IES60478B2

IES60478B2 - A sash member

Info

Publication number: IES60478B2
Authority: IE
Inventors: John Costello; Carole Bernadette Costello
Original assignee: John Costello; Carole Bernadette Costello
Priority date: 1992-11-06
Filing date: 1992-11-06
Publication date: 1994-07-13
Also published as: GB2272243B; GB2272243A; GB9322958D0; IES922796A2

Abstract

A framework comprises a sash member (15) formed by opposite main side webs (16, 17) joined by end webs (18). A main receiving recess (24) for receiving first (26) and second (27, Fig 28) abutment members is formed in the main side web (16). The first abutment member (26) is suitable for forming a jam of a door (2), and the second abutment member (27) is suitable for locating a window pane in the framework. A pair of retaining members (42) extend in the main recess (24) carry engagement lugs for engaging complimentary engagement members (39) with corresponding lugs (40) on the first and second abutment members (26, 27) so that the first and second abutment members (26, 27) engage the sash member (15) with a snap fit action.

Description

A sash member gal x The present invention relates to a sash member, and in particular, to a sash member for use in a framework for supporting a fixablv mounted panel in the framework and a hingedly mounted panel in the framework. Although not limited to, the invention in particular relates to such a sash member for use in a framework for mounting a window and door, for example, a hall door, back door, or the like, of a house. Where a door is mounted in a framework which also supports fixedly mounted panels, and the framework is formed of sash members of extruded section material, for example, aluminium or plastics extruded section, in general, it is necessary to construct the framework for hingedly supporting the door from extruded section material of different cross-section to the extruded sections used for supporting fixedly mounted panels. This in general requires the construction of a main framework within which sub-frameworks are constructed for supporting the hingedly mounted door and the fixedly mounted panel or panels. The main framework, ·' «? X in general, comprises uprights and one or more transverse cross members of plain box section » material, which may be aluminium, steel or plastics material. The sub-frameworks are then constructed ς i C 4 7 8 from material of the appropriate cross-section. This it will be appreciated leads to excessive use of materialt relatively bulky cumbersome and in many cases non-aesthetically pleasing frameworks, and also significantly increases the time required to construct a suitable framework.

There is therefore a need for a sash member for use in such a framework which overcomes these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a sash member.

According to th® invention there is provided a sash member for use in a framework for supporting a fixedly mounted panel and a hingedly mounted panel in the framework, the sash member comprising an elongated 15 sash member defining one main elongated receiving face extending longitudinally of the sash member, a main receiving means extending longitudinally along the receiving face, a first elongated abutment means for abutting a hingedly mounted panel, the first abutment 20 means being engageable with the main receiving means, and a second elongated abutment means for abutting a fixedly mounted panel, the second abutment means being engageable with the main receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention the main receiving means comprises an elongated main receiving recess extending the length of the sash member.

In another embodiment of the invention the first and second abutment means comprise respective first and second elongated abutment members of substantially Lshaped cross-section, one leg of the L-shaped crosssection being a mounting leg and being parallel to the main receiving face, and the other leg of the L-shaped cross-section being an abutment leg for abutting the fixedly or hingedly mounted panel.

Preferably, an engagement means extends from the mounting leg, and preferably, the engagement means extends longitudinally along the length of the engagement leg. Advantageously, the engagement means comprises a pair of spaced apart engagement formations extending longitudinally along the mounting leg and being engagable with a pair of spaced apart complimentary formations on the main receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention each spaced-apart engagement formation comprises a first elongated engagement member extending longitudinally the length of the mounting leg, and a securing lug extending » inwardly adjacent the distal edge of each first engagement member towards the other first engagement member» Advantageously, the complimentary formations on the main receiving means comprise a pair of spaced apart elongated retaining members extending in the main receiving recess, and each retaining member is provided with a retaining lug extending outwardly of each retaining member for engaging the corresponding securing lug on each engagement member of the first and second abutment members .

Advantageously, the first engagement members engage the retaining members with a snap fit action and preferably a releasable snap fit action.

