AU785274B2 - Improvements in or relating to joinery - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors Address for service is: Window Technologies Ltd Ronald Alan Holden, John Lindley Rowe WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Improvements in or Relating to Joinery" Details of Associated New Zealand Application No: 507741 ©to 7 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO JOINERY TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to improvements in or relating to joinery.

In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to improvements in or relating to methods and apparatus for connecting components of metal joinery.

However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to such use. The prior art, and background art, and possible applications of the present invention as discussed herein are therefore given by way of example only.

10 BACKGROUND ART Normally joinery, and in particular metal joinery such as aluminium window or door frame joinery, is screwed together by using stainless steel self tapping screws •that thread into the screw-ports in the frame sections. The window or door frame has holes punched or drilled through the ends of one frame member that enables S. the self tapping screws to be located through these holes into the screw-ports in the second frame member. Normally (but not always) these frames are mitred degree cut) to form a 90 degree corner when they join together, alternatively they ~can sometimes be square cut and one of the members is machined on the end to 20 form a mating situation with the other member. There are frames and sashes in the window industry that do not have screw-ports, instead they have slots or keyways to accept gussets for alignment and staking angles for a crimping process to occur which acts as a connection for the 2 members to stay together.

Problems that exist with the frames that screw together are numerous, often the screws can break off at the head and it can be a time consuming process to get them out. There may also be a general weakening of the frame member due to the method employed in removing the screw. Sometimes the joint can fail (break apart) if the frame receives racking or twisting treatment prior to it being installed James Wells ref: 26814/5 into the building. Moreover, if it does not visibly break apart it can have the seal broken which in turn means the joint will not be water-proof and the subsequent leaking can cause major damage to timber framework, floor or internal linings.

This sometimes goes undetected which can cause structural problems, with timber framework and/ or joists rotting out over a period of time.

The Building Research Assn of NZ (BRANZ) are sufficiently concerned about the weather tightness of buildings that they have seminars in NZ to raise awareness of the problems and hopefully provide some education to the building industry on how to design and construct buildings that do not leak. Windows receive more attention than most other building products at these seminars, not only with regards to the importance of flashings but also with regards to joints.

Screws on the outer flange of the window facing are often an interference point "•15 for flashings, particularly at the head where the flashing can sit on the screw-head at each end and sag in the middle of the frame. This looks unsightly and also presents a potential leak area where the screw head is keeping the flashing from sitting hard against the frame flange.

S 20 It is now a requirement in New Zealand that metal-framed windows with single glazing must be constructed with a means of condensation disposal (or having a condensation collection channel design of sufficient capacity to allow natural evaporation) and furthermore drainage outlets must have the capacity to expel all condensed water and shall have means of preventing condensed water from being blown back by wind pressure.

There are numerous methods existing in the market-place that have been designed to achieve this requirement. Some systems will drain condensation via a plastic "diverter" that is housed in the glazing cavity of the frame sill member. This method would generally need a valve or flap to prevent condensed water blowing back and perhaps one weakness with the design is that they can tend to block up with dirt and grime after a period of time because of the small nature of the components. Others have a "pocket" designs that locate under the sill frame James Wells ref: 26814/5 member providing a pathway for condensed water to flow from out through a hole in the condensation channel, through a "baffled" area of the pocket and on through an egress hole at the front of the window frame. A plastic hood that also helps prevent blowback of condensed water sometimes covers this exit hole.

It has become common in the Window Industry to "back-seal" the bottom corners of the window or doorframes. This is usually done with a silicone or urethane type sealant spread around the underside of the bottom corner joints, it can be a messy process and can be wasteful with regards to the amount of sealant used. The backsealing is done in an attempt to safeguard the chances of the primary seal failing, which can occur if the frames are subject to racking or twisting during the manufacturing operation or somewhere between the manufacturing and ••installation stages of the product. A failure of both the primary seal and the back seal can cause what is often non visible damage to the framework of the building, or at least non visible until such time as the timber has rotted or fungi has grown and spread within the framework of the building. Some manufacturers do not back seal the frames at all and therefore place a heavy reliance on the primary seal eeee• doing its job through-out the stresses and strains the window or doorframe undergoes between manufacturing and installation, not to mention the heavy 20 reliance on staff to apply the primary seal correctly. This is normally being S-applied to a very thin surface area so manufacturers who rely only on a primary seal are risking problems, and more importantly the Customers may well bear the cost that comes back in later years due to the damage caused by leaking. It should also be mentioned that buildings endure significant movement over their lifetime due to expansion and contraction rates differing between building materials, yet another reason for the sealing of joints to completed in a way that can accommodate these sorts of stresses.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

