WO2000026494A1

WO2000026494A1 - Sliding doors and windows

Info

Publication number: WO2000026494A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/000944
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn Michael Bevan; Ross Doonan; Fred Appleton; Dominic Lamanna; Leonard Mckeown
Original assignee: James Hardie Research Pty Ltd
Current assignee: James Hardie Research Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1998-10-30
Filing date: 1999-10-29
Publication date: 2000-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2001-04-30
Also published as: JP2002529623A; NZ511561A; MY124704A

Abstract

The present invention relates to sealing arrangements for windows and doors, and in particular to sealing arrangements for sliding windows and doors. The invention provides a sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, the sliding window or door including a fixed sash (4) and a sliding sash (2) movable between a closed position and an open position, the fixed and sliding sashes including respective frame members (5, 6) which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed position, the sealing arrangement including a fixed seal element (20) and a moving seal element (32), the moving seal element (32) carried on said sliding sash (2), wherein upon moving the sliding sash to the closed position the fixed and moving seal elements (20, 32) cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members (5, 6).

Description

TITLE: SLIDING DOORS AND WINDOWS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sealing arrangements for windows and

doors, and in particular to sealing arrangements for sliding windows and doors.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in glass door and window

systems in which the frame and sash elements are manufactured predominantly from

extruded aluminium sections. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not

limited to this particular material or mode of construction.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Sliding windows and doors are well known and commonly used in the build ng

industry. In many applications they offer functional and aesthetic advantages over

hinged doors and windows. However, as the door or window must slide freely within

the fixed frame for ease of use, it has proven difficult to provide an effective weather

seal when the window or door is closed. To address this, it has been found that frame designs which incorporate a so called "van door" type closing action are able to

provide an adequate seal around most of the window or door. "Nan door" type closing

refers to a closing mechanism which, by means of guides, cams or the like, laterally displaces the sliding sash of the window or door toward the surrounding frame as it

moves to a closed position thereby causing the sliding sash to engage weather seals arranged around the perimeter of the sliding sash. In addition, the guides and/or cams

act to retain the sliding sash against the window/door frame whilst it is in the closed position. While this form of closing may provide a seal around the majority of the frame,

it is difficult to obtain adequate sealing against, for example, wind driven rain at the

corners of the window or door. In particular, the corners nearest the sill are specially

crucial as they are more exposed to the weather.

Additionally, there are a number of shortcomings with the weather seals used to

seal around the perimeter of the sliding sash. Firstly, it is often time consuming and

labour intensive to apply the weather seal around the perimeter of the sash. Furthermore, known weather seals often add an undesirable degree of friction to the

sliding sash during the sliding operation of the window or door. Additionally, weather

seals such as foam seals often require a substantial degree of compression before

providing effective sealing which results in the sliding sash being difficult to close.

It is an object of the various aspects of the present invention to overcome or

ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or at least provide a useful

alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a sealing arrangement for a sliding

window or door, said sliding window or door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open position, said fixed

and sliding sashes each including respective frame members which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed position, wherein

said sealing arrangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on said sliding sash, and wherein upon moving said sliding sash to said closed position said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate

with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members.

More particularly, the present invention provides a sealing arrangement at an

end of the interlock between the fixed and sliding sashes of a sliding window or door. In a preferred form of the invention, the seal is provided by means of a moving seal

element carried on the sliding sash at the end of its interlock stile which cooperates

with a fixed seal located between the corresponding end of the interlock stile of the fixed sash and a sill or head frame member of the window or door.

Preferably, the fixed seal element is formed from a deformable material. More

preferably, the fixed seal member is formed from a rubber compound.

Preferably, the moving seal element is formed from a deformable material.

More preferably, the moving seal element is formed from a rubber compound.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a seal for a sliding window or

door, said seal including a first sealing element and a second sealing element, said first

sealing element in the form of a flap and said second sealing element in the form of a

deformable bulb section.

Preferably the second sealing element is of a hollow cross-section.

Preferably the first sealing element is made of a rubber compound.

Preferably, the first and second sealing members are carried on a backing member. Preferably the backing member is configured in the form of a strip.

