GB2543794A

GB2543794A - Plastic extrusion having improved strengthening

Info

Publication number: GB2543794A
Application number: GB1519052.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Althorpe Martin
Original assignee: Spectus Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Spectus Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-28
Filing date: 2015-10-28
Publication date: 2017-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-28
Also published as: IE20160248A1; GB2543794B; GB201519052D0; IE86933B1

Abstract

The extruded frame 100 comprises a chamber 110, and the reinforcement member 200 is adjustable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration the reinforcement member is insertable into the chamber, and when in the chamber in the second configuration a portion of the reinforcement member presses against the chamber. The reinforcement member may be adjustable between its two configurations from an end. The first configuration may have a smaller profile than the second. The pressing portion may extend from a first to a second end of the extruded frame. The reinforcement member may have cams 210 which are rotated using a hex key in cavities 212. There may be a plurality of pressing portions. Also claimed is a method of reinforcing the extruded frame using the reinforcement member.

Description

Plastic extrusion having a reinforcement member and method of reinforcing

FIELD

[01] The present invention relates to a plastic extrusion having a reinforcement member and to a method of reinforcing a plastic extrusion with a reinforcement member.

BACKGROUND

[02] Plastics provide a widespread alternative for replacing building elements traditionally made from timber. The reasons for choosing plastics include low cost, little need for maintenance and high weather resistance. Plasticised polyvinyl chloride, which abbreviates to PVC, is a known choice for building elements such as windows, doors, or conservatories. PVC, however, is a relatively soft type of plastic yet building elements should withstand the various forces exerted upon them for many years. For example, a PVC window frame must withstand forces related to opening and closing of the window and also support the weight of a window pane. The shape of the PVC window frame should not change under the strain exerted upon it and remain substantially identical over the course of years. Very similar requirements exist for other building elements. It is therefore advisable to reinforce a PVC building element in order to improve its rigidity.

[03] Various means for reinforcing have already been proposed. One such proposal involves a reinforcement insert. A reinforcement insert is typically made from metal or a metal alloy, although plastics are known to be used also. During assembly of the window frame or other building element, a reinforcement insert is inserted into a plastic extrusion. Subsequently, the reinforcement insert and the plastic extrusion are fixed relative to each other using screws. As the reinforcement insert and the plastic extrusion are typically not fitted closely, it is possible that the plastic extrusion is deformed when the screws are fastened. In particular, after tightening the screws it may happen that the plastic extrusion is bent or twisted around the reinforcement insert. Thereby the advantage of providing the reinforcement insert may be limited or, rather than supporting the plastic extrusion, additional strain may be exerted on the plastic extrusion.

SUMMARY

[04] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a reinforcement member that is easily inserted into a plastic extrusion. A reinforcement member according to the present disclosure may be provided in a first configuration such that the reinforcement insert can be inserted into the plastic extrusion with ease. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a plastic extrusion and a reinforcement member that may be arranged to form a close fit. A reinforcement member according to the present disclosure may be adjusted to a second configuration when located inside the plastic extrusion to thereby form a close fit with the plastic extrusion. It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide a reinforcement member that need not be fastened to the plastic extrusion using screws. Such a reinforcement member may be advantageous, because there may only be limited space available for providing screws, particularly because visible screw heads may be considered unsightly.

[05] According to the present invention, there is provided a plastic extrusion and a reinforcement member.

[06] A chamber is formed by a chamber-forming portion of the plastic extrusion. The chamber may extend from a first end of the plastic extrusion to a second end of the plastic extrusion. The chamber-forming portion may have a profile that is substantially constant from the first end to the second end.

[07] The reinforcement member is suitable for reinforcing the plastic extrusion. Suitably, the reinforcement member is relatively rigid compared to the rigidity of the plastic extrusion. The reinforcement member may be manufactured using metal or a metal-alloy. Additionally or alternatively, a suitable choice of plastic may be used. Advantageously, the reinforcement member has a hollow section, resulting in a weight reduction.

[08] The reinforcement member is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration. That is, the first configuration is adjustable to the second configuration, and the second configuration is adjustable to the first configuration.

[09] In the first configuration, the reinforcement member is insertable into the chamber formed by the plastic extrusion. Suitably, in the first configuration the reinforcement member has a first profile which may be smaller than the profile of the chamber-forming portion of the plastic extrusion.

[10] The reinforcement member may be insertable into the chamber from the first end or the second end of the plastic extrusion. Suitably, the first or the second end is an open end. Alternatively, the first and the second end may be open.

