WO2005033456A1

WO2005033456A1 - Improvements relating to sealing systems for doors and windows

Info

Publication number: WO2005033456A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/001320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Raymond Forster
Original assignee: Trend Windows & Doors Pty Limited
Priority date: 2003-10-08
Filing date: 2003-10-08
Publication date: 2005-04-14
Also published as: AU2003266833A1

Abstract

Seal breaking apparatus for ( particularly, sliding ) doors and windows is incorporated into latch housing (110) on stile (102) of the moving sash. Pivoting of handle (106) turns actuator (110) driving pin (115) downward in slot (116) and releasing hooked catch (107) of moving sash (102) form striker (104) of fixed frame. Continued pivoting of handle (106) brings lever (111) to bear on cam (114), also mounted to the fixed frame thereby overcoming frictional or suction in the sash sealing arrangement which would otherwise make it difficult to open the window.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SEALING SYSTEMS FOR DOORS AND WINDOWS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to windows and doors, and in particular to windows and doors which provide a high level of sealing to prevent ingress of wind and rain. The invention has been developed primarily for use in sliding glass door and window systems in which the frame and sash elements are manufactured predominantly from extruded aluminium sections. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this particular material or mode of construction and may be equally applicable to hinged doors and windows where a weather seal is in use.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Sliding, weather sealing windows and doors are well known and commonly used in the building industry. In many applications they offer functional and aesthetic advantages over hinged doors and windows. However, as the door or window must slide f eely within the fixed frame for ease of use, it has proven difficult to provide an effective weather seal when closed and also proved an unimpeded movement for opening and closing. Generally it is necessary to design the frame with a seal or several seals fully surrounding the window or door so that in the closed position deformable seals fill any gaps between the frame elements. A region that has been particularly difficult to seal is that of the interlock between the fixed and moving sashes and its intersection with the head and sill. One specific solution for sliding doors and windows has been frame designs which incorporate a so called "van door" type closing action as these are able to provide an even and effective seal around most of the window or door. "Van door" type closing refers to a closing mechanism which, by means of guides, cams or the like, laterally displaces the sliding sash of the window or door toward the surrounding frame as it moves to a closed position thereby causing the sliding sash to engage weather seals arranged around the full perimeter of the sliding sash. In addition, the guides and/or cams act to retain the sliding sash in sealing engagement with the window/door frame whilst it is in the closed position. However, the better and more effective the seal, the more difficult it becomes to open the sash against the vacuum and friction caused by the seal. While similar problems are encountered with hinged opening doors and windows, it is easier to directly push or pull a hinge door to break the seal. However, with sliding doors, the need to apply a sideways load to open the door and break the seal makes it considerably more difficult. It is an object of the various aspects of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect the present invention provides a seal breaking apparatus for a window or door unit, said unit including: a fixed frame element; and a moving sash having a fixed frame abutting stile or rail member; said moving sash being moveable between a closed position in which said fixed stile or rail member is in sealing contact with said fixed frame element, and an open position, wherein said seal breaking apparatus includes a seal breaking mechanism and an abutment surface, each being mounted or otherwise provided separately on one of said frame or stile/rail members, said mechanism including a handle connected to an actuator, said handle being operable to force said actuator against said abutment surface when said moving sash is in the closed position to thereby break said seal by forcing said moving sash from the closed position toward the open position. The term "moving sash" is used herein to refer to any movable portion of a door or window unit and is not intended to be limited to any form of sliding window arrangement. Similarly, the term "stile or rail member" is intended to refer to any relevant frame portion of the "moving sash" which in a closed position abuts the fixed frame element. Preferably, the seal breaking apparatus is integrally formed as part of a handle operated latch device, the handle of the latch also operating the seal breaking mechanism. In the proposed form, the actuator is a lever operatively connected with the latch handle, and the abutment surface is a cam surface provided on or attached to the fixed frame. According to as second aspect the present invention provides a preferred sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including respective fixed and sliding sash frame members which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed position, wherein said sealing arrangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on said sliding sash at an end of said sliding sash frame member and said fixed seal element is located between a corresponding end of said fixed sash frame member and a sill or head frame member of the window or door, wherein upon moving said sliding sash to said closed position said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members, said window or door further including a seal breaking arrangement in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. More particularly, the preferred form of the present invention includes a sealing anangement at an end of the interlock between the fixed and sliding sashes of a sliding window or door. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the seal is provided by means of a moving seal element carried on the sliding sash at the end of its interlock stile which cooperates with a fixed seal located between the corresponding end of the interlock stile of the fixed sash and a sill or head frame member of the window or door. Preferably, the fixed seal element is formed from a deformable material. More preferably, the fixed seal member is formed from a rubber compound. Preferably, the moving seal element is formed from a deformable material. More preferably, the moving seal element is formed from a rubber compound. Preferably the second sealing element is of a hollow cross-section. Preferably the first sealing element is made of a rubber compound. Preferably, the first and second sealing members are carried on a backing member. Preferably the backing member is configured in the form of a strip. hi a particularly preferred form, the present invention provides a further sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including respective fixed and sliding sash frame members which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed position, wherein said sealing arrangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on said sliding sash at an end of said sliding sash frame member and said fixed seal element is located between a conesponding end of said fixed sash frame member and a sill or head frame member of the window or door, wherein upon moving said sliding sash to said closed position said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members, said sliding window or door further including a seal to provide sealing between said fixed sash and said sliding sash, said seal including first sealing element and a second sealing element, said first sealing element in the form of a flap portion and said second sealing element in the form of a deformable bulb section from which the flap portion extends, said window or door further including a seal breaking arrangement in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various novel and inventive aspects 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 cut-away perspective view of a partly assembled sliding window or door incorporating one preferred embodiment of the sealing arrangement particularly suited for use with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a length of window or door sill frame member with preferred interlock sill seal positioned thereon; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional end view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a plan view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal depicted in Figure 2; Figures 5 a, to 5j depict various views of one embodiment of the interlock sill seal; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal shown in Figure 2 in conjunction with a comer stake member of the sliding sash of the window or door; Figure 7 is a plan view of the arrangement depicted in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the sliding sash depicted in a partially open position; Figure 9 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the sliding sash depicted in a closed position; Figure 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the interlock assembly of a sliding window or door incorporating a further preferred embodiment of a preferred sealing arrangement; Figure 11 depicts the interlock assembly of Figure 10, with the sliding sash shown in a raised position so as to illustrate the interlock sealing element carried on the end of the sliding interlock stile seal; Figure 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of a sliding sash with the sliding sash sealing components removed; Figures 13a to 13c depict a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in an open position and illustrating the fixed and moving interlock sealing elements; Figures 14a to 14c depict a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in a closed position and illustrating the fixed and moving interlock sealing elements; Figures 15a to 15k depict various views of a further prefened embodiment of the fixed interlock sealing element; Figures 16a to 16j depict various views of a further preferred embodiment of the moving interlock sealing element; Figures 17a and 17b depict end and perspective views respectively of a preferred embodiment of a weather seal according to a prefened embodiment of the present invention; Figures 18a and 18b depict end and perspective views respectively of the weather seal positioned in a sliding sash frame member; Figures 19a and 19b depict cross-sectional end and top views respectively of an assembled sliding window or door illustrating the sliding sash weather seal whilst the sliding sash is in an open position; Figures 20a and 20b depict cross-sectional end and top views respectively of a sliding window or door assembly illustrating the sliding sash weather seal whilst in an open position; Figures 21a and 21b depict cross-sectional end and perspective views respectively of a sliding window or door sill illustrating the fluid drainage path through the sill; Figures 22a to 22f depict a combined latch and seal breaking apparatus according to the invention shown in the closed and sealed position; Figures 23a to 23f depict the latch of Figures 22 in the initial seal breaking position; Figures 24a to 24f depict the latch of Figures 22 and 23 in the open position after the seal is broken; and Figures 25a and 25b depict exploded views of the combined latch and seal breaking mechanism of Figures 22 to 24 above.

