AU2010200613B2 - Window and Door Frame Assemblies With Snap On Architraves - Google Patents

Abstract

A window frame assembly for a window having side jamb sections, a head jamb and a sill section, the assembly including adjacent at least one said side jamb sections at least one stiffening assembly, each comprising a stiffening strut having a first end which engages a first anchor and a second end which 10 engages a second anchor; said first and second anchor plates engaging a structural element of a building to which the window frame assembly is attached.

Description

WINDOW AND DOOR FRAME ASSEMBLIES WITH SNAP ON ARCHITRAVES 5 BACKGROUND 2010200613 19 Feb 2010

Hits invention relates generally to window fittings and assemblies and more particularly relates to improvements in window fitting assemblies and methods of fitment thereof. The invention is particularly applicable to window frames capable of fitting to steel clad walls in shed, farm and 10 industrial type buildings. The invention further relates to a window frame reinforcing assembly which strengthens a structure at the location of a. window penetration and also allows adaption of window finishing moulds improving sealipg and creating a stronger resistance to lateral loads such as may be occasioned by impact or wind loads. The invention further provides 15 an assembly which is integrated with a building superstructure and which engages a, window frame to add structural rigidity to the frame.

The invention is applicable to domestic, industrial and other applications particularly with those structures finished with metal cladding* More particularly the invention is adaptable to metal sheds having wall cladding 20 such corrugated iron on the outside and wallboard on the inside.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to its application to a wall structure and particularly a wall structure clad in steel such as corrugated, ribbed or other finish claddings. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application and may be 25 adapted to alternative constructions and materials.

PRIOR ART

The prior art is replete with a number of different window frame and sash assemblies, each adapted for use in particular applications.

Many types of window frames have been used in the past to finish wall 30 openings. Since there are typically many wall structure variations in the construction industry, window frames must inevitably be manufactured to fit particular wall constructions. Common wall structures are brick veneer, 1 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19 cavity brick, metal stud, stress skins panels and those that include an exposed surface of corrugated iron. Common to many window fittings is a spine, fin or flange which extends normally from the window and parallel to or co linear with the plane of the wall to which the window is fitted. These are usually described as fin fit windows. Typically the fin extends along at least two sides of the window to a sufficient distance from the window frame structure to enable it to engage a member of a wall structure to which the window is fitted. The fm may be screwed or nailed to the main structure whereupon internal and/or external cladding is fitted.

In buildings constructed from stress skin panels or which are finished with corrugated steel cladding, builders can presently select from fin fit or face fit windows. Face fit windows are those which have an outer flange which sits flush wall cladding. Window installation generally involves fitting to a wall structure then finishing which includes trimming and/or sealing for weatherproofing. Depending upon the widow type selected by the builder, which may also be dictated by die type of structure, the sealing and finishing regime differs.

There are a number of known window assemblies which builders may select from dictated usually by the type of structure to which the window is fitted. There is however a long felt want to provide an alternative window assembly particularly in shed and like applications which ensures a more rigid and strong fitting and allows for integral attachment of internal and external mouldings which accommodate interior and exterior claddings. There is more generally a need to provide increased strength in window frames used in metal structures and to the structures in which window frames are inserted at the location of window openings. There is also a need to provide improved window strength and finishing profiles which can be integrated with the stiffening members.

INVENTION

The present invention provides improvements in window fitting assemblies and method and a window frame reinforcing which strengthens a window 2 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19 and allows adaption of window finishing moulds improved sealing and stronger resistance to lateral loads such as my be occasioned by impact or wind loads. The invention further provides an assembly which is integrated with a building superstructure and which engages a window frame to add structural rigidity to the frame.

The invention further provides a method of fitting a window to a wall opening which has increased rigidity and is applicable to domestic, industrial and other applications particularly with those structures finished with metal cladding, in one broad form the present invention comprises: a window frame assembly having side jamb sections, a head jamb and a sill section, at least one but preferably two of the side sections including means to engage a stiffening assembly, the stiffening assembly including a stiffening member having a first end which engages a first anchor plate and a second end which engages a second anchor plate; said first and second anchor plates engaging a. structural element of a building to which the window frame assembly is attached.

