GB2086970A

GB2086970A - Frame and wing construction

Info

Publication number: GB2086970A
Application number: GB8133498A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: HORTON R G ENGINEERS Ltd
Current assignee: HORTON R G ENGINEERS Ltd
Priority date: 1980-11-07
Filing date: 1981-11-06
Publication date: 1982-05-19
Also published as: GB2086970B

Abstract

A frame and wing construction comprises a main frame (10, 10'), a wing (11, 11') and mounting means (12, 12') at spaced positions on the frame to mount the wing for pivotal and translatory movement of an end part (16, 16') of the wing relative to the main frame along a fixed path, wherein the end part (16, 16') of the wing (11, 11') and an adjacent part (15, 15') of the main frame (10, 10') are provided with a pair of co-operable guide elements (22, 22'; 23, 23'), one element (22', 23) being located at a position substantially spaced from the ends of said end part (16, 16') and the other element (22, 23') in a corresponding position on the adjacent main frame part (15, 15'), which elements (22, 22'; 23, 23') interengage as the wing (11, 11') is closed and which provide a positive pull-in to bring said end part (16, 16') of the wing (11, 11') into a predetermined position relative to the main frame (10, 10') when the wing (11, 11') is closed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Frame and wing construction Description of Invention This invention relates to a frame and wing construction of the type, hereinafter referred to as the type described, comprising a main frame, a wing, and mounting means, at spaced positions on the main frame to mount the wing in the main frame for movement including at least a pivotal component of the wing in a manner producing separation along a fixed path between opening surfaces respectively on the wing and on the frame at each of opposite end parts of the wing.

In the Specification, the term "wing" is intended to refer to a window, door, panel or the like which moves for opening, and the term "main frame" is intended to refer to an outer frame adapted to be secured to or in a wall or other substantially fixed surface.

A problem is encountered with known constructions, particularly where there is a relatively large distance between the mounting means, in that there is a tendency for the end part of the wing to bow outwardly away from the adjacent main frame part when the wing is closed, so that a proper seal is not made with the main frame, thus permitting draughts to occur.

The problem is accentuated where a sealing means, such as a resilient strip, is provided between the wing and the main frame because the loading of the seal contributes to the bowing.

This bowing can result in a permanent set in the window and thus there is also a problem in preventing such a permanent set occurring.

An object of the invention is to provide a new or improved frame and wing construction of the type described whereby the above mentioned problem is overcome or is reduced.

According to the present invention we provide a frame and wing construction of the type described wherein an end part of the wing and an adjacent part of the main frame are provided with at least one pair of co-operable guide elements, one element of the, or each, pair being situated at a position spaced inwardly of the extremities of said end part, and the other element of said pair in a corresponding position on the adjacent main frame part, which elements interengage as the wing is closed and which provide a positive pull-in to reduce the separation between opposing surfaces and to bring said end part of the wing into a predetermined position relative to the main frame when the wing is closed.

Thus the end part of the wing which in previous arrangements has tended to bow outwardly, is positively brought into sealing engagement with the adjacent frame part, thus alleviating any draughts which may otherwise occur.

In a preferred example, the guide elements may be positioned so that said one element or elements is or are situated substantially midway along said end part, although the pair or pairs of guide elements may be positioned so that said one element or elements is or are situated anywhere in a zone comprising the central third of the length of said end part. If the guide elements are spaced outside this region, it has been found that adequate resistance to bowing is not achieved.

If desired, one or more pairs of guide elements may also be provided at other positions, for example, on an opposite end part.

Preferably, the guide elements are of such configuration to provide a camming action in cooperation with each other to give rise to said positive pull-in.

Any suitable type of mounting means which permits of pivotal movement of said end part may be used, and the mounting means may be arranged so that said wing pivots about a horizontal axis or about a vertical axis.

The mounting means may mount the wing for translational as well as pivotal movement of said end part of the wing relative to the main frame, and preferably are connected between each side member of the main frame and a respective side member of the wing.

In one embodiment, the main frame and the wing are rectangular, said mounting means being provided adjacent to one pair of adjacent corners, although other configurations are possible.

