EP1416113A2 - Frame having a cover profile - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame, for instance fora window or a door, which frame comprises at least one framemember (4), at least one hollow cover profile (15) arranged on theframe member (4), and first fixing means (18,19) for fixing the positionof the cover profile and for preventing a rotation of thecover profile in longitudinal direction, wherein the coverprofile further comprises at least one positioning protrusion (20)for at least partly positioning the cover profile (15) relative tothe frame member (4).

Description

The invention relates to a frame, for instance fora window or a door.

The appearance of a building is partly determinedby the frames used. Architects are therefore always lookingfor frames of different form in order to give the buildingsthey design an original character. Modifying the form of aframe is not easy, however. In the case of wooden frames theform can still be modified relatively easily by manufacturinga different milling cutter with which a frame profile ismilled from a beam.

In the case of plastic frames however, it would benecessary in such a case to manufacture a new extrusionnozzle incorporating the new profile. This however involveshigh costs.

GB-A-2 285 828 describes a frame with frame memberson which cover profiles can be arranged. These cover profilesgive the frame member a specific appearance. Using such aframe it is possible to use standard frame members and onlychange the cover profiles when a different appearance isdesired. However, single-walled cover profiles are describedin this publication which, seen in cross-section, areprovided at both ends with fixing means. The drawback of suchsingle-walled profiles is that they deform easily. This hasthe advantage that fixing of such a profile can be carriedout easily. In the course of time however, the form of such acover profile will change due to weather influences, wherebythe cover profiles no longer fit properly and the desireddesign disappears.

EP-A-0 812 974 describes a frame with a coverprofile which takes a double-walled form. A cover profile ofstable form is hereby obtained. This profile is however onlyprovided with fixing means on one side. This results in thedanger of the cover profile moving outward on the oppositeside of the frame profile. With such a double-walled coverprofile it is not possible to arrange fixing means on bothsides, since deformation of the cover profile is practicallyimpossible.

It is an object of the invention to provide a framewith cover profile which does not have some of or all theabove stated drawbacks.

This object is achieved with a frame whichcomprises at least one frame member, at least one hollowcover profile arranged on the frame member, and first fixingmeans for fixing the position of the cover profile and forpreventing a rotation of the cover profile in longitudinaldirection, wherein the cover profile further comprises atleast one positioning protrusion for at least partlypositioning the cover profile relative to the frame member.

The positioning protrusion ensures that parts ofthe cover profile can no longer bend away from the framemember. A good fitting of the cover profile on the framemember is hereby obtained at all times.

In a preferred embodiment the fixing means comprisea groove and a strip hooking therein. Such a fixing cancorrespond with the usual fixing method for glazing beads insuch frames. The cover profiles can therefore be releasedeasily and replaced, for instance after some time, by coverprofiles with a different appearance.

In another preferred embodiment of the frameaccording to the invention, the at least one cover profilehas a substantially elongate cross-section and the first fixing means are arranged at least close to a first endsurface and the positioning protrusion is arranged at leastclose to a second end surface. With such a cover profilemaximum advantage is gained from the use of the fixing meansand positioning protrusions on the two opposite end surfaces.The chance of outward movement of the cover profile relativeto the frame member is thus minimized.

In another embodiment of the frame according to theinvention, the at least one cover profile comprises at leastone barb means which is operative in a direction opposite tothe fastening direction of the first fixing means. This barbmeans ensures that, when the cover profile is attached, it isarranged fitting properly against the frame member and canthen no longer bend back. A good fitting of the cover profileagainst the frame member is hereby obtained, at least in thefixing direction.

In yet another embodiment of the frame according tothe invention, at least one frame member is hollow andcomprises at least two cavities separated from each other. Aframe member with a better form retention is hereby obtainedcompared to a frame member with only one cavity, whereby thefitting of a cover profile to such a frame member is betterguaranteed.

In a preferred embodiment a strengthening beam isarranged in a first cavity. Sag is reduced by such astrengthening beam, particularly in the case of frames with alarge span.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the frameaccording to the invention, there are arranged in the framemember a first channel which debouches, from the secondcavity, on a first side of the frame member, and a secondchannel which debouches, from the second cavity, on a secondside of the frame member.