According to a preferred embodiment, there are two lateral stiffening assemblies one either side of the window side sections and which each include a stiffening member spanning between each anchor plate. Preferably structural elements which the anchor plates engage are purlins and/or wall girts forming part of a wall structure of a building. According to another embodiment in addition to the lateral stiffening assemblies there is provided a horizontal stiffener.

According to a preferred embodiment anchor plates are connected to wall purlins with each plate including a formation defining a recess which receives an end of said stiffeners. The window frame assembly further comprises a horizontal stiffener which is located at the head jamb.

The sti ffening member spans between purlins and engages a reveal element which includes an exposed reveal face and an internal reveal. The reveal element also receives and retains an internal architrave which together with 3 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19 the reveal dement defines a recess which receives and retains an internal cladding material, such but not limited to a wallboard. According to one embodiment the width or thickness of the recess can be adjusted by means of a sawtooth arrangement which allows incremental adjustments of the thickness as required.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a. window frame assembly for a window having side jamb sections, a head jamb and a sill section, the assembly including adjacent at least one said side jamb sections at least one stiffening assembly, each comprising a stiffening strut having a first end which engages a first anchor and a second end which engages a second anchor; said first and second anchors engaging a structural element of a building to which the window frame assembly is attached.

Preferably there are two lateral stiffening assemblies one either side of the window side jamb sections each stiffening member extending at least the length of the side jamb members. The structural elements to which the anchor plates are connected and span between wall girts or other suitable structural member incorporated in a metal skin and frame building to which the window assembly is attached.

Each stiffening member engages a reveal element which includes an exposed reveal face and an internal reveal wherein, the internal reveal is disposed normal to the exposed reveal face. According to a preferred embodiment, the reveal element includes a first pair of profile parts which releasably engage opposing jaws on the stiffening member, wherein one of tire profile parts is integral with and extends from a back surface of tire exposed reveal face. The internal reveal extends normally from one of a pair of jaws on tire reveal element. According to one embodiment, one of the pair of opposed jaws on the reveal element comprises a saw tooth profile wi th an opposite jaw of the pair of opposed jaws having an. alternative profile.

The jaws on the reveal assembly receive and retain a detachable finishing member which includes a pair of engaging members each terminating in a free end profile part and which engage the jaws of the reveal element. 4 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19

The profile on each of the respective jaws of the reveal element allow selective adjustment preferably via press or snap fit engagement of the position of the finishing member upon insertion of the finishing element into the jaws. According to a preferred embodiment the finishing member is an architrave which provides an internal peripheral window finish.

Part of the architrave extends in a direction normal to a line of engagement between the reveal member and the jaws and co operates with the reveal element to define a recess which receives and retains a wall cladding such that the size of said recess which receives the cladding is adjustable to accommodate different wall cladding thicknesses. Preferably, the size of the recess is incrementally adjustable by adjusting the extent to which the profile parts of the architrave penetrate a space defined by the jaws of the reveal member.

Each anchor is a plate which includes a formation defining a recess which receives an end of said stiffeners, the recess having a shape corresponding to a shape of the end of the stiffener. The window frame assembly further comprises a horizontal stiffener which is located at the head jamb and spanning between the stiffeners adjacent the side jambs.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a stiffening assembly for stiffening a window frame assembly having side jamb sections, a head jamb and a sill section, the window assembly including adjacent at least one said side jamb sections at least one said stiffening assembly, each comprising, a stiffening strut having a first end which engages a. first anchor plate a second end which engages a second anchor plate; said first and second anchor plates engaging a structural element of a building to which the window frame assembly is attached.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a reveal member for attachment to a stiffening assembly for stiffening a window frame assembly having side jamb sections, a head jamb and a sill section, the stiffening assembly including adjacent at least one said side 5 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19 jamb sections at least, one said stiffening assembly, each comprising, a stiffening strut having a first end which engages a first anchor plate a second end which engages a second anchor plate; said first and second anchor plates p.npaging a structural element of a building to which the window frame 5 assembly is attached; said reveal member including a pair of profiled 2010200613 19 Feb 2010 members which engage a set of jaws on the stiffening strut and a set of jaws which receive and retain a finishing member.