James Wells ref: 26814/5 DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting joinery, said connection system including: a first section ofjoinery, a second section ofjoinery both the first and the second sections of joinery having a profile formed therein, a connector having an ingress hole and an egress hole, said connector being configured to engage with the profiles formed in said first and second sections ofjoinery, the arrangement and construction being such that once the connector has been engaged with the first and second sections of joinery, a join is formed between said first and second sections of joinery, S•wherein a pathway, adapted to receive a fluid sealant, is provided by a channel formed between said connector, said first section of •joinery and said second section ofjoinery, the pathway being accessible via the ingress hole, and exitable via the egress hole, the egress hole located substantially at the distal end of the pathway from the ingress hole, wherein the pathway is configured such that when filled with sealant a seal is formed between the first and second sections of 25 joinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein the profile formed in the first and/or second sections ofjoinery is in the form of a channel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said connector is adapted to slide into and/or along said profiles.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said connection system also includes retention means to secure the connector to the first and/or second sections ofjoinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said retention means is provided by, or in the form of, a crimping system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said crimping system includes crimping means having one or more crimping teeth which, when the crimping means is actuated, are adapted to crimp the first and/or second sections ofjoinery to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein the connector is 0 provided with one or more recesses, said recesses being adapted to align *0o substantially with the one or more crimping teeth of the crimping means.

"o0 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein the recesses are slightly misaligned with respect to the crimping teeth.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein the recesses in the connector are positioned so as to be slightly closer to the join, whereby the action ••go of crimping also forces the first and second sections ofjoinery together.

0S*0 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein the recesses are angled indentations.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein the crimping teeth are angled protrusions adapted to substantially match the angled indentations in the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said connection system further includes sealing means to create a seal between said first and second sections ofjoinery.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said connection system further includes sealing means including; a pathway cavity formed in the connector, a sealant applicator adapted to force a sealant into said pathway cavity.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said pathway cavity has an egress hole at its end.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system substantially as described above wherein said connector is further provided with a drainage cavity to collect and disperse any water or condensation.

o* o According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method •for forming a sealed connection between a first section of joinery and a second section ofjoinery, using a connector having an ingress hole and an egress hole, the S•connector being configured such that a pathway, adapted to receive a fluid sealant, is provided by a channel formed between said connector, said first section of joinery and said second section of joinery when connected, the pathway being configured such that when filled with sealant a seal is formed between the first and second sections ofjoinery, the pathway being accessible via the ingress hole, and exitable via the egress hole, the egress hole located substantially at the distal end of the pathway from the ingress aperture, said method including the steps of; fitting the connector to the first section ofjoinery, fitting the second section of joinery to the connector to form the join and the channel, crimping the first and/or the second sections of joinery to the connector to secure the join, and sealing the join by applying the fluid sealant to the ingress hole until the fluid sealant extrudes from the egress hole.

It is envisaged that the connection system may be suitable for joining any type of joinery, whether metal or otherwise. However, it is believed that the connection system, and methods of use of the same, may be particularly suitable (although not exclusively) for use with metal joinery, and aluminium joinery in particular. In such use, the connection system does away with screws as they are normally used in these corner junctions, but does not discount the use of screws as an additional fastening method between the sections ofjoinery and the connector.

The first and second sections of joinery may preferably have a profile formed therein. Any suitable profile may be utilised as required or as desired, although a profile in the form of a channel may be particularly suitable. In such an embodiment the connector may be provided with a complimentary or matching profile whereby it may slide into and/or along the profiles formed in the first and second sections ofjoinery. Preferably, the design of the connector should result in a relatively tight or snug fit between the connector and the first and second sections ofjoinery.