[11] When inserted into the chamber, the reinforcement member extends from a first end portion to a second end portion of the chamber. Conveniently, the reinforcement member may have a length such that, when inserted into the chamber, the reinforcement member extends substantially from a first end to a second end of the chamber. That is, the first end portion maybe the first end and the second end portion maybe the second end.

[12] The reinforcement member is configurable to the second configuration. Conveniently, the reinforcement member may be adjustable from a first end of the reinforcement member. Alternatively, the reinforcement member may be adjustable from the first end and a second end of the reinforcement member. In the exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member is configurable between the first and second configurations by an actuator. The actuator is arranged to cause a pressing member to move outwardly so as to increase a cross-sectional size of the reinforcement member. The actuator may be arranged to be operable from an outside of the plastic extrusion and suitably from an end of the plastic extrusion. In the exemplary embodiments, the actuator extends a substantial length of the reinforcement member. This enables the actuator to support a substantial length of the pressing member. Suitably, the actuator is actuated by rotational movement. Here, the actuator translates rotational movement in to an outwardly acting, lateral force to act to urge the pressing member outwardly. Suitably, in the exemplary embodiment, the actuator is a cam arrangement.

[13] The reinforcement member may have one pressing member, which may suitably be arranged in a mid-region of one face of the reinforcement member. However, preferably, a plurality of pressing members is provided. Here a first pressing member may be arranged on one face and a second pressing maybe arranged on another face. Additionally or alternatively, each face may have two or more pressing members. Here, each pressing member is arranged spaced apart across said face.

[14] The reinforcement member, when inserted into the chamber, is configurable to the second configuration and to thereby press against the chamber-forming portion. Suitably, a pressing portion of the reinforcement member may be formed to exert a pressure on the chamber-forming portion. Thereby the reinforcement member may be urged to engage the chamber-forming portion. A close fit may be formed between the reinforcement member and the plastic extrusion.

[15] The pressing portion may be formed between the first end of the reinforcement member and the second end of the reinforcement member. Suitably, the close fit may be formed between the first end and the second end of the reinforcement member. Conveniently, the pressing portion may extend from the first end to the second end of the reinforcement member so that the close fit may be formed from the first end to the second end of the reinforcement member.

[16] The reinforcement member may have a first profile when in the first configuration, and a second profile when in the second configuration. Here, the first profile has a smaller cross-sectional profile than the cross-sectional profile of the second profile.

[17] According to one exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement member being a tubular profile having a substantially constant cross-section is inserted into a chamber of a plastic extrusion to provide additional rigidity and strength. The reinforcement member includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of pressing members arranged on one face of the tubular profile. The pressing members are actuated to move from a first arrangement to a second arrangement, wherein in the second arrangement, the pressing member extends further from the face of the tubular profile than when in the first arrangement. The pressing member is suitably housed in a recess of the tubular member. The recess has a cross-section resembling a truncated circle. Here, the pressing member has a cross-section also resembling a truncated circle, sized to correspond to the recess so that the pressing member fits within the recess. The pressing member is rotatable within the recess and the surfaces of the pressing member act as a cam to press outwardly onto the inside of the plastic profile when the pressing member is actuated by rotation. Here, the actuator is integral to the pressing member, but embodiments are envisaged, wherein the actuator is separate to the pressing member.

[18] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reinforcing a plastic extrusion. The method comprises providing a plastic extrusion having a chamber-forming portion which forms a chamber. The method further comprises providing a reinforcement member that is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The method further comprises inserting the reinforcement member in the first configuration into the chamber. The method further comprises adjusting the reinforcement member to the second configuration when the reinforcement member is in the chamber, thereby forming a pressing portion configured to press against the chamber-forming portion.

[19] The method may further comprise adjusting the reinforcement member to the second configuration from a first end of the reinforcement member.

[20] The method may further comprise adjusting the second configuration to the first configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[21] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a plastic extrusion.

[22] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a plastic extrusion and, provided in a chamber formed by the plastic extrusion, a reinforcement insert in a first configuration.

[23] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a plastic extrusion and, provided in a chamber formed by the plastic extrusion, a reinforcement insert in a second configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[24] An embodiment of a plastic extrusion and a reinforcement member according to the present invention is discussed with reference to the Figures. It will be appreciated that the plastic extrusion and the reinforcement member are presented schematically in the Figures and that technical details have been omitted for the sake of clarity, or where such are well known in the art.