DISCUSSION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figure 1, a cut-away perspective view of the interlocking stiles of a fixed and a sliding sash of a sliding window or door assembly 1 is shown. The assembly

I includes a sliding sash 2 mounted on a sill member 3 and adapted for sliding movement along the length of the sill. The sill 3 is preferably an extruded section, and is further preferably formed from aluminium. The sill 3 includes an integrally formed rail

I I upon which the sliding sash is mounted and which acts to guide the sliding movement of the sliding sash. The rail preferably includes a groove 12 to accommodate a wear strip 13. The wear strip may be formed of a resilient plastics material such as UPVC or similar material, thereby providing the exposed rail 11 some protection from scuffing or damage. As seen in Figure 3, the wear strip includes a head portion 14 and a bulb 15. Being formed of a resilient material, and shaped with diverging sides, the bulb portion may be pushed into the groove 12 so that the head 14 and bulb 15 are securely held between the sides of the groove, hi this embodiment the groove includes a pair of opposed, countersunk shoulders to partially accommodate the head portion 14. In alternative embodiments, the wear strip may take the form of a cap which entirely covers the top of the rail. The assembly further includes a fixed sash 4 positioned on the sill. In the embodiment depicted the fixed sash 4 is positioned on the exterior (weather) side of the sill 3. Both the fixed and sliding sashes include stiles 5 & 6 respectively which extend in a direction perpendicular to the sill and the direction of the sliding movement of the sliding sash. The embodiment depicted relate to sliding windows and include a flyscreen mounting channel 10. As seen in Figures 8 and 9, the stiles 5 & 6 include tongues 7 & 8 respectively which are adapted to overlap and interlock when the sliding sash 2 is moved to its closed position. The various frame elements are preferably extruded aluminium sections although, as mentioned above, the present invention is not limited to this particular material or mode of construction. For example, the various frame elements may be formed from extruded polymers, pultruded reinforced polymers, extruded metal such as aluminium, timber or any combination thereof. The glass panels are shown generally at 9. Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the window or door sill 3 shown in Figure 1 with a preferred sealing element 20. hi the particular embodiment depicted, the sealing element 20 is adapted to engage with a longitudinally extending groove 17 of the window sill extrusion. The location of the seal on the sill is also shown in Figures 3 and 4 which depict end and plan views respectively of Figure 2. It is to be noted that the profile of the sill 3 can be varied and that in some forms of the invention the longitudinally extending groove 17 maybe omitted and the form of the sealing element 20 configured to suit. The sealing element 20 includes an outer sealing face 21 shaped to conform with the outer surface of the sill 3. Figure 5 depicts various views of a preferred embodiment of the fixed sealing element 20. The sealing element 20 is provided with an outer surface or face 21 adapted to seat upon the external face of the sill 3 and thereby provide a seal against the ingress of water and/or wind. In the embodiment depicted, the sealing element 20 further includes a recessed mating rib 22 which is adapted to engage with the groove 17 of the sill 3, thereby aiding in locating and retaining the sealing element in position on the sill.

