GB2220473A

GB2220473A - Window or door ventilator assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2220473A
Application number: GB8911541A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Bottomore; Colin Frederick Gibson
Original assignee: Glidevale Building and Products Ltd
Current assignee: Glidevale Building and Products Ltd
Priority date: 1988-05-19
Filing date: 1989-05-19
Publication date: 1990-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 2009-05-19
Also published as: GB8811848D0; GB8911540D0; EP0343011A2; GB8911473D0; GB8911541D0; GB2220219A; GB2218801A; EP0343011A3; DE68928216D1; GB2220473B; EP0343011B1

Description

1 2220473 WINDOW/DOOR VENTILATOR AND VENTILATED WINDOW/DOOR STRUCTURE This

invention relates to a window/door ventilator and ventilated window/door structure.

A typical window structure comprises a substantially rectangular frame which defines an opening within which a window pane is disposed; the window pane is usually glass. The frame is made up of an upper frame member and a lower frame member, which are spaced by opposed side frame members. The frame is generally secured to the surrounding building structure by mortar. The surrounding building structure typically comprises a plurality of building elements such as bricks.

It is known to provide a ventilator in the region of a window structure to provide ventilation between the exterior and the interior of the window.

0 It will be appreciated that such ventilation can be applied equally to door structures.

2 One example of a window ventilator is disclosed in GB-A-2113825 which describes ventilation between the top of the window frame and an upper frame member. Another example of a window ventilator is disclosed in GB-A2062842.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a ventilator for use in a window or door structure of a building having a frame defining an opening for receiving a window or door, said ventilator comprising ventilation means adapted to be disposed at least partially in an aperture formed in the frame, whereby a ventilation path is provided between an interior and an exterior of the building.

Typically the aperture in the frame would be elongate and the ventilator would also be elongate with its longitudinal axis arranged substantially parallel to that of the frame.

Advantageously the ventilation means comprises an outer ventilation member adapted to be disposed in the aperture on one side of the frame, and an inner 1 3 ventilation member adapted to be disposed in the aperture on the other side of the frame. It is possible for the inner and outer ventilation members to be integral.

The outer ventilation member preferably comprises a hood having a downwardly facing ventilation opening.

The ventilation opening is provided preferably with a pluralit y of baffles for restricting the ingress of moisture into the aperture in the frame.

The inner ventilation member is preferably provided with control means for controlling the air flow through the ventilator.

The control means desirably comprises a first member adapted to be fixedly secured to the frame in the region of the aperture, and a second member movable relative to the frame between a closed position in which air flow through the aperture is minimum and an open position in which air flow through the ventilator is maximum.

The second member may be pivotally movable. relative to the first member.

4 The control means may further include biasing means for biasing the second member towards the open position when it is in the open position, and towards the closed position when it is in the closed position, whereby a applied to overcome the force of the order to move the second member from the the second position and vice versa.

force must be biasing means in first position to The ventilator may further include two corner members each adapted to be disposed at a respective end of the aperture in the frame.

The first member may be adapted to extend along the frame at a lower edge of the aperture.

The second member can be adapted to engage the frame at the upper edge of the aperture when it is in the closed position.

The biasing means preferably comprises two springs, each spring being disposed in a respective one of the corner members and being attached to one end to its respective corner member and at the other end to a t respective end of the second member. If desired it is possible to use only one spring, provided it has sufficient biasing force.

The first member may comprise a portion adapted to extend outwardly from the frame, and a portion adapted to extend upwardly to act as a partial cover for the aperture.

In another aspect the invention provides a ventilator for disposal between window frame and the window pane which comprises a ventilation member adapted to define a ventilation path between the window frame and the window pane.