In one embodiment of the invention a first retaining means extends longitudinally the length of the abutment leg of the first abutment member for retaining an elongated sealing member for sealing against the hingedly mounted panel. Advantageously, a second retaining means is provided on the mounting leg of th® first abutment member for receiving and retaining an elongated seal for engaging the hingedly mounted panel.

In a further embodiment of the invention third retaining means are provided on the second abutment member for receiving an elongated securing member for securing a fixedly mounted panel in the second abutment member.

Preferably, the securing member comprises an elongated securing member of L~shaped cross-section, one of the legs forming a mounting leg for engaging the mounting leg of the second abutment member and the other leg forming an abutment leg for engaging the fixedly mounted panel between the said abutment leg of the securing member and the abutment leg of the second abutment member.

Advantageously, the securing member engages the second abutment member with a snap fit action, and preferably, with a releasable snap fit action.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the main receiving recess in the sash member is formed by a pair of side walls extending inwardly from the main receiving face, the side webs being joined by a base web. Advantageously, the retaining members extend upwardly from the base web substantially parallel to the side webs and define with the side webs a pair of elongated channels for receiving the respective first engagement members of the first and second abutment members.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the β sash member comprises a secondary receiving face extending longitudinally along the sash member, and secondary receiving means is provided on the receiving face for receiving a third elongated abutment means for receiving a fixedly mounted panel.

In a further embodiment of the invention mounting means is provided for mounting a hinge member on the sash member for hingedly mounting a hingedly mounted panel to the frame member.

The invention further provides a framework comprising at least one sash member according to the invention with at least one of the first or second elongated abutment means mounted therein.

The invention also provides the sash member for use in a framework- Further, the invention provides a first abutment means and a second abutment means for use in the framework.

Additionally the invention provides a third abutment means for use in the framework.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof given by way ox example only with reference to th© accompanying drawings, in which; Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a framework according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the framework of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a sectional elevational view of portion of the framework at the arrow A of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a sectional elevational view of a portion of the framework at th® arrow 3 of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a cut-away view of a portion of the framework at the arrow C of Fig. 1, Fig. S is a cut-away view of a portion of the framework at the arrow D of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a sectional perspective view of a detail of the framework of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a sectional elevational view on the line VIII - VIII of Fig. 1, Figs. 9 and 10 are sectional elevational views of the portions illustrated in Fig. 8 also taken on the line VIII - VIII of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 8 on the line 5 XI - XI of Fig. 1, Figs. 12 to 14 are views similar to Figs. S and 10 also taken on the line XI - XI of Fig. 1, Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 8 on the line XV - XV of Fig. 1, 10 Figs. 16 to 18 are views of details of the section of Fig. 15 also taken on the lines XV XV of Fig. le, Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view on the line XIX - XIX of Fig. 1, 15 Figs. 20 and 21 are views of details of the section of Fig. 19 also taken on the line XIX XIX of Fig. 1, Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 8 on the line mi - XXII of Fig. 1, Figs. 23 and 24 are views of details of the section of Fig. 22 also taken on the line XXII XXII of Fig. 1, Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 8 on the line XXV - XXV of Fig. 1, Figs. 26 and 27 are views of details of the section of Fig. 25 also taken on the line XXVXXV, Fig. 28 is a view similar to Fig. 8 on the line XXVIII - XXVII of Fig. 1, Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a detail of the framework of Fig. 1, and Fig. 30 is a sectional perspective view of a portion of the framework of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a framework according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for hingedly mounting a hingedly mounted panel, namely, a door 2 for closing an opening 3 in the framework 1 and for » fixedly mounting a pair of fixedly mounted panels, namely., a pair of window panes 4 in the framework 1.

The framework 1 is particularly suitable for mounting a hall door, namely, the door 2 in a building (not shown). The framework 1 comprises a pair of outer upstanding members 6 and 7 and a pair of inner upstanding members 8 and 9. A bottom cross member 11 is mounted on the floor (not shown) of the building and supports the outer and inner upstanding members 6 to 9. A top cross member 12 extends across the top of the upstanding members 6 and 9. The upstanding members 6 to 9 are secured to the bottom cross member 11 and the top cross member 12 as will be described below.

