GB2111573A

GB2111573A - Glazing strip

Info

Publication number: GB2111573A
Application number: GB08215558A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul C Gebhard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-12-10
Filing date: 1982-05-27
Publication date: 1983-07-06
Also published as: JPS58101986A

Abstract

An extruded aluminum glazing strip includes a rigid flange 15 and a rice flange 16 deformable to hold the glazing material 14 in place. Alternatively or additionally the strip has rigid and deformable flanges 23,22 to secure against a panel 24. A resilient gasket (36, Fig. 4) forced into a recess (35) in the strip may retain the glazing material. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Roll-over glazing structure This invention relates to windows, windshields, screens and panel inserts for use in transportation vehicles on land, sea or air, residential, commercial and industrial structures and products using panel inserts such as office partitions, room dividers, display cases, furniture and the like.

A multiplicity of components such as rivets, screws, nuts, bolts, elastomers and special sealants presently are used to make window glazing and screening assemblies and for installing them into various types of structures.

Many of the systems used to not result in effective sealing because the components are not tightly gasketed together. On the other hand, when tight sealing is accomplished by the use of multiple frame components joined with fasteners the operations and material costs are expensive.

With the advent of federal regulations governing the use of glazing in rail cars to meet certain impact and bullet resistant criteria, it is found that most existing glass frame designs for door windows, side windows and windshields cannot be used. In addition, when existing rail cars have to be retrofitted to comply to the federal rules, many restricted areas in the car structures prohibit the use of window designs commonly in use.

Vandalism, particularly in transit and railroad passenger cars, has become a seriously expensive problem. In this connection, exposed fasteners which can be easily removed and elastomers (used, for example, in glazing subway car door windows) which can be easily knocked or kicked out, offer little resistance to determined vandals.

Conventional window installations, both for vehicular use and in stationary structures, involve several common types. In the so-called "projected-in" or "projected-out" types, the frame is fitted into an opening and held in place with bolts, screws, rivets or other fasteners extending through the peripheral flange of the window frame and into the structure wall. With the "retainer" type installation, the frame is held in place in a wall opening using separate retaining elements which are affixed with appropriate fasteners. With the "clamp ring" type there is a separate continuous frame, which is fitted against the structure wall on the side opposite the window frame, and the two are secured together by fasteners to engage the structure wall with a clamping action.Another common installation involves the use of an elastomeric gasket strip, usually a two-part strip, in which a locking element is inserted into a cavity in the main gasket to provide a clamping and captivating force to retain the window frame in position in the structure wall.

All of the conventional installation techniques involve considerable cost and complication, and have various shortcomings with respect to durability, resistance to damage and vandalism and ease of replacement.

The present invention is directed to a new and improved system for the installation of window and other panels, which may be utilized at comparable or lower cost, as compared to conventional techniques, but with vastly superior performance characteristics. In general, the glazing system of the invention utilizes a continuous, extruded frame section of deformable aluminum, which accommodates the installation of a glazing panel and/or the installation of the glazed or unglazed frame in a structure wall essentially with no additional parts. The structure of the invention utilizes a pair of channel-forming flanges, which are initially formed to be disposed at a large angle to each other, and not in the ultimate, channel-forming relationship. The frame section is cut and shaped to a closed configuration, and the ends of the frame are joined, as by welding.A glazing panel can then be inserted in the frame, and one of the flanges, referred to here as a roll-over flange, is pressed, either manually or in a machine, down over the margins of the panel. Not only is the operation swift and efficient, but the resulting securement of the panel is far superior to most conventional mountings. To this end, an elastomeric sealing strip is typically interposed between the glazing panel and the frame section, and this sealing strip is tightly gripped by the channel-forming flanges over the entire periphery of the panel, providing a highly effective seal.

In an optimum installation, both the mounting of the glazing panel into its frame and the mounting of the glazed frame into a structure wall is accomplished by means of roll-over flanges.

