GB2467649A

GB2467649A - Window with replaceable beading

Info

Publication number: GB2467649A
Application number: GB1002008A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Friedrick Hoellrigl
Original assignee: Bowater Building Products Ltd
Current assignee: Bowater Building Products Ltd
Priority date: 2009-02-06
Filing date: 2010-02-08
Publication date: 2010-08-11
Also published as: GB0901967D0; GB201002008D0

Abstract

A frame 3 for a window 1 or door, the frame 3 comprising a recess 9 for receiving a glazing unit assembly 7; means for supporting an abutment member 13 that presses against one face of said glazing unit assembly 7; and means 19 for supporting a bead 11 that presses against another face of said glazing unit assembly 7, wherein said bead supporting means 19 is configured to be capable of supporting one of a plurality of differently sized beads 11, thereby enabling said frame recess 9 to receive glazing unit assemblies 7 of differing thicknesses. A spacer 47 may be provided within the recess. A reinforcing member 35 may be located within the frame which may be formed from three pieces — two reinforcing members 37 39 and an insulating member 41 linking the two. A further reinforcing member 43 may be located within an outer frame 5.

Description

A FRAME FOR A GLAZING UNIT

Field

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a frame for holding a glazing unit, for example a frame that forms part of a window or a door. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a window or a door that includes such a frame. Another embodiment of the invention relates to an outer frame with which said frame cooperates to form a window or a door.

Background

Windows typically comprise an outer frame which is fitted in an opening in a wall of a building, and an inner frame (typically known as a sash) which is mounted in the outer frame. The inner frame is typically capable of holding at least one glazing unit, and it has previously been proposed for the glazing unit to be held in position by a glazing bead which clips to the sash and presses the glazing unit against an abutment of the sash.

If the window is an opening window, then the inner frame is mounted to the outer frame for movement between an open position and a closed position by any of a number of different mechanisms. In cases where the window is non-opening, the glazing unit may be fitted directly into the outer frame, or more usually the inner frame may be fixed to the outer frame so that it cannot be opened.

Both the outer frame and the inner frame can be made by coupling together separate frame members, and those frame members can be extruded from a plastics material such as PVC-U, or aluminium. The glazing unit may be a single pane of glass, or a sealed unit comprising two or more separated panes of glass.

It has previously been proposed improve thermal insulation by providing an inner frame that can hold more than one glazing unit. For example, it has been proposed to abut a plurality of glazing units in an inner frame. In such an arrangement, the abutted glazing units are held in place by a bead that presses against an outer side of one glazing unit and an abutment that presses against the outer side of another glazing unit.

The pressure exerted on each of the glazing units by the bead and abutment member hold each of the glazing units (and any glazing units positioned in between) in place.

It has also been proposed to fit two or more glazing units in an inner frame and to separate the glazing units by a spacer that is fitted within the recess of the inner frame.

With such an arrangement one or more glazing unit(s) is/are held in place between the bead and spacer and a further glazing unit(s) is/are held in place between the other side of the spacer and the abutment.

As glazing units tend to have different thicknesses, it is common for window manufacturers -for example -to make windows in a variety of different sizes and forms that are each suitable for a predetermined glazing unit thickness and configuration.

Manufacturers must also make inner frames that are capable of accommodating spacers in order to be able to provide for the various different glazing arrangements which may be used. This has cost, as well as storage implications.

It is also the case that with existing arrangements it is typically necessary to remove and dispose of the entire window if one should decide to upgrade the window to improve its thermal insulation. This is unnecessarily wasteful, both in financial terms and in terms of the environmental impact of disposing of frames that are otherwise perfectly serviceable.

Furthermore, it is becoming more and more commonplace for new developments to require that the buildings meet the code for sustainable homes, and it is not unusual for at least some buildings of a development to be required to comply with level 6 of the code. To achieve this developers must incorporate 0.7 W/m2 windows within the development, meaning that developers can only use so-called Passivhaus windows that are relatively expensive. It would highly advantageous if a standard PVC-U window system could be adapted to provide a U-value comparable to that of Passivhaus windows, without having to material increase the dimensions (in particular the thickness) of the window.

