GB2596528A

GB2596528A - A gasket for a window assembly and an assembly including same

Info

Publication number: GB2596528A
Application number: GB2009866.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gorman Kevin
Original assignee: Britplas Fabrications Ltd
Current assignee: Britplas Fabrications Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-29
Filing date: 2020-06-29
Publication date: 2022-01-05
Also published as: GB202009866D0

Abstract

A gasket 14 or seal for a window assembly (12 figure 2) or frame, which has an elongate body with at least one structure 20 or 21 on/in the body to locate the gasket relative to the window assembly. The body may have the same cross section along its length and may have two flat sides 17. At its end the gasket may have a structure to position it within a sash frame which may be shaped to correspond with a structure (18 figure 4) on the frame. An end 22 of the body may be oriented towards a centre of a glass panel (10 figure 4). It may have a fixing member 15 to fix it to the window frame which may consist of double-sided tape. A window assembly consisting of the gasket, a frame and a glass panel and its assembly are also defined.

Description

A GASKET FOR A WINDOW ASSEMBLY AND AN ASSEMBLY INCLUDING SAME

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to window assemblies. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns anti-ligature windows.

Background to the Invention

Anti-ligature and impact resistant windows are often used for safety, security and protection in the healthcare sector. An anti-ligature window offers vulnerable residents of mental health hospitals, secure units, or complex care facilities protection against the ability to self-harm, using parts forcibly detached from the window, or from ligature points, whilst also allowing natural ventilation and light through the window.

A cross-sectional view of the lower or jamb portion of a prior art impact resistant and anti-ligature window is illustrated in Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 1, the glazed pane of the window, which is typically one or more panels of toughened safety or laminated glass 10, is fitted within the window sash frame using a security/glazing foam tape 11 on the room side of the sash between the 21azed pane 10 and the sash member 12, and a flexible gasket 13, normally of rubber or similar on the outside of the sash frame.

A gasket solution is not appropriate for use on the room side of the window due to the substantial risk of removal by service users and the potential for possible escape or of self-harm being inflicted, which could include by using the gasket itself. As a consequence, either nothing is used, though more commonly a wet glazed or foam tape sealing solution is utilised This has been effective in the past but a problem has been identified recently due, in part to the residual effects of the heating and quenching operations undertaken during the processing of the toughened safety glass. A characteristic of this glass is that it is very strong against impact on its planar surface but it vulnerable to impact on its edge which can cause it to shatter.

It has been found that if an anti-ligature window is provided in a metal sash frame such as that illustrated in Figure 1, and the metal sash frame is struck adjacent to the glass 10, when utilising a wet seal or foam tape gasket solution, this can deform the metal sash frame 12 sufficiently that the deformed frame can pinch the glass, causing it to shatter. Such solutions are also vulnerable to objects being forcibly inserted into the small joint rebate occurring between glass and frame which can then be utilised to form a ligature point.

Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a gasket for a window assembly, the gasket comprising an elongate body with at least one locating structure provided on/in the body to locate the gasket relative to a window assembly member, wherein the elongate body is formed of a material with a Shore D hardness of at least 30.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a window assembly comprising a surround frame at least one glass infill panel mounted in the frame, and a gasket member provided along at least one side of the frame on an inner side of the frame, the gasket comprising an elongate body with at least one locating structure provided on/in the body to locate the gasket relative to the at least one side of the frame, wherein the elongate body is formed of a material with a Shore D hardness of at least 30.

The window assembly may comprise at least one sliding sash and at least one fixed sash.

The at least one glass infill panel will normally be safety glass. Safety glass may be toughened, laminated, treated or the like (there are a wide variety of mechanisms to 'toughen' glass) to increase the strength of the glass and/or reduce the chance that the glass can be broken.

The surround frame or one or more portions thereof may be or include metal. A light metal such as aluminium is preferred.

All of the sashes of the window assembly will preferably include a gasket member provided about all sides of the respective sash frame, on a room side of the window assembly.

