NZ577734A - Corner joint including drainage and sealing means for a frame - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a comer joint body (1, 2) for joining elongate frame members (4-6) such as in window and door frames. The corner joint body comprises: leg portions (14, 12) extending from a corner/mitre (10); drainage means (DM); and sealing means (25). The body is shaped to provide a groove in the outer surface which matches the sealing means. The leg portions are shaped to slide into the elongate members, and the sealing means is a plastic member which is located in the groove between the elongate members and the body. This allows the elongate members to meet at the corner to form a sealed joint. The drainage means is located on at least one of the leg portions and comprises of a recess with a moulded cover.

Description

Patents Form # 5 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER PROVISIONAL NO.: 577734 PRIORITY DATE : 16 June 2009 TITLE : Drainage assembly We, OPEN BUILDING SOLUTIONS LIMITED Address: 36 Paraite Road, Bell Block, New Plymouth, New Zealand, 4373 Nationality: A body corporate organized and existing under the laws of New Zealand do hereby declare the invention for 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 in and by the following statement: 2O3966NZ_CAP_2010O5O3_1525_EHB0Ol.DOC FEE CODE 1050 Drainage Assembly The invention relates to a corner joint body, a drainage assembly for penetrations in buildings and to a method of assembly. The invention is directed particularly but not solely towards corner joint assemblies for drainage at windows.

Background of Invention In general extrusion profiles such as window joinery are formed having non-corner portions or straight portions joined to corner portions. Window joinery can be fabricated from aluminium where the corner portions are manufactured separately from the straight portions 10 which are then j oined together forming a window frame.

Joining window frame portions is accomplished by positive fastening means such as by screwing in combination with various flexible wet seals. Wet seals function to prevent moisture or any fluid from entering a comer joint. However these wet seals often fail 15 through improper manufacturing errors or imperfections, installation or by weathering.

Another problem with traditional corner jointing which is very topical at the moment, is leaking whereby water hitting a window joint and/or condensation forming on a window, can leak or seep through the joint to damage other building components.

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be 25 relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an improved corner joint body, corner joint assembly and method of assembly that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations 30 of the known art or at least provide the public with a useful choice. 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 Summary of Invention In a first aspect the invention consists in a corner joint body for joining elongate frame members whereby the body and elongate frame member having ends and sides, the corner joint body comprising a body having leg portions extending from a corner or mitre 5 intersection having sides, drainage means and sealing means, with the body being shaped having an inner and outer profiled surface wherein the body is shaped to provide a groove located in the outer profiled surface at the inside corner intersection and said groove is shaped to match the shape of the sealing means, wherein the sealing means includes an elongate co-moulded plastics member whereby each body leg is shaped and adapted to 10 slidably interfit within an elongate frame member and the sealing means is located within the groove between the elongate frame members and body whereby the ends of the elongate frame members meet at the corner to form a sealed joint body, wherein the drainage means is located on at least one of the leg portions and comprising a drainage recess being provided with a co-moulded cover whereby fluid such as water or condensation or glazing area water 15 can be collected and then diverted from one side of the corner joint body to the other, to be drained away from the window or joint body.

In a second aspect the invention consists in a corner joint assembly for elongate frame members whereby the assembly and elongate frame member having ends and sides, the 20 corner joint assembly comprising a body having leg portions extending from a corner or mitre intersection having sides, drainage means and sealing means, with the body being shaped having an inner and outer profiled surface wherein the body is shaped to provide a groove located in the outer profiled surface at the inside corner intersection and said groove is shaped to match the shape of the sealing means, wherein the sealing means includes an 25 elongate co-moulded plastics member whereby each body leg is shaped and adapted to slidably interfit within an elongate frame member and the sealing means is located within the groove between the elongate frame members and body whereby the ends of the elongate frame members meet at the corner to form a sealed joint assembly, wherein the drainage means is located on at least one of the leg portions and comprising a drainage recess being 30 provided with a co-moulded cover whereby fluid such as water or condensation or glazing area water can be collected and then diverted from one side of the corner joint assembly to the other, to be drained away from the window or joint assembly. 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26May2010 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 Preferably the drainage means includes entry and exit apertures and the sealing means includes an outer sealing means in the form of ring gaskets adapted to peripherally seal the apertures, when in use, in between the body and elongate frame member.

Preferably one elongate frame member includes a drainage path and entry to the drainage means, wherein the entry includes at least one aperture on each side being fluidly connected to the drainage means.

Preferably the body can formed and shaped as at least a one piece member.

