GB2566056A

GB2566056A - A roof window system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2566056A
Application number: GB1713997.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rickman Paul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-31
Filing date: 2017-08-31
Publication date: 2019-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-31
Also published as: GB201713997D0; GB2566056B

Abstract

The system 10 includes a base 20 for locating around an opening in a roof 11, a glass unit 40 located on the base and covering the opening, and a plurality of discrete securing members 30 for holding the glass unit on the base having means to engage the base and extend around the edge 41 of the glass. There may be a frame 25 removable attached to the base. The glass may be double-glazed or multi-glazed, the edges of the panes 42 being flush. A seal (22, Fig. 5) may be provided on the frame. An aluminum or plastic cover profile 50 may conceal the securing members. The securing members may have press fit clip means for removable attachment to the base and the cover. There may be multiple clip means on the securing members to adjust for various glass thickness. Also claimed is a method of installation.

Description

A ROOF WINDOW SYSTEM AND METHOD

This invention relates to a roof window system and method, and particularly, but not exclusively, to a system and method for securing a glass unit to form a roof window.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are various types of roof window systems and methods known in the skylight industry, and the present invention is of particular relevance to what is commonly referred to as a roof window. It should be noted that the term roof window includes, but is not limited to, skylight, rooflight, glass ceilings, roof lanterns, glazed ‘viewing boxes’. These are essentially raised boxes or ‘lanterns’ which project out from a roof. They take on many forms or shapes including, but not limiting, curved, domed, pitched polygons, barrel vaults and pyramids.

Typically, prior art roof window systems use glass units comprising glazed glass panes that are fixedly secured by adhesive means on a frame/upstand mounted on a roof. Silicone sealant is typically used for external sealing around window frames. The glazed glass unit has an external top panel of glass which is stepped over the edges of the frame. Also, the stepped edges of the top glass pane are not flush with the other glazed glass panes underneath. To allow fixings and constructions to be hidden the stepped portion of the glass unit is black/dark painted. An example of this first prior art configuration is shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, other prior art designs consist on a conventional glazing glass unit (not stepped) that is fixedly secured on to a base, upon an upstand by adhesive means such as silicon. A frame/sash can be also fitted over the glass unit for mere aesthetic reasons.

A problem with the first configuration is that the ‘stepped’ glass units used are more expensive and difficult to install/repair. Another problem associated in particular with the second configuration relates to poor drainage. That is, for example, water generally tends to accumulate along the inner edges of the sash as they are flush with the top glass pane providing no alternative escaping routes to allow drainage of water away from the edges. Nonetheless, a general problem with these solutions is associated with poor security and serviceability as the glass unit is attached on the frame by adhesive means and therefore cannot be securely and easily locked or removed for repairing.

The present invention aims to provide an improved way of making roof windows. That improved window aims to solve some or all of the mentioned problems whist providing enhanced natural lighting. One of the aims of the present invention is the provision of an

- 2 improved roof window system in which a glass unit can be secured at several locations around the perimeter of a glass pane by a plurality of discrete securing elements comprising press-fit means. The system and method of the present invention allow large glass panes to be securely and easily installed, repaired and/or maintained. Also, advantageously the present invention presents a cover profile which is configured to frame the glass unit to thereby concealing the securing members whilst allowing drainage at various points around the perimeter of the glass unit, meaning that water does not accumulate along the edges on the frame/sash and/or on the glass surface as in existing systems.

An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved securing system and method for locking large glass units on a base of a window, whilst allowing enhanced security and serviceability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A roof window system and method, in particular system and method to secure a glass unit on a roof window are presented hereinafter.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a roof window system comprising:

a base locating around an opening in a roof;

a glass unit arranged on the base to cover the opening; and a plurality of discrete securing members configured to engage the base and extend around an edge of the glass unit to thereby holding the glass unit on the base.