The use of the roll-over flange technique in the installation of the frame in a structure wall is highly advantageous, in that it permits of maximum flexibility in the design of the structure wall and/or in the design of the framing section for replacement installations.

Because of the tight, full length gripping action between the frame section and the glazing panel, the glazing system of the invention has superior resistance to large object impact, and, for example, easily surpasses the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Standard FMVSS No. 217. At the same time, the high pressure captivation of the glazing panel and/or structure wall makes the system far more resistant to vandalism than are more conventional systems.

In addition to its highly superior performance characteristics, the glazing system of the invention is significantly superior to conventional systems in terms of cost and ease of installation.

Because of the elimination of the necessity of drilling holes and the use of separate fasteners, installation of the glazing panel in accordance with the invention may be accomplished in onefourth to one-tenth of the time of acceptable prior art systems in, for example, railroad and subway type glazing installations.

Installation of glazing panels and the like pursuant to the invention may be easily accomplished by unskilled workers, utilizing relatively crude tools, such as a mallet and blunt chisel.

For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings.

In particular, where reference is made to the term "glazing" it should be understood that, in the context of this disclosure, it is not intended to be limited to glass or plastic panels but is used in the most generic sense to include the mounting of any kind of panel for any intended end use, as heretofore indicated.

Figure 1 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a typical glazing installation utilizing a preferred roll-over assembly construction according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary crosssectional view as taken generally on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view similar to Fig. 1, illustrating a modified form of glazing assembly according to the invention.

Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged, fragmentary crosssectional views as taken generally on lines 4-4, 5-5 respectively of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a developed side elevational view of a corner section of the structure of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a modified frame cross-section, utilizing a roll-over arrangement for mounting of the frame in the basic structure, together with a novel form of snap-in arrangement for mounting of the glazing or other panel structure.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary crosssectional view of an advantageous form of rollover frame structure for use in mounting of screening, for example.

Referring now to the drawing, and initially to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, the reference numeral 10 designates in a general way a basic supporting structure, which may be a building structure, vehicle body or the like. The structure is provided with an opening of appropriate size and shape to receive a closed frame 11, which is advantageously formed of extruded aluminum, typically although not necessarily a No. 6063T4 aluminum alloy, which is particularly suited for the intended end use. The frame 11 typically is comprised of a single extrusion length, cut and shaped to the intended application, and butt welded or otherwise joined at the ends, to form a closed configuration.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the frame section 11 typically includes a main body section 12 defining a bottom seat 13 for the glazing or other panel structure 14. A rigid channel-forming flange 15 extends from the body section 12 and provides edge margin support for one side of the glazing panel 14, typically but not necessarily the inside margin. In a typical installation, intended for the mounting of panels of approximately 1/2 inch in thickness, the side support flange 1 5 may have a root thickness on the order of 0.1 50 and an overall length of approximately 3/4 inch.

Extending from the opposite side of the body section 12, is a second channel-forming flange 16, which is shown in Fig. 2 in broken lines in its initial position or condition and, in solid lines in its installed condition. In the initial orientation of the flange 16, sometimes referred to as a roll-over flange, it extends at a near-900 angle to the opposite side flange 15, such that the glazing or other panel 14 may be inserted directly into a complete, closed-configuration frame 11 from the open side, defined by the broken line position of the flange 16.

For effective cushioning and sealing of the panel 14, its edge margins 17 are first cushioned by elastomeric material, in the form of side strips 18, 19 and an edge cushion strip 20. These strips 18-20 may be adhesively backed strips of neoprene or other plastic, which are adhered to the panel 14 and/or to the inside surfaces of the framing section 11, so as to be interposed between the paneling material and the aluminum frame. Alternatively in a single piece of material, of U-shaped section may be used. The use of elastomeric material is particularly consequential, of course, if the glazing material is glass or other fragile material. It is also of consequence in terms of providing a highly effective, windproof, weatherproof seal between the glazing panel 14 and the framing structure 11.