Reference in which:- is now made to the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of a window frame incorporating a ventilator according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of an inner ventilation member of a ventilator according to the invention; 6 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inner ventilation member shown in Figure 2 in an open position; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inner ventilation member shown in Figure 2 in the closed position; Figure embodiment' of inner position; is a cross-sectional view of another ventilation member in a closed Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inner ventilation member shown in Figure 5 in an open position; Figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of the inner ventilation member shown in Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of inner ventilation member in a closed position; Figure 9 is a perspective view of part of the inner ventilation member shown in Figure 8; 7 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of inner ventilation member according to the invention in an open position; -- Figures 11 to 13 are perspective views of parts of the inner ventilation member shown in Figure 10; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outer ventilation member of a ventilator according to the invention; Figure 15 is a perspective exploded view of the outer ventilation member shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of ventilator according to the invention, with part cut away; and Figure 17 is a perspective view of part of the ventilator shown in Figure 16.

In Figure 1 a frame generally designated 10 has an upper portion 10a with an aperture 70 provided therethrough. The upper portion. 10a has an internal 1 8 surface 10a' and an external surface 10a". In practice a window pane would be disposed below the upper frame portion 10a.

A ventilator which comprises an outer ventilation member 12 and an inner ventilation member 14 is provided on the external and internal surfaces 10-a" and 10-a' respectively and cover the aperture 70. The ventilation members 12 and 14 are shown schematically in Figure I and define an -air flow path through the aperture 70 which is shown by arrows A.

In Figures 2 to 4 the inner ventilation member 14 is shown in detail. The inner ventilation member includes a control means in the form of elongate first and second members 16 and 18 respectively. End members 20 and 22 are provided at each end of the first and second members. The end members 20 and 22 serve as a cover for the ends of the first and second members 16 and 18. Moreover the end members 20 and 22 are provided with lugs 20a and 22a respectively which have apertures 20b and 22b through which fixing means in the form of screws 24 can be passed in order to secure the inner ventilation member 14 to the frame portion 10a. Cover members 26 and 28 are provided for covering the lugs 20a and 22b respectively.

1 9 The first member 16 is provided with a C-shaped formation 30 which receives fixing means in the form of screws 32 to fix the first member 16 to the end members 20 and 22. For this purpose an aperture 34 is provided in the end member 20; a similar aperture (not shown) is provided in the end member 22. This arrangement ensures that the first member 16 is rigid with the frame 10.

The f irst member 16 has a portion 16a which engages the inner surface 10al of the frame portion 10a below the aperture 70 and which extends away from the frame portion 10a'. The first member also has an upwardly extending portion 16b integral with the portion 16a which partially covers the aperture 70.

A formation 36 is provided on the free end of the upwardly extending portion 16b; the formation 36 is of substantially circular cross-section.

The second member 18 comprises and an integral operating member 40. the control member joins the operating with a recess 42 adapted to receive the formation 36. The second member the formation 36 by means of the recess a control member 38 The region at which member is provided and cooperate with 8 can pivot about 42.

The control member 38 is pivotable between an open position (shown in Figure 3) in which it is out of contact with the frame portion 10a and permits air flow into the aperture 70, and a closed position (shown in Figure 4) in which it engages the frame portion 10a in the region of the upper edge of the aperture 70, thereby substantially preventing air flow through the aperture 70.

A projection 44 is provided on the control member 38 which defines a recess 46 for receiving the part of the frame portion 10a. A recess 47 is provided on the end member 22 for receiving the projection 44. A similar recess (not shown) is provided on the end member 20.

Biasing means in the form of springs 46 and 48 re provided to bias the control member 38 to either the open or closed position. The spring 46 is provided in the end member 20 and is provided with a first end which is disposed in an aperture (not shown) in the end member 20 and a second end which is disposed in an aperture 50 in the control member 38. The spring 48 is disposed in the end member 22 and is provided with a first end which is disposed in an aperture 52 on the end member 22, and a second end which is disposed in the aperture 50 on the t 11 control member 38. It will be appreciated that the aperture 50 need not extend continuously along the second member 38, though this is preferred when extrusion is used as the method of manufacture.