The arrangement and construction may be preferably be such that once the connector has been engaged with the first and second sections ofjoinery a join is thus formed between the first and second sections ofjoinery.

The connection system may preferably include retention means to secure the connector firmly to the first and/or second sections of joinery and/or the first and second sections of joinery to each other. Any suitable retention means which allows for the first and second sections ofjoinery to be firmly retained to or about the connector may be utilised, as required or as desired, or as dictated by the type or intended uses of the first and second sections ofjoinery.

For example, the connector may be glued to the first and second sections of joinery. Alternatively, the connector may be riveted, nailed or screwed to the first and second sections ofjoinery.

Preferably however the retention means may be provided by, or be in the form of, a crimping system. For example, the crimping system may include crimping means having one or more crimping teeth which, when the crimping means in actuated, are adapted to crimp the first and/or second sections of joinery to the -goose: connector. This could be accomplished by way of a press tool applying pressure against the first and/or second sections of joinery to the extent that it breaks the surface of the joinery and forces a portion of same into the connector.

0000@ The connector may be made of any suitable material as required or as desired, or as dictated by the intended use of the joinery. For example, the connector may be 00000* "comprised of wood or plastic or metal. It is envisaged that plastic may be a ms..

preferred material given that the connector could be readily made, in a consistent 20 manner, for example by the use of injection moulding techniques.

S..

oS To assist in retaining the connector to the first and second sections of joinery, there may be provided one or more recesses in the connector. The recesses may S• preferable be adapted to align substantially with the one or more crimping teeth of the crimping means once the connector has been connected to the first and second sections of the joinery and prior to the crimping means being actuated.

In one embodiment, the recesses may be slightly misaligned in respect of the crimping teeth, so that as the crimping teeth bite through the joinery they engage an edge of the recess, and as the crimping teeth bite down further it will be appreciated that it will have a pulling effect on the connector by virtue of the misalignment. Preferably, the recesses in the connector may be positioned so as to be slightly closer as to the join whereby the act of crimping also forces the first James Wells ref: 26814/5 and second sections of joinery together and/or serves to place pressure on the join, therefore ensuring a snug, tight and strong join.

In one embodiment, the recesses may be angled to assist in the crimping teeth entering same recess and also to assist in the action of forcing the first and second sections together (assuming that the recesses are slightly misaligned with the crimping teeth, as described above).

In such an embodiment, the crimping teeth may be similarly shaped (that is, to match the shape or cross-section of the angled recesses) to assist in the crimping and also in the forcing together of the first and second sections of joinery about the join.

The connection system may further include sealing means to create a seal between the first and second sections of joinery. The creation of such a seal serves to •waterproof the join.

For example, a suitable sealant could be spread around the underside and edges of the join, although as described previously this can sometimes be a messy process and can be wasteful with regards to the amount of sealant used.

In another embodiment, the connector may be provided with a pathway cavity °.which may preferably follow the contour of the underside of the join between the first and second sections of joinery. Such a pathway cavity may be accessed by any suitable means such as a hole or valve or similar facility that allows for sealant to be forced into the pathway cavity (for example by pumping, injecting or by the use of a sealant gun).

The pathway cavity may preferably be provided with an egress hole (or hoels) at its end so that it can be seen when enough sealant has been applied, ie. sealant will be forced out of the egress hole one the pathway cavity is adequately filled throughout.

James Wells ref: 26814/5 Any suitable method for connecting the first and second sections of joinery, utilising the connection system as described above, may be utilised as required or as desired. For example, the connector may be manually fitted to the first and second sections of joinery, the crimping means may be applied manually by the use of a suitable press tool and the sealant may be applied either manually or automatically.

In one embodiment the first and second sections of joinery may be joined to the connector about or with the use of a suitable mitre. Use of such a mitre will ensure that a consistent angle between the first and sections of joinery (usually 900) is achieved each time. Furthermore, the use of such a mitre will ensure that there is a tight fit between the first and second sections ofjoinery. It is envisaged •that when the first and second sections ofjoinery are being joined to or about the :°oQ.e connector they may also be clamped together in position.

S•Preferably, the operation of crimping and sealing may be conducted automatically, with the sealing step immediately following the crimping step. For example, an automated station could be utilised which securely holds the first and second ~sections of joinery together about the connector, and at the desired or required angle. The crimping means may then be actuated, followed immediately by the application of the sealant into the pathway cavity of the connector.

The step of applying the sealant could be preset so that sealant is forced into the pathway cavity for only a set period of time, which will usually be in the range of 5 25 seconds depending on the type of sealant used, its viscosity, humidity and/or temperature.

It would readily be able to determine how long is required for any particular sealant because as soon as sealant it seen to exit the egress hole at the end of the pathway cavity it will be apparent that enough sealant has been applied. Once this period of time has been determined the automated crimping/sealing step/apparatus could then be set to this length of time for joining all other sections of joinery that are to be joined at the same time.

James Wells ref: 26814/5 In a further embodiment, the corner connector could have a foam sealant product set into the pathway cavity prior to the connector being introduced to the first or second sections or joinery. This foam sealant may preferably be compressed between the join that is formed between the first or second sections of joinery.

This foam sealant may preferably be compressed between the join that is formed between the first section of joinery and the second section of joinery, thereby creating a method of joining that is free of any excess sealant needing to be cleaned off the joinery. This is beneficial in reducing assembly times for the manufacture of window and door frames.

S•The connector could have a foam sealant pad applied to the cut end of the first section ofjoinery and/or the cut end of the second section ofjoinery before being 15 introduced into the connector. This foam sealant pad may preferably have been shaped to match the profile of the cut ends of the first and/or second sections of joinery ensuring an effective coverage over the cut ends. This foam sealant pad would be compressed between the first and second sections of joinery when the crimping step takes place. This method of sealing the join is free of any excess sealant needing to be cleaned off the joinery. This is beneficial in reducing assembly times for the manufacture of window or door frames.

The connection system and/or connector may be further provided with a drainage cavity to collect and disperse any water or condensation. Any suitable drainage cavity may be utilised as long as it is effective in collecting and dispersing any water or condensation.

For example, the connector may be provided with a drainage cavity to collect and disperse condensation which is deliberately directed into the connector through a hole in the condensation channel on the inside of the window or door frame.

The connector may also be provided with egress ports for the dispersal of condensation and/or water collected because of a join failure.

James Wells ref: 26814/5 The said connector may also be provided with a swing flap located in the portion of the connector that engages into the sill member of the frame. This flap may hang in a near perpendicular position due to gravity, but the bottom edge of the flap may be retained slightly off perpendicular. Preferably this may be by way of a small pip on the bottom edge of the flap to keep the flap slightly off perpendicular (open). When the wind flow or air pressure is substantial enough this flap swings to a position varying somewhere between near perpendicular and near horizontal. When the flap is at a full horizontal position during moments of high wind flow or air pressure it has reduced the risk of water "blowing back" through the hole in the condensation channel, as the flow of air that would normally cause this "blow-back" has effectively been stopped. Wind occurs in gusts that would seldom see this flap in the full horizontal (closed) position for any great length of time, hence during moments of reduced wind gusts the flap •15 will "open" back towards the more perpendicular position allowing any water with-in the drainage cavities to escape via the egress port.

The connector may be used without the flap described above should the joinery be situated in a geographical area that does not experience wind speeds the necessitate the use of the flap.

The sill frame member may have an outlet hold punched or drilled to align with the egress port in the connector, this hole may be positioned at the lower front face of the sill frame member or alternatively on the underside of the sill frame flange.

Each end of the connector may have a raised flange on each end. This creates a catchment area to capture any water that may penetrate over the head flashing, flowing along the head of the window and down the jambs.

Each end of the connector may be partially open at the catchment area so that water captured form the head or jambs of the frame can be directed into the connector at the bottom corners of the window for dispersal to the outside through the egress port.

James Wells ref: 26814/5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of the present intention, Figure 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 with only 1 section ofjoinery, i Figure 3 a perspective top view of one possible embodiment of a connector, o 10 Figure 4 is a simplified schematic view of a work station for use in

OQ

•go• connecting joinery.

o• BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION Having regard to figure 1, there is shown a connection system for connecting joinery, the connection system being generally indicated by arrow 1.

~The connection system 1 includes a first section ofjoinery 2 and a second section ofjoinery 3. Both the first and second sections ofjoinery 2,3 are provided with a profile in the form of a channel 4 (the channel 4 is only clearly shown in respect of the first section ofjoinery 2).

There is also provided a connector 5. The connector 5 is of a shape and design whereby it is able to slide into and along the channel 4 of both the first and second sections ofjoinery 2,3.

James Wells ref: 26814/5 Once the connector 5 has been engaged with the first and second sections of joinery 2,3 a join is formed between the first and second sections ofjoinery 2,3, in the region generally indicated by arrow 6.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second sections of joinery 2,3 comprise the corner of an aluminium window frame. Furthermore, the connector 5 is comprised of a plastic material, namely glass-reinforced nylon.

The connection system 1 also includes retention means in the form of a crimping system.

Namely, the connector 5 is provided with a number of recesses 7. In total, each 10 side of the connector 5 is provided with four recesses 7, giving a total of 8 all together.

:•oteo The recesses 7 are angled indentations.

eo oi The crimping system further include crimping means (not shown) which have a series of angled crimping teeth and which are adapted to crimp the first and 15 second sections ofjoinery 2,3 to the connector 5 in the region of the recesses 7.

Coo...

This is best illustrated in figure 2 where the dotted recesses 7 (which lie beneath the first section of joinery 2) represent the place where the crimping teeth would bit into the section of joinery 2 and push a portion of the section of joinery down into the recesses 7.

Although not illustrated, the arrangement and construction of the crimping system is such that the recesses 7 are aligned slightly closer to the join 6 than the exact spot where the crimping teeth are to bite into the sections ofjoinery 2,3. Hence, it will be appreciated that the action of crimping also forces the first and second sections ofjoinery 2,3 together in a direction toward the join 6.

James Wells ref: 26814/5 In the embodiment shown, a preferred misalignment of the crimping teeth with respect to the recesses 7 would be approximately 1 2mm.

The connection system 1 further includes sealing means to create a seal between the first and second sections ofjoinery 2,3. The sealing means is in the form of a aperture 8 formed in the connector 5 which leads to a pathway cavity 9 formed in the connector The pathway cavity 9 (the initial part of which is not shown as it is on the underside of the connector 5) splits into 2 channels 10,11 each of which is provided with an egress hole 12,13.

10 The sealant may be forced into the aperture 8, pass along the pathway cavity 9, and ultimately exit the connector 5 through the egress holes 12,13 of the channels 10,11 (the channels 10,11 form part of the pathway cavity). Once sealant is seen exiting the egress holes 12,13 the application of a sealant may cease as there is clearly enough sealant within the pathway cavity.

With reference to figure 1 it can be seen that there is an area of the connector go° S" that leaves a gap 14 between the connector 5 and the second section ofjoinery 2 ooooe This gap 14 is to allow any water that might enter the window frame system at the head of the window (due to pressure forcing water up under the head flashing or 20 the likes) to run down the jambs of the window and into the connector 5. A raised edge 15 captures the water and diverts it through gap 14 into a drainage cavity (not shown) where it enters cavity 17 and eventually exits via the drainage system consisting of a port (not shown), flap 19 (optional), port 20 and drainage holes or slots 21 or 22.

The design allows for draining any water that may enter into the connector 5. If there is a joint failure, water will be collected in cavity 17 in connector 5 and dispersed via port 20 when flap 19 (optional) is "open".

James Wells ref: 26814/5 Turning now to figure 4, there is shown a schematic simplified view of a work station which may be utilised for connecting the first section of joinery 2 to the second section of joinery 3, substantially as described as above. The following description represents how such a work station would be used.

