WO1993016263A1

WO1993016263A1 - Ventilation of glazed unit assembly

Info

Publication number: WO1993016263A1
Application number: PCT/GB1993/000266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ernest Malcolm Heywood Scholes
Original assignee: Scholes Ernest M H
Priority date: 1992-02-07
Filing date: 1993-02-08
Publication date: 1993-08-19

Abstract

A glazed assembly of a door or window comprises four extruded frame sections joined together to form a rectangular aperture, and a glazed unit (33) mounted in the aperture, in which: an elongate venting section (30) is attached to one of the frame sections and incorporates, or is adapted to receive a ventilation unit and thereby provide ventilation through the venting section between the exterior and interior sides of the glazed assembly; the venting section (30) is mounted on said one frame section via one side (31) of the venting section; and opposed side (32) of the venting section (30) serves to hold one of the sides of the glazed unit (33); and the three remaining frame sections each hold a respective one of the three remaining sides of the glazed unit (33). This provides the advantage that the structural integrity of the four extruded frame sections which form the rectangular window aperture is not weakened by the provision of the elongate venting section which provides the dual function of mounting one edge of the glazed unit, and also providing a ventilation path.

Description

VENTILATION OF GLAZED UNIT ASSEMBLY

This invention relates to improvements in ventilation of glazed unit assemblies, and particularly, though not exclusively, to vents for window assemblies having frames constructed from extruded material sections, for example, UPVC or aluminium.

Recent Building Regulations require permanent or adjustable vents to be fitted into all newly installed windows for domestic use. A number of different ventilation units are available and allow ventilation of the interior of the building from a window assembly. Individual vents have been designed to satisfy particular needs; some incorporate a grille or mesh that prevent the ingress of rain and / or insects, or provide high security for night ventilation. Known ventilation units are manufactured in a number of different sizes, configurations and materials. These units are generally fitted to a slot which is usually machined into one of the frame sections of the window assembly, such as the outer frame or the frame of an openable sash. The recent Building Regulations have created a rising demand for ventilation units and for replacement window assemblies with ventilation facilities installed.

The installation of ventilation units into timber or wood framed windows is a relatively simple task as the wood is solid and slots may be machined virtually anywhere in the outer frame or the sash frame which are normally quite wide. However, windows manufactured from UPVC extruded sections present special problems to the manufacturer who is required to supply window assemblies with ventilation units already fitted or installed. Firstly, ventilator slots must be provided for the flow or circulation of air. It would be possiMe to provide slots in a deep outer frame but this depth of frame would have to be continued around the entire window frame which consumes extra material and a corresponding increase in cost to satisfy use of a slot in a confined region of the frame.

Providing a slot in slim outer framed windows is difficult and in many cases not possible because of the restricted space between the sash and the outer edge of the frame. In addition to these aspects, it is common for UPVC windows to be provided with reinforcing sections inside the frame cavities. Providing a ventilation slot in the reinforced frame would be liable to substantially weaken the strength of the window assembly.

One known method of overcoming this particular problem is to provide an extra add-on extrusion section which is fixed to the external periphery of the outer frame. However, this solution is far from satisfactory as it adds substantial costs to the window assembly and its installation when a relatively small slot is all that is required. One other possibility would be to provide the sash with a wide frame and, while this would not weaken the reinforcing present in the outer frame, it would be commercially and aesthetically undesirable. Furthermore, the presence of plaster on the interior of the external wall can pose additional problems. Plaster can obstruct the ventilator, make operation difficult and reduce efficiency. Contact between plaster and the ventilator may result in physical damage.

Known ventilation slots and ventilators provided or extending through the reinforced outer frame or openable sash frame sometimes allows circulation of air within one or more previously sealed cavities of the frame sections, that is, air circulation within the outer frame, sash frame or in the sealed cavity formed between the outer frame and the sash when the sash is closed. Though this is not necessarily detrimental, a proportion of customers find this undesirable and alternative means or methods of providing ventilation or ventilator slots which do not allow circulation of air within the frame sections should be used.

The invention has been developed, primarily, though not exclusively, with a view to addressing these problems by providing an unobtrusive vent adaptor which may be fitted to the window outer frame or sash 'and avoid the problems and expense encountered with known window assemblies incorporating ventilator slots and units. It is therefore possible for a manufacturer of UPVC replacement windows to use existing designs of window assemblies, outer frames and sashes but also be able to comply with the Building Regulations for domestic windows. This vent adaptor, preferably formed from an extruded material, is relatively cheap and simple to- fit to existing frames. Manufacture of the invention does not involve high tooling or setting up costs and does not impair the overall strength or aesthetic look of the UPVC window assembly.

Future customers purchasing new windows have the benefit of the new standard of window but without the problems and costs associated with known window assemblies.

The present invention may provide an improvement in window assemblies which include means for accepting ventilators by eliminating the necessity for either an extra wide outer frame or sash, into which the ventilator slot and unit would be installed, and also maintains the mechanical strength and aesthetic appeal of the window assembly.

