IE83749B1 - Improvements in or relating to window or door assemblies - Google Patents

Description

SUB-FRAME COMPRISING A CAVITY CLOSER AND A CILL CARRIER The present invention relates to sub—frames to be built into a building for the fitting therein of frames for The though not exclusively, windows or doors. invention relates particularly, to sub—frames and sub—frame profile located in the cavity between inner and outer leaves of a cavity wall. portions having parts which act as cavity closers, It is known. to construct rectangular‘ sub—frames from extruded profiles having cavity closers which locate in use in. the cavity between the inner and outer leaves of a cavity wall. However, in general, such sub—frames are only suitable for use in conventional rectangular window openings. By contrast, for bay windows, such sub-frames Cannot be used and builders have to resort to traditional methods such as Although the obtained for conventional rectangular sub-frames, that described in GB 2 306 991, timber frames around the bay opening. necessary official certification can be such as official certification cannot be obtained ,for traditional bay window frames.

Since the bay may be structural, the window must be located over the brickwork irather than the cavity in order to provide sufficient structural support.

Furthermore, in the construction of a building; the scaffolding covers the exterior and work materials or the This problematic for large openings such as are provided for bay like can fall through openings. is particularly windows. Since the cill for a bay window is installed early, it is prone to damage by cement and general on—site since the bay work, even more so than conventional cills, projects outwardly from the main wall. In addition, use of traditional timber frames which do not have cavity closers means that the cavity of the cavity wall has not been closed. off effectively so that water can get in.

Consequently, a damp—proof course is needed. the British Plastics have specified that the side walls of a in bricklayers tend not to In connection with bay windows, (BPF) bay window should end as indicated by the bricks 8, Federation Figure 1. However, in practice, use the BPF recommended method but rather finish the side walls as indicated by bricks 8,10 in Figure 2, so that the window panels can be inserted more easily. and 2, wall leaves 4,6 defining the bottom of the cill wall and 8,10. Thus, generally there ‘is a step between the inner and outer In Figures 1 a bay cavity wall has a cavity 2, inner and outer inner and outer side walls in practice leaves of the side walls of a bay window, as shown in Figure 2.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the problems associated with conventional bay window sub—frames and in order to provide a sub—frame suitable for use and sub—frame profile in a bay for receiving a bay window. Preferred aims of the invention are to provide a sub—frame and sub—frame profile which overcomes one or more of the above—mentioned disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sub—frame comprising an upper profile portion, two side profile portions and a lower profile portion, the sub—frame being adapted for retention within an opening in a cavity wall for a window and being further adapted for securement therein of a window frame, wherein. the lower profile portion comprises a base wall from one side of which projects a cavity closer and from the opposite side of which projects a cill carrier member, cill cill engagement formation for engaging the cill nember, and a separate said carrier member comprising an which engagement formation is not occluded when a window frame is member, located within the sub—frame.

The lower profile portion may comprise a releasably engageable cill member. Preferably, the base wall extends on each side of the cavity closer and is adapted to engage The base wall, cavity closer and cill carrier member may‘ be in use against the leaves of a cavity wall. integral.

Preferably, the lower profile portion comprises two engageable parts. Preferably, a first such part comprises a first base wall part adapted to engage one leaf of a cavity wall and said cavity closer. Preferably, the other such part comprises a second. base wall part adapted to engage the other leaf of the cavity’ wall and said cill carrier‘ member. A The cill carrier member‘ may" overlie a portion of the cavity closer. Preferably, the cill carrier member is spaced from the cavity closer transversely along the base wall. I enclosed Preferably, the carrier member comprises an rectangular section, the base of which may comprise part of said base wall. Preferably, a side of the carrier member adjacent one lateral edge of the base wall comprises said engagement formation. Preferably, said engagement formation comprises a channel extending along cill one or more projections said side. Preferably, said member comprises engagement formations such as adapted to be received in said channel.

Preferably, said carrier member comprises a second engagement formation on a side thereof opposite to the side having said first engagement formation, said second formation being adapted to receive part of a cill. The second engagement formation may comprise a channel extending along said opposite side. Preferably, an abutment is formed on the cavity closer side of the cill carrier member and extends from an upper wall of the cill carrier member.

