CN118241955A - Subframe extrusion and assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a subframe extrusion (1) comprising a subframe wall (15) and a cover member (16) at one end, and a clamp (13) and a peripheral frame holder (14) towards the other end. The clamp (13) may receive a subframe closure (2) for holding a frame assembly (3). The subframe extrusion (1) may be used to create a subframe assembly (5), which subframe assembly (5) may house a frame assembly (3) to help improve the efficiency of installation of joinery for new zealand buildings.

Description

Subframe extrusion and assembly

Technical Field

The invention relates to a subframe extrusion and a subframe assembly. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a subframe extrusion and subframe assembly for the installation of windows or doors, particularly for new zealand buildings.

Background

While doors and windows have traditionally been framed in wood, it is now becoming increasingly common to use extruded metal (and particularly aluminum) to assemble the frame elements. Extruded frames have the benefits of inexpensive mass production, adaptability to climatic conditions, and high strength.

Expertise is still required to select the appropriate frame and glass panels for a given size wall opening in a building, and then assemble and install the frame. During construction of a building, construction personnel typically construct openings for windows/doors, and professionals cut the window material to the appropriate size off site before transporting the window material to the site for installation in the newly constructed openings.

Significant construction delays can occur when the availability of windows or door panels is delayed (sometimes due to dimensional errors found when delivered to the field). The construction personnel may need to wait until the window or door is delivered and installed in the field before proceeding with exterior cladding and interior detail work near the wall opening. The installation of windows and/or doors is often a bottleneck for further construction work and for achieving weather resistance of the building, and these delays can be very inconvenient.

Some countries (e.g., new zealand) have extensive regulations for the installation of residential window/door joinery, for example, requiring a small gap between the wooden surround of the frame and the sides of the wall opening of the building. Such gaps (which may be filled with sealant) allow for some margin of error in the frame. Other regulations also require that the gap be externally hidden.

Such regulations have led to extrusion joinery designs in new zealand being very specific to these regulations, quite different from the frame designs elsewhere. However, these regulations may also render some techniques for improving door and window installation efficiency infeasible in new zealand because they are not compliant.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to find subframe designs and extrusion joinery installation techniques that improve door and window installation efficiency in new zealand while still conforming to unique regulations.

In this specification, where reference is made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally done to provide a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art in any jurisdiction.

For the purposes of this specification, where method steps are described in a sequential order, that order does not necessarily imply that the steps are chronological in that order, unless otherwise logically clear of the order is not required.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a subframe extrusion and assembly which overcomes or at least partially alleviates some of the above disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

According to a first aspect, the invention generally comprises a subframe extrusion comprising:

A main member comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a proximal end, and a distal end;

a subframe wall extending orthogonally from the inner surface at the distal end;

A clip presented by the main member between the proximal end and the distal end, the clip configured to removably receive a subframe closure;

a peripheral frame holder presented by the main member at or near the proximal end, at least a portion of the peripheral frame holder extending orthogonally from the outer surface a first distance; and

A cover member extending from the outer surface a second distance greater than the first distance,

Wherein, upon installation, the distal end is configured to be disposed outside of a building and the proximal end is configured to be disposed inside or toward the building, the subframe extrusion is configured to receive a frame assembly between the subframe wall and the subframe enclosure.

According to another aspect, the clip is presented by the inner surface.

According to another aspect, the length of the main member is such that the subframe closure is flush with the proximal end when the subframe closure is inserted into the clip.

According to another aspect, the peripheral frame holder includes an L-shaped protrusion from an outer surface adjacent the proximal end, and a portion of the outer surface itself forms a portion of the peripheral frame holder.

According to another aspect, the peripheral frame holder is spaced from the proximal end and from the clamp, thereby forming a fastener gap in the main member that provides space for fasteners to pass through the main member and into the wood peripheral frame held within the peripheral frame holder.

According to another aspect, the length of the main member is such that there is a gap of at least 10 millimeters between the subframe closure and the proximal end when the subframe closure is inserted.

According to another aspect, the peripheral frame holder is C-shaped and protrudes from the proximal end.