The springs 46 and 48 are arranged such that they bias the control member 38 into the closed position if it is disposed in the closed position, or the open position if it is disposed in the open position, Thus, in order to move the control member 38 from the closed position to the open position (or vice versa) a positive force is required to overcome the spring force of the springs 46 and 48.

Another embodiment of an inner ventilation member is generally designated 60 in Figures 5 to 7. The inner ventilation member 60 includes a lower member 72 which is adapted to bear against a lower surface 70a of the aperture 70 in the frame portion 10a. The lower member 72 has a flange 72a which extends substantially transverse to the rest of the member 72 from one end thereof.

The flange 72a is provided with grooves 72b and 72c on opposite faces thereof (see Figure 7).

t 12 A seat member 74 for a pivotable ventilation control member 76 is provided with two upstanding legs 78 and 80 having projections 78a and 80a respectively. The seat member 74 may be an aluminium extrusion. The flange 72a is disposed between the legs 78 and 80; and the projections 78a and 80a fit into grooves 72b and 72c respectively to secure the seat member 74 to the lower member 72. The seat member 74 has a base 82 from which the legs 78 and 80 extend upwardly. A retaining leg 84 also extends upwardly from the base 82 at an angle to the legs 78 and 80; the legs 78 and 80 are substantially parallel. The control member 76 is received within a recess 86 defined by the legs 78 and 84 and the base 82; the control member 76 can rest upon an upper surface 82a of the base 82.

The ventilation member 60 also includes an upper member 88 which is adapted to bear against an upper surface 70b of the aperture 70 in the frame portion 10a. The upper member 88 has a flange 88a which extends substantially transverse to the rest of the member 88 from one end thereof.

13 The flanges 72a and 88a act as a positioning means to help position the ventilation member 60 in the aperture 70.

Each end of the upper member 88 is provided with an integral end member 90; in the drawings only one end member 90 is shown. The end member 90 has a wall 90a which extends within the aperture 70, and a substantially transverse wall 90b w hich abuts against an internal surface 10a' of the frame portion 10a.

The wall 90b of the end members 90 is provided with an aperture 90c through which fixing means (such as a nail or screw) can be passed in order to secure the interior portion of the ventilation member 60 to the frame portion 10a.

The end members 90 are secured to the lower member 72, and may be integral therewith.

The lower and upper members 72 and 88, together with the end members 90, define an opening 92 within the aperture 70.

14 Formations 94 are secured to the free ends of the end members 90. The formations 94 may be integral with the end members 90.

The formations 94 are of substantially triangular configuration and extend outwardly from the frame portion 10a such that the control member 76 and an operating member 96 are received therebetween.

The formations 94 are each provided with an inner surface 94a which faces the inner surface 94a on the other formation 94. A formation in the form of a substantially cylindrical projection 98 extends from the surface 94a of each formation 94 in a direction toward the other formation 94. The projections 98 are substantially transverse to the plane of the inner surface 94a.

The operating member 96 may be an aluminium extrusion which is provided with a cooperating formation 100 which defines a recess 102 adapted to receive the projection 98. The formation 100 can pivot about the projection 98, thus enabling the operating member 96 to pivot about the projection 98.

t The control member 76 may be a plastics extrusion which comprises an elongate strip 76a having a lower end 76a' which is received in the recess 86 and an upper end 76a" from which a flange 76b extends substantially transverse to the strip 76a, A formation 76c is provided between the ends 76a' and 76a' which defines a recess 76d which cooperates with a formation in the form of a substantially cylindrical projection 104 on the operating member 96. The formation 76c can pivot about the projection 104, thus enabling the control member 76 to pivot about the projection 104.

It will be appreciated that the project ion/recess arrangement on the control member 76, the operating member 96 and the formations 94 can be reversed, so that a recess is provided on the formations 94 which receives a projection on the operating member 96, and/or a recess is provided on the operating member 96 which receives a projection on the control member 76.