Preferably the interfitting includes a connection whereby the body is slidably captured by the elongate frame member so that the body is concealed and not exposed.

Preferably the body is formed and shaped having sides located at right angles to the ends so 15 that in use the sides form a locating plane for the location of outer wall cladding or inner wall lining.

Preferably one of the body sides is formed with a flange portion which is larger than a flange of the other side wherein the larger flange portion is formed to abut in use the outer wall 20 cladding of a building.

Preferably the small flange portion is formed to abut in use the inner wall cladding of a building.

Preferably the drainage recess forms a channel that extends from one side of the body to the other.

Preferably the body is fabricated from a material such as high grade polyamide or aluminium.

Alternatively the cover can be welded to the rest of the corner joint assembly body. 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26May2010 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 Preferably each body leg portion is shaped and adapted to interfit with one elongate frame member wherein each leg portion is crimped to an elongate frame member in simultaneous multiple axis.

Preferably the body has notches in opposing directions that in use are covered by each elongate frame member when the joint is assembled whereby during crimping, a portion of the elongate frame member is deformed into each notch.

In a third aspect the invention consists in a method of forming a corner joint assembly for 10 elongate frame members having sides and ends, the corner joint assembly comprising a body having first and second leg portions extending from a corner mitre intersection having sides, elongate frame members and sealing means, wherein the sealing means is an elongate co-moulded plastics member located at the corner mitre intersection, with the body being shaped having an inner and outer profiled surface wherein the body, whereby the ends of the 15 elongate frame members meet at the corner to form a sealed joint assembly, wherein at least one of the leg portions of the body is provided with a drainage recess whereby fluid such as water or condensation can be collected and then diverted from one side of the corner joint assembly to the other, to be drained away from the window or joint assembly and the drainage recess is provided with a co-moulded cover with outer sealing means, the method of 20 forming the corner joint assembly including: -moulding a body having first and second leg portions extending from a mitre intersection with at least one leg having a drainage recess; -co-moulding a cover and sealingly applying the cover to the drainage recess; -slidably inserting each body leg portion into an end of an elongate frame member, slidably 25 pushing each elongate frame member towards each other at the corner intersection until both elongate frame members abut at the mitre and cover the body and then - crimping the elongate frame members to the body leg portions so that mitre intersection and cover are sealed to the body leg portion and frame members, whereby the mitre intersection between the elongate frame members and the body is sealed by the co-moulded 30 member and outer cover sealing means are deformed and sealing joined between each leg portion and the underside of the elongate frame member, to prevent egress of moisture or 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26May2010 EHB.doc fluid to an adjoining wall or inside the building but still allow said moisture and fluid to enter and exit the drainage recess.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and 5 widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are note intended to be limiting.

Brief Description The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the corner joint drainage assembly, assembled in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a pulled apart perspective view of an upper corner and lower corner in an unassembled condition.

Figure 2 - Detail A is a close up perspective view of an upper corner joint assembly. Figure 2 - Detail B is a close up perspective view of a lower corner joint assembly.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembly with the drainage cover in place. 20 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembly - with the drainage cover off Figure 5 is a similar perspective view of figure 3 but only showing the corner body Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the condensation chamber cover Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the cover.

Figure 8 is an end view from one end of the lower elongate frame member of the drainage 25 path.

Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the body and lower elongate frame member.

Description of Drawings The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of 30 the invention, namely a corner joint assembly and method of assembly. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figures 1 and 2, show a corner joint assembly 1 and 2 for use with elongate frame members 5 or extruded profile for any type of opening such as for example a window or door but only showing a left hand side. Corner joint assembly 1 relates its use in a lower position of the window while assembly 2 is for an upper use position in a window. As shown each in the partial view the window includes a frame which includes a first elongate frame member 4, a second elongate frame member 5 and third elongate frame member 6 and other frame 10 members not shown. In this case, member 4 is a lower horizontal elongate frame member, member 5 is a vertical elongate frame member and frame member 6 is a horizontal oriented elongate frame member. The elongate frame members have a length in a longitudinal direction and also having ends.

As shown in the close up detail views of figure 2 & figure 3 are two corner joint assemblies 1 and 2. Each assembly comprises a body formed as a corner shaped corner body 10 having a first leg portion 12 with an end 13 and a second leg portion 14 with an end 15.