According to another aspect, the subframe extrusion is a single integral extrusion.

According to another aspect, the subframe extrusion comprises a plurality of extrusion portions connected by insulation strips in the main member, the plurality of extrusion portions being separate extrusions or separated from a unitary extrusion.

According to another aspect, the clip is closer to the proximal end than to the distal end.

According to another aspect, the extrusion is made of aluminum.

According to another aspect, the invention generally includes a rectangular subframe assembly including a top section, a bottom section, and two side sections defining a subframe opening, wherein at least two of the sections are subframe extrusions.

According to another aspect, only the side sections are subframe extrusions.

According to another aspect, the top section, the bottom section and the side sections are subframe extrusions.

According to another aspect, the rectangular subframe assembly further comprises a frame-type assembly interposed between the four segments and spanning the subframe opening, the frame-type assembly being retained by a subframe closure inserted into a clamp of each subframe extrusion.

According to another aspect, the invention generally includes a temporary window assembly comprising:

A rectangular subframe assembly; and

At least one temporary window holder having jaws for clamping the temporary window, wherein each temporary window holder is removably inserted into the subframe assembly, and

Wherein the temporary window is disposed adjacent the subframe wall and spans the subframe opening.

According to another aspect, the at least one temporary window holder is removably inserted into a fixture of a corresponding subframe extrusion.

According to another aspect, one temporary window holder is located on/between the walls of the bottom section, while each other temporary window holder is located between a subframe wall of the respective subframe extrusion and a subframe closure.

According to another aspect, each temporary window holder comprises a clip-in holder presenting a jaw and a temporary frame member having a cavity into which the clip-in holder can be removably engaged.

According to another aspect, the temporary window is a plastic sheet.

According to another aspect, the invention generally comprises a method of installing a joinery, the method comprising the steps of:

a) Mounting a subframe assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14 in a building wall, the mounting involving at least securing a wooden enclosure within an enclosure holder;

b) Inserting a frame assembly between the top section, the bottom section, and the side sections; and

C) The subframe closure is inserted into the fixture of each subframe extrusion.

Step a) also involves applying a sealant in each gap between the wood surround and the building wall opening and ensuring that the cover member conceals the gap when viewed from the exterior of the building wall opening.

According to another aspect, the method further comprises the following additional steps performed after step a):

Inserting one or more temporary window holders into the subframe assembly prior to performing step b), the temporary window holders having jaws gripping temporary windows disposed adjacent the subframe walls and across the subframe openings to provide a weather barrier,

Wherein during step b), the one or more temporary window holders are removed from the subframe assembly and replaced with the frame-type assembly.

According to another aspect, the one or more temporary window holders are inserted into a fixture of the subframe extrusion.

According to another aspect, inserting the one or more temporary window holders involves:

positioning a temporary window holder on/between the walls of the bottom section;

placing each other temporary window retainer adjacent a subframe wall of the corresponding subframe extrusion; and

Inserting a subframe closure into a clamp of each subframe extrusion, thereby securing the temporary window retainer, and

Wherein removing the temporary window retainer during step b) involves first removing the subframe closure.

According to another aspect, the temporary window is a plastic sheet.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the term "and/or" means "and" or both.

As used herein, the term "(s)" followed by a noun refers to the plural and/or singular forms of that noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of. In interpreting statements in this specification and claims which contain this term, the features recited in each statement beginning with that term must be present, but other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprising" and "including" should be interpreted in the same manner.

Drawings

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

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a subframe extrusion;

FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of a subframe extrusion with a subframe closure inserted;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a top section of a subframe assembly installed in a building wall opening and retaining a frame-type assembly;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional top view of a side section of a subframe assembly installed in a building wall opening and retaining a frame-type assembly;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a bottom section of a subframe assembly installed in a building wall opening and retaining a frame-type assembly;

FIG. 5A shows a front perspective view of the subframe assembly;

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear perspective view of the subframe assembly;

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of a subframe extrusion;

FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of a longer variation of the subframe extrusion;

FIG. 6C shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of a subframe extrusion with a heat shield strip;

FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of a longer variation of a subframe extrusion with insulation strips near the peripheral frame retainer;

FIG. 6E shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of a subframe extrusion with a heat shield strip near a peripheral frame retainer;

FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of a bottom section;

FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of a longer variation of the bottom section with insulating strips;

FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of a longer variation of the bottom section with an alternative insulating strip;

FIG. 7D shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of the bottom section with insulating strips;

FIG. 7E shows a cross-sectional view of another variation of the bottom section with an alternative insulating strip;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a subframe extrusion with a temporary window retainer inserted;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of a top section of a temporary window assembly installed in a wall opening of a building;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternative arrangement for holding a temporary window;

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional side view of another alternative arrangement for holding a temporary window; and

Fig. 11B shows a cross-sectional exploded side view of another alternative arrangement for holding a temporary window.

Detailed Description

According to aspects of the invention as shown in fig. 1A-8, a subframe extrusion 1 and a subframe assembly 5 are provided, which will be described below. It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate the general principles of construction and configuration and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

The subframe assembly 5 is at least partially made of a plurality of subframe extrusions 1 and is adapted to be mounted in a building wall opening. The subframe assembly 5 is then able to receive the frame-type assembly 3 (window or door) and retain the frame-type assembly 3 in the building wall opening.

As shown in fig. 1A, the subframe extrusion 1 includes a main member 10, a jig 13, a peripheral frame holder 14, a subframe wall 15, and a cover member 16. Since the subframe extrusion 1 is made up of one or more extrusions, these features extend the same length in the extrusion direction, at least at the time of initial manufacture. All figures, except for 5A and 5B, show each subframe extrusion 1 as representing a cross-section of the extrusion profile.

The main member 10 includes an inner surface 17, an outer surface 18, a proximal end 11 and a distal end 12. The subframe wall 15 extends orthogonally from the inner surface 17 at the distal end 12. The main member 10 presents a clamp 13 between the proximal end 11 and the distal end 12 (preferably closer to the proximal end 11). The main member 10 presents a peripheral frame retainer 14 at or near the proximal end 11, and at least a portion of the peripheral frame retainer 14 extends orthogonally from the outer surface 18. The cover member 16 extends from the outer surface 18.

The cover member 16 extends further from the outer surface 18 than the peripheral frame retainer 14, i.e., at least a portion of the peripheral frame retainer 14 extends orthogonally from the outer surface 18 a first distance, while the cover member 16 extends from the outer surface 18 a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Preferably, the second distance exceeds the first distance by at least 5mm, more preferably by at least 10 mm. This ensures that the cover member 16, once installed, can help conceal any gap above the enclosure holder 14 for sealing, which is sometimes required by building codes.

As shown in fig. 1B, the clip 13 is configured to removably receive the subframe enclosure 2. The subframe closure 2 preferably comprises an L-shaped cross-sectional profile and can be inserted into the clamp 13 by means of a press fit. When inserted, the subframe closure 2 extends away from the inner surface 17 and parallel to the subframe wall 15. Thus, the main member 10, the subframe wall 15 and the subframe closure 2 define an interior space. The subframe closure 2 is preferably also an extruded part of similar length to the subframe extrusion 1.

It should be understood that for the purposes of this specification, "subframe extrusion" is used as a generic term to characterize the nature of the structure used to provide the clamp 13, the peripheral frame retainer 14, the subframe wall 15, and the cover member 16. It is possible that the subframe extrusion 1 may in fact be made of separate extrusions which are clamped or otherwise connected together. It may also be made from a single extruded piece that is cut into sections (e.g., by sawing) and then reattached.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the subframe extrusion 1 is configured to receive the frame assembly 3 between the subframe wall 15 and the subframe enclosure 2 (i.e., within the interior space provided by the subframe wall 15 and the subframe enclosure 2). The frame assembly 3 may abut both the subframe wall 16 and the subframe closure 2. The frame assembly 3 may be a window or door assembled with its own extruded frame elements and prepared at a location remote from the construction site. It will be appreciated that windows or doors are examples of coverings used in buildings and that the subframe extrusion 1 and assembly may be used to receive other similar structures.

