GB2565796A

GB2565796A - Cladding assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2565796A
Application number: GB1713472.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clark Gary
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-22
Filing date: 2017-08-22
Publication date: 2019-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-22
Also published as: GB2565796B; GB201713472D0

Abstract

The cladding assembly has at least one frame section, 4a, 5a, having a gas tight cavity 41, 51 formed therein. The frame section may be elongate extruded aluminium or plastic, and connect to other frame sections at mitre joints to form a rectangle. Cavities may be filled by an inert noble gas, e.g. argon, or insulating foam. The frame sections may have sealable inlet and outlet ports to permit passage of gas (42,52 Fig. 2). Frames sections may have a recess (43,53 Fig. 2) for receiving a snap fit or friction fit retaining clip 9 for retrofitting assemblies to an existing frame to reduce heat loss from building. Also claimed is a window a door having cladding assemblies attached. There may be separate assemblies attached to glazing unit frame 2 and window/door frame 2 respectively. There may be a weather seal 10 covering the gap between frames, and glazing tape 11 between assembly and glazing unit 3.

Description

Cladding Assembly

The present invention relates to a cladding assembly, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a cladding assembly suitable for cladding window or door frames.

External cladding is commonly used on building exteriors in order to change the aesthetic appearance of the building or fixtures within it. For example, cladding may be applied to window or door frames, offering a wide range of potential aesthetic finishes which can be achieved. Furthermore, fitting of cladding to existing window or door frames allows the aesthetic appearance of the window or door to be changed without the need to replace the entire frame, which would a highly disruptive and costly procedure.

Application of aluminium cladding to timber window or door frames is a particularly popular option, since it provides the advantages of having a frame of timber construction and having a natural timber finish on the interior of the building, together with having a metallic aluminium finish on the building exterior, which may be desirable for aesthetic purposes.

The thermal performance of windows and doors is a major contributing factor to the overall energy efficiency of a building and therefore limiting heat transfer through such fixtures is a highly desirable building design consideration. A large number of technologies exist which restrict such heat loss, such as insulated glazing, and glass panes having low emissivity, highly reflective transparent coatings. Further improvements can be made by using frames which are designed to minimise heat loss. However, installing new windows and doors in order to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency, particular into older buildings, can again be a highly disruptive and costly process. It is desirable, therefore, to provide means to minimise heat transfer through windows and doors which can be easily retrofitted at a relatively low cost.

The present invention arose in an attempt to provide an improved cladding for window or door frames, providing enhanced insulation to the window or door.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a cladding assembly arranged to be fitted to a window or door frame, comprising one or more elongate frame sections, wherein one or more gas-tight cavities are formed within one or more of the elongate frame sections.

The elongate frame sections are shaped such that one or more cavities are formed therein, wherein each cavity is closed in a gas-tight manner, at least when the elongate frame sections are assembled together to form the cladding assembly.

The one or more cavities may be filled with an insulating gas, such as argon or another noble gas. Such insulating gases have lower heat conductance than air and thus can minimise the amount of heat conducted through the cladding. Accordingly, a major advantage of the present invention is that heat transfer through the cladding is reduced, providing enhanced insulation of the window or door frame in addition to any insulating features of the window or door itself.

The elongate frame sections may be provided with one or more sealable ports located so as to permit the inlet of gas to and/or the outlet of gas from one or more of the cavities for charging the one or more cavities with gas. The elongate frame sections may preferably be provided with two sealable ports associated with each cavity, such that the cavity may be charged with an insulating gas through one port (inlet) and air displaced through the other port (outlet). The ports are preferably sealable in order for the cavity to be closed in a gas-tight manner once it has been charged with the insulating gas.

The elongate frame sections may be formed of any desired material capable of forming a gas-tight seal around the cavity. For example, the elongate frame sections may be formed of a metal, such as aluminium, or alternatively from a plastic material, such as UPVC. Thus, the cladding may be fitted to a window or door frame to provide a desired aesthetic look. For example, aluminium cladding may be fitted to timber frames. However, in addition to adapting the aesthetic look of the frame, the cladding may also provide enhanced insulation, thus improving the thermal performance of the window or door frame.