A yet further aspect of the present invention provides a sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or door including a fixed sash and a

sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including respective frame members which

are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed

position, wherein said sealing arrangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving

seal element, said moving seal element carried on said sliding sash, and wherein upon

moving said sliding sash to said closed position said fixed and moving seal elements

cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members,

said sliding window or door further including a seal to provide sealing between said

fixed sash and said sliding sash, said seal including first sealing element and a second

sealing element, said first sealing element in the form of a flap and said second sealing

element in the form of a deformable bulb section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various novel and inventive aspects of the present invention will now be

described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in

which: Figure 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a partly assembled sliding window or

door incorporating one preferred embodiment of the sealing arrangement of the

present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a length of window or door sill frame member

with an interlock sill seal according to the present invention positioned thereon;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional end view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal depicted in Figure 2; Figures 5a, 5b and 5c depict end, plan, and perspective views respectively of one

embodiment of the interlock sill seal;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal

shown in Figure 2 in conjunction with a corner stake member of the sliding sash of the

window or door;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the arrangement depicted in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the sliding sash

depicted in a partially open position;

Figure 9 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the sliding sash

depicted in a closed position;

Figure 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the interlock assembly of a sliding

window or door incorporating a further preferred embodiment of the sealing

arrangement of the present invention;

Figure 11 depicts the interlock assembly of Figure 10, with the sliding sash

shown in a raised position so as to illustrate the interlock sealing element carried on the end of the sliding interlock stile seal according to the present invention;

Figure 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of a sliding sash with the sliding

sash sealing components removed;

Figures 13a to 13c depict a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in

an open position and illustrating the fixed and moving interlock sealing elements;

Figures 14a to 14c depict a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in

a closed position and illustrating the fixed and moving interlock sealing elements; Figures 15a to 15j depict various views of a further preferred embodiment of the

fixed interlock sealing element;

Figures 16a to 16] depict various views of a yet further preferred embodiment of

the fixed interlock sealing element;

Figures 17a to 17j depict various views of a further preferred embodiment of the

moving interlock sealing element;

Figures 18a and 18b depict end and perspective views respectively of a preferred embodiment of a weather seal according to a further aspect of the present invention;

Figures 19a and 19b depict end and perspective views respectively of the

weather seal positioned in a sliding sash frame member;

Figures 20a and 20b depict cross-sectional end and top views respectively of an

assembled sliding window or door illustrating the sliding sash weather seal whilst the

sliding sash is in an open position; and

Figures 21a and 21b depict cross-sectional end and top views respectively of a

sliding window or door assembly illustrating the sliding sash weather seal whilst in a

closed position. DISCUSSION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figure 1, a cut-away perspective view of the interlocking stiles of a

fixed and a sliding sash of a sliding window or door assembly 1 is shown. The assembly 1 includes a sliding sash 2 mounted on a sill member 3 and adapted for sliding movement along the length of the sill. The sill 3 is preferably an extruded section, and is further preferably formed from aluininium. The sill 3 includes an integrally formed rail 11 upon which the sliding sash is mounted and which acts to guide the sliding movement of the sliding sash. The assembly further includes a fixed

sash 4 positioned on the sill. In the embodiment depicted the fixed sash 4 is

positioned on the exterior (weather) side of the sill 3. Both the fixed and sliding

sashes include stiles 5 & 6 respectively which extend in a direction perpendicular to

the sill and the direction of the sliding movement of the sliding sash. The stiles 5 & 6

include tongues 7 & 8 respectively which are adapted to overlap and interlock when

the sliding sash 2 is moved to its closed position. The various frame elements are

preferably extruded aluminium sections although, as mentioned above, the present

invention is not limited to this particular material or mode of construction. For

example, the various frame elements may be formed from extruded polymers,

pultruded reinforced polymers, extruded metal such as aluminium, timber or any

combination thereof. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity the panels carried

by the sliding and fixed sashes have been omitted. In use, panels such as, for example

panes of glass, would be located in recesses 9 & 10 of the sashes respectively. Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the window or door sill 3 shown in Figure

1 with a sealing element 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention

located thereon.

In the particular embodiment depicted, the sealing element 20 is adapted to

engage with a longitudinally extending lip 12 of the window sill extrusion and to mate with the external recess 13 of the sill, thereby aiding in the sealing of the window. The location of the seal on the sill is also depicted in Figures 3 and 4 which depict end and plan views respectively of Figure 2. It is to be noted that the profile of the sill 3 can be varied and that in some forms of the invention the longitudinally extending lip 12 and recess 13 may be omitted and the form of the sealing element 20 configured to

suit. The sealing element 20 includes an outer sealing face 21 shaped to conform with

the outer surface of the sill 3.

