GB2622442A

GB2622442A - A window frame assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2622442A
Application number: GB2213657.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Redshaw Adrian
Original assignee: Garner Aluminium Extrusions Ltd
Current assignee: Garner Aluminium Extrusions Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-16
Filing date: 2022-09-16
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: GB202213657D0

Abstract

An elongate connector for connecting to a structural section 106a,b of a window frame comprising: a body formed from first and second body portions comprising first 151 and second 152 transverse members; first 142a and second legs 142b for engaging with a first 115a and second 115b female portion of the structural section, where the legs extend away from the first and second body portions transversely to a longitudinal axis of the connector section. The first and second body portions are connected by first 150a and second 150b cross members which are flexible, such that the connector section is moveable between an expanded configuration and a compressed or deformed configuration. The first and/or second body portions may have projections 154a which extend towards the other first and/or second body portion. The second body portion may also contain a eurogroove 156 and/or a screw retention feature 158. A window frame assembly comprising the connector and structural section is also defined.

Description

A WINDOW FRAME ASSEMBLY

FIELD

The present teachings relate to a window frame assembly, and in particular to a connector section for a window frame assembly.

BACKGROUND

Typical fenestration units are assembled from a glazing unit comprising one or more panes of glass held around their periphery by frame members located along the borders of both faces of the glazing unit. In modern fenestration units, the frame members tend to be formed from plastics materials and/or metallic materials such as, for example, an aluminium alloy. In units where the frame members are formed from a metallic material, it is typical for each frame member to comprise multiple interconnected sections. Commonly, these frame members are designed such that structural sections located adjacent a first face of the glazing unit are connected to structural sections located adjacent a second face of the glazing unit via two or more "dog-bone" shaped connector sections. It is preferable for the connector sections to be formed from a less thermally conductive material such as, for example, a plastics material. This allows the connector sections to act as thermal breaks between the structural sections adjacent a face of the glazing unit that may be external to a building and the structural sections adjacent a face of the glazing unit that may be internal to the building.

A problem with prior art window frame assemblies is that using two or more connector sections to connect two structural sections together tends to make the process of connecting the structural sections more complex and thus more time intensive. Moreover, when the two or more connector sections are required to act as thermal breaks, the connector sections are commonly required to be formed from high-strength, high melting point plastics materials, such as polyamides in order to ensure the connector sections do not distort causing misalignment of the two structural sections and can withstand the heat of a powder coating process after assembly. Such material can be costly.

The present teachings seek to overcome, or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present teachings provides an elongate connector section for connecting to a first structural section of a window frame assembly, the connector section comprising: a body formed from first and second spaced apart body portions, the first and second body portions comprising first and second transverse members, respectively; a first leg extending away from the first body portion transversely to a longitudinal axis of the connector section, the first leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding first female portion of the first structural section; a second leg extending away from the second body portion transversely to the longitudinal axis, the second leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding second female portion of the first structural section; and first and second laterally spaced apart cross members connecting the first and second body portions, wherein the first and second cross members are flexible such that the connector section is moveable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein the spacing between the first and second body is greater in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration.

This assembly arrangement has been found to result in less risk of distortion of the window frame assembly overall compared to prior art designs, and has been found to improve accurate alignment of the sections when in the assembled and compressed configuration.

The first and second cross members may be curved.

This has been found to facilitate movement of the connector section between the expanded and compressed configurations, whilst reducing deformation of the respective structural section.

The first and second cross members may be substantially circular or elliptical in cross section.

The first body portion and/or second body potion may comprise a projection extending from an internal surface of the respective first and/or second body portion in a direction towards the other of the first and/or second body portion.

This has been found to obstruct heat flow within the connector section, so as to reduce thermal transfer across the connector section.

The or each projection may be arranged to extend in a direction towards one of the first or second cross members.

The or each projection may be arranged such that a distal end thereof is spaced apart from one of the first or second cross members by a distance of approximately 2mm or less, when the connector section is in the compressed configuration.

