GB2384021A

GB2384021A - Door frame profile

Info

Publication number: GB2384021A
Application number: GB0200658A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Bradley
Original assignee: Komfort Office Environments PLC
Current assignee: Komfort Office Environments PLC
Priority date: 2002-01-14
Filing date: 2002-01-14
Publication date: 2003-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2022-01-14
Also published as: GB2384021B; GB0200658D0

Abstract

A metallic door frame comprising a head rail supported by upstanding stiles extruded to form a u-shaped profile which includes a reveal portion 1 located between two stile side portions 2, 3, where the width of stile side portion 3 is greater than the other 2. The distal end of each stile side portion may be returned to define abutment surfaces 19 to cooperate with partition supporting adaptor members (21, Fig 2). The internal faces of the frame may include a jointing cleat 15 and guide formations 16, 18 for receiving slide fit projecting surfaces of a saddle 17 dimensioned to receive a box for retaining a lock or catch. The reveal face may comprise an integrally formed doorstop 4 which may include a recess 7 to receive a flexible strip 8 to cover the angle between the reveal and the doorstop. Two further inventions are described relating to a door stop for attachment to a door reveal, and a partition means including a lock or catch securing means for a doorframe.

Description

PARTITIONING SYSTEM The present invention relates to a partitioning system.

Our Patents GB 2294965 and GB 2318148 respectively describe elements of partitioning systems which enable the production of single and double glazed partitioning systems. In the first system, the partitions between neighbouring door frames are essentially formed of single sheets of glass or other glazing material (e. g. polycarbonate sheet) and in the second system the partitions are essentially formed from pairs of spaced sheets of glass or other glazing material. The door frame profiles of both systems are radiussed. Whereas both of these earlier systems are successful, improvements have been made which include changes to the profiles of the door frames and other partitioning elements employed and to provide a single integrated system capable of employing not only single and double glazed partitions but also solid partitions having enhanced soundproofing characteristics.

The present invention sets out to provide a partitioning system having these improvements.

In one aspect, the invention provides a door frame for a partitioning system, the door frame having a headrail supported by upstanding stiles each comprising a generally 'U'shaped metallic extrusion whose profile includes a reveal face bordered by stile side faces set generally normal to the reveal face, the length of one stile side face being greater than that of the other stile side face.

The reveal face may include an integrally formed door stop housing.

The stiles are preferably extruded from aluminium. The head rail may also comprise a generally"U"shaped metallic extrusion; the headrail may also be extruded from aluminium. The profiles of the stiles and the headrail may be the same.

Each distal end of each stile side face may be returned to define abutment surfaces which co-operate with complementary surfaces of partition supporting adaptor members introduced into the open ends of the door frame stiles and/or headrail. The internal surfaces of each stile side face may include a jointing cleat and guideways may be formed on the internal surface of one stile side face and/or the reveal to receive as a sliding fit projecting surfaces of a saddle dimensioned to receive a box-section for retaining a door lock, catchment or the like.

The profile of the door stop housing may include a recess extending generally parallel to the reveal face and dimensioned to receive one side edge portion of a semi-rigid strip of plastics or like material. The strip may also include a flexible tail portion which extends beyond the open end of the recess and is dimensioned substantially to cover the angle between one side face of the door stop housing and the reveal. The strip edge portion positioned within the recess may be movable under pressure along the length of the recess. In use, the tail portion of the strip provides an engaging surface for the closing edge of a door supported by the frame.

Adaptor members to be introduced into the open ends of the door frames and/or headrails may be designed to support single glazed partitions, double glazed partitions, or solid partitions comprising one or more panels. For a single glazed partition, the adaptor member may include an inwardly extending elongate channel in which is located a channel shaped bead of generally"U"shape in cross-section, the base of the bead being relatively rigid and the side arms of the bead being relatively flexible. In use, the flexible arms of the bead engage opposing faces of a sheet of glazing material (e. g. glass or polycarbonate) inserted in the channel. The bead may be produced from a plastics material. The arms of the bead may be produced from a relatively soft plastics material compared with that employed for the bead base. Each bead arm may be formed with an inwardly projecting lip of relatively soft plastics. In this arrangement, the base and arms of the bead may be produced from the same relatively hard plastics material.