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c depict end, plan and perspective views respectively of a

preferred embodiment of the fixed sealing element 20. The sealing element 20 is

provided with an outer surface or face 21 adapted to seat upon the external face of the

sill 3 and thereby provide a seal against the ingress of water and/or wind. In the embodiment depicted, the sealing element 20 further includes a recessed mating

portion 22 which is adapted to engage with the lip 12 of the sill 3, thereby aiding in

locating and retaining the sealing element in position on the sill. However, as

mentioned above, the profile of the sill may vary and may not necessarily include the

lip portion 12 depicted and accordingly the shape of the sealing element 20 may vary correspondingly. Preferably the sealing element 20 is made of a deformable material,

such as rubber, so as to enable it to conform to the shape of the external surface of the

sill 3.

The sealing element 20 is preferably adapted to include a means for locating

with respect to the fixed sash. In the embodiment depicted the seal element includes a notched recess 23 in its outer face to provide for location of the seal with respect to a

fixed sash of the window. In particular, the notched recess 23 mates with a

corresponding notch on a frame element of the fixed sash. To further provide for location of the seal, a longitudinally extending slot 24 is provided into which an edge of the interlock tongue 8 of the stile of the fixed sash 4 is located. A further feature of the preferred embodiment of the sealing element 20 is a

tapered face 25 on the leading end 26 of the seal to assist in the sealing action as the

fixed and moving interlocking stiles of the window or door come into engagement

upon closing of the window or door.

Referring to Figure 6, a corner joining element 30, or stake, of the sliding

window or door sash is depicted mounted on the window sill 3. For the sake of

clarity, and to illustrate an aspect of the sealing arrangement of the present invention,

the various frame elements of the fixed and sliding sashes have been omitted from

Figure 6. The corner joining element 30 is adapted to provide a corner connection

between perpendicular frame elements of the sliding sash. The comer joining element 30 is further adapted for mounting upon the rail section 11 of the window or door sill

3. In a further aspect of the present invention the corner stake 30 carries a sealing

member 32 which, in use, cooperates with the deformable fixed seal 20 on the sill to

provide for sealing between the fixed and sliding sashes at the end of the interlocking

stiles 5 & 6. It should be noted that the movable sealing member 32 may be either

integrally formed with the comer stake 30, or alternatively, formed separate thereto. In one embodiment, the movable sealing member 32 may be manufactured from a relatively hard material such as nylon. Upon closing of the window or door, the

moving seal element 32 carried on the moving window or door sash passes up and

over the tapered leading surface 25 of the fixed seal 20 and is positioned thereon when the window or door is in a fully closed position. The nose section 33 of the movable sealing member 32 is slightly rounded in order to more easily enable the moving seal to pass over the fixed seal. The weight of the sliding sash bearing on the moving seal element 32 causes the moving seal to compress the fixed seal 20 so that the fixed seal

deforms partially around the moving seal 32, thereby closing any gaps between and/or

surrounding the adjacent seals and providing a weather-tight seal at the base of the

interlocking tongues 7 and 8 and between sill 3 and the interlock stiles 5 & 6 of the

fixed and sliding sashes 4 and 2 respectively.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the fixed seal 20 may be

manufactured from a relatively hard material, whilst the moving seal 32 is

manufactured from a deformable material, such as rubber, so as to effect sealing at the

end of the fixed and moving stiles 5 & 6. However, in a particularly preferred

embodiment, both the fixed seal 20 and the moving seal 32 are both formed from

relatively deformable materials.

In yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention, sufficient weather

sealing of the end of the fixed and moving stiles may be provided without relying

upon material deformation of the fixed and/or moving seals. In this embodiment of

the invention, the fixed and moving seals may be configured to cooperate with each

other when the sliding sash is moved to a closed position. For example, the fixed and

moving seals may be provided with mating surfaces or shapes such that when the seals are moved into cooperating positions a weather-tight seal is formed at the base of the

interlocking stiles. For example, the seals may be provided with labyr thine forms which cooperate with each other upon moving the sliding sash to a closed position.