Each body 10 as shown in figures 3 and 4 has a body with sides 16 & 17. Side 16 can termed an inner side while side 17 is an outer side relating to its use whereby 'inner sides' 20 and 'outer sides' are in reference to being within or outside a building. As shown in figure 5 body 10 also has a body that defines an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 21 located between the inner and outer sides. The inner surface and outer surface orientations relate to its use and position in each corner of the window or opening. "Inner surface" can be defined with respect to an opening in a wall and faces the opening and "outer surface" is the surface 25 abutting and facing the wall.

Body 10 as shown in figure 5, has a shape that allows, it in use to be captured by a sliding interfiting action within each elongate frame member (for example window or door frame members) 4, 5, or 6. Each elongate frame member 4, 5, 6 has at least one end 18,19 or 20 30 (see Figure 2-Detail A & Figure 2-B) which is shaped and adapted to form a hollow profiled shape, to allow it to accept one end 13 or 15 of each corner joint assembly 1 or 2 in a male -female type inter fitting to form a sealed joint at a corner whereby the ends of elongate frame 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc members meet at the corner. The sealed joint prevents unwanted moisture or fluid from entering the elongate frame members and the walls/cavity and the inside of the building.

Though two types of assembly are shown in figure 1 ie a lower version 1 and upper version 5 2, only the lower version 1 is now described. The lower version 1 has a drainage means DM which allows the drainage means DM to divert any fluid such as water or condensation from the window and the assembly.

Body 10 is also shown in figures 3 and 5 with the inner surface 21, sides 16 and 17 and 10 sealing means 25. Sealing means 25 in general includes a recess 26 and co-moulded gasket 27. The co-moulded gasket is formed with the rest of the body to be produced as a protruding sealable plastics member joined to the rest of the body 10 which when in use when the joint assembly is formed is then compressed by a crimped elongate frame member. Sealing means 25 as seen more clearly in figures 3 & 4 is located at the mitre intersection of 15 the first leg portion and second leg portion on/in the inner surface 22 whereby said sealing means extends from side 16 to side 17 of the body 10.

Alternatively recess 26 is a continuous recess (see figures 3 -5) in the shape of a groove shaped and dimensioned to allow in use gasket member 27 to be inserted therein and 20 protrude somewhat to allow sealing against an inner end edge surface of the elongate frame member 4. As shown the gasket 27 and groove 26 can be stepped in shape.

Body 10 of figures 2 Detail B, 3, 4 & 5 also includes a drainage means DM Drainage means DM comprises a stepped channel 31 and removable matching stepped cover 32. Channel 31 25 is located on inner surface 21 of the block body 10 as shown in figures 5 and 6. Channel 31 extends across the width of the arms 12 & 14 of the body 10 from one side to the other side to be adapted to collect fluid from each side or face of the window or body 10 to cause it to be drained to one side ie to the outer side of the body or window - side 17. The channel 31 is also shaped with a downwardly oriented or vertical portion 33, facing exit end as shown in 30 figures 4 & 5.

Co-moulded cover 32 is shown in close up in figures 6 and 7 whereby such a co-moulded cover 32 fits over and seals the channel 31 without blocking it and has entry apertures 34 and 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc and an exit aperture 36. When the joint assembly is formed all apertures 34, 35 & 36 can be edge sealed to an immediately adjacent apertures 34a, 35a & 36a of elongate frame member 4 using an outer sealing means in the form of an edge ring gasket therebetween which optionally can be co-moulded as well. Elongate frame member 4 or any elongate 5 frame member being combined with a body 10 includes a channel shape and apertures to allow any moisture or condensation on the inside of the window/building to be directed along the length of elongate frame member and as shown by arrows S. S can include a sloping, surface horizontal which can be provided inside 16 or outside 17 to have entry to an entry aperture 34a in the elongate frame member to fluidly connect with the apertures 34, 35 10 & 36 in the drainage means of body 10. In use after assembly, moisture or fluid in general can enter via entry aperture 34a (inside the window (see Fig 9)) with outside window entry aperture 35a allowing any fluid such as water or rain etc to exit the window frame thereby allowing moisture to enter the sealed channel 31 to be directed down and out through aperture 36 and 36a.

As shown in figures 4 -8, the channel 31 of drainage means DM is formed with a central dividing rib 37 between a main channel parallel to a minor channel. This channel dividing rib 37 is designed to prevent moisture from the outside of the building from entering entry aperture 35 and being pushed up into the main channel and inside the window/building. The 20 DM is shown more closely in the top plan view of figure 8 whereby the arrow shows the drainage path.