Preferably, the base comprises a frame extending substantially along a perimeter of the opening. In an embodiment, the frame may be removably attached to the roof. Preferably the perimeter of the opening forms a part of the base with the frame and the fame is attached thereto by fastening or adhesive means. The frame may be formed from a metal, such as extruded aluminium. The base may be mounted on a substantially flat or inclined roof.

The glass unit may comprise at least one glass pane. Preferably, the glass unit is a glazed unit comprising a plurality of glass panes. The plurality of glass panes may be arranged so that their edges are flush.

Preferably, a seal is provided on the base such that it seals to a lower glass pane of the glass unit seated thereon. The seal may comprise at least one resilient gasket profile.

- 3 Preferably, the securing members are spaced apart around the perimeter of the glass unit. At least one securing member may be arranged along each edge of the glass unit, optionally at least two securing members may be arranged along each edge of the glass unit. Each of the securing members may be configured to extend around an edge of the uppermost glass pane of a glass unit. Each of the securing members may comprise fastening means to removably engage the base and/or the frame. The fastening means may be press-fit means, preferably clip means. Each of the plurality of securing members may comprise a first clip and preferably a second clip, the second clip being spaced from the first clip by a suitable length to allow engagement with the base at different positions to accommodate different thicknesses of glass unit. Each of the securing members is preferably made of aluminium. However, other materials can be used.

A resilient member may be arranged between the glass unit and the securing member. The securing member may comprise at least one resilient member abutting the glass unit to provide glass protection. Preferably, a first resilient member abuts the outer face of the uppermost glass pane of the glass unit. Preferably a second resilient member is arranged to substantially wrap around an edge of the uppermost glass plane of the glass unit.

In a preferred embodiment the system further comprises a cover profile configured to be removably attached to the securing members by fastening means. The cover profile preferably frames the glass unit and covers edge of the glass and the securing members to conceal them. Preferably, the fastening means use press-fit means, optionally comprising an extruded profile extending along edges of the glass unit, preferably substantially the full length of each edge. Preferably, the cover profile wraps around the edges of the glass unit and extends over the securing members to a position adjacent the uppermost glass pane, such that a gap is provided between the cover and the surface of the upper glass pane to thereby allow drainage around the window from the pane. The cover profile may further conceal a section of the base. The cover profile is preferably made of aluminium, but other materials including plastic can be used. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of securing members further comprises fastening means, preferably press-fit means, to which the cover profile is removably secured. The extruded profile may be part of the cover profile or may be connected thereto.

Preferably, the roof window is planar/flat, however other shapes are possible. The roof window may be fixed or operable.

- 4 A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of securing a glass unit on a roof window, comprising:

providing an opening in a roof and a base around the opening;

positioning the glass unit onto the base; and securing the glass unit onto the base by the plurality of securing members as claimed in the system claim.

Preferably, the method further comprises arranging a frame as part of the base. The frame may be arranged around and secured to a perimeter of the roof around the opening.

In an embodiment, the method may comprise arranging the securing members around an edge of the glass unit, optionally around the uppermost edge of a multi pane glass unit, before securing them to the base.

The method may comprise engaging the securing members to the base, or to the frame, by press-fit means, preferably engaging a first clip and optionally a second clip, the second clip being spaced from the first clip by a suitable length to allow engagement with the base at different positions to accommodate different thicknesses of glass unit.

The method may comprise providing the securing members along the perimeter of the glass unit, optionally providing at least one securing member, preferably at least two securing members, along each edge of the glass unit.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises providing a cover profile configured to be removably attached to the securing members, optionally by press-fit means. The cover profile may frame the glass unit and enclose the securing members to conceal the securing members. Preferably, the method may comprise arranging the cover profile such that it encloses the glass unit and provides a gap between the cover and the outer surface of the glass unit through which gap drainage around the window can occur.

The method may comprise securing a seal, optionally at least one resilient gasket profile, on the base of the window before positioning the glass onto the base. The method may comprise providing at least one resilient member to each securing member to protect the glass unit.

