GB2623522A

GB2623522A - Window bead

Info

Publication number: GB2623522A
Application number: GB2215327.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Crossley Simon; Luther Diane
Original assignee: QUANTUM PROFILE SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: QUANTUM PROFILE SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2022-10-17
Filing date: 2022-10-17
Publication date: 2024-04-24
Also published as: GB202215327D0

Abstract

A window bead, for use with a bead-retaining strip, comprises a retention portion 111 121 131 for the engaging a bead-retaining strip, said retention portion being trimmable such that removal of part of the retention portion alters the effective installed width of the bead, by changing engagement of a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip with the remaining retention portion of the window bead (see dashed lines). There may be retention elements 113 123 133 such as recesses which grip or abut a retention feature on the bead retaining strip. The strip may be extruded. The trimmable portion allows the bead to be installed on a variety of different window frame widths (figures 4, 5).

Description

WINDOW BEAD

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to window beads, and related window bead systems and methods.

Background

Among a wide range of beading options used to hold the glass part of a window in place in a window frame, the use of a bead-retaining strip, or "bead clip" is popular for its simplicity of installation and versatility. In this arrangement, the window bead is shaped to clip into a bead-retaining strip that is fixed to the window frame. Retention of the window bead by the bead-retaining strip retains the bead against the glass part of the window and against the window frame.

There are various bead-retaining strips available of different designs and dimensions for reasons such improved sealing between the window bead and the glass part or the window/window frame, and/or improved security. Likewise, there are various window beads available of different aesthetic designs and dimensions. In each of these cases, although the aesthetic design of a specific window bead may be chosen according to preference, the window beads are manufactured for compatibility with a particular bead-retaining strip having specific retention features, such that the window bead and bead-retaining strip fit together securely one another, and are retained in the correct position relative to each other and the glass part of the window and the window frame. That is, dimensions of a bead-retaining strip and its retention features match corresponding features on a bead correspond in a single installed configuration, and thus overall appearance and degree of engagement with the glass part of the window and/or window frame are effectively set once the bead is specified and sized to length for installation.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided a window bead as set forth in 35 accompanying claim 1. Other features will be apparent from the other accompanying independent claims, dependent claims, the description below and the accompanying drawings.

In one example, there is provided a window bead with trimmable retention portion, the trimmable retention portion for in use engaging a bead-retaining strip, in a trimmed state and in an untrimmed state.

In one example there is provided a window bead for use with a bead-retaining strip, the window bead comprising a retention portion for engaging a bead-retaining strip, said retention portion being trimmable. In one example, the retention portion of the window bead is trimmable such that removal of part of the retention portion alters the effective installed width of the bead. Removal of part of the retention portion changes the installed state of the window bead and bead-retaining strip system by changing engagement of a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip with the remaining retention portion of the window bead.

In this way, taking the bead-retaining strip as a datum for effective installed width, the window bead may be installed untrimmed, thereby presenting a larger effective installed width.

The window bead may be trimmed at the retention portion and yet still enable engagement with a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip to present a reduced effective installed width. The retention portion is adapted such that after being trimmed, engagement of the remaining part of the retention portion with the retention feature on the bead-retaining strip takes place in the same way as it would be with the window bead in its untrimmed state.

In one example, the retention portion comprises retention elements for engaging the bead-retaining strip. In one example, the retention portion comprises two or more retention elements, such as three retention elements.

In one example, the retention elements are provided on the underside of the retention portion.

In one example, the retention elements are separated in the width direction of the window bead.

In one example, the retention elements comprise surface features arranged to grip or be gripped by a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip. In one example, the retention elements comprise surface features arranged to abut a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip.

In one example, the retention elements comprise surface recesses.

In one example, the retention elements run along the length of the window bead. In one example the retention elements comprise grooves or channels, such as running parallel to one another along the length of the window bead.

In one example, the retention elements are provided spaced apart from one another by 2mm to 5mm, for example 3mm or 4mm. In one example, the retention elements are provided at uniform spacing from one another.