Cover 32 is shaped to match the outer surface 20 profile of the body 10 and interfits for example on a channel ledge 37 with fitting means such as for example friction fit or 25 protuberances frictionally interfitting with complementary shaped apertures in the ledge 37 of the arm 12 of the body 10. Cover 32 has an outer surface 38 and inner surface 39 as shown. The cover 32 as shown in figures 6 & 7 is an in use non removable cover which can be manufactured as a separate item and then is non removably co-joined to the body in a co-moulding operation whereby the perimeter of the cover is co-moulded to the body.

Also as shown in figures 3 and 4, body 10 is shaped having side flanges on each side whereby there is an outer side flange 40 shaped to fit and abut any outer wall cladding and an inner flange 41 adapted fit with inner wall or building linings (not shown). As shown the 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc outer side flange 40 can be larger in extent than the inner flange 41 though this is not essential and will depend on what is required for each use. In cross section outer flange 40 includes a planar portion extending at right angles from one side of a base portion. Inner flange 41 also extends from the same base portion but on the opposite side. Both the planar 5 portion and flange 41 are oriented parallel with each other and any outer wall cladding or inner wall linings. At the distal end of these planar portions, there can be further extensions such as for example the planar portion has a return member in the form a lip which is oriented at rights angles to the planar portion but is in use directed inwardly towards the inner part of the adjoining wall.

The body 10 from the outer side has the outer inner surface 21 which is shaped to allow the insertion within the end portions of the elongate frame members 4, 5 & 6. There are shown other angles, planes, webs or flanges for the body 10 which though not essential to the working of the body 10 can assist in material use and manufacture or moulding.

In summary in one option, one end of elongate frame member 4, 5 is slid over one leg portion 12 or 14 of the body 10 after which another elongate member is slid over the other leg portion of the same body 10 to then abut at the diagonal intersection or mitred joint line whereupon the sealing means 25 which can be for example a co-moulded portion or an 20 integrally formed strip portion or it can be separate portion as shown which applied before or after the sliding on of the elongate frame members occurs.

The sealing means 25 can include an outer cover sealing means as well which can be sealing ring gaskets to seal all the aperture between the cover and the underside of the adjacent 25 elongate frame member to further prevent moisture or fluid entering the inside of a wall. These can be co-moulded like the other sealing means.

In a variation of this sequence or method of assembly, the body leg portions 12,14 can be slid into each end of the elongate frame members.

For example to seal or form each corner joint assembly the steps include: 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc -providing body (with two legs and drainage means) profiled to match two mitred elongate frame members -inserting a first leg of the body into one end of one elongate frame member -slidably inserting second leg of the body into an end of the another frame elongate member 5 -slidably pushing each elongate frame member towards each others mitre at the corner intersection until both elongate frame members abut and no part of the corner joint assembly is visible and then - crimping the elongate frame members to the body leg portions so that the mitre 10 intersection and cover are sealed to the body leg portion and elongate frame members, and each leg is crimped into the body leg portions and the mitre intersection between elongate frame members and the body is sealed by co-moulded member and outer cover sealing means 25 are deformed and sealing joined between the top of the cover and the underside of the elongate frame members to prevent 15 egress of moisture or fluid to an adjoining wall or inside the building but still allow said moisture and fluid to enter and exit the drainage recess.

This method can be varied such as by, simultaneously inserting elongate frame members over both leg portions rather than doing this in sequence.

The corner joint assembly can be assembled with the elongate frame members whereby a crimping apparatus has crimped the elongate members to the body 10. By 'crimping' we can mean any action that allows for the depression of a part of the frame into the body 10. For example this can be by lancing, notching or punching a portion of the elongate frame 25 members into a specially positioned notch in the block. After crimping for each body notch 42 and 43 (see figure 4) there are immediately adjacent, crimping flaps 42' and 43'. Each notch 42 and 43 can comprise a preformed recess or not and the crimping flaps can be simply formed by lancing. In operation after the body 10 has been slidably fitted with the elongate frame members, the crimping assembly pushes down and across, onto the elongate 30 frame member or onto a flap of the elongate frame member to push into the adjacent abutted body 10 which may or may not have a matching notch. 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc Crimping is carried in simultaneous multiple axes. The term 'axis' can be said to include several axis which can be any axis in space with respect to the blocks, frame members and wall.

In summary in one option, one end of elongate frame member 4, 5 is slid over one leg portion 12 or 14 of the body 10 after which another elongate frame member is slid over the other leg portion of the same body 10 to then abut at the diagonal intersection or mitred joint line M whereupon crimping which can be applied after the sliding on of the elongate frame members occurs.

