GB2285828A

GB2285828A - Windows and doors

Info

Publication number: GB2285828A
Application number: GB9400950A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roy Carter; Richard James Heath
Original assignee: BESFORD HOLDINGS Ltd
Current assignee: BESFORD HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority date: 1994-01-19
Filing date: 1994-01-19
Publication date: 1995-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2014-01-19
Also published as: GB2285828B; GB9400950D0

Abstract

An outer frame 5 for a casement window has openings 3 and 4 for mounting an outward opening sash light 1 and a fixed glazing light 2 respectively. An upstand 46 extends around the inner periphery of each opening 3, 4 between the front and rear walls of the frame 5 to define internal and external rebates 47, 48 of equal width. The fixed light 2 is secured by beading 50 in the internal rebate 47 of the opening 3 and the sash light 1 is supported in the external rebate 48 of the opening 4. The rebates 47, 48 which are not used are fitted with a trim strip 51. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO WINDOWS AND DOORS This invention concerns improvements in or relating to windows and doors.

A typical casement window comprises a rectangular outer frame having a rebate opening to the exterior weatherside only of the window for reception of an outward opening sash light supported by hinges and/or a fixed glazing light secured by external beading. The number and arrangement of opening sash lights and fixed glazing lights may be chosen to provide different combinations according to the required window size and style as desired.

External beading is considered a security risk, especially in windows made of plastics where the beading component is commonly an extrusion designed to snap engage the outer frame such that the beading can be released from the outside and the fixed glazing light removed without breakiiig the glazing so as to facilitate illegal entry.

It is already known to overcome this problem in a plastics window including an outward opening sash light and a fixed glazing light by constructing the outer frame using a technique known as "reverse butt welding".

This involves constructing the outer frame from stile and rail members cut to length from an extrusion of the appropriate section and joined at their ends by welding to provide an opening with a rebate to the exterior weatherside of the window.

A section of the rebate intended to receive the fixed glazing light is then reversed by cutting the outer frame and re-joining the frame parts by welding so that the frame has a rebate section opening to the exterior weatherside for reception of the opening sash light and a rebate section opening to the interior for reception of the fixed glazing light.

V-notches are then cut in the outer frame at the junction of the rebate sections to receive complementary V-shaped ends of a member cut from an extrusion of the appropriate section to provide separate openings having an external rebate for the opening sash light and an internal rebate for the fixed glazing light respectively.

In this way, the fixed glazing light can be secured by internal beading which is not accessible from the outside so as to prevent illegal entry without breaking the glazing.

Reverse butt welding, however, is a complicated and time consuming production technique, especially for the construction of windows having more than one opening sash light and fixed glazing light, and requires expensive machinery.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved outer frame construction for windows and doors which mitigates at least some of the foregoing problems and disadvantages.

It is a further preferred object of the invention to provide an outer frame construction for windows and doors which can be assembled from components being extrusions of plastics to accommodate an outward opening sash light and a fixed glazing light secured by internal beading without the use of reverse butt welding.

It is a further preferred object of the invention to provide such outer frame construction for windows and doors which can be assembled to provide any number and arrangement of outward opening sash lights and fixed glazing lights according to the required window size and style as desired.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an outer frame for a window or door constructed from elongate frame members to define a rectangular opening for an opening sash light or fixed glazing light wherein each frame member has a front wall and a rear wall connected by a side wall which, in the assembled frame, extends around the inner periphery of the opening and has an integral upstand centrally located between the front and rear walls to define internal and external rebates of equal width in a direction transverse to the plane of the opening such that the opening can receive a fixed glazing in the internal rebate or an outward opening sash light in the external rebate.

By this invention, the opening in the outer frame can receive either an outward opening light mounted in the external rebate or a fixed light mounted in the internal rebate and secured by internal beading such that fixed light cannot be removed from the outside without breaking the glass.

In this way, the outer frame can be assembled from frame members being extrusions of plastics cut to length and joined together to accommodate an outward opening sash light or an internally beaded fixed glazing light without having to reverse butt weld the frame.

Preferably, the width of the rebates is chosen so that fixed glazing lights having a range of thicknesses from single glazing, double glazing or triple glazing can be accommodated by selection and fitment of the appropriate glazing bead.

Advantageously, the outer frame has a plurality of openings with each opening having internal and external rebates of equal width in a direction transverse to the plane of the opening for receiving either an opening sash light or a fixed glazing light. In this way, the number and arrangement of opening sash lights and fixed glazing lights can be chosen as desired to suit different styles and sizes of windows.

Where the outer frame has a plurality of openings, an elongate frame member separating adjacent openings is provided with aligned integral upstands on opposite sidewalls.

Preferably, a trim strip is fitted to the rebate(s) which is/are not used to provide a neat finish to the assembled outer frame. For example, the frame members may be provided with formations engageable with complementary formations on the trim strip to locate and retain the trim strip.

