GB2530504A

GB2530504A - An elongate profile member

Info

Publication number: GB2530504A
Application number: GB1416803.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Anthony Lavery; Kieran Joseph Lavery; Wolfe Erhard Ehrke
Original assignee: CAMDEN GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: CAMDEN GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-23
Filing date: 2014-09-23
Publication date: 2016-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-23
Also published as: GB201416803D0; GB2530504B

Abstract

An elongate profile member having a protruding locating and retaining means 2 is adapted for locating and retaining two or more different functional elements (11, 20, 25), and may be used for constructing a window frame or sash, or a door frame. The functional elements may be a seal or barrier 11 (such as a thermal or water barrier), glass or glazing packing (20, 30), or a hardware component such as a hinge 25. The protuberance can be coextruded and extended longitudinally along the member, and may have a tapered shape towards the base of the profile member to allow for a snap fit connection with the components. The positioning and retaining means of the profile member may also be able to simultaneously hold a seal, barrier, hinge, or other similar compatible features. Also disclosed is a door, window, or sash frame including one or more of the profile members.

Description

AN ELONGATE PROFILE MEMBER

The present invention relates to an elongate profile member and particularly to an elongate profile member having locating and retaining means.

A large proportion of modern windows are manufactured from extruded plastic components which are assembled into frames and their corresponding sashes/doors. These extruded frames, sashes, and doors have evolved sophisticated hinges, seals, packing arrangements, and other such hardware/functional features. Typically the extiuded components are formed with various attachment features allowing for integration with such hardware or functional features. In the example of a seal or water barrier element, a recess or female attachment is generally formed in the extruded components, into which a seal is inserted. As the extruded components are often standardized across various products, where an attachment for a seal is provided but a seal is not actually utilized, the recessed attachment often clogs with diii and debris which can require an end user to carryout additional cleaning at intervals throughout the life of the product. Moreover, where various pieces of hardware are available, often attachments are formed for each resulting in multiple unused attachment portions on product models not possessing all of the attachable features.

Generally these attachment features are of a similar recessed structure to that typically used for attachment of seals, and as such these are often perceived by end users as evidence of missing components or pieces of the product.

In addition, certain pieces of hardware are attached or placed by means which, in order for correct attachment or placement, are highly dependent on the skill of the individual installer. This often results in less than optimal installation of certain features which impacts on the overall end user experience and sometimes the lifespan of the product.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of providing attachment and/or suppoit and/or locational guidance for various functional features and/or hardware of a window, door, or other such framed building feature, whilst limiting the redundant attachments and those which cause cleaning and maintenance issues.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an elongate profile member having a locating and retaining means protruding from the elongate profile member and being adapted to locate and retain two or more different functional elements attachable to the elongate profile member.

Advantageously, the locating and retaining means facilitates the attachment of various window/door functional elements such that these features are located in their optimal functional positions.

Preferably, the functional elements comprise any combination of sealing components, glass packing components, or window/door hardware components.

Ideally, the elongate profile members are utilized to construct a window frame, window sash, door frame, door, or another such framed building feature.

Preferably, the sash and/or frame have upper and lower elongate profile members, the upper and lower elongate profile members being joined by side elongate profile members forming a generally quadrangular sash and/or frame defining a generally quadrangular aperture therein.

Ideally, the locating and retaining means projects from an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.

Preferably, the locating and retaining means comprises a projection of generally quadrangular cross-section.

Ideally, the quadrangular projection cross section has a base locatable on or formable contiguous with an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.

Preferably, the quadrangular projection cross section has an upper side opposing the base and two lateral side portions connecting the base and upper side.

Ideally, the lateral side portions taper from the upper side to the base.

Ideally, the base of the projection cross section is shorter in length than the upper side.

Preferably, the lateral side portions of the projection cross section extend away from each other in a direction from the base to the upper side in a sloping fashion.

Ideally, the projection is of generally trapezoidal cross-section.

Advantageously, the tapered surfaces provide a retaining function by preventing the functional elements pulling off as the part of the fastening located at the bottom of the trapezoidal projection has a smaller gap than is required to pass over the upper side.

