IE970505A1 - Improvements in the relating to windows - Google Patents

Abstract

Double glazing window frame particularly suitable for georgian style sash windows. A glazing bead and a blazing bar sandwich double glazing panes together in a spaced-apart gap forming edge to edge configuration. Then the bead and glazing bar can be fixed together for example by a screw. This gives a very narrow aesthetically pleasing frame.<Fig.1>

Description

Improvements in and relating to windows The present invention relates to double glazing and in particular to the glazing of window frames, casement windows, sliding sash windows, georgian style windows, glazed enclosures generally hereinafter windows and specifically to windows of a style which require a slim appearance on the glazing bead, while at the same time utilising doubleglazing.

The problem of using sealed double-glazing panes is caused by the fact that such double-glazing panes are a sealed unit formed by mounting two separate panes of glass in spacedapart relationship and securing the panes together around the periphery thereof by means of a sealing gasket or by some other sealing to form a peripheral sealing portion which is the term used in this specification to cover such constructions. The width of such a sealing gasket is such that when they are fitted to engage within a conventional glazing bar assembly, the width of the glazing bar assembly must be relatively large in order to adequately cover the gaskets. Such glazing bar assemblies generally comprise a base glazing bar having an upstanding intermediate divider portion, generally called a bone, which divides two panes of glass mounted in the glazing bar. For example, in a georgian style window, the glazing bars are generally relatively narrow giving a light appearance to the window frame. For example, a conventional georgian glazing bar is typically 20 mm in width and accommodates single panes, however, if the same design of glazing bar is to be used in a georgian style window utilising sealed double glazing panes each having a peripheral sealing gasket, the width would have to be of the order of 34 to 36 mm, which is not aesthetically acceptable. - 2 9 7 050 5 A further reason for the additional width is that when fitting any glass into a conventional frame a tolerance of 3 to 4 mm all around is required. In addition, the width of the peripheral sealing gasket in a double glazed unit is of the order of 10 to 12 mm. There is thus a need to provide a glazing bar assembly that will be much narrower and more aesthetically pleasing than has heretofore been possible, while at the same time accommodating sealed double glazing units each having a peripheral sealing gasket.

It is known to provide such a window frame in which an entire frame is fitted to the outside of a framework, which framework incorporates one sealed double glazing pane.

This however is not an adequate solution to the problems as there are problems of warping and indeed difficulties when a pane is broken in that the replacement of a broken pane is not a task familiar to the average glazier.

Attempts have been made in the past to overcome the problem in a somewhat similar manner by fitting a sealed doubleglazing pane within a full frame and then using false stickon glazing beads to the front of the double glazed units. These so-called stick-on glazing bars invariably fall off over time, due to mechanical damage such as caused by window cleaning or the effects of frost and weather generally. These stick-on or false glazing beads are generally unacceptable to architects.

Accordingly there is a need to provide a glazing bar assembly that will be aesthetically pleasing in that it will have a sufficiently light appearance, be structurally sound and »7 050 5 - 3 finally be easily assembled and will use modern glazing materials and methods.

The invention is particularly directed towards providing an authentic looking georgian style sash window frame which will incorporate sealed double glazing panes, while preserving the aesthetic appearance of a traditional window.

According to the invention there is provided a glazing frame assembly for sealed double glazing panes each having a sealed peripheral portion comprising a pair of main glazing bars namely, a base glazing bar and a co-operating glazing bead each having a flat pane contacting surface for sandwiching a pair of panes in spaced-apart gap forming edge-to-edge configuration therebetween and fixing means projecting through the gap between the panes to releasably connect the base glazing bar and glazing bead together.

The advantage of this construction of glazing frame is that the main glazing bars are securely mounted together and the pair of panes can be spaced so that the gap is relatively small between them.