Said one guide element may comprise a socket fixed to the end part of the main frame and the other guide element a tongue fixed to the wing.

Alternatively, said one guide element may comprise a tongue fixed to the main frame and the other guide element a socket fixed to the wing although other suitable types of guide elements may be used. In either case, the tongue may be tapered towards its free end to facilitate engagement of the tongue in the socket as the end part is moved towards the main frame as the wing is closed.

The guide elements may be arranged to be disengaged when the wing is open but become interengaged as the wing is closed. To facilitate this, in one example, where the wing is mounted for pivotal and translatory movement of said end part the tongue may extend substantially parallel to the direction of said translatory movement.

Two examples of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a window construction embodying the invention; FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view through a window construction embodying the invention showing the window in its closed condition; FIGURE 3 is a front elevation of a tongue guide element on the window construction shown in Figures 1 and 2; FIGURE 4 is a side elevation of the guide element of Figure 3; FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the guide element of Figure 3; FIGURE 6 is a front elevation of a socket guide element of the window construction of Figures 1 and 2; FIGURE 7 is a side elevation of the guide element of Figure 6; FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the guide element of Figure 6;; FIGURE 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 but of an alternative, preferred, embodiment of the invention; FIGURES 10 to 12 are Figures similar to Figures 3 to 5 but of the alternative embodiment of tongue guide element shown in Figure 9; and FIGURES 13 to 1 5 are Figures similar to Figures 6 to 8 but of the alternative embodiment of socket guide element for use with the guide element of Figures 9 to 11.

Referring now to Figure 1, a window construction comprises a rectangular main or window frame 10 in which a rectangular wing, in this case a glazed window having a window frame or sash 1 1 (hereinafter for convenience called a sash), is mounted by mounting means 12 connected between opposite side members 13, of the frame 10 and opposite side members 14 of the sash 1 1 adjacent to the corners which form the extremities of one end part 1 6 of the sash. The main frame 10 and sash 1 1 are each made of wood, but may be made of metal or a suitable plastics material.

The mounting means 12 each comprise a first link 1 7a, pivotally connected at one end to the frame 10 and at the other end to the sash 1 1, a second link 1 7b pivotally connected at one end to the sash and at its other end to a slider 18 received in a track 19 provided on the frame 10, a third link 1 7c pivotally connected at one end to the slider 18 and at the other end to link 1 7a, and a fourth link 1 7d pivotally connected at one end to the link 1 7c and at the other end to the sash 11.

Thus, the mounting means 12 mount the sash 1 1 so that the end part 16 thereof is mounted for both pivotal and translational movement in a fixed path between open and closed positions relative to the adjacent end part 1 5 of the frame 10. Such mounting means are well known to those skilled in the art and hence it is considered that further description is not necessary.

The sash 11 is of the "overlap" type, that is it has a peripheral flange 20 which overlaps an adjacent part 21 of the frame 10 The mounting means 12 are such that on opening and closing of the sash 1 1 the corner C of the flange 20 on the end part 16 moves rectilinearly parallel to the frame 10 and the sash pivots about an axis coincident with said corner C. The form of mounting described hereinbefore permits of access to be gained to both sides of a pane of glass P of the sash 11 to facilitate cleaning both sides thereof from one side of the frame 10.

In such constructions, especially if the end part 16 of the sash 1 1 is relatively long, there is a tendency for the part 1 6 to bow outwardly away from the end part 15 of the frame 10 leaving a gap between flange 20 and the end part 15. This leads to draughts, which problem is aggravated when a resilient sealing strip is provided as shown at S in Figure 2, by reason of the additional loading applied to the sash.

In order to overcome this problem there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, a pair of co-operable tongue and socket guide elements 22, 23 mounted on the frame 10 and sash 11 respectively.

As best shown in Figures 3 to 8, the tongue guide element 22 comprises a generally metal or suitable plastics rectangular mounting part 24 having a longitudinally extending rib 25 on its rear surface. The mounting part 24 is provided with apertures 26 to receive screws whereby the guide element 22 is screwed to a side wall 27 of a rebate 28 formed in the frame 10 with the rib 25 received in a groove 29.