This has been found to form thermal chambers within the connector section, which work to further reduce thermal transfer across the connector section.

The first and second cross members may define a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first and second transverse members.

The first and second cross members may comprise a thickness in the range 0.8mm to 1.2mm, for example in the range 0.9mm to 1.1mm, for example approximately lmm.

Providing cross members with thicknesses in these ranges have been found to facilitate the desired flexibility of the connector section.

The first and second transverse members may comprise a thickness in the range 1.8mm to 2.7mm, for example in the range 2.0mm to 2.5mm.

Providing the transverse members with thicknesses in these ranges have been found to provide sufficient structural rigidity for the connector section.

The first and second body portions may be formed so as to be substantially rigid. The connector section may be formed from a plastics material.

Providing a connector section formed from a plastics material helps to reduce thermal transfer between the structural sections of the window assembly.

The connector section may be formed from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride.

Providing a connector section formed from this material has been found to provide sufficient structural rigidity without needing the material to be reinforced.

The second body portion may be intended to be positioned below the first body portion, in use, and wherein the second transverse member defines an elongate groove, e.g. a Eurogroove, on a surface thereof that is remote from the first transverse member.

This provides the connector section with a channel in which to accommodate window or door hardware such as locking/latching arrangements.

The second body portion may comprise a screw retention configuration on an opposing surface of the second transverse member to the elongate groove.

This facilitates securing window or door hardware such as locking/latching arrangements to the connector section.

The first and/or second body portion may comprise an elongate screw retention channel on an inner surface thereof.

The connector section may be formed, e.g. extruded, as a unitary body.

The connector section may comprise a third leg extending away from the first body portion in a direction away from the first leg, the third leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding third female portion of a second structural section, and a fourth leg extending away from the second body portion in a direction away from the second leg, the fourth leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding fourth female portion of the second structural section.

The connector section may have a constant cross-sectional profile along a longitudinal axis thereof.

The first leg may be spaced apart from the first female portion such that a first clearance is defined between the first leg and the first female portion, and/or the second leg may be spaced apart from the second female portion such that a clearance is defined between the second leg and the second female portion.

The first clearance and/or the second clearance may be in the range 0.1 mm to 1.5mm.

The first clearance and/or the second clearance may be in the range 0.3mm to lmm.The inclusion of the first and/or second clearance reduces the clamping force exerted on the first and/or second leg by the female portion when the connector section is assembled, thereby improving ease of assembly as the body can slide more easily with respect to the first and second structural sections.

A further aspect of the present teachings relates to a window frame assembly comprising: the elongate connector section of the first aspect; and an elongate first structural section comprising a first female portion and a second female portion, wherein the first and second male portions are interengaged with the first and second female portions, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a fenestration unit comprising a window frame assembly; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fenestration unit according to an embodiment along section X-X shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the window frame member of Figure 2 in an expanded configuration; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fenestration unit according to an embodiment along section X-X shown in Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the window frame member of Figure 4 in an expanded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 shows show a fenestration unit 100, in this embodiment a pivoting sash, comprising a window frame assembly 102 and a glazing unit 104. The glazing unit 104 comprises a pane of glass 108 mounted therein. In the illustrated arrangement, the glazing unit 104 includes two spaced apart panes of glass 108 lying parallel to each other.

However, it will be appreciated that the glazing unit 104 may comprise one or more than two panes of glass 108. Alternatively, the glazing unit 104 could be replaced with a panel of wood, aluminium or other suitable material. It shall be appreciated that although the glazing unit 104 in this embodiment is a double glazing unit, alternative glazing units, for example opaque panels, for example for doors, may be used. Fenestration units 100 of this type are typically used in external walls of domestic and commercial buildings. It is therefore necessary that the fenestration unit meets requirements for thermal insulation, sealing against water ingress, draughts etc. The glazing unit 104 is supported by the window frame assembly 102, which is in contact with two opposite faces of the glazing unit 104 along each border of the glazing unit 104. 25 The window frame assembly 102 comprises four window frame members 103, each being made up of a plurality, in this case three, window frame sections.

