WO1998040595A1

WO1998040595A1 - Longitudinal, multi-component frame element and method for the production thereof

Info

Publication number: WO1998040595A1
Application number: PCT/BE1998/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Vanherk
Original assignee: Belcopur
Priority date: 1997-03-11
Filing date: 1998-03-11
Publication date: 1998-09-17
Also published as: EP0972127A1; AU6387298A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-component longitudinal frame element (16, 17) comprising an inner longitudinal portion (13) which is connected to a first longitudinal side of a barrier element (1, 2), which inner longitudinal portion (13) and which barrier element (1, 2) are provided with connecting means for connecting said inner portion (13) to said barrier element (1, 2), whereby said connecting means comprise: (1) a first longitudinal connecting member (14'', 14''') extending in transversal direction of said first inner portion (13); and (2) a third longitudinal connecting member (7'', 7''') extending in transversal direction of said first side of said barrier element (1, 2), which first connecting member (14'', 14''') is provided for engaging said third connecting member (7'', 7''') in transversal direction, and exerting a clamping force to said barrier element (1, 2), so as to jam in at least part of said barrier element (1, 2). The multi-component frame element (16, 17) can also comprise an outer portion (11) which is assembled to a second side of the barrier element (1, 2) opposite the first side. The present invention also relates to a barrier (1, 2) element for use in a multi-component frame element (16, 17) as described above. The present invention further relates to a process for producing such barrier elements (1, 2).

Description

Longitudinal, multi-component frame element and method for the production thereof

The present invention relates to a longitudinal multi-component frame element, for forming frames for example for windows, doors and separation walls, as described in the preamble of the first claim. When using window frames in buildings, in which the temperature is higher than the temperature outside the building, heat transfer may take place through the frames, which may cause unwanted condensation of moisture on the frame inside the building. Such undesired heat transfer is specifically important in case the window frame is made of metal, for example aluminium. To minimise this undesirable heat transfer, thermal barrier elements with low thermal conductivity coefficients are mounted between the inside and outside portion of the window frame.

From US-A-5.104.597 a longitudinal mulit- component frame element is known, which may be used for making frames for doors, windows, walls etc. The longitudinal frame element disclosed in US-A-5.104.597, comprises an outer longitudinal portion, which is connected in longitudinal direction to an inner longitudinal portion, through an intermediate longitudinal barrier element. The barrier element is a massive core element made of an insulating polyurethane foam. The frame elements disclosed in US-A-5.104.597, are mostly produced in lengths of several meters, for example up to 6 meters. For the construction of e.g. window frames from such longitudinal multi- component frame elements, the frame elements are cut into members of the required desired dimensions, whereafter the thus obtained members are assembled to each other to form the frame. The longitudinal frame element described in

US-A-5.104.597 however has the disadvantage that the barrier element is made in situ in the frame element, whereby the inner and outer portions are placed into a mould and the plastic material for making the barrier element is injected in between. Such a frame element has the disadvantage that the shape of the mould must not only be adapted to the desired shape of the barrier element, but also to the shape and external dimensions of the inner and outer portion of the frame element. If the shape or the external dimensions of either the inner or outer portion are changed, the shape of the mould must be adapted accordingly. This is disadvantageous, especially because those moulds are rather expensive.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a frame element which can be produced in a more simple manner.

This is achieved according to the present invention with the measures described in the characterising part of the first claim.

Because the connecting means extend in the assembling direction, and co-operate with each other so as to engage each other in the assembling direction, all parts can be made separate from each other, and be assembled only thereafter.

Because the barrier element is made in a separate production process, the shape of the mould must only be adapted to the desired shape of the barrier element. Also, the necessary requirements can be taken so as to obtain a rigid barrier element, in the shape of a massive core element, which has an optimal rigidity and break strength. Such a massive barrier element not only functions as a thermal insulator, but also as a noise insulator. Because the barrier element is in fact a massive core, it is suited for constituting a constructive part of the frame element.