Preferably, in use at least part of the cavity closer extends into the Cavity of the cavity wall. Preferably, the leaf member enclosed quadrilateral section. engaging comprises an Preferably, the cavity closer and leaf engaging member are conjoined so that one side of the member is defined by a side of the cavity closer.

Preferably, another side of the leaf engaging member is the leaf extends defined by part of the base wall. the leaf substantially parallel to the base wall.

Preferably, engaging side of engaging member Preferably, said leaf engaging side extends further than the base wall from the cavity closer.

Preferably, the cavity closer projects further than the leaf engaging member from the base wall. Preferably, part of the base wall extends beyond the cavity closer on the opposite side of the cavity closer to the leaf engaging Preferably, said part is adapted to engage against the leaf of wall. the inwardly extending wall comprises means to member. the reveal of other said cavity Preferably, facilitate the securement of a window frame to the profile portion.

Preferably, the profile ‘portion includes an abutment projecting therefrom. the abutment projects the wall Preferably, the abutment projects at an obtuse angle to the Preferably, from base along one lateral edge thereof. base wall.

Preferably, the profile portion is adapted to locate against the inner and outer leaves of a check reveal cavity wall.

There may be provided a further profile portion for use the further comprising an elongate member having a substantially wedge- in assembling a sub—frame, profile portion shaped cross—section, said member being adapted to extend in use between an upper profile and the lower profile of a sub—frame.

Preferably; the member comprises an enclosed, hollow section. Preferably, the opposing external sides of the member comprise means to facilitate the securement of a window frame to the profile portion. Preferably, the narrow edge of the member faces the interior of the building in use. Preferably, the narrow edge of the member comprises an engagement formation, such as a groove, for receiving a corresponding engagement formation, such as a projecting rib, of a trim. The further profile portion may include a releasably engageable internal trim.

Preferably, the member comprises abutment means which act as a stop for a window frame in use. Preferably, said abutment means comprises projecting ribs extending outwardly on each side of the narrow edge of said member.

Preferably, said ribs extend substantially transversely to the side walls of the member.

Preferably, the wide edge of the member faces the exterior of the building in use. Preferably, the wide edge comprises an engagement formation, such as one or more grooves, for receiving a corresponding engagement formation, such as one or more projecting ribs, of a trim.

The profile portion may include a releasably‘ engageable external trim.

Preferably, the further profile portion comprises a pole extending longitudinally through the elongate member.

Preferably, the further profile portion comprises upper and lower angled sections for supporting said pole.

Preferably, said angled sections comprise an angled base wall and means for receiving an end of said pole. The lower angled section may include a cavity extension adapted to be received in the cavity of a cavity wall. The angled sections may be mechanically secured to elongate member.

Preferably, one or more internal walls of the elongate member comprise lugs or ribs adapted to retain said pole in position in use.

A sub—frame of the invention, for a bay window, may comprise two side profile portions, preferably said further profile portions as defined herein, an upper profile portion. and. a lower‘ profile portion, as defined herein.

Preferably, the upper profile comprises an external hood having a ventilation opening in an underwall thereof.

The invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view showing one method of locating the side wall bricks on the bay of a cavity wall; Figure 2 is a plan View showing an alternative method of locating the side wall bricks on the bay of a cavity wall; Figure 3 is a horizontal section through a side profile in a bay cavity wall; Figure 4(a) is a vertical section through a top rail of a sub—frame of the invention; Figure 4(b) is a vertical section through a bottom rail of a sub—frame of the invention; Figure 5 is a section through. a cill adapted in: be secured to the bottom rail of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a section through. an alternative bottom rail profile of the invention; is a perspective front View showing internal profile section and component parts; Figure an Figure 8 is an overall partially cut away perspective view (with detailed inserts) of the bay window sub—frame shown with window frame fitted; Figure 9 and 9A are plan and side sectional views of the sub—frame and window frame installation of figure 8; Figures lO(A) through 10(G) illustrate the cross- sectional profiles of various components of the sub—frame; l1(A) through 1l(H) illustrate the cross— sectional profiles of various further components of the Figures sub—frame.

Referring to Figure 3, the inner and outer leaves 8,10 of a cavity wall with cavity 2 define the side walls of a bay and the lower edge of the bay is defined by the inner and outer leaves 4,6 of the cavity wall. A sub—frame of the invention comprises a side rail 12 and a bottom rail having a cavity closer 42 which locates in the cavity between the bottom wall leaves 4, 6. The side rail on the other side of the sub-frame corresponds to the side rail 12.