Referring now to Figure 2 and 3, a window frame member 103 is illustrated as being formed from an elongate first structural section 106a, an elongate second structural section 106b and an elongate connector section 110. Each of the sections 106a, 106b, 110 define a corresponding longitudinal axis 112a, 112b, 124, which are all shown as being parallel to each other and extending into the page in Figure 2; i.e. along the z-axis. Each structural section 106a, 106b abuts an opposite face of the glazing unit 104 such that movement of the glazing unit 104 is restricted along the x-axis and along the y-axis in Figure 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the structural sections 106a, 106b and the connector section 110 all have a constant cross-sectional profile along their respective longitudinal axes 112a, 112b, 124. As such, the structural sections 106a, 106b and the connector section 110 may be formed via extrusion. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the structural sections 106a, 106b and the connector section 110 may not have a constant cross-sectional profile along their respective longitudinal axes 112a, 112b, 124. For example, the body 140 of the connector section 110 may have a varying cross-sectional profile along the longitudinal axis 124.

The first structural section 106a includes a glazing bead 101. The glazing bead 101 is releasably connected to the first structural section 106a. In other embodiments (not shown), the first structural section may have a rebate in place of the glazing bead, meaning that the glazing unit would be assembled into the frame assembly 102 in the y rather than x direction. This is commonly referred to as a beadless frame.

The connector section 110 connects the first structural section 106a to the second structural section 106b and lies generally alongside but is spaced from an edge of the glazing unit 104. It will be noted that in contrast to the prior art described above, the connector section 110 is a single unitary component instead of two or more discrete "dog bones". Put another way, wherein the connector section 110 is extruded as a unitary body. Utilising a single unitary component may reduce the complexity of assembling the window frame assembly 102.

The first structural section 106a includes a first female portion 115a and a second female portion 115b along an edge of the first structural section 106a. Likewise, the second structural section 106b includes a third female portion 115c and a fourth female portion 115d along an edge of the second structural section 106b.

The female portions 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d each comprise a wall 114, a protrusion 118, and a cavity 122 defined between the respective wall 114 and the respective protrusion 118. In this embodiment each wall 114 is located along a corner of the respective structural section 106a, 106b. Put another way, the walls 114 define upper and lower walls of the respective structural section 106a, 106b. The walls are moveable or deformable from an open position (illustrated in Figure 3) to a closed position (illustrated in Figure 2).

The connector section 110 includes a body 140 and four legs 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d extending away from the body 140. The body 140 is formed from first and second spaced apart body portions. The body 140 includes two spaced apart transverse members (i.e. a first, or upper, transverse member 151 and a second, or lower transverse member 152) which are joined via a first cross-member 150a and a second cross-member 150b. Put another way, the first and second body portions include the first and second transverse members 151, 152, respectively.

A first leg 142a and a third leg 142c extend away from the first body portion transversely to a longitudinal axis of the connector section 110. The first and third legs 142a 142c extend in substantially opposite directions. The first leg 142a is configured for interengagement with a corresponding first female portion 115a of the first structural section. The third leg 142c is configured for interengagement with a corresponding third female portion 115c of the second structural section 106b. The first leg 142a and the third leg 142c extend away from the first transverse member 151 (i.e. the first body portion) in a direction substantially parallel to the x-axis in Figure 2.

A second leg 142b and a fourth leg 142d extend away from the second body portion transversely to a longitudinal axis of the connector section 110. The second and fourth legs 142b, 142d extend in substantially opposite directions. The second leg 142b is configured for interengagement with a corresponding second female portion 115b of the first structural section. The fourth leg 142d is configured for interengagement with a corresponding fourth female portion 115d of the second structural section 106b. The second leg 142b and the fourth leg 142d extend away the second transverse member 152 (i.e. the second body portion) in a direction substantially parallel to the x-axis in Figure 2.