The distal end 12, subframe wall 15 and cover member 16 are configured to be disposed outside of the building near an outer cladding (e.g., weather shield 23), while the proximal end 11, clip 13 and enclosure holder 14 are configured to be disposed indoors or toward the indoor side. The enclosure frame holder 14 is configured to receive a wood enclosure frame 20 (also referred to as wood Bao Kuang), the wood enclosure frame 20 being used to frame a window/door and interface with the plasterboard 21.

The position of the clamp 13 and the peripheral frame holder 14 on the main member 10 may vary between different embodiments of the subframe extrusion 1. Different arrangements of the clamps 13 may be adapted to different thicknesses of the frame assembly 3 to be accommodated, while different arrangements of the enclosure holders 14 may be adapted to different building wall thicknesses or different building wall opening sizes. Preferably, the clamp 13 is presented by the inner surface 17 so that the subframe closure 2 has a simple L-shape.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1A-1B, 6A, and 6C-6E, the length of the main member 10 is such that the closure 2 is substantially flush with the proximal end 11 when the subframe closure 2 is inserted into the clip 13.

In these embodiments, the peripheral frame holder 14 preferably comprises an L-shaped protrusion from the outer surface 18 adjacent the proximal end 11, and a portion of the outer surface 18 itself forms part of the peripheral frame holder 14. Thus, the wood surround 20 and the subframe enclosure 2 do not interfere with each other.

To the extent that the peripheral frame retainer 14 is still considered "adjacent" the proximal end 11, a range of positions on the outer surface 11 is possible without limitation of a particular maximum distance from the proximal end 11. As shown in fig. 6D-6E, the peripheral frame retainer 14 may be spaced apart from the proximal end 11 and the clamp 13 to form a fastener gap 25 in the main member 10. The fastener gap 25 provides space for fasteners (e.g., nails or screws) to pass through the main member 10 and insert into the wood surround 20 held within the surround holder 14. For this purpose, holes may be formed in advance in the fastener gap 25. If the subframe extrusion 1 incorporates a heat insulating strip 19 (as shown), then the peripheral frame retainer 14 is preferably disposed on the side of the heat insulating strip 19 closer to the proximal end 11, and may be disposed immediately adjacent the heat insulating strip 19.

In other embodiments, such as shown in fig. 6B, the main member 10 is longer, thereby enabling the peripheral frame retainer 14 to be disposed farther from the distal end 12. This enables the subframe extrusion 1 to be adapted to larger building wall thicknesses, as the wood surround 20 will be held further from the distal end 12. The increase in length of the main member 10 (while the predetermined thickness of the frame assembly 3 remains the same) also results in a greater distance between the clamp 13 and the proximal end 11. Thus, upon insertion of the subframe closure 2, there is a gap between the closure 2 and the proximal end 11. Preferably, the gap is at least 10mm.

In these embodiments, the peripheral frame retainer 14 is preferably C-shaped and protrudes from the proximal end 11. By "C-shaped" is meant that the enclosure holder 14 comprises a base having two prongs protruding from the base, the two prongs being parallel to each other and orthogonal to the base. The base is orthogonal to the main member 10. However, a "C-shape" does not necessarily mean that the prongs have the same length, as shown in FIG. 6B. The distance between the clamp 13 and the proximal end 11 (resulting in a gap between the inserted closure 2 and the proximal end 11 of preferably at least 10 mm) prevents the subframe closure 2 from interfering with one of the prongs of the enclosure holder 14.

In some embodiments as shown in fig. 1A-6B, the subframe extrusion 1 is a single unitary extrusion. Thus, the main member 10 is a continuous piece. In other embodiments as shown in fig. 6C-6E, the subframe extrusion 1 comprises a plurality of extruded portions, and the main member 10 is formed by joining these extruded portions. Preferably, each extruded portion is connected by a thermal insulation strip 19 (also referred to as a thermal bridge) in the main component 10. The extruded portions may be separate extruded pieces or they may be separated from the unitary extruded piece (e.g. by sawing). The insulating strips 19 preferably comprise a resilient insulating material, such as rubber, held between gripping features on either side. The insulating strips 19, when installed, help prevent heat from escaping from the building interior through the subframe assembly 5.