The side rail 12 comprises a base wall 14. A cavity closer 16 projects transversely from one side of the base wall and a leaf engaging member 18 projects transversely The base wall 14 spans the leaf engaging member 18 and the cavity closer 16 from the same side of the base wall. and a part 20 thereof extends beyond the cavity closer to Thus, acts as a former for the inner leaf of the cavity wall. engage in use the reveal of the inner leaf 8. part The closer 16 has an enclosed, rectangular, section which may be filled with an insulating cavity generally material. In use, the cavity closer locates at least partly in the cavity between the side wall leaves 8,10. A wall—tie engaging channel 22 is provided on the inner side of the cavity closer adjacent the inner leaf.

The leaf engaging member 18 comprises an enclosed, generally quadrilateral, section which may be filled with an insulating material. The inner side of the member is defined by part of the outer side of the cavity closer 16 and the bay side of the member is defined by part of the base wall 14. The leaf engaging side 24 of the nember the the substantially parallel to, extends from outer side of cavity closer but spaced from, the base wall 14 and extends further than the base wall from the cavity closer. The outer side 26 of the leaf engaging member comprises an inwardly extending wall which forms an acute angle with the leaf engaging side 24 and an obtuse angle with the base wall 14. provided on the leaf engaging side 24 of the member 18 and A wall—tie engaging channel 28 is in use the side 24 engages the reveal of the outer leaf 10. further than the leaf— engaging member 18 from the base wall 14 so that in use The cavity closer 16 projects that further part of the cavity closer locates between the the remainder of the cavity closer lying in use between the inner and outer leaves 8,10 of the bay side wall, leaf engaging member 18 and the inner leaf 8.

An abutment 30 projects from the base wall, typically at an obtuse angle thereto, at the edge thereof adjacent the outer side 26 of the leaf engaging member 18.

A wall cladding such as a dry liner 32 is provided on the internal side of the inner leaves 4,8 and on the bay sides of the base wall and inner leaf 8. In use, the frame 34 of a bay window is installed from the outside of the building by pushing the frame along the inwardly extending wall 26 until it reaches the abutment 30. Suitable clip means or the like may be used to secure the window frame to the sub—frame. The inwardly extending wall 26 typically has an array of longitudinal ratchet teeth extending there along for engaging spring fixings in a known manner to secure the window frame. Typically, the side rail is formed as an integral UPVC extrusion. the sub—frame (a) and (b), comprises a top rail 36 and a bottom rail 38.

Referring to Figures The top rail may have any suitable profile but is preferably of the form described in GB 2 311 127 having an external hood 37 over the window frame and. providing an effective ventilation pathway from the inside of the building to the outside, the outside ventilation opening being in an under-wall of the hood.

The bottom rail 38 comprises a base wall 40 from one side of which a cavity closer 42 projects transversely.

The base wall extends on each side of the cavity closer 42 to engage in use against the reveals of the inner and outer leaves 8,10 of the cavity wall such that the cavity closer locates in the cavity thereof. A cill carrier member 44 extends transversely’ front the opposite side of the base The base wall, and cill carrier member may be formed as an integral UPVC wall to the cavity closer 42. cavity closer extrusion, as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4(b), the bottom rail profile may be in two engageable parts, a first part having a first. base wall part adapted to engage one leaf of the cavity wall and carrying the cavity closer and the second part having a second base wall part adapted to engage the other leaf of the cavity wall and carrying the cill carrier member.

Suitable tangs or channels may’ be provided on the two to enable profile parts interengagement thereof. The carrier member may be spaced from the cavity closer transversely along the base wall as shown in Figure 6 or both may extend from substantially" the same transverse region of the base wall as shown in Figure 4(b) so that in use the carrier member overlies a leaf of the cavity wall.

The carrier member comprises an enclosed. generally rectangular section having a channel formation 46 extending along a side wall thereof. In use, the channel 46 is open towards the exterior of the building and is adapted. to receive engagement formations 48 of a cill member 50 such as shown in Figure 5. The cill member 50 comprises a rectangular section having the engagement formations 48 such as a pair of tangs or hooks extending along a side wall thereof. The profile of the cill member 50 may be chosen according to the profile of cill required.