An aim of the present invention is to address the foregoing problems.

Summary

To this end, a presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides a frame for a window or door, the frame comprising: a recess for receiving a glazing unit assembly that comprises at least one glazing unit; means for supporting an abutment member that is configured to press against one face of said glazing unit assembly in use; and means for supporting a bead that is configured to press against another face of said second glazing unit assembly in use, wherein said bead supporting means is configured to be capable of supporting one of a plurality of differently sized beads, thereby enabling said frame recess to receive glazing unit assemblies of differing thicknesses.

An advantage of this arrangement is that a single frame is capable of supporting a variety of different glazing unit assemblies, each comprising one or more glazing units, and each being of a different thickness.

In a preferred configuration, said bead is removable and/or replaceable to enable a said glazing unit assembly received in said frame to be replaced with another like or different glazing unit assembly. This arrangement allows for windows, for example, to be upgraded to improve their U-value without having to dispose of the frame.

The recess may comprise means for receiving a glazing unit spacer. In one configuration the means for receiving a glazing unit spacer may comprise a chamber formed in said frame, said chamber being configured to receive a part of a said spacer.

Preferably, said glazing unit spacer is attachable to said frame to space glazing units of a said glazing unit assembly. Preferably the spacer comprises a hollow member. More preferably, the spacer is of an oblong shape. In one configuration, the spacer is provided with an elongated portion for engaging with the chamber located within the recess. In another configuration the spacer and frame are provided with respective parts of a complementary interlocking arrangement that can be utilised to secure the spacer to the frame. The spacer is preferably made of a plastics material, such as PVC-u.

The bead may include a resilient body that is suitable for bearing against said glazing unit assembly in use. The abutment member may comprise a resilient body that is suitable for bearing against said glazing unit assembly in use. The abutment member resilient body may include a first part receivable in a first chamber formed in said frame.

The first chamber may be formed in an upstand of said frame to face towards said recess. The bead supporting means may comprise a second chamber formed in said frame, said chamber being configured to receive a part of a said bead.

In an embodiment the frame defines an internal void, and comprises a reinforcing bar received within said void to structurally reinforce the frame. The reinforcing bar may be configured to reduce thermal transfer from a first part of the bar to a second, and hence from a first part of the frame to a second.

The first and second parts of said reinforcing bar may each be of a material that has a relatively high thermal conductivity and may be separated by a third part of a material having a thermal conductivity that is lower than that of said first and second parts.

The first and second parts may each comprise means for coupling to a third part, said third part being coupled at one side to said first part and at another side to said second part to thereby couple said first part to said second part. The means for coupling each comprise a socket in which a said side of said third part may be received.

In a preferred arrangement the frame is configured to cooperate with an outer frame for fixing in a wall of a building. The outer frame may define an internal void, the internal void including a reinforcing bar that structurally reinforces said outer frame. The outer frame reinforcing bar may comprise a structural outer part and an inner part having a lower thermal conductivity than said outer structural layer.

The frame may further comprise a resilient abutment member locatable within said recess between said frame and said glazing unit assembly. The resilient abutment member may be configured to reduce thermal transfer through said recess.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a bead for use with the frame, the bead comprising a resilient portion configured to bear against a pane of a glazing unit, a main body comprising means for supporting said resilient portion and means for coupling said bead to bead supporting means of a frame. The means for coupling may comprise a leg extending at an angle from said main body, said leg being receivable in said bead supporting means to couple the bead to said frame.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an outer frame for use with the frame described herein, said outer frame being configured for fixing in a wall of a building and comprising an internal void in which there is provided a thermal insert that functions to reduce thermal transfer from one side of said outer frame to another. The reinforcing bar may comprise an outer part and an inner part having a lower thermal conductivity than said outer part. The outer frame may also comprise an abutment member that is configured to abut against a wall of a building in which said frame is installed. The abutment member may be resiliently deformable and may be configured to deform against said wall when said outer frame is fixed thereto.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a window comprising an outer frame as described herein, and a frame as described herein.

