GB2528636A

GB2528636A - Window frame for installation in an opening of a pond or aquarium structure

Info

Publication number: GB2528636A
Application number: GB1410139.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Clapham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-07
Filing date: 2014-06-07
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Also published as: GB201410139D0

Abstract

A window frame structure 16 for installation in an opening in a wall of a pond, swimming pool or aquarium structure providing a watertight seal between a transparent panel 4 and a pond lining, comprising a strip 19 of frame members 13-15, an inner flange 2 which abuts on the inner surface 8 of the pond or aquarium structure and an outer flange 1 with attachment means such as silicon adhesive for a straight or curved transparent panel 4. The window frame 16 is preferably constructed of 316 stainless steel, or other metal or plastic, with at least a bottom 13 and two side 14 frame members. In one embodiment there is no top frame member 13, leaving the top edge of the transparent panel visible. The frame can be manufactured to fit openings having different shapes, sizes and thicknesses, including circular shaped openings. There are projecting lugs 3 attached to the external surface 21 of the window frame to assist with secure installation of the window frame into the pond wall.

Description

TITLE

Window fiame for installation in an opening of a pond ot-aquarium structure

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This 1nvention relates to the field of window frames for installation in a wall of a pond, swimming pooi or aquarium structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

This invention relates to window frames n particular to a pond window frame construction, preferably of 31 b stainless steel for installation in a wall of a pond. swImming pool or aquarium.

While the invention is tjescriheci herein in terms of a particJar preferred form thereof, it wil he recognized by those ski led in the art that various changes and modit:cat.:ons may he made therein without departing from the principal features involved.

There is a continuing effort in the fish keeping industry to tmprovc the outdoor living space design.

such as the installation of window frames in a pond, swimming pooi or aquarium structure, so as to increase the visual presentation and allow an improved visual health check of fish or aquatic animals, clue to fish diseases such as KH'.

Accordingly, various metal window frame constructions have been devised which are relatively basic in design with housing's wheh simply screw to the inner thee of the pond structure. Only allowing the glass or plastic panel for the winnow to be securen on the inner face of the ponu hu Id ing, reducing the visibility ol the lish when viewed from the outside of the 1xnd structure. This method ol securing the window frame with a housing which screw to the inside face of the wall around the openIng call damage the wall during installation reducing die strength of the pond structure. Sortie have included various grades of steel, galvanized steel and lesser grades of stainless which all have corrosive qualitics. For example should tile lining membrane of the pond degrade, the steel frame would then lie exposed to excessive moisture, which may crystallize and could cause the window seal to be compromised. Covering a window frame with a lining membrane such as fibregiass or other conventional means typically creates an uneven surface typically raised in the corners. All prior metal window frame constructions have heen designed to locate the glass or plastic pmiel br the window on the inner face of the pond building wail. Others require brick work to be constructed in front ob the frame, as the window frame moves under pressure when the pond is full, giving rise to leaks.

It is the chief object of Lhis invention is to provide an improved design of pond window frame which overcomes the atorementioned disadvantages and which improves the installation markedly by simply building the frame into the wall. The window frame structure may be levelled on a bed of mortar on the pond wall at the appropriate height, the wall of the pond is then constructed using bricks, blocks or beams or other conventional means to surround the sides of the frame with the lugs positioned to locate between the components of the wall, improving and simplifying the window installation into a pond, swimming pool or aquarium.

A i-elated object hereof is to provide a simplified window frame construction having means of improvina the visibility into the pond structure by locating the transparent panel forward of the inner surface of the pond wall, as the vall thickness may he taken into consideration. Therefore provdtng a visual enhancement to the overall pond design.

A further object is to provide strength by building the window frame into the components of the surrounding waif Whereby the window frame includes attached projecting pieces (referred to as lugs) on the external surface of the frame members which can be adapted to the construction of varying wail components. The said lug,s may be constructed with holes to allow reinforcing bars or rod to he held. This method therefore improves the strength of the pond structure surrounding the window frame. The said reinforcing bars n-ray he fixed through the said lugs and layers of brick, blocks OF beams or other conventionar means of pond construction therelore securing the window frame and wall toaether.

A further object is to provide a safer housing for the glass or plastic panel as frames which do mt require a fibreglass covering to stop them corroding nay provide a flat surface for the transparent panel, so there is no torsjonai twistjng from water pressure as on the uneven surface of fibreglass.