Referring to Figures 1, 8 and 9, a further preferred feature of the sealing arrangement of the present invention is the provision of a wedge-shaped sealing element 40 within the interlock channel of the stile of the fixed sash. The sealing element 40 is adapted such that upon the sliding window or door sash being moved to

a closed position the tongue 8 of the stile 6 of the sliding sash mates with surface 41 of

the seal 40 to provide sealing along the stile channel. Preferably the wedge-shaped

sealing element 40 is manufactured from a resilient material which provides a degree

of compliance when the stile engages with the seal 40.

As depicted in Figures 1, 8 and 9 the channel of the fixed stile 5 is provided with a rib 50 for ensuring correct location of the seal member 40 and for retaining the seal

in position within the channel.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the sealing member 32 carried on the sliding sash includes a tapered face 34. The angle of the tapered face corresponds with the tapered

surface 42 of the wedge-shaped seal element 40 in the stile of the fixed sash. The

tapered face 34 is preferred so as to allow the moving seal member to progressively fill the gap between the sill hump rail and the exterior part of the fixed sash interlock

as the window or door closes, whilst avoiding interference with the tongue 7 of the

fixed stile 5.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in order to provide additional sealing along the length of the interlock of the stiles of the fixed and sliding sashes, it is also preferable

for a deformable seal 55, preferably made of foam, to be located within the channel 54

of the stile of the sliding sash. It is further preferable that the seal 55 extend along the full length of the channel 54 to provide sealing therealong.

In a further aspect of the present invention provision is made in either the sash extrusions, or in the corresponding parts of the external frame with which the sliding sash mates upon closing, for the fitting of a weather seal. Preferably the weather seal is located inside the sliding sash extrusions. Preferably the weather seal is arranged

such that as the closed window is pushed by external wind pressure, the sash further

compresses the seal to better seal the window against the ingress of wind and

rainwater. A novel and inventive form of weather seal will be described herein with

particular reference to Figures 18a and 18b.

In a further aspect of the present invention, cams and/or guide means are

incorporated in the sliding window or door to urge the sliding sash laterally as it closes

for the purposes of sealing.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a interlock assembly of a sliding window or door is depicted in a

closed position. The sliding sash 2 is located on and guided by the rail 11 which is

integrally formed in the frame member 3. In the closed position, the interlock stile

members 5, 6 are in a position such that the respective tongues 7, 8 overlap and

interlock. Sealing elements 40, 55 are located within the channels interlock stiles 5, 6 respectively to provide for sealing along the length of the interlock. Figure 11

illustrates the sliding sash 2 in a raised position so as to reveal the end seal element 32

which locates on the end of the moving stile 6.

Referring to Figure 12, a sliding sash assembly 2 in accordance with a preferred

embodiment of the present invention is depicted, along with the various sealing components which are carried on the sliding sash. When assembled, the sliding sash

carries a sealing element 32 to provide sealing at the end of the interlock stiles when the sliding sash is in a closed position. The embodiment of the sealing element 32 depicted is adapted to be located and retained upon the end of the interlock stile member 6 of the sliding sash. In order to reduce friction upon closing whilst also

enabling a seal against the ingress of water, the sealing element preferably includes

one or more raised surfaces 36 which seal upon one or more corresponding surfaces of

the fixed seal element 20. In the preferred embodiment depicted the sealing element

22 includes a pair of ribs 36 which seat upon corresponding sealing surfaces of the

fixed sill seal element 20. It should be appreciated that the shape and configuration of

the sealing element 32 may vary depending upon the cross-sectional form of the interlock stile member 6. As discussed above, the sliding sash further includes an

interlock seal 55, preferably in the form of a deformable foam or rubber strip, which is

located within the channel 54 of the stile 6 of the sliding sash so as to provide for

sealing along the length of the interlock stile when the sliding sash is in a closed

position. Additionally, in accordance with a further inventive aspect of the present

invention, the sliding sash 2 carries a weather seal 60 so as to provide for sealing

between the fixed and sliding sash frame members. The weather seal is configured in

the form of a strip and is located and retained inside the sliding sash frame member 70 by means of a pair of opposing slots 71a, 71b located within the sash frame member.