Tn another broad form the present invention comprises: a finishing member for providing a surround finish for a window frame 10 assembly having side jamb sections, a head jamb, a sill section and a reveal element including a set of jaws; the finishing member including; a pair of engaging members each terminating in a free end profile part and which engage the jaws of the reveal eleraent

Preferably, the profile on each of the respective jaws of the reveal element 15 allow selective adjustment of the position of the finishing member upon insertion of the finishing element into the jaws.

The reveal element is retained by a stiffening strut having a first end which engages a first anchor plate a second end which engages a second anchor plate; said first and second anchor plates engaging a structural element of a 20 building to which, the window frame assembly is attached.

In another broad form, the present invention comprises: a window frame assembly having side jamb sections, a head jamb and a sill section, at least one of the side sections including means to engage a stiffening assembly, the stiffening assembly including a stiffening member 25 having a first end which engages a. first anchor plate and. a second end which engages a second anchor plate; said first and second anchor plates engaging a structural, element of a building to which the window frame assembly is attached; the window assembly further comprising a reveal element having a first set of engaging profile parts and a second set of engaging profile parts. 30 The first set of engaging profile parts engage die stiffening member and the 6 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19 second, set of engaging profiled parts receive and retain an internal, architrave.

The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and. the shortcomings identified. The Foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, winch forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar pails throughout tile several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.' It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to a metal section in the present exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention may be constructed from other materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations.

Figure 1 shows according to a preferred embodiment a perspective cutaway view of a window assembly including a stiffening assembly and installed in a wall structure.

Figure 2 shows according to a preferred embodiment an exploded view of a window assembly including a stiffening assembly and installed in a wall Structure. 7 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19

Figure 3 shows the opposite view to that shown in figure 1 with internal cladding and architraves fitted.

Figure 4 shows according to a preferred embodiment an exploded view of the assembly of figure including a stiffening assembly and installed in a wall structure.

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view o f a part of the window assembly of figures 1 and 2 including stiffening member, reveal element and architrave according to a preferred embodiment..

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the assembly of figure 3 including a window stiffener attached to a window reveal and including a horizontal stiffener according to one embodiment.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an anchorage plate for the stiffening member according to a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention to be described below according to a preferred embodiment provides an alternative to the known window frame assemblies. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to its application to a wall structure and particularly a. wall structure clad in steel such as corrugated iron, ribbed steel or aluminium or other finish claddings. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application and may be adapted to alternative constructions and materials.

Typically a window assembly according to the invention will be installed in a steel clad building. Such structures are employed in sheds, factories, bams, and other industrial buildings. Such buildings are typically clad externally in materials such as corrugated or ribbed iron and may be finished internally with wall board or like cladding. It is preferred that window frames are configured to accommodate both external and internal cladding to provide a satisfactory finish and as far as the external finish is concerned a waterproof finish. A skeletal space frame is first constructed to support cladding. Where 8 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19 windows are required the locations of openings are allowed in the wall of the structure to accommodate the window.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown according to a preferred embodiment a perspective cutaway outside view of a window frame assembly 1 including a stiffening assembly 2 integrally attached to wall girts 3 and 4 which form a skeletal framework for wall 5. Wall 5 also comprises upright battens 6, 7, 8, and 9 which retain girts 3 and 4. Window assembly 1 locates between wall girts 3 and 4 which is a typical form of construction for metal clad buildings. Battens 6, 7, 8, and 9 receive internal wall cladding 10 and corrugated external cladding 11. Preferably there are two stiffening struts 12 and 13 (obscured - see figure 2) either side of side jambs 14 and 15. Struts 12 and 13 are anchored in a similar manner either side of the window. Strut 13 is anchored by anchor plates 16 and 17 which are respectively attached to wall girts 3 and 4.