Preferably, the subframe extrusion 1 is made of aluminum or an alloy thereof, which is known to be a particularly cost-effective metal for extrusion joinery. The complementary parts, such as the subframe closure 2, are also preferably made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. But any other known material suitable for extrusion of frame elements may be used, such as steel, PVC or other metals or plastics.

To facilitate installation into a building wall opening, the subframe extrusion 1 will be assembled into a rectangular subframe assembly 5, as shown in fig. 5A-5B. The rectangular subframe assembly 5 of the present invention includes a top section 40, a bottom section 42, and side sections 41 defining a subframe opening 43. At least the top section 40 and the side sections 41 are subframe extrusions 1 as described above. Fig. 2 shows the top section 40, while fig. 3 shows one of the side sections 42 (this side section 42 will be mirrored on the other side of the assembly).

The bottom section 42 of the subframe assembly 5 may be an extrusion having similar features as the subframe extrusion 1, but without the clip 13 for receiving the subframe closure 2. Instead, it may have a main member with subframe walls at both ends. Thus, the frame-type assembly 3 can be contained between the subframe walls. The bottom section 42 preferably has its own peripheral frame holder, although it may have a different shape than the subframe extrusion 1. The bottom section 42 may also have other features than the top section 40 and the side sections 41, including any features used for the bottom section in conventional window frames.

Fig. 6A-6E illustrate various configurations of the bottom section 42. As shown, various lengths are possible. These may correspond to different length variations of the subframe extrusion 1 to be the top section 40 and the side sections 41 of the subframe assembly 5. The bottom section can incorporate a heat insulating strip 19 in an equivalent manner to the subframe extrusion 1.

When installed in a building wall opening, the subframe wall 15 and the cover member 16 are arranged outside the building. The subframe enclosure 2 is arranged on the indoor side.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that standard joinery techniques may be employed in the manufacture of the rectangular subframe assembly 5. This may include cutting the ends of the extrusions (and the insulation strips 19 that may be present) at an angle to form a miter joint between the extrusions, milling or cutting the ends of some extrusions to form a right angle joint as the case may be, or modifying the ends in any other way to create an appropriate joint. The rectangular subframe assembly 5 may include a variety of different types of joints. For example, as shown in fig. 5A-5B, the top corner connecting the top section 40 and the side section 41 may be a miter joint, while the bottom corner connecting the bottom section 42 and the side section 41 may be a right angle joint.

It will be appreciated that the ends of the subframe closure 2 may likewise be modified so as to be compatible with the types of joints described above.

The use of the subframe assembly 5 can also help provide a temporary window 32, which temporary window 32 is a lightweight proxy that can fill the subframe opening 43 until the actual frame window/door is ready. The temporary window 32 may be held in the subframe assembly 5 by a temporary window holder 4. Various configurations of the temporary window retainer 4 are possible, which will be described below.

As shown in fig. 8, in one configuration, each temporary window retainer 4 can be removably inserted into the clip 13 of the subframe extrusion 1, rather than into the subframe enclosure 2. The temporary window holder 4 has a jaw 31, which jaw 31 is configured to grip a temporary window 32. Preferably, the temporary window holder 4 has an L-shaped section 33 for engagement with the clamp 13, which L-shaped section is connected to an arm 30 extending towards the subframe wall 15 when the holder 4 is clamped. The clamping jaw 31 is located at the end of the arm 30 such that when the holder 4 is clamped, the clamping jaw 31 is located near the subframe wall 15 and points away from the inner surface 17 of the subframe extrusion 1.

As shown in fig. 9, after the rectangular subframe assembly 5 is installed into the building wall opening, at least one temporary window retainer 4 holding a temporary window 32 may be removably installed in the subframe assembly 5 to form a temporary window assembly. Temporary window 32 is disposed adjacent subframe wall 15 and spans subframe opening 43.

