AU676795B2

AU676795B2 - A window or door frame assembly having a decorative trim surface

Info

Publication number: AU676795B2
Application number: AU16430/95A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Neil Cunningham; Christopher Sassella
Original assignee: Dowell Australia Ltd
Current assignee: Aluminium Extrusion and Distribution Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1991-06-13
Filing date: 1995-04-12
Publication date: 1997-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2012-06-12
Also published as: AU1643095A

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT r e o r o Applicant(s): DOWELL AUSTRALIA LIMITED A.C.N. 004 437 898 Invention Title: A WINDOW OR DOOR FRAME ASSEMBLY HAVING A DECORATIVE TRIM SURFACE e The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 A WINDOW OR DOOR FRAME ASSEMBLY HAVING A DECORATIVE TRIM SURFACE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a window or door frame assembly having a decorative trim surface and relates particularly but not exclusively to providing a decorative trim surface on an existing window or door frame assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART Hitherto in the art of producing metal window or 10 door frame assemblies, it has not been possible to provide the assembly with an external appearance of a decorative trim which simulates the trim applied to Victorian or Georgian architectural wooden window frames. The reason for this is that the frame components have traditionally been of narrow width and thickness. Renovators do not utilise aluminium or metal window frames in traditionally restored Victorian or Georgian or like architectural buildings because it has not been possible to economically provide the aesthetic matching architectural feature as a trim around such windows.

In the prior art we have formed a metal architrave which can be attached to an existing aluminium stafahy/keep/specV18225 92 11.495 3 window frame to give the appearance of a wooden architrave window frame. This architrave could be conceived to be a decorative trim but its structure is different to the requirements for providing a decorative trim to simulate moldings such as those used in Victorian or Georgian architecture. Thus, the architrave is completely different to the decorative trim feature rl,.ferred to herein.

OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF INVENTION The present invention has been devised to attempt to provide a means whereby a decorative trim surface can be applied to such window or door frame assemblies so that they will have a desired trim surface which can simulate the requirements of a particular architectural style.

Thus, it will now be possible to utilise metal window or door frame assemblies in restoration or reproduction work. The advantages of metal frame windows and doors over conventional wooden frame windows or doors have been recognised for many years. Thus, with the present invention, the advantages of such metal frame windows 20 and/or doors can be realised in these buildings.

With the present invention, a whole new architectural appearance to windows and doors can be achieved and therefore the invention is not limited solely to use in connection with reproduction or restoration to 25 simulate known architectural styles.

Therefore in accordance with a first broad aspect of the present invention there may be provided a window or door frame assembly of frame components comprising a head section, two jamb sections and a sill section, said assembly having a decorative trim feature at least on a weather side of said assembly, each of said frame components having flange means on the weather side of said assembly, a respective decorative trim engaged with each said flange means, each said respective decorative trim having an exposed decorative trim surface which extends outwardly from the weather side of said frame components, stafae/keep/spedc18225.92 12.11 4 and a leg which extends inwardly of the weather side of said frame components from said flange means, said leg being fixed either to said frame components or to an internal timber reveal of said frame assembly, whereby to provide an appearance to said assembly when installed in a building of a visible frame with a visible decorative trim extending along the length of said head section, said two jamb sections and said sill section said assembly having a combined thickness of said frame and said decorative trim substantially greater than the visible thickness of either the frame or said decorative trim in the direction the decorative trim surface extends outwardly from the weather side of said frame components.

According to a further broad aspect of the present invention there may be provided a method of modifying a window or door frame assembly of frame components comprising a head section, two jamb sections and sill section to give the appearance when installed in a S 20 building of a frame assembly with an exposed decorative trim extending along the length of said head section, said e two jamb sections and said sill section, said decorative trim extending outwardly if the weathnr side of said assembly and transversely outwardly of said frame assembly, 25 each of said frame components having flange means on the weather side, said method comprising providing a respective decorative trim having engaging surfaces for engaging with •respective said flange means there being, exposed decorative trim surfaces extending from said engaging surfaces so, in use, they will be extending outwardly of the weather side of said assembly from said flange means and transversely outwardly of said frame assembly, each said respective trim having a leg which, in use, extends inwardly of the weather side of said assembly from said flange means, engaging each respective said trim with Astafuke s 18 592 7 197 tf~~e~spvI82 279 8 JAN, 1997 4a respective said flange means so the decorative trim surfaces and said leg extend in the, in use directions, and fixing said leg either to said frame components or to a timber reveal of said assembly.

