NZ624380B - An Improved Flashing and Joiner for Window Installations - Google Patents

Abstract

flashing(2) and a frame comprised of a number of lengths of the flashing, for use in the installation of building openings such as window frames are disclosed. Window frames are set into the building framework and usually the cladding butts up against the window frame. Given the myriad of cladding types and building construction styles the junction between the window frame and the cladding is often problematic since it varies depending on the type of window frame and the type of cladding in each construction situation. It would be desirable if a product were provided that made for a consistent platform for window installation and which was suitable for most commonly used window types, configurations and cladding types. Such a frame is disclosed. The flashing has a window frame support plate (4) having a window frame side and building framework side. A first longitudinal wall (14) extends from the window frame side of the support plate and a longitudinal stiffening formation (17) is continuous with the plate for imparting rigidity to it. The stiffening formation may be a box section. A joiner to connect the frame parts is also disclosed. Use of spacers (3) is also disclosed to assist in the drainage of condensation from interior spaces (21) of window frames (22). types and building construction styles the junction between the window frame and the cladding is often problematic since it varies depending on the type of window frame and the type of cladding in each construction situation. It would be desirable if a product were provided that made for a consistent platform for window installation and which was suitable for most commonly used window types, configurations and cladding types. Such a frame is disclosed. The flashing has a window frame support plate (4) having a window frame side and building framework side. A first longitudinal wall (14) extends from the window frame side of the support plate and a longitudinal stiffening formation (17) is continuous with the plate for imparting rigidity to it. The stiffening formation may be a box section. A joiner to connect the frame parts is also disclosed. Use of spacers (3) is also disclosed to assist in the drainage of condensation from interior spaces (21) of window frames (22).

Description

Patents Form No. 5 Complete Specification New Zealand Patents Act 1953 Title: AN IMPROVED FLASHING AND JOINER FOR WINDOW INSTALLATIONS Applicant: I, Smart Reveal Pty Ltd, of Address: Lot 5/33 Premier Circuit, Kawana Waters, QLD 4575, Australia Nationality of Applicant: Australian hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: AN IMPROVED FLASHING AND JOINER FOR WINDOW INSTALLATIONS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is directed to a flashing, and to a frame comprised of a number of lengths of the flashing, for use in the installation of building openings such as window frames.

BACKGROUND Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

Many buildings are constructed about a timber or steel framework. The framework is typically covered with a membrane and cladding on its outer side. The cladding may be any of a number of different types. For example, it is known to use timber and also synthetic weatherboards, a single layer of brick or even rendered polystyrene foam.

Window frames are set into the building framework and usually the cladding butts up against the window frame. Given the myriad of cladding types and building construction styles the junction between the window frame and the cladding is often problematic since it varies depending on the type of window frame and the type of cladding in each construction situation.

It would be desirable if a product were provided that made for a consistent platform for window installation and which was suitable for most commonly used window types, configurations and cladding types.

In addition to the above concern, whenever a window is installed into a building wall there is a possibility that the window frame could leak.

However, the sill of the window frame should not be completely sealed as drainage must be incorporated into the sill to allow for the discharge of moisture such as condensation which may build up around the window.

It would be desirable if a product were provided that would support the frame but at the same time encourage drainage of condensation to an outside of the frame and which would present an obstacle to ingress of condensation or other moisture into the building.

It is an object of the invention to provide a product which addresses one or more of the above described problems or which is at least a commercially attractive alternative to those products that have hitherto been known in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a joiner corresponding to a flashing that includes: a window frame support plate having a window frame side and building framework side, a first longitudinal wall extending from the window frame side of the support plate to present a barrier to the progress of moisture in use, a second longitudinal wall extending from the building framework side thereof for reception between layers of a wall of the building, and one or more longitudinal stiffening enclosed box sections continuous with said plate for imparting rigidity thereto, the joiner including one or more pairs of biscuit portions with each biscuit of a pair being dimensioned to be received into one of said enclosed box sections of the flashing, the joiner having a cover which covers an otherwise visible join line formed when two sections of flashing are joined by the joiner, the cover being integrally formed with a first slotted member for receiving an end of the first longitudinal wall of the flashing and with a second slotted member for receiving an end of the second wall of the flashing.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a support frame for a window frame, the support frame comprising a plurality of the previously described joiners in combination with four sections of flashing, wherein the four sections of flashing are connected to each other at right angles by the joiners to form the support frame each said section of flashing including: a window frame support plate having a window frame side and a building framework side, a first longitudinal wall extending from the window frame side of the support plate to present a barrier to the progress of moisture in use, a second longitudinal wall extending from the building framework side thereof for reception between layers of a wall of the building, and one or more longitudinal stiffening enclosed box sections continuous with said plate for imparting rigidity thereto, wherein two of the sections comprise sill and header flashings spaced apart at either end by the remaining two sections, which comprise jamb flashings.

Preferably the second longitudinal wall of each section of flashing includes at least one line of weakness for detaching said wall if desired.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a window installation comprising the support frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a single point perspective view of the end and window frame side of a flashing according to a preferred aspect of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a cross section view of the flashing of Figure 1 in use supporting a sill of a window frame.