In accordance with the invention, after installation of the glazing panel 14 in the initially open-sided frame 11, the initially open side flange element 16 is rolled or otherwise bent over the edge margin of the glazing panel, into the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2. In this respect, the elastomeric cushioning material 18-20 enables the roll-over side flange 16 to be pressed into contact, providing for solid, continuous, tight gripping of the panel 14 and therefore a highly effective, weatherproof seal.

As reflected in Fig. 2, the base root of the rollover flange 1 6 is provided along its inside edge with a recess 21, which is generally semi-circular in the initial or open condition of the flange. This recess provides definition line to facilitate a neat, precise fold-over of the flange 1 6. Likewise, the recess closes up somewhat during the roll-over operation, preventing the build up of displaced metal in the area of the corner fold. It is not critical, however, that the fold of the roll-over flange take place only along the line of the recess.

In a typical case, the bending and folding of the roll-over flange will take place on a transitional basis, although generally more concentrated along the line of the recess. In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 2, the framing section 11 is provided with a second channel-forming roll-over flange 22, originally, oriented generally at right angles to a primary mounting flange 23.

The mounting flange 23 is integral with and extends from the body section 12. In the illustrated form, the mounting flange 23 is generally parallel to the plane of the glazing panel 14, although it may have the shape and orientation appropriate to the structure in which the complete panel assembly is to be mounted.

As will be understood, in the mounting of the glazing panel, a structure wall 24 will be provided with an opening of a size and shape corresponding to that of the complete frame section 11, such that the assembled, glazed frame may be simply inserted into the panel opening.

The deformable mounting flange 22 extends into the opening designated in Fig. 2 by the refereiice numeral 25, and projects at least partly beyond the opposite face 26 of the structure wall. In the illustrated arrangement, the mounting flange 23 may be positioned against the exterior surface of the structure wall 24, with the deformable mounting flange 22 extending beyond the inside surface 26. Elastomeric sealing material 27 is interposed between the structure wall 24 and the framing section 11. This may be in the form of a single U-shaped section, or a plurality of strips, as appropriate.

After insertion of the frame into the structure opening 25, the deformable roll-over flange 22 is engaged and deformed outwardly (downwardly as viewed in Fig. 2) over the inside edge of the structure wall 24. The deformable mounting flange 22 is provided along its structure-facing surface (bottom surface in Fig. 2) with one or more generally semicylindrical recesses 28, which define folding lines and both concentrate and accommodate the folding and bending of the material in the desired manner. To advantage, the deformable mounting flange 22 is provided with a lip 29 along its outer edge, for engagement with a tool, to facilitate installation.

In a typical case, the glazing material 14 may be mounted in the framing element 11 as a factory operation, in which case a suitable press or other power device may be utilized to effect the roll-over operation of the panel engaging flange 16. Installation of the glazed frame in the structure is more typically an on-site operation, in which case portable power tools or hand tools are utilized in the rolling over of the deformable mounting flange 22.

Both the installation of the glazing panel 14 and the on-site installation of the assembled unit, are greatly simplified by the structure of the invention. The glazing panel is installed and the frame is mounted on the structure without use of auxiliary elements, such as bolts, rivets, elastomeric wedges or the like. Accordingly, significant savings are realized in the use and installation of the new structure for mounting glazing and other panels.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, roll-over flanges 1 6, 22 are provided for both the mounting of the glazing or other panel and the installation of the unit into the structure wall 24. In the embodiment of Figs.3~6, roll-over flange arrangements are provided for mounting of the frame section in a structure wall, with more conventional facilities being provided for mounting of the glazing or other panels. The arrangement of Figs. 3-7 is somewhat less secure from the standpoint of vandal resistance and resistance to impact forces, but enables the replacement of glazing or other panels whithout disturbing the frame installation in the structure wall.

In Fig. 4, there is shown a fragmentary view, similar to Fig. 2, of the assembled frame, installed in a structure wall. A frame section 30, of extruded aluminum or the like is formed with a base section 31 from which extends a channelforming flange 32, the inner surfaces of the base and flange being disposed generally at right angles. A structure wall engaging flange 33 extends from the base section 31, generally oppositely to the channel-forming flange 32 and is cooperatively related to a wall engaging, deformable flange 34.