However, as mentioned above, the profile of the sill may vary and may not necessarily include the groove portion 17 depicted and accordingly the shape of the sealing element 20 may vary correspondingly. Preferably the sealing element 20 is made of a deformable material, such as rubber, so as to enable it to conform to the shape of the external surface of the sill 3. The sealing element 20 is preferably adapted to include a means for locating with respect to the fixed sash. In the embodiment depicted the seal element includes a locating boss 23 in its outer face to provide for location of the seal with respect to a fixed sash of the window. In particular, the locating boss 23 is shaped to mate with the internal profile of a frame element of the fixed sash. A further feature of the prefened embodiment of the sealing element 20 is a tapered face 25 on the leading end of the seal to assist in the sealing action as the fixed and moving interlocking stiles of the window or door come into engagement upon closing of the window or door. Referring to Figure 6, a corner joining element 30, or stake, of the sliding window or door sash is depicted mounted on the window sill 3. For the sake of clarity, and to better illustrate an aspect of the prefened sealing arrangement, the various frame elements of the fixed and sliding sashes have been omitted from Figure 6. The comer joining element 30 is adapted to provide a comer connection between perpendicular frame elements of the sliding sash. The comer joining element 30 is further adapted for mounting upon the rail section 11 of the window or door sill 3. hi a further aspect of the present invention the comer stake 30 carries a sealing member 32 which, in use, cooperates with the deformable fixed seal 20 on the sill to provide for sealing between the fixed and sliding sashes at the end of the interlocking stiles 5 & 6. It should be noted that the movable sealing member 32 may be either integrally formed with the comer stake 30, or alternatively, formed separate thereto, hi one embodiment, the movable sealing member 32 may be manufactured from a relatively hard material such as nylon. Upon closing of the window or door, the moving seal element 32 carried on the moving window or door sash passes up and over the tapered leading surface 25 of the fixed seal 20 and is positioned thereon when the window or door is in a fully closed position. The nose section 33 of the movable sealing member 32 maybe slightly rounded in order to more easily enable the moving seal to pass over the fixed seal. The weight of the sliding sash bearing on the moving seal element 32 causes the moving seal to compress the fixed seal 20 so that the fixed seal deforms partially around the moving seal 32, thereby closing any gaps between and/or sunounding the adjacent seals and providing a weather- tight seal at the base of the interlocking tongues 7 and 8 and between sill 3 and the interlock stiles 5 & 6 of the fixed and sliding sashes 4 and 2 respectively. In alternative embodiments, the fixed seal 20 may be manufactured from a relatively hard material, whilst the moving seal 32 is manufactured from a deformable material, such as rubber, so as to effect sealing at the end of the fixed and moving stiles 5 and 6. However, in a particularly prefened embodiment, both the fixed seal 20 and the moving seal 32 are both formed from relatively deformable materials. In yet a further alternative embodiment, sufficient weather sealing of the end of the fixed and moving stiles may be provided without relying upon material deformation of the fixed and/or moving seals. In this embodiment of the invention, the fixed and moving seals may be configured to cooperate with each other when the sliding sash is moved to a closed position. For example, the fixed and moving seals may be provided with mating surfaces or shapes such that when the seals are moved into cooperating positions a weather-tight seal is formed at the base of the interlocking stiles. For example, the seals may be provided with labyrinthine forms which cooperate with each other upon moving the sliding sash to a closed position. As depicted in Figures 8 and 9, a further preferred feature of the sealing anangement of the present invention is the provision of a wedge-shaped sealing element 40 within the interlock channel of the stile of the fixed sash. The sealing element 40 is adapted such that upon the sliding window or door sash being moved to a closed position the tongue 8 of the stile 6 of the sliding sash mates with surface 41 of the seal 40 to provide sealing along the stile channel. Preferably the wedge-shaped sealing element 40 is manufactured from a resilient material which provides a degree of compliance when the stile engages with the seal 40. Referring again to Figures 8 and 9, the channel of the fixed stile 5 is provided with a rib 50 for ensuring correct location of the seal member 40 and for retaining the seal in position within the channel. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in order to provide additional sealing along the length of the interlock of the stiles of the fixed and sliding sashes, it is also preferable for a deformable seal 55, preferably made of foam, to be located within the channel 54 of the stile of the sliding sash. It is further preferable that the seal 55 extend along the full length of the channel 54 to provide sealing therealong. In a further embodiment provision is made in either the sash extrusions, or in the conesponding parts of the external frame with which the sliding sash mates upon closing, for the fitting of a further weather seal. Preferably the weather seal is located inside the sliding sash extrusions. Preferably the weather seal is ananged such that as the closed window is pushed by external wind pressure, the sash further compresses the seal to better seal the window against the ingress of wind and rainwater. A prefened form of weather seal will be described herein with particular reference to Figures 17a and 17b. hi a further aspect of the prefened sealing anangement, cams and/or guide means are incorporated in the sliding window or door to urge the sliding sash laterally as it closes for the purposes of sealing. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a partial perspective view of a prefened embodiment of an interlock assembly of a sliding window or door is depicted in a closed position. The sliding sash 2 is located on and guided by the rail 11 which is integrally formed in the frame member 3. In the closed position, the interlock stile members 5, 6 are in a position such that the respective tongues 7, 8 overlap and interlock. Sealing elements 40, 55 are located within channels in interlock stiles 5, 6 respectively to provide for sealing along the length of the interlock. Figure 11 illustrates the sliding sash 2 in a raised position so as to reveal the end seal element 32 which locates on the end of the moving stile 6. Referring to Figure 12, a prefened sliding sash assembly 2 is depicted, along with the various sealing components which are carried on the sliding sash. When assembled, the sliding sash carries a sealing element 32 to provide sealing at the end of the interlock stiles when the sliding sash is in a closed position. The embodiment of the sealing element 32 depicted is adapted to be located and retained upon the end of the interlock stile member 6 of the sliding sash. In order to reduce friction upon closing whilst also enabling a seal against the ingress of water, the sealing element preferably includes one or more raised surfaces 36 which seal upon one or more conesponding surfaces of the fixed seal element 20. hi the prefened embodiment depicted the sealing element 32 includes a pair of ribs 36 which seat upon conesponding sealing surfaces of the fixed sill seal element 20. It should be appreciated that the shape and configuration of the sealing element 32 may vary depending upon the cross-sectional form of the interlock stile member 6. As discussed above, the sliding sash further includes an interlock seal 55, preferably in the form of a deformable foam or rubber strip, which is located within the channel 54 of the stile 6 of the sliding sash so as to provide for sealing along the length of the interlock stile when the sliding sash is in a closed position. Additionally, in accordance with a further prefened form of the present invention, the sliding sash 2 carries a weather seal 60 so as to provide for sealing between the fixed and sliding sash frame members. The weather seal is configured in the form of a strip and is located and retained inside the sliding sash frame member 70 by means of a pair of opposing slots 71a, 71b located within the sash frame member. It is further preferable for the weather seal 60 to be located on the external (weather) side of the window or door. The weather seal 60 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 18a and 18b. Figures 13a to 13c, and 14a to 14c, provide a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in open and closed positions respectively, and illustrate the components of the sealing anangement at the end of the interlock stiles. The sealing anangement at the end of the interlock stiles includes a fixed sealing element 20 carried on the sill frame member 3, whilst the sliding sash 2 carries a mating sealing member 32 located at the end of the interlock stile. When the sliding sash 2 is moved to a fully closed position as shown in Figure 14b, the sealing member 32 at the end of the interlock stile seats upon the sealing member carried on the sill member 3 so as to effect sealing engagement at the end of the interlock. The fixed sealing element 20 preferably includes an outwardly extending sealing member which locates within the channel 54 of the moving stile 6 and engages with the sealing surface(s) of the sealing member 32 when the sliding sash is moved to its closed position. It is to be noted that a conesponding sealing anangement may be provided at both ends of the interlock. Returning to Figure 5, the seal element 20 the tapered leading face 25 provides for easier engagement with the moving seal element 32 carried on the end of the moving interlock stile as the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to its closed position. In the prefened embodiment depicted, the seal element 20 includes a pair of sealing faces 28, 29 upon which the moving interlock seal element 32 seats when the sliding sash of the window or door is in its closed position. When the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to its