In this embodiment of the invention the outer upstanding members 6 and 7 and the top cross member 12 are formed from sash members 15 according to the invention. The cross-section of th© sash members 15 used in the outer member 6 and 7 and the top cross member 12 is identical and for convenience the crosssection of the top cross member 12 and its relevance to the framework 1 will first be described in detail.

Referring to Figs. 2, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12, the top cross member 12 is of aluminium and formed by extrusion. The top cross member 12 comprises a pair of main side webs IS and 17 joined by opposite end webs 19. The main side web 16 and 17 define respectively a main receiving face 20 and a secondary receiving face 21. A main receiving means comprising an elongated main receiving recess 24 extends longitudinally the length of the top cross member 12 for receiving first and second abutment means, in this case, elongated first and second abutment members 26 and 27, respectively, for abutting the door 2 and window pane 4, respectively, as will be described below. A secondary receiving means comprising a secondary receiving recess 30 extends longitudinally along the secondary receiving face 21 for receiving a third abutment means, namely, a third abutment member 28 which is described below with reference to Figs. 15 to 21. The third abutment member 28 is not used in the secondary receiving recess 30 in the sash members 15 of the framework 1 according to this embodiment of th® invention. The main recess 24 is formed by a base web 31 end a pair of side webs 32 extending from the main side web 16 to the base web 31. The secondary recess 30 is formed by a base web 33 and a pair of side webs 34 extending from the main side web 17 to th® base web 33.

Returning now to the first abutment member 26 for abutting the door 2, in this embodiment of the invention the first abutment member 26 extends in the main recess of the top cross member 12 between th® inner upright members 8 and 9 for abutting the top of the door 2. The first abutment member 25 is an elongated member of L-shaped cross-section of extruded aluminium having a mounting leg 37 extending parallel to the main side web 16 of the cross member 12, and an abutment leg 38 extending perpendicularly from the mounting leg 37 for abutting the door 2. Engagement means for securing the first abutment member 26 in the main, receiving recess 24 comprises a pair of spaced apart formations, namely, a pair of first elongated engagement members 39 extending longitudinally of and outwardly of the mounting leg 37. Securing lugs 40 extending longitudinally along distal edges 41 of each first engagement member 39 extend inwardly towards each other for engaging complimentary formations in the main recess 24, namely, a pair of retaining members 42. The retaining members 42 extend into the main recess 24 from the base web 31 and extend longitudinally the length of the main recess 24. Engagement lugs 44 extend longitudinally along distal edges 45 of the retaining members 42 and extend outwardly thereof for engaging the securing lugs 40 of the engagement members 39 as can clearly be seen in Fig. 8. To provide added resilience to the engagement members 39 the mounting leg 37 of the first abutment member 26 is undercut at 46. First and second retaining means, namely, grooves 47 and 48 extend longitudinally in the abutment leg 38 and mounting leg 37 for receiving and retaining elongated brush seals (not shown) in the first abutment member 2S for sealing against the door 2. Although the brush seals are not illustrated, they will be well known to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to Figs. 11 to 13 the second abutment members 27 are mounted in the main receiving recess 24 of the top cross member 12 between the outer upright member 6 and the inner upright member 8, and between the outer upright member 7 and the inner upright member 9, and also in the main receiving recesses of the outer upright member S and 7 for securing the window panes 4 in the framework 1. The second abutment members 27 are of extruded aluminium material and of L-shaped cross-section and comprise a mounting leg 50 and a perpendicularly extending abutment leg 51. The mounting leg 50 extends parallel to the main side web 16, and the abutment leg 51 engages one face of a window pane 4. Engagement members 52 identical to the engagement members 39 of the first abutment member 26 extend from the mounting leg 50 and for convenience similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. A longitudinally extending lip 54 extends inwardly from the abutment leg 51 for carrying an elongated sealing member 53 for sealably engaging one face of the window pane 4. Securing means, namely, an elongated securing member 55 also of aluminium and formed of an extruded L-shaped crosssection is engageable with the second abutment member 27 for securing the window pane 4 to the second abutment member 27. The securing member 55 comprises a mounting leg 56 and an abutment leg 57. The mounting leg 56 lies parallel with the mounting leg 50 of the second abutment member 27 and releasably engages the mounting leg 50 with snap fit action. An elongated recess 58 extending longitudinally along the mounting leg 50 engages a distal end 60 of the mounting leg 56 while an abutment lip 62 extending along the opposite edge of the mounting leg 56 engages a corresponding dovetail recess 63 in the mounting leg 50 of the second abutment mexaber 27. The abutment leg 57 engages the opposite face of the window pane 4 for sandwiching and securing the window pane 4 between the abutment leg 57 of the securing member 55 and the abutment leg 51 of the second abutment member 27. A third retaining groove 65 extending longitudinally along the abutment leg 57 receives and retains an elongated sealing strip 66 for sealing the abutment leg 57 against the window pane 4. In this embodiment of the invention the second abutment member 27 and the securing member 55 are sized for a double glazed window pane 4.