A good ventilation and water removal from a frameaccording to the invention are hereby achieved without thecavity, in which a possible strengthening beam is arranged,on the one hand being exposed to moisture while on the otherthe moisture does not drain onto a cover profile.

The invention further relates to a frame, forinstance for a window or a door, which frame comprises atleast one frame member, at least one hollow cover profilearranged on the frame member and fixing means for positioningthe cover profile relative to the frame member.

In a preferred embodiment hereof, the frame membercomprises a recess, and at least a part of the cover profileis adapted to the cross-section of the recess in order toposition the cover profile relative to the frame member. Thecover profile can thus be pressed into the recess, and thecover profile is thereby positioned relative to the framemember.

In another embodiment of the above stated frameaccording to the invention, the frame member is provided witha groove, and the cover profile comprises a rib whichprotrudes into the groove. The groove and/or the rib can beprovided with a toothing in order to clamp the rib in thegroove. Owing to this toothing the rib is clamped fixedly inthe groove, whereby it is no longer easy to remove. In yetanother embodiment a glue layer is applied between a coverprofile and the frame member. A strong connection is alsoprovided with this glue layer.

Yet another embodiment of the frame comprises adouble-sided adhesive tape which is arranged between thecover profile and the frame member. The adhesive tape can beused to attach the cover profile permanently to the framemember, or can be used as assist means during curing of aglue layer.

These and other features of the invention arefurther elucidated with reference to the annexed drawings.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a doubleframe according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a variantof the frame according to figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a lowerframe member of a frame according to figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of anintermediate frame member of a frame according to figure 1.

Figures 5A-5C show different cross-sectional viewsof cover profiles.

Figures 6A-6C show cross-sectional views ofdifferent frame members provided with a strengthening beam.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of anintermediate frame member according to the invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodimentof a frame according to the invention.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a variant ofthe frame member of figure 8.

Figure 10 shows a second variant of the framemember of figure 8.

Figure 11 shows a third variant of the frame memberof figure 8.

Figure 12 shows a fourth variant of the framemember.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of a frame 1 according to the invention. Thisframe 1 has an upper frame member 2, amiddle frame member 3and alower frame member 4. Between themiddle frame member 3andlower frame member 4 is arranged a fixed double glazingunit 5. Between the upper frame member 2 andmiddle framemember 3 there is arranged a second frame 6 which is arranged hingedly and in which there is again arranged a doubleglazing unit 7. The windows 5, 7 are secured in therespective frames by means of glazing beads 8.

On the outer side of frame 1cover profiles 9 arearranged on thedifferent frame members 2, 3, 4.

The cover profiles can further be arranged on thevertical frame members (not shown). It can be advantageous insuch a case to mutually connect into a framework the coverprofiles of the different frame members. This connection canbe effected by means of mechanical coupling means or by meansof welding. Connecting of these cover profiles has thefurther advantage that they can be taken integrally out ofthe frame relatively quickly and replaced by a framework ofcover profiles of different form.

Figure 2 shows a variant of aframe 10 according tothe invention. Corresponding parts are designated with thesame reference numerals. The hingedly arranged window frame 6is arranged on the other side offrame 10. Thestandard framemembers 2, 3, 4 are used here, whereinframe members 2, 3 areadapted by means of areverse profile 11 such that frame 6can be arranged on the other side. In known systems a wholeadditional insert frame is placed to thus allow for instancea window to swing open on the other side. The light-transmittingarea is hereby limited. These drawbacks are nowprevented by using areverse profile 11. Furthermore, the useof a butt weld connection, as in for instance GB-A-2 285 828,is no longer necessary when a reverse profile is used.

In figure 3 thelower member 4 is shown in moredetail. Arranged on thislower member 4 is acover profile 15which differs in form from cover profiles 9.Cover profile 15has awall 16 whereby acavity 17 is created.