In one example, the retention portion comprises two trimmable parts, or more than two trimmable parts. In one example, the retention portion comprises a trimmable upper part and a trimmable lower part. In one example, upper and lower parts of the retention portion each engage a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip in an installed state. In one example, the upper and lower trimmable parts extend in a height direction of the bead In one example, engagement of a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip with the remaining retention portion of the window bead comprises clipping the retention portion of the window bead into place with a retention feature or with retention features on the bead-retaining strip.

In one example, the window bead comprises a back portion that when installed locates proximal to, i.e. relatively close to, the glass part of a window.

In one example, the window bead comprises a front portion that when installed locates distal from, i.e., relatively far from, the glass part of a window.

In one example, the effective width of the window bead is between the back portion and the front portion.

In one example, the front portion of the window bead remains largely visible to the user when the window bead has been installed.

In one example, the rearmost portion of the window bead is absent of retention elements.

In one example, the retention portion comprises the back portion and/or underside of the window bead. In one example, the retention portion of the window bead extends in the width direction of the window bead.

In one example, the bead-retaining strip comprises a base member extending in the width direction of the window bead. In one example, the base member of the bead-retaining strip locates between the window bead and the window frame when the window bead is installed.

In one example, the bead-retaining strip comprises a protrusion extending from the base member of the bead-retaining strip in the height direction of the window bead and further comprises an upper member extending from the protrusion in the width direction of the window bead.

In one example, the back portion of the window bead comprises a back surface extending in a height direction of the window bead.

In one example, the retention portion of the window bead comprises a lower part that extends in the width direction of the window bead. In one example, the lower part of the engagement portion extends in a direction parallel to the width of the window bead. In one example, the lower part of the engagement portion comprises a surface on the underside of the window bead, extending in the width direction of the window bead. In one example, lower part of the engagement portion opposes a surface of the window frame when the window bead is in the installed state.

In one example, the retention portion comprises one or more retention elements suitable for engaging with the bead-retaining strip. In one example, the retention portion comprises one or more retention elements suitable for engaging with a corresponding / complementary retention feature or plurality of retention features of the bead-retaining strip. In one example, the one or more retention elements are located in the lower part of the retention portion of the window bead. In one example, the one or more retention elements are located on the underside of the window bead. In one example the one or more retention elements are located on only a portion of the underside of the window bead. In one example, the one or more retention elements are located away from the rearmost part of the window bead. In one example, the retention elements are arranged to in use engage with a corresponding retention feature the bead-retaining strip, such as on a base member of the bead-retaining strip that in use locates between the window bead and a window frame.

In one example, positive engagement of the window bead and the bead-retaining strip is achieved by the engagement between the retention portion of the window bead and the retention feature of the bead-retaining strip. In one example, positive engagement is achieved between a retention element arranged on the underside of the window bead and a retention feature of the bead-retaining strip. In one example, one or more retention elements of the window bead comprise a shaped profile that is complementary to the shape of a retention element of the bead-retaining strip. In one example, the retention elements of the window bead comprise a recess, and the retention feature of the bead-retaining strip comprises a protrusion suitable for protruding into a recess on the window bead. Alternatively, the retention feature of the bead-retaining strip may comprise a recess and the retention elements of the window bead may comprise a protrusion suitable for protruding into the bead-retaining strip. These features may be provided in upper and/or base members of the bead-retaining strip and/or the upper and/or lower parts of the retention portion.

Where, in this document, one or more, or a plurality of retention elements are described, or where the description mentions "retention elements" in the plural form, the corresponding description also should be taken to apply to an example embodiment in which only a single retention element is provided.

In one example, there is provided a window bead system comprising a window bead as described herein, and a corresponding bead-retaining strip.

In one example, there is provided a method of manufacturing the window bead as described herein, the method comprising an extrusion process.

In one example, the method comprises extruding the retention portion.