In the illustrated configuration, the temporary window 32 is preferably held both from the top and from the side by the temporary window holders 4, i.e. one temporary window holder 4 is provided for the top section 40 and the side sections 41 of the rectangular subframe assembly 5, and each temporary window holder 4 holds the same temporary window 32. The temporary window 32 may be sufficiently secured by some other configuration of the window retainer 4.

In another configuration of the temporary window assembly, as shown in fig. 10, the temporary window retainer 4 is configured to be positioned between the subframe wall 15 and the subframe enclosure 2, rather than being clamped into the clamp 13. The holder 4 may have a C-shaped profile as shown, but other structures may be suitable for positioning in an equivalent manner. The holder 4 still presents a jaw 31 holding the temporary window 32.

In the illustrated configuration, the temporary window assemblies are preferably held by the temporary window holders 4 at least from the top and bottom, i.e. one temporary window holder 4 is provided for the top section 40 and the bottom section 42 of the rectangular subframe assembly 5, and each temporary window holder 4 holds the same temporary window 32. The side sections 41 may also be provided with holders 4. Because no retainer 4 is held in the clamp 13 in this configuration, the bottom section 42 may provide support from below by positioning the corresponding retainer 4 on/between its walls. In view of the temporary nature of the assembly, it is not necessary to completely secure the holder 4 when the holder 4 is positioned by the corresponding segment of the subframe assembly 5.

In another configuration of the temporary window assembly, as shown in fig. 11A-11B, each temporary window retainer 4 may be assembled from removably engageable elements. Preferably, the holder 4 comprises a temporary frame section 35 and a clip-in holder 34 which can be removably engaged into a cavity 36 of the temporary frame section 35. The clamping-in holder 34 presents clamping jaws 31 for clamping the temporary window 32, the temporary frame section 35 serving as an alternative to clamping directly into the clamp 13. The temporary frame segments 36 are each configured to be located between the subframe wall 15 and the subframe enclosure 2, similar to the previously described configuration of the retainer 4 shown in fig. 10.

The temporary window retainer 4 is preferably an extruded part (or parts) and is preferably made of aluminium. Other materials such as plastics may be suitable and if the holder 4 comprises more than one component they may be made of different materials. For example, the clip-on holder 34 may be made of plastic, while the temporary frame section 35 is made of aluminum. The holder 4 may extend a similar length as the subframe extrusion 1, or it may extend only partially along this length. For the configuration in which the holder 4 is engaged with the jig 13, engagement may be by press-fitting.

The temporary window assembly may be formed immediately after the rectangular subframe assembly 5 is installed. This provides a degree of weather resistance while waiting for the frame-type assembly 3 to be ready for installation, and while further work on the building continues. Temporary window 32 is preferably transparent and may be made of any sheet material suitable for providing an effective wind and water barrier, preferably plastic, such as acrylic.

A method associated with the use of the subframe assembly 5 in the construction of a building will now be described. Preferably, the building is a residential building having features such as wooden cavity planks, weather-resistant cladding 23, wall insulation, and plasterboard interior wall 21.

Preferably, the rectangular subframe assembly 5 is manufactured off-site to match a designated building wall opening. The subframe assembly 5 may be manufactured according to the measured dimensions of the building wall opening, preferably after the opening has passed inspection. Alternatively, the subframe assembly 5 may be manufactured solely from the design drawing of the building. After manufacture, the subframe assembly 5 may be transported to a construction site for installation in a wall opening of a building by a construction person or joinery professional.

Mounting the subframe assembly 5 into a building wall opening involves various steps that will be described below, which may be performed in any suitable order.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the installation may involve the step of installing the bottom section 42 on the joinery support 24, as well as performing various alignment tasks.

One step of installation is to secure the wood frame 20 within the frame retainer 14. Wood surround 20 may also interface with plasterboard 21. If the subframe extrusion 1 provides a fastener gap 25, this step may also involve inserting fasteners through each main member 10 into the corresponding wood surround 20. The use of fasteners can ensure that the wood frame 20 remains fully secured within the frame retainer 14.

Another step of installation is the application of a sealant 22 (or any suitable filler material) in each gap between the wood surround 20 and the building wall opening.