Atongue part 30 also of metal or plastics material projects from the mounting part 24 and is of generally rectangular configuration in crosssection and comprises an end portion 31 which tapers towards the free end 32, when considered in plan view as shown in Figure 5, and has a rounded nose 33. The end portion 31 is also tapered when viewed in side elevation as shown in Figure 4.

The tapered end portion 31 is connected to the mounting part 24 by an intermediate portion 34 which is of constant width in plan view although tapered in side elevation.

The socket guide element 23 comprises a generally rectangular metal or plastics plate 35 which is provided with apertures 36 to receive screws to enable the plate to be screwed to the sash 11. The plate 35 is provided with an opening 37 of such dimensions as to be a snug fit with the portion 34 of the guide element 22 when the sash 11 is in its closed position, as shown in Figure 2.

The sash 11 is provided with a recess 38 to accommodate the tongue part 30 of the guide element 22.

In use, as the sash 11 is closed from an open position, such as that shown in Figure 1 , the end part 16 thereof approaches the end part 1 5 of the frame 10 so that the rounded nose 33 of the guide element 22 enters the opening 37 in the plate 35.

Because of the rounded nose 33 and tapered configuration of the portion 31, entry of the tongue part 30 of the guide element 22 into the opening 37 is facilitated even when the end part is relatively considerably bowed.

As the sash 11 is continued to be closed, the reaction between the tongue part 30 and the side of the opening 37 positively pulls the end part 1 6 inwardly to overcome the bowing until the sash is in the closed position shown in Figure 2 where the end part 16 is constrained to lie in a predetermined position relative to the frame by engagement between the part 34 and the opening 37.

Alternative configurations of the guide elements may be provided to those described hereinbefore such as in the window construction illustrated in Figures 9 to 15, which is a preferred embodiment.

In these Figures the same reference numerals have been used as were used in Figures 1 to 8 for corresponding parts but marked with a prime sign.

In this embodiment the frame 10' and sash 11' are of the same general configuration as described in connection with the first embodiment and hereinafter only features of difference of this embodiment compared with the first described embodiment will be described.

The co-operable guide elements in this embodiment again comprise tongue and socket guide elements 22', 23' but in this embodiment they are mounted on the sash and frame respectively.

As best shown in Figure 10 to 12, the tongue guide element 22' comprises a generally rectangular mounting part 24' provided with apertures 26' to receive screws whereby the guide element 22' is fixed in a recess 40 formed in a side wall 41 of the sash 11'.

A tongue part 30' projects from the mounting part 24' and is of generally rectangular configuration in cross-section and comprises an end portion 31' which tapers towards the free end 32', when considered in plan view as shown in Figure 12, and has a rounded nose 33'. The end portion 31' is also tapered when viewed in side elevation as shown in Figure 11. it will be noted that the angle of taper of side 42 of the end portion 31' which faces in the direction of opening of the window is considerably greater than that of the opposite side 43.

In the example illustrated, the angle of taper A in respect of the side 42 relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the guide element 22' is 250 and in respect of the side 43 the angle of tape B is 70. However, if desired, the end portion 31' may taper at different angles to those described above.

The tapered end portion 31' is connected to the mounting part 24' by an intermediate portion 34' which is of constant width in plan view though tapered in side elevation.

The socket guide element 23' comprises a generally rectangular plate 35' having a longitudinally extending rib 44 on its rear surface and provided with apertures 36' for screws whereby the plate 35' is fixed to a side wall 27' of a rebate 28' formed in the frame 10' with the rib 44 received in a groove 29'. The plate 35' is provided with an opening 37' of such dimensions as to be a snug fit with the portion 34' of the guide element 22' when the sash 11' is in its closed position as shown in Figure 9. The frame 10' is provided with a recess 38' to accommodate the tongue part 30' of the guide element 22'.