In one example, the method comprises extruding a wood-plastic composite material.

In one example, there is provided a method of installing a window bead, the method comprising: trimming a retention portion of the window bead to alter the effective width of the window bead; and engaging the remaining portion of the retention portion of the window bead with a bead-retaining strip.

In one example, the trimming comprises removal of part of the retention portion.

In one example, the trimming comprises removal of the back of the window bead.

In one example, the trimming comprises removing an upper part and a lower part of the retention portion.

In one example, the trimming comprises cutting along the length of the window bead. In one example, the trimming is performed parallel to the length of the window bead.

In one example, the engaging comprises clipping the remaining portion of the retention portion of the window bead into engagement with the bead-retaining strip, such as into engagement with one or more retention features of the bead-retaining strip.

In one example, the method comprises installing a window bead as described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the 30 same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows width-wise cross-sections of an example window bead comprising a trimmable retention portion; Figure 2 shows a width-wise cross-section of an example window bead with representative dimensions; Figure 3 shows an example length of window bead in four different perspective views; Figure 4 shows an example window assembly in an installed state in which an example window bead is in engagement with a bead-retaining strip; Figure 5 shows an example window assembly in an installed state in which an example trimmed window bead is in engagement with a bead-retaining strip; and Figures 6 and 7 show examples of methods of using a window bead.

Description of Example Embodiments

Window beads described herein comprise a trimmable retention portion. Such window beads may be trimmed to obtain a remaining portion of the window bead, which can still be installed in, and retained by, a bead-retaining strip. The remaining portion of such a window bead will be smaller than the window bead's original dimensions, and may be further trimmed to obtain a second remaining portion that is smaller still.

During use with a bead-retaining strip, the retention portion is engaged and retained in place by the bead-retaining strip. The retention portion engages a retention feature of the bead-retaining strip. In this way, when the bead-retaining strip is attached to a window frame, an installer may couple the window bead to the bead-retaining strip by pushing the window bead into engagement with the bead-retaining strip such that the retention portion of the window bead engages the one or more retention features of the bead-retaining strip. Reference made to the window bead being in an installed state refers to a state in which the window bead is engaged with the bead-retaining strip.

Figure 1 shows width-wise cross-sections 110, 210, 310 of an example window bead 100 comprising a trimmable retention portion 111, 121, 131. In Figure 1, the dashed lines depict a position and direction of cut by which the window bead 100 may be trimmed. The dashed lines are separated in a width direction of the window bead.

The retention portion 111, 121, 131 is trimmable to alter the effective installed width 112, 122, 132 of the window bead 100. The effective installed width of the window bead corresponds to the width of the window bead once installed in positive engagement with a bead-retaining strip.

The embodiment shown in Figure 1 has retention elements 113, 123, 133 separated in the width direction of the window bead 100. The window bead may therefore be trimmed to obtain a remaining portion 120, 130 of the window bead 100, the remaining portion 120, 130 of the window bead comprising one or more retention elements 113, 123, 133. Figure 1 depicts stages of trimming an example window bead 100. A width-wise cross-section of an initially untrimmed window bead 110 is shown in the left image. A width-wise cross-section of a trimmed example window bead, i.e., a remaining portion 120 of the window bead 110, is shown in the centre image and is outlined in a solid line. In the centre image, the profile of the initially untrimmed window bead 110 is outlined in a dashed line. A width wise cross-section of a further trimmed window bead, i.e., a second remaining portion 130 of the window bead 110, is shown in the right image. The width wise cross-section of a trimmed example window bead is shown in the centre image and is outlined in a solid line and the profile of the initially untrimmed window bead 110 is outlined in a dashed line.

Figure 2 shows a width-wise cross-section of an example window bead 200 with representative dimensions provided. At the point of manufacture, or installation, the window bead can be trimmed to obtain a remaining portion of the bead corresponding to a desired effective installed width. In Figure 2, three trimming guides 201 are separated by 3mm each, corresponding to effective installed widths of 18.7mm, 21.7mm, 24.7mm, and 27.7mm as shown.