Most preferably the frame components are metal but other similar materials are envisaged such as alloys or plastics.

The materials may be extruded or rolled metal although extruding is the preferred manner of production.

It is particularly preferred that the frame components be extruded aluminium and that the frame assembly be for windows. It should be realised that the inventive concept extends to use in connection with doors and other «e 9 te S oe e e e stafflae/keep/specd/8225.92 12.11 5 applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained examples of preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a prior art extruded metal window frame assembly; Figure 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along section line 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing the :decorative trim of an example of a preferred embodiment; Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view 15 taken along section line 4-4 of Figure 1 and showing an example of a decorative trim; Figure 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of Figure 1 and showing an example of a decorative trim; and 20 Figures 6 through 18 show possible variations of decorative trims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Fig;.re I there is shown a conventional prior art extruded aluminium window frame 1.

25 The view is taken from the inside or the non-weather side of the assembly. The frame 1 has two side jambs 3, a sill and a head 7; mullions 9 may be provided to give a decorative appearance to the window. A wooden reveal 11 extends around the assembly 1 and forms part of the assembly 1. The reveal 11 is used for fixing to internal framework of a building. In this way, the assembly 1 can be attached relative to a building by physically fastening the timber reveal 11 to frame members of a building. The fastening to the frame members is shown diagrammatically in Figures 2 though 5 by nails 13 passing through the reveal 11 into a building frame staftfhyleepfspeVt1822 592 11 4 6 Referring now particularly to Figure 2 there is shown the prior art arrangement where the assembly 1 carries the reveal 11 and the assembly 1 is attached to the building frame 15 by nails 13. External brickwork 17 is provided to abut directly against the weather side A of the frame assembly as shown. A sealant material may be applied between the brickwork 17 and the frame assembly 1 to inhibit against entry of moisture or wind. Suitable flashings (not shown) may also be incorporated. The timber reveal 11 is therefore a rectangular box which extends around the frame assembly 1. The frame assembly 1 may be held relative to the reveal 11 by nails or screws which .pass through an arm 19 of the frame assembly at various S locations.

Referring now to Figure 3 it can be seen that a decorative trim has been applied to the frame assembly 1.

The decorative trim is designated by numeral 21 and has been highlighted in black ink. In this case, it can be seen that the brickwork 17 has a larger opening than in the 20 case of Figure 2 where the brickwork abuts directly with the frame assembly 1. In Figure 3, the brickwork does not abut directly with the frame assembly 1 but is spaced therefrom to accommodate the extra width or thickness provided by the decorative trim 21 as is normal for timber 25 window installations such as for example in federation style buildings. The decorative trim 21 is preferably manufactured from extruded aluminium although other materials and other forms of manufacture are envisaged.

The decorative trim 21 comprises an exposed decorative trim surface 23 which extends outwardly of the weather side A of the frame assembly 1 and transversely outwardly of the assembly 1 in a direction B away from the assembly 1. The decorative trim 23 also has engaging surfaces 25 for hook like engaging with flange means 27 which forms part of the frame assembly 1. The decorative trim 21 also has a leg 29 which extends inwardly of the weather side A of the frame stafflahylkeep/spec'18225.92 11.4.95 7 assembly from the flange means 27. Thus, there are three components as a basic structure of the decorative trim 21.

These comprise 1. the decorative trim surfaces 23, 2. the engaging surfaces 25 for engaging with the flange means 27 of the frame assembly 1 and 3. a leg 29. It can be seen that the leg 29 extends, in this example, over the reveal 11. Thus, in this embodiment, the decorative trim 21 can be held relative to the frame assembly 1 by screws 31 or nails passing therethrough and into the reveal 11.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the engaging surfaces 25 are formed by a U-shaped recess 33. In other embodiments as shown, for example, in Figures 15 and 16, the engaging surfaces 25 can be formed merely by a surface which engages with the flange means 27. This will be 9 15 described in due course.