In a variation of this sequence or method of assembly, the body leg portions 12, 14 can be slid into each end of the elongate frame members.

For example to seal or form the corner joint assembly one needs to: -providing corner joint body being profiled to match elongate frame members -inserting a first leg of body into one end of one elongate frame member -slidably inserting second leg of the body into an end of the another elongate frame member -slidably pushing each elongate frame member towards each other at the corner intersection 20 until both elongate frame members abut at the mitre M and no part or very little of the body or notches is visible - crimping the elongate frame members to the body leg portions in two opposing positions Body 10 can be fabricated from any type of suitable plastics like a rigid or semi rigid non 25 brittle material such as high grade polyamide, that allow it to be slidably interfitted with an elongate member to provide a sealed leak proof joint. Aluminium or any combination of plastics and aluminium can also be used for the body 10.

Advantages a) Concealed fastening b) Clean attractive look c) Improved leak resistance d) More robust j oint 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc e) No messy wet seals to apply f) Able to drain condensation g) Has condensation cross channel h) Simple installation i) Modest manufacturing cost j) Can have a built in gasket seal or co-moulded seal k) Can prevent moisture from entering the wall inside the building Variations Though only a window is shown in the figures, other types or shapes of profiles depending on use are also envisaged such as for example in ceilings, walls and floors which can includes doors or simply just openings. Also the shape of the window is shown as a rectangle, though any other window shape is equally possible with the corner joint assembly being shaped accordingly. The body 10 can be fabricated from any type of suitable plastics 15 that allow it to be slidably and sealingly interfitted with an elongate frame member to provide a sealed leak proof joint. Also other shaped joints besides just a mitre joint are also possible i.e. other angles are possible.

Body 10 can have variations in its shape or profile like for example the outer surface 20 may 20 be stepped 42 so that an inner portion can be higher than an outer portion. This stepping 42 can be reflected in the drainage means 21 in the channel and cover - see figures 5 & 6. Various protuberances or shaped/profiled extensions 43 (see figures 2 details A & B, 3-5) may also be added to assist in moulding or in sliding assembly with the elongate frame members. Also various surface shapes can be or nor mirrored on the outer surface of the 25 body 10. The body can be formed as a single piece or in more than one piece or it can be hollow or solid. The cover can be welded to the rest of the body by for example sonic welding.

Throughout the description of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that 30 word such as "comprising" and "comprises", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as a "kit of Parts", that such exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative 5 example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described.

Though one aperture is shown in the drainage means and elongate frame member, any 10 number of such aperture can be provided. Also the aperture in the elongate frame member and body need not be exactly aligned but can be offset as long as they are sealed to prevent leakage into the wall or building. 203966NZ COMP SPEC 13May2010 EHB.doc

Claims (28)

Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 -15- What we claim is:

1. A corner joint body for joining elongate frame members whereby the body and elongate frame member having ends and sides, the corner joint body comprising a body having leg portions extending from a corner or mitre intersection having sides, drainage means and sealing means, with the body being shaped having an inner and outer profiled surface wherein the body is shaped to provide a groove located in the outer profiled surface at the inside corner intersection and said groove is shaped to match the shape of the sealing means, wherein the sealing means includes an elongate co-moulded plastics member whereby each body leg is shaped and adapted to slidably interfit within an elongate frame member and the sealing means is located within the groove between the elongate frame members and body whereby the ends of the elongate frame members meet at the corner to form a sealed joint body, wherein the drainage means is located on at least one of the leg portions and comprising a drainage recess being provided with a co-moulded cover whereby fluid such as water or condensation or glazing area water can be collected and then diverted from one side of the corner joint body to the other, to be drained away from the window or joint body.

2. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 1 wherein the drainage means includes entry and exit apertures and the sealing means includes an outer sealing means in the form of ring gaskets adapted to peripherally seal the apertures, when in use, in between the body and elongate frame member.

3. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 2 wherein the body can formed and shaped as at least a one piece member.

4. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 3 wherein the interfitting includes a connection whereby the body is slidably captured by the elongate frame member so that the body is concealed and not exposed.

5. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 4 wherein the body is formed and shaped having sides located at right angles to the ends so that in use the sides form a locating plane for the location of outer wall cladding or inner wall lining. 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26Mav2010 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 -16

6. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 5 wherein one of the body sides is formed with a flange portion which is larger than a flange of the other side wherein the larger flange portion is formed to abut in use the outer wall cladding of a building. 5

7. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 6 wherein the small flange portion is formed to abut in use the inner wall cladding of a building.

8. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 7 wherein the drainage recess forms a 10 channel that extends from one side of the body to the other.

9. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 8 wherein the body is fabricated from a material such as high grade polyamide or aluminium. 15

10. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 9 wherein the cover can be welded to the rest of the corner joint body.

11. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 10 wherein each body leg portion is shaped and adapted to interfit with one elongate frame member wherein each leg portion is 20 crimped to an elongate frame member in simultaneous multiple axis.

12. The corner joint body as claimed as claim 11 wherein the body has notches in opposing directions that in use are covered by each elongate frame member when the joint is assembled whereby during crimping, a portion of the elongate frame member 25 is deformed into each notch.

13. A corner joint assembly for elongate frame members having sides and ends, the corner joint assembly comprising a corner joint body as claimed in claim 1 whereby fluid such as water or condensation or glazing area water can be collected and then 30 diverted from one side of the corner joint assembly to the other, to be drained away from the window or joint assembly. 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26May2010 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 -17-

14. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 13 wherein the drainage means includes entry and exit apertures and the sealing means includes an outer sealing means in the form of ring gaskets adapted to peripherally seal the apertures, when in use, in between the body and elongate frame member.

15. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 14 wherein the body can formed and shaped as at least a one piece member.

16. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 15 wherein the interfiting includes a connection whereby the body is slidably captured by the elongate frame member so that the body is concealed and not exposed.

17. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 16 wherein the body is formed and shaped having sides located at right angles to the ends so that in use the sides form a locating plane for the location of outer wall cladding or inner wall lining.

18. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 17 wherein one of the body sides is formed with a flange portion which is larger than a flange of the other side wherein the larger flange portion is formed to abut in use the outer wall cladding of a building.

19. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 18 wherein the small flange portion is formed to abut in use the inner wall cladding of a building.

20. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 19 wherein the drainage recess forms a channel that extends from one side of the body to the other.

21. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 20 wherein the body is fabricated from a material such as high grade polyamide or aluminium.

22. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 21 wherein the cover can be welded to the rest of the corner joint assembly body. 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26May2010 EHB.doc Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 -18-

23. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 22 wherein each body leg portion is shaped and adapted to interfit with one elongate frame member wherein each leg portion is crimped to an elongate frame member in simultaneous multiple axis. 5 24. The corner joint assembly as claimed as claim 23 wherein the body has notches in opposing directions that in use are covered by each elongate frame member when the joint is assembled whereby during crimping, a portion of the elongate frame member is deformed into each notch.

A method of forming a corner joint assembly for elongate frame members having sides and ends, the corner joint assembly comprising a body having first and second leg portions extending from a corner mitre intersection having sides, elongate frame members and sealing means, wherein the sealing means is an elongate co-moulded plastics member located at the corner mitre intersection, with the body being shaped having an inner and outer profiled surface, whereby the ends of the elongate frame members meet at the corner to form a sealed joint assembly, wherein at least one of the leg portions of the body is provided with a drainage recess whereby fluid such as water or condensation can be collected and then diverted from one side of the corner joint assembly to the other, to be drained away from the window or joint assembly and the drainage recess is provided with a co-moulded cover with outer sealing means, the method of forming the corner joint assembly including: -moulding a body having first and second leg portions extending from a mitre intersection with at least one leg having a drainage recess; -co-moulding a cover and sealingly applying the cover to the drainage recess; -slidably inserting each body leg portion into an end of an elongate frame member, slidably pushing each elongate frame member towards each other at the corner intersection until both elongate frame members abut at the mitre and cover the body and then - crimping the elongate frame members to the body leg portions so that mitre intersection and cover are sealed to the body leg portion and frame members, whereby the mitre intersection between the elongate frame members and the body is sealed by the co-moulded member and outer cover sealing means are deformed and sealing joined between each leg portion and the underside of the elongate frame 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26May2010 EHB.doc 10 25. 15 20

25 Received at IPONZ 26 May 2010 -19- member, to prevent egress of moisture or fluid to an adjoining wall or inside the building but still allow said moisture and fluid to enter and exit the drainage recess.

26. A corner joint body for joining frame members as claimed in claim 1 substantially as 5 herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A corner joint assembly for joining elongate frame members as claimed in claim 13 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10

28. A method of forming a corner joint assembly for elongate frame members as claimed in claim 25 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15 PIPERS Attorneys for the Applicant OPEN BUILDING SOLUTIONS LIMITED 203966NZ AMND COMP SPEC 26May2010 EHB.doc