SUMMARY OFTHE IN\'ENTION

To achieve the above objects and purposes, the-invention, provides a window frame structure adapted for installation in a. window opening in a pond or aQuarium building, Preferably the window frame structure comprises a top. bottom and two side members which include a first flange (referred to as inner flange) adapted to abut on the inner wail surrounding the window opening and a second tiange (referred to as outer flange) with attachment means for a straight or curved transparent panel for the wndow in a location torward of t'he inner face of the pond or aquarium wail. Preferably the said outer flange with attachment means For the said transparent panei extends inwardly of the window opening in depth to provjde a suitable surface area so that a watertight seal is made with the transparent panel.

The transparent panel i.s ideally secured parallel to the said outer flange. secured thereto by means of silicon, or other conventional means. The outer flange is adapted to locate the curved or straight transparent panel in a position forward of the inner face of the pond wall chosen by the user. Typically the said transparent panel is Field in a location close to thc external surface of the wail, the distance between the inner and outer flanges depend upon the preferred. location and thickness of the wail.

whereby the frame nem'nhers are adapted so that the preferred distance is ohtanecl. thus improving the installation. Preferably the inner flange for abutment with inner wall surrounding the window opening extend.s outwardry parallel to the internal wall face to provide a suitable surface area so that a watertight seal is made with the pond structures lining membrane typically by means of fiberglass.

s nd paint or hutyl liner or other conventiinial means attached by si licorme or other ci)nvermtIormal means. The outer flange is thus simplifying the installadon, The frame structure may further include projecti(m pieces (referred to as lugs) attached to the external surfaces of the window frame rrmembers. with adapted s:'siti ojis relative to the porn! structures conrponents surrounding the window opening. The window franie structure provides an installation whereby the window frame is secured, within the pond building during construction, the lugs positroned i,oas to he cemented in. with the courses of blocks. The number of attached lugs may he adapted to provide for every layer of the brick, block-' or beams or other conventional means of the pond structure. hugs may include holes for reinforcuig bars.

The said window frame structure may comprises only a bottom and two side members, whereby the top frame member is removed to allow the top edge of the transparent panel to he visible, therefore proving an infinity type structure.

The said window frame structure may comprise more than two frame members so that multiple side shapes may be formed such as a shape of a hexagon when view from the front or back plane.

The said window flame may comprise of only a continuous frame member, such as to for a a circle shape when iewed from the front w hack platte.

The said window frame may he constructed of metal, piasttc or carbon fiber or other conventional mneans The said window frames outer tiange may be constructed to tomnr a curve to match the geometty of a curved ransparent panel.

The said window frame may be installed within the pond wall with all or some of the inner surfaces of the window frame covered with a watertight sealant.

The said window fr:.tmes Inner flange which abuts the inner surface of the pond wall may ineiude holes to receive screws for attachmeni of an addhionai strip, which may secure a pond liner or other conventional watering lining means between the said additional strip and the said inner flange for a mechanical clamping as well as a silicon or other conventional means seal.

The attachment means for the said transparent panel may Include a housing which positions the said straight or curved transparent panel at any angle from parallel to 45 degrees in the horizontal or vertical planes forward of the inner face of the pond or aquarium building.

The invention frirther resides in certain details of construction which, along with the other features.

objects and advantages of the invention, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawing. An abstract is submitted here with. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with the rule requiring an abstract that will allow examiners and other searchers to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not he used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, as promised by the Patent Office's. The foregoing discussion should he understood as illustrative and should not he considered to he limiting in any sense. While the inventions have been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCPH'iON OF DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of an example window frame structure according to the invention with top, bottom and side frame members including pn.ecting pieces attached to the side flame members.

FIGURE 2 is a pian view of an example window frame shucture according to the invention, including projecting pieces attached to the side frame members, taken from above in a plane mdi ated by arrow 11 in FIGURE 1.

F IGURE 3 is a front view of an example window frame structure accordng Lu the invenuon, inc.Iuduig projecting pieces attached to the side frame members, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow lOin FIGURE 1.

F IC U RE 4 is a side view of an example window frame st ucture according to the inventon ncluding projecting pieces attached to the side frame membei.s. taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 12 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is an lsometric view of the window frame structure according to the invention for an infinity type frame with bottomni and side frame members including projecting pieces attached to the side frame mnenbers.

FIGIUR F 6 is a front view of the window frame structure as installed in a pond, swimming ool or aquarium structure. taken from the front plane;ndcated lw arrow 10 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view of the window frame structure as instailcr in a pond. swmumng pool or aquarium structum, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow I in FIG liRE 1 -FIGURE 8 is a sectional view of the window frame structure as installed in a pond, swimming pooi or aquarrumn. structure. taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 12 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 9 is an Isometric view of the window frame structure according to the invention with a continuous frame member including projecting pieces attached to the side frame member.