Figure 3 shows an example length of window bead 300 in four different perspective views. The retention portion 311 of the window bead 300 comprises two parts extending in the width direction of the bead, an upper part 314, and a lower part 315.

Retention elements 313 of the window bead 300 are located in the lower part 315 of the retention portion and the upper part 314 relies on the bead-retaining clip for retention when in the installed state, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 below. Retention elements 313 of the window bead 300 are located along only a portion of the width of the underside of the window bead, near the front of the window bead 300, that is away from, or separate/distinct from the rearmost part of the window bead.

Figures 4 shows a window assembly 400 in an installed state in which an example window bead 410 is in engagement with a bead-retaining strip 440. The bead- retaining strip 440 comprises a first protrusion extending from the body of the bead-retaining strip in the height direction of the window bead. These examples further comprise a second protrusion 442 extending from the first protrusion in the width direction of the window bead. Thus, a width-wise cross-section of the bead-retaining strip generally comprises a C-shape. The second protrusion is herein after referred to as the upper member 442 of the bead-retaining strip. The upper 442 and base 441 members of the bead-retaining strip 440 may, in various embodiments, have the same or different width.

The retention portion is trimmable to change engagement of the bead-retaining strip 440 with the retention portion of the window bead 410. The same retention feature of the bead-retaining strip 440 engages the retention portion of the untrimmed 410 or trimmed window bead 420. The trimmed window bead 420, shown in Figure 5, is also referred to as the remaining portion of the window bead 410. The retention portion of the window bead 410 is trimmable to alter engagement of a retention feature on a bead-retaining strip with the retention portion of the window bead. For example, the retention portion is trimmable to select which of the retention elements 413 of the window bead is to be in positive engagement with the retention feature of the bead-retaining strip 440.

An untrimmed window bead 410 may have a relatively wide installed width by positive engagement between the retention feature on the bead-retaining strip and a retention element 413 at the back of the window bead. The same window bead, once trimmed 420, may have a narrow installed width by engagement between the retention feature on the bead-retaining strip and a retention element 413 at the front of the window bead. Each retention element 413 corresponds to an installed state having a different effective width because engagement may be achieved at each of the one or more retention elements 413 of the window bead 410 according to the width of material trimmed from the window bead's retention portion. Accordingly, the same trimmable window bead 410 may be trimmed and installed in a plurality of installed states, each installed state having a different effective installed width, provided these states are narrower each time.

Different bead-retaining strips 440 may have different widths. The retention portion of the window beads 100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 300, 410, 420 described herein are trimmable to effect engagement of the window bead with bead-retaining strips 440 having different widths. For example, the window bead 410 as described herein may be pushed into positive engagement with a wide bead-retaining strip 440. The same window bead 410 may be trimmed, and the remaining portion thereof 420 may be pushed into positive engagement with a narrower bead-retaining strip 440.

In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the retention elements 113, 123, 133, 313, 413 in the retention portion are each separated by a constant distance in the width direction of the window bead 100, 110. 120, 130, 300, 410, 420. In some examples, the retention elements 113, 123, 133, 313, 413 are separated by gradually increasing or gradually decreasing distances. In some examples, such as the example window bead shown in Figure 2, trimming guides 201 may be marked on the window bead such that they are visible to the user intending to trim the window bead.

The smallest effective width of a window bead is defined by the smallest width at which the window bead 410 can engage with a particular bead-retaining strip 440. For example, where the window bead comprises one or more retention elements 413 located in the retention portion of the window bead 410, the smallest effective width of a window bead 410 is at least dependent on the location of the most distal retention element 413, the most distal retention element being the retention element 413 closest to the front of the window bead. For example, the retention portion of the window bead 200 shown in Figure 2 may be trimmed to effect a narrower installed width than the 18.7mm shown.