The man skilled in the art faced with the problem of having to produce a multi-component frame element with a quite large length will, in order to obtain a good anchoring of the barrier element to the inner portion over the entire length of the element, and an intimate contact of the individual components in all directions, provide the individual components with co-operating projections and recesses which extend in all directions. Namely, the possibility of the barrier element to move either in longitudinal, transversal or cross direction or any other direction of the frame element, after moving of the frame must be precluded. With the present invention it has been found that the presence of co-operating projections and recesses extending in all directions is not a necessary prerequisite. By providing connecting means which engage each other in the assembling direction, and which are capable of jamming in at least part of the barrier element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the assembling direction, an anchoring of the barrier element to the inner portion can be achieved.

The frame element of the present invention has several advantages. The inner portion can be subjected to the necessary pretreatments before being assembled to the barrier element to form the frame element. In that way it can be avoided that the barrier element be subjected to conditions which adversely affect its properties of rigidity and break strength.

Also, because the inner portion needs not be reheated when assembling it to the barrier element, an undesired warping of the inner element upon assembling can be avoided. In the construction of frames, it is namely a prerequisite that the frame elements have almost perfect longitudinal dimensions, i.e. that they are not warped nor bent in longitudinal, nor in transversal direction. In practise, this is difficult to achieve when the barrier element needs be produced in situ, in particular when the frame element or its components don't have symmetrical shapes and when the components are made of different materials.

According to the invention the third connecting member on the first side of the barrier element comprises parallel first and second longitudinal recesses extending in transversal direction of the barrier element. The first connecting member of the inner portion preferably comprises parallel longitudinal first and second projections, extending in transversal direction. Thereby the first and second recesses of the barrier element are provided for receiving the first and second projections of the inner portion and for jamming in at least part of the barrier element, extending between said first and second recesses. Thereby, the barrier element preferably has a substantially elongated shape.

The multi-component frame element of the present invention further preferably comprises an outer portion, which is connected to a second side of the barrier element, opposite the first side of the barrier element. Thereby the outer portion preferably comprises a second longitudinal connecting member, extending in transversal direction, for co-operating with and engaging a fourth longitudinal connecting member, extending in transversal direction, on the second side of the barrier element. The second longitudinal connecting member on the outer portion is provided for exerting a clamping force so as to jam in at least part of the barrier element.

The second connecting member of the outer portion preferably comprises, similar to the first connecting member, parallel longitudinal third and fourth projections, extending in transversal direction. Similarly, the fourth connecting member on the barrier element comprises third and fourth longitudinal recesses of the fourth connecting member on the barrier element extend in transversal direction are provided for receiving the third and fourth projections. The third and fourth projections of the outer portion are provided for jamming in at least part of the second side of the barrier element, extending between said third and fourth recess.

By using transversally extending parallel projections, preferably parallel lugs, that are bent towards each other, as first and second connecting members, a natural clamping effect can be obtained, thus preventing the inner and outer portions and the barrier element of moving with respect to each other in longitudinal, transversal and cross direction of the element.

The connecting means preferably further comprise on the first side of the barrier element, a fifth longitudinal recess. The fifth longitudinal recess is located between the first and second recess, and extends in transversal direction of the barrier element. The fifth recess is provided for co-operating with a corresponding fifth longitudinal projection, on the inner portion. The fifth projection is located between the first and second projections on the inner portion. Thereby the fifth projection extends in transversal direction of the inner portion. The fifth projection is provided for engaging the fifth recess in transversal direction of said barrier element. Similarly, the outer portion comprises a sixth longitudinal projection, which extends in transversal direction between said pair of parallel third and fourth projections. Similarly, the barrier element comprises a sixth longitudinal recess extending in transversal direction of said barrier element, between said third and fourth recess.

The fifth and sixth projections are preferably respectively a fifth and sixth lug, which is preferably toothed, so as to strengthen the engaging forces. According to the invention, preferably the first and second connecting members on the one hand, and the third and fourth connecting members on the other hand, are substantially the same. In that way moulds with symmetrical shapes can be used, thus providing a simpler and cheaper production possibility. In that way also, it does not matter whether the inner portion is connected to either the first or the second side of the barrier element.