closed position the ribs 36 of the moving seal 32 seat upon the faces 28, 29 of the fixed seal 20. The outwardly extending member 31 on the fixed seal 20 locates within the channel 54 of the moving stile 6, with the tongue 8 of the moving stile locating in the space 37 behind the member 31. The embodiment of the fixed interlock sealing element depicted is adapted to seat upon an inclined external face of a window or door sill, such as that which is typical of a lower sill of a sliding window or door. Figures 15a to 15k depict various views of a further form of the fixed seal element 20. hi this form, it is to be noted that the sealing face 21 of the fixed seal which seats on the sill frame member 3 is substantially parallel to the sealing face which cooperates with the moving seal on the end of the moving interlock stile and typically the seal member is used for providing sealing at the upper end of the interlock where the sill member 3 does not have an inclined outer face. Figures 16a to 16j depict various views of a particularly prefened embodiment of the moving seal element 32. The moving seal element 32 is adapted to engage with the end of the moving interlock stile 6 of the sliding sash of the window or door. Accordingly, it should be noted that the particular form of the sealing element 32 may vary depending on the cross-sectional form of the interlock stile. The seal element includes ribs 36 which seat upon faces 28, 29 of the fixed seal 20. The seal element further includes a member 38 which locates within the channel 54 at the end of the moving stile 6. The member 38 preferably includes a tapered leading face so as to facilitate engagement with the fixed seal element 20 as the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to its closed position. The member 38 may also include a notch 39 as shown which cooperates with a complementary rib within the channel 54 of the moving stile to assist in the location of the seal on the end of the stile. Referring to Figures 17a and 17b, an end view and a perspective view of a prefened embodiment of the weather seal 60 is depicted. This weather seal includes a pair of outwardly diverging sealing elements; namely, a deformable "bulb" seal element 61 and a flap seal element 62 that extends from the bulb element. The bulb seal is preferably formed of an easily deformable rubber material and is preferably of hollow cross-section. This interacting pair of sealing elements are located on a relatively rigid backing member 63, preferably in the form of a strip. The configuration of the weather seal provides for the seal to be inserted into a conesponding slotted section in the sliding sash frame members as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 18a and 18b. The sealing faces of the pair of sealing elements 61, 62 are located in planes which are at an angle with respect to each other on the opposed inner surfaces of the sealing elements. In use, the weather seal is configured and positioned in the frame member such that the flap seal 62 provides an outer, primary sealing boundary whilst the bulb seal 61 provides an inner, secondary sealing boundary. Referring to Figures 18a and 18b, an end view and perspective view of a prefened embodiment of a sliding sash frame member 70 are depicted with the weather sealing element 60 located in position within the frame member. Preferably the frame member 70 includes a pair of longitudinally extending internal slots 71a, 71b within which the weather seal is located and retained. To assemble the weather seal on the sliding sash frame member, one end of an appropriate length of weather seal 60 is located within the slots 71a, 71b and the weather seal 60 is then slid into position along the length of the channel defined by slots 71a, 71b. By configuring the weather seal 60 and sash frame member 70 so as to enable the sliding fitment of the seal within the sash frame member, significant advantages in assembly time and labour requirements are provided, as well as enabling consistent and accurate assembly of the weather seal within the sash frame. Referring to Figures 19a and 19b, the sash assembly is depicted in an open position. As described previously, the sill member 3 includes a hump or rail section 11 upon which the sliding sash 2 is located and guided. Referring next to Figures 20a and 20b, the sliding sash is depicted in the open position. As the sash approaches the closed position, a wedge element 75 carried on the inside of the sliding sash engages with an outwardly extending hump section 76 on the window or door frame to cause the sliding sash to move laterally. In doing so, the weather seals 60 located around the periphery of the sliding sash are pressed against the respective frame sections of the window or door frame to effect sealing around the periphery of the sliding sash. The bulb member 61 of the peripheral seal deforms such that an area of its outer surface conforms to the outer surface of the fixed frame sections. Preferably, the lower flap 62 of the weather seal is sized such that the leading edge 64 of the flap extends to a position near or below the outer edge of the sash, thereby minimising the ingress of water due to the action of surface tension. Essentially, the flap seal element diverts any water back