GB2254095A - Void formed between a wing and a frame for ventilation - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a framed structure, for example, a window frame. In particular, the invention relates to a frame comprising a main frame defining an aperture and a closure frame, each frame including a planar surface with the aperture opening into the planar surface of the main frame, means for supporting the closure frame relative to the main frame so as to afford movement thereof between a closed position in which the planar surfaces confront each other to close the aperture and an open position revealing the aperture, a seal SM encircling the aperture and projecting from one of the said planar surfaces so that when the frames are in the closed position a seal exists between the frames, each frame comprising a plurality of interconnected frame members, each frame member having a cross-sectional shape such that when the frames are in the closed position, surfaces of the respective frames define a peripheral void VRI external of the seal relative to the aperture and extending from the planar surface of one frame, and a ventilation channel VC coextensive with an opening into the void to constitute a clearance between the respective frames when in the closed position. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FRAMED STRUCTURES This invention relates to a framed structure including a main frame defining an aperture and an closure frame which is supported relative to the main frame so as to afford movement thereof between a closed position to close the aperture and an open position to reveal the aperture. The closure frame may be in the form of a window sash which is hinged to the main frame or may be in the form of a door which is hinged to a rebated main door frame. Although specific reference will be made in the specification to making such main and closure frames from timber, the frames may if desired, be made from reconstituted timber e.g.

resin impregnated wooden fibres or chips, metallic materials e.g.

galvanised mild steel anodised aluminum and plastics materials such as UPVC.

According to the present invention a structure comprises a main frame defining an aperture and a closure frame, each frame including a planar surface with the aperture opening into the planar surface of the main frame, means for supporting the closure frame relative to the main frame so as to afford movement thereof between a closed position in which the planar surfaces confront each other to close the aperture and an open position revealing the aperture, a seal encircling the aperture and projecting from one of the said planar surfaces so that when the frames are in the closed position a seal exists between the frames, each frame comprising a plurality of interconnected frame members, each frame member having a cross-sectional shape such that when the frame members are in the closed position, surfaces of the respective frames define a peripheral void external of the seal relative to the aperture and extending from the planar surface of one frame, and a ventilation channel coextensive with and opening into the void to constitute a clearance between the respective frames when in the closed position. Preferably the void is constituted by two rebates each formed in corresponding frame members of the respective frames. Preferably, the planar surface of the main frame is formed by shoulders of those rebates formed in the interconnected frame members of the main frame whereas the planar surface of the closure frame is formed by faces of the interconnected frame members of the closure frame which, in the closed position, confronts the shoulders of the said rebates constituting the planar surface of the main frame.

According to a specific application of the present invention the main frame is a main frame of a window and the closure frame is a window sash. The means for supporting the closure frame relative to the main frame may be a conventional butt hinge, a reflex hinge or a parallel linkage hinge. Other forms of hinge or pivoting mechanisms may be used according to particular requirements.

The seal encircling the aperture of the main frame (e.g. a window main frame) may be housed in a groove which follows the general outline of the aperture and formed in the shoulder of the rebates in the main frame members constituting planar surface of the main frame. If desired, the seal may be carried by the frame members of the closure frame.

The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross section taken through a wooden cill and a wooden bottom rail of a sash; Figure 2 is a cross section taken through a wooden jamb section of a main frame and a wooden vertical frame member of a sash; Figure 3 is a transom section showing two wooden frame members of upper and lower sash frames respectively in a closed position relative to a wooden transom of a main frame; Figure 4 is section taken through a wooden head frame member of a main frame and showing, in a closed position, a wooden top rail of a sash, and Figure 5 shows a section through a wooden mullion of a main frame and two vertical members of two wooden sashes shown in closed position.

In each of the Figures 1 to 5 the cross sectional shape of sash frame members "S" is the same. Such uniformity of cross section enables the frame members, irrespective of their intended use, to be machined from preplaned rectangular sectioned stock.

Furthermore, glazing rebates GR and void rebates VR1 may be formed using appropriately shaped spindle moulding or other router cutters.