Further advantageously, the shape and configuration of the locating and retaining means easily facilitates snap fit engagement and provides haptic feedback to reassure the installer that correct location and retention of the functional element has been achieved.

Preferably, the projection has an inverted truncated triangular cross-sectional shape, the truncated portion being locatable at the base.

Ideally, the locating and retaining means extends longitudinally along at least a portion of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.

Preferably, the locating and retaining means extends longitudinally along all or substantially all of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.

Ideally, the locating and retaining means extends longitudinally along an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.

Preferably, one or both the frame and the sash of a window have locating and retaining means.

Ideally, the locating and retaining means is co-extruded with the elongate profile member.

Preferably, the locating and retaining means is a single projection solid body.

Ideally, the locating and retaining means has a seal and/or barrier means attachable thereto.

Ideally, the seal and/or barrier means is a barrier means.

Preferably, the barrier means is a water and/or thermal barrier means.

Preferably, the barrier means comprises an attachment portion and a barrier portion.

Preferably, the barrier means attachment portion is adapted to extend over all or substantially all of the locating and retaining means.

Ideally, the barrier means aftachment portion is a resilient attachment portion.

Preferably, the barrier means is manufactured from a rubber material.

Ideally, the barrier means is manufactured from a material which is impermeable to water or other such fluids.

Preferably, the resilient attachment portion is forcible over the locating and retaining means and conforms to the shape thereof.

Ideally, the barrier means attachment portion is configured to fit tightly around the locating and retaining means.

Preferably, the seal and/or barrier portion extends from the attachment portion of the seal and/or barrier means.

Ideally, the seal and/or barrier portion extends from the attachment portion of the seal and/or barrier means in a direction towards the aperture of the frame and/or sash locatable therein.

Preferably, the barrier means attachment portion is a bifurcated resilient attachment portion.

Ideally, the bifurcated portions of the barrier means attachment portion extend from the barrier portion towards each other such that they taper towards their free ends.

Advantageously, the taper of the barrier means attachment portion combined with the reverse tapered shape of the locating and retaining means ensure that the barrier means attachment portion remains in place on the locating and retaining means when in use.

Preferably, the barrier portion is locatable on an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and extends towards a sash or door locatable in the frame.

Ideally, the barrier portion extends towards the sash or door but not into contact therewith.

Ideally, the barrier portion is locatable on an aperture facing surface of a sash and extends towards glazing locatable in the aperture of the sash.

Ideally, the barrier portion extends towards the glazing but not into contact therewith.

Preferably, a gap exists between the portion of the barrier means distal the portion closest the attachment portion thereof and the sash or door or glazing which the barrier means extends theretowards.

Ideally, the gap is sufficiently small as to have a negligible effect on insulation of the door or window or thermal properties thereof.

Preferably, the highest portion of the barrier portion is disposed below the sash or door or glazing at a distance of no more than 2 mm.

Advantageously, the barrier means can act as a barrier preventing movement of fluid from the exterior of the window, door, or other such framed building feature to the interior thereof.

Further advantageously, as the barrier means does not contact the sash or door, the same barrier means can be utilized on different models having a door or sash opening in an inward and/or outward direction as the barrier means would not impede movement of the door or sash in either direction.

Further advantageously, the gap prevents the barrier from becoming trapped during closing of the sash or door leaf and wearing the barrier and ultimately causing sticking or jamming of the sash or door.

Ideally, the window, door, or other such framed building feature complise drain means.

Advantageously, fluid prevented from movement towards the interior of the window, door, or other such framed building feature by the barrier means is drained towards the exterior of the window, door, or other such framed building feature by the drain means.

Ideally, the drain means comprises a drain channel locatable on a corner portion of the frame having the seal and/or barrier means therein.

Ideally, the drain means is locatable on the side of the seal and/or barrier means locatable closest the exterior of the door or window therein.

Preferably, the drain channel extends longitudinally along the elongate profile member of the frame portion.

Ideally, the drain means has fluid exits in fluid communication with the exterior of the window, door, or other such framed building feature.

Preferably, where the seal and/or barrier portion is a seal portion, the seal portion is locatable on an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and extends towards a sash or door locatable in the frame.