In figure 1 second stiffening strut 13 is obscured but Figure 2 shows with corresponding numbering an exploded view of a window assembly 1 of figure 1 including a stiffening assembly and detachable internal architrave 18. Stiffening stmt 12 is mounted via first end 19 in anchorage plate 20 and second end 21 is mounted in anchor plate 22. Assembly 1 also includes window stiffener infill cover 23 which, provides an external finish. Assembly 1 further comprises a horizontal stiffener 24 which spans between stiffening members 12 and 13 with a counterpart stiffening member ( obscured )on an opposite side of the window assem bly 1.

Figure 3 shows the opposite view to that shown in figure 1 shown as viewed from the inside of a. wall 5. with internal wall cladding 5. Window assembly 1 is surrounded by bull nose architrave 18 which detachably engages window frame reveal element 25.

Figure 4 shows with corresponding numbering an exploded view of the assembly of figure including a stiffening assembly and installed in a wall structure. 9 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of a part of the window assembly 1 of figures 1 and 2 which includes a vertical window stiffener 30. Stiffener 30 is preferably a hollow aluminium extrusion including an internal passage 31. Inside internal passage 31 are threaded formations/screw flutes 32 and 5 33 which receive and retain fasteners ( not shown) which enable fixation of 2010200613 19 Feb 2010 stiffener 30 in an anchorage ( see anchor 16 of figure 2). Stiffener 30 further comprises a. set of jaws 34 and 35 which retain by snap fit or other suitable engagement opposing profile members 36 and 37 of extruded aluminium reveal element 38. Reveal element 38 includes a reveal extension 39 which 10 includes surface 40 is visible from the inside and provides the inner framed surface o f the window.

Surface 43 of stiffener 30 is engaged by formations 41 and. 42 on face 44 reveal. 38. Reveal element 38 also includes jaw assembly 45 having opposing jaws 46 and 47 each of which have respective corrugations 48 and 15 49 which respectively receive and retain engaging formations 50 and 51. of architrave 18. Alternative engaging formations may be used such as sawtooth as shown, on jaw 47. Architrave 18 further comprises an. end formation 52 which opposes internal reveal 53 forming an opening 54 therebetween which receives and retains therein internal wall cladding 55 20 Corrugations 48 and 49, and engaging formations 50 and 51 allow for adjustment to accommodate different wall girt sixes, cladding sizes, different batten sizes and different internal cladding thicknesses. Stiffener 30 further comprises a detachable infill pane] 60which allows access for screw flutes

Figure 6 shows with corresponding numbering, a perspective view of a. part 25 of the window assembly of figures 1 and 2 including stiffening member 30, reveal element 38 and architrave 18 according to a preferred embodiment..

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of typical anchorage plate 16 ( see figure 1) according to a preferred embodiment which receives and retains for the stiffening member 13 according to a preferred embodiment. Anchorage 30 plate 16 includes a base 70 with slot openings 71 and 72 enabling setting adjustment and additional openings 73 and 74 which also receive fasteners ( not shown) to anchor the anchorage plate to wall girt 4. Extending from 10 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19 plate 70 is formation 75 having walls 76 and 77 defining ramped recess 78. Recess 78 receives and end. of stiffening member 13. The ramped recess 78 is provided to match wall girt 4. The profiled angle of the ramped recess 78 enable stiffeners to be cut square. 2010200613 19 Feb 2010 5 The arrangement described above with reference to stiffening member 13 is mirrored on the opposite side of window assembly 1. so that symmetric stiffening is enabled at the sides. Further stiffening is introduced into the window assembly 1 with horizontal stiffener 24. When the cladding 10 and 1.1 is fitted to the structure, the stiffeners enhance the overall stiffness of the 1.0 wall structure providing increased resistance to impact loading. The geometry of the stiffener allows integration of it with mouldings such as internal architrave.