The cladding assembly preferably comprises means for fixedly attaching the cladding assembly to a corresponding surface, such as the outer surface of a window or door frame. It will be appreciated, however, that the cladding may be attached to any internal or external surface in order to provide a desired aesthetic look coupled with enhanced insulation. The means for fixedly attaching the cladding assembly to a corresponding surface may preferably comprise a recess formed in the profile of the elongate frame sections, which profile is arranged to securely accommodate a retaining clip attached to said corresponding surface.

Individual elongate frame sections may be connected together to form the cladding assembly using connectors configured to couple two or more elongate frame sections together. Alternatively, frame sections may be bonded together by welding, by gluing (for example by use of an epoxy resin), or by any other appropriate means.

The arrangement of the present invention is such that each of the one or more elongate frame sections comprises outer walls, which outer walls define a closed area inside of the outer walls. When the elongate frame sections are viewed in cross-section, the closed area inside of the outer walls of each of the elongate frame sections defines the cross-sectional area of one of the one or more cavities. Thus, the cavity is formed within substantially the whole area inside of the elongate frame section, allowing the cladding to provide insulation across its entire area.

According to the present invention in a second aspect, there is provided a window or door comprising a frame and one or more cladding assemblies, wherein the cladding assembly is fitted to the outer surface of the frame so as to cover the frame. The cladding assembly comprises one or more elongate frame sections, wherein one or more gas-tight cavities are formed within one or more of the elongate frame sections and an inert gas is provided within the or each cavity. The inert gas is preferably Argon. The cladding assembly may be a cladding assembly according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

The frame may comprise one or more retaining clips attached to an outer surface thereof, which retaining clips are arranged to engage with a recess formed in the profile of the one or more elongate frame sections, such that the cladding assembly can be fixedly attached to the surface of the frame

The window or door may further comprise a glazing unit fitted within the frame.

The cladding assembly may overlap the peripheral edge of the glazing unit, such that the entire frame is covered.

Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a window fitted with first and second cladding assemblies according to the present invention.

Figure 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of elongate frame section 4a shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of elongate frame section 5a shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2(c) is a perspective cross-sectional view of elongate frame section 5a shown in Figure 1

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the window of Figure 1 along line Ill-Ill.

Figure 1 shows a window 1 comprising a window frame 2 and a glazing unit 3 fitted within the window frame 2. The window frame 2 may be of any conventional construction and may be formed of any material suitable for window frames, such as timber or UPVC. The glazing unit 3 will typically be a sealed double or triple glazed unit.

A first cladding assembly 4 and a second cladding assembly 5 are fitted to the window frame 2 so as to substantially cover the window frame 2. Cutaway portion 7 shows the frame 2 positioned behind the first and second cladding assemblies 4, 5. The window frame 2 is shown in Figure 1 as having an inner component and an outer components, covered by the first and second cladding assemblies, respectively. It will be appreciated, however, that the window frame may comprise any number of components. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, two cladding assemblies according to the present invention are fitted to the window frame 2, however it will be appreciated that any number of cladding assemblies may be fitted to any one window frame, for example the window may be fitted with only the first cladding assembly 4. It is also anticipated that more than two cladding assemblies may be fitted to any one window frame.

First cladding assembly 4 comprises a plurality of elongate frame sections 4a - 4d, which are assembled together to form the first cladding assembly 4. Similarly, second cladding assembly 5 comprises a plurality of elongate frame sections 5a - 5d. In the embodiment shown, the first and second cladding assemblies 4, 5 are rectangular and each comprises four elongate frame sections. However, it will be appreciated that the cladding assembly of the present invention may be of any shape and may comprise any number of elongate frame sections.

Dashed lines 8 indicate joints formed between adjacent elongate frame sections.

