FR2832754A1 - Sill with thermal bridge break e.g. for French windows has base of polymer material covered by metal wear plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The sill has a base (19) of a polymer material, and a metal (aluminum) wear plate (20) covering the base's upper surface. The wear plate clips onto the base, and can be fastened by the addition of a fixing screw. The base is in the form of a flat extrusion with a hollow inner cavity (30), more or less horizontal lower (22) and upper (23) walls, an outer wall (24) and an inner wall (25). It has lengthwise recesses (31, 32) in the underside to receive screw heads, and an upper channel (35) for catches or closure fittings. The same base can be used for different wear plates, which can be shaped to provide an enhanced seal, or to allow handicapped access.

Description

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 The present invention relates to passage thresholds produced by means of profiles made of polymeric material and / or aluminum, intended for doors, French windows or the like.

 It more particularly relates to composite thresholds with thermal break for doors or preferably for French windows.

 The thresholds for doors or French windows undergo significant wear due to the intensive use caused by frequent passages to which they are subjected. For this reason, they must have a relatively resistant external surface.

 In addition, since the threshold is both in contact with the external environment and the interior of the dwelling, it is preferable that the latter does not promote thermal exchanges by providing a thermal bridge between the two environments.

 In order to offer sufficient resistance to wear, it is known to make thresholds for aluminum doors or French windows.

 However, aluminum being a thermal conductor, a threshold made of aluminum constitutes a thermal bridge between the exterior and the interior of the building in which it is installed. In case of low outside temperature, the threshold can be the cause of a loss of calories.

 In addition, due to the temperature difference between the outside and the inside, the humidity present in the warm indoor air of the house condenses on the cold surface of the threshold. This condensation phenomenon can then lead to highly damaging humidity problems.

 In order to avoid all these drawbacks, it has been envisaged to make thresholds for doors or French windows in plastic material, most often in PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC being a

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 thermal insulator, the problem of the thermal bridge is solved. However, we then encounter problems related to the wear of the plastic threshold. Indeed, as resistant as it is, a threshold made of plastic material ends up after a certain time by wearing out and deteriorating by a frequent passage. This problem is further increased in public or commercial buildings where this wear is accelerated due to more frequentation and therefore more passages on the threshold.

 Neither of the two materials used, metal or plastic, therefore meets the technical requirements imposed.

 In order to solve this problem, it has been envisaged in the prior art to produce composite thresholds using these two materials. We thus find thresholds composed of two aluminum profiles, an interior profile and an exterior profile, joined by a central plastic profile. Such a device has been shown in Figure 2 of the present application.

 A similar embodiment has for example been disclosed in patent applications FR 2,802. 968 and FR 2,802. 969 which describe a composite threshold made up of two aluminum profiles joined this time by a set of plastic bars.

 The insertion of plastic material within these aluminum thresholds makes it possible to obtain the thermal break necessary to avoid heat losses due to the transmission of heat to the outside and condensation on cold surfaces.

 However, in order to offer sufficient solidity, the plastic inserts of these composite sills are embedded and crimped between the aluminum parts, so as to form a sill profile in one piece. The manufacture of this type of

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 threshold therefore requires complex and expensive tools. For this reason, these composite thresholds can only be manufactured in the factory.

 The object of the invention is to provide a composite threshold offering a perfect thermal break while having good solidity, but the assembly of which is very simple and requires only a minimum of tools. The threshold according to the invention has a cost price substantially lower than that of the previous solution.

 To achieve these objectives, the threshold according to the present invention comprises two parts that are easy to assemble: a threshold base made of polymer material on which a metal wear plate is attached, preferably by snap-fastening.

 There is another constraint in the field of thresholds for doors or French windows, imposed by the regulations concerning the accessibility of buildings for the disabled. According to these regulations, to be accessible to the disabled, a door or French window threshold must not exceed a height of 20 mm. These regulations must be observed in all buildings likely to accommodate the public, such as hospitals, retirement homes, schools, administrations ...

 However, the traditional thresholds for private dwellings are conventionally provided on their outside side with a rising edge, similar to those found in the lower part of window frames and making it possible to ensure better sealing. Because of this rising edge, these traditional thresholds measure more than 20 mm high and do not respect the regulations for the disabled. They cannot therefore be used to equip public buildings.

 Another object of the invention is to propose a device which can be adapted in a simple and

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 economical in both cases while continuing to ensure a thermal break and good solidity.