Figure 2B a front plan view of the assembly depicted in Figure 2A.

Figure 3 is a perspective and partial view of the flashing of Figure 1 in use above the header of a window frame.

Figure 4 shows a window frame support frame comprised of four lengths of the flashing of Figure 1 in use.

Figure 5 shows a biscuit joiner for joining lengths of the flashing of Figure 1 together to form the window frame support frame of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows an inside portion of the flashing of Figure 1 in use adjacent a sill of a window frame.

Figure 7 shows an outside portion of the flashing of Figure 1 in use adjacent an outer cladding of a building.

Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of a 90mm timber frame with a flush reveal according to an embodiment of the present invention in use.

Figure 8b shows a joiner for forming lengths of the flashing of Figure 8a into a frame.

Figure 8ba is a cross sectional view through line A-A’ of Figure 8b.

Figure 8c shows the joiner of Figure 8b in use joining two of the flashings of Figure 8a at right angles.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a 90mm timber frame with a 30mm reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a 90mm timber frame with a 50mm reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a 70mm timber frame with a flush reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a 70mm timber frame with a flush reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a 70mm timber frame with a 50mm reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a 190mm masonry with a flush reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a 190mm masonry with a 30mm reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a 190mm masonry with a 50mm reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a 190mm masonry with a 50mm reveal according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown in single point perspective view, a length of a flashing 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A is an end view of the flashing 2 in use installed in a wall of a building and supporting a window frame. Figure 2B is a front plan view of the assembly depicted in Figure 2A.

Flashing 2 is preferably formed as an aluminum extrusion, though other types of material, for example various plastics, may also be suitable.

The flashing comprises an elongate window frame support plate 4 which has a window frame support side 6 (identified in Figure 1) and opposite thereto a building framework side 8. The flashing has an inner end 10, which in use is toward or inside the interior of the building in which it is installed, and an outer end 12, which locates proximate the exterior of the building in use.

Extending from the window frame side of the inner end there is a first longitudinal wall or “fin” or “upstand” 14. Furthermore, extending outward (in fact downward as shown in Figure 2A) from the building framework side 8 of the support plate 4, toward the outer end 12, there is a second longitudinal wall 16. The second longitudinal wall includes one or more lines of weakness 15 (visible in Figure 1) so that a portion of the second longitudinal wall can be detached if desired.

For example, where the flashing is used in a block construction building it may be desirable to detach the portion of the second longitudinal wall.

A longitudinal stiffening formation in the form of a box section 17 is located on the building frame work side 8 of the support plate 4 towards the outside end 12 thereof. The box section 17 imparts rigidity to the plate.

As can be seen in Figures 2A and 2B, the first longitudinal wall 14 and the second longitudinal wall 16 are sufficiently spaced to accommodate the building framework 18 and internal wall cladding 20 therebetween. Timber framework cladding is typically around 90 mm in thickness and internal wall cladding about 12mm. It will be realized that different versions of the flashing may be provided to accommodate narrower or broader widths of building material.

It will be observed in Figures 2A and 2B that the sill 22 of a window frame is supported on the plate 4 adjacent the first longitudinal wall 14 and seated upon a series of spaced apart nylon packers 3 with drainage and pressure equalization gaps 3B located therebetween.

The sill 22 is attached to the first longitudinal wall 14 by means of a series of rivets (not shown) with sealant (not shown) disposed between the longitudinal wall 14 and the sill 22. The sill 22 is typically comprised of an aluminum window frame extrusion as is well known. Such extrusions come in many different shapes and often include internal voids or cavities which are prone to collecting condensation. Such a cavity is indicated as item 21 in Figure 2A.

The second longitudinal wall 16 is disposed between the framework 18 and external cladding 24. The cladding 24 is fastened to the framework 18 through the second longitudinal wall 16, for example by a series of nails (not shown). A suitable sealant 7 is disposed between the cladding 24, the box section 17 and the second longitudinal wall 16 as shown in Figure 2A.

Figure 3 is a further view showing header 26 of the window frame, glass pane 28, external cladding 24 and flashing 2.

Figure 4 depicts the exterior of a window frame support frame 30 according to a preferred embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention in use.

The window frame support frame 30 comprises four sections of the previously described flashing 2 joined together, preferably by mitering the ends together.

Two of the sections comprise sill 2A and header 2B flashings spaced apart at either end by the remaining two sections, which comprise jamb flashings 2C, 2D. The window frame support frame 30 is shown supporting a window frame 30A.

It is most convenient to join the four lengths of flashing 2A – 2D (which comprise the support frame 30) together at their ends by using a suitably shaped biscuit joiner 2E as illustrated in Figure 5 and a suitable sealant.

Referring now to Figure 6, in use the flashing 2 is installed as shown in Figure 2 or as part of the frame 30 shown in Figure 4.

Drops of condensation 32 may form inside the cavity 21 of the sill 22. Those drops are able to flow as indicated in Figure 6. That is, the drops 32 flow through the drainage and pressure equalization gaps 3B between the spacers 3 and along the support plate 4 and thence to the outside.