Ideally, where the seal and/or barrier portion is a seal portion, the seal portion is locatable on an aperture facing surface of a sash and extends towards glazing locatable in the aperture of the sash.

Ideally, the seal portion extends towards and into contact with the sash or door or glazing.

Preferably, packing means are locatable between the glazing and the aperture facing surface of the elongate profile member of the sash and/or frame.

Ideally, the locating and retaining means is in operable engagement with the packing means in order to support, locate, and retain the packing means.

Preferably, the packing means has at least one locating and retaining means receiving means.

Ideally, the at least one packing means receiving means is a female receiving means formed for receiving the locating and retaining means therein.

Preferably, the packing means has a plurality of receiving means, each corresponding to a desired packing means position.

Advantageously, when the packing means is placed such that one of its receiving means receives the locating and retaining means, the user can be sure that the packing means is located in the correct position.

Preferably, the receiving means of the packing means are locatable on a side of the packing means opposing the side facing the glazing.

Ideally, the packing means are elongate packing means.

Ideally, the receiving means of the packing means is a resilient receiving means.

Preferably, the receiving means of the packing means comprises two opposing prongs, one locatable on each side of the locating and retaining means.

Ideally, the receiving means of the packing means is resilient such that the opposing prongs, if separated, are encouraged towards each other.

Preferably, the receiving means of the packing means extend all or part of the way along the longitudinal length of the packing means either continuously or discontinuously.

Preferably, the opposing prongs are forcible over the upper portion of the locating and retaining means and are encouraged towards the lateral side portions of the locating and retaining means by the resilience of the receiving means of the packing means.

Advantageously, the opposing prongs are forced over the expanded upper portion of the locating and retaining means and once the opposing prongs pass the expanded upper portion and are no longer forced apart by it, the resilient receiving means encourages the opposing prongs inwards into contact with the lateral side portions of the locating and retaining means.

Further advantageously, the resilient nature of the receiving means of the packing means in combination with the opposing prongs provide haptic feedback to the user to confirm correct location and retention of the packing means.

Ideally, a plurality of packing means can be stacked depending on the level of packing required.

Advantageously, where stacked packing means are utilized, the first located and retained packing means acts as a guide for placement of all those stacked thereabove.

Preferably, the packing means have direction indication means.

Ideally, the direction indication means are locatable on the glazing facing surface of the packing means.

Preferably, the direction indication means is an arrow, written instruction, or other such indication of the correct direction of installation of the packing means.

Ideally, a hardware component is matable with the locating and retaining means.

Preferably, the hardware component is a hinge.

Ideally, at least a portion of the hardware component is locatable between the locating and retaining means and a second locating and retaining means.

Preferably, at least a portion of the hardware component is locatable between the locating and retaining means and a side portion of the frame or sash member.

Advantageously, the hardware component cannot be placed in an incorrect position by a user as the locating and retaining means and side portion of the frame dictate a precise location for the hardware component.

Ideally, the locating and retaining means is adapted to simultaneously have a seal and/or barrier means attached thereto and a hinge or similar furniture matable therewith.

Ideally, the window, door, or other such framed building feature comprises a plurality of compartments within the frame and/or sash thereof, the compartments having air locatable therein.

Preferably, window, door, or other such framed building feature comprises extruded members having a plurality of compartments within the frame and/or sash thereof, the compartments having air locatable therein.

Ideally, the compartments are sealed compartments Advantageously, the air filled compartments reduce material usage whilst reducing thermal bridging across the window, door, or other such framed building feature component

locatable therein.

Preferably, the frame has an infill for a door.

Ideally, the infill for a door is an infill for a composite door.

Ideally, the infill for a door is an elongate infill.

Preferably, the infill for a door comprises an [-shaped profile member.

Preferably, the infill is a planar element which fills an aperture.

Ideally, the [-shaped profile add on reduces the depth of the rebate in order to accommodate a standard door slab of 42 mm thickness. The [-shaped add-on is held at one side by the trapezoidal means.

Ideally, the [-shaped profile member has a first side which extends substantially co-planar with the aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member.

