GB2322895A - Frame with replaceable cladding strips - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame member suitable for the framework of doors and windows has a basic frame member 1 which is arranged to detachably receive at least one external cladding strip 2 so that the external cladding strip 2 is easily replaceable. The external cladding strip 2 may be engageable with the basic frame member 1 with detachable snap engagement. In the event of damage or required change of appearance or finish, the cladding member strip 2 can be readily replaced.

Description

DOOR FRAME OR LIKE MEMBERS This invention relates to frame or like structural members especially for the framework of doors or windows of various kinds such as of the double glazed type where frame construction of extruded aluminium or plastics (UPVC) materials usually employed.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved construction of frame or like member whereby superficial damage to it can be readily remedied and/or its exterior appearance or finish changed. Practical advantages in these and other respects will be apparent from the following description.

According to this invention a frame or like structural member construction is characterised by a basic frame member which is formed or adapted to detachably receive one or more external cladding or facing members or strips so that the latter is or are readily replaceable.

Thus such replacement can be simply effected in the event of superficial damage and/or a required change of appearance or finish.

The external cladding or facing members or strips preferably have a detachable snap on engagement with the basic frame member.

In practical examples ofthe invention as applied to door or like frame construction reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of door frame member construction; Figure 2 is a vertical cross sectional view of the construction of an intermediate or transom door frame member; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a fixed door surround frame member construction such as of a door post; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view similar to Figure 3 but showing a modification; and Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of a sliding door arrangement.

Like parts are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Dependent on door size the drawings are to be regarded as of enlarged scale in relation to actual door frame members for domestic or like use whilst window frame members are usually of a smaller or light weight size.

Referring generally to the drawings, the various parts of the door or like frame member construction or assembly are produced by aluminium or plastic (UPVC) extrusions.

In Figure 1 a door frame member construction providing a vertical or horizontal member comprises a basic elongate tubular member 1 of generally box section and which detachably receives at each side external cladding or facing strips 2 shown in this case of identical Lsection form. Thus each strip 2 integrally provides an extemal outer or inner side face portion 20 and an end portion 21 as well as a corresponding inner end portion 22.

In order to enable the cladding strips 2 to be readily fitted to, or detached from, the basic member 1 they have a snap engagement with the latter. In the example shown this is achieved by an inturned and recessed longitudinal inner edge 23 ofthe end face portion 21 and ofthe inner end portion 22 engaging adjacent exterior lips 10 ofthe basic member 1. To permit such engagement the exterior ofthe basic member 1 is longitudinally channelled at 11 between the lips 10.

As will be appreciated the cladding strips 2 can be quickly and effectively fitted by a push on snap engagement with the basic member 1 with slight flexing of the end portions 21, 22.

The chamfered adjacent edges 23 of the end face portions 21 and inner end portions 22 have a longitudinal gap 24 between them for the insertion of screws such as self tapping drill screws 25 to further secure the cladding strips 2 to the basic member 1 at points along the length of the latter. The screw heads may be concealed by a longitudinal capping strip 26 which has a snap engagement with the gap 24 such as by means of a bifurcated rib 260 or projection or projections arranged to accomodate the heads of the screws 25. The capping strip is of suitable resilient material such as plastics or rubber.

In the event ofsuperficial damage to the cladding strips 2 from any cause such as an attempted break in or vandalism, or for interchangeability of cladding strips of different appearance and/or colour finish, the strips 2 can be quite easily removed by sliding one or both of them lengthwise off the basic member 1, i.e. after removal of any capping strip 26 and screws 25 or slackening of the latter. In the case of a door it is first removed from its hinge mounting to permit the sliding removal.

As will be evident from the foregoing it is not necessary to remove or replace the basic member or members 1 so that the main structure of the door frame or similarly of a window frame, can remain intact.

As shown the cladding strips 2 may be located or spaced from the basic member 1 such as by internal integral ribs 27 on the side and end portions 20, 21, 22.

The side portions 20 are also shown extending beyond the inner end portions 22 at 28 to receive glazing such as an edge part of a double glazed unit G, weatherproof sealing being provided at 280.