Figure 4 shows the transverse cross-section through the head 7. Here it can be seen that the head 7 has the same transverse cross-section as the jambs 3 of the frame assembly 1.

20 Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a transverse cross-section along section line 5-5 through the sill 5. Here it can be seen that the sill 5 has a different transverse cross-section to that of the jambs 3 or the head 7. The sill 5 is of known transverse 25 cross-sectional shape and forms part of a known assembly 1 for a window or doorway. The sill 5 also has a flange means 27. This equates to the flange means 27 shown on the jambs 3 in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The decorative trim 21 shown in Figure 5 also has a decorative trim surface 23, engaging surfaces 25, and leg 29. Thus, it can be appreciated thpt many different transverse cross-sectional shapes of decorative trims 21 can be provided. In the case of the decorative trim 21 shown in the embodiments of Figures 3, 4 and 5, there is a box-like portion 35 with a leg 29 extending therefrom. The box-like portion 35 has been numerically referred to only in Figure 4 to aid in stafthy!keepspec'1822592 114 clarity in the drawings. In the embodiment of Figure there is no box-like portion, but rather an open portion 37 with a leg 29.

It should be noted there is a trough '5 provided in the decorative trim to catch water or condensation.

Thus, the water or condensation is directed away from the reveal 11 and drains away from either or both ends into the cavity between the brickwork and the frame.

In Figures 3 through 4 the extrusion is provided with internal screw receiving flutes 39. These are provided so that when the decorative trim 21 which runs up the jambs meets with the decorative trim that runs across the head, at a miter, screws can be passed through suitably no.o drilled openings in one or other of the decorative trims 21 S:o. 15 on the head or jambs and into the flutes 39 to provide additional securing of the decorative trim 21 to the frame assembly 1.

Referring now to Figures 6 through 14 there are shown various possibilities for transverse cross-sections 20 of decorative trims 21. In each case the decorative trims 21 comprise decorative trim surfaces 23, engaging surfaces 25, and leg 29. The decorative surfaces 23 are examples of known architectural moldings and are not exhaustive.

Referring now to Figures 15 though 18, there are 25 shown examples of cross-sections of further decorative trims 21 suitable for use as sills. Here they comprise the decorative trim surfaces 23, the engaging surfaces 25, and leg 29. It should be noted in Figures 15 and 16 that the engaging surfaces 25 do not comprise the U-shaped recess 33 referred to in relatio. to Figures 3 and 4 and also shown but not numbered in Figures 6 through 14. Here the engaging surfaces 25 merely comprise an upstanding rib which nay have a tongue 41 which can engage with a corresponding tongue or surface on the flange means 27 of the assembly 1.

In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 6 staWahy/keepspec'1822592 11.495 9 through 18 there is shown a recenis 43 and/or 45 which can receive a sealant for inhibiting against ingress of moisture and/or wind. The sealant may comprise silicon or gasket means or other known sealant.

By referring to the examples shown in Figures 6 through 18 it can be seen that there are a variety of possible combinations of transverse cross-section shapes for the decorative trims 21. The shapes shown are to be considered exemplary only and not an exhaustive listing.

Modifications made be made to the present invention as would be apparent to persons skilled in the aluminium molding and/or metal window or door frame arts.

These and other modifications may be made without departing from the ambit of the invention, the nature of which is to S. 15 be determined from the foregoing description.

stafflahylkeoptspecV18225 92 11 4

Claims

1. A window or door frame assembly of frame components comprising a head section, two jamb sections and a sill section, said assembly having a decorative trim feature at least on a weather side of said assembly, each of said frame components having flange means on tile weather side of said assembly, a respective decorative trim engaged with each said flange means, each'-said respective decorative trim having an exposed decorative trim surface which extends outwardly from the weather side of said frame components, and a leg which extends inwardly of the weather side of said frame components from said flange means, said leg being fixed either to said frame components or to an internal timber reveal of said frame assembly, whereby to provide an appearance to said assembly when installed in a building of a visible frame with a visible decorative trim extending along the length of said head section, said two jamb sections and said sill section said assembly having a combined thickness of said frame and said decorative trim substantially greater than the visible thickness of either the frame or said decorative trim in the direction the decorative trim surface extends outwardly from the weather side of said frame components.

