GB2340078A

GB2340078A - Door or window frame decorative element

Info

Publication number: GB2340078A
Application number: GB9904761A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin John Althorpe
Original assignee: HEYWOOD WILLIAMS PLASTICS Ltd
Current assignee: HEYWOOD WILLIAMS PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date: 1998-03-18
Filing date: 1999-03-03
Publication date: 2000-02-16
Also published as: GB9904761D0; GB9805656D0

Description

2340078 IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO WINDOW OR DOOR ASSEMBLIES The

present invention relates to door and window frames and, in particular, to frames for doors and windows intended to have aesthetic appeal.

It is known to provide facia for door or window panels or frames to improve the aesthetic appeal of the panel or frame. Such facia may for example give the appearance of a traditional or wooden door to a metal or plastic panel or frame. The facia may be injection moulded sections which are adhesively secured to or screwed on to the panel or frame. Such known facia are substantially planar.

However, in general, adhesively secured facia are liable to come off under adverse environmental conditions. Although, facia which are screwed on are more permanently secured, the screws damage the underlying structure of the frame or panel and a plurality of screws are required to hold the facia securely in place, usually around the peripheral edge of the facia section. Such screws consequently penetrate the peripheral edges of the panel or frame which tends to be the weakest part of the structure. As such, over time and under adverse conditions, one or more of the screws may work loose and re-securing the facia section becomes more difficult. Furthermore, the method of securing such facia is time consuming and the facia being substantially planar are delicate mouldings which may be distorted in use by uneven screwing or may break by overscrewing.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the disadvantages with known decorative facia and in order to provide an improved decorative element and method of fixing the element to a frame which overcomes one or more of the disadvantages with known facia.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a decorative element for a door or window frame comprising a cover plate adapted to overlie a portion of said door or window frame and one or more side walls extending substantially transversely from or adjacent respective one or more peripheral edges of said cover plate.

Preferably, one or more of such side walls have a prof ile substantially corresponding to a sectional profile of said frame portion.

Preferably, the decorative element comprises a plurality of side walls, typically four, extending transversely therefrom. Preferably, a profiled side wall extends from each of two transverse edges of the cover plate. Alternatively, a profiled side wall may extend from each of two opposing edges of the cover plate. Preferably, each profiled side wall has a peripheral edge which matches the profile of the frame. Thus, in use the profiled side wall edge abuts the frame. Preferably, the profiled side wall comprises a central portion having an edge substantially parallel to the edge of the base plate from which the side wall extends. Preferably, the side wall comprises an outer portion on each side of the central portion, the outer portions having edges extending at an angle typically an acute angle to the edge of the central portion. Preferably, the outer portions of the side walls are substantially triangular. Preferably the depth of the central portion is substantially less than, for example, less than half, the depth of the outer edge of the side wall.

Alternatively, each profiled side wall may comprise two outer triangular portions, the central region between the triangular portions comprising the peripheral edge of the cover plate from which the outer portions extend so that the cover plate, in use, lies directly against the frame.

The profiled side walls on the cover plate ensure that the decorative element fits securely and accurately to the frame and inhibit undesirable rotational movement of the decorative element about securing means such as a central screw, during assembly and in use. The profiled side walls also allow securement of the decorative element to the frame with minimal securing means, such as a single screw, thereby reducing frame damage.

Preferably the decorative element comprises one or more, typically two opposing or two transverse, unprofiled side walls, that is to say side walls not having a profile corresponding to a frame profile. Such unprofiled side walls may have a straight'or curved peripheral edge.

It will be appreciated that one or more corner regions between adjacent side walls may be reinforced internally, for example by means of reinforcement ribs or by being formed or moulded as a solid, three-dimensional corner. This improves the strength of the decorative element.

Preferably, the cover plate comprises a decorative design, typically on the external surface thereof. The design may comprise raised or indented ornamentation and preferably is produced integrally on the cover plate, for example, by injection moulding the plate with an appropriate design.

The cover plate may be adapted to overlie a corner portion of said frame. The cover plate may comprise an aperture located substantially centrally thereof such that said decorative element may be secured to said frame by locating a mechanical securing means through said aperture and into the underlying portion of said frame. The mechanical securing means may be a screw or the like.

Preferably, the decorative element comprises plug means, such as a screw cover, adapted to be received in said aperture in order to substantially close or conceal said aperture. Preferably, the plug means is adapted to engage a screw received in said aperture.