outwards and the deformable bulb acts as a secondary sealing line in the event that the first sealing line provided by the flap is breached. Advantageously, the slide-in configuration of the peripheral seal reduces assembly time and, as no skill is required in assembly of the seal on the moving sash, the performance of the peripheral seal is consistent and predictable. Furthermore, the rubber bulb and flap sealing elements provide only mimmal drag during the sliding operation of the sash and yet provide effective sealing when pushed up against the hump sections of the fixed frame by the van door closing action at the end of the travel of the sliding sash. The sill 3 also provides a drainage path to direct moisture forming on the inside surfaces of the window or door, outside. It will be apparent, with reference to Figures 10 and 11, that condensation and moisture accumulating on the inside facing surface or pane of sliding sash 2 will run down the sash 2 and drip into gutter 81 located at the base of rail 11. As seen in Figures 21a and 21b, fluid collecting in gutter 81 is drained by means of drainage apertures 82 into the interior of the sill 3. The drainage apertures are located at the lowest point in the gutter. The sill includes a longitudinally extending hollow chamber 83. Since the sill is formed as an extruded section, there are no joins or cracks in the gutter 81 or chamber 83 for fluid to leak away. The chamber bottom 84 provides a fluid conduit between the drainage apertures 82 and a series of spaces fluid outlets 85 located at what is the outer side of the sill. Please note that further additional drainage apertures (not shown) may be provided in the upper sill surface 86 for draining moisture accumulated behind the fixed sash 4 but in front of the gutter 81. The chamber bottom 84 is at a slight incline to encourage the flow of fluid toward the outlets and is also free of obstructions for an unimpeded fluid flow path. A blowback valve 87 formed of a soft rubber material is also provided to allow moisture to exit the chamber from the outlets 85 and restrict wind, fluid and insects entering the sill. The flap is includes a valve flap 88 and a blowback flap 89. The valve flap 88 acts as a valve member to cover the outlets 85 whilst the blowback flap directs fluid exiting the outlets away from the sill. The valve 88 also includes a backing strip 90 which fits between a pair of slots 91a and 91b on the sill to locate and retain the valve. The valve is extruded or moulded in lengths and cut to size. It is installed in a similar manner to the weather seal 60, by sliding between the slots 90a and 90b. Turning finally to Figures 22 to 25 inclusive, there is shown a prefened form of combined latch and seal breaking apparatus 100 according to the invention that has been configured for specific use with the window sealing anangement shown in the previous Figures. As shown in the drawings, the apparatus includes a latch housing 101 which is mounted to the closing end stile member 102 of the sliding sash 2. The latching function of this device is conventional and includes a latch tongue 103 which engages a latch striker 104 that is provided in the innermost surface of the adjacent fixed frame member 105. The latch is operated by a handle 106 which withdraws the latch tongue 103 from the striker 104 enabling the door to be opened. There are numerous ways in which such a latch can operate. However, in the case illustrated that is suitable for use in sliding door and window applications, the latch has a hooked catch element 107 and is normally biased into an engaged (usually upper) position where it can be hooked behind the striker 104, but released during the closing operation by operation of downwardly facing cam surfaces 108 on the catch element 107 against strike surface 109 of the striker 104, and released during opening by operation of the latch handle. h the present invention, a seal breaking mechanism is incorporated into the latch device. The seal breaking components include an actuator in the form of a lever 111 that is connected to an internal shaft or spigot 112 connected to the handle 104, and an abutment surface formed by a cam 114 that is mounted to the fixed frame 105. The lever 111 is formed as an extension of the latch actuator 110 which drives the latch tongue 103 downwardly by means of a connecting pin 115 which is restrained for vertical movement by slot 116 in stile 105. hi use, the handle 106 of the latch is rotated and pulled back progressively as shown in the drawings, hi the first part of the movement, the actuator 110 rotates about spigot 112 driving the connecting pin 115 downwardly through slot 116 such that the latch catch element 107 is released from the striker and the lever 105 is brought into contact with the upper surface 117 of cam 114 which is closest to the rear of frame member 105. As the handle rotates further, the lever 111 rotates downwardly over the cam which has a surface that extends progressively outwardly from the edge of the fixed frame, which thereby drives the sliding sash away from the fixed frame and fixed sash members. The handle to lever ratio provides a significant mechanical advantage, which assists in breaking the seal between their various surfaces with minimal effort.