The barrier element preferably comprises opposite third and fourth sides, for connecting the opposite first and second sides. According to the invention, the parallel first and second projections of the inner portion and the third and fourth projections of the outer portion, join at least part of respectively these third and fourth opposing faces. In that way space can be created between the inner portion and the barrier element, on the one hand, and between the outer portion and the barrier element on the other hand, for mounting for example fittings for tilt/turn windows, hinges, multi-point locks and fittings for doors etc. In that way also a drain is created for allowing moisture which entered the frame element, to leave the element.

The third side of the barrier element, and preferably also the fourth side, preferably comprise in longitudinal direction two parallel, transversal extending lugs forming a groove in between, for example for receiving a weather strip.

The present invention also relates to a barrier element for use in a multi-component longitudinal frame element as described above.

The present invention further relates to a process for the production of the above described longitudinal multi- component frame element.

Such a method is described in US-A- 5.104.597. In the method described in US-A-5.104.597, first the first and second outer longitudinal members are positioned within a mould. Thereafter a foamable plastics material is introduced into the mould for forming the barrier member between said inner and outer frame portions. The mould is heated, the plastics material is foamed and cured, to form a rigid plastic core profile connecting the first and second longitudinal member.

The method described in US-A-5.104.597 however has the disadvantage, as has been described above, that the barrier element is made in situ, so that the shape of the mould must not only be adapted to the desired shape of the barrier element, but also to the shape of the inner and outer portions.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a simple process for the production of multi-component longitudinal frame elements, comprising an inner portion and a massive barrier element. This is achieved according to the present invention, in that the inner portion, as well as the barrier element are produced separate from each other and assembled only thereafter.

Because the inner portion and the barrier element are produced separate from each other, in separate moulds, the shapes of the individual moulds need only be adapted to the shape of the inner portion or that of the barrier element. This allows a larger flexibility in varying either the shape of the inner portion or the barrier element.

Preferably, the inner portion and the barrier element comprise co-operating connecting members which engage each other in the assembling direction. In that way, there is no need for the inner portion to be present during the production of the barrier element.

Since there is no need to reheat the inner portion so as to produce the barrier element, and connect the inner portion to the barrier element, an undesired warping of the inner portion, during production of the frame element can be avoided. In that way there is no need to develop complicated mathematical models for calculating the expected warping of the frame element upon heating, which depends a.o. on the shape of the individual members, and the nature of the materials they are made of. There is no need to develop the rather complicated mould, which must be capable of being bent during use. Since such moulds are usually made of stainless steel, this may become rather expensive.

The first connecting member on the inner portion preferably comprises parallel, first and second longitudinal projections, extending in transversal direction. The third connecting member on the barrier element preferably comprises parallel first and second longitudinal recesses, extending in transversal direction. The inner portion is assembled to the barrier element by inserting the first projection into the first recess in transversal direction, and simultaneously inserting the second projection in to the second recess, in transversal direction. When necessary, the inner portion and barrier element can be compressed in transversal direction, so as to obtain a good engagement. After the first and third connecting members have been brought into an engaging position, the first and second projections are preferably bent towards each other. In that way they are capable of exerting a clamping force to the barrier element, and of jamming in at least part of the barrier element.

The outer portion is preferably assembled to the barrier element in a similar way. Thereby, the inner and outer portions can be assembled to the barrier element either simultaneously or one after the other.

In that case method of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of (1 ) prior to producing said longitudinal frame element, producing said inner and said outer portion, and (2) prior to producing said longitudinal frame element, producing said barrier element, and (3) assembling said inner portion to a first side of said barrier element in transversal direction, by bringing the longitudinal first connecting members of the inner portion, in an engaging position with the third connecting members on a first side of said barrier element, and assembling the outer portion to a second side of said barrier element opposite said first side, in transversal direction, by bringing the second longitudinal connecting members of the outer portion in an engaging position with the fourth connecting members on the second side of the barrier element. The first and second connecting members each preferably comprise parallel longitudinal projections extending in transversal direction, that are bent towards each other after having been inserted into the correseponding recesses of the third and fourth connecting members on the barrier element.