In this aspect of the invention the frame may be mounted to said outer frame by mounting means to enable said frame to move relative to said outer frame between an open position and a closed position. The frame may support a glazing unit assembly that comprises: a single pane of glass; a double-glazed glazing unit; a triple-glazed glazing unit; two abutted double-or triple-glazed glazing units; a single glazing unit abutted against a double-or a triple-glazed glazing unit, or glazing units spaced by a spacer.

In one configuration, the glazing unit assembly may comprise a first and a second glazing unit spaced from one another by a spacer, and a blind located within the space provided by said spacer between said first and second glazing units.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a door comprising an outer frame (for example an outer frame as herein described) fixedly coupled to an opening in a building, and a frame as described herein coupled to said outer frame.

Other features, embodiments and advantages thereof will be apparent from the

following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a frame and co-operating outer frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the frame carrying a double-glazed glazing unit; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the frame and outer frame of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the frame and outer frame of Fig. 2, the frame carrying a double-glazed and a single-glazed glazing unit; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the frame and outer frame of Fig. 2, the frame carrying a first type of triple-glazed glazing unit; and Fig. 5 is cross-sectional view of the frame and outer frame of Fig. 2, the frame carrying a second type of triple-glazed glazing unit.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to a window, in particular an opening window that comprises a frame mounted in an outer frame. However, it should be noted that this particular arrangement is merely illustrative, and that the teachings of the present invention may equally be applied to windows that do not open or to doors with glazed panels. In the light of this, the following description should not be construed as being a limitation of the scope of the present invention, but should instead be considered to be merely illustrative of the teachings of the invention.

With the above proviso in mind, reference should now be made to Fig. I wherein there is depicted a cross-sectional view of a window 1 that comprises a frame 3 and outer frame 5. In this particular example, the frame 3 comprises the sash of an opening window, and carries a glazing assembly 7 that comprises a sealed double-glad glazing unit. Such a view of a frame member is often referred to as the frame profile and different frame manufacturers manufacture frame members with different profiles.

As is known in the art, four such frame members are connected together to form a window frame having a top horizontal member, a lower horizontal member and two side frame members. The sash frame can then be fitted to an outer frame 5 that can be formed in a similar manner and which is mounted within an opening within a wall.

The glazing assembly of this particular arrangement comprises, as shown in Fig 1 two panes of glass which are separated by a sealed air gap to form a sealed double-glazed glazing unit. Alternatively, the glazing assembly may contain a single pane of glass, a triple-glazed glazing unit (i.e. a sealed unit with spaces between an inner pane and each outer pane of glass); two abutted double-or triple-glazed glazing units; a single glazing unit abutted against a double-or a triple-glazed glazing unit, or glazing units spaced by a spacer.

The glazing assembly 7 is held in place within a recess 9 of the frame 3 by a bead 11 and an abutment member 13 which are located in an opposing arrangement on either side of the recess 6. The bead 11 comprises a resilient body 15 which abuts against the glazing unit 7 on one side. The abutment member 13 abuts with the other side of the glazing unit 7.

The frame 3 is provided with a first chamber 17 opening to the recess 9 in which a first part 13a of the abutment member 13 is received to couple the abutment member 13 to the frame 3. The frame 3 is provided with a second chamber 19 that cooperates with a leg 21 that extends at angle from the bead 11 to couple the bead 11 to the frame 3.

The frame further comprises means for attaching a spacer (not shown) to the frame, in this instance the spacer attachment means comprises a third chamber 23 located in the floor 25 of the recess 9 between chambers 17 and 19.