Providing a gasket for an anti-ligature window assembly formed of a material with a Shore D hardness of at least 30 will preferably at least minimise the chance of deformation of the sash frame. For context, a shopping cart wheel typically has a Shore D hardness of approximately 30 and contemporary golf balls and plastic toy blocks typically have a Shore D hardness of approximately 60. The gasket will preferably protect the edge of the at least one glass infill panel mounted in the sash frame. The gasket will preferably prevent a blade or any object being inserted between the at least one glass infill panel mounted in the sash frame and the sash frame. The hardness of the gasket will preferably minimise, or substantially prevent, deformation of the gasket. Preferably, the gasket will achieve all of these advantages.

The gasket of the present invention will preferably function to seal the at least one glass infill panel relative to the sash frame. The gasket will preferably seal the at least one glass infill panel to the portion of the sash frame to provide a transition between the at least one glass infill panel and the sash frame. Typically, the gasket will prevent lateral contact between the at least one glass infill panel and the sash frame (in a direction perpendicular to the window assembly). In a preferred embodiment, the mounting of the gasket relative to the at least one glass infill panel and the sash frame will preferably prevent contact between the at least one glass infill panel and the sash frame, particularly at the end of the at least one glass infill panel, in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one glass infill panel.

The gasket preferably comprises an elongate body. The elongate body will preferably be extruded. Extruding the elongate body will provide the elongate body with the same cross-sectional shape over the length of the gasket. In an embodiment, the elongate body is formed of one or more plastic materials. A particularly preferred plastic is block copolymer polypropylene.

The gasket will preferably be formed of a material with a Shore, D hardness of at least 30. Preferably, the material will have a Shore D hardness of approximately 60.

The elongate body will preferably be substantially rectangular in cross sectional shape. In an embodiment, the elongate body will have at least a pair of spaced apart planar side wall surfaces when viewed in cross-section. Preferably the planar side wall surfaces are provided on either side of the thickness of the elongate body.

In use, one of the pair of spaced apart planar side wall surfaces is positioned on the inside or building side of the window assembly and another of the planar side wall surfaces is provided on the outside or weather side of the window assembly. hi use, the elongate body of the gasket will typically be positioned relative to a gasket race on the facing side of the sash member of the window assembly relative to which the at least onc glass infill panel is mounted. The inner planar sidc wall surface is preferably mounted relative to the gasket race. The outer planar side wall surface is preferably mounted relative to and substantially parallel to a portion of the at least one glass panel.

The elongate body of the gasket preferably comprises at least one locating structure provided on/in the body to locate the gasket relative to a window assembly 15 member. The window assembly member relative to which the gasket is located is preferably a sash member.

More than one locating structure may be provided. The or each locating structure will preferably be provided over the length of the elongate body.

In one form, a sash frame member edge locating structure is provided at an end of the elongate body. The upper sash frame member edge locating structure will typically engage a projection provided at an end of an inside of the sash frame member. This engagement will preferably maximise the rigidity of the end of the elongate gasket body and substantially prevent deformation of the end.

At least one intermediate locating structure may be provided spaced from the sash frame member edge locating structure. The at least one intermediate locating structure will typically engage a projection provided on the sash frame member which are spaced from the projection provided at an end of the inside of the sash frame member.

Where both the sash frame member edge locating structure and at least one intermediate locating structure is provided on the elongate body of the gasket, the locating structures will preferably cooperate to maintain the gasket in position relative to the sash frame member. Preferably, the locating structures will maintain the gasket in position at least during assembly of the window assembly. Typically, the locating structures will also function to maintain the gasket in position once the window assembly is installed.

The locating structure(s) may take any form. In an embodiment, each locating structure is or includes a shaped opening to at least partially receive a correspondingly shaped portion of the sash frame. Alternatively, each locating structure may be provided in the form of a protrusion which is configured to be received at least partially within a correspondingly shaped opening or depression in the sash frame.