In the embodiment shown, a mitre joint is formed between adjacent elongate frame sections. Adjacent elongate frame sections may be bonded together by welding, which welding may be carried out either manually or robotically, gluing (for example by use of a two-part epoxy resin), or by any other suitable means. Alternatively, adjacent elongate frame sections may be connected together using suitable connectors arranged to couple together two or more elongate frame sections. In a further embodiment, adjacent elongate frame sections may not be physically joined, but may be fitted to the window frame 2 such that the end portion of one elongate frame section abuts any portion of the other elongate frame section.

Figures 2(a) to 2(c) show cross-sections of the elongate frame sections 4a and 5a. The cross-sectional profile of the elongate frame sections may take any shape desirable for aesthetic purposes, for fitting to particular surface, and/or for accommodating fixtures such as glazing units, as will be described later with reference to Figure 3. Accordingly, profile of the elongate frame sections may be chosen to match any style of window to which the cladding is to be applied, such as storm windows, flush windows or sliding box sash windows, for example. Preferably, the profiles of the elongate frame sections allow the elongate frame sections of be easily cut and bonded together. As such, the elongate frame sections can be manufactured and supplied in standard, uncut lengths, which can subsequently be cut to size and bonded together to produce a cladding assembly sized to a specific window or door frame. The elongate frame sections are preferably formed by extrusion.

In most circumstances the elongate frame sections will have a length substantially greater than the width thereof. However, it is anticipated that in some embodiments, the elongate frame sections may have a length substantially the same as the width thereof, or a length that is shorter than the width thereof, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Each of the elongate frame sections comprises outer walls 40, 50, which outer walls define a closed area inside of the outer walls 40, 50. The closed area inside of the outer walls of each of the elongate frame sections 4a, 5a defines the cross-sectional area of a cavity 41, 51. In other words, the elongate frame sections 4a, 5a each comprise a cavity 41, 51 formed inside of the outer walls 40, 50, extending along the length of the elongate frame section, as shown for elongate frame section 5a in Figure 2(c). In the embodiments shown, the cavity 41, 51 is defined by substantially the entire volume inside of the outer walls 40, 50 of each elongate frame section 4a, 5a. However, it will be appreciated that the cavity may be formed by only a portion of the volume inside of the outer walls 40, 50. Furthermore, the volume inside of the outer walls 40, 50 may be divided into a plurality of cavities, such that each elongate frame section comprises more than one cavity.

Within the cladding assembly of the present invention, each elongate frame section comprises one or more gas-tight cavities 41, 51. That is to say, the cavity formed within each of the elongate frame sections is closed in a gas-tight manner.

In preferred embodiments, the elongate frame sections are assembled together in such a way that the actual assembly itself closes the one or more cavities and renders each cavity gas-tight. For example, a mitre joint may be formed between the ends of two adjacent elongate frame sections. The ends of the elongate frame sections may then be bonded together so as to join the two elongate frame sections at right angles (or any other desired angle) and concurrently form a gas-tight seal around each of the cavities. Accordingly, the respective cavities within the adjacent elongate frame sections may be connected, thereby forming one cavity extending between two perpendicularly joined elongate frame sections when the ends of the elongate frame sections are bonded together. Further elongate frame sections may be joined to the cladding assembly in the same manner, such that each end of each elongate frame section is joined to another end of another elongate frame section. For example, in one particular embodiment, four elongate frame sections may be joined together at each end thereof to form a square or rectangular cladding assembly. Accordingly, the cavities of each of the elongate frame sections are connected to form a single cavity extending around the entire cladding assembly. When each end of each elongate frame sections is bonded to another, a gastight seal is formed around the cavity.

In alternative embodiments, in order to close the cavities, each end of the extruded elongate frame sections 4a, 5a, as viewed in cross-section in Figures 2(a) to 2(c), may be fitted with a cap or end-plate, which cap or end plate is subsequently sealed to the corresponding end of the elongate frame section. Thus, the cavity formed within the elongate frame section between each end is closed in a gas-tight manner. The cap or end-plate may form part of a connector used to connect two or more elongate frame sections. It will be appreciated that the cap or end-plate may be positioned inward of the end of the elongate frame section, such that the cap or end-plate is not flush with the end of the elongate frame section.