A glazing or other panel is mounted in the frame section 30 by being first seated against the primary flange 32, using appropriate elastomeric sealing material. A resilient gasket strip 36 is then forcibly inserted into a recess 35, which is located in the base section 31, spaced from the flange 32.

The elastomeric gasket 36 bears resiliently against the edge margin of the glazing or other panel 37, retaining it firmly in the assembled frame. Mounting of the frame in a structure wall 38 is carried out in the same manner as that described in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 1. The frame is inserted into the structure wall opening 39 until the deformable flange 34 projects beyond the inside face of the wall.

Elastomeric tape or the like is interposed between the main mounting flange 33 and the structure wall 38, as reflected at 40, for example. The elastomeric material may also be in the form of a U-shaped gasket applied over the edge of the structure wall at the opening 39.

With the frame being held in place in the structure wall, the flange 34 is deformed outward and toward the structure wall 38, being brought into tight fitting relation therewith, to provide a secure and weather tight seal between the frame 30 and structure wall 38.

By way of example only, in a typical commercially suitable device according to Figs.

3-6, the frame section 30 may be formed of a material such as 6063T4 aluminum alloy extruded in semi-continuous length and cut to size for a given wall structure opening. For glazing or other paneling of a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch, the panel engaging flange 32 may have a length on the order of 3/4 inch and a root thickness on the order of .15 inch. The roll-over flange 34 may have a typical effective length of about 1/2 inch, depending on the thickness of the structure wall, and may have a thickness on the order of 0.75 inch. Generally semicircular relief channels 41,42 are provided in the lower (outer) face of the deformable flange 34, these may have a radius typically on the order of .031 inch.The use of a plurality of relief channels is generally preferred because it enables a prefabricated frame to better accommodate dimensional tolerances in the structure wall openings. In a relatively large opening, for example, the roll-over flange 34 may bend partly at the first relief channel 41 and then additionally at the second relief channel 42, so that the flange easily reaches to the structure wall.

The gasket receiving recess 35 may typically have a width of about .230 inch and a depth on the order of .39 inch. The recess desirably is provided with a plurality of "saw tooth" ridges 43, which accommodate insertion of the elastomeric gasket 36, but resist its removal from the recess.

The indicated material used in the extrusion of the frame sections of Figs. 1 through 6 has a great deal of malleability and thus may be subject to considerable distortion without cracking or tearing. Accordingly, unless the frame section is bent around a rather sharp corner radius, there is sufficient yieldability in the material to accommodate the necessary shaping. Thus, in a part having typical dimensions referred to above, shaped to provide an inside corner radius of as small as, say, two inches, it may be desirable to notch the roll-over of the flange during installation of the frame. An appropriate form of notching is shown in Fig. 6, where symmetrical notches 44, 45 are formed in the corner area, leaving a central tab 46 of intact flange material.

The notches 44, 45 may typically have a length of about two inches and a depth of, for example, .18 inch; the tab 46 may have a length on the order of one inch. These dimensions and configurations are by no means critical, as there is a great deal of empiricism in the need and desire for corner notching of the roll-over flange, depending on specific details of corner shaping, presize material characteristics, etc.

The frame section illustrated in Fig. 7 is especially adapted for use in connection with window glazing system of the type which forms the subject matter of my copending application Serial No. 1 79,770, the disclosure of which may be considered as being incorporated herein by reference. The section of Fig. 7 includes first and second channel-forming flanges 50, 51, disposed generally at right angles to each other.

As in the case of the previous embodiments, the frame section as a whole, designated by the reference numeral 52, is a continuous length of extruded material, such as the designated grade of aluminum, which is shaped into a closed configuration to form a frame. The frame is arranged to be inserted in an opening 53 in a structure wall 54, after which the flange 51, which may be referred to as the roll-over flange, is bent outward and into parallel, channel-forming relationship with the flange 50, and into tight gripping relationship with the structure wall 54.