As will be explained further below, at least one fixing assembly is preferably provided on the gasket in order to at least temporarily fix the position of the gasket relative to the sash frame member and/or at least one glass infill panel. The use of the at least one fixing assembly in combination with the gasket will preferably allow the edge of the at least one glass infill panel to be maintained, spaced from the sash frame in more than one direction. Preferably, the gasket will maintain separation of the sash frame and the at least one glass infill panel in a direction from the room side of the window assembly to the weather side (and/or vice versa) and also in a direction from the centre of the at. least one glass infill panel toward the edge of the at least one glass infill panel (and/or vice versa).

An end of the elongate body of the gasket which is oriented toward the centre of the at least one glass infill panel in use will normally be angled. Preferably, the end is angled from the plane of the surface of the at least one glass infill panel toward the sash member. In use, the end of the elongate body of the gasket which is oriented toward the centre of the at least one glass infill panel will typically be located further inwardly toward the centre of the at least one glass infill panel than the extremity of the sash member relative to which it is located. The angled end may overlie the terminal end of the sash member. Providing an angled end will preferably assist with preventing the insertion of objects between the at least one glass infill panel and the sash member.

The gasket is preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm in thickness. Preferably, the gasket is approximately 3 mm in thickness.

The gasket is typically between 15 and 25 mm in height. Preferably, the gasket is approximately 21 mm in height. The gasket may be sufficiently long to extend outwardly (from the centre of the window) in the sash frame such that the outer end of the gasket contacts a portion of the sash frame to seat the gasket against the sash frame and prevent the gasket being pushed into the sash frame.

The gasket will preferably be positioned to overlie the end of the sash frame member which is closest to the centre of the at least one glass infill panel. Typically, the gasket will extend circumferentially outwardly away from the centre of the at least one glass infill panel past the outer edge of the at least one glass infill panel. This will typically assist with the protection of the outer edge of the at least one glass infill panel.

The provision of the gasket in a preferred form and the positioning of the gasket between the at least one glass infill panel and the sash member relative to which it is mounted will preferably act to spread any load from any impact on the at least one glass infill panel over a greater area.

The gasket will preferably be associated with at least one fixing assembly to at least temporarily fix the gasket relative to the at least one side of the surround frame. Preferably the at least one fixing assembly will fix the gasket relative to the least one side of the surround frame, particularly during assembly. At least one fixing assembly may be provided on each of two opposed sides of the gasket such that the gasket can be sandwiched between the sash frame member relative to which it is mounted and the at least one glass infill panel mounted in the sash frame. The at least one fixing assembly will preferably fix the gasket relative to the at least one glass infill panel mounted in the sash frame, particularly during assembly.

The at least one fixing assembly may take any form. For example, the at least one fixing assembly may be or include an adhesive material. The at least one fixing assembly may be or include a shaped engagement structure. In one embodiment, the at least one fixing assembly may be or include a double-sided adhesive tape.

Preferably, the at least one fixing assembly will be co-extruded with the gasket. The gasket is preferably factory installed relative to a gasket race provided on the sash frame member. Typically, a gasket is provided on all sides (top, bottom and both lateral sides) of the inner side (or inside building side) of the sash frame. The gasket can be square cut at the corners of the sash frame or more preferably, be provided with mitred corners. The gasket is preferably provided on all side edges of the sash frame (on an inner, room side) and will preferably form a complete gasket frame on an inner (room) side of the sash frame.

At least one fixing assembly may be provided on the outer side of the gasket. At least one fixing assembly may be provided on the inner side of the gasket. A fixing assembly may be provided on the inner side of the gasket above the preferred intermediate 1ocating structure.

The gasket frame is preferably substantially continuous once formed. The gasket frame will preferably be provided about all sides of the at least one glass infill panel.

hi use, the window assembly will normally be assembled by firstly assembling the room side of die sash frame and laying this on a substantially horizontal surface.