Returning now to the inner upright members 8 and 9, and referring in particular to Figs. 15 and 16, each upright member 8 and 9 is of aluminium and formed of an extruded cross-section. Each inner upright member 8 and 9 is formed by a pair of side webs 68 and 69 joined by end webs 70. The side web 69 is provided with secondary recesses 71 identical to the secondary recesses 21 of the sash members 15 for receiving third abutment members 28 for securing the window panes 4 in the framework 1. The secondary recesses 71 are identical to the secondary recesses 21 of the sash members 15, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The third abutment members will be described in more detail below.

The side web 68 is shaped at 74 to form a jamb 75 for abutting the door 2« Elongated retaining grooves 76 and 77 extending the length, of the members 8 and 9 are similar to retaining grooves 47 and 48 in the first abutment member 26 for receiving elongated brush sealing members for sealing the door 2 against the jamb 75. Hinge receiving means for receiving hinges 80 for hinging the door 2 to th® inner upright member 8 comprise a dovetail retaining lip 79 extending longitudinally the length of the members 8 and 9... The hinges 80 (see Figs. 19, 20 and 30) for hingedly mounting the door 2 to the upright member 8, each comprise an engagement leg 81 with a corresponding lip 83 for engaging in the dovetail lip 79 as illustrated in Figs. 19 and 30 A retaining member 84 extends from each hinge 80 for engaging in the retaining groove 77 of the jamb 75. A pair of grub screws 85 through holes 82 in the hinges 80 engage an abutment face 86 of the side web 68 for securing the hinge 80 fixedly to the inner upright member 8. A pivot pin 87 pivotally carries a limb 89 of the hinge 80 for securing to the door 2.

Returning now to the secondary recess 71 of the inner upright members 8 and 9, the secondary recess 71 is provided with a pair of inwardly extending grooves 90 which extend inwardly into the side webs 34 forming the secondary grooves 71» The third abutment members 28 are substantially similar to the second abutment members 27 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the third abutment members 28 and the second abutment members 27 is in the engagement means for releasably securing the third abutment members 28 in the secondary recesses 71. An engagement member 91 extends from the mounting leg 50 of the third abutment members 28 for engaging one of the grooves 90 in the secondary recess 71. The opposite longitudinally extending edge 92 is shaped to co-operate with a lip 120 on an adjacent side web 34 of the secondary recess 71 so that the mounting leg 50 is engaged in the secondary recess 71 with a snap fit action as is illustrated in Figs. 15 and 19. A securing member 93 similar to the securing member 55 co-operates with the third abutment member 28 for retaining the window pane 4 in the framework 2.