FIGURE 10 is an isometric view of the vindow frame structure according to the invention with equal length top, bottom and side. frame members mchidtng projecting pieces attached to the side frame members.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

1 Outer flange with attachment means for a transparent panel 2 Inner flange which abuts on the inner face of the pond structure 3 Lug 4 Transparent panel Pond, swimming pooi or aquarium components 6 Lintel 7 Coping stones S Inner surface of the pond, swimming pool or aquarium structure 9 Outer surface of the pond, swimming pooi or aquarium structure 1 0 An an-ow in cating the front plane 11 An an-ow indicating a plane from above 12 An arrow indicating the side plane 13 Bottom frame member 14 Side frame members Top frame member 16 Window frame 17 Window opening 1 8 Pond structure 19 Strip Corner of sbip and flange 21 External surface of window frame 22 lntei-nal surface of window frame 23 Pond lining 24 Pond wall Top face of the top frame member 26 Area inside of the window frame

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figures 1,2.3,4 show the present invention, a window frame 16 of 316 stainless steel construction.

Figures 6, 7. 8 show the win ow frame 6 seated in a typical window openmg 7 in a pond wall 24 of a pond structure 18. The window opening 17 is surrounded by eonvenlnonal building construction 5 wherein layers of bricks or block 5 define the size of the opening 17 therefore surrounding the window frame 16. The window frame 16 is covered on the top face 25 by a lintel 6 which rests on the layers of brickwork S adjacent to each of the side members 14 and flush with the top frame member's external face 21. The pond wall 24 is typically finished with a layer of coping stones 7 or other conventona! means. The external surface 9 the pond wall is covered by a cement render or other conventional means and on the tnside surface $ by fiberglass. pond aint, pond liner or other conventional means 23.

The invention involves the structure of only the basic window frame 16, apart from various accessories, attachments or adaptations thereof to different window frame members which niay be attached to the frame. Those skilled in the art will recognize ways in which such accessories and movable parts may be attached to the basic frame construction 16.

The window frame structure 16 may he adapted for instaliadon in openngs 17 of different shape. size and thickness in a wall of a pond, swimming pool or aquarium stricture 6. [he basic window frame lb comprises frame members 13. 14. 15 which comorise ot a strip 19 with a first housing, referred to as the outer flange 1 and a second housing referred to as the inner flange 2.

The outer flange 1 is formed typically at a right angle to the strip 19 and parallel to the outer face 9 of the pond wall 5 surrounding the window opening 17. in a position to abut the seometry of a straight or curverl transparent panel 4. the transparent panel 4 thr the window [5 typically constructed of glass or plastic, the outer flange 1 is extended inwardly of the window opening 17 to provide a suitable surface ti r a watertight sealant to be placed between the outer flange 1 and tne transparent panel 4 so that the transparent panel 4 is secured to the outer flange 1. An additional amount of sealant such as silicon is typically placed in the corner where the flange and strip meet 20.

The inner flange 2 is formed typcallv at a right a.ngle to the strip 19 and parallel to the inner surface $ of the pond wall 6 in a position to abut the geometry of the inner face 8 of the pond wall 6 surrounding the window opening 17, tile inner flange 2 is extended outwardly around the opening of the window 17. Typically the inner Ilang.e 2 is formed parallel to the inner face 8 of the pond wall 6 surrounding the opening 17 at the window. The length of inner flange 2 is extended to provide a suitable surface for a watertight sealant to he placed between the pond structure's 18 Internal waterproof hning such as fiberglass, pond paint, pond liner 23, An aiternatrve installation method Inay be to cover the internal surfaces 2.2 of the window frame 16 with the pond lining such as fiberglass.

This method may cover the internal surfaces 22 of the window frame entirely or preferably only the outer ft ange 1.

The individual frame members 13,14,15 may he constructed from a single sheet of metal with the inner flange 2 and outer flange 1 formed at right angles to the strip 19 and in opposite directions to each other. An alternative embodiment of construction may be to construct the inner flange 2 and outer flange 1 out of a separate piece of metal and attached to the strip 19 using welded connections.

By bringing the transparent panel 4 to the front of the wall a location close to the outer surface 9 of the pond wall 24 -it gives the user a greater oppornmty to view their fish from around the garden.