The first leg 142a and the second leg 142b are arranged on the same lateral side (i.e. a first side) of the connector section 110. The first leg 142a and the second leg 142b extend away the first cross-member 150a in a first direction substantially parallel to the x-axis in Figure 2. The third leg 142c and the fourth leg 142d are arranged on the same lateral side (i.e. a second side) of the connector section 110. The third leg 142c and the fourth leg 142d extend away the first cross-member 150a in a second direction substantially parallel to the x-axis in Figure 2 and opposite to the first direction. The first and second legs 142a, 142b and the third and fourth legs 142c, 142d are arranged on opposite sides of the connector section 110.

The first leg 142a and the third leg 142c are spaced from the second leg 142b and the fourth leg 142d respectively along the y-axis. The x-axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124 of the connector section 110. As such, the legs 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d all extend transversely to the longitudinal axis 124. Put another way, the first leg 142a and the second leg 142b are arranged to oppose each other, and the third leg 142c and the fourth leg 142d are arranged to oppose each other.

The first leg 142a defines a first male portion, the second leg 142b defines a second male portion, the third leg 142c defines a third male portion and the fourth leg 142d defines a fourth male portion. The first, second, third and fourth male portions are all suitable for inter-engagement with the first, second, third and fourth female portions 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d respectively, as will be discussed more below.

In the illustrated embodiment, each male portion comprises a boss 111, defining an outer undercut and an inner undercut. An opening 120 is defined between the first male portion and the second female portion, and another opening 120 is defined between the third male portion and the fourth male portion.

Each boss 111 has a leading edge (i.e. the edge of the boss 111 facing the cavity 122 in Figure 2) that it is wider relative to a trailing edge, and each undercut and each opening 120 is shaped to define each boss 111. Each protrusion 118 has an obliquely angled cross-sectional profile and each opening 120 has a truncated bell-shaped cross-sectional profile.

The combined width of the two protrusions 118 on the first structural section 106a where the protrusions 118 join the remainder of the first structural section 106a, is substantially equal to the width of the entrance of the opening 120 between the first male portion and the second male portion (where the width is defined as being aligned with the y-axis in Figure 2).

Likewise, the combined width of the two protrusions 118 on the second structural section 106b where the protrusions 118 join the remainder of the second structural section 106b, is substantially equal to the width of the entrance of the opening 120 between the third male portion and the fourth male portion.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the protrusions 118 and the corresponding openings 120 may have a different cross-sectional profile. For example, each protrusion 118 may have a rectangular, triangular or any other shaped cross-sectional profile, and the corresponding opening 120 may have a rectangular, triangular or any other shaped cross-sectional profile.

In the illustrated embodiment, each male portion has an identical geometry relative to each other. Likewise, in the particular embodiment, each female portion 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d has an identical geometry relative to each other, and each are symmetrical about a horizontal axis that is parallel to the x-axis in Figure 2.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the male portions may not have an identical geometry relative to one or more of the others. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the female portions 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d may not have an identical geometry relative to one or more of the others.

The connector section 110 is a thermal insulation section that is formed from a more thermally insulative material than the first structural section 106a and the second structural section 106b. In this way, the connector section 110 acts as a thermal break between the structural sections 106a, 106b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first structural section 106a and the second structural section 106b are formed from an aluminium alloy and the connector section 110 is formed from a plastics material.

In this embodiment, the connector section 110 is formed from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). It has been determined that forming the connector section 110 from uPVC provides the connector section 110 with more than sufficient material strength and material thermal insulation properties. It is preferred to form the connector section 110 from uPVC relative to other plastics materials, since uPVC tends to be lower cost to produce relative to comparable plastics materials, such as polyamides for example.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the structural sections 106a, 106b and the connector section 110 may be formed from any suitable materials. For example, the structural sections 106a, 106b may be formed from an alternative metallic material. The connector section 110 may be formed from an alternative plastics material such as a polyamide for example.

As discussed above, the first and second cross members 150a, 150b extend between and connect the first and second body portions. Put another way, the first and second laterally spaced apart cross members 150a, 150b connect the first and second (i.e. upper and lower) transverse members 151, 152.