Returning now to the bottom cross member 11, and referring to Figs. 22 to 27 the bottom cross member 11 is also of aluminium material and formed of extruded section. The cross-section of the bottom cross member 11 is as follows. A bottom web 94 carries a pair of box section portions 95 and 96. The box section portion 95 comprises webs 97 and 98 extending upwardly from the bottom web 94 joined by a top web 99. The box section portion 96 is formed by a web 100 extending upwardly from the bottom web 94. A web 101 extends from the web 100 substantially parallel to the bottom web 94 and carries a downwardly extending web 102 which terminates short of the bottom web 94 thereby forming a longitudinally extending slot 103 for water run off. The bottom web 94 is inclined downwardly towards the slot 103 and drain holes (not shown) may be drilled in the webs 98 and 100 for draining water and condensation through the slot 103. The webs 98 and 100 define a receiving recess 105 which is somewhat similar to the main receiving recess 24 in the sash members 15. Retaining members 108 extend upwardly from extension members 109 extending into the receiving recess 105 from the webs 98 and 100. The retaining members 108 carry engagement lugs 110 similar to the engagement lugs 44 of the main receiving recess 24 for receiving first and second abutment members 26 and 27 as can be seen in Figs. 22 and 25. The first abutment member 26 is provided between the inner upright members 8 and 9 to form a door saddle and also for abutting the lower portion of the door 2. The second abutment members 27 and securing members 55 are provided between the outer member 6 and inner member 8 and outer member 7 and inner member 9 for mounting the window panes 4 in the framework 1.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 5 assembly brackets 115 of Lshape construction having first and second mounting legs 116 and 117 secure the inner upright members 8 and 9 to the bottom cross member 11 and the top cross member 12. A. lip 140 extending from the first mounting leg 116 extends parallel to the mounting leg 117. The lip 140 and the mounting leg 117 define surfaces 141 and 142, respectively. The surfaces 141 and 142 are spaced apart a distance which is similar to the distance between elongated mounting lips 118 extending inwardly into the members 8 and 9 from the end webs 70. The width of the assembly brackets 115 is substantially similar to the distance between inner surfaces 119 of the end webs 70 of the members 8 and 9 so that the mounting leg 117 and th© lip 140 form a sliding fit in the members 8 and 9 between the end webs 70 and the lips 118. Holes (not shown) in the mounting leg 116 of each assembly bracket 115 are provided for accommodating screws for engaging the top webs 99 and 101 of the bottom cross member 11 and the main side web IS of the top cross member 12. If desired holes may be drilled through the web 33 of the recess 71 for accommodating screws for example selftapping screws for engaging the mounting leg 117 for securing the members 8 and 9 to the assembly brackets 115.

The outer upright members 6 and 7 are also secured to the bottom cross member 11 by the assembly brackets 115, see Fig- 6. In this case, the mounting leg 117 and the lip 140 of each assembly bracket 115 slidably engages the outer upright members 6 and 7 between the end webs 19 and elongated lips 118 extending into the members 6 and 7 from th© end webs 19. The engagement of the assembly brackets 115 in the outer members 6 and 7 is similar to the engagement of the assembly brackets 115 in the inner members 8 and 9.

The lips 118 extend the length of the sashes 15 and the length of the inner members 8 and 9.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and. 29 there is illustrated an assembly bracket 130 for securing the outer members and 7 to the top cross member 12. The ends of the top cross member 12 and the top ends of the outer members 6 and 7 are bevelled at 45° as illustrated in Fig. 4 to form mitred joints. The top end of the outer members 6 and 7 are bevelled. The assembly bracket 130 is of hollow L-shaped construction and comprises a pair of legs 131 which slidably engage the outer members 6 and 7 and the top cross member 12.

The width of the legs 131 is similar to the distance between the inner faces 145 of the end webs 19 of the sash members 15. The legs 131 define surfaces 132 which are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing between the lips 118 extending from the end webs 19. Accordingly, the legs 131 of the assembly bracket 130 slidably engage the members 6, 7 and 12 with a sliding fit between the end. webs 19 and the lips 118 .. If desired holes may be drilled through the webs 31 or 33 of the sashes 15 to accommodate screws, typicallyself-tapping screws for engaging the legs 131 of the assembly brackets 130. Such holes may be drilled during assembly of the framework.

The spacing between the webs 33 and ridges 146 on the webs 33 of the sashes 15 is similar to the spacing between the lips 118, and accordingly, the legs 131 of the assembly brackets 130 slidably engage inner surfaces of the web 33 and the ridges 146.