Ideally the width of each pane contacting surface is slightly greater than the width of the two sealed peripheral portions and the fixing means. For example therefore when the conventional sealing gasket is used it is possible to provide an aesthetically pleasing relatively thin glazing bar. Indeed it has been found in practice that it is possible with the present invention to provide a glazing bar which is only slightly wider than the width of the two peripheral sealing portions or gaskets . 7050 5 - 4 Ideally an in-fill piece is mounted in the gap between the edges of the double-glazing panes and the two panes contacting surfaces. The in-fill piece may be width adjustable or may be formed from a suitable glazing compound such as a putty or a mastic. This in-fill further secures the panes together.

In a still further embodiment of the invention there is provided a glazing frame in which one of the main glazing bars has a substantially centrally arranged longitudinally rail projecting from its panes contacting surface for engagement with the panes contacting surface of the other main glazing bar.

In this latter embodiment the other main glazing bar may have a groove for reception of the rail. The advantages of this construction is that it will provide a relatively rigid assembly. This is particularly the case when for example wooden frames are used and the fixing means is a conventional screw threaded fastener. With the glazing frame assembly in which the main glazing bars are in a rail and groove connection ideally the rail engages the groove by a resilient snap-on engagement means. This ensures that the whole assembly can be readily easy disassembled without the need to remove screws and the like. This provides a very rigid glazing frame assembly.

Further the invention provides a glazing frame assembly in which there is provided a pair of auxiliary glazing bars for sandwiching a double glazing pane therebetween and in which the external dimensions of the auxiliary glazing bars match those of the main glazing bars. It may not always be necessary as will be described hereinafter to only have main glazing bars which are more rigidly attached together it may 97050 5 - 5 in certain instances be possible to use these auxiliary glazing bars. Auxiliary glazing bars may be secured to the panes by adhesive or to main glazing bars or to an outer framework of a window frame.

Further the invention provides a window frame comprising an outer framework carrying a glazing frame assembly as hereinbefore described.

Further the invention provides a window frame which may also incorporate the auxiliary glazing bars as hereinbefore stated.

The external portions of the glazing frame assembly seals and waterproofs the glass and forms a sound structural sandwich.

Finally, the invention provides a georgian style sliding sash window frame having an outer framework and six internal frames each carrying a separate double glazed frame each internal frame being formed from portion of the outer framework and main glazing bars as hereinbefore described.

The georgian style window may mount for example three vertically arranged double glazing panes and the georgian style sliding sash window frame will comprise an outer framework, two vertically arranged pairs of main glazing bars and three pairs of horizontally in-line auxiliary glazing bars. This is a particularly economical way of providing an aesthetically pleasing georgian style sliding sash window.

In another embodiment of the invention the georgian style sash window frame incorporates only two horizontally arranged double glazing panes and in this embodiment the sliding sash window frame comprises an outer framework, one horizontally 7050 5 - 6 arranged pair of main glazing bars and three vertically arranged sets of auxiliary glazing bars each set being formed from two pairs of auxiliary glazing bars. This again is a less expensive and efficient way of providing a georgian style window frame which will still be sufficiently rigid to overcome the problems of the stick on constructions hereinbefore discussed.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a georgian style sliding sash window frame assembly in accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 is a typical cross sectional view of two main glazing bars forming part of a glazing frame assembly, Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of another construction of main glazing bars, Fig. 4 is a view similar to Figs. 2 and 3 of a still further construction of main glazing bars, Fig. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the main glazing bars of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figs. 2 to 4 of an auxiliary glazing bar according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a front view of an alternative construction of georgian style sliding sash window frame assembly, and - 7 9 7 050 5 Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 of a still further georgian style sliding sash window frame assembly.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, there is provided a georgian style sliding sash window assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, comprising two sliding sash window frames indicated generally by the reference numeral 2 mounted within an external frame 3 each window frame 2 comprises an outer framework 4 carrying a glazing frame assembly comprising main glazing bars namely a base glazing bar 5 and glazing bead 6 carrying double glazing panes 7 each having a peripheral sealing gasket 8 as illustrated in Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. 2 each main glazing bar namely the base glazing bar 5 and the glazing bead 6 have respective flat panes contacting surfaces 10 and 11 respectively. An in-fill piece formed from a mastic sealing gasket 12 is mounted in the gap formed between the two double glazing panes 7. The main glazing bars are manufactured from wood and are secured together by fixing means namely a wood screw 13. In alternative embodiments the main glazing bars may be manufactured from other suitable materials and secured in an appropriate fashion.

