NZ542943A - Method and assembly for installing a window or door - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly (1) for the installation of a window or door frame into an opening (4) in a building structure is disclosed. The assembly includes an elongate extrusion member (2) having a central cavity (2A) extending along its length that forms part of the frame, and a frame attachment member (3). In use the attachment member is mounted between in the extrusion member and the opening, and one end (21) of the attachment member is attached to the opening while the other end (10) is attached to the extrusion member by a securing means (14) that penetrates the central cavity of the extrusion member.

Description

40 Our ref: HOMOOl Patents Form No. 5 No. 542943 Dated: 10 October 2005 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR INSTALLING A WINDOW OR DOOR We, NZ Investment & Trading Ltd, a New Zealand company of PO Box 82 292, Highland Park, Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a 45 patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 r Intellectual" METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR INSTALLING A WINDOW OR DOOR TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an assembly and method of installing a window or door. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an assembly and method for installing a PVC extruded window or door frame into the opening of a building structure.

BACKGROUND ART Windows and doors are typically installed by screwing or nailing the window or door frame attached to the frame into the opening of a building structure. However, this method of installation is undesirable as the space between the exterior cladding and flashing, which are used to achieve weather tightness and water ventilation systems about windows and doors 15 during installation, and the building door or window opening can vary quite substantially. Consequently, with some applications it may be necessary to use different sized extrusions or choose a cladding or flashing system that suits the particular extrusion used.

In some cases, extrusions connecting the vertical and horizontal frames of a window or door 20 are glued together at the corners. The problem with such assemblies is that they can lead to water leakage at these corners. Further, such assemblies are aesthetically undesirable.

It is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide an assembly and method for installing a window or door which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least 25 to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly for the installation 30 of a window or door frame into an opening in a building structure, the assembly including a window or door extrusion member configured and arranged to form the window or door frame, and a frame attachment member, wherein one end of the frame attachment member is 2 attachable, in use, to the window or door extrusion member and the other end is attachable, in use, to the window or door opening in the building structure.

Optionally the frame attachment member is substantially elongate and includes a first end and 5 a second end, wherein a section of the frame attachment member intermediate the first end and the second end is inclined downwardly towards the first end, and wherein the first end of the frame attachment member is configured and arranged such that it is positionable within a groove provided in the extrusion member.

Optionally the frame attachment member is of a sufficient length, in use, to extend substantially along the length of a sill, head or jamb.

Advantageously the window or door extrusion member is adapted with a protruding lip attached or releasably attachable to the edge of the base of the extrusion member adjacent the 15 exterior face thereof. Preferably the lip extends outwardly from substantially the length of the edge and is positionable, in use, over the cladding or underneath the flashing of the building structure.

Preferably the lip is integral with the extrusion member and extends as a suitable protrusion 20 therefrom. Alternatively the lip is attached or releasable attachable to the extrusion member by means of a hook or clip provided at the proximal end of the lip, the hook or clip being attachable, in use, to a groove provided in the extrusion member. Desirably the lip extends, in use, over at least 10 mm of the cladding or flashing of the building structure.

Preferably the extrusion member is made from an extruded, unplasticised poly vinyl chloride resin material.

Preferably the frame attachment member is attachable to the extrusion member by a securing means, the securing means being of a sufficient length to penetrate the central cavity of the 30 extrusion member.

Desirably the frame attachment member includes a plurality of apertures through the attachment member and/or indents along the side edges of the frame attachment member. 3 According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a window or door frame into an opening in a building structure using the assembly of the first broad aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a. arranging the frame attachment member about the base of an extrusion member and securing the first end of the frame attachment member thereto using a suitable securing means; b. positioning the assembly into an opening of a building structure; and c. securing the second end of the frame attachment member to the sill, head or jamb using a suitable fastening means.

Desirably in step b. the extrusion member is configured and arranged such that the protruding lip extends over the cladding or underneath the flashing of the said building 15 structure.

Desirably the method further includes step d. of attaching a protruding lip to the base of the extrusion member and arranging the extrusion member such that the lip extends over the cladding or underneath the flashing of the said building structure.

Optionally the method further includes step e. of welding or sealing the protruding lip to the cladding or flashing of the building structure.

