NZ236161A - Controllable ventilation rail with channel for window sashes - Google Patents

Description

^ 16 DEC 1991 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER PROVISIONAL NUMBER: 236161 DATED: 20 NOVEMBER 1990 IMPROVEMENTS IN VENTILATION WE, ALTHERM ALUMINIUM (NZ) LIMITED, of 5/61 View Road, Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand, a New Zealand company, hereby declare the invention, which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described iijfand by the following statement: BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to improvements in ventilation and more particularly to improvements in ventilation for use in conjunction with closures for buildings, such as windows, doors and the like.

In the past it has been recognised that there is a significant need for ventilation in buildings.

A lack of ventilation in buildings can provide an unhealthy environment for its occupants and can lead to damage to the building itself, its contents, fitments and decorations, if left unchecked.

In the past, specific ventilation means in buildings could be avoided in view of the nature and construction of buildings and the materials from which they were produced. Often, many gaps and crevices existed where unintentional ventilation could occur, for example, owing to the effect of wind pressure, heating and cooling and the like. f" 1 i ' r.1 nVJ ? 3 H 61 With the advent of greater concentration on thermal efficiency of buildings, greater attention is now placed on the need to adequately seal all areas of the buildings, such as around ceilings, windows and doors and other junctions of the buildings. This has resulted in a significant problem of lack of building ventilation, leading to unhealthy or unpleasant living and working environments and damage to buildings.

Most developed countries, including New Zealand, now require by government regulation, that a healthy work place is provided for workers.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to come some way in overcoming or at least obviating the abovementioned problems or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Other objects of this invention become will apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a controllable ventilation rail for positioning adjacent a lower rail of a closure frame, said ventilation rail including an air pathway for communication between an interior and exterior of said closure, said air pathway having an air inlet means for locating adjacent the exterior of the closure and an air exit means at the interior of the closure, the air inlet means being lower in the ventilation rail than the air exit means, and wherein the air exit means comprises a movable control member mounted adjacent to a series of spaced-apart apertures positioned within an area defined by an upwardly open U-shaped recess or channel extending substantially across the ventilation rail, the air exit means being thereby adapted to direct air in a substantially upward direction from said air exit means across a portion of a panel when held in said closure frame.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of providing ventilation through a closure for a building comprising: (i) assembling a closure sash for holding a panel so that it includes a ventilation rail as claimed in at least claim 1; (ii) providing a controllable air pathway by mounting the sash with the ventilation rail adjacent a lower rail of a frame of said closure with said air pathway providing controllable communication between an interior and an exterior of said closure, positioning exterior air inlet means of said air pathway lower than interior air exit means; and (iii) adjusting the control member at the interior of the closure, to direct air in a substantially upward direction from said air exit means across a portion of a panel held by said closure frame.

Other aspects of this invention which should be considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description. Modifications are envisaged and may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawing, it will be seen that the drawing depicts in cross-section a junction between a sealed portion of a frame and lower element of a sash, according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT One form of the invention will now be described with reference to the provision of the ventilating means in a window incorporating an openable sash. Whilst the invention is described with reference to such an arrangement, it is to be - 5a - BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawing, it will be seen that the drawing depicts in cross-section a junction between a sealed portion of a frame and lower element of a sash, according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT One form of the invention will now be described with reference to the provision of the ventilating means in a window incorporating an openable sash. Whilst the invention is described with reference to such an arrangement, it is to be ?5 / 1 L C: I 0 appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto, and the invention has application to a variety of closure constructions, such as casement or sliding door constructions, certain skylight constructions and the like.

In the preferred form of the invention, the ventilating means is intended for use in conjunction with a substantially standard joinery component. This could for example, be a simple window incorporating a perimeter frame for mounting within a building structure and for mounting a sash, for example either on a jamb portion of the frame or on a seal portion, via hinging or other mounting means.

In a preferred form of the invention, although not essentially, the ventilating means can be provided in a lower sash member, preferably being the horizontal member forming the bottom portion of the sash in use.

The invention in this embodiment, and as illustrated in the drawing, provides for a ventilation means which can be installed in a sash ? 3 c I 6 1 during the construction of the sash. Preferably this would use a specially punched section of a similar profile to sections forming the remainder of the sash and mounted to form the lower portion of the sash and co-acting with remaining portions of the frame. An air pathway is formed in use of the invention through the conjunction of the sash and the frame.

A control means is provided for operation with the sash in conjunction with air flow exit apertures so as to enable control of the air flow through the sash/frame pathway and to thus control ventilation from the exterior to the interior of the building.

In certain instances, where forced ventilation is considered desirable, it is envisaged that the abovementioned control means may be dispensed with and the joinery merely incorporate an apertured sash element. The control over the extent of the ventilation would then be made at the time of manufacture of the sash and dependent on the size and arrangement of the aperture(s) therein.