In certain embodiments, the cavity within an elongate frame section may be divided into a plurality of sub-cavities in the longitudinal direction. In such embodiments, a plurality of dividers may be provided along the length of the elongate frame section in order to form the plurality of sub-cavities, which dividers form a gas-tight seal between adjacent subcavities. Elongate frame sections may therefore be supplied in standard lengths, with each sub-cavity being pre-filled with insulating gas, as discussed below. The elongate frame sections may then be cut to size according to the particular frame to which the cladding assembly is to be fitted.

It is anticipated that any of the abovementioned means for closing the cavities in a gas-tight manner, or any other suitable means for doing so, may be used alone or in combination in order to form one or more gas-tight cavities within the elongate frame sections.

Once each cavity is closed in a gas-tight manner, it is filled with an insulating gas, such as argon or another noble gas. Thus, heat transfer through the cladding assembly is significantly reduced and the cladding provides an additional insulating barrier around the window to which it is fitted. Furthermore, the cladding assembly may be arranged to cover the window frame such that any gaps within the window frames are covered by the insulating cladding assembly (as will be described with reference to Figure 3 below), thereby draught-proofing the window and further inhibiting heat loss.

In order to charge each gas-tight cavity with insulating gas, sealable ports 52 are provided within the elongate frame section 5a. Preferably, two ports are associated with each cavity. Accordingly, the cavity may be charged with an insulating gas through one port (inlet) and air displaced through the other port (outlet), as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2(c). Once the cavity has been fully charged with insulating gas (i.e. substantially all of the air has been purged from the cavity), the ports may then be sealed in a gas-tight manner (for example, using plugs configured to fit into the ports) so as to contain the insulating gas within the cavity of the elongate frame section. It will be appreciated that ports 42 and 52 shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c) have been depicted for clarity. However, it is desirable that the ports are sized and positioned within the elongate frame section so as to not be visible when the cladding assembly is assembled and fitted.

In an alternative embodiment, the cladding assembly may be provided with only one port, through which air is initially extracted and insulating gas subsequently inserted. In further embodiments, insulation may be provided by formation of a vacuum (or reduced air/gas pressure) within the or each gas-tight cavity. In such embodiments, only one port need be associated with each cavity, through which gas can be extracted to form the vacuum or reduced pressure.

In further embodiments, one or more of the cavities formed within the cladding assembly may be wholly or partially filled with insulating foam. In such embodiments, the cavities of the elongate frame sections may be filled with foam during the manufacture thereof, where said foam is preferably inserted using an expanding foam filler. Where the elongate frame sections are formed by extrusion, the cavities may be filled with expanding foam filler immediately after the extrusion process. However, it will be appreciated that the cavities may be filled with foam at any stage using any appropriate means.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of window 1 of Figure 1 along line Ill-Ill. The window 1 comprises a window frame 2 and a glazing unit 3. The window 1 is provided with a first cladding assembly 4 comprising elongate frame section 4a having a first profile, and a second cladding assembly 5 comprising elongate frame section 5a having a second profile. A gas-tight cavity 41, 51 is formed in each elongate frame section 4a, 5a, as described above with reference to Figures 2(a) to 2(c).

Each cladding assembly 4, 5 comprises means for fixedly attaching the cladding assembly to a corresponding surface. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c) and 3, a recess 43, 53 is formed in the profile of each of the elongate frame sections 4a, 5a. Each recess 43, 53 is arranged to securely accommodate a retaining clip 9 attached to the window frame 2. The retaining clip 9 may be a snap-fit clip and each recess 43, 53 may be shaped so as to engage the clip 9 when the cladding assembly 4, 5 is pushed into position, so as to fixedly attach each cladding assembly 4,5 to the window frame 2. Such an arrangement allows the cladding assembly to be fitted to the window frame without any visible fixings. Alternatively, the cladding assembly may be fitted using screws, adhesives or any other suitable means.