 For this, the threshold according to the invention comprises a single threshold base made of polymer material on which it is possible to attach two different metallic wear plates depending on whether one wishes to obtain a traditional threshold with reinforced sealing or a threshold intended to be accessible to the disabled. The wear plate can thus be a normal wear part comprising a rising edge for better sealing or a part for the disabled with a total height of the threshold limited to 20 mm.

 Due to its inventive design, the threshold according to the invention has many advantages.

Thus, whatever the type of threshold desired (traditional threshold or threshold accessible to the disabled), the same base is used in polymer material to which either one or the other metal wear plate can be attached, which allows total modularity of the threshold and reduces the volume of stocks.

 This design also facilitates a possible renovation or replacement of the wear plate. Indeed, even after being installed, it is possible to change the type of threshold, that is to say to pass from a threshold with reinforced sealing to a threshold for disabled people or vice versa, and this quickly, simply and economically by replacing the wear plate.

 Easy to set up and requiring no special tools for its assembly, the threshold according to the invention does not need to be assembled in the factory unlike the embodiments previously described. It can be assembled very quickly by any carpenter or window installer with minimum tools.

 The threshold according to the invention is perfectly suited for homes intended for individuals

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 and for public buildings whose accesses must meet specific legislation.

 Three embodiments of the threshold according to the invention will be described below which should be considered as simple non-limiting examples.

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a French window comprising a threshold according to the invention with a rising sealing edge; . Figure 2 is a sectional view of a composite threshold with thermal break according to the prior art; . FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the threshold according to the invention in the dissociated state comprising a wear plate for threshold with reinforced sealing; . Figure 4 is a sectional view of a threshold base according to the invention; . Figure 5 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a wear plate according to the invention intended for a threshold with reinforced sealing; . Figure 6 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a wear plate according to the invention for a threshold accessible to the disabled; . Figure 7 is a sectional view of another variant of a wear plate according to the invention for a threshold accessible to the disabled; . Figure 8 is a sectional view of a threshold according to the invention composed of a threshold base similar to that of Figure 4 on which is attached a wear plate similar to that of Figure 5; . Figure 9 is a sectional view of a threshold according to the invention composed of a threshold base similar to that of Figure 4 on which is reported a

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wear plate similar to that of FIG. 6; . Figure 10 is a sectional view of a portion of a sash and a threshold according to the invention composed of a threshold base similar to that of Figure
4 on which is attached a wear plate similar to that of Figure 7; . FIG. 11 is a juxtaposed composite perspective view of two embodiments of the threshold according to the invention comprising a common threshold base equipped on the left with a wear plate with reinforced sealing and on the right with a wear plate handicapped accessible.

 The threshold according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The equivalent elements shown in the different figures will bear the same reference numerals.

 FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a standard window-frame 1 consisting of a sleeping frame 2 fixed to the wall 3 and an opening part 4 composed of two movable glazed panels 5.

 The sleeping frame 2 comprises two vertical uprights 6 and 7 and two horizontal crosspieces 8 and 9, one in the high position 8 and the other in the low position 9.

 The cross member 9 located in the lower part of the sleeping frame 2 of the French window plays the role of threshold for the latter. It consists of a threshold 10 according to the invention.

qualifiera d' intérieurs les éléments se retrouvant du côté intérieur du bâtiment et d' extérieurs les éléments se retrouvant du côté extérieur du bâtiment lorsque le seuil est installé. In the rest of this description, we

will qualify as interior the elements found on the interior side of the building and exterior as the elements found on the exterior side of the building when the threshold is installed.

 FIG. 2 represents a composite threshold 11 with thermal break according to the prior art.

As previously described in the introductory part,

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 this threshold 11 is composed of two aluminum profiles, an inner profile 12 and an outer profile 13, joined by a central profile 14 made of plastic.

 The central profile 14 made of plastic is embedded between the two aluminum profiles 12 and 13 and held in position by means of ribs 15 and returns 16 projecting from the aluminum profiles and cooperating with grooves 17 and grooves 18 of the profile central 14 made of plastic.

 Once assembled, these three sections form a one-piece composite threshold 11, in which the thermal bridge is broken horizontally by the interposition of the plastic profile 14 in the metallic structure of the threshold.

 However, this previous threshold must be manufactured in the factory with sophisticated tools and has a significant cost price.

 The threshold 10 according to the present invention has been shown in Figures 3 to 11. It comprises two parts easy to assemble together: a threshold base 19 on which is attached a wear plate 20, preferably by snap-fastening.