- 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a prior art roof window comprising a top glass pane with the edges stepped from an upstand of the window;

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a roof window system according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a roof window system according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a partial cut-away perspective view of a roof window system according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a partial cut-away exploded view of a detail of the embodiment shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a partial cut-away perspective view of a detail of the embodiment shown in Figure 5; and

Figure 7 shows a partial cut-away perspective view of a roof window system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a prior art fixed flat rooflight conventionally mounted on an upstand 100 of a roof window with the top glass pane 200 stepped over the edges of the upstand 100.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a roof window system 10 according to the present invention. A glass unit 40 is held in place onto a base wall 20 of the window structure located around an opening in a roof 11 by at least one securing member 30, preferably a plurality of discrete securing members 30. The securing members 30 are configured to engage a frame 25, which is removably secured to the base wall 20 as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, and extend/wrap around an edge 41 of an upper glass pane

- 6 42 of the glass unit 40 to thereby holding down the glass unit 40 onto the base wall 20. Each securing member is arranged to substantially enclose the edge 41 of the glass unit. The securing member can be attached to the base 20, or optionally to the frame 25, by fastening means such as clip means. The securing members 30 can be positioned around the perimeter of the glass unit 40. They can be equally spaced apart or arranged at different distances between each other. Preferably, at least two securing members 30 are arranged along each edge of the glass unit 40. It will be readily appreciated that the number of securing members 30 arranged on each edge will depend on the dimensions of the glass unit 40. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, there are ten securing members 30 in total, two securing members 30 along each of the shorter edges of the glass unit 40 and three securing members 30 along each of the longer edges of the glass unit 40. Such an arrangement of discrete securing members 30 allows improved securing of the glass unit 40 onto the base 20, whilst enabling for example secure and easy locking of large glass units 40. However, it will be appreciated that only one securing member 30 need be used when appropriate. It is noteworthy to highlight that once the securing members 30 are clicked in to place, the glass unit 40 can no longer be removed from the base 20, making a very secured roof window system.

Figure 2 also shows a cover profile 50 which can be removably attached to the securing members 30 by fastening means. The cover profile 50 frames the glass unit 40 and encloses the securing members 30 primarily to conceal the securing members 30 and improve the visual appearance, but also protecting the glass unit 40 and securing members 30.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment shown in Figure 2 of a roof window system 10 as assembled. The cover profile 50 is removably secured to the securing members 30 to frame the glass unit 40, allowing the securing members 30, and a portion of the base 20, to be concealed.

Figure 4 shows a partial cut-away perspective view of the roof window system of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The cover profile 50 is removably secured to the securing members by fastening means, preferably by press-fit means, such as clip means which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 5 shows a partial cut-away exploded view of a detail of the embodiment shown in Figure

4, in which a glass unit 40 is yet to be positioned on the base 20, as well as the securing members 30 and the cover profile 50 prior to their locking/installation. The glass unit 40 can comprise a single glass pane, or a plurality of glass panes, preferably glazed to improve thermal and acoustic performance. In this embodiment, the glass unit 40 is a double glazed

- 7 unit comprising an upper glass pane 42 and a lower glass pane 44, wherein the lower glass pane 44 is spaced apart from the upper glass pane 42 by a spacer 43, and an inert gas, preferably Argon, is filled therebetween. The glass unit 40 can be a triple glazing unit, or a ‘multi pane’ glazing unit comprising a plurality of glazed glass panes. Preferably, the plurality of glazed glass panes are arranged so that their edges are flush. This allows for example the use of conventional glazed glass units which are easier and less expensive to install or repair than prior art “stepped” glass units. It should be noted that all glass units can be self-cleaning, low energy, and soft coated with a warm edge spacer. Glazing units are available in several glass tints, and different thicknesses e.g., double glazed unit of 24 mm, or triple glazed unit of 44 mm. However, it will be appreciated that different thicknesses can be available. Coatings can be also applied to the glass unit to reduce solar radiation. Panes can be made from other materials, preferably transparent materials, such as plastic or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). In the illustrated embodiment, the glass unit 40 is generally flat, but can be pyramidally, hipped, or otherwise shaped, preferably domed or curved to allow improved drainage. A protective polycarbonate cover can be also provided over the glass unit and secured to the base by the securing members 30 and/or fastening means. The roof window system 10 of the present invention can be suitable for substantially flat or inclined roofs. In fact, the glass unit 40 can be mounted onto a roof 11 which is substantially horizontal (roof pitches between approximately 0° to 15°-20°), but it can be also mounted on an inclined roof with pitches substantially larger than about 15°-20°.