Preferably, the [-Shaped profile member has a second side which extends generally perpendicular to the first side.

Ideally, at least a portion of the infill for a door is locatable between the locating and retaining means and a second locating and retaining means.

Preferably, at least a portion of the infill for a door is locatable between the locating and retaining means and a side portion of the frame or sash member.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a window frame or sash frame or door frame having one or more elongate profile members having a locating and retaining means protruding from the elongate profile member and being adapted to locate and retain two or more different functional elements attachable to the elongate profile member.

The skilled man will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only one embodiment of an elongate profile member in accordance with the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a locating and retaining member; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional isometric view of a first embodiment of an invention wherein a locating and retaining member is located on both the frame and sash of an outwardly opening window, the locating and retaining member having a barrier attachable thereto; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional isometric view of a second embodiment of an invention wherein a locating and retaining member is locatable on both the frame and sash of an inwardly opening window, locating and retaining member having a barrier attachable thereto; Figure 4 is a close-up view of feature A of figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional isometric view of a third embodiment of an invention wherein a locating and retaining member is locatable on both the frame and sash of an inwardly opening window, the locating and retaining member of the frame having a barrier attachable thereto and locating and retaining member of the sash having a packing member

locatable thereon;

Figure 6 is a close-up view of feature B of figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 5 and 6 but having an additional packing member stacked on top of the first packing member located on the locating and retaining member; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the invention wherein a hinge is located between two locating and retaining members.

In the drawings, there is shown elongate profile members indicated by the reference numeral 1 having a locating and retaining member 2 protruding from the elongate profile members 1. The locating and retaining member 2 is adapted to locate and retain two or more different functional elements attachable to the elongate profile members 1 such functional elements including sealing components 11, glass packing components 20, 30, or window/door hardware components 25. The locating and retaining member 2 facilitates the attachment of various functional elements such that these features are located in their optimal functional positions.

The elongate profile members 1 are utilized to construct a window frame 3, window sash 4, door frame (not shown), door (not shown), or another such framed building feature.

In the embodiments of figures 2 to 4, the locating and retaining members 2 project from an aperture facing surface 8 of an elongate profile member 1 of a frame 3 and sash 4 of a window 6. The locating and retaining member 2 is co-extruded with the elongate profile member 1 and comprises a projection of generally trapezoidal cross-section having a base 7, see especially Figure 1 formed contiguous with an aperture facing surface 8 of the elongate profile member 1. The locating and retaining member 2 has an upper side 9 opposing the base 7 and two lateral side portions 10 connecting the base 7 and upper side 9. The lateral side portions 10 taper from the upper side 9 to the base 7. The tapered surfaces 10 provide a retaining function by preventing the functional elements pulling off as the part of the fastening located at the base 7 has a smaller gap than is required to pass over the upper side 9.

Additionally, the shape and configuration of the locating and retaining member 2 easily facilitates snap fit engagement and provides haptic feedback to reassure the installer that correct location and retention of the functional element has been achieved. The locating and retaining member 2 extends longitudinally along all of an aperture facing surface 8 of an elongate profile member 1 and is co-extruded with the elongate profile member 1.

In figures ito 4, the locating and retaining member 2 has a barrier 11 attached thereto. The main purpose of the barrier 11 is to divide the cavity between frame and sash and/or sash and glazing into two cavities to reduce thermal flux. The second purpose is creation of a water barrier.

The water barrier 11 having an attachment portion 12 and a barrier portion 13, see especially Figure 4. The attachment portion 12 is formed from resilient rubber and extends over substantially all of the locating and retaining member 2. The attachment portion 12 is forcible over the locating and retaining member 2 and conforms to the shape thereof fitting tightly around the locating and retaining member 2 and the barrier portion 13 extends from the attachment portion 12. The aftachment portion 12 is a bifurcated attachment portion having forked portions 14, 15 extending from the barrier portion 13 towards each other such that they taper towards their free ends 16, 17. The taper of the forked portions 14, 15 combined with the reverse tapered shape of the locating and retaining member 2 ensure that the attachment portion 12 remains in place on the locating and retaining member 2 when in use.