For a double glazed partition, the adaptor member includes two inwardly extending channels as described above. For this adaptor, the same glazing material receiving beads as described above may be employed; alternatively, separate elongate beads may be

employed for engaging the opposite sides of the two glazing sheets received by the doubleglazed adaptor. These may comprise a slidable brush seal and an "0" ring.

For a solid partition, the adaptor member may include a central post against which the opposed side edges of two solid partitions abut. The outer faces of the adaptor member may each include an outwardly projecting bead which, in use, provides a plaster stop.

The profile of each adaptor member may be generally"U"shaped in cross-section and may be extruded from aluminium. The outermost side faces of these profiles define the complementary surfaces which abut the returns of the side faces of the door frame profile.

One or more steel fixing plates may be provided for securing the adaptor members to the respective door frames. These fixing plates may be positioned at and between the

lower ends of the adaptor members and door frames and preferably are"U"or"L"shaped in section with the upstanding plate walls of a single"U"shaped fixing plate or those of a pair of"L"shaped fixing plates being securable to the adjoining internal walls of the door frame and adaptor. If a"U"shaped fixing plate is employed, only one is required. In this arrangement, an upstanding ledge of the door frame is secured to one upstanding wall of the plate and an upstanding ledge of the adaptor is secured to the other upstanding plate wall. Where adjustment of a door frame relative to an adaptor is required to correct, for example, a vertical misalignment two"L"shaped fixing plates may be employed. In this arrangement, the upstanding wall of one fixing plate is secured to the door frame and the upstanding wall of the other fixing plate is secured to the adaptor member. The horizontally extending plane base of the fixing plates overlap and means are provided for effecting controlled and limited movement of one plate relative to the other to correct misalignment. The movement effecting means may comprise one or more slots formed in one plate into which project locate guide pins, lugs, screws or the like carried by or extending through holes formed in the other fixing plate. Separate screws may be provided to secure one or other of the fixing plates to a fixed surface.

In another aspect, the invention provides a door stop which comprises a housing secured to or forming an integral part of a door frame reveal, the housing projecting from

the outer face of the reveal and extending over substantially the full height of the door frame, and including an open-ended socket into which is received and retained one side edge of a semi-rigid strip of plastics or like material, the strip being displaceable within the socket and having at its side edge remote from the socket a flexible tail which is inclined to the socket retained end of the strip and is of a length substantially to cover the angle defined between the adjoining side wall of the housing and the bordering edge of the reveal.

The socket receiving side edge of the strip may include two or more raised ribs which bear against an internal surface of the socket to aid retention of the strip within the socket. The length of the socket receiving side edge of the strip is preferably less than the length of the socket to permit lateral movement of the strip side edge within the socket.

The tail of the strip may be curvilinear.

The strip is preferably produced from a clear or relatively clear plastics material.

In a further aspect, the invention provides partition means which includes means for securing a lock, catchment or the like to an aluminium extruded door frame, the securing means comprising a box-shaped saddle formed with outwardly extending members which locate within vertically extending guideways formed on inner face (s) of the door frame thereby enabling the height of the saddle above ground level to be adjusted.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which :- Figure 1 is a section taken through a door frame of a partitioning system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a section taken through the door frame shown in Figure 1 and including an adaptor for supporting a single glazed partition; Figure 3 is a section taken through the door frame shown in Figure 1 including a double glazed partition;

Figure 4 is a section taken through the door frame shown in Figure 1 including a solid partition; Figures 5 and 6 are plan views of fixing plates of a locking bracket for use with the illustrated partition systems of the invention; Figures 7 and 8 are side views of the fixing plates shown in Figures 5 and 6 respectively; Figures 9 and 10 are plan and perspective views of door frames and partitions of partition systems in accordance with the invention including the fixing plates of Figures 5 and 8; Figure 11 is a section taken through a head channel for a door frame of a partitioning system in accordance with the invention; Figures 12 and 13 are sections taken through head channels for single and double glazed partitions of systems in accordance with the invention; Figure 14 is a section taken through another head channel for a door frame of a partitioning system in accordance with the invention; and Figure 15 is a plan view from above of a further door frame assembly of a partitioning system in accordance with the invention.