Suitable elastomeric gasketing strip or channel 55 desirably is interposed between the channelforming 50, 51 and the structure wall 54, at least on the outside surface of the wall.

As illustrated in Fig. 7, the roll-over flange 51 is provided along its inner, channel-forming side 56 with a fold-defining recess 57. In a flange having a typical overall thickness of around .075 inch, the recess 57 may be of generally semi-circular cross-section, radius of about .031 inch. This both helps to locate the axis of the fold, and also to accommodate displacement of the material as a result of the bending operation. It should be understood, however, that it is not critically necessary that the fold be precisely along the axis or line which tends to be defined by the recess 57. Preferably, however, the location of the recess 57 is predetermined in relation to the anticipated thickness of the structure wall 54, so that the rollover fold is at least substantially concentrated at and accommodated by the recess.

After placement of the frame and the roll-over of the flange 51 to effect permanent installation in the structure wall 54, a separate, snap-in glazing frame is inserted into the recess defined by the outwardly extending flange 58. Pursuant to the principles outlined in my copending application, spring-like flanges, forming part of the glazing frame, are deflected to pass by the inwardly projecting lip 59 and snap into position in the recess 60, to effect a permanent installation.

The frame section of Fig. 8 is designed for the installation of flexible panels, most typically screening for windows or doors. The frame section, designated generally by the reference numeral 70, includes first and second channelforming flanges 71, 72, in conjunction with other structural elements 73, 74. In a typical installation, the frame section 70 is assembled into a rectangular frame, with mitered corners. The first channel-forming flange 71 is disposed generally in the plane of the screening panel 75, while the second channei-forming flange 72 is initially disposed at a substantial angle to the first flange. The entire section is a continuous extrusion of aluminum, which is cut into appropriate shape and assembled into the customary rectangular frame.

As shown in Fig. 8, the base 76 of the second channel-forming flange 72, which may be referred as the roll-over flange, is integrally connected to the remainder of the frame section in an area of generally reduced thickness, to accommodate subsequent closing of the channel-forming flange during a roll-over operation.

To form a screen panel, a precut section of screening 75 is laid on the assembled frame, over the top of the first channel-forming flange 71.

Near the base of the channel-forming flange 71 there are provided a series of serrations 77 cooperatively related to similar serrations 78 on the roll-over flange. These serrations run continuously lengthwise of the section and form alternating sharp projections and recesses. The pre-cut screen section 75 is of sufficient dimension that its edge margins overlie the serrated projections 77. Accordingly, when the roll-over flange 72 is closed against the flange 71, the screen margin is engaged and tightly gripped by the serrated projections 77, 78, which are positioned so that the projections of one side are received in the grooves of the other side, as will be understood.

To advantage, the inner margin of the first channel-forming flange 71 is provided with a relatively deep, smooth recess 79, which is cooperatively positioned in relation to a similarly shaped, bulbous bead 80 extending along the inside of the roll-over flange 72. The geometry of the channel-forming flanges 71, 72 is such that, during the roll-over operation of the flange 72, the margin-gripping projections 77, 78 first come into gripping contact with the screen and lock it securely into position. Thereafter, the bulbous rib 80 begins to enter the recess 79 in the opposite flange, displacing the screen material into the recess. This has the effect of tensioning the screen about its periphery, providing a neat and attractive installation.

Since the roll-over flange 72 is not intended to be reused, it may be desirable to design the frame section 70 with a conventional recess 81 along its inside margin. In the event that re-screening of the frame becomes necessary, it may be accomplished in an altogether conventional fashion by inserting the marginal edge of the new screen section into the recess 81 and then inserting an elastomeric spline (not shown) in accordance with well known, conventional practice.