In use. a framework 1 is constructed as follows. The upright members S to 9 ar® cut to length, the bottom and top cross members 11 and 12 are likewise cut to length. The framework 1 is assembled using the assembly brackets 115 and 130. The inner upright members 8 and 9 are assembled so that the jambs 75 of the members 8 and 9 face each other for engaging the door 2. The outer upright members 6 and 7 are mounted with their secondary receiving recesses 30 facing outwardly so that the secondary faces 21 abut the masonry of the building. The top cross member is mounted with th© main receiving recess 24 facing downwardly and the secondary receiving face 21 facing towards the ceiling of the building. With the framework 1 assembled th® first abutment members 26 are mounted in the main receiving recess 24 of the top cross member 12 and the receiving recess 105 of the bottom cross member 11 between the inner upright members 8 and 9. The second abutment members 27 are mounted in th® main receiving recess 24 of the top cross member 12 between the respective outer members 6 and 7 and the inner members 8 and 9. Second abutment members 27 are also mounted in the main receiving recesses 24 of the two outer upright members 6 and 7.

The third abutment members 28 are mounted in the secondary receiving grooves 71 of the inner upright members 8 and 9.

The window panes 4 are offered up and abutted against the abutment legs 51 of the second and third abutment legs 27 and 28, respectively. The securing members 55 and 93 are snap fitted into th© second and third abutment members 27 and 28 thereby securing the window panes 4 in place.

The hinges 80 are assembled to the inner upright member 8 and the brush seals (not shown) are engaged in the retaining recesses 47, 48, 76 and 77. The door 2 is then secured to the limbs 89 of the hinges 80.

In practice two, three or four hinges may be used depending on the size and weight of the door.

While a particular arrangement of framework 1 has been described, any other arrangement of inner and outer members 6 to 9 may be used. Needless to say, transverse members may be provided intermediate the inner and outer upright members for forming a number of openings for window panes.

It is also envisaged in certain cases that the inner upright members 8 and 9 may be formed by sash members 15.

While a particular construction of first, second and third abutment members have been described other suitable construction of first, second and third abutment members may be used. It will of course be appreciated that other suitable main receiving means may be provided in the sash member.

It is also envisaged that instead of the top cross member being secured to the masonry of the building, the top cross member may form th® bottom sash of the window pane or panes above the door and the window panes 4, in which case, third abutment members 28 carrying securing members 93 would be engaged in the secondary receiving recesses 30 of the top cross member 12.

While the second and third abutment members have been described for securing a window pane in th® framework, the second and third abutment members may be used for securing any panel in the framework 1, and indeed, where the panel is a window pane, the window pane may be single or double glazed.

A 21] *2 Th© invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail.

Dated this 6th day of November 1992 ✓1 BY:___________________________EXECUTIVE Agents for the Applicants, Clifton House, Lower Fitzwilliam Street,.

Dublin 2. 860478

Claims

1. A sash member assembly for use in a framework for supporting a fixedly mounted panel and a hingedly mounted panel in the framework, the sash member assembly comprising an elongated sash member defining one main elongated receiving face extending longitudinally of the sash member, a main receiving means extending longitudinally along the receiving face, a first elongated abutment means for abutting a hingedly mounted panel, the first abutment means being engagable with the main receiving means, and a second elongated abutment means for abutting a fixedly mounted panel, the second abutment means being engagable with the main receiving means.

2. A sash member assembly as claimed in Claim 1 in which the main receiving means comprises an elongated main receiving recess extending the length of the sash member, the first and second abutment raeans comprising respective first and second elongated abutment members of substantially L-shaped cross-section, one leg of the L-shaped cross-section being a mounting leg and being parallel to the main receiving face, and the other leg of the L-shaped cross-section being an abutment leg for abutting the fixedly or hingedly mounted panel. 860478

3. A sash member assembly as claimed in Claim 2 in which an engagement means extends from the mounting leg of the respective first and second abutment members, and longitudinally along the length of the engagement leg, the engagement means comprising a pair of spaced apart engagement formations extending longitudinally along the mounting leg and being engagable with a pair of spaced apart complimentary formations on the main receiving means, each spacedapart engagement formation comprising a first elongated engagement member extending longitudinally the length of the mounting leg, and a securing lug extending inwardly adjacent the distal edge of each first engagement member towards the other first engagement member.

4. A sash member assembly as claimed in Claim 3 in which the complimentary formations on the main receiving means comprise a pair of spaced apart elongated retaining members extending in the main receiving recess, and each retaining member is provided with a retaining lug extending outwardly of each retaining member for engaging the corresponding securing lug on each engagement member of the first and second abutment members.

5. A framework comprising at least one sash member assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.