Where a fixed glazing light is fitted, it is conveniently secured by a glazing bead, and the frame members may be provided with formations engageable with complementary formations on the glazing bead to locate and retain the glazing bead.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate frame member being a component cut to length from an extrusion of plastics having a front wall and a rear wall connected by a side wall having an integral upstand centrally located between the front and rear wails for constructing the outer frame according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a window or door comprising an outer frame constructed from elongate frame members joined together to define first and second openings, each opening having an internal rebate and an external rebate of equal width in a direction transverse to the plane of the opening, an outward opening sash light supported by hinge means in the external rebate of the first opening, and a fixed glazing light secured in the internal rebate of the second opening by internal beading.

Preferably, the sash light is constructed from elongate frame members joined together to define an opening having an internal rebate in which glazing is secured by internal beading.

In this way, the glazing of the fixed light and sash light cannot be removed from the outside when the window or door is shut without breaking the glazing.

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Fiaure 1 is a vertical section through a window embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a transverse section, to an enlarged scale, of the main extrusion forming the outer frame of the window; Fiaure 3 is a transverse section, to an enlarged scale, of the extrusion forming the outer frame transom; and Figure 4 is a transverse section, to an enlarged scale, of the extrusion forming the sash frame.

The casement window shown in Figure 1 of the drawings comprises an outward opening sash light 1 and a fixed glazing light 2 mounted in respective openings 3,4 of a rectangular outer fixed frame 5.

The sash light 1 comprises a rectangular frame 6 assembled from horizontal rail members 7,8 and vertical stile members (not shown) cut to length from a common extrusion 9 of PVCu or other suitable plastics and joined at their ends by mitring and welding. Alternatively, a mechanical joint may be provided between the frame members.

The sash frame extrusion 9 comprises a hollow rectangular body 10 defining a chamber 11 extending lengthwise of the body 10 and a pair of opposed flanges 12,13 contiguous with a front wall 14 of the body 10 to provide, in the assembled frame 6, an external rebate 15 for closing against the outer frame 5 and an internal rebate 16 for reception of a double glazing unit 17 retained by an internal glazing bead 18 secured to the sash frame 6.

The sash extrusion 9 has formations for fitting the glazing bead 18 and also a weather seal 19 and a glazing gasket 20 being components cut to length from extrusions of plastics, rubber or other suitable materials as required. In this exemplary embodiment these formations include a pair of ribs 21,22 with opposed inwardly directed lips 23,24 respectively defining a re-entrant channel 25 on an inner side wall 26 of the body 10 for snap engagement with complementary formations of the glazing bead 18, and a groove 27,28 in the inner face of each flange 12,13 respectively for locating and retaining the weather seal 19 or glazing gasket 20.

A box-section reinforcing member 29 extends lengthwise of the body 10 within the chamber 11 to strengthen the sash frame 6 and provide the required structural properties for the intended application. The reinforcing member 29 is cut to length from a galvanised steel or aluminium section and is located and secured within the chamber 11 during production of the sash frame 6.

The outer frame 5 is assembled from vertical stile members (not shown) connected by top and bottom rail members 30,31 and a horizontal centre rail member or transom 32 which separates the openings 3,4. In a modification (not shown), transom 32 may be replaced by a mullion being a vertical centre rail member connecting the top and bottom rail members 30,31.

The rail members 30,31 and stile members are cut to length from a common first extrusion 33 of PVCu or other suitable plastics and joined at their ends by mitring and welding. Alternatively, a mechanical joint may be provided between the members.

The transom 32 is cut to length from a second extrusion 34 of PVCu or other suitable plastics similar to the first extrusion 33 and is joined at opposite ends by welding or by a mechanical joint to the stile members.

The extrusions 33,34 are similar and comprise a hollow rectangular body 35 having front and rear walls 36,37 joined by a pair of spaced side walls 38,39. The body 35 is internally divided by transverse webs 40,41 extending between the side walls 38,39 to provide three separate chambers 42,43,44 extending lengthwise of the body 35.

A channel-section reinforcing member 45 extends lengthwise of the body 35 within the centre chamber 43 to strengthen the outer frame 5 and provide the required structural properties for the intended application. The reinforcing member 45 is cut to length from a galvanised steel or aluminium section and is located and secured within the centre chamber 43 during production of the outer frame 5.

Each extrusion 33,34 has a hollow upstand 46 extending lengthwise of the body 35 on the outer face of one side wall 38, and the transom extrusion 34 has an additional aligned hollow upstand 46 extending lengthwise of the body 35 on the outer face of the other side wall 39.

The upstands 46 are centrally located between the front and rear walls 36,37 of the extrusions 33,34 and provide, in the assembled frame 5, internal and external rebates 47,48 of equal width in a direction transverse to the plane of the frame 5 extending around the periphery of each opening 3,4.

The fixed glazing light 2 is received in the internal rebate 47 of the opening 4 below the transom 32 and is retained by an internal glazing bead 50 secured to the outer frame 5. In this embodiment, the fixed glazing light 2 is a sealed double glazing unit but single, double or triple glazing may be accommodatedMs desired.