Optionally the method further includes step f. of applying building wrap and/or packing 2 5 and/or flashing adhesive to the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of 30 example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a window or door frame assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 4 Figure 2: illustrates a plan view of a frame attachment member; Figure 3: illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a window or door frame assembly according an alternative embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4: illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a window or door frame assembly according a further alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to figures 1, 2 and 4, a window or door frame assembly, generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

For purposes of ease of description of the invention, references herein to window frames and installation thereof will be appreciated as also applying to any door frame or any other frame that is designed to be installed into an opening or cavity in a building structure, vehicle or vessel. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the embodiments shown indicate that the window frame is being installed in a timber structure, although it will be appreciated that the 20 window and door frames can be adapted to be installed in brick or concrete or metal openings and include other forms of attachment means or fastening means other than screws such as nails, lugs, bolts and the like, as required.

The window frame assembly 1 can be used to install a window frame into an opening of a 25 building structure, and includes a window profile or extrusion member 2 configured and arranged to form the window or door frame, and a frame attachment member 3, wherein, in use, one end of the frame attachment member 3 is secured to the extrusion member 2 and the other end is secured to the structural frame or sill trimmer or reveal of a rough opening 4, thereby securing the window frame to the building structure.

The extrusion member 2 is shown with a box construction and includes an exterior face 5 and an interior face 6, and is of a sufficient size and profile to enable, in use, a window pane 20 to be fitted on a shoulder 21 and secured in place using a glazing bead 22 or otherwise.

The extrusion member 2 can be formed of any suitable durable and resilient material such as, for example only but not limited to, aluminium or more particularly, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but is preferably made from an extruded, unplasticised PVC material such as, for 5 example, PVCu. It will be appreciated that the durability of the extrusion member 2 may be enhanced by adding suitable additives to the PVC material such as, for example, heat and light stabilisers and the like. Further, the extrusion member 2 may contain air gaps or chambers as desired to provide thermal and sound insulation, and to meet ventilation requirements. The extrusion member 2 is shown as a 58 mm profile, although it will be 10 appreciated that different sized extrusions can be used according to the particular application.

Preferably the extrusion member 2 is adapted with a substantially elongate protrusion 7 extending outwardly from the base of the extrusion member 2 adjacent the exterior face 5 thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the protrusion 7 is integral with a pre-15 formed extrusion member 2 as shown in figure 1. However, according to an alternative aspect of the invention, the protrusion 7 may be attached or releasably attachable to the extrusion member 2 using a suitable extrusion attachment means (not shown), and in this alternative aspect of the invention the extrusion attachment means may be a hook or clip provided at the proximal end of protrusion 7 and attachable into grooves (as seen in figure 4 20 described in detail below) located at the base of extrusion member 2. Thus, it can be seen that the protrusion 7 may advantageously be attachable to known forms of extrusion members 2 which typically include grooves at the base thereof. In use, the protrusion 7 is configured and arranged such that it extends over the cladding 17 or underneath the flashing (as seen in figure 3) of a building structure. Preferably the protrusion 7 is of a sufficient length to extend over 25 substantially between 5 mm and 15 mm cladding 17 or flashing, but more preferably extends over at least 10 mm of cladding 17 or flashing.

As shown in figure 2, the frame attachment member 3 is preferably substantially elongate having a front end 10 and a rear end 11. Desirably the frame attachment member 3 contains 30 apertures 12 therein and/or indents 13 along the side edges of the frame attachment member 3 as necessary to enable it to be used with various types of extrusion members 2, and with considering various distances between cladding 17 or flashing and various types of building 6 structural materials such as, for example, timber, concrete, brick, stone tiles or other such masonry, metal, and combinations thereof.

Preferably frame attachment member 3 is made from a metal, a metal alloy or any 5 combination thereof, although any suitable durable and resilient material may be used. The frame attachment member 3 may be substantially between 100 and 120 mm in length, 10 to 20 mm in width and 1 to 2.5 mm in height, but in the preferred embodiment of the invention is 110 mm in length, 15 mm in width and 1.5 mm in height.