A development of the above described frame member construction is shown in Figure 2 in which the side portions 20 of the cladding strips 2 are extended at both ends at 28 so as to receive the end part of a double glazing unit G at each side. This provides a complete frame member suitable for use as an intermediate crosspiece or transom between upper and lower glazing in a door or as a similar member or rail in a door or window. Figure 2 also shows modified inturned edges 23 and gap formation 24 as well as the provision of screw ports 100 as later described with reference to Figure 3.

In the case ofa fixed door surround framework providing two door posts, an upper cross beam and a lower sill, the frame member construction may be as that shown in Figure 3. For manufacturing convenience the basic member or column 1 is of the same tubular box section and exterior form already described.

Angle section cladding strips 3 ofvarying forms are shown employed ofwhich the two shown at the right of Figure 3 provide exterior face portions 31, their adjacent inturned edges 33 engaging or locating against lips 10 ofthe basic member 1 at the adjacent exterior channel 11.

A return portion 30 in each case has an inwardly inclined flange 32 engaging a respective lip 12 of the basic member 1 at an exterior channel 13. The inturned edge 33, and the flange 32 together provide a snap or positive engagement ofeach cladding strip 3 with the basic member 1. As before a gap 34 is provided between the adjacent chamfered edges 33 for insertion of securing screws 35 and a capping strip 36.

The upper right hand cladding strip has an inclined flange 39 for carrying a weather strip 390 against which a door abuts in the closed position.

The left hand cladding strips 3 in Figure 3 provide interior face portions 37 which face inwardly into a house or other building and engage the basic member 1 in the same manner as that already described in the case of the right hand cladding strips 3.

The cladding strips 3 shown at the lower part of Figure 3 have extensions or lugs 38 for securing the complete frame member to a wall at a doorway opening in the latter.

A lateral extension 300 of the upper left hand cladding strip 3 abuts the adjacent end of the return portion 30 of the upper right hand strip 3 and is only accessible when the door is open.

After removal of securing screws 35 and on depressing the extension 300, the right hand cladding strip 3 is rocked out of engagement with the basic member 1 which then enables the upper left hand cladding strip 3 to be similarly removed. The extension 300 thus has a locking action to retain these cladding strips 3 in their fitted positions.

In the usual manner upper and lower cross members and vertical side or stile members of a door or window frame are mitre or buttjointed and secured by screws and internal screw ports at the joints. Similarly an intermediate crosspiece or transom is butt jointed to the vertical side or stile members and also secured by screws and ports.

To enable port screws or bolts to be used, screw ports are provided within the basic members 1 as shown at 100 in Figure 3. Each screw port provides a bore 101 of suitable length for receiving a port screw (not shown) threaded therein, the port 100 slidably engaging at 103 the internal formations of the opposite channels 13 within the basic member 1 for initial positioning after which it is secured to the member 1 by self tapping drill screws 105 ready to receive the port screw.

Figure 4 shows a generally similar arrangement to Figure 3 except that the capping or finishing strip 36 is provided with barbed projection on rib formation 360 which retentively engages the gap 34. This is particularly applicable where securing screws 35 (Figure 3) are not employed. Here again modified inturned edges 32 and 33 are shown.

Referring to Figure 5 a typical arrangement of fixed window support and sliding door or window location and support is provided. The fixed window FW is horizontally and vertically contained by a framework of complete frame member assemblies 1, 3 generally similar to that shown in Figure 3 or 4 except that two mutually inclined flanges 39 are provided to receive a double glazing unit G1 in a sealed weatherproof manner at 390.

The glazed slidable door SD consists of a framework about a double glazing unit G2 and constructed from complete frame members assemblies 1,2 which are the same as that shown in Figure 1 but may be of other similar assembly such as that shown for the support of the fixed window FW. Weather-proof sealing is again provided at 280.

In order to support slidably the door SD from, or in relation to, the fixed window frame work, at least horizontal and preferably vertical support or location members 4 of channel section are provided and which are secured to corresponding frame member assemblies 1, 3 of the fixed window frame. For this purpose a parallel projection or rib formation 40, of the channel section member 4 enters the adjacent gap 34 of the fixed window frame work preferably with a force fit. For additional security further securing means may be employed such as screw connection.