2. A window or door frame assembly of frame components as claimed in claim 1 wherein said decorative trim has a generally box like portion with said leg extending therefrom.

3. A window or door frame assembly of frame components as claimed in claim 1 wherein said decorative trim has an open portion with said leg extending therefrom.

4. A window or door frame assembly of frame components as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said decorative trim has engaging surfaces for hook lik engaging with said flange means. stlaHUtkeeYspcl8225.92 7 1 97 8 JAN. 1997 11 A window or door frame assembly of frame components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said decorative trim is provided with screw receiving flutes to permit abutting ends of said decorative trim from adjacent frame components to be screw fastened together by a screw means passing through an aperture in one of the trims and into the screw flute, at each corner.

6. A window or door frame assembly of frame components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said decorative trim is of extruded section.

7. A decorative trim for use with a window or door frame assembly of components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, said decorative trim comprising a body part with an exposed decorative trim surface and a leg extending from said body part, said leg being for permitting said decorativ trim to be fixed either to said frame components or to a timber reveal of said frame r assembly.

8. A decorative trim as claimed in claim 7 wherein said body part is a generally box like portion.

9. A decorative trim as claimed in claim 7 wherein "said body part is a generally open portion. 0. A method of modifying a window or door frame assembly of frame components comprising a head section, two jamb sections and sill section to give the appearance when "installed in a building of a frame assembly with an exposed decorative trim extending along the length of said head section, said two jamb sections and said sill section, said decorative trim extending outwardly of the weather side of said assembly and transversely outwardly of said frame assembly, each of said frame components having flange means on the weather side, said method comprising providing a respective decorative trim having engaging surfaces for engaging with respective said flange means there being, exposed decorative trim surfaces extending from said engaging surfaces so, in use, they will be extending outwardly of T staftu/keeplspec1825.92 7.197 8 JA 12 the weather side of said assembly from said flange means and transversely outwardly of said frame assembly, each said respective trim having a leg which, in use, extends inwardly of the weather side of said assembly from said flange means, engaging each respective said trim with respective said flange means so the decorative trim surfaces and said leg extend in the, in use directions, and fixing said leg either to said frame components or to a timber reveal of said assembly.

11. A window or door frame assembly of frame components substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples in figures 3 to 18.

12. A decorative trim substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples in figures 3 to 18.

13. A method of modifying a window or door frame of frame components substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples in figures 3 to 18. Dated this 12th day of November 1996 L DOWELL AUSTRALIA LIMITED By its Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK CO. S Fellows Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia staff/aelkeep/speci/18225.92 12.11 ABSTRACT A window or door frame assembly of frame components is disclosed. The frame components (3,5,7) are preferably of metal and there is provided provision to allow a decorative trim (21) to be engaged with flange means (27) on the frame components The dacorative trim (21) has an exposed decorative trim surface (23) which extends outwardly of a weather side A of the assembly from the flange means (27) and transversely outwardly of the frame assembly It also has a leg (29) which extends inwardly of the weather side A of the frame assembly (1) from the flange means The leg (29) is fixed either to the frame components or to an internal timber reveal (11) of the frame assembly The trim (21) gives an appearance to the assembly of a frame with a decorative eoo 0trim which has a thickness greater than the thickness of the frame components. The invention enables metal frame eo windows to be made to simulate wooden frame windows such as those used in Victorian or Georgian architectural style where hitherto this has not been possible. The seeo installation is therefore the same as for timber frame windows. A method of modifying a window or a door frame S assembly of frame components to give the appearance of a frame with an exposed decorative trim is also disclosed. stafahylkeoppoct8225 92 11 495