GB2486627A

GB2486627A - Frame connection arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2486627A
Application number: GB0920178.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Philip Cook
Original assignee: MATRIX BATHROOMS Ltd
Current assignee: MATRIX BATHROOMS Ltd
Priority date: 2009-11-18
Filing date: 2009-11-18
Publication date: 2012-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-18
Also published as: GB2486627B; GB0920178D0

Abstract

A frame for a shower door includes first and second elongate frame members 10,11 interconnected by a joining member 12, the joining member being fastened to a proximal end of the second frame member 11 and slidably received in a longitudinal channel 13 in the first frame member 10 such that the joining member 12 is constrained against the movement transversally out of the channel 13 and the second frame member 11 is secured to the joining member 12 by fastening 18. The assembled frame is simple in construction and rigid. Preferably the joining member 12 defines a socket for receiving the proximal end of the second frame connector.

Description

A FRAME

This invention relates to a frame and not particularly but not solely to a frame for a shower door or shower enclosure.

Shower doors and shower enclosures generally comprise frame members formed of extruded aluminium, which are fixed at 90° to each other to form a frame which supports panels of glass or plastics material. Typically such frame members are interconnected by passing a screw or other fastening through an aperture in one frame member, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof, into the end of the other frame member.

This arrangement provides a simple interconnection between the frame members.

However in use, this interconnection is liable to weaken to the extent that the frame could distort or collapse.

We have now devised a frame which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a frame comprising first and second elongate frame members which are interconnected such that the second frame member extends outwardly from a longitudinal side of said first frame member, and a joining member slidably received in a channel which extends longitudinally of the first frame member along said side thereof in such a manner that the joining member is constrained against the movement transversally out of the channel, said joining member being fastened to the proximal end of said second frame member.

In use, the joining member is simply secured to the second frame member and then slid along the channel into a suitable position on the first frame member.

Preferably the joining member is a close but sliding fit in said channel such that it frictionally engages the side walls of the channel and is thereby securely held in place without any additional fastening means.

Alternatively, the joining member may be held in position in the channel by a fastening.

Preferably the joining member defines a socket for receiving the proximal end of the second frame member.

Alternatively or additionally, the joining member may comprise a portion which projects into or locates with the proximal end of the second frame member.

Preferably the joining member is secured to the proximal end of the second frame member by a fastening member which extends through an aperture in the joining member longitudinally into the proximal end of the second frame member.

Preferably the second frame member comprises a formation at its proximal end for receiving said fastening member.

Preferably the first and second frame members are formed of an extruded material.

Preferably the joining member comprises a head which is received in the channel of the first frame member, the head preferably being elongated in the direction of the channel.

Preferably the head is chamfered or tapered in the direction of the channel to facilitate insertion of the head into an end of the channel during assembly of the frame.

Preferably the head comprises one or more lips which extend transversely of the channel into respective longitudinally-extending grooves in the channel.

Preferably the head is generally T-shaped or wedge-shaped in section, the channel and head preferably having corresponding cross-sectional shapes.

Preferably the joining member is arranged to mount the first and second frame members at 90° to each other.

Preferably the frame comprises four said frame members, each frame member being connected to an adjacent frame member by a respective joining member to form a frame having four sides.

Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shower door or a shower enclosure comprising a frame as herein before defined.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a frame in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the frame position of Figure 1 when assembled.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown an upper corner of a frame for a shower door or enclosure. The frame comprises an upright frame member 10 and a cross member 11, which are interconnected by a joining member 12. The two frame members 10, 11 are formed of extruded aluminium. The upright frame member 10 comprises a longitudinally-extending channel 13 formed in one side thereof. The channel 13 comprises parallel side walls and a bottom wall which lies perpendicular to the side walls. The channel 13 is profiled in such that it is wider at its base than at its mouth to thereby define a substantially T-section cross-sectional profile.

The joining member 12 is formed of a moulded plastics material and comprises an elongate head portion 14 having a cross-sectional profile which substantially corresponds in shape with the cross-sectional profile of the channel 13 in the upright frame member 10. The joining member 12 also comprises a socket 15 disposed on the longitudinally-extending front wall of the head 14. The socket 15 is shaped to receive the proximal end of the cross-member 11 of the frame. A pair of apertures 16 extend transversally through the head 14 of the joining member 12 from the rear to the front face thereof. The apertures 16 are positioned to align with respective c-section formations 17 which extend longitudinally of the cross-member 11.

In use, the proximal end of the cross-member 11 is inserted in to the socket 15 in the joining member 12. Screws 18 are then passed through the apertures 16 in the joining member 12 to respectively engage with the formations 17 and to thereby securely fasten the joining member 12 to the cross-member 11.

The head 14 of the joining member 12 is then aligned with the end of the channel 13 in the upright frame member 10 and pressure is applied to force the head 14 to slidingly enter the channel 13. The head 14 is slid along the channel 13 until it reaches the desired position on the upright member 13 where the cross-member 11 is to be positioned. The frictional engagement between the head 14 of the joining member 12 and the walls of the channel 13 is sufficient to maintain the relative position of the two frame members 10, 11. However, if desired, a further screw or other fastening could be inserted through a wall of the channel 13 to engage the joining member 12.

It will be appreciated that a rectangular or square frame for a shower door or enclosure can thus be constructed by using four frame members, each being connected to adjacent frame members by a similar joining member 12. The present invention thus provides a simple and inexpensive frame which is rigid and aesthetic in construction.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A frame comprising first and second elongate frame members which are interconnected such that the second frame member extends outwardly from a longitudinal side of said first frame member, and a joining member slidably received in a channel which extends longitudinally of the first frame member along said side thereof in such a manner that the joining member is constrained against the movement transversally out of the channel, said joining member being fastened to a proximal end of the second frame member.
2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein the joining member is a close but sliding fit in said channel such that it frictionally engages the side walls of the channel. * . * . I * .*

* .
3 3. A frame according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the joining member is held in position in the channel by a fastening. * sfl * S * ** .

*
4. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the joining member defines a socket for receiving the proximal end of the second frame member.
5. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the joining member comprises a portion which projects into or locates with the proximal end of the second frame member.
6. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the joining member is secured to the proximal end of the second frame member by a fastening member which extends through an aperture in the joining member longitudinally into the proximal end of the second frame member.
7. A frame according to claim 6, wherein the second frame member comprises a formation at its proximal end for receiving the fastening member.
8. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second frame members are formed of an extruded material.
9. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the joining member comprises a head which is received in the channel of the first frame member, the head preferably being elongated in the direction of the channel.
10. A frame according to claim 9, wherein the head is chamfered or tapered in the direction of the channel.
11. A frame according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the head comprises one or more lips which extend transversely of the channel into respective longitudinally-extending grooves in the channel.SS.....

*
12. A frame according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the head is generally T-* .SIS * shaped or wedge-shaped in section. * 15
13.A frame according to claim 12, wherein the channel and head have *? corresponding cross-sectional shapes. * *.*
14. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the joining member is * 20 arranged to mount the first and second frame members at 90° to each other.
15. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a total of four frame members, each frame member being connected to an adjacent frame member by a respective joining member according to any preceding claim to form a frame having four sides.
16. A shower door comprising a frame according to any preceding claim.
17. A shower enclosure comprising a frame according to any of claims I to 15.
18. A frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
19. A shower door substantially as here described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. A shower enclosure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. �. * * * * * S. * * S * * S.S*. S. 55 * S * I S S. *SI S I I* S S.