A lower portion of the operating member 96 is formed as a hand grip 96a to enable the operating member 96 to be moved by a user in order to control the ventilation.

1 16 The ventilation member 60 is installed as follows. First the aperture 70 is formed to an appropriate size in the frame portion 10a (assuming the frame portion 10a has not been preformed with the aperture 70). Second, the seat member 74 is secured to the lower member 72 and the assembly, including the upper member 88, the end members 90 and the formations 94 are placed against the frame 10; the upper and lower members 88 and 72 together with the walls 90a extend into' the aperture 70. Thirdly, the lower end 76a' of the control member 76 is inserted in the recess 86, and the projection 104 is snapped into the recess 76a. Finally the projections 98 are snapped into the recess 102.

The operation of the ventilation member 60 is as follows. The control member 76 is movable between two positions, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the position shown in Figure 5 the flange 76b abuts against the surface 10a' of the frame portion 10a, the strip 76a abuts against the flange 88a of the upper member 88 and the strip 76a abuts against the leg 78 of the seat member 74. In all positions of the control member 76, the end of the control member 76 abuts against the surfaces 94a of 17 the formations 94. Thus, in the position shown in Figure 5 the air flow through the ventilator is substantially zero.

In the position shown in Figure 6 the air flow is maximum, and air can flow between the flange 76a and the flange 88a. A ventilation path is indicated by arrows C.

In order to move the control member 76 from the position shown in Figure 5 to that shown in Figure 6 it is necessary to lift the gripping member 96a of the operating member 96. This causes the formation 100 to pivot about the projection pivot about the projection 98 and the formation 76c to 104. Since the projection 98 is fixed relative to the frame portion 10a, the control member 76 moves with the operating member 96 to the position shown in Figure 6. To close the ventilator the gripping member 96a is pushed downwardly from the position shown in Figure 6.

The length of the strip 76a of the control member 76 between the formation 76Q and the lower end 76A' is selected such that when the projection 104 is inserted, the strip 76a below the formation 76c is under compression. The strip 76a is resiliently deformable 1 18 which enables the strip 76a to flex under tension; this flexure is shown in Figures 5 and 6. This arrangement acts as a biasing means to bias the control member into the open or closed position (depending upon which position has been selected).

The upper and lower members 72 and 88 need not extend continuously along the aperture 70. In this case two separate components are disposed at each end of the aperture 70, and each component is provided with only one end portion 90; clearly, the two components are mirror images of one another.

Another embodiment of the internal portion of the ventilation member 2 is shown in Figures 8 and 9 and is generally designated 60'. Many of the parts of the ventilator 2 shown in Figures 8 and 9 are the same as the ventilator shown in Figures 5 to 7; like parts have been designated with like reference numerals. In Figure 9 the operating member 96, the control member 76 and the seat member 74 have been omitted for clarity.

Figures 8 and 9 show the control member 76 in the closed position. the differences between the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7 and that of Figures 8 and 9 arise 19 because in Figures 8 and 9 a different type of biasing means is provided to bias the control member 76 in position selectively in either the open or closed position.

Thus the embodiment in Figures 8 and 9 does not need to be provided with an oversized lower portion of the strip 76a. Instead the inner surface 94 is provided with a step 94b which provides a surface substantially transverse to the inner surface 94a. Thus the portion of the surface 94a below the step 94b lies in a plane parallel to, but spaced from, the portion of the surface 94a above the step 94b. The ends of the projection 104 of the operating member 96 are arranged to engage the surface of the step 94b.

The step 94b has two portions 94b' and 9W' which rise upwardly to meet at a peak 94b.

The formation 100 in the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7 is replaced with a formation 100' which defines a slot-shaped, open-ended recess 102' for receiving the projection 98. This arrangement enables the operating member 96 to move late-rally -relative to the projection 98.