If so desired, the projections can be adhered to the recesses of the barrier element by means of an additional adhesive, for example through gluing.

The longitudinal multi-component frame element of the present invention and the method for the producition thereof, are further elucidated as an example, in the attached figures and the description of the figures given below.

Figure 1 is a cross section of respectively a symmetric (1 a, 1 d) and an asymmetric (1 b, 1 c) barrier element of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross section of an asymmetric (2a) and symmetric inner or outer portion (2b and 2c) of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a cross section of a frame, comprising two frame elements of the present invention, hinged ly connected to each other. The barrier element 1 , 2 shown in figure 1 is a longitudinal element which comprises in longitudinal direction, four sides, namely a first side 10 and, opposite second side 20, a third side 3 and an opposite fourth side 4. The barrier element 1 , 2 is provided in longitudinal direction with longitudinal third (7, 7', 8, 8') and fourth (7", 7'", 8", 8'") connecting members. The third and fourth connecting members (7", 7"', 8", 8'") extend in transversal direction of the barrier element 1 , 2, and may be the same or different.

The third connecting member preferably comprises a first recess 7, in the form of a cutout, along the edge of the first side 10 of the barrier element 1 , which connects the first 10 and the third side 3 of the barrier element 1 , 2. The first recess 7 extends in transversal direction of the barrier element 1 , 2. The third connecting member further preferably comprises a second longitudinal recess 7', in the form of a cutout, along the edge of the first side 10 of the barrier element 1 , which connects the first 10 and the fourth side 4 of the barrier element. The first 7 and second T recess may have similar or different shapes, but preferably have the same shape.

The fourth connecting member preferably comprises a third longitudinal recess 7", in the form of a cutout, along the edge of the second side 20 of the barrier element 1 , which connects the second 20 and the third side 3 of the barrier element 1 . The third connecting member further preferably comprises a fourth longitudinal recess 7'", in the form of a cutout, along the edge of the second side 20 of the barrier element 1 , which connects the second 20 and the fourth side 4 of the barrier element. Either one or both of the first and second side

10, 20 of the barrier element 1 , 2 preferably also comprise fifth connecting members 8, 8' which may be the same or different. The fifth connecting member preferably comprises a longitudinal recess 8, 8' for example in the shape of a groove, extending in transversal direction of the barrier element 1 . The barrier element 1 may further comprise on either only one or both of the third and fourth side 3, 4, two parallel, longitudinal projections or lugs 9, which form a channel or a groove 5 in between and which extend in cross direction of the barrier element. The groove 5 can for example be used for connecting two barrier elements, or for receiving a weather strip 19.

The barrier element 1 may either have a symmetrical shape as is shown in figure 1 a and 1 d, or an asymmetrical shape as is shown in figure 1 b and 1 c. In figure 1 b, on the fourth side 4, the lugs 9 forming a groove 5 in between, are lacking. In stead thereof, a recess 21 is provided for connecting the barrier element 1 to a second barrier element, as is shown in figure 1 c and 1 d, and to gain material. The projection 9 may for example be used for mounting a weather strip 19 as is shown in figure 3, for sealing a first and second frame from each other.

If so desired, the barrier element 1 , 2 may comprise a recess 6 for co-operating with a corresponding part on the inner and outer portion for mounting for example fittings for tilt/turn windows, hinges or hidden hinges, multi point locks and fittings for doors, top and side hung opening vents and sliding elements. The recess 6 may also serve as a drain, for allowing water to leave the frame.

In case inner and outer portions with larger cross sectional areas need be combined, the use of a barrier element with a larger cross section may be required. Thereto, one or more of the barrier elements shown in figure 1 a and 1 b may be combined with each each other as is shown in figure 1 c and 1 d.