[25] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a plastic extrusion 100.

[26] In this example, the plastic extrusion 100 is intended to be used in a window frame. In another example, the plastic extrusion 100 may be intended for a door frame, while other examples may relate to other building elements. Suitably, the plastic extrusion 100 is substantially straight so that it may form a section of a window frame, a door frame or other building element, as the case may be. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of the plastic extrusion 100.

[27] In this example, the plastic extrusion 100 forms a plurality of chambers. A chamber 110 is formed by the chamber-forming portion 120. Additionally, a plurality of additional chambers is formed by the plastic extrusion 100. Each of the additional chambers is smaller than the chamber 110.

[28] In this example, the plastic extrusion 100 has a profile which is substantially constant from a first end of the plastic extrusion 100 to a second end of the plastic extrusion. The chamber 110 extends from the first end to the second end of the plastic extrusion 100. Suitably, the chamber-forming portion 120 has a profile which is substantially constant from the first end to the second end of the plastic extrusion.

[29] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the plastic extrusion 100 and a reinforcement member 200.

[30] The reinforcement member 200 is located in the chamber 110 formed by the plastic extrusion 100. Conveniently, the reinforcement member 200 is insertable into the chamber 110 and removable from the chamber 110. Suitably, the reinforcement member 200 may be provided in a first configuration which enables insertion into and removal from the chamber 110.

[31] Conveniently, in the first configuration the reinforcement member 200 allows easy insertion of the reinforcement member 200 into the chamber 110. Suitably, in the first configuration, the reinforcement member 200 has a first profile which is smaller than the profile of the chamber-forming portion 120.

[32] In this example, the reinforcement member 200 comprises a channel 220 with a first end and a second end. The channel 220 may extend from the first end of the reinforcement member 200 to the second end of the reinforcement member 200. The first end or the second end of the channel 220 may be open, but alternatively both ends of the channel 220 may be open. The channel 220 may be formed on any side of the reinforcement member 200.

[33] A cam 210 is located in the channel 220. Conveniently, the cam 210 extends from the first end of the channel 220 to the second end of the channel 220. In the first configuration, the cam 210 is rotated such that the cam 210 does not extend out of the channel 220. This way, the cam 210 does not obstruct insertion of the reinforcement member 200 into the chamber 110. Alternatively, it is possible to remove the cam 210 from the reinforcement member 200 for insertion into the chamber 110, and to insert the cam 210 afterwards into the channel 220.

[34] The reinforcement member 200 may comprise multiple cams 210. In this example, two cams 210 and two channels 220 are provided. Suitably, each channel 220 holds a cam 210. In this example, the two channels 220 are formed on a first side of the reinforcement member 200. Alternatively, a first channel 220 may be formed on the first side and a second channel 220 could be formed on a second side.

[35] After insertion of the reinforcement member 200 into the chamber 110 of the plastic extrusion, gaps may be formed between the reinforcement member 200 and the chamberforming portion 120.

[36] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the plastic extrusion 100 and the reinforcement member 200. The reinforcement member 200 is shown in a second configuration which is suitable for forming a close fit between the reinforcement member 200 and the chamber-forming portion 120. Thereby the gaps may be closed and reinforcement improved.

[37] The reinforcement member 200 is configurable to press against the chamber-forming portion 120. Suitably, the first configuration of the reinforcement member 200, which allows for easy insertion of the reinforcement member 200, is changeable into the second configuration. The second configuration of the reinforcement member 200 is configured to form a pressing portion engaging the chamber-forming portion 120. The pressing portion is arranged to exert a pressure on the chamber-forming portion 120 and may deform the plastic extrusion 100. Thereby the reinforcement member 200 is urged against the chamber-forming portion 120.

[38] Advantageously, no pressing portion is formed on a side where the chamber-forming portion 120 corresponds to an outermost section of the plastic extrusion. Otherwise the plastic extrusion 200 may be visually warped or functionality of the plastic extrusion 200, e.g. as a section of window frame, may be affected.

[39] In the second configuration the profile of the reinforcement member 200 is larger than the profile of the reinforcement member 200 in the first configuration. Figure 3 diagrammatically illustrates this, showing the cam 210 of the reinforcement member 200 overlapping with the chamber-forming portion 120 of plastic extrusion 100. As the reinforcement member 200 is relatively stiff compared to the plastic extrusion 100, the plastic extrusion 100 would be deformed in response an expansion of the reinforcement member 200. Thereby a close fit may be formed between the plastic extrusion 100 and the reinforcement member 200. In one example, the reinforcement member 200 is not insertable into the chamber 110 when the reinforcement member 200 is in the second configuration.