The gasket of a preferred embodiment with at least one fixing assembly provided on the sash frame side will normally be located on the sash frame and at least temporarily fixed in place using the at least one fixing assembly. The at least. one glass infill panel will then normally be placed onto the reverse side of the gasket with the preferred at least one fixing assembly provided on the glass infill panel side at least temporarily fixing the at least one glass infill panel in place. An outer wedge or gasket is then normally provided between an outside surface of the at least one glass infill panel and the outer side of the sash frame member in order to sandwich the at least one glass infill panel in position between the outer wedge or gasket supported by the weather side of the sash frame member and the gasket on the room side of the sash frame member supported by the room side of the sash frame member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a window assembly using a gasket as hereinbefore described the method including the steps of: assembling a room side of a window sash frame locating a gasket as hereinbefore, described on the sash frame side, locating at least one glass infill panel onto a reverse side of the gasket providing an outer wedge or gasket between an outside surface of the at least one glass infill panel and an outer side of the sash frame member in order to sandwich the at least one glass infill panel in position between the outer wedge gasket supported by a weather side of the sash frame member and the gasket on the room side of the sash frame member supported by the room side of the sash frame member.

The gasket will normally be located on the sash frame and at least temporarily fixed in place using at least one fixing assembly.

The at least one room side glass infill panel will normally be at least temporarily fixed in place using at least one fixing assembly provided on the reverse side of the gasket.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the lower or jamb portion of a prior art anti-ligature window.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a room side lower or jamb portion of an anti-ligature window assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lower or jamb portion of an anti-ligature window assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a room side lower or jamb portion of an anti-ligature window assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lower or jamb portion of an anti-ligature window assembly according to another embodiment. of the invention.

With reference to the accompanying figures, an anti-ligature window assembly is illustrated. Such a window assembly normally comprises a surround frame with at least one sliding sash being slidably movable between an open position and a closed condition and at least one fixed sash. Each sash is normally formed from a sash frame and at least one glass infill panel mounted in the sash frame.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a gasket member 14 is provided along at least one side of the sash frame on an inner (room) side of the sash frame. As best illustrated in Figure 3, the gasket 14 comprises an elongate body with a pair of locating structures provided, each provided as an opening or depression into the body to locate the gasket relative to the sash frame as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

The elongate body of the gasket 14 of the illustrated embodiment is formed of a material with a Shore D hardness of around 60.

As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the gasket 14 will preferably seal the glass infill panel 10 relative to the sash frame member 12 and also prevent lateral contact between the glass infill panel 10 and the sash frame 12 On a direction perpendicular to the window assembly). As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the mounting of the gasket 14 relative to the glass infill panel 10 and the sash frame 12 using the preferred adhesive fixing portions 15 will prevent contact between the glass infill panel 10 and the sash frame 12 at the end edge of the glass infill panel 10, in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the glass infill panel 10 by maintaining a space or gap 16 between the end edge of the glass infill panel 10 and the sash frame 12.

The gasket 14 has an elongate body which is formed using extrusion in the illustrated embodiment. Extruding the gasket will provide an elongate body with the same cross-sectional shape over the length of the gasket 14. A preferred material of construction for the gasket as illustrated is block copolymer polypropylene 83MF90 made by Sabic®. This particular material is UV stabilised (which is preferred given the use in a window assembly) and has a Shore D hardness of 66 when tested according to ISO 868.

As shown, the elongate body is substantially rectangular in cross sectional shape, having a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart planar side wall surfaces 17 when viewed in cross-section. The planar side wall surfaces 17 are provided on either side of the thickness of the elongate body of the gasket 14. In use, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, one of the pair of spaced apart planar side wall surfaces 17 is positioned on the inside or building side of the window assembly and another of the planar side wall surfaces 17 is provided on the outside or weather side of the window assembly. In use, the elongate body of the gasket 14 will typically be positioned relative to a gasket race (between the sash frame member edge protrusion 18 and the spaced apart protrusion 19 of the sash frame member) on the facing side of the sash member of the window assembly, relative to which the glass infill panel 10 is mounted. The inner planar side wall surface of the gasket 14 is preferably mounted relative to the gasket race. The outer planar side wall surface of the gasket 14 is preferably mounted relative to and substantially parallel to a portion of the glass panel 10 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4.

More than one locating structure may be provided and in the illustrated embodiment of the gasket, two locating structures are provided. Each locating structure shown in Figures 2 to 4, is provided over the length of the gasket due to the formation using an extrusion process.