The carrier member 44 has a second channel formation 52 extending along a side wall thereof opposite to the side wall with the channel formation 46. The second channel formation. 52 is formed. by an overhanging portion. of the cill carrier member and the base wall 40 and is adapted to receive a part of an internal cill.

An abutment 56 may be provided on the cavity closer side of the cill carrier member 44, the abutment extending substantially" transversely" to the base wall 40 front the upper wall of the carrier member, in order to provide a stop for insertion of the window frame. In use, the upper wall of the carrier member 44 supports the window frame and may have suitable means for securing the frame thereto.

In assembling the sub-frame, the base walls 14 of the side rails are fixed at the bottom to the bottom rail 38 and at the top to the top rail 36, typically by suitable mechanical means.

The assembled sub-frame typically’ comprises two side rails, a top rail and. a bottonl rail as hereindescribed” Referring to Figure 7, the assembled sub-frame typically also comprises two internal vertical rails for structural support at the corners of the bay.

The internal rails 60 comprise enclosed generally wedge—shaped sections having side walls 62 with means for retaining a window frame 34 such as ratchet teeth for receiving spring fixings. In use, the narrow edge of the section faces the interior of the building and has a suitable formation such as groove 64 for receiving a corresponding formation or projection 66 on an internal cover or trim 68. Abutment means 70 extend outwardly on each side of the narrow edge and act as stops for window frames 34 pushed into the sub-frame from the outside of the building. The wide edge 72 of the section faces the exterior of the building in use and has suitable formations such as grooves 74 for receiving corresponding formations or projections 76 on an external cover or trim 78. The internal and external trims 68,78 may comprise PVC mouldings and are suitably shaped to conceal the internal rail in use. A pole 80, typically of steel extends longitudinally through the wedge section 60 and provides additional structural support. The pole 80 is supported between angled sections typically of aluminium, the lower angled section having a base wall 82, a cavity extension 84 for extending into the cavity of the cavity wall adjacent the angle of the bay and a cylindrical holder 86 for the holder 86 extending from the side of the base wall 82 opposite to the side from receiving an end of the pole 80, which the cavity extension 84 extends. The upper angled section (not shown) corresponds but does not have the Typically the comprise aluminium (n: PVC sections nechanically fixed to cavity extension 84. internal rails 60 the upper and lower angled sections via screw ports 90.

Lugs 88 are provided internally in the rail 60 to hold the pole 80 in place and inhibit bending under compressional load.

In use, the bay sub—frame is typically pre—assembled before taking on-site, and can then be built into the bay of a building, the side rails acting as a former for the Thus, sub—frame is positioned in the bay and the walls built up side leaves of the cavity wall. the pre—assembled around it. The window frames can then be pushed into the The sub—frame and profiles of the invention have the required structural sub—frame from the outside of the building. stability and facilitate building of the bay and insertion of the window frames. the building.

The ability to subsequently clip on cill member 50 avoids damage to the cill during A typical bay window installation using a bay sub—frame of the present invention is illustrated in more detail in (installation) Figures 8 and 9 and in Figures 10 and 11 (the components).

A bay window installation 100 includes a sub—frame made two side rails 12, one or more The bottom rail 38 up from a bottom rail 38, internal rails 60, and a top rail. comprises a cavity closer 42, a base wall 40 which engages the inner leaf 8 and a cill carrier member 44 to which a cill 50 may be fitted.

Each side rail 12 has a cavity closer An abutment 56 provides a stop for window frame 102. 16, a base wall 14 which engages the inner leaf 8, and an outer leaf engaging member 18 which engages the outer leaf . The member 18 is of quadrilateral cross section and carries an abutment 30 which serves as a stop for frame 102. Each internal rail 60 comprises a profile of wedge- shaped section with side walls having ratchet teeth 62, a narrow internal facing edge adapted to receive an internal trim 68, receive an external trim 78. and a wider external facing edge adapted. to The narrow edge includes abutments 70 at each side thereof which serve as stops for frame 102. 104 may be placed over the base wall 40 of bottom rail 38 As can be seen in Figure 9(A), a window board and secured to abutment 56 of cill carrier member 44 by 106. The different components described hereinbefore are illustrated in detail through lO(G) and 11(A) through 1l(H), 11(E) and 11(G) From Figures 11(A) sealant and/or a trim various in Figures l0(A) (namely 10(F), respective components fit together. ll(G) closer 42 with. base wall 40 can be attached. to a cill member 44 to bottom alternatively to a jamb section 18 (the outer leaf engaging these figures showing how and in particular it can be seen how a universal cavity rail 38, or carrier form a member) to form a side rail 12.