The cross members 150a, 150b may additionally improve the thermal performance of the connector section 110 by reducing thermal transfer via convection across the frame member 103.

The first and second cross members 150a, 150b are flexible. Providing flexible cross members 150a, 150b enables the connector section 110 is moveable between an expanded configuration (shown in Figure 3) and a compressed configuration (shown in Figure 2), where the spacing between the first and second body portions (i.e. the upper and lower transverse members 151, 152) is greater in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration.

The first and second cross members 150a, 150b are curved. Put another way, the first and second cross members 150a, 150b are substantially part-circular or elliptical in cross section. In the arrangement shown, the cross members 150a, 150b are formed from first and second arms extending from the first and second transverse members 151, 152, respectively, where the first and second arms are connected by a curved central region. The first and second arms may be substantially linear, or may define a higher radius of curvature than the curved central region. In alternative arrangements, the cross members 150a, 150b may define a substantially constant curve. The cross members 150a, 150b are arranged so that they extend or curved inwardly (i.e. towards a centre of the connector section 110.

The cross members 150a, 150b are configured such that they are more flexible than the rest of the connector section 110. Put another way, the cross members 150a, 150b are configured to be flexible and the first and second body portions (including the first and second transverse members 151, 152) are formed so as to be substantially rigid. This may be achieved by reducing the thickness of the cross members 150a, 150b relative to the remainder of the connector section 110. Put another way, the first and second cross members 150a, 150b define a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first and second transverse members 151, 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the cross members 150a, 150b is in the range 0.8mm to 1.2mm, for example in the range 0.9mm to 1.1mm, for example approximately lmm. The thickness of the transverse members 151, 152 is in the range 1.8mm to 2.7mm, for example in the range 2.0mm to 2.5mm.

The first body portion is provided with a first projection 154a extending from an internal surface thereof in a direction substantially towards the second body portion. The first projection 154a extends from an internal surface of the first transverse member 151. The first projection 154a is arranged to extend in a direction towards the first cross member 150a. The first projection 154a is arranged such that a distal end thereof is spaced apart from the first cross member 150a by a distance of approximately 2mm, for example less than 2mm, when the connector section 110 is in the compressed configuration. This arrangement has been found to define a first thermal chamber between the first transverse member 151, the first cross member 150a and the first projection 154a, which has been found to improve thermal performance of the connector section 110.

The first body portion is provided with a second projection 154b extending from an internal surface thereof in a direction substantially towards the second body portion. The second projection 154b extends from an internal surface of the first transverse member 151. The second projection 154b is arranged to extend in a direction towards the second cross member 150b. The second projection 154b is arranged such that a distal end thereof is spaced apart from the second cross member 150b by a distance of approximately 2mm, for example less than 2mm, when the connector section 110 is in the compressed configuration. This arrangement has been found to define a second thermal chamber between the first transverse member 151, the second cross member 150b and the second projection 154b, which has been found to improve thermal performance of the connector section 110. The first and second projections 154a, 154b (i.e. the first and second thermal chambers) are provided on opposing sides of the connector section 110. This has been found to reduce heat transfer between the structural sections 106a, 106b through the connector section 110.

In the arrangement shown, the second or lower, transverse member 152 defines an elongate groove 156 on a surface thereof that is remote from the first transverse member (i.e. a lower or external surface). Grooves of this type are commonly known as a Eurogroove and are utilised to accommodate window or door hardware such as locking/latching arrangements (not shown). The second body portion I provided with a screw retention configuration 158 on an opposing surface of the second transverse member 152 to the elongate groove 156 (i.e. on an internal or upper surface of the second transverse member 152). The screw retention configuration 158 is provided in the form of a substantially U-shaped screw retention member 158 extending from the opposing surface of the second transverse member to the groove 156. The screw retention configuration 158 may be utilised to mount the door/window hardware. In addition, the screw retention configuration 158 may be shaped so as to form a further thermal chamber between it and the adjacent cross members 150a, b to improve thermal performance.