The barrier portion 13 of the frame 3 extends towards a sash 4 located in the frame 3 but does not contact the sash 4. As a result, a slight gap 18 exists between the barrier portion 13 and the sash 4, the gap 18 being sufficiently small as to have a negligible effect on insulation of the door or window or thermal properties thereof, more specifically, the gap 18 being no more than 2mm. As the barrier portion 13 does not contact the sash 4, the same water barrier 11 can be utilized on different models having a sash opening in an inward and/or outward direction as the water barrier 11 would not impede movement of the sash 4 in either direction. Moreover, the gap 18 prevents the water barrier 11 from becoming trapped during closing of the sash 4 and wearing the water barrier 11, ultimately causing sticking or jamming of the sash 4.

The elongate profile member 1 has a drain channel 19 formed therein which extends longitudinally along the elongate profile member 1. Water prevented from movement towards the interior of the window by the water barrier 11 is drained towards the exterior of the window by the drain channel 19. The drain channel 19 is located on the side of the water barrier 11 closest to the exterior of the window and has water exits (not shown) in fluid communication with the exterior of the window for allowing passage of water from the drain channel 19 to the exterior of the window. The barrier 11 also creates additional chambers within the closed window further reducing the u-value of the window.

In the embodiments shown in figures 5 to 7, the locating and retaining member 2 has bridge packers 20 attached thereto. The glazing packers 20 are located between the glazing 21 and the aperture facing surface 8 of the elongate profile member 1.

Preferably, the glazing packers 20 have a female receiving formation 22, see Figure 7 formed for receiving the locating and retaining member 2 so that when the glazing packers are placed such that one of the female receiving formations 22 receives the locating and retaining member 2, the user can be sure that the glazing packer 20 is located in the correct position.

The female receiving formations 22 are resilient and comprise two opposing prongs 23, one locatable on each side of the locating and retaining member 2. The opposing prongs 23, if separated, are encouraged towards each other due to the resilient nature of the female receiving formation 22. The female receiving formations 22 extend much of the way along the longitudinal length of the glazing packers 20 in a discontinuous fashion.

The opposing prongs 23 are forcible over the upper portion 9 of the locating and retaining member 2 and are encouraged towards the lateral side portions 10 of the locating and retaining member 2 by the resilience of the female receiving formations 22. The opposing prongs 23 are forced over the expanded upper portion 9 of the locating and retaining member 2 and once they pass the expanded upper portion 9 and are no longer forced apart by it, the resilient nature of the female receiving formation 23 encourages the opposing prongs 23 inwards into contact with the lateral side portions 10 of the locating and retaining member 2. The resilient nature of the female receiving formation 23 of the in combination with the opposing prongs 23 provide haptic feedback to the user to confirm correct location and retention of the glazing packers 20.

In the embodiment as shown in figures 6 and 7, a plurality of bridge packers and glazing packers 20, 30 can be stacked depending on the level of packing required. Stacked bridge packers and glazing packers 20, 30 are utilized, the first located and retained glazing packer 20 keeps the cavity continuous by forming a bridge for placement of all those glazing packers 30 stacked there above.

In the embodiment as shown in figure 8, a hinge 25 is located against the locating and retaining member 2 and between the locating and retaining member 2 and a second locating and retaining member 26. As a result, the hinge 25 cannot be placed in an incorrect position by a user as the locating and retaining member 2 and second locating and retaining member 26 dictate a precise location for the hinge 25.

The elongate profile member 1 comprises a plurality of compartments 27 (see figure 4), the compartments 27 being sealed compartments 27 and having air locatable therein.

The air filled compartments 27 reduce material usage whilst reducing thermal bridging across the elongate profile member 1.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An elongate profile member having a locating and retaining means protruding from the elongate profile member and being adapted for locating and retaining two or more different functional elements attachable to the elongate profile member.
2. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional elements comprise any combination of sealing components, glass packing components, or window/door hardware components.
3. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein elongate profile members are utilized to construct a window frame, window sash, door frame, door, or another such framed building feature.
4. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means projects from an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such r framed building feature.