Claims (28)

1. A. sub—frame comprising an 'upper‘ profile portion, two side profile portions and a lower profile portion, the sub- frame being adapted for retention within an opening in a cavity wall for a window and being further adapted for securement therein. of a window frame, wherein. the lower profile portion comprises a base wall fron1 one side of which projects a cavity closer and from the opposite side of which projects a cill carrier member, cill cill engagement formation for engaging the cill member, and a. separate comprising an which engagement formation is not occluded when a window frame is member, said carrier member located within the sub—frame.

2. A sub—frame according to claim 1, wherein an upper wall of the cill carrier member is arranged to engage and support a window frame.

3. A sub-frame according to claim 1 or claim 2, and comprising two engageable parts.

4. A sub—frame according to claim 3, wherein a first such part comprises a first base wall part adapted to engage one leaf of a cavity wall and said cavity closer.

5. A. sub—frame according to clainl 4, wherein the other such part comprises a second. base wall part adapted. to engage the other leaf of the cavity wall and said cill carrier member.

6. A sub—frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the cill carrier member overlies a portion of the cavity closer.

7. A sub—frame according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cill carrier member is spaced from the cavity closer transversely along the base wall.

8. A sub-frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower profile portion is so designed. that the cill member is releasably engageable from the cill carrier member.

9. A sub—frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the cill carrier member comprises an enclosed rectangular section, the base of which comprises part of said. base wall.

10. A sub—frame according to any preceding claim, wherein a side of the cill carrier member adjacent one lateral edge of the base wall comprises said engagement formation.

11. A sub—frame according to claim 10, wherein said engagement formation comprises a channel extending along cill formations such as one or more projections adapted to be said side and said member comprises engagement received in said channel.

12. A sub—frame according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein cill engagement formation on a side thereof opposite to the side said carrier member further comprises a second having said first engagement formation, said second formation being adapted to receive part of a further cill.

13. A sub-frame according to claim 12, wherein the second engagement formation comprises a channel extending along said opposite side.

14. A sub—frame as claimed in any preceding claim, the sub- frame being for a bay window. further comprising as a side profile portion. an elongate member

15. A sub—frame according to any preceding claim, having a substantially wedge—shaped cross—section, and having opposing external sides each comprising means to facilitate the securement of a window frame to the elongate member.

16. A sub~frame according to claim 15, wherein the elongate member comprises an enclosed, hollow section.

17. A sub—frame according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the narrow edge of the elongate member faces the interior of the building in use.

18. A sub—frame according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the elongate member comprises abutment means which act as a stop for a window frame in use.

19. A sub—frame according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein. the elongate member comprises a pole extending longitudinally through it.

20. A sub—frame according to any preceding claim, further Comprising a profile portion having a base wall from one side of which projects a cavity closer and from the same side of which projects a leaf engaging member for engaging in use against the reveal of a leaf of a cavity wall.

21. A. sub—frame according to clain1 20, wherein. the leaf engaging member comprises an enclosed quadrilateral section.

22. A sub—frame according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the cavity closer and leaf engaging member are conjoined so that one side of the member is defined by a side of the cavity closer.

23. A sub—frame according to claim 22, wherein a further side of the leaf engaging member comprises an inwardly extending wall which forms an acute angle with the leaf engaging side of said member and an obtuse angle with the base wall.

24. A sub—frame according to any of claims 20 to 23, wherein part of the base wall extends beyond the cavity closer to the leaf engaging member.

25. A sub—frame according to claim 24, wherein said part is adapted to engage against the reveal of the other leaf of said cavity wall.

26. A method of constructing a window region of a building, comprising the steps of sub—frame according to (i) manufacturing a any preceding claim, with the cill member disengaged from the cill carrier member (ii) locating the sub—frame in place (iii) building up the wall of the building around the frame, and y (iv) engaging the cill member on the cill carrier member.

27. A sub—frame according to claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. A method of construction according to claim 26and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. TOMKINS & CO.