The frame 3 has a hollow structure and comprises a number of internal walls that define a plurality of internal voids. The frame 3 may be made of a plastics material such as PVC-U or aluminium, and in one envisaged implementation may be manufactured by an extrusion process. Although not essential, in this particular arrangement there is provided a reinforcing bar 29 (often known in the art as a "rebar") in one said void 27 that comprises a U-section metal insert which functions as a structural reinforcement member for the frame, which member is inserted into the void when the frame is assembled.

The outer frame member 5 also has a hollow structure and comprises a number of internal walls that define a plurality of internal voids. Within one said void 31 there is provided another reinforcing bar 33 that comprises a metal insert that is also generally U-shaped in cross-section. The reinforcing bar 33 functions as a structural reinforcement member that is inserted when the outer frame is constructed.

As will become apparent from the following, an advantage of this arrangement is that the window can be upgraded during its life, for example to improve its U-value. To provide this functionality, bead 11 can be disengaged from the frame 3 and replaced with differently shaped, for example smaller, bead that allows a larger glazing assembly to be accommodated within the recess 9. As will later be described, a spacer can be attached to the frame, which spacer co-operates with a glazing assembly accommodated within the recess 9. In each case, the frame 3 remains the same and as such does not need to be replaced as part of the upgrading process.

In this embodiment the glazing assembly 7 comprises an argon filled double-glazed glazing unit, and the overall window has a U-value of approximately 1.3 W/m2.

An arrangement with an improved, i.e. lower. U-value is shown in Fig. 2.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, rebar 29 has been replaced with a reinforcing bar 35 that comprises a first part 37 and a second part 39, and a third part 41 coupled between the first and second parts 37, 39. Although other configurations are possible, in this particular arrangement the first part 37 and second part 39 are each configured to form a socket, and said parts are configured to clip over enlarged end portions of said third part 41.

The first and second parts may be of a relatively good thermal conductor (for example of a metal), and the third part is of a relatively poor thermal conductor (for example of a plastics material). In this arrangement the first and second parts function as a structural component for the frame, and the third part functions (at least primarily) as a thermal barrier to heat transfer from the first part to the second.

As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment rebar 33 in void 31 has been replaced with a thermal insert 43 that functions to reduce heat transfer between one side of the outer frame and the other. In the preferred embodiment, the thermal insert comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, such as expanded foam, of lower thermal conductivity than the outer layer. The outer layer could comprise a relatively poor thermal conductor, such as a plastics material -e.g. PVC-U, that helps to reduce heat transfer as well as to provide a modicum of structural reinforcement.

The outer frame 5 of this embodiment further comprises an abutment member 45 that couples (for example adheres) to the underside of the outer frame 5. The abutment member 45 abuts against, and in a preferred implementation may deform against, a wall in which the frame is installed (not shown) to provide a further thermal barrier to heat transfer.

The modifications depicted in Fig. 2 serve to reduce the U-value of the window from 1.3 W/m2 (for the arrangement shown in Fig. 1) to approximately 1.2 W/m2.

Fig. 3 shows another arrangement where the glazing assembly 7 includes a spacer 47 received in third chamber 23 that functions to space a sealed double-glazed glazing unit 7a from a single pane of glass 7b. In this configuration a blind 49 is provided between the glazing units 7a, 7b.

The spacer 47 comprises a generally tubular hollow body with a leg 49 that extends at an angle from a base part of the spacer and engages with the third chamber 23 to secure the spacer to the frame 3. In particular, the spacer leg 49 terminates in an end portion 48 that is generally parallel with the base part of the spacer from which the leg 49 extends, and which co-operates with an edge 50 of the chamber to secure the spacer 47 within the chamber 23.

The spacer is coupled (for example by an adhesive) to a first abutment member 51 that seals against the double-glazed unit 7a. A second abutment member 53 for bearing against glazing unit 7b is coupled to spacer 47 by means of an abutment part that locates in chamber 55. In an envisaged arrangement, the spacer is of a material with a low thermal conductivity -for example a plastics material such as PVC-U.

