be adapted to provide a range of alternative end pieces each of which are suitable for fitting with the same corner guide, thereby enabling different types of hardware to be fitted to the sash frame at the corners. The arm of the corner guide provided with the semi-cylindrical groove is preferably of solid form for improved strength.

To assist in correctly aligning the corner guide and end cap prior to fixing to each other orto the sash frame, it is preferred that at least one arm of the corner guide or end cap is provided with one, preferably a pair, of projections and the other of the corner guide or end cap is provided with one, preferably a pair of complementary indents. Advantageously, a pair of projections is provided on the solid arm of the corner guide, on opposite sides of the semi-cylindrical groove, with the complementary indents provided on the opposing face of the end cap.

Accordingly, when the end cap is fitted to the corner guide, the parts are aligned by the interaction of the projections with the indents. This positive location of the parts enables the respective apertures to remain fully aligned whilst they are being screwed together.

Further positive interaction between the corner guide and end cap may be achieved by means of cooperating grooves and ribs extending along respective opposing arms, for example, a pair of elongate grooves running either side of the semi-cylindrical groove in the corner guide and a pair of elongate ribs running either side of the semi-cylindrical projection positioned to locate within the elongate grooves of the corner guide. Such grooves and ribs can extend continuously along both arms of the corner guide and end cap, or terminate before the distal end of the respective arm, or even be spaced apart to a different degree along the second arm. The interaction of the ribs and grooves effectively prevents misalignment of the components both during and after they are affixed to each other and subsequently when being affixed to the sash frames around the corner thereof.

The system may be secured to the sash frame by means of self-tapping screws, avoiding the need for pre-drilled holes at the sash frame corners. The system is for use on pre-formed sash frames and the aperture(s) through the corner guide and end cap for receiving the engaging screw is spaced from the corner edge so that the integrity of the sash frame at the corner joint is not compromised. In fact, as well as providing means for locating sash hardware at the corner in combination with the end cap, the corner guide serves to reinforce and protect the corners of the sash.

Some or all of the outside edges of the corner guide may be chamfered, reducing the risk of minor injury to personnel fitting the locating system. Some or all of the edges of the end cap may be similarly chamfered.

The aperture through the corner guide and end cap may be screw threaded for complementary engagement with the screws, but this is not essential. The aperture must however have a diameter that allows the screw body of the screw to pass through, but not the screw head. As the screws for securing the system to the sash frame are tightened the end cap and corner guide are pulled tight against the sash corner.

As hereinbefore described, a range of different end caps may be provided as part of the hardware locating system, with a particular end cap being selected according to the requirements at the particular corner of the sash frame. For example, one end cap may simply comprise a blanking plate for use when no hardware is fitted at the relevant sash frame corner; and another end cap may together with the corner guide comprise an end guide for use with a shoot bolt, and/or a mounting location for a roller. When the corner guide and end cap combine to form a shoot bolt guide, for example, the hardware channels are typically located along the vertical side edges in use of the sash frame; and when they combine to provide a location piece or mounting for a roller the locating features are provided along the horizontal side edges in use of the sash frame. Of course, it is particularly preferred for an end cap to be provided with a sash bolt guide along one arm of the end cap and for the other arm to be provided with a roller location mounting.

From a further aspect, the invention resides in a method of locating sash hardware on a side edge of a pre-formed sash of the type comprising frame members having a recessed channel along the outer edge thereof, said method comprising holding an end cap over an L-shaped corner guide so that apertures extending through adjacent arms of the cap and guide are aligned, placing the assembled cap and guide over a corner of the pre-formed sash frame in the recessed channels thereof and affixing the assembled cap and guide around the sash corner by screwing a screw through the aligned apertures into the sash frame, the method further comprising locating sash hardware on the end cap to retain or guide the hardware in the region of the sash corner.