The opening sash light 1 is received in the external rebate 48 of the opening 3 above the transom 32 and, in known manner, is supported for outward opening movement about either a vertical axis at one side or a horizontal axis by any suitable hinge means (not shown) such as a pair of friction stays arranged at the top and bottom or on opposite sides of the sash frame 6.

Trim strips 51 are secured to the outer frame 5 around the external rebate 48 of the lower opening 4 and the internal rebate 47 of the upper opening 3 to give the window a neat appearance.

The extrusions 33,34 have formations for fitting the internal glazing bead 50, the trim strip 51 and also a weather seal 52 and a glazing gasket 53 being components cut to length from extrusions of plastics, rubber or other suitable materials. In this exemplary embodiment these formations include pairs of ribs 54,55 with opposed inwardly directed lips 56,57 defining re-entrant channels 58 on the side walls 38,39 of the body 35 for snap engagement with complementary formations of the glazing bead 50 or trim strip 51, and a pair of grooves 52,53 on opposite sides of the upstands 46 for locating and retaining the trim strip 51, the weather seal 52 or glazing gasket 53 as appropriate.

For installation of the window, a sill member 59 being a component cut to length from an extrusion of PVCu or other suitable plastics material is provided for locating the bottom rail member 31 of the outer frame 5.

Alternatively, the bottom rail member 31 may be formed with an integral sill.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that each opening in the outer frame of the casement window has both internal and external rebates provided as an integral part of the frame members allowing fitment of either an outward opening sash light or a fixed glazing light secured by internal beading as desired.

As a result, windows with an outward opening light and internally glazed fixed light can be produced from extrusions of plastics without using the technique of reverse butt welding with considerable advantages and cost savings for the manufacturer.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to windows in which there is a single opening light and a single fixed light. Thus, the same extrusions can be used to fabricate outer frames having any required number and arrangement of openings with internal and external rebates for fitting either opening or fixed lights as desired according to the size and style of window.

In this way, a wide range of different designs can be produced using the same extrusions providing additional advantages and cost savings for the manufacturer.

While the invention is of particular benefit for windows in which the outer frame is constructed from frame members being extrusions of plastics without reverse butt welding, it will be appreciated that the frame members could be extrusions of metal or alloy or machined from timber to provide an integral centrally located upstand defining internal and external rebates in the assembled frame.

Finally, it will be understood that the advantages and benefits of the invention apply also to the manufacture of doors and the terms opening light and fixed light as used herein are to be construed as covering an opening wing and a fixed wing of a window, door or similar closure.

Claims

Claims:

1. An outer frame for a window or door constructed from elongate frame members to define a rectangular opening for an opening sash light or fixed glazing light wherein each frame member has a front wall and a rear wall connected by a side wall which1 in the assembled frame, extends around the inner periphery of the opening and has an integral upstand centrally located between the front and rear walls to define internal and external rebates of equal width in a direction transverse to the plane of the opening such that the opening can receive a fixed glazing light in the internal rebate or an outward opening sash light in the external rebate.

2. An outer frame according to Claim 1 wherein the frame members are extrusions of plastics cut to length and joined together by welding or mechanically.

3. An outer frame according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the internal rebate has a width which enables fixed glazing lights of different thickness to be fitted.

4. An outer frame according to any one of the preceding Claims comprising a plurality of openings with each opening having internal and external rebates of equal width in a direction transverse to the plane of the opening for receiving either an opening sash light or a fixed glazing light.

5. An outer frame according to Claim 4 wherein the frame member separating adjacent openings is provided with aligned integral upatands on opposite sidewalls.

6. An outer frame according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the frame members are provided with formations for locating one or more of a glazing bead, glazing gasket, weather strip or trim strip.

7. An elongate frame member being a component cut to length from an extrusion of plastics having a front wall and a rear wall connected by a side wall having an integral upstand centrally located between the front and rear walls for constructing the outer frame according to any one of the preceding Claims.

8. An elongate frame member according to Claim 7 wherein the front and rear walls are connected by a pair of spaced side walls having aligned integral upstands located between the front and rear walls.

9. A window or door comprising an outer frame constructed from elongate frame members joined together to define first and second openings, each opening having an internal rebate and an external rebate of equal width in a direction transverse to the plane of the opening, an outward opening sash light supported by hinge means in the external rebate of the first opening, and a fixed glazing light secured in the internal rebate of the second opening by internal beading.

10. A window or door according to Claim 9 wherein the sash light is constructed from elongate frame members joined together to define an opening having an internal rebate in which glazing is secured by internal beading.

11. A window or door according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the internal and external rebates of the first opening are provided with a trim strip and a weather-strip respectively.

12. A window or door according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 the internal and external rebates of the second opening are provided with a glazing gasket and a trim strip respectively.

13. A window or door according to any one of Claims 9 to 12 including means for securing the sash light in at least a closed position.

14. An outer frame for a window or door constructed from elongate frame members joined together to define a rectangular opening for an opening sash light or fixed glazing light substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. An elongate frame member according to Claim 7 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A window or door according to Claim 9 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.