In any of its various forms, the structure of the invention enables significant performance and economic advantages to be realized over conventional structures, in the mounting of window and other panels in vehicles and stationary structures. One of the more significantly advantageous end uses of the structure of the invention is in connection with railroad personnel-carrying or passenger-carrying rolling stock (locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses), much of which has to be retrofitted to comply with government regulations as to the ability to withstand impact of small and large objects. The structure of the invention enables a new glazing assembly to be installed with a minimum of labor and expense, yet with an exceedingly higher level of performance as regards impact resistance, vandal resistance, effective sealing, etc.

Fundamental to the invention is the provision of roll-over flanges in an extruded aluminum glazing frame section, which allow for the positioning of a glazing panel within a frame, and/or the positioning of the frame in a structure wall opening, and the completion of the assembly by rolling over of a channel-forming flange, to form a tight, permanent seal, requiring no drilling of holes, use of separate fasteners, or the like.

Installation may be made in a minimum of time, with relatively unskilled labor and with the simplest kinds of tools. The frame sections themselves are, of course, of a highly simplified nature, being relatively simple aluminum extrusions, which may be cut to desired length and readily bent into a desired closed configuration appropriate to the structure wall opening to be accommodated.

It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only, as many changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A panel-engaging frame structure comprising (a) a generally continuous frame section of deformable material, (b) said section having at least one panel-engaging flange extending in a first direction, (c) a second panelengaging flange extending initially in a second direction, at a substantial angle to said one flange, (d) a panel mounted in said frame section, seated against said one panel-engaging flange, (f) said second panel-engaging flange being deformed after initial assembly of said frame and panel to rigidly and sealingly engage said frame and panel.

2. The structure of claim 1, further characterized by said panel comprising a primary structure wall.

3. The structure of claim 1, further characterized by said panel comprising a glazing panel.

4. The structure of claim 2, further characterized by said primary structure comprising a movable or fixed structure.

5. The structure of claim 1 , further characterized by (a) said frame section comprising a section 9f extruded aluminum, (b) said second panel-engaging flange having a continuous recess portion adjacent its base to define a fold line and to accommodate displacement of material during a fold-over operation.

6. A structural frame section for glazing, screening or the like comprising (a) an extruded frame section having a body portion, (b) a first channel-forming flange extending from said body portion, (c) a second channei-forming flange extending from said body portion at a substantial angle to said first channel-forming flange, (d) said second flange being foldable toward said first flange into generally parallel relation therewith, for locking engagement with a panel.

7. A structural frame section according to claim 6, further characterized by (a) said section including a second pair of channel-forming flanges, (b) one of the flanges of said second pair being initially disposed at a large angle to the other and being foldable toward the other for locking engagement with a panel.

8. A structural frame section according to claim 6, further characterized by (a) said channelforming flanges defining a channel for the reception of screening, (b) first cooperative flange portions near the fold region of said other flange for gripping an edge margin of a screen panel, and (c) second cooperative flange portions for engagement with a screen panel inside said edge margin for displacement of the panel out of its normal plane for applying tension.

9. A structural frame section according to claim 6, further characterized by said second channel-forming flange having a continuous, longitudinally extending fold-defining recess.

10. A structural frame section according to claim 6, further characterized by (a) a predetermined length of said frame section being formed into a closed configuration including one or more short radius bends and joined end to end, and (b) portions of said second channel-forming flange being removed in the region of said short radius bends in said frame section.

11. The method of using a structural frame section of the type set forth in claim 6, which comprises (a) cutting said section to predetermined length, (b) forming said section into a frame of closed configuration, with opposite ends in butted relation, (c) installing a panel laterally into the opening formed by said frame of closed configuration or, alternatively, installing said frame laterally into an opening in a structure wall panel, and (d) thereafter permanently deforming the foldable flange against said panel to permanently lockingly engage said panel and said frame.

12. The method of claim 11, further characterized by (a) said panel comprising a window panel, (b) a generally U-shaped elastomeric sealing strip, comprised of one or more strip-like elements, being positioned about the peripheral edge, margins of said panel, and (c) said foldable channel-forming flange being positioned to tightly compress said elastomeric strip.