In each of the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar features.

The profile of the door frame shown in Figure 1 is the same for the stiles and headrail of the frame. It is extruded from aluminium and comprises a reveal 1 bordered by stile side faces 2,3. The profile is the same along the entire length of the extrusion thereby enabling individual profiled strips of any required length to be cut from longer profiled strip lengths.

The outer face of the reveal 1 includes a housing 4 which extends upwardly over substantially the entire height of the face and is formed with side and front walls 5,6 respectively. A socket 7 closed at one end extends inwardly from one side of the housing in a direction generally parallel to the reveal 1 and receives one side edge 8 of a semi-rigid plastics slam strip. The strip side edge 8 is dimensioned to define a relatively tight fit within the socket 7 and includes a plurality of outwardly projecting ribs 11 which engage the opposed inner wall of the socket. The other side edge 12 of the slam strip is flexible and extends beyond the confines of the socket substantially to cover the angle between the adjacent side of the housing and the adjoining reveal surface. The strip and/or housing are typically produced from a clear or relatively clear plastics material, e. g. UPVC.

In use, the strip tail 12 makes contact with the closing edge of a door (shown in broken line 14) and the penetration of the strip side edge 8 into the socket 7 is determined to some extent by the local pressure exerted on it by the door 14 when closed. The strip side edge can be removed from the socket without causing damage to the socket walls.

The inner face of the reveal 1 is formed with an open-ended clip 9. The function of this clip will be described below.

The length of the stile side face 2 of the frame is less than that of the stile side face 3. In use, stile face 2 of the frame will generally be found on a corridor side of the frame with the stile face 3 on an office side of the frame. Aesthetically, this arrangement is generally preferred. The length of the stile face 3 is sufficient to receive and accommodate a light fitting switch.

Jointing cleats 15 are carried on the inner face of each stile face 2,3 of the frame.

Supported from the inner face of the stile face 3 of the frame is a guideway 16 for receiving a side edge of a saddle 17. The opposite side edge of the saddle is received with a guideway 18 carried by the inner surface of the reveal 1. The side edges of the saddle 17 define friction fits within the guideways. The guideways 16,18 extend generally vertically over substantially the entire height of the door frame and the height of the saddle 17 above ground level can be adjusted simply by effecting sliding movement of the saddle relative to the frame. The saddle is dimensioned to have a lock box, catchment or the like.

In use, an aperture is cut into the reveal at the appropriate height to enable the lock box, catchment or the like to be received into the saddle and be housed thereby.

The lock box, catchment or the like is then simply secured to or supported by the reveal.

The distal ends of the stile faces 2,3 are returned inwardly to define discrete surfaces 19. Seal receiving channels 20 project outwardly from the surfaces 19.

Figure 2 of the drawings shows the door frame of Figure 1 attached to an adaptor 21 which receives and supports a single glazed partition comprising a single sheet of glazing material 22, e. g. glass, which meets the required standards of safety and performance. One end of the adaptor is received by the open end of the"U"shaped door frame; the adaptor is extruded as a single piece from aluminium. The adaptor extends over the full height of the room or space in which it is to be sited and its profile includes forwardly projecting arms 23 which engage and are guided by the surfaces 19 of the stile faces 2,3 of the door frame. Sealing strips are positioned within the channels 20 of the surfaces 19 before the adaptor is offered up to the door frame.

The adaptor profile includes an open-ended channel 24 into which one side of the glazing sheet 22 projects. An elongate"U"shaped bead 25 is positioned within the channel and extends over the entire height thereof. The bead 25 lies between the opposed surfaces of the channel 24 and the glazing sheet and includes inwardly projecting lips 26 which engage the adjacent surfaces of the sheet. The bead is preferably produced from a plastics material, e. g. UPVC. The base and/or side walls of the bead may be produced from a relatively hard plastics material and the lips 26 from a relatively soft plastics material. The other end of the glazing sheet is supported by a similar adaptor but turned through 180 .