Preferably, said aperture and/or said plug means comprises an integral part of the decorative design. Preferably, the design is substantially symmetrical about said aperture or plug means.

The aperture may be provided with a threaded bore.

The decorative element is preferably injection moulded and may comprise a plastics or metal material. The plug means preferably comprises the same material as the decorative element.

The cover plate may have any suitable shape to give the desired internal or external aesthetic appearance to the frame. For example, the cover plate may be circular or rectangular, or substantially square, particularly for overlying a corner portion of the frame. The cover plate may be shaped as an imitation keystone or other quadrilateral shape.

The decorative element may be adapted to overlie a corner or middle region of a top, bottom or side rail of a frame. The decorative design may take any suitable form so that the invention enables householders to apply their own house mark, customised logo or motif to their houses, for example on oak leaf if that was the house emblem. The invention further allows the decorative elements to be readily removed to enable different designs to be used as desired.

The decorative element may comprise a horn extending from one peripheral edge of the cover plate. Preferably, the horn extends from a side wall on the opposite side to the cover plate.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a door or window frame comprising a decorative element of the invention secured to a portion thereof preferably by mechanical securing means.

The decorative element of the invention may be provided on one or more internal and/or external corners or surfaces of the frame.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a decorative element for a door or window frame comprising a cover plate adapted to overlie a portion of said door or window frame wherein said cover plate comprises an aperture located substantially centrally thereof such that said decorative element may be secured to said door or window frame by locating a mechanical securing means through said aperture and into the underlying portion of said door or window f rame. Preferably said decorative element is adapted to be located over a corner of said frame.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fixing a decorative element of the invention to a door or window frame comprising the steps of locating the decorative element on a portion of the frame, locating a screw through an aperture of the decorative corner element and securing the screw in said frame. Preferably, the method further includes locating a plug means in said aperture to conceal said screw.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a f ront view of a typical window f rame having four decorative elements according to one embodiment of the invention secured thereto; Figure 2 is a detailed view of Section A of Figure 1 showing a first embodiment of a decorative element of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a method of f ixing a decorative element of the invention to a frame; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a decorative element of the invention; Figure 5 is a partial f ront view of the decorative element of Figure 4 secured to a corner of a window frame; Figure 6 is a back view of the decorative element of Figure 2; Figure 7 shows the profile of one side of the 5 decorative element of Figure 2; Figure 8 shows the prof ile of an opposing side of the decorative element of Figure 2; Figure 9 is a f ront view of a typical window f rame having three decorative elements according to a third embodiment of the invention secured thereto; and Figure 10 is a front view of a typical window frame having a decorative element according to a fourth embodiment of the invention secured thereto.

Ref erring to Figure 1, a window frame comprises a main f rame 2 having a lower f ixed light 4 and an upper opening light 6 surrounded by a subsidiary frame B. A decorative element 10 of the invention is secured to each corner of the subsidiary frame 8, typically on the external side of the frame. It will be appreciated that the decorative element of the invention may be applied to the corner or other portion of any suitable frame, the frame shown in Figure 1 being an illustrative example only.

Referring to Figure 2, the decorative element 10 according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a cover plate 12, which typically covers an externally facing corner of the frame 8, having a centrally located aperture therethrough. The decorative design of the cover plate comprises a symmetrical arrangement of up-raised or indented elongate sections 14 surrounding a central screw cover or aperture plug 16 to give an overall floral type appearance to the outwardly facing side of the decorative element.

It will be seen that the plug 16 forms an integral part of the decorative design of the element.

Referring to Figure 3, the decorative element 10 is fixed to the mitred frame 8 corner by locating the element over the external corner such that side walls 18, 20 of the decorative element engage the transverse frame members 7, 9 respectively. The side walls 18, 20 extend transversely to the base plate and have a profiled peripheral edge which matches the profile of the frame members 7, 9 as shown in Figure 8. Thus, in the example illustrated, the side walls have a central portion 30 with a peripheral edge parallel to the side of the base plate f rom which the side wall extends and outer portions 32, 33 with peripheral edges extending at an angle to the parallel edge. The other two edges of the decorative element may have side walls, 34 as shown in Figure 7 with straight edges 36 extending parallel to the corresponding base plate edge. Such side walls would be of sufficient depth to cover the angled edges of the f rame in use. A fixing screw 22 is then located through the aperture 24 of the decorative element and secured into the underlying frame 8. An aperture may be drilled or formed in the frame 8 before or after location of the decorative element thereon in order to accommodate the fixing screw.