The elongate frame sections may be positioned so as to overlap any gaps in the window frame. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, elongate frame section 4a overlaps gap 12 formed between adjacent sections of the window frame 2. Thus, such gaps are both covered by the cladding assembly and are also insulated by means of the one or more gas-filled cavities formed within the one or more elongate frame sections. Accordingly, not only can heat loss through the window be reduced by use of, for example, double or triple glazed glass panes, the window can be further insulated by the cladding assembly fitted thereto. The window may additionally comprise one or more weather seals 10 positioned between the elongate frame section 4a and the window frame 2, further preventing the passage of air or moisture through the gaps formed in the window frame. Advantageously, standard weather seals may be used with the cladding assembly of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, elongate frame section 4a is arranged such that it overlaps the peripheral edge of the glazing unit. Glazing tape 11 may be positioned between the elongate frame section 4a and the glazing unit 3 to ensure a tight seal is formed.

As shown in Figure 3, once fitted to the window frame, the cladding assembly serves to cover the window frame, enabling the window to adopt any desired finish. For example, the classing assembly may be formed of aluminium whilst the window frame to which the cladding assembly is fitted may be of timber construction. Thus, the outward appearance of the window is that of aluminium whilst the inward appearance is that of timber. In addition to providing an aesthetic benefit, the cladding assembly further provides additional insulation to the window.

When fitted to timber window frames, the window frames may be cut back prior to fitting the cladding assembly. Thus, when the cladding assembly is fitted to the frame, the overall thickness of the frame remains substantially the same as the thickness of the frame prior to fitting.

The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that many different arrangements of the system are possible, which fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, whilst the foregoing description describes the cladding assembly of the present invention in 5 relation to its fitting to a window frame, it will be appreciated that the cladding assembly may equally be fitted to a door or door frame. Similarly, the cladding may readily be fitted to any internal or external surface where suitable means for fixedly attaching the cladding assembly to the surface are provided. Such surfaces may include walls or roofs of buildings.

Claims

1. A cladding assembly for fitting to a window or door frame, comprising one or more elongate frame sections, wherein one or more gas-tight cavities are formed within one or more of the elongate frame sections.

2. A cladding assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thermally insulating gas is argon or other inert gas.

3. A cladding assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more sealable ports located so as to permit the inlet of gas to and/or the outlet of gas from one or more of the cavities for charging the one or more cavities with gas.

4. A cladding assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate frame sections are formed from aluminium.

5. A cladding assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate frame sections are formed from a plastic material.

6. A cladding assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate frame sections are formed by extrusion.

7. A cladding assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for fixedly attaching the cladding assembly to a corresponding surface.

8. A cladding assembly according to claim 7, wherein the means for fixedly attaching the cladding assembly to a corresponding surface comprises a recess formed within the profile of one or more of the elongate frame sections, which recess is arranged to securely accommodate a retaining clip attached to said corresponding surface.

9. A cladding assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising connectors for connecting together two or more elongate frame sections.

10. A cladding assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the one or more elongate frame sections comprises outer walls, which outer walls define a closed area inside of the outer walls.

11. A cladding assembly according to claim 10, where, in cross-section, the closed area inside of the outer walls of each of the elongate frame sections defines the crosssectional area of one of the one or more cavities.

12. A window or door comprising a frame and one or more cladding assemblies, wherein each cladding assembly is fitted to the outer surface of the frame so as to cover the frame, each cladding assembly comprising one or more elongate frame sections, wherein one or more gas-tight cavities are formed within one or more of the elongate frame sections.

13. A window or door according to claim 12, wherein an inert gas is provided within the or each cavity.

14. A window or door according to claim 13, wherein the inert gas in argon or other noble gas.

15. A window or door according to any one of claims 12 or 14, further comprising means for fixedly attaching each cladding assembly to the outer surface of the frame.

16. A window or door according to claim 15, wherein the means for fixedly attaching each cladding assembly to a corresponding surface comprises a recess formed within the profile of the one or more elongate frame sections, and a retaining clip attached to said outer surface of the frame and secured by the recess.

17. A window or door according to any of claims 12 to 16, further comprising a glazing unit fitted within the frame, wherein one or more of the cladding assemblies overlap the peripheral edges of the glazing unit.