It will be noted that the width of the pane contacting surfaces provided by the contact surface 10 of the bar 5 and the contact surface 11 of the bead 6 is slightly greater than the combined width of the two peripheral sealing gaskets 8 and the wood screw 13. This allows for the provision of an aesthetically pleasing relatively thin glazing bar having the appearance of a traditional window. 7 050 5 - 8 Referring to Fig. 3, there is illustrated an alternative construction of glazing frame assembly in which parts similar to those illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment one of the main glazing bars namely the glazing bead 6 is of the same construction as before. However, there is now provided a base glazing bar 20 on which is rigidly mounted an in-fill piece 21. It will be appreciated that the in-fill piece could be integral formed therewith. It will also be appreciated that this in-fill piece could attached for example to the glazing bead 6 or could be integrally formed therewith. In the latter two cases, it will be appreciated that the wood screw would have to penetrate into the other glazing bar.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 there is illustrated a still further glazing frame assembly comprising main glazing bars namely a glazing bead 30 having a substantially centrally arranged longitudinal rail 31 projecting therefrom and terminating in a resilient barb 32. There is also provided a base glazing bar 30 having a re-entrant groove 34 for reception of the barb 32. The glazing bead 30 as illustrated in Fig. 4 slots into the base glazing bar 33. It will be appreciated that in addition to the use of a rail of this construction with a resilient barb that a simple rail may be used to mount the bead within a groove in the base glazing bar or visa versa.

Referring to Fig. 6 there is illustrated an alternative construction of glazing frame assembly utilising auxiliary glazing bars namely an auxiliary base glazing bar 40 and an auxiliary glazing bead 41. These are secured to the double glazing pane 7 by adhesive. An in-fill piece 42 is provided in the double glazing pane 7 for anaesthetic pleasing appearance. - 9 ¢70505 Referring now to Fig. 7 there is illustrated a georgian style window sliding sash window assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 50 in which parts similar to those illustrated in the previous drawings are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment there are two horizontally arranged double glazing panes 7 having one horizontally arranged pair of main glazing bars, only the glazing bead 6 being illustrated. There are three vertically arranged sets of auxiliary glazing bars again only the auxiliary base glazing bar 40 is illustrated.

Fig. 8 illustrates a georgian style sash window frame assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 60 in which parts similar to those described with reference to the previous drawings are identified by the same reference numerals. In this case there is provided three vertically arranged double glazing panes 7 and three vertically arranged pairs of main glazing bars only the glazing beads 6 being illustrated and three pairs of horizontally in-line auxiliary glazing bars only the auxiliary base glazing bars 40 being illustrated.

It will be appreciated that with the glazing frame assemblies described above that if a pane of glass is broken it is a simple matter to remove and replace the fixing means which in many instances when the frame is a wood will be a simple countersunk screw. It will also be appreciated that the constructions overcome the problem of the necessity to provide very wide glazing frame assemblies. A particular advantage of the use of an in-fill piece as a spacer in the gap between the two double glazing panes is that a very rigid construction can be made which is aesthetically pleasing. 7050 5 - 10 In practice in many uses the in-fill pieces as illustrated would be loosely fitted after placing two double glazing panes in position. The major advantage of glazing in this manner is that it is not necessary to allow a fitting tolerance for the double glazing pane and the in-fill piece can simply be sufficiently wide to ensure that the countersunk screw can fit between the panes to connect the two main glazing bars together. It will be appreciated that the term glazing bar is taken to incorporate glazing members of all types. It will also be appreciated that the auxiliary glazing bars may be secured for example to a main framework forming part of the frame assembly or to the main glazing bars. A particular advantage of the auxiliary glazing bars is that in certain cases rather than using a series of separate small panes of double glazing that larger panes may be used as described above.

The snap fit arrangement as illustrated in Fig. 5 above will be particularly suitable where a plastics material is used to provide a window frame.