Referring to Figure 1 the cill section includes a conventional drip groove 1, a groove 2 for including a mortar or mastic compound for bedding the cill on a brick or other walled structure whereas a groove 3 is formed to receive, for example, a tongue of a windowsill not shown. A cill rebate CR is formed as shown and the two rebates VR1 (formed in the said frame members) and CR constitute a part of a peripheral void V which surrounds the window sash. A groove CG formed in the cill serves to carry a sealing member SM (as shown in encircled inset of Figure 1) which when the sash is closed bears against planar surface PSB of the bottom rail "S" of the sash.

It will be seen from Figures 2-5, that the peripheral void V is formed by rebates VRI formed in the appropriate sash frame members and rebates JR (jamb section - Figure 2), TR (transom section - Figure 3), HR (head section - Figure 4) and MR (mullion section - Figure 5). In the same way as shown in Figure 1, a groove CG is formed in the shoulder of rebates JR, TR, HR and MR to receive a sealing member SM. In order to improve weatherproofing of those sash frame members S which form the lower frame members, additional sash - drip strips S1 may be fitted as shown in Figure 3 so as to direct rain water away from the sash and, consequently, the void.

A ventilation channel VC Figures 1 to 5 exists between the sash frame and main frame and this serves a double function, namely, a) prevents ingress of rain water into the void VRI by capillary action, and b) allows any water which may enter the void VRI to escape to atmosphere.

Tests have shown that framed structures made in accordance with the present invention offer a high degree of weather proof sealing in conditions exceeding hurricane-force conditions. It is believed, that this excellent sealing is due both to the fact that 1) the seal continuously encircles the aperture and 2) the pressure inside the void causes a self sealing action in that the greater the external pressure or adverse weather conditions applied to the sash, the better the weatherproofing of the window.

Additional advantages of the present invention are: o Flush-fitting sash gives greater security and pleasing shadow effect inside frame, obscuring fastener from outside.

o Sash made from heavier timber section than any other production wooden windows - provides greater strength enabling production of larger windows uninterrupted by cross-members.

o All vents fitted with unique drip-section for added weather protection.

Pressure-type weather seal set into a groove formed in the back of a rebate provides positive action without wear normally experienced with wiper-type seals.

o Reflex hinges, completely hidden when closed, open to 600 allowing easy cleaning of both sides of window.

o Cam-action fastener breaks seal before releasing sash, enabling trickle ventilation with security - both positions are lockable.

o Mitred beading holds 4-8-4 double glazing unit in sash rebate without any alteration on site. Windows can be purchased with or without glazing. Leaded lights or single glazing available.

Claims (8)

1. A structure comprising a main frame defining an aperture and a closure frame, each frame including a planar surface with the aperture opening into the planar surface of the main frame, means for supporting the closure frame relative to the main frame so as to afford movement thereof between a closed position in which the planar surfaces confront each other to close the aperture and an open position revealing the aperture, a seal encircling the aperture and projecting from one of the said planar surfaces so that when the frames are in the closed position a seal exists between the frames, each frame comprising a plurality of interconnected frame members, each frame member having a crosssectional shape such that when the frames are in the closed position, surfaces of the respective frames define a peripheral void external of the seal relative to the aperture and extending from the planar surface of one frame, and a ventilation channel coextensive with and opening into the void to constitute a clearance between the respective frames when in the closed position.

2. A structure according to claim 1 wherein the void is constituted by two rebates formed in corresponding members of the respective frames.

3. A structure according to claim 2 wherein the planar surface of the main frame is formed by a shoulder of the rebates formed in the interconnected frame members of the main frame.

4. A structure according to claim 3 wherein the planar surface of the closure frame is formed by faces of the interconnected frame members of the closure frame which, when in the closed position, confront the said shoulders of the said rebates constituting the planar surface of the main frame.

5. A structure according to any preceding claim wherein the main frame is a main frame of a window and the closure frame is a window sash.

6. A structure according to any preceding claim 5 wherein the interconnected frame members of the sash include a glazing rebate.

7. A structure according to claim 1 and claim 3 wherein each said shoulder of the interconnected frame members includes a groove following the general outline of the aperture for receiving the seal which encircles the aperture.

8. A structure according to any preceding claim wherein the cross-sectional shapes of each frame member constituting the closure frame (window sash) is the same.