The channel 24 forms part of an upstanding box section 27 which lends support to the adaptor and to the partition elements supported thereby. The face of the box section 27 remote from the bead 25 carries a clip 28 which is complementary and defines a snap fit with to the clip 9 of the door frame. These clips co-operate to locate the adaptor with

respect to the door frame.

The door frame and adaptor are secured together by a fixing plate 29. This fixing plate is produced from steel or a material having physical properties the same or similar to those of steel and comprises a base 31 bordered on two sides by upstanding walls 32.

The walls 32 abut against opposed surfaces of the frame and the adaptor to ensure that the adaptor is correctly located with respect to the door frame. Once the correct abutting contact is made, the base 31 of the fixing plate 29 is screwed or otherwise secured to the floor.

The partition system illustrated in Figure 3 is similar to that shown in Figure 2 but includes two channels 33 for receiving two generally parallel glazing sheets 34 which together define a double glazed partition. In Figure 3, each glazing sheet 34 is located within its respective channel 33 by a flexible brush seal 35 positioned internally of the double glazed partition and an O-ring seal 36 which locates between the opposed surfaces of the sheet 34 and the adjacent surface of the channel 33.

The partition system illustrated in Figure 4 is for a solid partition. The partition comprises two generally parallel solid panels 37,38. Each panel 37,38 is located at its ends between side faces of an upstanding stud or post 39 which lends strength and stability to the partition system. The stud locates against one wall of an adaptor 41. As for the adaptors of Figures 2 and 3, the leading end of the adaptor 41 projects into the open end of the door frame and includes forwardly extending arms 42 which engage the surfaces 19 of the door frame. An elongate O-seal is positioned within the channels 20 of the surfaces 19. Lips 43 project outwardly from the sides of the adaptor to provide end stops for plaster 44 applied to the external face of each panel.

In the Figure 4 embodiment, the adaptor 41 is connected to the door frame by a locking bracket which comprises a pair of fixing plates 45,46. These are illustrated in greater detail in Figures 5 to 10. Fixing plate 45 has a relatively plane base 47 and upstanding walls 48,49. Formed in the base 47 are two slots 51 and two screw holes 52. Fixing plate 46 also has a plane base 53 and includes a pair of screw-receiving holes 54 so positioned that when the plates are positioned with their bases overlapping, the holes 54

are aligned with the slots 51. Walls 55 are upstanding from one edge of the base 53.

Screw holes 56 are positioned in the walls 55. These are provided for fixing the plate 45 to an upstanding face of the adaptor (see Figure 10).

For assembly, the adaptor 41 is positioned with its leading end located within the open end of the door frame as shown in Figures 4 and 9. The overlapping slots 51 and holes 54 enable the relative positions of the adaptor and door frame to be adjusted to correct, for example, any vertical misalignment before the plates, and therefore the relative positions of the adaptor and frame to be fixed by screws 57 (see Figure 10). The locking bracket is secured to the floor by means of screws 58.

Typical head channels for the described partitioning system are illustrated in Figures 11 to 14.

Each head channel comprises an identical extruded aluminium profiled section 61 secured to the respective ceiling by screws or the like. The profile of this section has downwardly extending arms 62 which engage complementary upwardly extending arms 63 of the respective adaptor. The adaptor 64 illustrated in Figure 11 is for a solid partition 65 and its profile is the same as the solid profile partition adaptor 41 illustrated in Figure 4. The lower end of the solid partition 65 carries an adaptor 66 identical to adaptor 64 which engages a headrail 67 of a door frame. The profile section of the headrail 67 is identical to that of door frame 1 illustrated in Figure 1. All adaptors, headrails, door frames, and head channels are typically aluminium extrusions.

The head channels illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 are respectively for receiving adaptors 68,69 for supporting single and double glazed partitions. The profiles of the adaptors 68,69 are the same as for those illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 respectively. The head channel shown in Figure 14 is for a full height door-set and the profile of adaptor 71 is the same as that illustrated in Figure 1.