The assembly generally comprises an outer frame with one or more apertures, defined by the outer frame and possibly, transoms or mullions, adapted to accept fixed glazed units or openable hinged sashes; with at least one vent adaptor fitted e.g. to the upper or lower edge of one of the apertures in the outer frame or in the sash fitted to the outer frame, prior to glazing.

According to the invention there is provided a glazed assembly of a door or window and comprising four extruded frame sections joined together to form a rectangular aperture, and a glazed unit mounted in said aperture, in which: an elongate venting section is attached to one of said frame sections and incorporates, or is adapted to receive a ventilation unit and thereby provide ventilation through the venting section between the exterior and interior sides of the glazed assembly; the venting section is mounted on said one frame section via one side of the venting section; an opposed side of said venting section serves to hold one of the sides of the glazed unit; and, the three remaining frame sections each hold a respective one of the other sides of the glazed unit.

The frame members may be made of extruded plastics, preferably UPVC, or aluminium.

The frame member may be arranged to hold any one of the four edges of the glazed unit, which will preferably be a double glazed unit, but usually it will be the top or bottom edge of the unit. Further, the glazed unit may form part of a fixed window unit, or of an openable window unit, such as a top hung or side hung hinged window, or a sliding sash type window unit. In addition, the glazed assembly of the invention may be incorporated in a rectangular frame of a door.

In a preferred arrangement, three of the frame members are part of any suitable existing design of a rectangular window frame, and said elongate venting section completes the rectangular assembly which holds the four sides of the glazed unit.

The elongate venting section provides a ventilation facility which does not weaken the reinforced UPVC outer frame or necessitate the use of undesirably wide frame sections. Existing or known ventilation units, grilles or meshes may be fitted to a slot present in the ventilator adaptor section, which has the added advantage that air may pass through the ventilator slot to the interior of the building without circulating within the cavities of previously sealed frame sections. Though this is not known to be particularly detrimental, some customers have a strong preference for sealed units. The venting section has the added advantage that it does not disrupt the continuity of the beading around the periphery of the glazed pane or unit. Therefore, the important aesthetic appeal of the window assembly is maintained.

The venting section may be^" adapted so that the lower edge or side locates with the lower rebate of an aperture and the upper side or edge to locate with the lower edge or pane of glass or glazed unit. It is not necessary to fit the section to the upper edge or portion of apertures defined within the frames. Some known configuration of ventilator cannot be fitted in such a manner because of the position and shape of the external slot or aperture.

The venting section may be provided with more than one vent slot. For instance a vent adaptor may have a double slot for a wide elongate aperture. In this example a small double slot is aesthetically more pleasing than one large elongated slot substantially extending the width of the adaptor. The aesthetic appearance of the device is an important aspect of the UPVC window assembly.

The vent adaptor section may have one curved or shaped face which accepts the edge of a glazing unit. This may be used to accommodate shaped edges of glass or a glazed unit to modify the aperture to simulate a non-rectangular window aperture. One characteristic example would be an arch shaped window aperture.

Conveniently, one or more shaped infill panels may be fitted to the vent adaptor. Said infill panels may be decoratively shaped or patterned and be engaged or locate with the vent adaptor with suitable means, such as clips or screws though the particular form of the securing or connecting means chosen is not essential. The infill panels have the affect of modifying the shape of the window aperture to achieve a particular look or appearance. It is presently not possible to modify or create a particular aesthetic look or character to a window aperture by fitting decoratively shaped panels or portions to existing ventilation units .

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a UPVC window assembly with an openable sash with a ventilation slot provided in the top rail of the sash according to a known arrangement; Figure 2 is a section taken on A-A in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a plan view of some possible configurations of UPVC windows, designated a to f , and each incorporating a vent adaptor according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a front elevation of a UPVC door system incorporating a vent adaptor according to the present invention;

Figures 5 to 8 are sections showing in more detail the construction of various examples of vent adapter according to the invention and taken on the sections 5-5, 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8 in Figures 3a to 3f; and,

Figures 9 to 16 show further preferred embodiments. Figure 1 shows a known arrangement of a ventilation slot 20 in the frame of an openable sash 21 , and which slot also extends through the outer frame 22 of the window assembly. For the slot to be accommodated in the openable sash frame, this frame must be of a sufficient width to accommodate the slot and ventilation unit. Also, in this particular example, air may circulate in three internal cavities -the outer frame cavity 23, sash frame cavity 24 and the enclosed cavity 25 formed when the sash 21 is closed. Arrows 26 and 27 indicate possible circulation of air in the outer frame and openable sash cavities.

Figure 3 shows a number of possible configurations of UPVC window assembly which incorporate a vent adaptor according to the invention, and which is mounted adjacent to one of the rectangular frame sections of the window assembly. The vent adaptor generally comprises an elongate solid or hollow section (30a to 30f), formed from extruded plastics or aluminium, having one side or edge 31 engageable or located within the rebate of the adjacent frame section and an opposed side or edge 32 adapted to accept a pane of glass or a double glazed unit 33. The frame section to which the vent adaptor section 30 is attached may be part of an outer frame, openable sash frame, a transom or a mullion. The vent adaptor has at least one slot 34 extending from the exterior to the interior of the building and adapted to-accept any suitable ventilation grilles or units.

In wide window units or assemblies, for example, of the type indicated by 35, a double slot configuration may be used where a single elongated slot may spoil the aesthetic appearance of the window assembly. The vent adaptor does not disrupt the continuity of the bead 36 which surrounds the periphery of the glazed units 33. Decorative or patterned infill panels 37 may be engaged or secured to the vent adaptor 30 to modify or create a window aperture of a particular shape or character. The engaging or securing means may comprise clips or screws, though the same effect may be achieved by alternative known methods. In this example, an arched shape aperture is formed from a standard rectangular window aperture with the use of shaped infill panels. These affects all enhance the appearance of the window assemblies available to potential customers.

Figure 4 shows a UPVC door system 40 incorporating a vent adaptor 41 positioned adjacent to the top rail 43 of the door frame 42. The vent adaptor may, alternatively, be positioned adjacent to the bottom rail of the door frame. As with the window assemblies this door system has the advantage that the aesthetic appearance and the continuity of the beading 44 is maintained.

Figures 5 to 8 are sectional views showing in more detail practical embodiments of vent adaptor according to the invention, and how they can interfit with extruded frame sections of window assemblies. Figures 5 to 8 comprise sectional views taken respectively on the line 5-5, 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8 in Figures 3a to 3f. Figures 5, 6 and 7 also show an internal right vent operator control 60, and an external vent hood 61.

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of vent adaptor arrangement, provided in a frame member of a window frame, and the arrows show the direction of airflow from externally of the window to pass to the interior of a building. A specially formed extrusion as shown, serves both to mount one edge of a glazed unit, and also to form a- vent unit which is housed in a vent slot formed in a frame member of the window frame. A pivotally mounted closure flap 50 can be operated from the inside of the building and to allow internal ventilation when required, but which can be closed when ventilation is no longer required.

Figure 10 shows a somewhat similar arrangement, but with a plug of plastics material 51 forming a thermal barrier to heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the frame, and also forming part of a connection between two parts of a flange component of the vent unit extrusion.

Figure 11 shows a further construction of extruded vent section, also provided with a thermal barrier plug 52, and Figure 12 shows it installed in a vent slot provided in a frame member, and co-operating with an external frame.

Figure 13 shows another construction of extruded venting unit section, with thermal barrier plug 53, and closure flap 50, and Figure 14 shows it installed in position.

Referring now to Figure 15, this shows an arrangement of elongate venting section 30g which is attached to an upper horizontal frame section or head 54 which is a UPVC fixed light window frame section, and which also holds the upper horizontal side 55 of glazed unit 33 via an integral external bead section 56 and an attached internal glazing bead 57 of UPVC. The arrangement shown in Figure 15 is an "inside glazed" system, and venting section 30g is a "thermally broken" aluminium ventilator section. A ventilation path shown by arrows 58 provides an airflow passage between the interior and exterior sides of the glazed unit, and a fine mesh barrier 59 is provided in this path to prevent ingress of insects, and a control flap 60 operated by any convenient means from internally of the building controls an opening 61 on the internal face of the section 30g to provide ventilation when required, or to close ventilation when not required.

Figure 16 is a similar view to Figure 15, but shows an "outside glazed" system, in which external glazing bead 61 is clipped into the aluminium elongate venting section 30h, whereas control flap 60 is mounted on an integral bead portion of the section 30h to hold the inside face of the upper side 55 of the glazed unit 33. Elongate venting section 30h is attached to a head frame section 54a.

Claims

1. A glazed assembly of a door or window and comprising four extruded frame sections joined together to form a rectangular aperture, and a glazed unit mounted in said aperture, in which: an elongate venting section is attached to one of said frame sections and incorporates, or is adapted to receive a ventilation unit and thereby provide ventilation through the venting section between the exterior and interior sides of the glazed assembly; the venting section is mounted on said one frame section via one side of the venting section; an opposed side of said venting section serves to hold one of the sides of the glazed unit; and, the three remaining frame sections each hold a respective one of the other sides of the glazed unit.

2. A glazed assembly according to Claim 1, in which the frame members are made of extruded plastics or aluminium.

3. A glazed assembly according to Claim 2, in which the frame members are made of UPVC.

4. A glazed assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to

3, in which the elongate venting section is made of extruded plastics or aluminium.

5. A glazed assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to

4, in which the glazed assembly is incorporated in a window.

6. A glazed assembly according to Claim 5, in which the window comprises a fixed window unit, or an openable window unit.

7. A glazed assembly according to Claim 6, in which the openable window unit is a top hung or side hung window, or a sliding sash type window.

8. A glazed assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the elongate venting section is arranged horizontally along the top or the bottom side of the rectangular aperture.

9. A glazed assembly according to Claim 8, in which the venting section defines an air flow path which includes a fine mesh barrier to prevent insect ingress.

10. A glazed assembly according to Claim 8 or 9, in which the venting section has a vent opening on its internal side, which is controlled by an air flow control flap.

11. A glazed assembly according to Claim 10, in which the control flap is openable from the interior side of the glazed unit.

12. A glazed assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the glazed assembly is incorporated in the frame of a door.