With the barrier element of the present invention, the inner and outer portion need not have the same external dimensions. The barrier elements 1 , 2 can be made of various materials, provided they are bad heat conductors. The barrier element 1 , 2 can for example be made of thermoplastic material, a thermosetting material, or a foamable thermosetting or plastic material. Examples of suitable foamable materials include polyvinylchloride and polyurethane. Such a polyurethane for example has a density of about 600 kg/m³ and a heat conduction coefficient of about 0.07 W/mK. The density of the material of the barrier element should be sufficiently high, and the strength of the element should be sufficient, so as to be capable of resisting stresses which may be exerted to the barrier element 1 , 2 by the inner and outer portions 1 1 , 12, 13.

In figure 2, several possible embodiments of the inner and outer portions for making a longitudinal frame element are shown in cross section. The inner and outer portion is most often a hollow profile. In figure 2a a portion 1 1 is shown which can be used either as inner or outer portion. The portion 13 of figure 2c is mostly used as an inner portion, but can be used as an outer portion. The portion 12 shown in figure 2b is mostly used as an outer portion, but can be used as an inner portion also. The inner portion 1 1 comprises a first longitudinal connecting member 14, 14' which extends in transversal direction of said inner portion. The first connecting member preferably comprises parallel first and second projections 14, 14', preferably first and second parallel lugs 14 and 14'. The inner portion 1 1 preferably comprises a fifth longitudinal connecting member 15, preferably a fifth lug 15, which is located between said parallel lugs 14 and 14', and extending in transversal direction of said inner portion.

The outer portion 12 comprises a second longitudinal connecting member 14", 14"' which extends in transversal direction of said outer portion 12. The second connecting member preferably comprises parallel first and second projections 14", 14"', preferably first and second parallel lugs 14 and 14'". The outer portion 1 1 preferably comprises a sixth longitudinal connecting member 15', preferably a sixth lug 15', which is located between said parallel lugs 14" and 14'", and extending in transversal direction of said outer portion. The cutouts 7, 7', of first side 10 of the barrier element 1 are provided for receiving respectively the lugs 14, 14' of an inner portion of a frame element, whereas the cutouts 7" and 7"' of the second side 20 of the barrier element are provided for receiving the lugs 14", 14'" of an outer portion 12 of a frame element. The lugs 14, 14', 14", 14'" have such a shape that they are capable not only of engaging the corresponding cutouts 7, 7', 7", 7'", but also of receiving and jamming in between them the part of the first and second sides 10, 20 of the barrier element situated between respectively the cutouts 7, 7' on the one hand and 7", 7'" on the other hand. The lugs 14, 14', 14", 14"' preferably exert a clamping force to the third and fourth sides 3, 4 of the barrier element 1 . The grooves 8, 8' are provided for respectively receiving the preferably toothed lugs 15, 15'.

If so desired an adhesive can be used so as to improve the rigidity of the connection of the lugs 14, 14', 14", 14'", 15, 15', into the corresponding recesses 7, 7', 7", 7'", 8, 8'.

The frame shown in figure 3 comprises a first frame profile 17 made of a multi-component frame element of the present invention, which is provided for being mounted for example to a wall. The first frame profile 17 comprises a first inner portion 13, which is connected to a first outer portion 1 1 , through an intermediate barrier element 2. The barrier element 2 has an asymmetric shape. The frame also comprises a second vent profile 16 made of a multi-component frame element of the present invention, which is hingedly connected to the first frame profile 17. The second multi-component vent profile 16 is for example provided for receiving a window 18. The second frame element comprises a second outer portion 1 1 which is connected to a second inner portion 12, through an intermediate barrier element 1. The barrier element 1 has a symmetric shape.

The inner and outer portions 11 , 12, 13 can be made of various materials, for example wood, plastic material, plastic sheet, extruded plastic, metal, metal sheet or extruded metal, for example extruded aluminium.

In the first multi-component frame element 17 of the frame shown in figure 3, the barrier element 2 comprises a first side 10, for connection to the inner portion 13 of the frame element 17. The barrier element 2 also comprises a second side 20, opposite said first side 10. The second side 20 is provided for connection to the outer portion 11.