In the method of the invention, the locating of the sash hardware may be performed before or after the end cap and corner guide are assembled. For example, a part of the hardware may be captured between end cap and corner guide prior to them being fixed to the sash frame, or the end cap and corner guide may be pre-assembled and the hardware fitted to the pre-assembly prior to fixing to the sash corner, or the end cap and corner guide may be pre-assembled and fitted to the sash corner prior to fitting the hardware.

In a preferred method, the end cap and corner guide are assembled by screwing a screw through aligned apertures in respective arms prior to screwing the assembly around the sash corner.

The method of the invention may comprise forming the hardware integrally with the end cap or mounting the hardware on the end cap after fabrication thereof, or mounting the hardware component or part thereof between the corner block and end cap..

From yet another aspect, the invention resides in a sash frame, such as for use in a bi-fold door system, wherein one or more corners of the frame are fitted with a hardware locating system as hereinbefore described, or by the aforementioned method.

The method and system according to the invention will now be illustrated in the following drawings by way of example only, and in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a sash hardware locating system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with sash frame; Figure 2 is a view from the front and left side of the locating system elements of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a view of the locating system of Figure 1 mounted around the corner of the sash frame.

Turning first to Figure 1, there is shown in exploded view the various components of a hardware locating system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention along with a corner part of a sash frame 50 to which the system 10 is to be fitted.

The sash frame 50 is made of uF'VC, fabricated from lengths of frame profiles SOa, Sob which are mitre cut and welded at the corners. The frame profiles are of substantially hollow section with recessed channels Sia, Sib along their outer side edges in use.

The hardware locating system 10 includes a corner guide 11 being generally L-shaped in cross-section and provided with a pair of fixing holes 12 on each arm proximal to the distal ends for receiving screws 70 that fix the system to the sash frame 50. The horizontal arm isa of the corner guide is substantially hollow for accommodating part of a sash hardware element (not shown) and the vertical arm 15b is of substantially solid construction having a pair of grooves 16a, 16b on either side of the semi-cylindrical channel iS on the outwardly directed face in use of the corner guide. The corner guide also has a pair of projections 17a, 17b on said face.

The locating system also includes end cap 20 substantially [-shaped in cross-section having a pair of fixing holes 22 on the distal end of the vertical arm 25b for aligning with the corresponding fixing holes 12 on the upright arm iSb of the corner guide 11 and receiving screws 70 to fix the cap 20 and guide ii to the frame 50. The end cap 20 is also provided with a pair of fixing holes 24 for securing the cap to the corner guide 11 prior to fixing to the sash frame 50. The vertical arm 2Sb has a pair of ribs 26a, 26b on either side of a semi-cylindrical projection 28 for locating in the corresponding grooves 16a, 16b of the corner guide ii and a pair of indents 27a, 27b for locating over the corresponding projections i7a, 17b of the guide 11.

The inwardly directed face of the horizontal arm 25a in use includes a socket in the form of tubular formation 28 for receiving a connecting portion of a roller, such as a pivot pin, or similar sash hardware (not shown). When the end cap 20 is fitted to the corner guide 11, the horizontal arm 25a slides within the vertical walls of the corner guide horizontal arm isa and creates a flush outer surface therewith.

The ends of the vertical arm 25b of the end cap 20 and the horizontal arm iSa of the corner guide ii adjacent their corner portions have mitred sections 29, 19 ii which ensure that the parts fit together well and provide a neat, streamlined appearance.

Figure 3 illustrates the assembled corner guide 11 and end cap 20 being fitted to the sash frame 50 by means of two pairs affixing screws 70. The combined depth of the corner guide 11 and end cap 20 when installed on the sash frame 50 is such that the end cap 20 lies substantially within the recessed channels Sla, 51b.

As will be understood, in an alternative arrangement, the end cap 20 may be provided with a semi-cylindrical channel which combines with the hardware channel 18 of the corner guide 11 when the end cap is fitted over the corner guide, thereby to create a bore for guiding a shoot bolt.