As will be appreciated, Figure 4 depicts a trimmable window bead installed on a bead-retaining strip adjacent to a glass unit comprising two panes of glass. The panes of glass are arranged on a seal disposed on the window frame surface and are 25 separated by a spacer arranged therebetween.

Figure 5 shows an example window assembly 500 in an installed state in which an example trimmed window bead 420 is in engagement with a bead-retaining strip 440. In Figure 5, the example window bead is a remaining portion 420 of the window bead 410 of Figure 4, the remaining portion 420 obtained once the retention portion of the window bead 410 is trimmed. The remaining portion 420 installed on the same bead-retaining strip 440 of Figure 4. In removing part of the retention portion, the effective installed width of the bead 420 is reduced comparatively to the untrimmed window bead 410, and there is a change in the engagement between a retention feature on bead-retaining strip 440 with the remaining retention portion of the window bead 410, 420. For example, in Figure 4, the back retention element 413 is in engagement with the retention feature of the bead-retaining strip 440, and in Figure 5, the second most distal retention element 413 is in engagement with the retention feature of the bead-retaining strip 440.

Figure 6 shows an example method 600 of using any of the window beads 100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 300, 410, 420 described herein. The example method 600 comprises at least providing a window bead comprising a trimmable retention portion 601, trimming the retention portion of the window bead 602, and installing the remaining portion of the window bead 603.

Figure 7 shows an example method 700 of using any of the window beads 100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 300, 410, 420 described herein. The example method 700 comprises the method steps of Figure 6, and further a step of determining a desired effective installed width of the window bead 702. The method comprises trimming the retention portion of the window bead based on the determined desired effective installed width of the window bead 703.

The window beads 100, 110, 120, 130, 200, 300, 410, 420 described herein are extruded from a wood-plastic composite material. A single extrusion die can be provided that enables ready production of an untrimmed window bead, with any trimming performed at the point of manufacture, or during installation if circumstances may require on site for a particular window/frame arrangement. The bead-retaining strips 400 shown comprise a plastics material, either as an elongate strip generally corresponding in length to the window bead, or one or more short sections / clips. For example, the bead-retaining strip may comprise a plurality of short sections attached to a window frame a constant separation.

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

All the features disclosed in this specification including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, and/or all the steps of any method or process so disclosed, 35 may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

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

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

Claims

CLAIMS1. A window bead for use with a bead-retaining strip, the window bead comprising a retention portion for engaging a bead-retaining strip, said retention portion being trimmable such that removal of part of the retention portion alters the effective installed width of the bead, by changing engagement of a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip with the remaining retention portion of the window bead.
2. The window bead of claim 1, wherein the retention portion comprises retention elements for engaging the bead-retaining strip.
3. The window bead of claim 2, wherein the retention elements are provided on the underside of the retention portion.
4. The window bead of claim 2 or 3, wherein the retention elements are separated in the width direction of the window bead.
5. The window bead of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the retention elements comprise surface features arranged to grip and/or abut a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip.
6. The window bead of claim 5, where the retention elements comprise surface recesses
7. The window bead of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the retention elements run along the length of the window bead.
8. The window bead of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the retention elements are provided at uniform spacing from one another.
9. The window bead of any preceding claim, wherein the retention portion comprises two or more trimmable parts.
10. The window bead of any preceding claim, wherein the retention portion 35 comprises trimmable upper and lower parts, each for engagement of a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip.
11. The window bead of any preceding claim, wherein engagement of a retention feature on the bead-retaining strip with the remaining retention portion of the window bead comprises clipping the retention portion of the window bead into place with the retention feature on the bead-retaining strip.
12. A window bead system comprising the window bead of any preceding claim and a corresponding bead-retaining strip.
13. A method of manufacturing the window bead as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising an extrusion process.
14. A method of installing a window bead, the method comprising: trimming a retention portion of the window bead to alter the effective width of the window bead; and engaging the remaining portion of the retention portion of the window bead with a bead-retaining strip.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the window bead is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.