CRIMPING SEALING WORK-STATION DESIGN Scope The concept is based around providing a consistent method of assembling and sealing window or doorframes at the mitred comers. The result is expected to be a very high quality mitred join that has been produced in a time that reflects significant labour savings and a very high "leak resistant" joint. Also adding to the labour savings and offering material savings is the automated sealing process, it is proposed that this will measure an accurate amount of sealant to fill the special o designed cavity with-in the connector to the point that sealant is forced to expose itself out the "tell tale" egress holes. It is also desirable that the pressure will also force the sealant to expose itself in the form of a small beading of sealant being visible along the inside platform of the frame, thus ensuring that sealant has forced itself between the cut ends of the mitre.

S" The size of window frames varies considerably and the following outlines the common variations: Say largest window 2.4M high x 5.0M wide 25 Say smallest window 300mm high x 300mm wide Say average size 1.2M high x 1.6M wide Description of the design and procedure The workstation consists of one fixed bench that has the crimp unit and sealant applicator mounted on top The crimp unit consists of 8 punch heads that match the shape and position of the recesses in the nylon corner connector.

The sealant applicator is cylinder shaped and accepts a standard cartridge of sealant (3M Scotch Seal 5300 as an example). This cartridge screws into the bottom of the cylinder, which is linked to a nozzle. The cylinder has a cap screwed James Wells ref: 26814/5 onto the top of it; this cap is linked to a compressed air line, which forces the sealant through the nozzle when activated. A set of clamp jaws are mounted in a recessed position under bench these jaws rise up vertically and then move horizontally towards the mitred corner of the frame, clamping the corner firmly, the jaws are designed to apply a force to the frame members that ensures the mitred joint is held firmly together before the crimping action happens.

Assembly Process Commence assembly of a 4 sided window. This is done by using table with table positioned at a place on the track system that suits the size of the window and where necessary also employing the telescopic extension arms to support the frame. (It is envisaged that on a house lot a process of working from the smallest window up to the largest would be used to minimize the activity 15 needed in changing table position and the telescopic arm positions.) Note that it is envisaged the frame might be fully assembled as a 4 sided frame before introducing any of the corners to the crimping head, or alternatively the crimping head could be actively crimping one comer whilst the operator is busy assembling another corner with a connector. This latter method would be more economical S: 20 because the operator is being productive whilst the machine is going through the clamping, crimping and sealing cycle.

Crimping/ Sealing Process After the frame is assembled (either as a 4 sided frame or by doing just the one corner at a time as described in it is introduced into the crimping machine, one corner at a time. The machine crimps and seals with-in the same action. The process happens in the following order: The clamping jaws rise up from their "sub table" position and immediately move horizontally towards the mitred corner assembly, the jaws clamp the corner assembly against the 90-degree fence that forms part James Wells ref: 26814/5 of the table assembly and immediately apply a sideways force that ensures the mitres are firmly mated together.

The crimping head then moves downwards, clamping the frame corner and piercing (crimping) the aluminium extrusion at positions that match the recesses in the nylon comer connector.

The sealant applicator cylinder moves downwards with the crimping head assembly and the nozzle is introduced to the injection hole in the corner connector immediately after the crimping action has happened. Sealant is forced under pneumatic pressure into the injection hole where it travels along the pathway cavity in the corner connector, finally showing itself out of the "tell tale" hole at the inside comer of the connector, the pressure has S. also forced the sealant to appear along the inside platform of the frame 15 mitre as a beading of sealant.