It is envisaged that for example each auxiliary glazing bead may be securely fastened to the outer framework of each sliding sash window frame and that other securing means may be used.

It is envisaged that with a glazing bar assembly according to the present invention, it will be possible to reduce the width of the glazing bar assembly to 24 mm or less with presently available constructions of gaskets for double glazing panes. Further if a smaller gasket can be achieved then the width of the glazing bar assembly may be further reduced. 7050 5 - 11 A further advantage of the glazing bar assembly and the construction of windows and window frames according to the present invention is that it enables the double glazing panes to be fixed with silicon or mastic and eliminates the need for conventional putty while maintaining the shape and dimensions associated with a frame glazed with putty. It is well known that putty deteriorates with time and is prone to attack from birds, particularly when newly glazed.

The invention envisages the use of many different types of 10 fixing means for securing the glazing bead to the base glazing bar in the glazing bar assembly according to the invention. Instead of screws as illustrated in the embodiment above, press studs or other cooperating male and female members might be used.

It will be appreciated that while many of the examples given are for georgian style windows the invention is not limited to this and similarly is not limited to the number of panes, which may be altered in number or style to match requirements .

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail. 7050 3

Claims (15)

1. A glazing frame assembly for sealed double glazing panes each having a sealed peripheral portion comprising a pair of main glazing bars namely, a base glazing bar and a co-operating glazing bead each having a flat pane contacting surface for sandwiching a pair of panes in spaced-apart gap forming edge-to-edge configuration therebetween and fixing means projecting through the gap between the panes to releasably connect the base glazing bar and glazing bead together.

2. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the width of each pane contacting surface is slightly greater than the width of the two sealed peripheral portions and the fixing means.

3. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which an in-fill piece is mounted in the gap between the edges of the double glazing panes and the two panes contacting surfaces.

4. . A glazing frame assembly as claimed in claim 3 , in which the in-fill piece is width adjustable.

5. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in claim 3 or 4 , in which the in-fill piece is formed by a glazing compound.

6. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in claim 5, in which the glazing compound is selected from putty or mastic.

7. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which one of the main glazing bars has a substantially centrally arranged longitudinally rail projecting from

8. . A glazing frame assembly as claimed in claim 7 , in which the other main glazing bar has a groove for reception of the rail. 9. 7050 5

9. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the fixing means is a screw threaded fastener. 9 7050 5

10. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which the rail engages the groove by a resilient snap on engagement means .

11. A glazing frame assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A glazing frame assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a pair of auxiliary glazing bars for sandwiching a double glazing pane therebetween and in which the external dimensions of the auxiliary glazing bars match those of the main glazing bars.

13. A glazing frame assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings. - 13 its panes contacting surface for engagement with the panes contacting surface of the other main glazing bar.

14. . A window frame comprising an outer framework carrying a glazing frame assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11. 97050 5 - 14 15. A window frame as claimed in claim 13, incorporating auxiliary glazing bars as claimed in claims 12 or 13. 16. A window frame as claimed in claim 15, in which each auxiliary glazing bar is removably secured to a main glazing bar. 17. A window frame as claimed in claim 15 or 16, in which each auxiliary glazing bar is removably secured to the outer framework. 18. A georgian style sliding sash window frame having an outer framework and six internal frames each carrying a separate double glazed frame each internal frame being formed from portion of the outer framework and main glazing bars as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11. 19. A georgian style sliding sash window frame for mounting three vertically arranged double glazing panes comprising an outer framework, two vertically arranged pairs of main glazing bars as claimed in claims 1 to 11 and three pairs of horizontally inline auxiliary glazing bars as claimed in claims 12 or 13 . 20. A georgian style sliding sash window frame for mounting two horizontally arranged double glazing panes comprising an outer framework, one horizontally arranged pair or main glazing bars as claimed in claims 1 to 11 and three vertically arranged sets of auxiliary glazing bars each set being formed from two pairs of auxiliary glazing bars as claimed in claims 12 or 13.

15. - 15 21. A georgian style sliding sash window frame substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1, 7 or 8 of the accompanying drawings .