Referring to the drawing, the ventilation means is generally indicated by arrow 1. It is shown provided in conjunction with a frame member 2 and a lower element of a sash 3, although this particular arrangement is in no way essential to the invention. The frame portion 2 in this preferred form of the invention is mounted in an opening in the building. Preferably the frame 2 incorporates an inner abutment fin 4 against which lower rear portions of a sash 5 impinge with suitable sealing means 6 sandwiched therebetween to provide a seal. An inner, i.e. building interior face 7 of the frame is provided with engagement means 8 to engage with a jamb liner 9, as traditionally used.

A lower mid-portion 10 of the frame 2 is shown providing a waterway or water channel. This extends outwardly of the window frame 2 from the abutment fin 4. The mid-portion 10 terminates in an upwardly directed seal fin 11 against which lower portions 12 of the sash 3 can abut. A weep hole 13 is shown provided to enable egress of any water which may drive past the seal fin 11 in adverse weather conditions. 2 36161 The sash portion 3 will typically be constructed according to substantially traditional styles adjacent a frontal portion of the assembly and is shown provided with a glazing recess 20 into which glazing 21 is engaged via suitable glazing wedges 22. A rear portion of the sash 3 is, however, shown provided with a channel 23 defined between the abutment portion 5 and the portions defining the glazing recess 20. The channel 23 is shown with a web portion 24 extending between the abutment portion 5 and the portion of the sash forming the glazing recess 20.

The web portion 24 in this preferred form of the invention is provided with a series of apertures 25 therethrough at predetermined intervals. These apertures may suitably be either round or slotted.

A recess 26 is shown provided above the web portion 24. This recess 26 is shown to be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and having an upper opening substantially aligned in direction with the plane of the glazing 21. The recess 26 is shown with overbearing lobed portions 2 1 KCV 19 SI - io - e. y 27 adjacent its upper opening and overhanging the recess so as to provide a slightly restricted recess opening along its length.

The recess 26, in this preferred form of the invention, is shown provided with a control means 30. The control means 30 is preferably formed from a substantially resilient material, for example a thin metal material, or alternatively, in an extruded or injection moulded form, from a plastics material. The control means 30 is shown as U-shaped so as to substantially correspond with the shape of the recess 26 and is engagable therein. However, a degree of tolerance is provided to enable the control means 30 to slide longitudinally along, and within, the recess 26 upon a person gripping a handle portion 31. This handle 31 is shown provided as an extension of one leg 32 of the U-shaped control means 30.

A base portion 33 of the control means is also apertured, preferably in a corresponding format to the apertures provided in the web portion 24. Upon sliding motion of the control means 30, using the handle portion 31, and relative to the recess 26, the alignment of the apertures in the control means 30 and the web portion 24 can be varied. This will control, or vary, the extent of communication between the interior of the building i.e. above the recess 26, and the exterior of the building, via the passageway formed between opposing adjacent portions of the sash portion 3 and the frame portion 2.

The control means 30 can suitably engage substantially beneath the overhanging portions 27 and this may be by a suitable snap-fit arrangement. Whilst this construction is the preferred embodiment in the present form of the invention described, it is to be appreciated that in alternative forms, other arrangements can be provided.

The handle means 31 is shown extending upwardly from the control means 30 in a direction substantially common with the plane of the glazing means 21. Although again, this is not essential to the invention.

The construction and arrangement of the lower frontal portion 12 of the sash 3, relative to the front of the frame 2, and, in particular, the seal fin 11, is such that an opening 14 is provided therebetween. In the preferred form of the invention, the opening 14 is provided merely by omitting a sealing gasket from engagement with a lower portion of the sash 3. The gasket (not shown) would normally be engaged around the lower portions of the sash 3 in the gasket receiving groove 15. In other forms of the invention, spacer means (not shown) may be provided at intervals along the interior face of the lower edge frontal portion 12, or on the seal fin 11, so as to control the spacing of the lower edge portion 12 from the fin 11, and so as to provide the opening 14 of predetermined width.

It will be appreciated that in the arrangement described, a pressure differential between the exterior of the building and the interior of the building will result in a flow of air through the opening 14. The air flow, indicated by arrow A, will then flow into the chamber B defined between the opposing surfaces of r the sash 3 and the frame 2 and then into the building via the apertures 25 and apertures 33 of the web 24 and base portion of the control means 30, respectively. The extent of the air flow will of course be controllable by movement of the control member 30. It will be appreciated that in addition, the direction of air when entering the building will be directed substantially upwardly over the interior face of the glazing 21. This will therefore assist in the removal of any condensation and the like from the glazing 21.

