GB2397588A

GB2397588A - Cavity closer for insulated concrete form walls

Info

Publication number: GB2397588A
Application number: GB0301820A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Charles Howorth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-23
Filing date: 2003-01-23
Publication date: 2004-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-23
Also published as: GB0301820D0; GB2397588B

Abstract

A cavity closer for ICF walls has an adjustable window / door frame fixing system K, L to accommodate window / door frames of varying sizes. Tangs F are embedded in the set concrete to anchor the cavity closer, insulation C provides a thermal break, carriages M snap in under projections A1, and the frame is fitted between frame stop L and air-tight seal H, which is adjustably positioned by co-operation of projections on carriage K with those on carriage M.

Description

FORM CAVITY CLOSER

The invention relates to a cavity closer for closing cavities at openings in Insulated Concrete Form (ICE) wall structures with an integral, adjustable fixing detail for positioning window and door frames/units.

Such cavity closets are well-known for traditional cavity wall construction, although they are produced by specific window manufacturers for own-brand windows and as such, are not adjustable to take differing thicknesses of window/door frame. Cold bridging around window/door openings has not been addressed in current cavity closer systems for ICE walls, thus allowing heat to escape around door/window openings due to a lack of insulation.. Current cavity closets rely upon mastic or silicon sealing externally to provide an air-tight seal, which has to be applied after window fitting.. The Health and Safety problems concerning the fitment of window frames from the exterior of the building also need to be addressed.

The object of this invention is to produce a cavity closer that addresses these problems by providing an adjustable fixing for window/door frames with an integral seal. The invention will also have integral insulation to prevent cold bridging and an integral frame stop to allow window/door frames to be inserted from inside the building.

Accordingly, this invention will allow all commercially-available window/door frame sizes to be fixed in place by the use of an adjustable fixing system. The problem of cold-bridging is solved by the use of an insulated body, which reduces thermal transmittance around window/door openings This invention incorporates a rubber-type seal internally, so no secondary sealant need be applied. This invention also provides a frame stop so that windows/doors can be fitted from inside the building.

Preferably, the base material will be made of a plastic or aluminium material, with expanded polystyrene being used for the insulation. A rubber-type material will be used for the integral seal A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which: FIGURE I shows a side view (section) of the main body of the form cavity closer, with the insulation within the body of the closer; FIGURE 2 is a side view (section) of the female snap-lock carriage showing the sockets that provide varying fixing positions; FIGURE 3 shows a side view (section) of the frame fixing piece with integral seal and male snap lock protrusions; FIGURE 4 is a side view (section) of the complete form cavity closer with the female snap-lock carriages in place and the frame fixing piece fitted in a random position to the snap-lock sockets of the female carriage; FIGURE 5 shows a typical side view (vertical section) of the form cavity closer with a window frame and cill in position, along with internal and external finishes; FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view of a typical example of the installation of the form cavity closer, having been formed into a frame and being placed within an ICE wall structure prior to concrete pouring; As shown in Figure 1, the main body of the form cavity closer (B) has two compartments (C) which are filled with a rigid insulation material. The form cavity closer is held against the open ends of the ICE form by projections (De and Di) which sit flush to the structural opening of the window/door. Projection (De) is shaped to provide a key for external finishes such as render, or to provide a key for adhesive when brick slips are being used. Sockets (A) in the main body (B) are provided for the female carriages to be snafitted into place (see Figure 2 [M]). A frame stop (L) is provided to stop window/door frames from moving forward and a notch (E) is provided so that the frame stop (L) can be removed to allow window sills/heads to pass through, if required. Tangs (F) are provided to form a key with the wet concrete within the form, so that the form cavity closer is firmly fixed to the concrete structure once the concrete has cured.

Figure 2 shows the female snap-lock carriage body (M), with snap-lock protrusions (G) which locate in the main body of the form cavity closer (B) at points Al.

Sockets (J) in the carriage (M) allow the male snap-lock protrusions (see Figure 3 [I]) to lock into place. The seal (H) provides an air seal between the window/door frame and also absorbs minor variations between the size of frame and incremental fixing of the frame fixing piece.

Figure 4 shows all component parts (b),(H),(K) and (M) in place. The frame fixing piece (K) can move backwards and forwards, interlocking with the sockets (J) to accommodate various frame sizes.

Figure 5 shows a vertical cross-section of the form cavity closer at window cill level. The form cavity closer main body (B) fits into the cavity between inner and outer leafs of the form (T) and is held in place by the concrete (O), once the concrete has hardened. The rubber-type seal (H) is shown compressed against the window frame (N), providing an air seal. External and internal finishes (S) and (P) have been shown, along with cill board (R) to show the integration of the invention with traditional building finishes.

Figure 6 shows a typical installation of the form cavity closer. In this instance, the form cavity closer has been heat-welded to form a sub-frame assembly, and is being lowered into place into an ICE wall prior to concrete pouring.

Claims

1. A form cavity closer for use in ICE walling systems including an adjustable window/door frame fixing system to accommodate window/door frames of varying sizes.

2. A form cavity closer as claimed in Claim 1 which includes insulation within the body of the closer in order to eliminate cold bridging.

3. A form cavity closer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 which incorporates seal that acts between the window/door frame and the form cavity closer to provide an air-tight seal.

4. A form cavity closer as claimed in Claim 3 which includes a frame stop to allow the fitting of windows/door frames from inside the building, with a vee groove formed in the outer edge of the frame stop to allow removal of stop to accommodate cill and head protrusions in the window/door frames/units.

5. A form cavity closer when used as claimed in Claim 4, including tangs to form a key -for concrete to form a bond with the cavity closer

6. A form cavity closer when used in an Insulating Concrete Form (ICE) wall, substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

5. A form cavity closer as claimed in Claim 4, including tangs to form a key for concrete to form a bond with the form cavity closer 6. A form cavity closer substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A form cavity closer when used in Insulating Concrete Form (ICE) walls, the cavity closer including an adjustable window/door frame fixing system adapted to accommodate window/door frames of varying thicknesses.

2. A form cavity closer when used as claimed in Claim 1, which includes insulation within the body of the closer in order to eliminate cold bridging.

3. A form cavity closer when -used as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, which incorporates a seal that acts between the window/door frame and the form cavity closer to provide an air-tight seal.

4. A form cavity closer when used as claimed in Claim 3, which includes a frame stop to allow the fitting of windows/door frames from inside the building, with a vee groove throned in the outer edge of the frame stop to allow removal of stop to accommodate cill and head protrusions in the window/door Dames/units.