 The threshold base 19 is composed of polymeric material and preferably of PVC. It thus achieves good thermal insulation by avoiding the disadvantageous phenomenon of thermal bridge.

The threshold base 19 is in the form of a flat profile 21 intended to be mounted in the lower part of the sleeping frame 2 of the French window in order to form the lower cross member 9 thereof.

1 This profile 21, in the general shape of a step, comprises a lower wall 22 and an upper wall 23 substantially horizontal, as well as an outer longitudinal wall 24 and an inner longitudinal wall 25 substantially vertical.

 Preferably, the upper wall 23 is slightly inclined downwards in the direction of

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 outside. It can be extended by an overhang 26 beyond the external side wall 24, thus forming a shoulder 27 in which one can place or form during the installation of the French window a silicone seal which rises along the wall.

 In the same way, the lower wall 22 can be extended beyond the inner longitudinal wall 25 by a flange 28, thus forming a shoulder 29.

 The flat profile 21 preferably comprises a hollow internal chamber 30 which may optionally contain a reinforcement, not shown.

 At least one and preferably two grooves, external 31 and internal 32, can extend longitudinally in the lower wall 22. They form two corresponding bosses 33 and 34 in the internal chamber 30. These grooves constitute a reserve for screw heads can be screwed from bottom to top through the threshold 10 according to the invention.

 Preferably, the threshold base 19 comprises a longitudinal slide 35 which can be used to receive strikes or glazing beads not shown.

 For this, the inner longitudinal wall 25 can for example extend upwards beyond the upper wall 23 by a substantially vertical extension 36 and a rib 37 can for example rise from the upper wall 23 in a manner substantially parallel to the extension 36. The rib 37 and the extension 36 thus form the slide 35.

 The threshold base 19 may for example include a snap rib 38 formed by a substantially horizontal rib 39, starting from the side of the rib 37, extending towards the outside and ending in a return 40 directed towards the bottom adapted to snap.

 Advantageously, the threshold base 19 according to the invention can be used alone as a threshold

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 in polymeric material for door or French window.

 To achieve a more resistant threshold, a metal wear plate 20, for example made of corrosion-treated steel, stainless steel or preferably aluminum, is attached to the threshold base 19.

 Three variants of wear plate 20 have been proposed, a traditional wear plate 41 with reinforced sealing shown in FIG. 5 and two wear plates accessible to the disabled 42 and 43 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

 Advantageously, these three different wear plates 41, 42 and 43 can be adapted either on the same threshold base 19 as described above. They therefore have a structure and similar attachment means.

 The wear plate 20 comprises a substantially horizontal main wall 44 intended to cover the upper wall 23 of the threshold base 19.

 Preferably, the main wall 44 of the wear plate 20 is slightly inclined downwards in the direction of the outside like the upper wall 23 of the threshold base, so as to remain substantially parallel thereto.

 The wear plate 20 is attached for example by snap-fastening on the threshold base 19.

 It has for this purpose at its inner end, a latching means 45 intended to cooperate with the latching rib 38 of the threshold base. This means 45 comprises for example a rib 46 starting from the underside of the main wall 44 and directed downwards, extended by a return 47 at right angles to the interior and terminated by a latching structure 48 complementary to the return latching 40 of the threshold base.

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 The underside of the return 46 may have a substantially vertical longitudinal support rib 49 intended to rest on the upper wall 23 of the threshold base.

 On the outside, the wear plate 20 may also include one or more longitudinal support ribs 50, extending from the underside of the main wall 44 and extending downward, intended to bear against the face. upper of the upper wall 23 of the threshold base 19.

 The outer end of the main wall 44 preferably has a return 51 directed downwards then inwards, intended to come into abutment under the overhang 26 of the threshold base.

 The traditional variant 41 of the wear plate has in the upper part an upward outer rim 52 against which the opening panel 5 of the French window comes to bear when the latter is in the closed position. This flange 52 makes it possible to reinforce the sealing of the French window.

 Its thickness is relatively large in order to have sufficient rigidity. However, in order to limit the cost price of the part by saving the raw material and ensuring its lightness, it is produced hollow by an internal chamber 53.

 To further improve the seal in the contact zone between the frame 2 and the window 4 of the French window, the rising edge 52 may include a groove 54 intended to receive a longitudinal seal, not shown, preferably shaped at the level of its upper end.

 Variants 42 and 43 of the wear plate accessible to the disabled do not have a flange 52 in the upper part. The main wall 44 extends regularly and without interruption in

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 direction from the outside and tilts down preferably in a rounded manner. It thus constitutes a practical access path for the wheels of a wheelchair.