In the second multi-component frame element 16 of the frame shown in figure 3, the symmetric barrier element 1 comprises a first side 10, for connection to the inner portion

12 of the frame element 16. The barrier element 1 also comprises a second side 20, opposite to said first side 10. The second side 20 is provided for connection to the outer portion 1 1.

As can be seen, part of the first side 10 of the barrier elements 1 and 2, are jammed in between the lugs 14 and 14'; and part of the second side 10 of the barrier elements 1 and 2, are jammed in between the lugs 14", 14'". Thereby the lugs 14, 14', 14", 14'" engage the corresponding cutouts 7, 7', 7", 7'" in transversal direction of the barrier element and the inner and outer portion. Thereby also, lugs 15, 15' engage the corresponding grooves 8, 8' in transversal direction. The lugs 14, 14', 14", 14'" are preferably bent towards each other so as to clamp the barrier element 1 , 2 in between. The lugs 14, 14', 14", 14'" may comprise at their extremities additional projections so as to improve the clamping force. As can be seen from figure 3, the lugs 14,

14', 14", 14'" extend to the opposing third and fourth sides 3, 4 of the barrier element 1 , 2, which connect the first and second sides 10, 20. in that way the lugs 14, 14', 14", 14'" join at least part of the third and fourth side of the barrier element 1 , 2. In that way room 6 is created for mounting hinges or other constructive parts of the window. In that way also drains are created for removing water which may enter the frame.

The multi-component, longitudinal frame element 1 , 2 of the present invention can be produced by prior to producing said frame element, (1 ) producing said inner portion 11-13, (2) producing said outer portion 11-13, (3) producing said elongated barrier element 1 , 2, and connecting opposite sides of the said barrier element to respectively the inner and outer portion. In case the inner and outer portion do not comprise projections, they can be connected to a barrier element with flat opposite sides, by using an adhesive.

The multi-component, longitudinal frame element 1 , 2 of the present invention can also be produced by prior to producing said frame element,

(1 ) producing said inner portion 1 1-13, and providing said inner portion with longitudinal connecting means, preferably parallel lugs 14, 14', and preferably an additional longitudinal lug 15, in between said lugs 14, 14', that extend in transversal direction,

(2) producing said outer portion 1 1 -13, and providing said outer portion with longitudinal connecting means, preferably parallel lugs 14", 14"', and preferably an additional longitudinal lug 15', in between said parallel lugs 14", 14'" that extend in transversal direction, (3) producing said elongated barrier element 1 , 2, and providing said barrier element along the edges with longitudinal recesses, preferably grooves 7, 7', and 7", 7'", and preferably additional longitudinal recesses, preferably grooves 8, 8' that extend in transversal direction. Thereby the additional recess 8 is provided between said recesses 7, 7' and the recess 8' is provided between the recesses 7", 7'". The frame element can then be assembled by inserting the lugs 14, 14' of an inner portion into the corresponding grooves 7, 7' on the first side 10 of the barrier element in transversal direction, and by inserting the lugs 14", 14"' of an outer portion into the corresponding grooves7", 7'" on the second side of the barrier element, opposite the first side in transversal direction. The inner and outer portion can be assembled to the barrier element either simultaneously or one after the other. If so required, the thus obtained frame element can be compressed in transversal direction, so as to improve the engagement of the connecting members. Thereafter, the lugs 14, 14' on the one hand and 14", 14'" are bent towards each other so as to improve the clamping effect. If so desired an adhesive can be inserted into the grooves 7, 7', 7", 7'", 8, 8' so as to improve the adhesion.

Because the barrier element 1 , 2 on the one hand and the inner and outer portion on the other hand are produced in separate production processes, and assembled only thereafter, each of these parts can be subjected to the necessary pretreatments before being assembled to a frame element. In that way it can be avoided that the properties of either one of them is adversely affected by a pretreatment. In that way also, inner and outer portions made for example of different materials, with completely different dimensions, or different coulours can be assembled.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. Multi-component longitudinal frame element, comprising an inner longitudinal portion which is connected to a first longitudinal side of a barrier element, which inner longitudinal portion and which barrier element are provided with connecting means for connecting said inner portion to said barrier element, characterised in that, said connecting means comprise (1 ) a first longitudinal connecting member extending in transversal direction of said first inner portion, and (2) a third longitudinal connecting member extending in transversal direction of said first side of said barrier element, which first connecting member is provided for engaging said third connecting member in transversal direction, and exerting a clamping force to said barrier element, so as to jam in at least part of said barrier element.