When the control member 76 is moved between the open and closed positions the hand grip 96a is again either raised or lowered. However, with the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 the projection 104 either moves upwardly along the step portion 94b', then downwardly along the step portion 94b" (when the control member 76 is being moved to the closed position), or vice versa (when the control member 76 is being moved to the open position). In both cases the formation 100' pivots about the projection 98 and slides laterally relative to the projection 98.

The arrangement of the step portions 9W and 98b" serves to bias the control member 76 into either the closed or open position.

Another embodiment of the internal portion of the ventilator is shown in Figures 10 to 13 and is generally designated 108.

The ventilator portion 108 as shown in Figures 10 to 13 basically comprises a securing member 110, a control member 112 and an operating member 114.

0 21 The securing member 110 is received in the aperture 70 and comprises upper and lower members 116 and 118 respectively which are connected either at one end thereof or at both ends thereof by an end member 120. The or each end member 120 is provided with an aperture 120a for receiving fixing means (not shown) such as a nail or screw, to secure the securing member 110 to the upper frame portion 10a.

Strengthening members 122 are provided at intervals along the length of the securing member 110. The strengthening members 122 are integral with the lower and upper members 116 and 118.

The lower and upper members 116 and 118 are provided with positioning formations 116a and 118a respectively. The positioning formations 116a and 118a act as positioning means to position the securing members 110 at the correct position within the aperture 70. When the correct position has been reached the formations 116a and 118a abut against the surface 10a' of the upper frame member 10a.

1 22 The ends of the lower and upper members 116 and 118 which lie outside the aperture 70 are provided with stop means in the form of stops 116b and 118b respectively. The stops 116b and 118b extend inwardly towards one another, and their function will be described hereinafter.

The securing member 110 can extend continuously along the length of the slot-shaped aperture 70 from one end thereof to the other. In this case Figures 11 and 14 will be understood to show only a part of the length of member 110, and the other end will be substantially identical to the end shown. However, it is also possible for two securing members 110 to be disposed only at each end of the slot-shaped aperture 70. In this case two of said securing members 110 are provided, one at each end of the aperture 70, and each securing member 110 is substantially as shown in Figures 11 and 13; the strengthening member 122 effectively coraprises an end member of the securing member 110, since it is disposed at the end opposite to the end member 120.

23 The control member 112 extends continuously along the aperture 70; it is secured either at the ends thereof to a respective one of the securing members 110, or is secured to a single securing member 110 continuously along the length thereof.

The control member 110 may be an aluminium extrusion which comprises a cover having upper and lower members 124 and 126 respectively, and a connecting member 128 which connects the upper and lower members 124 and 126.

Two substantially parallel formations 130 and 132 extend from the connecting member 128- in the same direction as the upper and lower members 124 and 126. The formations 130 and 132 are disposed between the upper and lower members 124 and 126, and extend substantially parallel thereto. The formations 130 and 132 are provided with a gap 134 therebetween, and are resiliently deformable so that they can be deformed towards one another in the gap 124.

The control member 112 is provided with stop means in the form of stop surfaces 128a and 128b, on the connecting member 128, and in the form of stops 130a and 132a on the formations 130 and 132 respectively.

t 24 The stop means is used to define the open and closed positions of the control member 112. In the open position (as shown in Figures 10 and 11) the stops 116b and 132a interengage and the stops 118b and 130a interengage; this prevents further outward movement of the control member 112 relative to the securing member 110, and also prevents the control member 112 from becoming detached from the securing member 110.

In the closed position the stop surface 128b abuts against an end surface 116c of the lower member 116, and the stop surface 128a abuts against an end surface 118c of the upper member 118; this prevents further inward movement of the control member 112 relative to the securing member 110. It is possible for the upper and lower members 124 and 126 (or a sealing member 136 to be described hereinafter) of the control member 112 to engage the surface 10a' of the upper frame member 10a before the surfaces 116c, 128b and 118R, 128a abut one another. In this case the upper and lower members 124 and 126 (or the sealing member 136) act as the stop means the closed position.

for The formations 130 and 132 are provided with curved surfaces 130b and 132b respectively. At each end of the curved surface 130b there is provided recesses 13W and 130bl 1. This arrangement serves as biasing means for biasing the control member 112 either in the closed or open position.