Furthermore, by incorporating the seal breaking action as part of the normal operation of the latch only a single action is required and the latch is always fully released before the seal is broken. Whilst the present invention has been described in the context of a horizontally sliding window or door, it should be noted that various aspects of the invention may also be applied to vertically opening windows such as double hung windows. Similarly, the general concept of the seal breaking element is also applicable to awning and casement windows. It should also be noted that whilst the prefened form has the seal breaking element as pat of a window latch device, it could easily be provided as a stand alone device without a latch function or as part of a dead bolt anangement. Accordingly, although the invention has been described with reference to the specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

CLAIMS:-

1. A seal breaking apparatus for a window or door unit, said unit including: a fixed frame element; and a moving sash having a fixed frame abutting stile or rail member; said moving sash being moveable between a closed position in which said fixed stile or rail member is in sealing contact with said fixed frame element and an open position, wherein said seal breaking apparatus includes a seal breaking mechanism and an abutment surface, each being mounted or otherwise provided separately on one of said frame or stile/rail members, said mechanism including a handle connected to an actuator, said handle being operable to force said actuator against said abutment surface when said moving sash is in the closed position to thereby break said seal by forcing said moving sash from the closed position toward the open position.

2. A seal breaking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said moving sash is a sliding sash.

3. A seal breaking apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said handle and actuator operates by a rotary action and at least one of said actuator or abutment surface includes a cam surface configured to translate the rotary action of said actuator against the abutment surface into a predominantly linear movement of said moving sash away from said fixed frame member.

4. A latch mechanism for a window or door unit incorporating a seal breaking apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, said latch having a latch tongue for connection to said moving sash that engages a latch striker provided on the fixed frame.

5. A latch mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said seal breaking actuator is operable by a handle that also operates the latch.

6. A latch mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the actuator is in the form of a lever attached to a shaft that is connected to the latch operating handle, said lever being configured to engage a fixed cam located adjacent the latch striker.

7. A latch mechanism according to claim 6, wherein said lever has two operating surfaces, one to engage said fixed cam to break the seal and another to directly or indirectly operate said latch said operating surfaces being configured to ensure the latch is released prior to the cam forcing the moving sash away from the fixed frame.

8. A latch mechanism according to claim 7 that is configured for a sliding window or door unit, wherein said latch includes a hooked latch tongue which moves in a direction parallel to said abutting frame elements and which in the closed position engages an edge of the latch striker.

9. A latch mechanism according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the combined latch and seal breaking apparatus also includes a lock function.

10. A latch mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the lock is operable to prevent movement of the latch tongue.

11. A sealing anangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including respective fixed and sliding sash frame members which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed position, wherein said sealing anangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on said sliding sash at an end of said sliding sash frame member and said fixed seal element is located between a conesponding end of said fixed sash frame member and a sill or head frame member of the window or door, wherein upon moving said sliding sash to said closed position said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members, said window or door further including a seal breaking anangement in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sliding sash frame member is a interlock stile and the fixed sash frame member is a conesponding interlock stile of the fixed sash.

13. A sealing arrangement claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixed seal element is adapted to sit upon an outer face of the window or door seal and includes an outer sealing face adapted to conform with the outer face of the seal.

14. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein said sealing face includes a lip which engages with a conesponding longitudinally extending groove on the sill member so as to provide for the conect location of the fixed seal element on the sill.

15. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixed seal element includes a tapered leading face so as to facilitate engagement with the moving seal element as the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to a closed position.

16. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixed seal element includes a sealing face upon which the moving interlock seal element seats when the sliding sash of the window or door is in a closed position.

17. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixed seal element is fonried from a deformable material.

18. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fixed seal member is fonned from a rubber compound.

19. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein the moving seal element is formed from a deformable material.

20. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 19, wherein the moving seal element is formed from a rubber compound.

21. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 11 further including an auxiliary seal having a first sealing element and a second sealing element, said first sealing element in the form of a flap and said second sealing element in the form of a deformable bulb section from which the flap extends.

22. A sealing anangement as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 21 incorporating a hollow sill member with passages provided therein to direct moisture accumulating on an inner side of said fixed and/or sliding sash through the sill section to the outside of the window or door

23. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 22, further including a blow back valve at an outlet of said hollow sill section.

24. A sealing anangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein the blowback valve at an outlet of said hollow sill section.

25. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein the blow back seal includes an integral flap to direct moisture exiting from the blow back valve away from the sill.

26. A sealing anangement and seal breaking anangement for a sliding window or door substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings.