WO2012104440A2 - Apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components - Google Patents

Apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012104440A2
WO2012104440A2 PCT/EP2012/051988 EP2012051988W WO2012104440A2 WO 2012104440 A2 WO2012104440 A2 WO 2012104440A2 EP 2012051988 W EP2012051988 W EP 2012051988W WO 2012104440 A2 WO2012104440 A2 WO 2012104440A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
arm
proximal end
coupling
component
frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/051988
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012104440A3 (en
Inventor
Robert Friedrich HOELLRIGL
Original Assignee
Bowater Building Products Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB1101948.6A external-priority patent/GB2478386B/en
Application filed by Bowater Building Products Limited filed Critical Bowater Building Products Limited
Publication of WO2012104440A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012104440A2/en
Publication of WO2012104440A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012104440A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/30—Coverings, e.g. protecting against weather, for decorative purposes
    • E06B3/301—Coverings, e.g. protecting against weather, for decorative purposes consisting of prefabricated profiled members or glass
    • E06B3/306—Covering plastic frames with metal or plastic profiled members
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/04—Wing frames not characterised by the manner of movement
    • E06B3/06—Single frames
    • E06B3/08—Constructions depending on the use of specified materials
    • E06B3/20—Constructions depending on the use of specified materials of plastics
    • E06B3/22—Hollow frames
    • E06B3/221—Hollow frames with the frame member having local reinforcements in some parts of its cross-section or with a filled cavity
    • E06B3/222—Hollow frames with the frame member having local reinforcements in some parts of its cross-section or with a filled cavity with internal prefabricated reinforcing section members inserted after manufacturing of the hollow frame
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/96—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings
    • E06B3/964—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings using separate connection pieces, e.g. T-connection pieces
    • E06B3/9645—Mitre joints
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/96—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings
    • E06B3/964—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings using separate connection pieces, e.g. T-connection pieces
    • E06B3/968—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings using separate connection pieces, e.g. T-connection pieces characterised by the way the connecting pieces are fixed in or on the frame members
    • E06B3/9687—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings using separate connection pieces, e.g. T-connection pieces characterised by the way the connecting pieces are fixed in or on the frame members with screws blocking the connecting piece inside or on the frame member
    • E06B3/9688—Mitre joints
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/04—Wing frames not characterised by the manner of movement
    • E06B3/263—Frames with special provision for insulation
    • E06B3/2632—Frames with special provision for insulation with arrangements reducing the heat transmission, other than an interruption in a metal section
    • E06B2003/26321—Frames with special provision for insulation with arrangements reducing the heat transmission, other than an interruption in a metal section with additional prefab insulating materials in the hollow space
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/96—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings
    • E06B3/9624—Corner joints or edge joints for windows, doors, or the like frames or wings with means specially adapted for aligning the frontal surfaces of adjacent frame member ends

Definitions

  • Hybrid frame components in the context of the present application, comprise window or door frame components that comprise a core having a poor thermal conductivity (for example of u-PVC or WPC (wood/plastic composite)) to which one or more fascia panels having a higher thermal conductivity (for example of aluminium or aluminium alloy) have been coupled.
  • a core having a poor thermal conductivity for example of u-PVC or WPC (wood/plastic composite)
  • fascia panels having a higher thermal conductivity for example of aluminium or aluminium alloy
  • a typical window or door comprises a frame that is mounted to the fabric of the building, and a sash that is then mounted in the frame.
  • Modern windows are typically of u-PVC, aluminium or WPC (wood plastic composite), and it is conventional to fabricate the frames (both the frame of the sash and the frame that is coupled to the fabric of the building) from a number of extruded frame components that are then joined together to form the frame.
  • frame components are of aluminium, they are joined together by crimping, and where such frame components are of u-PVC or WPC, they are typically joined together by means of a welding process.
  • Modern windows and doors are typically given a u-value that signifies how efficient they are at preventing heat transfer from one side of the window/door to the other.
  • aluminium windows With the drive to use our natural resources more efficiently, aluminium windows have become less popular as the u-value achievable with such a window is typically much less than that achievable with a comparable u-PVC or WPC frame. It is also the case that aluminium windows are typically more expensive than their u-PVC or WPC equivalents. However, aluminium windows are still generally perceived to be more attractive than u-PVC or WPC equivalents, and hence are often installed for aesthetic reasons.
  • respective ends of the frame component are mitred (typically by cutting the assembled core and fascia) ready for joining to like frame components to form a frame for a hybrid window or door.
  • apparatus for coupling a first and a second hybrid frame component of a window or door together, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a core to which a fascia panel has been coupled, each of said cores including an internal void
  • the apparatus comprising: a first coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the void of said first component core and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the void of said second component core, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to said first component core, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to said second component core to thereby couple said first frame component to said second frame component.
  • each said fascia panel comprises an internal void
  • said apparatus further comprises: a second coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the void of a first of said fascia panels and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the void of a second of said fascia panels, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said fascia panels, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said fascia panels to thereby couple said first fascia panel to said second fascia panel.
  • said first and second frame components may each comprise a second internal void
  • the apparatus may comprise: a third coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the second void of a first of said frame components and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the second void of a second of said frame components, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said frame components, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said frame components.
  • said first and second frame components may each comprise a third internal void
  • the apparatus may comprise: a fourth coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the third void of a first of said frame components and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the third void of a second of said frame components, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said frame components, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said frame components.
  • the coupling means comprises a plurality of fixings.
  • the coupling means may comprise a plurality of screws.
  • the component cores may be of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material of said fascia panels.
  • the component cores may be of u-PVC or WPC.
  • the fascia panels may be of metal, such as aluminium or an alloy thereof.
  • the teachings of the present invention also provide a method of coupling a first and a second hybrid frame component of a window or door together, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a core to which a fascia panel has been coupled, each of said cores including an internal void, the method comprising: providing a first coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm; inserting said proximal end of said first arm into the void of said first component core; inserting said proximal end of said second arm into the void of said second component core; coupling said proximal end of said first arm to said first component core, and coupling said proximal end of said second arm to said second component core.
  • Figs 1 (a) to 1 (c) are schematic cross-sectional views of arrangements disclosed in co-pending UK Patent Application no. 1 101949.4;
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded schematic representation of apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 2 installed in a said frame component;
  • Figs. 4(a) to (c) are cross-sectional views of illustrative frame configurations.
  • each frame component 13, 15 is a hybrid frame component, by which we mean that each frame component comprises a core 17, 19 to which fascia panels 21 , 23, 25 and 27 have been coupled (for example, in the manner described in UK patent application no. 1 101949.4).
  • the component cores 17, 19 are of a material, such as u-PVC or WPC (wood/plastic composite), that has a lower thermal conductivity than the material, typically aluminium or an aluminium alloy, from which the fascia panels 21 , 23, 25, 27 are formed.
  • the frame component cores 17, 19 each define first 29, second 31 , and third 33 internal voids.
  • the fascia panels 25, 27 each comprise an internal void 35, 37.
  • the apparatus for coupling the frame components together comprises a first coupling component 39 that comprises a first arm 39(i) and a second arm 39(H) that are joined together at respective distal ends.
  • the first and second arms are integrally formed (for example by a moulding process), but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other.
  • the first and second arms are relatively stiff and are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, but in other envisaged arrangements the first and second arms may be more pliable and in such an arrangement they need not be set exactly at a right angle to one another.
  • the proximal ends of the first and second arms 39(i), 39(H) are configured to fit within the first internal voids 29 of the first and second frame components 13, 15, respectively. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the frame components, for example by means of couplings 40 (Fig. 3) (such as screws) extending through the underside of the core.
  • the first coupling component may be of a metal, but in a preferred arrangement the first coupling component is of a plastics material, such as u- PVC.
  • the apparatus further comprises a second coupling component 41 that comprises a first arm 41 (i) and a second arm 41 (ii) that are joined together at respective distal ends.
  • the first and second arms are integrally formed, but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other.
  • the first and second arms are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, and the coupling component itself is formed of a metal (such as aluminium), for example, by a die casting process.
  • first and second arms 41 (i), 41 (ii) are configured to fit within the internal voids 35, 37 of the fascia panels 25, 27. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the fascia panels, for example by means of couplings (such as screws 43) extending through a face of the fascia that is normally not visible in use.
  • the apparatus further comprises a third coupling component 45 that comprises a first arm 45(i) and a second arm 45(H) that are joined together at respective distal ends.
  • the first and second arms of the third coupling component are integrally formed, but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other.
  • the first and second arms are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, and the coupling component 45 is formed of a metal (such as aluminium), for example, by a die casting process.
  • first and second arms 45(i), 45(H) are configured to fit within the third internal voids 33 of the cores 17, 19. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the core, for example by means of couplings (such as screws 47) extending through the underside of the fascia panels 25, 27 and into the cores 17, 19.
  • the apparatus further comprises a fourth coupling component 49 that comprises a first arm 49(i) and a second arm 49(H) that are joined together at respective distal ends.
  • the first and second arms of the fourth coupling component are integrally formed, but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other.
  • the first and second arms are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, and the coupling component 49 is formed of a metal (such as aluminium), for example, by a die casting process.
  • first and second arms 49(i), 49(H) are configured to fit within the second internal voids 31 of the cores 17, 19. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the core, for example by means of couplings (such as screws 51 ) extending through the underside of the fascia panels 21 , 23 and into the cores 17, 19.
  • the apparatus comprises each of the four coupling components mentioned above, but it will be appreciated that some of these components may not in fact be required and hence may be omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 of the drawings there is depicted a schematic perspective view of the second frame component core 19 into which the second arms of the four aforementioned coupling components 39, 41 , 45, 49 have been inserted, but the first core component 13 has yet to be fitted over the coupling components.
  • the first void 29 within the first and second core components 13, 15 is unfilled.
  • the first void 29 of the first and second core components 13, 15 can be filled to reduce the u-value of the frame or to increase its structural rigidity.
  • a reinforcing bar 53 (typically of metal) has been inserted into the first void 29 to increase the structural integrity of the core component 19.
  • a thermal barrier 55 has been inserted into the void 29, the barrier (typically of a material having a low thermal conductivity) including a number of internal compartments (some or all of which may be filled with material, such as a foam, that further limits heat transfer) that function to reduce heat transfer from one side of the frame component to the other.
  • an enhanced thermal barrier 57 has been inserted into the void 29, the barrier being substantially completely filled with a foam material to further reduce heat transfer from one side of the frame component to the other.
  • one or more of the second and third voids may also be wholly or partly filled with foam to reduce heat transfer from one side of the frame to the other.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Molds, Cores, And Manufacturing Methods Thereof (AREA)
  • Wing Frames And Configurations (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for coupling a first (13) and a second (15) hybrid frame component of a window or door together, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a core (17, 19) to which a fascia panel (25, 27) has been coupled, each of said cores including an internal void (29), the apparatus comprising: a first coupling component (30) having first (39(i)) and second (39(ii)) arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm (39(ii) extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm (39(i)), said proximal end of said first arm (39(i)) being receivable within the void (29) of said first component core (17) and said proximal end of said second arm (39(H)) being receivable within the void (29) of said second component core (19), and means (40) for coupling said proximal end of said first arm (39(i)) to said first component core (17), and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm (39(H)) to said second component core (19) to thereby couple said first frame component (13) to said second frame component (15).

Description

APPARATUS FOR COUPLING HYBRID FRAME COMPONENTS
Field
This invention relates to apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components, for example hybrid frame components of a window or door. Hybrid frame components, in the context of the present application, comprise window or door frame components that comprise a core having a poor thermal conductivity (for example of u-PVC or WPC (wood/plastic composite)) to which one or more fascia panels having a higher thermal conductivity (for example of aluminium or aluminium alloy) have been coupled.
Background
A typical window or door comprises a frame that is mounted to the fabric of the building, and a sash that is then mounted in the frame. Modern windows are typically of u-PVC, aluminium or WPC (wood plastic composite), and it is conventional to fabricate the frames (both the frame of the sash and the frame that is coupled to the fabric of the building) from a number of extruded frame components that are then joined together to form the frame. Typically, where such frame components are of aluminium, they are joined together by crimping, and where such frame components are of u-PVC or WPC, they are typically joined together by means of a welding process.
Modern windows and doors are typically given a u-value that signifies how efficient they are at preventing heat transfer from one side of the window/door to the other. With the drive to use our natural resources more efficiently, aluminium windows have become less popular as the u-value achievable with such a window is typically much less than that achievable with a comparable u-PVC or WPC frame. It is also the case that aluminium windows are typically more expensive than their u-PVC or WPC equivalents. However, aluminium windows are still generally perceived to be more attractive than u-PVC or WPC equivalents, and hence are often installed for aesthetic reasons.
In an effort to address both the environmental and cost issues associated with aluminium windows we have proposed in our co-pending UK patent application no. 1 101949.4 (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) to provide a frame component that comprises a u-PVC or WPC core to which aluminium fascia panels are clipped. As shown in Figs. 1 (a) to 1 (c), in this co-pending application we disclose a hybrid window or door frame component where metallic (typically aluminium) fascia panels 1 are clipped to a u-PCV or WPC core 3 by locating an upstand 5 on the core 3 in a groove 7 on the fascia 1 , and then rotating the fascia 1 relative to the core 3 until a catch 9 on the fascia engages with a groove 1 1 in the core.
Once the fascia panels have been attached to the core, respective ends of the frame component are mitred (typically by cutting the assembled core and fascia) ready for joining to like frame components to form a frame for a hybrid window or door.
However, a problem exists that with such an arrangement it is no longer possible to crimp or weld adjacent frame components together to form a finished frame for installation. For example, if one were to contemplate welding the cores together, the fascia panels would interfere (to a varying extent from join to join) as parts of the cores meld together during the welding process. Similar problems arise if one were to attempt to crimp the outer metallic fascia panels together.
The present invention has been devised with the foregoing problems in mind.
Summary
In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for coupling a first and a second hybrid frame component of a window or door together, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a core to which a fascia panel has been coupled, each of said cores including an internal void, the apparatus comprising: a first coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the void of said first component core and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the void of said second component core, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to said first component core, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to said second component core to thereby couple said first frame component to said second frame component.
In a preferred implementation, each said fascia panel comprises an internal void, and said apparatus further comprises: a second coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the void of a first of said fascia panels and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the void of a second of said fascia panels, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said fascia panels, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said fascia panels to thereby couple said first fascia panel to said second fascia panel. In another implementation, said first and second frame components may each comprise a second internal void, and the apparatus may comprise: a third coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the second void of a first of said frame components and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the second void of a second of said frame components, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said frame components, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said frame components.
In another implementation, said first and second frame components may each comprise a third internal void, and the apparatus may comprise: a fourth coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the third void of a first of said frame components and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the third void of a second of said frame components, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said frame components, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said frame components.
In preferred embodiments, the coupling means comprises a plurality of fixings. The coupling means may comprise a plurality of screws.
The component cores may be of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material of said fascia panels. The component cores may be of u-PVC or WPC. The fascia panels may be of metal, such as aluminium or an alloy thereof.
The teachings of the present invention also provide a method of coupling a first and a second hybrid frame component of a window or door together, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a core to which a fascia panel has been coupled, each of said cores including an internal void, the method comprising: providing a first coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm; inserting said proximal end of said first arm into the void of said first component core; inserting said proximal end of said second arm into the void of said second component core; coupling said proximal end of said first arm to said first component core, and coupling said proximal end of said second arm to said second component core. Other features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the following detailed description.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figs 1 (a) to 1 (c) are schematic cross-sectional views of arrangements disclosed in co-pending UK Patent Application no. 1 101949.4;
Fig. 2 is an exploded schematic representation of apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 2 installed in a said frame component;
Figs. 4(a) to (c) are cross-sectional views of illustrative frame configurations.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
In the following detailed description, the teachings of the invention will be disclosed with reference to a window, but it should be remembered that the teachings of the invention are equally applicable to doors and hence the following detailed description should not be interpreted as being limited only to windows.
With the above proviso in mind, reference will now be made to Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings in which there is depicted a first frame component 13 that is to be coupled to a second frame component 15. Each frame component 13, 15 is a hybrid frame component, by which we mean that each frame component comprises a core 17, 19 to which fascia panels 21 , 23, 25 and 27 have been coupled (for example, in the manner described in UK patent application no. 1 101949.4). The component cores 17, 19 are of a material, such as u-PVC or WPC (wood/plastic composite), that has a lower thermal conductivity than the material, typically aluminium or an aluminium alloy, from which the fascia panels 21 , 23, 25, 27 are formed.
As shown in Fig 2, the frame component cores 17, 19 each define first 29, second 31 , and third 33 internal voids. In addition, the fascia panels 25, 27 each comprise an internal void 35, 37.
The apparatus for coupling the frame components together comprises a first coupling component 39 that comprises a first arm 39(i) and a second arm 39(H) that are joined together at respective distal ends. In a preferred arrangement, the first and second arms are integrally formed (for example by a moulding process), but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other. In one envisaged arrangement the first and second arms are relatively stiff and are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, but in other envisaged arrangements the first and second arms may be more pliable and in such an arrangement they need not be set exactly at a right angle to one another.
The proximal ends of the first and second arms 39(i), 39(H) are configured to fit within the first internal voids 29 of the first and second frame components 13, 15, respectively. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the frame components, for example by means of couplings 40 (Fig. 3) (such as screws) extending through the underside of the core. The first coupling component may be of a metal, but in a preferred arrangement the first coupling component is of a plastics material, such as u- PVC.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second coupling component 41 that comprises a first arm 41 (i) and a second arm 41 (ii) that are joined together at respective distal ends. In a preferred arrangement, the first and second arms are integrally formed, but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other. In one envisaged arrangement the first and second arms are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, and the coupling component itself is formed of a metal (such as aluminium), for example, by a die casting process.
The proximal ends of the first and second arms 41 (i), 41 (ii) are configured to fit within the internal voids 35, 37 of the fascia panels 25, 27. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the fascia panels, for example by means of couplings (such as screws 43) extending through a face of the fascia that is normally not visible in use.
In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a third coupling component 45 that comprises a first arm 45(i) and a second arm 45(H) that are joined together at respective distal ends. In a preferred arrangement, the first and second arms of the third coupling component are integrally formed, but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other. In one envisaged arrangement the first and second arms are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, and the coupling component 45 is formed of a metal (such as aluminium), for example, by a die casting process.
The proximal ends of the first and second arms 45(i), 45(H) are configured to fit within the third internal voids 33 of the cores 17, 19. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the core, for example by means of couplings (such as screws 47) extending through the underside of the fascia panels 25, 27 and into the cores 17, 19.
In yet another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a fourth coupling component 49 that comprises a first arm 49(i) and a second arm 49(H) that are joined together at respective distal ends. In a preferred arrangement, the first and second arms of the fourth coupling component are integrally formed, but it will be appreciated that they may equally be manufactured separately and then joined one to the other. In one envisaged arrangement the first and second arms are set at roughly 90 degrees to one another, and the coupling component 49 is formed of a metal (such as aluminium), for example, by a die casting process.
The proximal ends of the first and second arms 49(i), 49(H) are configured to fit within the second internal voids 31 of the cores 17, 19. Once inserted, the arms are then coupled to the core, for example by means of couplings (such as screws 51 ) extending through the underside of the fascia panels 21 , 23 and into the cores 17, 19.
It is particularly preferred for the apparatus to comprise each of the four coupling components mentioned above, but it will be appreciated that some of these components may not in fact be required and hence may be omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawings, there is depicted a schematic perspective view of the second frame component core 19 into which the second arms of the four aforementioned coupling components 39, 41 , 45, 49 have been inserted, but the first core component 13 has yet to be fitted over the coupling components.
An advantage of the arrangement shown is that the couplings 51 , 47, 43 function not only to connect the coupling components 49, 45, 41 to the core 19, but also to couple the fascia panels 21 , 27 to the core 19.
In the arrangement depicted, in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, the first void 29 within the first and second core components 13, 15 is unfilled. In further embodiments, the first void 29 of the first and second core components 13, 15 can be filled to reduce the u-value of the frame or to increase its structural rigidity.
In Fig. 4a, a reinforcing bar 53 (typically of metal) has been inserted into the first void 29 to increase the structural integrity of the core component 19. In Fig. 4b, a thermal barrier 55 has been inserted into the void 29, the barrier (typically of a material having a low thermal conductivity) including a number of internal compartments (some or all of which may be filled with material, such as a foam, that further limits heat transfer) that function to reduce heat transfer from one side of the frame component to the other. In Fig. 4(c) an enhanced thermal barrier 57 has been inserted into the void 29, the barrier being substantially completely filled with a foam material to further reduce heat transfer from one side of the frame component to the other.
To yet further reduce the u-value of the frame, one or more of the second and third voids may also be wholly or partly filled with foam to reduce heat transfer from one side of the frame to the other.
It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, it should be noted that references herein to aluminium should be construed to include aluminium alloys, and vice versa.
It should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.

Claims

1 . Apparatus for coupling a first and a second hybrid frame component of a window or door together, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a core to which a fascia panel has been coupled, each of said cores including an internal void, the apparatus comprising:
a first coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the void of said first component core and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the void of said second component core, and
means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to said first component core, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to said second component core to thereby couple said first frame component to said second frame component.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , wherein each said fascia panel comprises an internal void, and said apparatus further comprises:
a second coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the void of a first of said fascia panels and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the void of a second of said fascia panels, and
means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said fascia panels, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said fascia panels to thereby couple said first fascia panel to said second fascia panel.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a second internal void, the apparatus comprising:
a third coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the second void of a first of said frame components and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the second void of a second of said frame components, and means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said frame components, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said frame components.
4. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a third internal void, the apparatus comprising:
a fourth coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm, said proximal end of said first arm being receivable within the third void of a first of said frame components and said proximal end of said second arm being receivable within the third void of a second of said frame components, and
means for coupling said proximal end of said first arm to the first of said frame components, and for coupling said proximal end of said second arm to the second of said frame components.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said coupling means comprises a plurality of fixings.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said coupling means comprises a plurality of screws.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said component cores are of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material of said fascia panels.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said component cores are of u-PVC or WPC.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said fascia panels are of metal, such as aluminium or an alloy thereof.
10. A window or door frame comprising a plurality of hybrid frame components, wherein adjacent frame components are coupled together by apparatus according to any preceding claim.
1 1 . A window or door frame according to Claim 10, comprising a plurality of structural reinforcing inserts, one inserted into the first voids of each said frame component.
12. A window or door frame according to Claim 10, comprising a plurality of thermal inserts, one inserted into the first voids of each said frame component.
13. A method of coupling a first and a second hybrid frame component of a window or door together, wherein said first and second frame components each comprise a core to which a fascia panel has been coupled, each of said cores including an internal void, the method comprising:
providing a first coupling component having first and second arms that each have a distal end and a proximal end, said first and second arm distal ends being coupled together so that said second arm extends generally perpendicularly from said first arm; inserting said proximal end of said first arm into the void of said first component core;
inserting said proximal end of said second arm into the void of said second component core;
coupling said proximal end of said first arm to said first component core, and coupling said proximal end of said second arm to said second component core.
14. Apparatus for coupling a first and a second hybrid frame component of a window or door together, the apparatus being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/EP2012/051988 2011-02-04 2012-02-06 Apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components WO2012104440A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1101948.6A GB2478386B (en) 2010-03-04 2011-02-04 A vacuum cleaning head with controlled pressure chamber
GB1101948.1 2011-02-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012104440A2 true WO2012104440A2 (en) 2012-08-09
WO2012104440A3 WO2012104440A3 (en) 2012-11-15

Family

ID=45998244

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2012/051988 WO2012104440A2 (en) 2011-02-04 2012-02-06 Apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012104440A2 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3007785A1 (en) * 2013-07-01 2015-01-02 Sapa Building System DORMANT CHASSIS FOR BUILDING OPENING
EP2933419A1 (en) * 2014-04-14 2015-10-21 Synseal Extrusions Limited Fenestration products
DE102015107910A1 (en) 2015-05-20 2016-11-24 Veka Ag Multi-part window composite profile
EP3115540A1 (en) * 2015-07-08 2017-01-11 Frame Art Co., Ltd. Frame with segments that are in flush with each other
US20180112404A1 (en) * 2015-04-14 2018-04-26 Deceuninck Nv Door Element or Wall Element
WO2019202121A1 (en) * 2018-04-18 2019-10-24 Helima Gmbh Corner connecter for spacer pipes for an insulating glass unit, spacer frame, and insulating glass unit
GB2586515A (en) * 2019-08-23 2021-02-24 The Metal Window Co Ltd Metal window frame construction
DE102021116601A1 (en) 2021-06-28 2022-12-29 Profine Gmbh Composite frame for a window or door that can be connected with add-on parts