In use, as the sash 11' is closed from an open position the rounded nose 33' of the guide element 22' on the sash 11' enters the opening 37' of the socket element 23' on the frame 10' and the rounded nose 33' together with the asymmetrically tapered end portion 31' described hereinbefore, provides a preferred configuration of guide element and ensures that satisfactory interengagement of the guide elements 22', 23' occurs as the sash 11' is closed so that the reaction between the side 42 of the tongue part 30' and the side of the opening 37' forces the end part 16' inwardly so that it is constrained to lie in a predetermined position relative to the frame by engagement between the part 34' and the opening 37'.

Again the elements are made of metal, but may alternatively be made of a suitable plastics material.

Although in the embodiments hereinbefore described only a single pair of guide elements has been described operative between the sash and frame and which are located substantially midway along the end part 16, 16' of the sash, the guide elements could be situated at any position along the length of the end part spaced inwardly from the extremities-thereof, preferably, but not essentially, within the central third of its length.

Further, instead of a single pair of guide elements, more than one pair may be provided at respective selected positions along the length of the end part spaced inwardly from the extremities, but again preferably, but not essentially, in the central third of its length.

If desired, other configurations of co-operating guide elements may be provided so long as they give the desired result, namely location of the sash in a predetermined position relative to the frame when the sash is in a closed position and so long as they permit interengagement of the guide parts as the sash is moved towards its closed position from an open position in which the guide elements are disengaged.

For example, where the main frame and sash are made of a plastics material, the guide elements, if desired, may be integral with the frame and sash respectively.

It should also be noted that the present invention may be advantageously applied in those cases where initially the degree of bowing of the wing would not in any case be great but where this may increase over a period of time. The provision of guide elements according to the present invention provides a positive "pull-in" for the end part of the wing, thereby achieving good sealing between the wing and the frame, and preventing the development of bowing which might otherwise occur.

In the above described embodiments, the wing comprises a glazed window sash but it will be understood that it may comprise, for example, a glazed or unglazed door or a panel or the like.

If desired, the mounting means 12 may be of a different type to that described hereinbefore, provided that it permits pivotal opening of the wing. For example, the mounting means may comprise two links of different length pivotally connected to the main frame and wing or if desired, the mounting means may mount the wing solely for pivotal movement relative to the main frame.

Further, although in the described embodiments, the wing has been operable about a vertical axis, if desired, the invention may be applied to constructions wherein the wing opens about a horizontal axis.

Claims

1. A frame and wing construction of the type described wherein an end part of the wing and an adjacent part of the main frame are provided with at least one pair of co-operable guide elements, one element of the, or each, pair being situated at a position spaced inwardly of the extremities of said end part and the other element of said pair in a corresponding position on the adjacent main frame part, which elements interengage as the wing is closed and which provide a positive pull-in to reduce the separation between opposing surfaces and to bring said end part of the wing into a predetermined position relative to the main frame when the wing is closed.

2. A construction according to Claim 1 wherein the guide elements are situated so that said one element or elements is or are situated in a zone comprising the central third of the length of said end part.

3. A construction according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the guide elements are positioned so that said one element or elements is or are situated substantially midway along said end part.

4. A construction according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein one or more pairs of guide elements are also provided at other positions.

5. A construction according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the guide elements are of such configuration to provide a camming action in co-operation with each other to give rise to said positive pull-in.

6. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting means are arranged so that said wing pivots about a horizontal axis or about a vertical axis.

7. A construction according to Claim 6 wherein the mounting means mounts the wing for translational as well as pivotal movement of said end part of the wing relative to the main frame.

8. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting means are connected between each side member of the main frame and a respective side member of the wing.

9. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the main frame and the wing are rectangular, said mounting means being provided adjacent to one pair of adjacent corners.

10. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said one guide element comprises a socket fixed to the end part of the main frame and the other guide element a tongue fixed to the wing.

11. A construction according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein said one guide element comprises a tongue fixed to the main frame and the other guide element a socket fixed to the wing.

12. A construction according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein the tongue is tapered towards its free end to facilitate engagement of the tongue in the socket as the end part is moved towards the main frame as the wing is closed.

13. A construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the guide elements are arranged to be disengaged when the wing is open but become interengaged as the wing is closed.

14. A construction according to Claim 13 where dependent on Claim 7 wherein the tongue extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of said translational movement.

15. A construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

16. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.