Referring now more particularly to figure 4, it is envisaged that in an alternative aspect of the invention as shown, the window frame assembly 1 includes a frame attachment member 18 of a sufficient length, width and thickness to substantially line a window sill, head and/or jamb, as well as functioning to attach the window frame to a window sill, head and jamb of the building structure, as required. According to this alternative aspect of the invention, the frame 15 attachment member 18 is made from timber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other suitable durable and resilient material, and is desirably between 15 mm and 30 mm in thickness, as required.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the front end 10 of the frame attachment 20 member 3 is positioned, in use, adjacent the protrusion 7 of the extrusion member 2 and is secured to the extrusion member 2 using a suitable securing means 14. The securing means 14 is preferably in the form of at least one aperture 15 provided in the front end 10 of the frame attachment member 3 and extending through the width thereof and being of a suitable size and length to receive a screw 16. Desirably the screw 16 is of a sufficient length to 25 penetrate the central cavity 2a of the extrusion member. The rear end 11 of the frame attachment member 3 is arranged, in use, over a rough opening sill trimmer, head or jamb 4 and secured thereto using a securing means, desirably in the form of a screw 16. Preferably the screw 16 is of a sufficient length to penetrate at least 1 inch into the structural framing of the rough opening 4. It can be seen that the extrusion member 2 is not directly attached to the 30 rough opening 4, but is indirectly attached via the frame attachment member 3. Such arrangement desirably minimises the possibility of damage to the building structure that may be caused by water seepage which is of particular concern with respect to timber structures. 7 The frame attachment member 3 is configured and arranged at any suitable distance to enable secure installation of the window frame, but is preferably configured and arranged at a distance of substantially about 150 mm from a corner or mullion of a window or door frame (not shown). However, the frame attachment member 3 can be arranged between 5 substantially about 100 mm and 200 mm from the corner or mullion. In addition, a plurality of frame attachment members 3 may be arranged at predetermined spaced apart intervals around the window frame, preferably at a distance of substantially about 400 to 600 mm.

Referring to figure 3, a window or door frame assembly, generally referred to as 30, 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The window frame assembly 30 can be used to install a window frame into an opening of a building structure.

According to this alternative embodiment of the invention the window frame assembly 30 includes a window profile or extrusion member 31 configured and arranged to form the window or door frame, and a frame attachment member 32, wherein, in use, one end of the frame attachment member 32 is secured to the extrusion member 31 and the other end is secured to the structural frame or sill trimmer of a rough opening 33, thereby securing the 20 window frame to the building structure.

The extrusion member 31 is shown with a box construction and includes an exterior face 34 and an interior face 35, and is of a sufficient size and profile to enable, in use, a window pane 44 to be fitted within a shoulder 45 and secured in place using a glazing bead 46 or otherwise.

The extrusion member 31 can be formed of any suitable durable and resilient material such as, for example only but not limited to, aluminium or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but is preferably made from an extruded, unplasticised PVC material such as, for example, PVCu. It will be appreciated that the durability of the extrusion member 31 may be enhanced by adding 30 suitable additives to the PVC material such as, for example, heat and light stabilisers and the like. Further, the extrusion member 31 may contain air gaps or chambers as desired to provide thermal and sound insulation, and ventilation requirements. The extrusion member 8 31 is shown as a 58 mm profile, although it will be appreciated that different sized extrusions can be used according to the particular application.

The extrusion member 31 is preferably adapted with a substantially elongate protrusion 36 5 extending outwardly from the base of the extrusion member 36 adjacent the exterior face 34 thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the protrusion 36 is integral with a preformed extrusion member 31. However, according to an alternative aspect of the invention the protrusion 36 may be attachable to the extrusion member 31 using a suitable extrusion attachment means 37 such as, for example, a hook or clip 37 provided at the proximal end of protrusion 36 and attachable to grooves 38 located at the base of extrusion member 31 as shown in figure 3. It is seen that the protrusion 36 may advantageously be attachable to known forms of extrusion members 31 which typically include grooves 38 at the base thereof, and considering various distances between cladding or flashing 43 and various types of building structural materials such as, for example, timber, concrete, brick, stone tiles or other such masonry, metal, and combinations thereof. In use, the protrusion 36 is configured and arranged such that it extends underneath the flashing 43 or over the cladding (as seen in figure 1) of a building structure. Preferably the protrusion 36 is of a sufficient length to extend over substantially between 5 mm and 15 mm of flashing 43 or cladding, but more preferably extends over at least 10 mm of flashing 43 or cladding.