2. Multi-component longitudinal frame element as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that said first connecting member on said inner portion comprises parallel longitudinal first and second projections, extending in transversal direction of said inner portion, and said third connecting member comprises parallel first and second longitudinal recesses extending in transversal direction of said elongated barrier element, which first and second recesses are provided for receiving said first and second projections, which first and second projections are provided for jamming in at least part of said first side of said barrier element.

3. Multi-component longitudinal frame element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said element further comprises (3) an outer longitudinal portion, which outer portion comprises a second connecting member for connecting said outer portion to a second longitudinal side of said barrier element opposite said first side, which barrier element is provided with a fourth longitudinal connecting member extending in transversal direction of said barrier element, which second connecting member is provided for engaging said fourth connecting member in transversal direction, and exerting a clamping force, so as to jam in at least part of said barrier element.

4. Multi-component frame element as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that said second connecting member comprises parallel longitudinal third and fourth projections, extending in transversal direction of said outer portion, and said fourth connecting member comprises parallel third and fourth recesses extending in transversal direction along parallel, opposite longitudinal edges of said second side of said elongated barrier element, which third and fourth recesses are provided for receiving said third and fourth projections, which third and fourth projections are provided for jamming in at least part of said second side of said barrier element.

5. Multi-component longitudinal frame element as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 4, characterised in that each of said first and second connecting members comprises a pair of parallel lugs bent towards each other.

6. Multi-component longitudinal frame element as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that said connecting means further comprise a fifth connecting member, comprising a fifth longitudinal recess, located between said first and second recess, which fifth recess extends in transversal direction of said barrier element, and in that said fifth connecting member further comprise a fifth longitudinal projection extending in transversal direction of respectively said inner portion, which fifth projection is located between said first and second projections, said fifth projection engaging said fifth recess in transversal direction.

7. Multi-component longitudinal frame element as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that said fifth projection is toothed in longitudinal direction.

8. Multi-component longitudinal frame element as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, characterised in that said first and second connecting members are substantially the same, and said third and fourth connecting members are substantially the same.

9. Multi-component longitudinal frame element as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that said barrier element comprises opposing third and fourth sides for connecting said first and second sides, at least part of which third and fourth sides join said lugs in transversal direction of said inner and outer portions.

10. Barrier element for use in a multi- component longitudinal frame element as claimed in any one of claims 1-9.

1 1. Process for producing a multi-component longitudinal frame element, characterised in that said process comprises the steps of (1 ) prior to assembling said longitudinal frame element, producing an inner longitudinal portion of said frame element, (2) prior to assembling said longitudinal frame element, producing a longitudinal barrier element, and (3) thereafter, assembling said inner portion to a first side of said barrier element.

12. Process as claimed in claim 1 1 , characterised in that said process comprises the steps of (1 ) prior to assembling said longitudinal frame element, providing said inner element with a first longitudinal connecting member extending in transversal direction, (2) prior to assembling said longitudinal frame element, providing the first side of said barrier element with a third longitudinal connecting member extending in transversal direction, and (3) thereafter, assembling said inner portion to said first side of said barrier element, by bringing said first and third connecting members in an engaging position, in transversal direction.

13. Process as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that said process comprises the steps of (1 ) prior to assembling said longitudinal frame element, providing said inner element with parallel first and second longitudinal projections extending in transversal direction, (2) prior to assembling said longitudinal frame element, providing the first side of said barrier element with parallel first and second longitudinal recesses extending in transversal direction, and (3) thereafter, assembling said inner portion to said first side of said barrier element, by inserting said first and second projections into said first and second recesses, and by bending said first and second projections towards each other.