For slidably supporting the sliding door framework, the lower horizontal channel section member 4 as shown and preferably the upper horizontal one is or are provided with a slideway rib or rail 43 which locates in a recess 230 provided between the inturned edges 23 of the lower horizontal frame member assembly 1, 2 of the sliding door framework. Sealing strips may be provided for the latter at 44 and which also serves to provide lateral support for the framework As well as the advantageous arrangement of the frame construction already referred to, full door or window security can be retained by suitable bolt and lock mechanism.

Removal of the exterior cladding strips 2, 3 would not affect such security and would hinder any break in attempt. Furthermore, in the case of the door frame of Figure 1, the screws 25 at the door edge are concealed when the door is closed.

Whereas practical examples of door or window frame construction have been described with reference to the drawings, it is to be understood that various modifications may be made within the scope ofthe invention herein defined. It will also be appreciated that the invention applies to all types of door frame construction including patio door frames.

Claims (19)

1 A frame member or like structural member characterised by a basic frame or like member which is formed or adapted to detachably receive one or more external cladding on facing members or strips so that the latter is or are readily replaceable.

2 A frame member or like structure member according to claim 1 wherein the or each external cladding or facing member has a detachable snap on engagement with the basic frame or like member.

3 A frame member or like structural member according to claim 2 wherein at least one edge position of the or each extemal cladding or facing member is inturned for said detachable snap on engagement with external lip formation of the basic frame or like member,

4 A frame member or like structural member according to claim 3 wherein the external lip formation of the basic frame or like member is provided at exterior chanelling of the latter so as to permit said detachable snap on engagement of the or each external cladding or facing member therewith.

5 A frame member or like structural member according to any of the preceding claims wherein the or each external cladding or facing member includes substantially L section formation thereof for providing substantially right angled cladding or facing of the basic frame or like member

6 A frame member or like structural member according to any of the preceding claims wherein, in position of use, adjacent edges oftwo external cladding or facing members provide a longitudinal gap for receiving there through screws or like receiving means for further securing the external cladding or facing members to the basic frame or like member.

7 A frame or like member like structural member according to claim 6 wherein capping means is provided for engaging said longitudinal gap in order to close or conceal the latter, and any screws or like securing means therein

8 A frame member or like structural member according to claim 7 wherein the capping means is of strip form and includes projection or rib formation for snap engagement with said longitudinal gap.

9 A frame member or like structural member according to any of the preceding claims wherein the or each external cladding or facing member is provided with intemal rib or like formation for spacing it from the basic frame or like member.

10 A frame member or like structural member according to any of the preceding claims wherein the or each external cladding or facing member includes extension at at least one end thereof for receiving or accommodating an edge part of a glazing such as a glazing unit.

11 A frame member or like structural member according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least one external cladding or facing member is provided with extension or lug means for securing the complete frame or like structural member in position of use such as to a wall.

12 A frame member or like structural member according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least one cladding or facing member includes an extension or flange against which a closed door or the like can abut such as against a weather sealing strip carried by the extension flange.

13 A frame member or like structure member according to any of the preceding claims wherein an edge of an external cladding or facing member is provided with a locking extension for abutting co-operation with an adjacent edge of a further external cladding or facing member whereby on releasing movement of said locking extension at least the further external cladding or facing member can be disengaged from the basic frame or like member.

14 A frame member or like structural member according to any of the preceding claims wherein a channel form support member is provided for attachment thereto and for the support of door or like structure therefrom such as a sliding door or window.

15 A frame member or like structural member according to claim 14 wherein an extemal projection or rib member from the channel form support member is arranged to engage a gap between adjacent edges of cladding or facing members of said frame member or like structural member.

16 A frame member or like structural member according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the channel form support member is provided with at least one slideway rib or rail therein for a sliding door or window or like structure.

17 A frame member or like structural member comprising a basic frame or like member and one or more external cladding or facing members for detachable attachment thereto when substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the accompanying drawings.

18 A door or like framework when constructed from frame members or like structural members according to any of the preceding claims.

19 A basic frame or like member when provided for use in the construction of a frame or like structural member according to any of claims 1 to 18.

20 ' One or more cladding or facing members for use in the construction of a frame member or like structural member according to any of claims 1 to 18.