The frame attachment member 32 may be in the form of a substantially elongate member having a front end 39 and a rear end 40. Preferably a section of the frame attachment member 32 intermediate the front end 39 and a rear end 40 is inclined downwardly towards the front end 39 and the front end 39 is configured and arranged such that it can be slotted within the grooves 38 at the base of the extrusion member 31 as shown in figure 3. Further, the frame attachment member 32 may contain apertures through the width of the frame attachment member 32 and/or indents along the side edges of the frame attachment member 32 (as seen in figure 2 described in detail above) as necessary to enable it to be used with various types of extrusion members 31.

The frame attachment member 32 is desirably made from a metal, a metal alloy or any combination thereof, although any suitable durable and resilient material may be used. The frame attachment member 32 can be substantially between 100 and 120 mm in length, 10 to 9 mm in width and 1 to 2.5 mm in height. However, according to this embodiment of the invention the frame attachment member 32 is 110 mm in length, 15 mm in width and 1.5 mm in height.

Preferably the front end 39 of the frame attachment member 32 is positioned, in use, adjacent the protrusion 36 of the extrusion member 31 and is secured to the extrusion member 31 using a suitable securing means 41. The securing means 41 is preferably in the form of at least one aperture (not shown) provided in the front end 39 of the frame attachment member 32 and extending through the width thereof and being of a suitable size and length to receive a screw 10 42. Desirably the screw 42 is of sufficient length to penetrate the central cavity 31a of a window frame. The rear end 40 of the frame attachment member 32 is arranged, in use, over a rough opening sill trimmer, head or jamb 33 and secured thereto using a securing means 41, desirably in the form of a screw 42. Preferably the screw 42 is of a sufficient length to penetrate at least 1 inch into the structural framing of the rough opening 33. It can be seen 15 that the extrusion member 31 is not directly attached to the rough opening 33, but is indirectly attached via the frame attachment member 32. Such arrangement desirably minimises the possibility of damage to the building structure that may be caused by water seepage which is of particular concern with respect to timber structures.

The frame attachment member 32 is configured and arranged at any suitable distance to enable secure installation of the window frame, and in the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame attachment member 32 is configured and arranged at a distance of substantially about 150 mm from a corner or mullion of a window or door frame (not shown). However, the frame attachment member 32 can be arranged between substantially about 100 25 mm and 200 mm from the corner or mullion. In addition, a plurality of frame attachment members 3 may be arranged at suitable spaced apart intervals around the window frame, preferably at a spaced distance of substantially between about 400 mm to 600 mm.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a 30 window or door panel into a building structure. The method utilises an installation assembly that is similar to that described with reference to the installation assembly 1 and installation assembly 30 and their associated features, and therefore details of the assemblies will not be repeated with reference to the method.

It is envisaged that in this embodiment of the invention the window assembly 1, 30 may be positioned within a window opening between a head, sill and jamb such that the protrusion 7, 36 of the extrusion member 2, 31 extends over the cladding 17 of the building structure, or 5 alternatively underneath the flashing 43 of the building structure. In the case of the sill 4, 33, the extrusion member 2, 31 may be positioned such that there is a gap of between 2 mm and 7 mm between the protrusion 7, 36 and the cladding 17, but desirably the gap is 5mm in width. The protrusion 7, 36 desirably extends over at least 5 to 15 mm of the cladding 17 or flashing 43, but more desirably extends over at least 10 mm of the cladding 17 or flashing 43. Such 10 arrangement desirably allows the position of the installation assembly 1, 30 to be adjusted to suit the width of the cladding 17 and cavity between the cladding 17 and the building structure thereby enabling the installation assembly 1, 30 to be used in conjunction with a wide variety of systems with or without cavities. Further, the arrangement desirably reduces water leakage between the window or door frame and the wall of the building structure. 15 Optionally, the protrusion 7, 36 may be welded, or otherwise sealed, to the cladding 17 or flashing 43 of the building structure to further increase water tightness.

Once in position, the frame attachment member 3,32 of the installation assembly 1, 30 can be secured to the head, sill and jamb 4, 33, thereby securing the window or door frame into the 20 opening in the building structure.