In the illustrated form, a sash frame member edge locating structure 20 is provided at an end of the elongate body. The upper sash frame member edge locating structure 20 will typically engage projection 18 provided at an end of an inside of the sash frame member 12. This will preferably substantially prevent the gasket moving toward the centre of the glass infill panel 10 in use.

An intermediate locating structure 21 is also provided, spaced from the sash frame member edge locating structure 20. The intermediate locating structure 21 engages projection 19 provided on the sash frame member 12 which is spaced from projection 18 provided at an end of the inside of the sash frame member 12. The intermediate locating structure 21 will preferably substantially prevent the gasket moving toward or away from the centre of the glass infill panel in use. The intermediate locating structure shown in Figures 2 to 4 divides the planar sidewall 17 on that side of the gasket into two portions which are coplanar.

Normally, the material used for the construction of the gasket will allow for expansion and contraction of the window assembly and particularly the glass infill panel. For example, the block copolymer polypropylene 83MF90 made by Sallie® has a flexural modulus of 1200 N/mm2 and an elongation at break of 600%.

Where both the sash frame member edge locating structure 20 and intermediate locating structure 21 are provided on the elongate body of the gasket 14 as shown, the locating structures 20, 21 preferably cooperate to maintain the gasket 14 in position relative to the sash frame member 12, at least during assembly of the window assembly and preferably in use.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, each locating structure is a shaped opening to receive a correspondingly shaped portion (protrusions 18, 19) of the sash frame 12.

An end 22 of the elongate body of the gasket 14 which is oriented toward the centre of the glass infill panel 10 in use, is angled in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. Preferably, the end 22 is angled from the plane of the surface of the glass infill panel 10 toward the sash member 12. In use, the end 22 of the elongate body of the gasket 14 which is oriented toward the centre of the glass infill panel 10 is located further inwardly toward the centre of the glass infill panel 10 than the extremity of the sash member 12 relative to which it is located as illustrated in Figure 4. Providing an angled end 22 will preferably assist with preventing the insertion of objects between the glass infill panel 10 and the sash member 12.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the gasket is preferably approximately 3 mm in thickness and approximately 21 mm in height.

In use, the gasket 14 is positioned to overlie the end of the sash frame member 12 which is closest to the centre of the glass infill panel 10, extending further toward the centre of the glass infill panel 10. Typically, the gasket 14 extends circumferentially outwardly away from the centre of the glass infill panel past the outer edge of the glass infill panel 10. This will typically assist with the protection of the outer edge of the 21ass infill panel 10.

The gasket will preferably have a fixing assembly on each of the planar sides 17 to at least temporarily fix the gasket 14 relative to the sash surround frame. The 30 gasket 14 can then be sandwiched between the sash frame member 12 relative to which it is mounted and the glass infill panel 10 mounted in the sash frame 12 and at least temporarily fixed to both.

In the form illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the fixing assembly includes an adhesive portion 15 of material. In an embodiment, the fixing assembly may be or include a double-sided adhesive tape. A tape such as tesa® 4965 which is a transparent double-sided self-adhesive tape comprising a PET backing and a modified acrylic adhesive may be used. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the fixing assembly is provided on the room side of the gasket 14, above the intermediate locating structure 21.

Preferably, the fixing assembly 15 will be co-extruded with the gasket 14. The gasket 14 is preferably factory installed relative to a gasket race provided on the sash frame member 12.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7 is the same overall as the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 albeit with a slightly different shape to the inner locating structure 21 and end 22.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, locating structures are each a shaped opening to receive a correspondingly shaped portion (protrusions 18, 19) of the sash frame 12 as shown in Figure 7 in particular.

The end 22 of the elongate body of the gasket 14 which is oriented toward the centre of the glass infill panel 10 in use, is angled from the plane of the surface of the glass infill panel 10 toward the sash member 12. In this embodiment, the end 22 fully overlies or extends full across the terminal end of the sash frame 12.