It is further preferable for the weather seal 60 to be located on the external (weather) side of the window or door. The weather seal 60 will be described in more detail with

reference to Figures 18a and 18b. Figures 13a to 13c, and 14a to 14c, provide a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in open and closed positions respectively, and illustrate the components of the sealing arrangement at the end of the interlock stiles. The sealing arrangement at the end of the interlock stiles includes a fixed sealing element 20 carried on the sill frame member 3, whilst the sliding sash 2 carries a mating sealing

member 32 located at the end of the interlock stile. When the sliding sash 2 is moved

to a fully closed position as shown in Figure 14b, the sealing member 32 at the end of

the interlock stile seats upon the sealing member carried on the sill member 3 so as to

effect sealing engagement at the end of the interlock. The fixed sealing element 20

preferably includes an outwardly extending sealing member which locates within the

channel 54 of the moving stile 6 and engages with the sealing surface(s) of the sealing

member 32 when the sliding sash is moved to its closed position. It is to be noted that

a corresponding sealing arrangement may be provided at both ends of the interlock.

Figures 15a to 15j depict various views of a further preferred embodiment of the

fixed interlock sealing element 20. The sealing element 20 is adapted to engage with

the end of a fixed interlock stile. Accordingly, it should be noted that the particular

form of the sealing element 20 may vary depending upon the cross-sectional form of

the interlock stile. The sealing element 20 is further adapted to seat upon an outer face of the window or door sill, and includes an outer sealing face 21 shaped to conform

with the outer surface of the sill 3. Preferably the sealing face 21 includes a lip 27

which engages with a corresponding longitudinally extending groove on the sill

member 3 so as to provide for the correct location of the seal element 20 on the sill. The seal element 20 may include a tapered leading face 25 so to provide for easier engagement with the moving seal element 32 carried on the end of the moving interlock stile as the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to its closed

position. In the preferred embodiment depicted, the seal element 20 includes a pair of sealing faces 28, 29 upon which the moving interlock seal element 32 seats when the sliding sash of the window or door is in its closed position. When the sliding sash of

the window or door is moved to its closed position the ribs 36 of the moving seal 32

seat upon the faces 28, 29 of the fixed seal 20. The outwardly extending member 31

on the fixed seal 20 locates within the channel 54 of the moving stile 6, with the tongue 8 of the moving stile locating in the space 37 behind the member 31. The

embodiment of the fixed interlock sealing element depicted is adapted to seat upon an

inclined external face of a window or door sill, such as that which is typical of a lower

sill of a sliding window or door.

Figures 16a to 16j depict various views of a further form of the fixed seal element 20. In this form, it is to be noted that the sealing face 21 of the fixed seal

which seats on the sill frame member 3 is substantially parallel to the sealing face

which cooperates with the moving seal on the end of the moving interlock stile and

typically the seal member is used for providing sealing at the upper end of the

interlock where the sill member 3 does not have an inclined outer face.

Figures 17a to 17j depict various views of a particularly preferred embodiment of the moving seal element 32. The moving seal element 32 is adapted to engage with

the end of the moving interlock stile 6 of the sliding sash of the window or door. Accordingly, it should be noted that the particular form of the sealing element 32 may

vary depending on the cross-sectional form of the interlock stile. The seal element includes ribs 36 which seat upon faces 28, 29 of the fixed seal 20. The seal element

further includes a member 38 which locates within the channel 54 at the end of the moving stile 6. The member 38 preferably includes a tapered leading face so as to facilitate engagement with the fixed seal element 20 as the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to its closed position. The member 38 may also include a notch 39

as shown which cooperates with a complementary rib within the channel 54 of the

moving stile to assist in the location of the seal on the end of the stile.

Referring to Figures 18a and 18b, an end view and a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the weather seal 60 is depicted. In the preferred embodiment

depicted, the weather seal includes a pair of sealing elements; namely, a deformable

"bulb" seal element 61 and a flap seal element 62. The bulb seal is preferably formed

of an easily deformable rubber material and is preferably of hollow cross-section. The

pair of sealing elements are located on a relatively rigid backing member 63, preferably in the form of a strip. The configuration of the weather seal provides for

the seal to be inserted into a corresponding slotted section in the sliding sash frame

members as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 18a and 18b.

The sealing faces of the pair of sealing elements 61, 62 are located in planes which are at an angle with respect to each other. In use, the weather seal is configured and

positioned in the frame member such that the flap seal 62 provides an outer, primary sealing boundary whilst the bulb seal 61 provides an inner, secondary sealing

boundary.