The sequence described in A, B and C all happens in a time frame of •around 15 seconds. The machine is set to reverse these sequences immediately the sealing action has been completed. When the clamp 20 returns to the "sub table" position the machine is ready to have the next frame corner introduced. Note that the clean up time with regards to excess sealant is expected to be minimal due to the design of the corner connector component and the manner in which the frame assembly is clamped during el• ~the crimping and sealing process, the downward pressure of the machine is critical to stop sealant forcing it's way through the front outside face of the joint.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

James Wells ref: 26814/5

Claims (10)

1. A connection system for connecting joinery, said connection system including: a first section of joinery a second section of joinery both the first and the second sections of joinery having a profile formed therein, a connector having an ingress hole and an egress hole, said connector being configured to engage with the profiles formed in said first and second sections ofjoinery, the arrangement and construction being such that once the connector has been engaged with the first and second sections of joinery, a join is formed between said first and second sections of joinery, wherein a pathway, adapted to receive a fluid sealant, is provided oooo by a channel formed between said connector, said first section of joinery and said second section ofjoinery, the pathway being accessible via the ingress hole, and exitable via the egress hole, the egress hole located substantially at the distal end of the pathway from the ingress hole, James Wells ref: 27061/62 wherein the pathway is configured such that when filled with sealant a seal is formed between the first and second sections of joinery,

2. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the profile formed in the first and/or second sections ofjoinery is in the form of a channel.

3. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said connector is adapted to slide into and/or along said profiles.

4. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said connection system also includes retention means to secure the connector to the first and/or second sections ofjoinery. oooo S• 5. A connection system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said retention means is provided by, or in the form of, a crimping system. o*

6. A connection system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said crimping system includes crimping means having one or more crimping teeth which, when the crimping means is actuated, are adapted to crimp the first and/or second sections of joinery to the connector. S' 7. A connection system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the connector is provided with one or more recesses, said recesses being adapted to align substantially with the one or more crimping teeth of the crimping means.

8. A connection system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the recesses are slightly misaligned with respect to the crimping teeth.

9. A connection system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the recesses in the connector are positioned so as to be slightly closer to the join, whereby the James Wells ref: 27061/62 action of crimping also forces the first and second sections of joinery together. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the recesses are angled indentations.

11. A connection system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the crimping teeth are angled protrusions adapted to substantially match the angled indentations in the connector.

12. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said connection system further includes sealing means including; a pathway cavity formed in the connector, a sealant applicator adapted to force a sealant into said pathway cavity. 0. oo i 13. A connection system as claimed in claim 12 wherein said pathway cavity has an egress hole at its end. 14 A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said connector is further provided with a drainage cavity to collect and disperse .any water or condensation. 0 A connection system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the opening to the drainage cavity is provided with a swing flap which is adapted to prevent blow back.

16. A connector for use with the connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, said connector having an ingress hole and an egress hole, James Wells ref: 27061/62 the connector being configured to engage with the profiles formed in said first and second sections ofjoinery, the arrangement and construction being such that once the connector has been engaged with the first and second sections ofjoinery, a join is formed between said first and second sections ofjoinery, wherein the connector is further configured to provide a pathway, adapted to receive a fluid sealant, such that a channel is formed between said connector, said first section ofjoinery and said second section ofjoinery, the pathway being accessible via the ingress hole, and exitable via the egress hole, the egress hole located substantially at the distal end of the pathway from ooooo the ingress hole, wherein the pathway is configured such that when filled with sealant a seal *go .is formed between the first and second sections ofjoinery. 17 A method for forming a sealed connection between a first section of joinery and a second section of joinery, using a connector having an ~ingress hole and an egress hole, the connector being configured such that a pathway, adapted to receive a fluid sealant, is provided by a channel o~o 0. formed between said connector, said first section of joinery and said second section of joinery when connected, the pathway being configured such that when filled with sealant a seal is formed between the first and second sections ofjoinery, James Wells ref: 27061/62 the pathway being accessible via the ingress hole, and exitable via the egress hole, the egress hole located substantially at the distal end of the pathway from the ingress hole, said method including the steps of; fitting the connector to the first section ofjoinery, fitting the second section of joinery to the connector to form the join and the channel, crimping the first and/or the second sections of joinery to the connector to secure the join, and sealing the join by applying the fluid sealant to the ingress hole until the fluid sealant extrudes from the egress hole. 18 A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the crimping step and sealing step are performed automatically by an automated process/machinery. 19 A connection system substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. A method for connecting joinery, substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. OOse 0 S OO** •0 James Wells ref: 27061/62