Typically, a gasket 14 is provided on all sides (top, bottom and both lateral sides) of the inner side (or room side) of the sash frame 12. The gasket 14 can be square cut at the corners of the sash frame 12 or more preferably, be provided with mitred corners. The provision of a gasket 14 on all side edges of the sash frame 12 (on an inner, room side) will preferably form a complete gasket frame on an inner (room) side of the sash frame 12. The gasket frame is preferably substantially continuous once formed.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A gasket for a window assembly, the gasket comprising an elongate body with at least one locating structure provided on/in the body to locate the gasket relative to a window assembly member, wherein the elongate body is formed of a material with a Shore D hardness of at least 30.
2. The gasket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the gasket is extruded to provide the elongate body with a constant same cross-sectional shape over the length of the gasket.
3. The gasket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the material has a Shore D hardness of approximately 60.
4. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is elongate in cross sectional shape, having at least a pair of spaced apart planar side wall surfaces when viewed in cross-section.
5. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising more than one locating structure spaced apart over a length of the gasket.
6. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a sash frame member edge locating structure is provided at an end of the gasket.
7. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one intermediate locating structure is provided along a length of the gasket.
8. The gasket. as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein a sash frame member edge locating structure is provided at an end of the gasket and at least one intermediate locating structure is provided along a length of the gasket, configured to cooperate to maintain the gasket in position relative to the window assembly member.
9. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one locating structure is or includes a shaped opening to receive a correspondingly shaped portion of the window assembly member.
10. The gasket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein at least one locating structure is or includes a protrusion which is configured to be received at least partially within a correspondingly shaped opening or depression in the window assembly member.
11. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an end of the elongate body of the gasket intended to be oriented toward a centre of window assembly in use, is angled relative to at least one glass infill panel of the window assembly.
12. The gasket as claimed in claim 11 wherein the end diverges from a plane of an inner surface of the at least one glass infill panel of the window assembly, toward the window assembly member.
13. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an end of the gasket which is oriented toward a centre of at least one glass infill panel of the window assembly in use, is configured to be located further inwardly toward the centre of the at least one glass infill panel than an extremity of the window assembly member relative to which it is located.
14. The gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one fixing assembly to at least. temporarily fix the gasket relative to the at least one side of the window assembly member.
15. The gasket as claimed in claim 14 wherein at least one fixing assembly is provided on each of two opposed sides of the gasket, so that, in use, the gasket can be fixed to both the window assembly member relative to which it is mounted and at least one glass infill panel mounted in the window assembly.
16. The gasket as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the at least one fixing assembly is or includes an adhesive material.
17. The gasket as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the at least one fixing assembly is or includes a double-sided adhesive tape.
18. The gasket as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the at least one fixing assembly is co-extruded with the gasket.
19. A window assembly comprising a surround frame, at least one glass infill panel mounted in the window assembly, and a gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims provided along at least one side of the window assembly on an inner side of the window assembly.
20. A window assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the window assembly is metal.
21. A window assembly as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the window assembly comprises at least one sliding sash and at least one fixed sash, each at least one sliding sash and at least one fixed sash comprising a gasket frame formed about a room side of the window assembly between the respective window assembly member and the at least one glass infill panel.
22. A window assembly as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the gasket is positioned to overlie an end of the window assembly member which is closest to a centre of at least one glass infill panel of the window assembly.
23. A window assembly as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the gasket extends circumferentially outwardly away from the centre of at least one glass infill panel of the window assembly past an outer edge of the at least one glass infill panel.
24. A method for assembling a window assembly using a gasket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: a) assembling a room side of a window frame; b) locating the gasket on the window frame; c) locating at least one glass infill panel onto a reverse side of the gasket; and d) providing an outer wedge or gasket between an outside surface of the at least one glass infill panel and an outer side of the window frame in order to fix the at least one glass infill panel in position between the outer wedge or gasket supported by a weather side of the window frame and the gasket on the room side of the window frame supported by the room side of the window frame.
25. The method as claimed in claim 24 including the further step of at least temporarily fixing the gasket in place on the window frame using at least one fixing assembly.
26. The method as claimed in either claim 24 or claim 25 including the further step of at least temporarily fixing the at least one glass infill panel in place on the reverse side of the gasket using at least one fixing assembly.