Any condensation run off will enter the recess 26 and then run downwardly until such time as it gathers in the trough in the mid-portion 10 of the frame 2. It can then exit via the weep hole 13, thus avoiding damage to the interior of the building, jamb liners 9 or the like.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the building arts that the chamber B acts as a pressure equalizer. In this pressure equalization system the front face of the sash 2 does not attempt to seal it against the weather but becomes primarily a rain screen. The interior part of the 256161 sash 2 then defines the chamber B in which the air pressure will be the same as that outside. Any rain that does come into the chamber B can be drained off through drainage hole 13.

The sealing is provided by the seal 6 located some distance up the height of the chamber B. The air entry into the interior of the building is through the apertures, 25, 33, at the top of the chamber B so that the air flow is upwards. Any moisture carried with the air flow is therefore largely left behind and does not enter the building.

It will be appreciated that by this invention, there is additionally an ability for a building owner to ensure that where required, a relatively permanent degree of controlled ventilation can be provided for a building. This is particularly useful in tenanted or public buildings where perhaps a degree of supervision of the ventilation of the building is somewhat less than is normally desirable. In these instances, it is envisaged that the building owner may, after setting the desired control level, be able to readily remove the control means from the joinery for permanent or semi-permanent storage. This will ensure that ventilation will be provided. When the need for permanent ventilation is no longer required, it will be appreciated that the control means can be readily replaced. It is envisaged that such an arrangement is particularly useful to take into account the climatic changes of the seasons.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a joinery construction incorporating a junction of a frame 2 and a sash 3, it is also to be appreciated that in other forms of construction, the frame portion 2 could be substituted by a transom, a head portion, or the like subject to any appropriate flashing or weatherproofing.

In manufacture, it will be appreciated that the manufacturer usually holds a stock of elements for producing joinery. It is envisaged that in the performance of the invention, the joinery manufacturer will have a series of substantially similar extrusions or elements for producing a 236161 sash and these elements will be cut, for example in a mitred arrangement and arranged into a sash of the required configuration and size. It is envisaged that in the preferred form of the invention, the element from which the lower portion of the sash is provided will be cut from substantially similar stock to the remaining portions. However, that stock will have been previously punched in the area of the web 24 to provide apertures therealong. In alternative forms of the invention, it is of course possible to provide apertures in the web 24 during the course of construction. However, it is considered that such an arrangement will be less attractive to a production orientated manufacturer.

Thus, by this invention there is provided a ventilation means for a building for providing a substantially controlled ventilation.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. fj." 2 1 i'-A i £21 i ... \ r ■ , , 1 I 256 Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. g682240a/l 21 N C \ ! 9- -1 ^ Ull Xi*' ^

Claims (6)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A controllable ventilation rail for positioning adjacent a lower rail of a closure frame, said ventilation rail including an air pathway for communication between an interior and exterior of said closure, said air pathway having an air inlet means for locating adjacent the exterior of the closure and an air exit means at the interior of the closure, the air inlet means being lower in the ventilation rail than the air exit means, and wherein the air exit means comprises a movable control member mounted adjacent to a series of spaced-apart apertures positioned within an area defined by an upwardly open U-shaped recess or channel extending substantially across the ventilation rail, the air exit means being thereby adapted to direct air in a substantially upward direction from said air exit means across a portion of a panel when held in said closure frame.

2. A ventilation rail as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control member is provided to control a flow of air through said air pathway, said control member being slidingly moveable relative to remaining portions of C «■ • I!*. / r ■' .' ' ! • * ""*■ , -«7r' - 19 - said ventilation rail to increase or reduce the flow of air from said air pathway.

3. A ventilation rail as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the apertures are positioned in a lower region of said recess or channel, the air exit means thus providing a further function as a water drainage means.

4. A ventilation rail as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the channel or recess of the ventilation rail is substantially U-shaped and the control member is correspondingly U-shaped and also apertured at spaced-apart intervals, and wherein the control member is slidingly engaged in the channel or recess such that the apertures of the control member are movable into and out of coincidence with the apertures of the air exit means to control the flow of air through the air pathway.

5. A ventilation rail substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

6. A method of providing ventilation through a closure for a building comprising: O ^ S p 4 LOxj |0] - 20 - (i) assembling a closure sash for holding a panel so that it includes a ventilation rail as claimed in at least claim 1; (ii) providing a controllable air pathway by mounting the sash with the ventilation rail adjacent a lower rail of a frame of said closure with said air pathway providing controllable communication between an interior and an exterior of said closure, positioning exterior air inlet means of said air pathway lower than interior air exit means; and (iii) adjusting the control member at the interior of the closure, to direct air in a substantially upward direction from said air exit means across a portion of a panel held by said closure frame. A method of providing ventilation for a building through a closure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. ALTHERM ALUMINIUM (NZ) LIMITED By J£s Attorneys 2Y «V ASPEC28126 / T ^ 10 rr P> nnr r V t J i L L i o L j