The free ends of the upper and lower members 124 and 126 are provided with g'rooves 124a and 126a respectively. The grooves 124a and 126a receive projections 136a and 136b respectively provided on the sealing member 136. The sealing member is wrapped around the outside of the upper and lower members 124 and 126 and the connecting member 128, and terminates at each end in a D-section seal 138 which engages the surface 10a' of the upper frame portion 10a.

4 The ventilation member 108 shown in Figures 10 to 13 is installed in the upper frame portion 10a as follows. First, the aperture 70 is formed in the frame portion 10a, (assuming it has not already been provided). Second, the securing member 110 is secured to the upper frame portion 10a such that the flanges 118a and 116a abut the surface 10a' of frame portion 10a. Third, the formations and 132 of the control member 112 are pushed between t 26 the stops 118b and 116b. As the movement continues the formations 130 and 132 are deformed inwardly until the stops 118b nd 116b snap into the recesses 130b'' and 132b" respectively.

The ventilation member 108 operates as follows. Figures 10 and 11 show the open position where air can flow through the ventilator. In order to close the ventilator it is 114 towards the control member 1 lower members 118 seals 138 engage portion 10a. In above procedure is necessary to push the operating member frame portion 10a. This causes the 2 to move further between the upper and and 116; the movement stops when the the surface 10a' of the upper frame order to reopen the ventilator, the reversed.

The ventilation members 14, 60, 60' and 108 can be provided on the inside or outside of the building, though it is preferred to provide it on the inside. It is not essential to provide any further structure on the other side of the building. One possible structure that can be provided is a single grille across the aperture 70. However, the preferred structure on the opposite side is shown in Figures 14 and 15.

27 Figures 14 and 15 show an embodiment of the external ventilation member 12. The external ventilation member 12 extends partially into the aperture 70 in the upper frame member 10a, and abuts an external surface 10a' ' of the frame member 10a.

The external ventilator portion comprises a body 150, a cover 152, two end members 154 and a control member 156.

The body 150 comprises two end walls 158 between which a grille 160 is disposed. The grille 160 is provided with a plurality of elongate baffles 162 which are disposed substantially transverse to the plane of the external frame surface 10a''.

An upper member 164 also extends between the end walls 158 at a position above the grille 160; an aperture 166 is defined between the grille 160 and the upper member 164.

The side walls 158 include portions 158a which are dimensioned to fit into the aperture 70 in the upper frame member 10a.

28 t The end members 154 each comprise two substantiallty transverse walls 168 and 170. The wall 168 engages the external surface 10a' ', whilst the wall 170 engages one of the side walls 158; the walls 170 are provided with a configuration similar to the side walls 158.

The end members 154 act as securing means to secure the body 150, the cover 152 and the control member 156 to the upper frame portion 10a. Tothis end, the wall 168 of each end member 154 is provided with an aperture 172 through which fixing means (not shown), such as a nail or screw, can be passed in order to secure the end member 154 to the upper frame portion 10a. Also, the walls 170 are each provided with two retaining formations 174 and 176 which define recesses 174a and 176a respectively; the recesses 174a and 176a are adapted to receive a portion of one of the side walls 158.

The cover 152 is configured to fit over the side walls 158 and at each end engages an outer surface 174h and 176b of the formations 174 and 176 respectively.

t 29 The cover 152 may be an aluminium extrusion which comprises a vertical portion 178, a horizontal portion 180 and an intermediate portion 182 between the vertical portion 178 and the horizontal portion 180.

The vertical portion 178 is provided with formations 184 and 186 for securing the cover 152 to the body 150. The formations 184 and 186 receive a part of the grille 160 therebetween; the formation 184 overlies an upper surface of the grille 168; and the formation 186 has a projection 186a which is received in a cooperating formation on the underside of the grille in the form of a recess 188.