Alternatively, any other suitable fixing means may be used, for example a self-tapping screw, nail or the like. The method is completed by locating the plug 16 in the aperture to conceal the screw. The plug 16 may comprise a screw cover adapted to engage the head of the screw and/or may be held in place by being a close f it in the aperture. Alternatively, adhesive or other securing means may be used to retain the plug in the aperture, although releasable securing means is preferred.

When assembled, the plug 16 forms an integral part of the decorative design and the use of a single securing means reduces potential damage to the decorative element and the frame. The profiled side walls of the decorative element ensure secure attachment with the single securing means and inhibit distortion.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, an alternative embodiment of decorative element of the invention may be substantially as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 with an additional decorative horn feature 26 extending from the external planar surface of one side wall 18. Typically, the frame horn 26 extends downwardly from the lower side wall in use. The length and depth of the horn 26 may be selected according to the desired aesthetic effect. In general, the length of the horn may be substantially similar to the length of the cover plate 12 and may be about two-thirds the width of the cover plate. The depth of the horn 26 may substantially correspond to the depth of the side wall f rom. which it extends. The 25 horn 26 may have a curved profile 28 as shown in Figure 4 extending between the side wall and the remote end of a straight edge of the horn. Referring to Figure 6, the undersurface of the cover 30 plate 12 reflects the profiles of the side walls 18, 20 and 34. The outer portions 32 of side walls 18 and 20 adjacent the unprofiled side walls 34 extend downwardly at an angle from a region adjacent the free edge of side wall 34 toward the central portion 30 and the outer portions 33 between the side walls 18, 20 slope from the central region upwardly toward the corner 38. The outer portions 33 intersect along a diagonal axis of the element. A channel 40 may extend along the diagonal axis between the outer portions 32. Thus, the undersurface of the decorative element shown in Figure 6 corresponds to the profile of the corner of a frame having a conventional trapezium cross-sectional profile.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the decorative element 10 may be located for example at a central region of a top rail of the frame and may have a decorative tapered shape as shown in f igure 9 or a keystone shape as shown in figure 10. The undersurf ace of the cover plate 12 will typically correspond to the prof ile of the top rail of the f rame, having a conventional trapezium, that is to say chamfered or bevelled, cross-sectional profile. Thus the undersurface has outer surface regions 32,33 sloping towards a central region 30 with profiled side walls extending transversely across the rail and unprofiled side walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the top rail.

The reader I s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A decorative element for a door or window frame comprising a cover plate adapted to overlie a portion of said door or window f rame and one or more side walls extending substantially transversely from or adjacent respective one or more peripheral edges of said cover plate.

2. A decorative element according to claim 1, wherein one or more of such side walls have a profile substantially corresponding to a sectional prof ile of said frame portion.

3. A decorative element according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of side walls extending transversely therefrom.

4. A decorative element according to claim 3, wherein a profiled side wall extends from each of two transverse edges of the cover plate.

5. A decorative element according to claim 3, wherein a profiled side wall extends from each of two opposing edges of the cover plate.

6. A decorative element according to any preceding claim, wherein the profiled side wall comprises a central portion having an edge substantially parallel to the edge of the base plate from which the side wall extends.

7. A decorative element according to claim 6, wherein the side wall comprises an outer portion on each side of the central portion, the outer portions having edges extending at an angle typically an acute angle to the edge of the central portion.

8. A decorative element according to any preceding 5 claim comprising one or more opposing or transverse unprofiled side walls.

9. A decorative element according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover plate is adapted to overlie a 10 corner portion of said frame.

10. A decorative element according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover plate comprises an aperture located substantially centrally thereof.

11. A decorative element according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the element is adapted to overlie a middle region of a top, bottom or side rail of a frame.

12. A decorative element according to any preceding claim comprising a horn extending from one peripheral edge of the cover plate.

13. A decorative element substantially as hereinbefore 25 described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A door or window frame comprising a decorative element according to any preceding claim secured to a portion thereof.

15. A method of fixing a decorative element according to any preceding claim to a door or window frame comprising the steps of locating the decorative element on a portion of the frame, locating a screw through an aperture of the decorative corner element and securing the screw in said frame.