The recess 9 of this embodiment further comprises an additional abutment member 57 that functions to further reduce heat transfer from one side of the window to another through the recess. The abutment member 57, as well as the other abutment members, may conveniently be manufactured from a resiliently deformable material (for example from a rubber or plastics material) and be configured to deform in use.

As shown in Fig. 3, in this arrangement the bead 11 still includes a leg 21 that locates within the second chamber 19, but in this instance the bead is a smaller, differently shaped bead (as compared with that of preceding embodiments) which allows a larger glazing assembly to be accommodated within the recess 9. In this configuration the double-glazed glazing unit is filled with argon (as in earlier embodiments), but with the additional glazing pane 7b and abutment member 57, the overall U-value of the window reduces to approximately 0.8 W/m2.

Referring now to Fig. 4, there is depicted an arrangement that is similar to that of Fig. 3, except that in this arrangement the glazing assembly 7 comprises a sealed triple-glazed glazing unit 59.

As will be appreciated, the bead 11 of this arrangement is a different size to that of the arrangements shown in preceding embodiments, again to accommodate a glazing assembly 7 of a different thickness to those of preceding embodiments.

In this particular arrangement the triple-glazed glazing unit is krypton filled, and the overall U-value of the window is approximately 0.7 W/m2. As will be appreciated, this means that the window depicted meets level 6 of the code for sustainable homes, whilst conforming at least approximately to a conventional window size.

Referring now to Fig. 5 there is depicted a cross-sectional view of the frame and outer frame of Fig. 2, but in this instance the recess carries a second abutment member 61 and a second type of triple-glazed glazing unit 63. In this arrangement the glazing unit 63 comprises an argon filled triple-glazed glazing unit, providing the window as a whole with a U-value of approximately 0.7 Wm2.

As will be appreciated, the bead 11 of this embodiment is again of a different size to allow the glazing unit to be accommodated in the recess 9.

In light of the foregoing it will now be apparent that the teachings of the present invention provide a reliable mechanism that enables a window installation to be upgraded (to reduce its U-value) through its life. It will further be appreciated that this functionality is provided by means of a frame that is not appreciably larger than conventional frames.

It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, as an alternative to the arrangements described above, the spacer and frame may be provided with appropriate snap-fit or other co-operating connectors to enable the spacer to be releasably secured to the frame. The frame may also be configured to receive a plurality of spacers and to that end the frame may include additional chambers or other attachment means. It is even envisaged for the recess 9 to include spacers fitted at spaced intervals along the length of the frame to give extra support to a glazing assembly located in the recess.