This design will allow the fish to swim into an area inside 26 the window frame 16 therefore up to a locanon close to the outer surface 9 of the pond wall 24. Typically the inner flange 2 is held in posit!on to abut the inner surface 8 of the pond wall 24 so that the strip 19 length between the outer flange I and inner flange 2 may he vaned to position the transparent panel 4 in a locaton forward of the inner surface S of the pond wall & Typically the. location of the outer flange 1 is positioned flush with the outer surface 9 of the pond wall 24.

The window frame structure 1.6 tvptcaliy ne!udes projection pieces (retbired to as lugs) 3 attached to the external surfaces 21 of the frame members 13, 14, 15, the number of lugs 3 and positions can be adapted. to suit the pond structures components S surrounding t.he window opening 17.. The Jugs 3are typically constructed. of netal and. positioned perpendicular to the external surface 21 of the window frame strip 19. with a length to fit between the internal S and external 9 suriaces of the pond wall 6.

The window frame structure 16 provides an instatlation whereby the window frame 16 is secured within the pond wall components 6 during construenon, the lugs 3 are positioned so as to he cemented in with the courses of blocks 5. The number of attached lugs 3 may he adapted to prriviLie a lug 3 every layer of the brick, block or beams or other conventional means 5 of the pond structure 18. Lugs 3 may include holes for reinforcing bars.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which the window frame structure 16 has a bottom 15 and two side framn.e members 114. the window frame structure 16 therefore has no top trame member 13. leaving the top edge of the transparent panel visa hie, J:.igure 10 shows an alternative embodiment in which the window frame structure 1.6 has one continuous trame member 14, therefore forming the shape of a circle when viewed from. the front plane 10, Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment in which the window frame ineiribers 13, 14, 15 have equal length. therefore forming the shape of square when viewed from the front plane i0 The window frame 16 could be constructed using different approaches. As all example, rather than bending a single sheet of metal to form the frame member's 13,14,15 components comprising a strip 20. inner flange 2 and outer flange.!, metal strips can he welded. onto the centre strip 20 to form. the window frame memhefs inner flange 2 and outer flange 1.

Although the preceding description contains significant detail, it should not be construed as lirthting Ge scope of Ge invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodjments of the invention.As an example, the window frame 16 illustrated could take many forms. One alternative can be a window frame structure 16 with multiple side members 14 to form a shape of a star when viewed from the front plane 10 Such;variation would not materially alter the. nature of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims rather than any specific examples provided.

Having described my invention, I claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A window frame for installation in an opening in a wall of a pond, aquarium or swimming pooi structure comprising: a. a flange with attachment means for a straight or curved transparent pand so that the said transparent panel is held in a location forward of the inner face of the pond or aquarium wall.b. of at least a bottom and 2 side frame members.c. a flange which abuts on the inner lace ol the pond or aquarium structure, with attachment means for the pond lining.d. frame members that can be adapted to openings having different shapes. sizes and thicknesses.
2. A window frame according to claim 1. comprising a construction of metal.
3. A window frame according to claim I. comprising a construction of j*lastic.
4. A window frame according to claim I. comprising a construction of 316 stainless steel.
5. A window frame according to claim 1, in which the attachment means for the said transparent panel includes a said flange which positions the said straight or curved transparent panel at any angle from parallel to 45 deees in the horizontal or vertical planes forward of the inner face of the pond or aquarium building.
6. A window frame according to claim I, in which the said attachment means for the transparent panel provides a suitable fiat surface.
7. A window frame according to claim 1, in which the said window frame comprises a top, bottom and a least two side members.
8. A window frame according to claim 1, in which the said window frame comprises a bottom and two side members.
9. A window frame according to claim 1, in which the said window frame comprises a continuous member.
10. A window frame according to claim 1, in which the said window irame comprises lugs attached to the external surface of the window frame members in positions relative to the components of the pond or aquarium structure.
11. A window frame according to claim 1, in which the said attachment means for the transparent panel provides a suitable surface for a watertight sealant.
12. A window frame according to claim 1, in which the said housing which locates on the inner surface ol the pond or aquarium structure provides a suitable surface br a watertight sealant.
13. A window frame according to claim 1, compnsing a structure that provides a watertight seal.
14. A window frame according to claim I. comprises a structure that can he covered in fibreglass.
15. A flange which abuts the inner surface of the pond wall according to claim 1, includes holes.
16. A flange which abuts the inner surface of the pond wall according to claim 1. includes holes for screws for attachment of an additional strip.
17. A lug according to claim 9. includes holes to receive a reinforcing bar or rod.