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1101949A (en) 1965-07-09 1968-02-07 Bayer Ag Process for the printing of fully synthetic and semi-synthetic fibre materials

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1239643A (en) * 1968-06-22 1971-07-21
DE7732328U1 (en) * 1977-10-19 1978-02-02 C. U. T. Krauss Gmbh & Co Kg, 8803 Rothenburg FRAME FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND THE LIKE WITH METAL PANEL PROFILE

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1101949A (en) 1965-07-09 1968-02-07 Bayer Ag Process for the printing of fully synthetic and semi-synthetic fibre materials

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3007785A1 (en) * 2013-07-01 2015-01-02 Sapa Building System DORMANT CHASSIS FOR BUILDING OPENING
EP2933419A1 (en) * 2014-04-14 2015-10-21 Synseal Extrusions Limited Fenestration products
US20180112404A1 (en) * 2015-04-14 2018-04-26 Deceuninck Nv Door Element or Wall Element
DE102015107910A1 (en) 2015-05-20 2016-11-24 Veka Ag Multi-part window composite profile
EP3115540A1 (en) * 2015-07-08 2017-01-11 Frame Art Co., Ltd. Frame with segments that are in flush with each other
WO2019202121A1 (en) * 2018-04-18 2019-10-24 Helima Gmbh Corner connecter for spacer pipes for an insulating glass unit, spacer frame, and insulating glass unit
GB2586515A (en) * 2019-08-23 2021-02-24 The Metal Window Co Ltd Metal window frame construction
GB2586515B (en) * 2019-08-23 2022-12-28 The Metal Window Co Ltd Metal window frame construction
DE102021116601A1 (en) 2021-06-28 2022-12-29 Profine Gmbh Composite frame for a window or door that can be connected with add-on parts
EP4112862A1 (en) * 2021-06-28 2023-01-04 profine GmbH Composite frame for a window or door capable of being connected with connecting pieces

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012104440A3 (en) 2012-11-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2012104440A2 (en) Apparatus for coupling hybrid frame components
US8683694B1 (en) Method of forming a frame assembly
EP3017134B1 (en) A corner bracket, a bracket system, use of such a corner bracket, a window mounting collar and a window mounting system
US20140102017A1 (en) Door jamb member, door jamb assembly incorporating same and kit therefor
US20150096257A1 (en) Frame structure for a window and a method for making a frame structure
US20110107713A1 (en) Door and method of manufacturing thereof
US20140102035A1 (en) Brick mold assembly, connector for same and kit for assembly of same
EP2426303A2 (en) Metal reinforced plastic window frame
KR100776340B1 (en) Device for coupling corner of window frame
GB2487910A (en) Corner connector and frame assembly
EP2275636A2 (en) Profile element for producing a door or window frame
KR101933133B1 (en) Prefabricated frame structure
KR101331141B1 (en) Manufacturing method of the window frame
CN108340976A (en) A kind of standardization heat preservation plate material cold chain carriage body construction
CN103572918A (en) Three-dimensional vertical thermal insulation decorative pinch plate
KR101331142B1 (en) The window frame
KR101331143B1 (en) Manufacturing method of the window door frame
JP6914805B2 (en) Joinery
CN105863071A (en) Connection structure of prefabricated external heat insulation sandwich wall plate and window sill and window frame line corner and construction method of connection structure
CN104120954A (en) Proximate matter side hung door
KR200417249Y1 (en) Device for coupling corner of window frame
JP6219255B2 (en) Cut-free door and door installation method using the same
JP5953611B2 (en) Steel plate frame
KR20120002849U (en) Cold Storage Door Frame
KR101331144B1 (en) Window frame

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct app. not ent. europ. phase

Ref document number: 12715858

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2