Figure 5 also shows a seal 22 comprising at least one resilient gasket profile which is provided on the base 20 such that it seats to a lower surface of the lower glass pane 44 of the glass unit 40. Advantageously, this allows the glass unit to be tightly sealed and protected in use and during installation. This also avoids the use of adhesive or sealant to permanently fix the glass unit 40 on the base 20.

It will be appreciated that the securing members 30 can be used for either fixed or operable (venting) roof windows. In the illustrated embodiments, the roof window is fixed, thus notoperable to provide ventilation, and a base 20 is the upstand of the window structure which is fixedly provided on a roof 11. Typically, the base can be made from timber or powder-coated steel, although PVC preferably reinforced un-plasticised PVCu can be also used. The base 20 has raised edges sealed around the opening in a roof to ensure a weather-tight fit.

In another embodiment of the invention, an operable roof window can comprise a glass unit that is framed by a base attached to, and supported by, the upstand of the window structure that is fixedly provided on a roof. In this embodiment (not shown in the drawings), the base is

- 8 the (operable) frame in which the glass unit is installed, not the upstand of the window structure fixed on a roof. In such an operable roof window configuration, the glass unit is removably held on the operable base by the securing members allowing the roof window to be tilted, or slidably retracted, manually or electronically thereby enabling ventilation.

Additionally, Figure 5 shows the base 20 comprising a frame 25 to which the securing members 30 can be removably attached for example by press-fit means 31, 32. The frame 25 can be attached to the base 20, preferably by fastenings or adhesive means. Advantageously, the frame 25 can be fitted on new or already installed roof window openings.

Furthermore, Figure 5 shows a detailed view of securing members 30 as disengaged from the base 20 and the glass unit 40. Each of the securing members 30 has a substantially inverted and inverted L-shaped cross-section which is configured to engage the base 20 by press-fit means 31, 32 and to extend/wrap around an edge 41 of the uppermost glass pane 42 of the glass unit 40 to thereby holding the glass unit 40 downward in place on the base 20. The base 38’ of the L-shaped securing member 30 abuts on the uppermost glass pane 42 by means of resilient members 60, 61 which are preferably extruded gaskets made of resiliently deformable material and they function primarily as glass protector and/or shock absorbers. The first resilient gasket 60 and the second resilient gasket 61 are removably attached respectively to grooves 62 and 63 that are defined on an inner surface of the securing member 30 facing towards the glass unit 40. The securing member 30 comprises at least one clip member 31, to removably engaging the base 20, or preferably the frame 25. The at least one clip member 31, 32 is defined on the inner surface of the securing member 30. In this embodiment, the securing member 30 comprises a first clip 31 and preferably a second clip 32, the second clip 32 spaced from the first clip 31 by a suitable length to allow engagement with the base 20, or the frame 25, at different positions to accommodate different thicknesses of glass units 40. Each of the first clip 31 and second clip 32 is substantially V-shaped to engage a projecting formation on the base 20, preferably part of the frame 25. In this embodiment the clips 31, 32 have substantially the same length. Nonetheless, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to such a two-clip configuration but other configurations and/or shapes, or lengths of clips, and/or types of fastenings, may well be considered to make this system easily adjustable to accommodate different thicknesses and/or types of glass unit.

In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, the cover profile 50 engages the securing members 30 preferably by press-fit means. Each of the securing members further comprises a first ledge and a second ledge 35, each protruding outwardly (away from the glass unit) from an outer surface of the securing member 30. The second ledge 35 extends outwardly further than the first ledge 33 to allow an internal wall 54 of the cover profile 50 to engage the groove 36 which is defined adjacent to an end of the second ledge 35. The first ledge 33 comprises a tongue 34 which is designed to guide smoothly a fastening profile 70 - which in this version has the shape of a headless man-shaped profile comprising arms 71, legs 72, and feet 73 - through the converging passage 80 into a channel 38 defined on the first ledge 33. The tongue 34 is also designed to engage a groove 57, which is defined in an internal wall of the cover profile 50, to provide additional support to the cover profile 50.

Moreover, Figure 5 shows that the fastening profile 70 is a single extruded profile extending along the length of each edge of the cover profile 50. The fastening profile 70 is configured to engage one or more securing members 30 allowing the cover profile 50 to be easily removably locked to the securing members 30, which can be particularly advantageous when installing large glass units.

In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, the arms 71 are slidably engaged into a pair of rails 56 defined on the inner top surface of the cover profile 50. The fastening profile 70 is then guided smoothly into the channel 38 by the converging passage 80, thus pressing the legs 72 against each other until the feet 73 eventually click into the channel 38. It can be seen from Figure 5 that the channel 38 comprises lips 39 to lock the feet 73 into place. The fastening profile 70 can be easily released from the channel 38 by pressing the legs 72 towards each other to disengage the feet 73 from the lips 39. As a result, the cover profile 50 can be easily removed from the securing members 30.

The cover profile 50 is an extruded profile preferably made of aluminium, but it can be made of other suitable materials including plastic. It is configured to enable improved structural rigidity whilst reducing weight. The cover profile 50 has mainly the aesthetic function to conceal the securing members 30, and partly the base 20. However, the cover profile also protects the securing members 30 and the glass unit 40 for example from damages due to accidental impact by a pedestrian walking, or operating, over, or in the vicinity of, the roof window as the present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for walk-on roof windows.

Figures 6 and 7 show partial cut-away perspective views of details of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. The cover profile 50 is removably locked onto the securing members 30. The cover profile 50 further comprises an outer wall 52 which substantially conceal the securing members 30 and a portion of the base 20. The cover profile 50 extends/wraps around the securing members 30. The outer wall 52 extends over the securing members around the edge adjacently above, but without abutting, the upper glass unit 42 such that a gap 55 is formed

- 10 between an edge 53 of the outer wall 52 and the glass unit 40. The provision of the gap 55 together with the arrangement of the discrete securing members 30 substantially along the perimeter of the glass unit allows drainage virtually all around the glass unit 40 whilst concealing the securing members 30. This allows improved self-cleaning and maintenance free roof windows. It should be noted that the fastening member 70 is suitably spaced laterally from the outer edges of the glass unit 40 allowing drainage therethrough.

Figure 6 and 7 also show the glass unit 40 positioned on the base 40 and secured onto the base by a plurality of securing members 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the first resilient member 60 abuts the top surface of the upper glass pane 42, and the second resilient member 61 abuts the top and side surfaces of the upper glass plane 43 and substantially encloses the edge 41. The securing member engages the base, preferably the frame 25, by the first clip member 31. The cover profile 50 is removably locked to the securing member via the fastening member 70 clipped into place and the outer wall 52 engaged to the grove 36. The gap 55 is provided between the edge 53 and the upper glass pane 42. In the illustrated embodiments, the second ledge 35 comprising a surface 37 which is substantially flat to allow the securing members 30 to be suitably pushed/hit to engage the base 20 or frame 25.

It will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combination with other embodiments.

Claims

1. A roof window system (10) comprising:

a base (20) locating around an opening in a roof (11);

a glass unit (40) arranged on the base to cover the opening; and a plurality of discrete securing members (30) configured to engage the base and extend around an edge of the glass unit to thereby holding the glass unit on the base.

2. A roof window system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base comprises a frame (25) extending substantially along the perimeter of the opening.