Another step is to ensure that the cover member 16 conceals the gap and sealant 22 from view from the exterior of the building. A flashing or molding secured to the exterior of the building may be used in conjunction with the cover member 16 to help conceal the gap.

As an optional intermediate step, at least one temporary window retainer 4 holding a temporary window 32 may be removably inserted into the frame assembly 5 to form a temporary window assembly as previously described. Depending on the configuration, this may involve inserting the holders 4 into the jigs 13 of the respective subframe extrusions 1, or inserting the subframe closure 2 into the jigs 13 to position the holders 4 between the subframe walls 15 and the subframe closure 2.

The temporary window holder 4 and temporary window 32 may be transported to the site simultaneously with the subframe assembly 5 so that the above steps are completed as soon as possible after the building wall opening and installation of the subframe assembly 5 are completed. This allows for a quick implementation of the weather resistance of the building.

Preferably, the frame assembly 3 is prepared off site and then transported to the site for further installation. If temporary window holders 4 (and subframe closure 2) are inserted, they are removed at this stage. The frame-type assembly 3 is then inserted into the sub-frame assembly 5 between the top section 40, the bottom section 42 and the side sections 41. The frame assembly 3 spans the subframe opening 43.

After insertion of the frame-type assembly 3, the next step in the installation is to insert the subframe closure 2 into the jig 13 to hold the frame-type assembly 3 in place between the subframe wall 15 and the subframe closure 2. This completes the installation process, although the finishing of the frame and its surrounding area may be completed later.

The subframe extrusion 1 and subframe assembly 5 as described herein have a number of advantages over prior art frame solutions.

First, the use of the subframe extrusion 1 provided with a clamp 13 for receiving the subframe closure 2 makes the installation of the joinery easier compared to current new zealand joinery designs, because the subframe assembly 5 can be installed independently without fitting glass sheets. This simplifies tasks such as aligning the surfaces with the building wall opening, fitting the wood surround 20, sealing the gap, etc. In this way, the insertion of the frame-type assembly 3 comprising glass sheets is very simple and requires only a minimum of further labor costs.

Second, providing features such as the peripheral frame retainer 14 and the cover member 16 for compliance with new zealand building practices and regulations allows the subframe assembly 5 to be used in new zealand where existing subframe designs are completely unsuitable.

Third, the installation of the rectangular sub-frame assembly 5 allows further construction work to continue while waiting for the frame assembly 3 to be transported to the site. That is, indoor detail and cladding work near the building wall opening may continue, otherwise it may be necessary to wait for the glass and frame to arrive at the scene and be installed.

Fourth, providing temporary window retainers 4 that can grip temporary window 32 and be removably inserted into subframe assembly 5 allows for increased speed of weather resistance during construction, preventing water from entering through the building wall opening until the final glass sheet is ready for insertion. The firm retention of temporary window 32 in jaws 31 provides a significantly improved weather barrier compared to other methods such as securing tarpaulin to a building wall opening, and subframe assembly 5 facilitates a very simple installation process for installing retainer 4.

Many architectural changes and various embodiments and applications of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

It is also intended that the application may be broadly interpreted as including means, elements, and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said means, elements, or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein that have known equivalents in the art to which the application pertains, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Claims (26)

1. A subframe extrusion, comprising:

a main member comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a proximal end, and a distal end;

a subframe wall extending orthogonally from the inner surface at the distal end;

A clip presented by the main member between the proximal end and the distal end, the clip configured to removably receive a subframe closure;

a peripheral frame holder presented by the main member at or near the proximal end, at least a portion of the peripheral frame holder extending orthogonally from the outer surface a first distance; and

A cover member extending from the outer surface a second distance greater than the first distance,

Wherein, upon installation, the distal end is configured to be disposed outside of a building and the proximal end is configured to be disposed inside or toward the building, the subframe extrusion is configured to receive a frame assembly between the subframe wall and the subframe enclosure.

2. The subframe extrusion of claim 1 wherein the clip is presented by the inner surface.

3. The subframe extrusion of claim 2 wherein the length of the main member is such that the subframe closure is flush with the proximal end upon insertion of the subframe closure into the clip.