Consequently, condensation is able to exit from the window frame without damaging the internal cladding 20 (visible in Figure 6 for example) or the framework 18 since the internal wall 14 presents an obstacle to the condensation and other external moisture, entering the building.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in the event of sealant 7 (shown in Figure 2A) deteriorating, water 34 impacting upon the underside of the external box section 17, even if it makes its way between the section and the cladding, will be diverted down and away from the building framework adjacent the sill 22 by the second longitudinal wall 16. Consequently the framework 18, and any internal membrane (not shown) is protected from contact with water 34.

Referring now to Figure 8a there is shown a flashing 36 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The flashing of Figure 36 is formed with three longitudinal box cavities 38, 40 and 42 which assist in making the extrusion lightweight while at the same time imparting rigidity along the length of the extrusion. In this embodiment the longitudinal wall 14 (or as it could also be called “the fin 14”) is flush with the interior side 44 of the innermost box cavity 42.

Referring now to Figure 8b, there is shown a joiner for joining mitred extrusions as shown in Figure 8a together to produce the resulting join that is shown in Figure 8c. The joiner 46 of Figure 8b includes an elongate main body portion 46a and a leg 14a having slotted sides for accommodating the edge of the upturns or "walls" 14 of the extrusions. The leg 14a is shown in Figure 8b flush with the end of the joiner however it may be offset from the end to accommodate a window reveal set in from the end as shown in Figures 9 to 13 for example. The leg 14a has an "H" shaped cross section as shown in Figure 8ba which is a detail cross-sectional view of the section A-A’ of Figure 8b showing that it is formed with slots 61 and 63.

The joiner 46 is provided with six biscuits 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, 42a, 42b that are paired, with each member in a pair being set at an angle of 90 degrees to each other as shown. Each biscuit is received into a corresponding cavity of a box section 38 to 32 of the flashing 36 so that the resulting joint has strength and stability.

A lower leg 16a is provided also of “H” style cross section so that it may accommodate the wall of the extrusion that fixes to the structural frame or masonry substrate. Different embodiments of the joiner have this leg set at different positions along the joiner to accommodate extrusions that suit, for example, 70mm frame, 90mm Frame and masonry installation.

Covers 51 and 53 run over the outside of the biscuits so that a gap is left between the covers and the biscuits that is sufficient to snugly receive the ends of the box sections 38 to 42 of the flashings 36. Accordingly it will be understood that the joiner provides a snug seal to the ends of the flashings 36. Consequently a suitably rigid frame of the type illustrated as item 30 of Figure 4 may be readily fabricated from four joiners 46 and four lengths of flashing 36. Figure 8C shows a detail of a frame 60 with sill section 36b jamb section 36a joined by joiner 48. Furthermore, slots in the legs 14a and 16a and the gaps provided between the biscuits and the covers 53 and 51 are sufficient to allow for variations in the cutting of the ends of the extrusion and also for expansion and contraction of the extrusion.

The remaining Figures 9 to 17 illustrate further window flashings according to further embodiments of the invention. It will be observed that they may be used in both timber frame and masonry (e.g. block or brick) constructions.

Joiners similar to that of Figure 8b may be used with each of these extrusions provided that they correspond to the particular shape of the extrusion in question.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features.

The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A joiner corresponding to a flashing that includes: a window frame support plate having a window frame side and building framework side, a first longitudinal wall extending from the window frame side of the support plate to present a barrier to the progress of moisture in use, a second longitudinal wall extending from the building framework side thereof for reception between layers of a wall of the building, and one or more longitudinal stiffening enclosed box sections continuous with said plate for imparting rigidity thereto, the joiner including one or more pairs of biscuit portions with each biscuit of a pair being dimensioned to be received into one of said enclosed box sections of the flashing, the joiner having a cover which covers an otherwise visible join line formed when two sections of flashing are joined by the joiner, the cover being integrally formed with a first slotted member for receiving an end of the first longitudinal wall of the flashing and with a second slotted member for receiving an end of the second wall of the flashing.

2. A support frame for a window frame comprising a plurality of joiners according to claim 1 in combination with four sections of flashing, wherein the four sections of flashing are connected to each other at right angles by the joiners to form the support frame each said section of flashing including: a window frame support plate having a window frame side and a building framework side, a first longitudinal wall extending from the window frame side of the support plate to present a barrier to the progress of moisture in use, a second longitudinal wall extending from the building framework side thereof for reception between layers of a wall of the building, and one or more longitudinal stiffening enclosed box sections continuous with said plate for imparting rigidity thereto, wherein two of the sections comprise sill and header flashings spaced apart at either end by the remaining two sections, which comprise jamb flashings.

3. A support frame according to claim 2, wherein the second longitudinal wall of each section of flashing includes at least one line of weakness for detaching said wall if desired.

4. A window installation comprising a support frame according to any one of claims 2 and 3.

5. A joiner for joining window flashing sections substantially as described herein with reference to