[40] In this example, the cam 210 may be actuated to engage the chamber-forming portion 120. Specifically, the cam 210 may be rotated to change a first orientation, which is depicted in Figure 2, to a second orientation, which is depicted in Figure 3. Conveniently, a rotation of the cam 210 may be caused at the first end or the second end of the reinforcement member 200. Suitably, the cam 210 is provided with a portion 212 suitable for engaging the cam 210 with a tool. In this example, the portion 212 is a hexagonal cavity suitable for receiving a hex key or Allen key. When inserted into the hexagonal cavity, the hex key or Allen key may be operated to rotate the cam 210 such that the pressing portion is formed. Thereby the reinforcement member 200 may be configured to engage the chamber-forming portion 120 so that a close fit may be formed between the reinforcement member 200 and the chamber-forming portion 120.

[41] In this example, the second configuration of the reinforcement member 200 differs from the first configuration in that the cam 210 is rotated to engage the chamber-forming portion 120 in the second configuration. By contrast, in the first configuration the cam 210 is rotated such that the cam 210 is entirely located in the channel 220. In this example, therefore, the profile of the reinforcement member 200 is enlarged in the second configuration, with the cam 210 projecting towards the chamber-forming portion 120. That is, the cam 210 is rotatable to press against the chamber-forming portion 120. As a result, the chamber-forming portion 120 may be engaged by the cam 210 and may be deformed. Thereby the reinforcement member 200 may be urged against the chamber forming-portion 120, and a tight fit may be formed so that reinforcement may be improved.

[42] The second configuration of the reinforcement member 200 may again be brought into the first configuration. In this example, a suitable rotation of the cam 210 may be used to bring the second configuration back into the first configuration. If desired, in the first configuration the reinforcement member 200 may be removed from the chamber 110 or may be positioned differently within the chamber 110. Thereby accurate placement of the reinforcement member 200 may be aided. The reinforcement member 200 may then be adjusted to the second configuration once more, and improved reinforcement may be achieved.

[43] In order to further improve reinforcement, the reinforcement member 200 may comprise multiple channels 220 and multiple cams 210. Each cam 210 may be located in a channel 220. Advantageously, the pressing portion is formed using multiple cams 210. However, it may be sufficient to use a single cam 210 or a subset of the multiple cams 210 for forming the pressing portion. In this example, two cams 210 are provided on a first side of the reinforcement member 200.

[44] In summary, an exemplary embodiment of a plastic extrusion and a reinforcement member has been described. The reinforcement member is configurable for insertion into a chamber formed by the plastic extrusion and is further configurable to press against the plastic extrusion. Thereby a close fit may be formed with the plastic extrusion and reinforcement may be improved.

[45] The plastic extrusion and the reinforcement member may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[46] Although a few preferred embodiment(s) have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[47] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

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

Claims

1. A system comprising a plastic extrusion and a reinforcement member, wherein: the plastic extrusion comprises a chamber-forming portion which forms a chamber; the reinforcement member is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration; in the first configuration the reinforcement member is insertable into the chamber, and when inserted into the chamber, in the second configuration the reinforcement member is arranged to form a pressing portion, wherein the pressing portion is configured to press against the chamber-forming portion.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member is adjustable between the first configuration and the second configuration at an end of the reinforcement member.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member has a first profile when in the first configuration and a second profile when in the second configuration.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first profile is smaller than the second profile.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion extends from a first end of the reinforcement member to a second end of the reinforcement member.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member has a length such that, when inserted into the chamber, the reinforcement member extends from a first end of the chamber to a second end of the chamber.

7. A method of reinforcing a plastic extrusion with a reinforcement member, the method comprising: providing a plastic extrusion having a chamber-forming portion which forms a chamber, providing a reinforcement member which is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration, inserting the reinforcement member into the chamber while the reinforcement member is in the first configuration, adjusting the reinforcement member to the second configuration while the reinforcement member is located in the chamber, thereby forming a pressing portion configured to press against the chamber-forming portion of the plastic extrusion.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising adjusting the reinforcement member to the second configuration from a first end of the reinforcement member.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising adjusting the second configuration of the reinforcement member to the first configuration.

10. A plastic extrusion and a reinforcement member as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

11. A method of reinforcing a plastic extrusion with a reinforcement member, substantially as hereinbefore described.