The window frame assembly 102 is assembled by sliding the connector section 110 relative to the first and second structural sections 106a, 106b along the elongate lengths of the sections 110, 106a, 106b. Put another way, the window assembly 102 is assembled by sliding the male 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d and female 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d parts together axially in Figure 3. This sliding assembly results in the assembly illustrated in Figure 3, with the connector section 110 in the expanded configuration, with the walls 114 of the female parts 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d deflected outwardly.

Once assembled, the window frame assembly is compressed, e.g. via a roller, into the configuration illustrated in Figure 2. This compression clamps the walls 114 onto the male parts 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d and moves the connector section 110 into the compressed configuration. This movement causes the cross members 150a, 150b to flex as the connector section 110 is moved into the compressed configuration. This assembly arrangement has been found to result in less risk of distortion of the window frame assembly 102 overall compared to prior art designs, and has been found to improve accurate alignment of the sections 110, 106a, 106b when in the assembled and compressed configuration.

The first, second, third and/or fourth legs 142a-d are spaced apart from the respective female portion 115a-d such that clearances are defined between each of the first, second, third and/or fourth legs 142a-d and the respective first, second, third and/or fourth female portion, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5. The clearances may be in the range 0.3 mm to 1.5mm. The clearances may be in the range 0.5mm to lmm, for example 0.7mm.

The inclusion of the clearances reduces the frictional force exerted on the first, second, third and/or fourth leg 142a-d by the respective female portion 115a-d when the connector section 110 is assembled, thereby improving ease of assembly as the body 140 can slide more easily with respect to the first and second structural sections 106a, 106b.

In some embodiments one or more surfaces of one or more of the legs 142a-d may be coated high friction coatings (such as PVC).

In this case case it is important to provide a clearance that is sufficient to minimise binding whilst the sliding assembly occurs, but is not too large that the female portions 115a-d do not inter-engage and guide the legs 142a-d and/or that the deformation required of the female portions is not too great.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, a window frame member 103 is illustrated as being formed from an elongate first structural section 106a, an elongate second structural section 106b and an elongate connector section 210. Each of the sections 106a, 106b, 210 define a corresponding longitudinal axis 112a, 112b, 124, which are all shown as being parallel to each other and extending into the page in Figure 2; i.e. along the z-axis. Each structural section 106a, 106b abuts an opposite face of the glazing unit 104 such that movement of the glazing unit 104 is restricted along the x-axis and along the y-axis in Figure 4.

The first and second structural sections 106a, 106b are functionally similar to those discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 3, but are of an outer frame of a fenestration unit that is arranged to receive a glazing unit 104. Corresponding components of the connector section 210 with respect to the connector section 110 of Figures 2 and 3 are labelled with the prefix '2', and only differences are discussed in more detail.

The first and second cross members 250a, 250b are curved. Put another way, the first and second cross members 250a, 250b are substantially circular. Alternatively, the first and second cross members 250a, 250b may be elliptical in cross section. In the arrangement shown, the cross members 250a, 250b define a substantially constant curve. The cross members 250a, 250b define a part of a circle, such as a semi circle. The cross members 250a, 250b are arranged so that they extend or curved inwardly (i.e. towards a centre of the connector section 210.

The second body portion is provided with a third projection 254c extending from an internal surface thereof in a direction substantially towards the first body portion. The third projection 254c extends from an internal surface of the second transverse member 252. The third projection 254c is arranged to extend in a direction towards the first cross member 250a. The third projection 254c is arranged such that a distal end thereof is spaced apart from the first cross member 250a by a distance of approximately 2mm, for example less than 2mm, when the connector section 210 is in the compressed configuration. This arrangement has been found to define a third thermal chamber between the second transverse member 252, the first cross member 250a and the third projection 254c, which has been found to improve thermal performance of the connector section 210.