3. A roof window system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame is removably attached to the roof, optionally wherein the frame is attached to the base by fastening or adhesive means.

4. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is mounted on a substantially flat or inclined roof.

5. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass unit comprises at least one glass pane.

6. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass unit is a glazed unit comprising a plurality of glazed glass panes (42,44).

7. A roof window system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the glass panes are arranged so that their edges are flush.

8. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a seal (22) is provided on the base such that it seats to a lower glass pane (44) of the glass unit (40).

9. A roof window system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the seal (22) comprises at least one resilient gasket profile.

10. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing members (30) are spaced apart along the perimeter of the glass unit.

11. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one securing member is arranged along each edge of the glass unit, optionally wherein at least two securing members are arranged along each edge of the glass unit.

12. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the securing members is configured to extend around an edge of the uppermost glass pane (42) of glass unit.

13. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the securing members comprises fastening means to removably engage the base and/or the frame.

14. A roof window system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means are press-fit means, optionally clip means.

15. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of securing members comprises a first clip (31) and preferably a second clip (32), the second clip being spaced from the first clip by a suitable length to allow engagement with the base at different positions to accommodate different thicknesses of glass unit.

16. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the securing members is made of aluminium.

17. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a resilient member (60,61) is arranged between the glass unit and the securing member.

18. A roof window system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the securing member comprises at least one resilient member abutting the glass unit to provide glass protection.

19. A roof window system as claimed in claim 18, wherein a first resilient member (60) abuts on the uppermost glass pane (42) of the glass unit and a second resilient member (61) is arranged to substantially enfold an edge (41) of the uppermost glass plane of the glass unit.

20. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the system further comprising a cover profile (50) configured to be removably attached to the securing members (30) by fastening means, the cover profile framing the glass unit and enclosing the securing members to conceal the securing members.

21. A roof window system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fastening means are pressfit means, optionally comprising an extruded profile (70) extending along each edge of the glass unit substantially the full length of each edge.

22. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover profile (50) wraps around the edges of the glass unit and extends over the securing members to a position adjacent the uppermost glass pane (42), such that a gap (55) is provided between the cover and the upper glass pane to thereby allow drainage around the window.

23. A roof window system as claimed in claim 20, the cover profile (50) further conceals a section of the base.

24. A roof window system as claimed in claims 20 to 24, wherein the cover profile (50) is made of aluminium, or plastic.

25. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of securing members further comprises fastening means (33,36), preferably press-fit means, to which the cover profile is removably secured.

26. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof window is flat.

27. A roof window system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof window is fixed or operable.

28. A method of securing a glass unit (40) on a roof window, comprising:

providing an opening in a roof (11) and a base (20) around the opening; positioning the glass unit onto the base; and securing the glass unit onto the base by the plurality of securing members (30) as claimed in claim 1.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising arranging a frame (25) as part of the base.

30. A method as claimed in claims 28 and 29, further comprising:

arranging the securing members around an edge of the glass unit, optionally around the uppermost edge of a multi pane glass unit.

31. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

engaging the securing members to the base, or to the frame, by press-fit means, optionally engaging a first clip and optionally a second clip, the second clip being spaced from the first clip by a suitable length to allow engagement with the base at different positions to accommodate different thicknesses of glass unit

32. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

providing the securing members along the perimeter of the glass unit, optionally providing at least one securing member, preferably at least two securing members, along each edge of the glass unit.

33. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the method further comprises:

providing a cover profile (50) configured to be removably attached to the securing members, optionally by press-fit means, wherein the cover profile frames the glass unit and encloses the securing members to conceal the securing members.

34. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the cover profile (50) is arranged such that it encloses the glass unit and provides a gap (55) between the cover and the glass unit through which drainage around the window can occur.

35. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the positioning further comprises:

securing a seal (22), optionally at least one resilient gasket profile, on the base of the window before positioning the glass onto the base.

36. A method as claimed in claims 28, wherein the securing further comprises providing at least one resilient member (60,61) to each securing member to protect the glass unit (40).