One advantage of the partitioning system of the present invention is that the same profiled sections are used for a number of different partition elements, thereby reducing production and assembly costs, and significantly reducing material wastage.

The partitioning system shown in Figure 15 comprises a relatively slim door frame assembly. In this embodiment, a glass door 72 is mounted for rotatable movement about a vertical axis positioned between side frames 73,74. Typically, the vertical axis about which the door rotates is closer to one side frame than the other. The side frame 73 is for a single glazed partition 75 and comprises two vertically extending posts 76 of generally "U"shaped section which receive and support the side edges of the partition 75. The side frame 74 has a profile similar to that of the adaptor shown in Figure 3 and includes two spaced channels 77 in which are received the ends of two generally parallel glazing sheets 78. Each frame is extruded from aluminium.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of partition systems in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A door frame for a partitioning system, the door frame having a headrail supported by upstanding stiles each comprising a generally'U'shaped metallic extrusion whose profile includes a reveal face bordered by stile side faces set generally normal to the reveal face, the length of one stile side face being greater than that of the other stile side face.
2. A frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reveal face includes an integrally formed door stop housing.
3. A frame as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein he stiles are extruded from aluminium.
4. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the head rail comprises a generally"U"shaped metallic extrusion.
5. A frame as claimed in claim 4 wherein the headrail us extruded from aluminium.
6. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the profiles of the stiles and the headrail are the same.
7. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each distal end of each stile side face is returned to define abutment surfaces which co-operate with complementary surfaces of partition supporting adaptor members introduced into the open ends of the door frame stiles and/or headrail.
8. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the internal surfaces of each stile side face include a jointing cleat and guideways are formed on the internal surface of one stile side face and/or the reveal to receive as a sliding fit projecting surfaces of a saddle dimensioned to receive a box-section for retaining a door lock, catchment or the like.

<Desc/Clms Page number 12>
9. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the profile of the door stop housing includes a recess extending generally parallel to the reveal face and dimensioned to receive one side edge portion of a semi-rigid strip of plastics or like material.
10. A frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein the strip includes a flexible tail portion which extends beyond the open end of the recess and is dimensioned substantially to cover the angle between one side face of the door stop housing and the reveal.
11. A frame as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the strip edge portion positioned within the recess is movable under pressure along the length of the recess.
12. A frame as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein, in use, the tail portion of the strip provides an engaging surface for the closing edge of a door supported by the frame.
13. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an adaptor member including an inwardly extending elongate channel in which is located a channel shaped bead of generally"U"shape in cross-section, the base of the bead being relatively rigid and the side arms of the bead being relatively flexible.
14. A frame as claimed in claim 13 wherein the arms of the bead are produced from a relatively soft plastics material compared with that employed for the bead base.
15. A frame as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein each bead arm is formed with an inwardly projecting lip of relatively soft plastics.
16. A door stop which comprises a housing secured to or forming an integral part of a door frame reveal, the housing projecting from the outer face of the reveal and extending over substantially the full height of the door frame, and including an

<Desc/Clms Page number 13>

open-ended socket into which is received and retained one side edge of a semi-rigid strip of plastics or like material, the strip being displaceable within the socket and having at its side edge remote from the socket a flexible tail which is inclined to the socket retained end of the strip and is of a length substantially to cover the angle defined between the adjoining side wall of the housing and the bordering edge of the reveal.
17. A door stop as claimed in claim 16 wherein the socket receiving side edge of the strip includes two or more raised ribs which bear against an internal surface of the socket to aid retention of the strip within the socket.
18. A door stop as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the length of the socket receiving side edge of the strip is less than the length of the socket to permit lateral movement of the strip side edge within the socket.
19. A door stop as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the strip is produced from a clear or relatively clear plastics material.
20. Partition means including means for securing a lock, catchment or the like to an aluminium extruded door frame, the securing means comprising a box-shaped saddle formed with outwardly extending members which locate within vertically extending guideways formed on inner face (s) of the door frame thereby enabling the height of the saddle above ground level to be adjusted.
21. Door frame apparatus substantially as herein described and as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.