The second body portion is provided with a fourth projection 254d extending from an internal surface thereof in a direction substantially towards the first body portion. The fourth projection 254d extends from an internal surface of the second transverse member 252. The fourth projection 254d is arranged to extend in a direction towards the first cross member 150a. The fourth projection 254d is arranged such that a distal end thereof is spaced apart from the second cross member 250b by a distance of approximately 2mm, for example less than 2mm, when the connector section 210 is in the compressed configuration. This arrangement has been found to define a fourth thermal chamber between the second transverse member 252, the second cross member 250b and the fourth projection 254d, which has been found to improve thermal performance of the connector section 210.

The first and second body portion are provided with an elongate screw retention channel 260 on an inner surface thereof. The screw retention channel 260 is provided in the form of a substantially U-shaped screw retention member 260 extending from an inner surface of the respective transverse member 151.

Although the teachings have been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An elongate connector section for connecting to a first structural section of a window frame assembly, the connector section comprising: a body formed from first and second spaced apart body portions, the first and second body portions comprising first and second transverse members, respectively; a first leg extending away from the first body portion transversely to a longitudinal axis of the connector section, the first leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding first female portion of the first structural section; a second leg extending away from the second body portion transversely to the longitudinal axis, the second leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding second female portion of the first structural section; and first and second laterally spaced apart cross members connecting the first and second body portions, wherein the first and second cross members are flexible such that the connector section is moveable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein the spacing between the first and second body is greater in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration.
2. The connector section according to claim 1, wherein the first and second cross members are curved.
3. The connector section according to claim 2, wherein the first and second cross members are substantially circular or elliptical in cross section.
4. The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the first body portion and/or second body potion comprises a projection extending from an internal surface of the respective first and/or second body portion in a direction towards the other of the first and/or second body portion.
5. The connector section according to claim 4, wherein the or each projection is arranged to extend in a direction towards one of the first or second cross members.
6. The connector section according to claim 4 or claim 5, where the or each projection is arranged such that a distal end thereof is spaced apart from one of the first or second cross members by a distance of approximately 2mm or less, when the connector section is in the compressed configuration.
7. The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second cross members define a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first and second transverse members.
8. The connector section according to claim 7, wherein the first and second cross members comprise a thickness in the range 0.8mm to 1.2mm, for example in the range 0.9mm to 1.1mm, for example approximately lmm.
9. The connector section according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first and second transverse members comprise a thickness in the range 1.8mm to 2.7mm, for example in the range 2.0mm to 2.5mm.
10. The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second body portions are formed so as to be substantially rigid.
11. The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector section is formed from a plastics material.
12. The connector section according to claim 11, wherein the connector section is formed from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride.
13. The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the second body portion is intended to be positioned below the first body portion, in use, and wherein the second transverse member defines an elongate groove, e.g. a Eurogroove, on a surface thereof that is remote from the first transverse member.
14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein the second body portion comprises a screw retention configuration on an opposing surface of the second transverse member to the elongate groove.
15. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and or second body portion comprises an elongate screw retention channel on an inner surface thereof.
16. The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector section is formed, e.g. extruded, as a unitary body
17.The connector section according to any preceding claim, comprising a third leg extending away from the first body portion in a direction away from the first leg, the third leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding third female portion of a second structural section, and a fourth leg extending away from the second body portion in a direction away from the second leg, the fourth leg configured for interengagement with a corresponding fourth female portion of the second structural section.
18.The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector section has a constant cross-sectional profile along a longitudinal axis thereof.
19.The connector section according to any preceding claim, wherein the first leg is spaced apart from the first female portion such that a first clearance is defined between the first leg and the first female portion, and/or wherein the second leg is spaced apart from the second female portion such that a clearance is defined between the second leg and the second female portion.
20.The connector according to claim 19, wherein the first clearance and/or the second clearance is in the range 0.3 mm to 1.5mm, optionally wherein the first and/or second clearance is in the range 0.5mm to lmm.
21.A window frame assembly comprising: the elongate connector section of any preceding claim; and an elongate first structural section comprising a first female portion and a second female portion, wherein the first and second male portions are interengaged with the first and second female portions, respectively.