Various adaptations and modifications may be made and it is to be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the specific ways described herein and the scope of the invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sash hardware locating system for use on a pre-formed sash frame of the type having a recessed channel along the outer frame side edges, the system comprising (i) a substantially [-shaped corner guide for fitting into the recess around the sash frame at a corner thereof, at least one arm of the corner guide being provided with at least one aperture for receiving a screw that engages with the pre-formed sash frame along a side edge thereof to secure the corner guide to the sash and (ii) an end cap for fitting within the recess over the corner guide, the end cap being adapted to be secured to the corner guide and to locate sash hardware.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the end cap is adapted to be secured to the corner guide before or after the corner guide is secured to the sash frame.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the corner guide and end cap are each provided with a screw hole, preferably a pair of screw holes, for accommodating one or a pair of screws to attach the guide to the cap.
4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one arm of each of the corner guide and end cap is provided with at least one aperture aligned with respect to each other for receiving a screw that engages with the pre-formed sash frame along a side edge thereof to secure the corner guide and end cap to the sash.
5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner guide is provided with at least one, preferably a pair, of fixing holes through each arm thereof for receiving fixing screws to secure the corner guide to the adjoining frame members around the corner of the sash frame.
6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner guide comprises a universal corner guide for cooperating with a range of end caps accordingly to the functionality required at the relevant sash frame corner.
7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one arm of the corner guide includes a semi-cylindrical channel for co-operating with a corresponding semi-cylindrical channel on an arm of the end cap thereby to provide a bore to receive and guide an end portion of a shootbolt.
8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap is substantially L-shaped for mounting over the corner guide to cover all or a substantial part of the corner guide.
9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap comprises a first arm adapted to guide the end portion of a shootbolt and a second arm adapted to accommodate part of a further sash hardware component, such as a roller, runner, bogey, corner drive, buffer or the like.
10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner guide and end cap together define a cavity for accommodating part of a sash hardware component.
11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap includes an aperture providing a socket for guiding or attaching of hardware component, such as a pivot pin.
12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap comprises a blanking plate for use when no hardware is to be fitted at the sash frame corner.
13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein corresponding arms of the corner guide and end cap are provided respectively with complementary grooves and ribs, or vice versa, extending therealong for aligning the guide with the cap.
14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corresponding arms of the corner guide and end cap are provided respectively with one or a pair of indents and projections which interlock when the guide and cap are in position for receiving an engaging screw through respective aligned apertures.
15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein outer side faces of the end cap and corner guide comprise complementary mitred corners so that when assembled together the outer faces lie substantially flush with each other.
16. A method of locating sash hardware on a side edge of a pre-formed sash of the type comprising frame members having a recessed channel along the outer edge thereof, said method comprising placing a substantially L-shaped corner guide over a corner of the pre-formed sash frame in the recessed channels thereof, holding an end cap over the corner guide so that apertures extending through adjacent arms of the cap and guide are aligned, affixing the end cap to the end guide by screwing a screw through the aligned apertures, and securing the corner guide to the sash frame, the method further comprising locating sash hardware on the end cap to retain or guide the hardware in the region of the sash corner.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the corner guide is secured to the sash frame prior to affixing the end cap to the corner guide.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the end cap is affixed to the corner guide prior to securing the corner guide to the sash frame.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the end cap and corner guide are assembled by screwing a screw through aligned apertures in respective arms prior to screwing the assembly to the sash frame.
20. The method of claim 16, comprising holding the end cap over the corner guide so that apertures extending through adjacent arms of the cap and guide are aligned, placing the assembled cap and guide over a corner of the pre-formed sash frame in the recessed channels thereof and affixing the assembled cap and guide around the sash corner by screwing a screw through the aligned apertures into the sash frame.
21. A sash frame, such as for use in a bi-fold door system, wherein one or more the corners of the frame are fitted with the hardware locating system as claimed in any one of claims ito 15, or by the method of any one of claims 16 to 20.
22. A sash hardware locating system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures ito 3 of the accompanying drawings.
23. A method of locating sash hardware on a pre-formed sash frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.