CO
5. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means comprises a projection of generally quadrangular cross-section.
6. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 5, wherein the quadrangular projection cross section has a base locatable on or formable with an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.
7. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the quadrangular projection cross section has an upper side opposing the base and two lateral side portions connecting the base and upper side.
8. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lateral side portions taper from the upper side to the base.
9. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means is of generally trapezoidal cross-section.
10. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means has an inverted truncated triangular cross-sectional shape, the truncated portion being locatable at the base.
11. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means extends longitudinally along at least a portion of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.
12. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means extends longitudinally along all or substantially all of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.
13. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein r the locating and retaining means extends longitudinally along an aperture facing CO surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and/or sash of a door, window, or other such framed building feature.
14. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the frame and the sash of a window have locating and retaining means.
15. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means is co-extruded with the elongate profile member.
16. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means is a single projection solid body.
17. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape and configuration of the locating and retaining means easily facilitates snap fit engagement and provides haptic feedback reassuring that correct location and retention of the functional element has been achieved.
18. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means is adapted to provide a retaining function between the elongate profile and the functional element.
19. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means has a seal and/or barrier means attachable thereto.
20. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 19, wherein the barrier means is a water and/or thermal barrier means.
21. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the barrier means comprises an attachment portion and a barrier portion.
22. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 21, wherein the barrier means attachment portion is adapted to extend over all or substantially all of the locating and retaining means.
23. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the barrier means attachment portion is a resilient attachment portion. r
24. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the claims 21 to 23, wherein the CO barrier means attachment portion is a bifurcated resilient attachment portion.
25. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 24, wherein the bifurcated portions of the barrier means attachment portion extend from the barrier portion towards each other such that they taper towards their free ends.
26. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the claims 19 to 25, wherein the barrier portion is locatable on an aperture facing surface of an elongate profile member of a frame and extends towards a sash or door locatable in the frame.
27. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the claims 19 to 25, wherein the barrier portion is locatable on an aperture facing surface of a sash and extends towards glazing locatable in the aperture of the sash.
28. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein packing means are locatable between the glazing and the aperture facing surface of the elongate profile member of the sash and/or frame, the locating and retaining means being in operable engagement with the packing means in order to support, locate, and retain the packing means.
29. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 28, wherein the packing means has at least one locating and retaining means receiving means.
30. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 29, wherein the at least one packing means receiving means is a female receiving means formed for receiving the locating and retaining means therein.
31. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein the packing means has a plurality of receiving means, each corresponding to a desired packing means position.
32. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the receiving means of the packing means is a resilient receiving means.
33. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the receiving means of the packing means comprises two opposing prongs, one locatable r on each side of the locating and retaining means.

CO
34. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 33, wherein the opposing prongs are r. . forcible over the upper portion of the locating and retaining means and are encouraged towards the lateral side portions of the locating and retaining means by the resilience of the receiving means of the packing means.
35. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein the packing means have direction indication means.
36. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a hardware component is mateable with the locating and retaining means.
37. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 36, wherein the hardware component is a hinge.
38. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein at least a portion of the hardware component is locatable between the locating and retaining means and a second locating and retaining means.
39. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein at least a portion of the hardware component is locatable between the locating and retaining means and a side portion of the frame or sash member.
40. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating and retaining means is adapted to simultaneously have a seal and/or barrier means attached thereto and a hinge or similar furniture mateable therewith.
41. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein elongate profile member has an infill for a door.
42. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 41, wherein the infill for a door is an infill for a composite door.
43. An elongate profile member as claimed in claim 41 or 42, wherein the infill for a door comprises an [-shaped profile member.
44. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein at least a portion of the infill for a door is locatable between the locating and retaining means r and a second locating and retaining means.

CO
45. An elongate profile member as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein at least a portion of the infill for a door is locatable between the locating and retaining means and a side portion of the frame or sash member.
46. A window frame or sash frame or door frame having one or more elongate profile members having a locating and retaining means protruding from the elongate profile member and being adapted to locate and retain two or more different functional elements attachable to the elongate profile member.
47. An elongate profile member or a window frame or sash frame or door frame having one or more elongate profile members substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.