Referring to Figures 19a and 19b, an end view and perspective view of a

preferred embodiment of a sliding sash frame member 70 are depicted with the weather sealing element 60 located in position within the frame member. Preferably

the frame member 70 includes a pair of longitudinally extending internal slots 71a, 71b within which the weather seal is located and retained. To assemble the weather seal on the sliding sash frame member, one end of an appropriate length of weather seal 60 is located within the slots 71a, 71b and the weather seal 60 is then slid into

position along the length of the channel defined by slots 71a, 71b. By configuring the

weather seal 60 and sash frame member 70 so as to enable the sliding fitment of the

seal within the sash frame member, significant advantages in assembly time and

labour requirements are provided, as well as enabling consistent and accurate

assembly of the weather seal within the sash frame.

Referring to Figures 20a and 20b, the sash assembly is depicted in an open

position. As described previously, the sill member 3 includes a hump section 11 upon

which the sliding sash 2 is located and guided.

Referring to Figures 21a and 21b, the sliding sash is depicted in the closed

position. In this position, a wedge element 75 carried on the inside of the sliding sash

engages with an outwardly extending hump section 76 on the window or door frame to

cause the sliding sash to move laterally. In doing so, the weather seals 60 located

around the periphery of the sliding sash are pressed against the respective frame

sections of the window or door frame to effect sealing around the periphery of the

sliding sash. The bulb member 61 of the peripheral seal deforms such that an area of its outer surface conforms to the outer surface of the fixed frame sections. Preferably, the lower flap 62 of the weather seal is sized such that the leading edge 64 of the flap extends to a position near or below the outer edge of the sash, thereby minimising the

ingress of water due to the action of surface tension. Essentially, the flap seal element

diverts any water back outwards and the deformable bulb acts as a secondary sealing line in the event that the first sealing line provided by the flap is breached. Advantageously, the slide-in configuration of the peripheral seal reduces

assembly time and, as no skill is required in assembly of the seal on the moving sash,

the performance of the peripheral seal is consistent and predictable. Furthermore, the

rubber bulb and flap sealing elements provide only minimal drag during the sliding

operation of the sash and yet provide effective sealing when pushed up against the

hump sections of the fixed frame by the van door closmg action at the end of the travel

of the sliding sash.

Whilst the present invention has been described in the context of a horizontally

sliding window or door, it should be noted that the invention may also be applied to

vertically opening windows.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be

embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or

door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including

respective frame members which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding

sash is moved to said closed position, wherein said sealing arrangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on

said sliding sash, and wherein upon moving said sliding sash to said closed position

said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an

end of said adj acent frame members.

2. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moving seal element carried on the sliding sash at an end of an interlock stile and the fixed seal is located

between a corresponding end of an interlock stile of the fixed sash and a sill or head

frame member of the window or door.

3. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed seal element is adapted to seat upon an outer face of the window or door sill and includes an outer

sealing face adapted to conform with the outer face of the sill.

4. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 3 wherein said sealing face includes a

lip which engages with a corresponding longitudinally extending groove on the sill member so as to provide for the correct location of the fixed seal element on the sill.

5. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed seal element includes a tapered leading face so as to facilitate engagement with the moving seal element as the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to a closed position.

6. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed seal element includes a sealing face upon which the moving interlock seal element seats when the

sliding sash of the window or door is in a closed position.

7. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed seal element is

formed from a deformable material.

8. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein the fixed seal member is formed from a rubber compound.

9. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moving seal element is

formed from a deformable material.

10. A sealing arrangement as claimed in claim 9 wherein the moving seal element is

formed from a rubber compound.

11. A seal for a sliding window or door, said seal including a first sealing element

and a second sealing element, said first sealing element in the form of a flap and said

second sealing element in the form of a deformable bulb section.

12. A seal as claimed in claim 11 wherein the second sealing element is of a hollow

cross-section.

13. A seal as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the first sealing element is made of a

rubber compound.

14. A seal as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first and second sealing members are

carried on a backing member.

15. A seal as claimed in claim 11 wherein the backing member is configured in the form of a strip.

16. A sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or

door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a

closed position and an open position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including

sash is moved to said closed position, wherein said sealing arrangement includes a

fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on

said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members, said sliding window or door further including a

seal to provide sealing between said fixed sash and said sliding sash, said seal

including first sealmg element and a second sealing element, said first sealing element in the form of a flap and said second sealing element in the form of a deformable bulb

section.