For the avoidance of doubt references to aluminium and extruded aluminium include aluminium alloys and extruded aluminium alloys. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed arrangements but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the invention Lastly, it should be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed. In particular, the teachings of the present invention include within their scope, in isolation or in combination with other features, an outer frame as herein described, a bead, a window and a door.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A frame for a window or door, the frame comprising: a recess for receiving a glazing unit assembly that comprises at least one glazing unit; means for supporting an abutment member that is configured to press against one face of said glazing unit assembly in use; and means for supporting a bead that is configured to press against another face of said glazing unit assembly in use, wherein said bead supporting means is configured to be capable of supporting one of a plurality of differently sized beads, thereby enabling said frame recess to receive glazing unit assemblies of differing thicknesses.
2. A frame according to Claim 1, wherein said bead is removable to enable a said glazing unit assembly received in said frame to be replaced with another.
3. A frame according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess comprises means for receiving a glazing unit spacer.
4. A frame according to Claim 3, wherein said means for receiving a glazing unit spacer comprises a chamber formed in said frame, said chamber being configured to receive a part of a said spacer.
5. A frame according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein said glazing unit spacer is attachable to said frame to space glazing units of a said glazing unit assembly.
6. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein said bead includes a resilient body that is suitable for bearing against said glazing unit assembly in use.
7. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein said abutment member comprises a resilient body that is suitable for bearing against said glazing unit assembly in use.
8. A frame according to Claim 7, wherein said abutment member resilient body includes a first part receivable in a first chamber formed in said frame.
9. A frame according to Claim 8, wherein said first chamber is formed in an upstand of said frame to face towards said recess.
10. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein said bead supporting means comprises a chamber formed in said frame, said chamber being configured to receive a part of a said bead.
11. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame defines an internal void, and comprises a reinforcing bar received within said void to structurally reinforce the frame.
12. A frame according to Claim 11, wherein the reinforcing bar is configured to reduce thermal transfer from a first part of the bar to a second, and hence from a first part of the frame to a second.
13. A frame according to Claim 12, wherein said first and second parts of said reinforcing bar are each of a material that has a relatively high thermal conductivity and are separated by a third part of a material having a thermal conductivity that is lower than that of said first and second parts.
14. A frame according to Claim 13, wherein said first and second parts each comprise means for coupling to a third part, said third part being coupled at one side to said first part and at another side to said second part to thereby couple said first part to said second part.
15. A frame according to Claim 14, wherein said means for coupling each comprise a socket in which a said side of said third part may be received.
16. A frame according to any preceding claim configured to cooperate with an outer frame for fixing in a wall of a building.
17. A frame according to Claim 16, wherein the outer frame defines an internal void, the internal void including a reinforcing bar that structurally reinforces said outer frame.
18. A frame according to Claim 17, wherein said outer frame reinforcing bar comprises a structural outer part and an inner part having a lower thermal conductivity than said outer structural layer.
19. A frame according to any preceding claim, further comprising a resilient abutment member locatable within said recess between said frame and said glazing unit assembly.
20. A frame according to Claim 19, wherein said resilient abutment member is configured to limit thermal transfer through said recess.
21. A bead for use with the frame of any preceding claim, said bead comprising a resilient portion configured to bear against a pane of a glazing unit, a main body comprising means for supporting said resilient portion and means for coupling said bead to bead supporting means of a frame according to any of Claims 1 to 18.
22. A bead according to Claim 21, wherein said means for coupling comprises a leg extending at an angle from said main body, said leg being receivable in said bead supporting means to couple the bead to said frame.
23. An outer frame for use with the frame of any preceding claim, said outer frame being configured for fixing in a wall of a building and comprising an internal void in which there is provided a thermal insert that functions to reduce thermal transfer from one side of said outer frame to another.
24. An outer frame according to Claim 23, wherein said thermal insert comprises an outer part and an inner part having a lower thermal conductivity than said outer part.
25. An outer frame according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein said outer frame comprises an abutment member that is configured to abut against a wall of a building in which said frame is installed.
26. An outer frame according to Claim 25, wherein said abutment member is resiliently deformable and is configured to deform against said wall when said outer frame is fixed thereto.
27. A window comprising an outer frame according to any of Claims 23 to 26, and a frame according to any of Claims 1 to 20 mounted therein.
28. A window according to Claim 27, wherein said frame is mounted to said outer frame by mounting means to enable said frame to move relative to said outer frame between an open position and a closed position.
29. A window according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein said frame supports a glazing unit assembly that comprises: a single pane of glass; a double-glazed glazing unit; a triple-glazed glazing unit; two abutted double-or triple-glazed glazing units; a single glazing unit abutted against a double-or a triple-glazed glazing unit, or glazing units spaced by a spacer.
30. A window according to Claim 29, wherein said glazing unit assembly comprises a first and a second glazing unit spaced from one another by a spacer, and a blind located within the space provided by said spacer between said first and second glazing units.
31. A door comprising an outer frame fixedly coupled to an opening in a building, and a frame according to any of Claims 1 to 20 coupled to said outer frame.
32. A door according to Claim 31, wherein said outer frame comprises an outer frame according to any of Claims 23 to 26.
33. A frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
34. A window or door substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.