The horizontal portion 180 of the cover 152 is provided with two downwardly extending spaced formations 190 and 192 which define a recess 194 therebetween. The recess 194 is adapted to receive part of the upper member 164 therebetween.

The horizontal portion 180 is provided with a further C-shaped formation 196 which defines a recess 198; a D-section seal 200 is received in the recess 198. The seal 200 can abut against the external surface 10a'', and prevents moisture passing between the horizontal portion 180 of the cover 152 and the external surface 10a' '.

The control member 156 is in the form of a pivotal flap. The control member 156 is provided with two pivot pins 202 which are received in corresponding recesses 204 in the body 150.

The external ventilation member 12 is installed as follows. It is assumed that the control member 156 and the seal 200 have already been fitted to the body 150 and the cover 154 respectively. First, the aperture 70 is provided in the frame portion 10a (assuming it has not already been provided).

Second, the end members 154 are placed in engagement with the end walls 158, so that part of the side walls 158 are received in the recesses 174a and 176a, Third, the upper member 164 is disposed in the recess 194 of the cover member 152 and the vertical portion 178 is pushed towards the body 150 so that the p 31 projection 186a slides over the underside of the grille 160 and snaps into the recess 188; to assist with this the formation 186 is resiliently deformable.

Since the ends of the cover 154 engage the outer surface 174b and 176b of the formations 174 and 176, the end members 154 are effectively retained in position.

Fourth, the entire assembly is placed in abutment with the frame portion 10a so that the seal 200 engages the external frame surface 10a" and the side wall portions 158a extend into the aperture 70. Finally the end members 154 are secured to the frame portion 10a with the fixing means.

There is a pr eferred way of assembling the portion of the ventilator 2, when the body 150 is provided in a plurality of units which, when placed end to end, form the body 150 as shown in Figures 14 and 15.

A In this case the end members 154 are provided on the end units of the body 150 in the way described above. Then, one of the end units is slid longitudinally into the cover so that the projection 186a is received in the recess 188, and the upper member 164 is received in the p 32 recess 194. Any intermediate body unit is then slid in a similar manner from the opposite end of the cover until it engages the end body unit. Finally the other end body unit is slid into the cover, from the opposite end.

In both the above methods of installations the formations 190 and 192 can be crimped together to assist with holding the assembly together.

It will be observed that no operating member has been provided for the control member 156 (an operating member could be provided if desired). The control member 156 operates automatically, depending on the air pressure. The control member 156 can pivot freely between a first position (as shown in Figure 14 in full lines), and a second position (as shown in Figure 14 in dotted lines). In the first position the ventilation path is unobstructed, whilst in the second position the ventilation path is closed by the control member 156. Movement of the control member 156 between the first and second positions is caused by air pressure in the aperture 70. When the pressure gradient exceeds a preselected value the air flow is sufficiently rapid to cause the control member 156 to pivot upwardly to the 1 33 second position. When the pressure gradient falls below the preselected value, the control member falls back to the first position.

In the embodiment described with reference to Figures 4 to 15 the aperture 70 may sometimes have a length greater than the ventilator 2. In this case a filler piece (not shown) can be provided at one or both ends of the ventilator; this helps to provide a good appearance.

Figures 16 and 17 show another embodiment of ventilator generally designated 200. The window pane 12 is cut short at the top in order to fit the ventilator 3 between the top of the pane 12 and the upper frame portion 10a.

The ventilator 200 comprises two aluminum extrusions in the form of a support member 210 and a cover member 212.

The support member 210 is received in a rebate 214 in the frame portion 10a. The support member 210 has an elongate ventilation aperture 216, and a U-shaped 34 formation 218 which receives the pane 12 therein. It will be observed that in Figure 16 the pane 12 comprises a double glazing arrangement.

Control means as described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 15 may be provided in the aperture 216.