 The variant 43 shown in FIG. 7 further comprises a longitudinal edge 55 rising from the main wall 44 approximately in the middle of the latter.

 To strengthen the seal, this rim 55 cooperates with a longitudinal brush seal 56 carried by the opening 4, which for example rubs against the upper wall 57 of the rim 55.

 Preferably, the upper wall 57 of the rim 55 continues towards the outside by a projection 58 opposing the entry of water inside the dwelling.

 As this is a variant intended to be accessible to the disabled, the flange 55 has a limited height so that the threshold does not exceed 20 mm in the assembled state.

 As can be seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, when the wear plate 20 is positioned on the threshold base 19, and this for the traditional variant 41 as for the two variants accessible to the disabled 42 and 43, l end 59 of the main wall 44, the longitudinal support ribs 49 and 50, as well as the return 51 of the wear plate bear respectively against the return 40, the upper wall 23 and the overhang 26 of the base threshold.

 The latching means 45 of the wear plate is engaged with the latching rib 38 of the threshold base, in particular by its latching structure 48 which cooperates with the return 40 of the threshold base.

 The wear plate 20 is very easily installed on the threshold base 19 by a simple

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 snap-in from the front which requires no special tools. In order to avoid relative movements between the wear plate and the threshold base, the snap-fastening can be completed by screw fixing. One or more screws, not shown, can cross the threshold base transversely then the wear plate from bottom to top at the level of the overhang 26.

 According to another embodiment, the screwing of the wear plate may not be carried out transversely at the threshold base, but laterally at the vertical uprights 6 and 7 of the frame 2.

 In accordance with the regulations, the variants of the threshold according to the invention accessible to the disabled, represented in FIGS. 9 and 10, comprising the threshold base 19 and the wear plate 42 or 43, have a total height in the assembled state. not exceeding 20 mm.

Claims (18)

1. Composite threshold with thermal break for doors, French windows or the like, characterized in that it comprises a threshold base (19) in polymer material on which a metal wear plate (20) is attached.  2. Threshold according to claim 1 characterized in that the wear plate (20) is attached by snap-fastening on the threshold base (19).  3. Threshold according to the preceding claim characterized in that the latching is completed by a fixing by screwing.  4. Threshold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the same threshold base (19) it is possible to add different wear plates (41, 42 or 43) depending on whether one wishes to obtain a traditional threshold with reinforced watertightness or a threshold intended to be accessible to disabled people.  5. Threshold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threshold base (19) is made of PVC.  6. Threshold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threshold base (19) can be used alone as a threshold of polymeric material for door or French window.  7. Threshold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threshold base (19) is in the form of a flat profile (21), comprising a lower wall (22) and an upper wall (23) substantially horizontal, and an outer longitudinal wall (24) and an inner longitudinal wall (25) substantially vertical.  8. Threshold according to the preceding claim characterized in that the flat profile (21) contains a <Desc / Clms Page number 14>  hollow internal chamber (30).  9. Threshold according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that the lower wall (22) of the threshold base (19) has at least one longitudinal groove (31,32) capable of accommodating a screw head.  10. Threshold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threshold base (19) comprises a longitudinal slide (35) which can be used to receive strikes or glazing beads.  11. Threshold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wear plate (20) is made of aluminum.  12. Threshold according to any one of claims 7 to 11 characterized in that the wear plate (20) comprises a main wall (44) substantially horizontal intended to come to cover the upper wall (23) of the threshold base ( 19).  13. Threshold according to the preceding claim characterized in that the upper wall (23) of the threshold base (19) and the main wall (44) of the wear plate (20) are slightly inclined downward towards outside.  14. Threshold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wear plate (20,41) has an upper external rim (52) in the upper part to ensure better sealing.  15. Threshold according to the preceding claim characterized in that the rising edge (52) is made hollow by an internal chamber (53).  16. Threshold according to claim 14 or 15 characterized in that the rising edge (52) has a groove (54) intended to receive a longitudinal joint.  17. Threshold according to any one of <Desc / Clms Page number 15>  claims 1 to 13 characterized in that it is adapted to be accessible to the disabled, its total height when assembled does not exceed 20 mm.  18. Threshold according to the preceding claim characterized in that the wear plate (20,43) has a longitudinal edge (55) rising from its main wall (44) capable of cooperating with a brush seal (56) carried by the opening (4).