It will be appreciated that in installing the window or door panel, building wrap, packing, flashing adhesive or otherwise may be applied prior to or during installation as desired.

It will be appreciated that materials used for components of the invention include any suitable and durable materials, for example only but not limited to, timber, metal, plastics materials, fabrics, rubber, glass or any combination thereof.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known 30 equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein. 11 It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims. 12

Claims (17)

Claims:

1. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame into an opening in a building structure, the assembly including an extrusion member configured and arranged to form 5 the window or door frame, and a central cavity formed in and along the length of the extrusion member, and a frame attachment member, wherein one end of the frame attachment member is attachable, in use, to the window or door extrusion member and the other end is attachable, in use, to the window or door opening in the building structure, the attachment member being mountable between the extrusion member and the building 10 structure, and wherein the frame attachment member is attachable to the extrusion member by a securing means, the securing means being of a sufficient length to penetrate the central cavity of the extrusion member.

2. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according to claim 1 wherein 15 the frame attachment member is substantially elongate and includes a first end and a second end, and wherein a section of the frame attachment member intermediate the first end and the second end is inclined downwardly towards the first end, and wherein the first end of the frame attachment member is configured and arranged such that it is positionable within a groove provided in the extrusion member. 20

3. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according to claim 1 wherein the frame attachment member is of a sufficient length, in use, to extend substantially along the length of a sill, head or jamb. 25 4. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the window or door extrusion member is adapted with a protruding lip attached or releasably attachable to the edge of the base of the extrusion member adjacent the exterior face thereof, the lip extending outwardly from substantially the length of the edge and being positionable, in use, over the cladding or underneath the 30 flashing of the said building structure. 13 ! "'''eitectualTToperty

I Off/ce of N.Z. ' " 1 AUS 2007 -5_ece ived 10 15 20 25

5. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according to claim 4 wherein the lip is integral with the extrusion member and extends as a suitable protrusion

6. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according to claim 4 wherein the lip is attached or releasable attachable to the extrusion member by means of a hook or clip provided at the proximal end of the lip, the hook or clip being attachable, in use, to a groove provided in the extrusion member.

7. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according to any one of claims claim 4 to 6 wherein the lip extends, in use, over at least 10 mm of the cladding or flashing of the said building structure.

8. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according any one of the preceding claims wherein the extrusion member is made from an extruded, unplasticised poly vinyl chloride resin material.

9. An assembly for the installation of a window or door frame according any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame attachment member includes a plurality of apertures through the attachment member and/or indents along the side edges of the frame attachment member.

10. A method of installing a window or door frame into an opening in a building structure using the assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, the method comprising the steps of: a. arranging the frame attachment member about the base of an extrusion member, the extrusion member having a central cavity, and securing one end of the frame attachment member thereto using a suitable securing means to penetrate the central cavity of the extrusion member; b. positioning the assembly into an opening of a building structure; and c. securing the other end of the frame attachment member to the sill, head or jamb using a suitable fastening means. therefrom. 14

11. A method according to claim 10 further including step d. of attaching a protruding lip to the base of the extrusion member and arranging the extrusion member such that the lip extends over the cladding or underneath the flashing of the said building structure. 5

12. A method according to claim 11 further including step e. of welding or sealing the protruding lip to the cladding or flashing of the building structure.

13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12 further including step f. of applying building wrap and/or packing and/or flashing adhesive to the opening. 10

14. A method of installing a window or door frame into an opening in a building structure using the assembly of any one of claims 4 to 9, the method comprising the steps of: a. arranging the frame attachment member about the base of an extrusion member, the 15 extrusion member having a central cavity, and securing one end of the frame attachment member thereto using a suitable securing means to penetrate the central cavity of the extrusion member; b. positioning the assembly into an opening of a building structure; and c. securing the other end of the frame attachment member to the sill, head or jamb using 20 a suitable fastening means. 25

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein in step b. the extrusion member is configured and arranged such that the protruding lip extends over the cladding or underneath the flashing of the said building structure.

16. A method according to either claim 14 or claim 15 further including step d. of welding or sealing the protruding lip to the cladding or flashing of the building structure.

17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 further including step e. of applying 30 building wrap and/or packing and/or flashing adhesive to the opening. NZ INVESTMENT & TRADING LTD By their Agents