The support member 210 is also provided with formations in the form of recesses 220 which receive cooperating formations in the form of projections 222 on an injection moulded grille 224. The grill 224 is resiliently deformable, to enable the formations 222 to be snap-fitted in the recesses 220.

The grill 222 is disposed between the support member 210 and the cover member 212 and is provided with a plurality of slots 226. The slots 226 permit air to flow through the ventilator 3; the size and spacing of the slots 226 controls the amount of ventilation through the ventilator 200. The slots 226 can also restrict the ingress of vermin and insects.

p The support member 210 and the cover member 212 are provided with apertures through which fixing means can be passed in order to secure them to the upper frame portion 10a.

A mastic seal 228 is provided between the cover member 212 and the frame portion 10a. A gasket 230 is disposed in the U-shaped formation 218 between the support member 210 and the window pane 12; the gasket 230 provides a seal between the support member 210 and the pane 12.

If the ventilator 200 is shorter than the length of the window pane 12 then a filler piece (not shown) can be provided on one or both ends of the ventilator 200; this helps to provide a good appearance.

An air flow path through the ventilator 200 is designated by arrows D.

In all of the above embodiments the operating means may be in the form of a card controlled operating device as described in our UK patent application no. 8902498.8 4 1 k 36

Claims

1. A ventilator for use in a window or door structure of a building having a frame defining an opening for receiving a window or door, said ventilator comprising ventilation means adapted to be disposed at least partially in an aperture formed in the frame, whereby a ventilation path is provided between an interior and an exterior of the building.

2. A ventilator according to Claim 1, wherein the ventilation means comprises an outer ventilation member adapted to be disposed in the aperture on one side of the frame, and an inner ventilation member adapted to be disposed in the aperture on the other side of the frame.

3. A ventilator according to Claim 2, wherein the outer ventilation member comprises a hood having a downwardly facing ventilation opening.

4. A ventilator according to Claim 3, wherein the -ventilation opening is provided with a plurality of baffles for restricting the ingress of moisture into the aperture in the frame.

0 37

5. A ventilator according to Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the inner ventilation member is provided with control means for controlling the air flow through the ventilator.

6. A ventilator according to Claim 5, wherein the control means comprises a first member adapted to be fixedly secured to the frame in the region of the aperture, and a second member movable relative to the frame between a closed position in which air flow through the aperture is minimum and an open position in which air flow through the ventilator is maximum.

7. A ventilator according to Claim 6, wherein the second member is pivotally movable relative to the f irst member.

A

8. A ventilator according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein said control means further includes biasing means for biasing the second member towards the open position when the second member is in the open position, and towards the closed position when the second member is in the closed position, whereby a force must be applied to overcome the 0 38 force of the biasing means in order to move the second member from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

9. A ventilator according to Claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the ventilation means includes two corner members each adapted to be disposed at a respective end of the aperture in the frame.

10. A ventilator according to Claim 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the f irst member is adapted to extend along the frame at a lower edge of the aperture.

11. A ventilator according to any of Claims 6 to 10, wherein the second member is adapted to engage the frame at the upper edge of the aperture when it is in the closed position, to substantially prevent air flow through the aperture.

12. A ventilator according to Claims 8 and 9, wherein the biasing means comprises two springs, each spring being disposed in a respective one of the corner members and being attached at one end to its respective corner member and at the other end to a respective end of the second member.

39

13. A ventilator according to any of Claims 6 to 12, wherein the first member comprises a portion adapted to extend outwardly from the frame, and a portion adapted to extend upwardly to act as a partial cover for the aperture.

14. A ventilator according to any of Claims 6 to 13, wherein the second member includes an operating member by which it can be moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

15. A ventilator substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Published 1989 at The Patent Offloe, State House, 66171 High Holborn. London WC1R 4TP. Further copies maybe obtalnedfrom The Patentoffice. Sales Brancl-4 at Mazy Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd, St Mary Cray, Kent, Con. 1/87