One of the advantages of the present invention is the integration of a stiffener assembly with a window frame profile to strengthen the window 15 particularly against lateral loads which may be occasioned by impact damage or wind loading. Since the stiffener is integrated with the window frame assembly, both mutually co operate to increase resistance to such loading. The stiffeners either side of the window assembly transmits lateral loading· via the anchors to wall purlins. 20 It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modification may be made to the invention broadly described herein with out departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention. 25 11 COMS ID No: ARCS-267172 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 22:09 Date (Y-M-d) 2010-02-19

Claims (25)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A window frame assembly for a window having side jamb sections, a head jamb and a sill section, the assembly including adjacent at least one said side jamb sections at least one stiffening assembly, each stiffening assembly comprising a stiffening member having a first end which engages a first anchor and a second end which engages a second anchor; said first and second anchors engaging respective horizontal structural elements of a building to which the window frame assembly is attached; one said horizontal structural element disposed near the head jamb section of the window and another horizontal structural element disposed near the sill section of the window; wherein the structural elements to which the anchors are connected are wall girts.
2. 2. A window frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein, there are two lateral stiffening assemblies one either side of the window side jamb sections.
3. 3. A window frame assembly according to claim 2 wherein each stiffening member extends at least the length of the side jamb members.
4. 4. A window frame assembly according to claim 3 wherein the window assembly is mountable to a wall of a metal clad building
5. 5. A window frame assembly according to claim 4 wherein each stiffening member spans between said wall girts.
6. 6. A window frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein each stiffening member engages a reveal element which includes an exposed reveal face and an internal reveal surface.
7. 7. A window frame assembly according to claim 6 wherein the internal reveal surface is disposed normal to the exposed reveal face.
8. 8. A window frame assembly according to claim 7 wherein, the reveal element includes a first pair of profile parts which releasably engage opposing jaws on the stiffening member.
9. 9. A window frame assembly according to claim 8 wherein, one of the profile parts is integral with and extends from a back surface of the exposed reveal face.
10. 10. A window frame assembly according to claim 9 wherein, the internal reveal surface extends normally from one of a pair of jaws on the reveal element.
11. 11. A window frame assembly according to claim 10 wherein, one of the pair of opposed jaws on the reveal element comprises a saw tooth profile.
12. 12. A window frame assembly according to claim 11 wherein, an opposite jaw of the pair of opposed jaws has an alternative profile.
13. 13. A window frame assembly according to claim 12 wherein, the jaws on the reveal element receive and retain a detachable finishing member.
14. 14. A window frame assembly according to claim 13 wherein the finishing member includes a pair of engaging members each terminating in a free end profile part and which engage the jaws of the reveal element.
15. 15. A window frame assembly according to claim 14 wherein, the profile on each of the respective jaws of the reveal element allow selective adjustment of the position of the finishing member upon insertion of the finishing member into the jaws.
16. 16. A window frame assembly according to claim 15 wherein the finishing member engages the reveal element via press or snap fit engagement.
17. 17. A window frame assembly according to claim 16 wherein the finishing member is an architrave.
18. 18. A window frame assembly according to claim 17 wherein, part of the architrave extends in a direction normal to a line of engagement between the reveal element and the jaws.
19. 19. A window frame assembly according to claim 18 wherein, said part of the architrave co operates with the reveal element to define a recess which receives and retains a wall cladding.
20. 20. A window frame assembly according to claim 19, wherein the size of said recess which receives the cladding is adjustable to accommodate different wall cladding thicknesses.
21. 21. A window frame assembly according to claim 20 wherein the size of the recess is incrementally adjustable by adjusting the extent to which the profile parts of the architrave penetrate a space defined by the jaws of the reveal element.
22. 22. A window frame assembly according to claim 21 wherein the each said first and second anchors comprise a plate connected to wall girts.
23. 23. A window frame assembly according to claim 22 wherein each plate includes a formation defining a recess which receives an end of said stiffeners the recess having a shape corresponding to a shape of the end of the stiffener.
24. 24. A window frame assembly according to claim 23 wherein the window frame assembly further comprises a horizontal stiffener which is located at the head jamb and spanning between the stiffeners adjacent the side jambs.
25. 25. A window frame assembly according to claim 5 further comprising a reveal element having a first set of engaging profile parts and a second set of engaging profile parts, the first set of engaging profile parts engage the stiffening member and the second set of engaging profiled parts receive and retain an internal architrave.