4. A subframe extrusion of claim 2 or 3, wherein the peripheral frame holder comprises an L-shaped projection from an outer surface adjacent the proximal end, and a portion of the outer surface itself forms a portion of the peripheral frame holder.

5. The subframe extrusion of claim 4 wherein the peripheral frame retainer is spaced from the proximal end and from the clip to form a fastener gap in the main member that provides space for fasteners to pass through the main member and into a wooden peripheral frame retained within the peripheral frame retainer.

6. The subframe extrusion of claim 2 wherein the length of the main member is such that there is a gap of at least 10 millimeters between the subframe closure and the proximal end when the subframe closure is inserted.

7. The subframe extrusion of claim 6 wherein the peripheral frame retainer is C-shaped and protrudes from the proximal end.

8. The subframe extrusion of any preceding claim, wherein the subframe extrusion is a single unitary extrusion.

9. The subframe extrusion of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the subframe extrusion comprises a plurality of extrusion portions connected by insulation strips in the main member, the plurality of extrusion portions being separate extrusions or separate from a unitary extrusion.

10. The subframe extrusion of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clip is closer to the proximal end than the distal end.

11. The subframe extrusion of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extrusion is made of aluminum.

12. A rectangular subframe assembly comprising a top section, a bottom section and two side sections defining a subframe opening, wherein at least two of the sections are subframe extrusions according to any of the preceding claims.

13. The rectangular subframe assembly of claim 12 wherein only said side sections are subframe extrusions.

14. The rectangular subframe assembly of claim 12 wherein the top section, bottom section and side sections are subframe extrusions.

15. The rectangular subframe assembly of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a frame-type assembly interposed between the four segments and spanning the subframe opening, the frame-type assembly being retained by a subframe closure inserted into a clamp of each subframe extrusion.

16. A temporary window assembly comprising:

a rectangular subframe assembly as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14; and

At least one temporary window holder having jaws for clamping the temporary window, wherein each temporary window holder is removably inserted into the subframe assembly, and

Wherein the temporary window is disposed adjacent the subframe wall and spans the subframe opening.

17. The temporary window assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one temporary window retainer is removably inserted into a clip of a corresponding subframe extrusion.

18. A temporary window assembly according to claim 16, wherein one temporary window retainer is located on/between the walls of the bottom section and each other temporary window retainer is located between a subframe wall of the respective subframe extrusion and a subframe closure.

19. A temporary window assembly according to claim 18, wherein each temporary window holder comprises a clip-in holder presenting a jaw and a temporary frame member having a cavity into which the clip-in holder can be removably engaged.

20. A temporary window assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the temporary window is a plastic sheet.

21. A method of installing a joinery comprising the steps of:

a) Mounting a subframe assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 15 in a building wall, the mounting involving at least securing a wooden enclosure within an enclosure holder;

b) Inserting a frame assembly between the top section, the bottom section, and the side sections; and

C) The subframe closure is inserted into the fixture of each subframe extrusion.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein step a) further involves applying a sealant in each gap between the wood frame and the building wall opening and ensuring that the cover member conceals the gap when viewed from outside the building wall opening.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising the following additional steps performed after step a):

Inserting one or more temporary window holders into the subframe assembly prior to performing step b), the temporary window holders having jaws clamping temporary windows arranged as the subframe walls and across the subframe openings to provide a weather barrier,

Wherein during step b), the one or more temporary window holders are removed from the subframe assembly and replaced with the frame-type assembly.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the one or more temporary window holders are inserted into a fixture of the subframe extrusion.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein inserting the one or more temporary window holders involves:

positioning a temporary window holder on/between the walls of the bottom section;

placing each other temporary window retainer adjacent a subframe wall of the corresponding subframe extrusion; and

Inserting a subframe closure into a clamp of each subframe extrusion, thereby securing the temporary window retainer, and

Wherein removing the temporary window retainer during step b) involves first removing the subframe closure.

26. The method of any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the temporary window is a plastic sheet.