Cover profile 15 is fixed tolower member 4 bymeans of afastening tongue 18 which protrudes intocavity 19 of this lower member. A part ofwall 16 herein lies against apart oflower member 4.Cover profile 15 is hereby fixed inposition and rotation is prevented. Arranged on the oppositeend surface is apositioning rib 20 which drops into agroove21 offrame member 4. This ensures that this end surface onwhich therib 20 is arranged does not slide and thereforedoes not move away fromframe member 4, and a smooth surfaceis obtained.Cover profile 15 further comprises abarbed lip22 which hooks behind arib 23 onframe member 4. Thisbarbedlip 22 ensures thatcover profile 15 cannot be removed easilyin the removal direction A. A close fit ofcover profile 15againstframe member 4 is thus ensured.Barbed lip 22 furtherprovides a certain bias wherebycover profile 15 again fitsclosely againstframe member 4 and a smooth outer surface isthus obtained. Although it is recommended to obtain acompletely smooth surface between cover profile and framemember, it is also possible to opt for a stepped connectionof the cover profile on the frame member. The heightdifference may only be a few tenths of a millimetre here.This prevents a shadow edge being created at the position ofthe transition between cover profile and frame member.

Figure 4 shows themiddle frame member 3. Twocoverprofiles 9 are arranged on thismiddle frame member 3. Thesecover profiles 9 only differ in shape from thecover profile15. Corresponding parts are therefore designated with thesame reference numerals.

Figures 5A-5C showdifferent cover profiles 9, 15,25 which are functionally the same and only differ in shape.All cover profiles herein have afastening tongue 18, apositioning rib 20 and abarbed lip 22.

Figures 6A-6C show three different embodiments offrame members 30, 31, 32. Eachframe member 30, 31, 32 has acavity 19 for fastening a cover profile and agroove 21 into which drops the positioning rib of a cover profile accordingto the invention.

All theseframe members 30, 31, 32 have afirstcavity 33 in which astrengthening beam 34 is arranged. Suchastrengthening beam 34 is usually manufactured from steeland gives theframe members 30, 31, 32 extra strength.

To enable ventilation of or even water removal fromthe spaces between hinged frames and double glazing,openings35 are provided inframe members 30, 31, 32 so thatventilating air or moisture can flow from the one side offrame member 30, 31, 32 to the other side viasecond cavities36.

Figure 7 shows anintermediate frame member 40 onwhich acover profile 15 is arranged. Areverse profile 11,as already shown in figure 2, is further arranged onframemember 40. With such areverse profile 11, which engages inthesame cavity 19 as cover profiles 15, theintermediatemember 40 is made suitable for hinged frames on the outside.Frame member 40 has afirst cavity 33 in which astrengthening beam can be arranged.Frame member 40 furthercomprisessecond cavities 36 which are mutually connected bymeans ofopenings 35 and thus allow ventilation.

Figure 8 shows aframe 50 comprising aframe member51 and acover profile 52.Frame member 51 is provided with arecess 53 into which fits apart 54. The shape ofpart 54 isadapted to therecess 53.

Cover profile 52 is provided with arib 55 which isprovided with atoothing 56. Thisrib 55 protrudes into agroove 57, which is likewise provided with a toothing.

As additional fixing aglue layer 58 is appliedbetweenframe member 51 andcover profile 52.

Figure 9 shows thesame frame member 51 and avariant ofcover profile 59. Thiscover profile 59 has a flatupper surface 60, thereby changing the appearance offrame50.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view, once againof thesame frame member 51 having thereon a second variantof acover profile 61. The upper surface ofcover profile 61here takes a stepped form, thereby changing the appearance ofthe frame once again.

Figure 11 shows a variant corresponding mostclosely to the variant of figure 8. Thesame frame member 51is used but thecover profile 62 differs fromcover profile52.Cover profile 62 is provided with a rib 63 which iscompletely smooth. This smooth rib 63 is inserted intogroove57 which is still provided with a toothing. In addition toglue layer 58, there is further arranged anadhesive tape 64which positions thecover profile 62 inframe member 51during curing of theglue 58.

Figure 12 shows yet another embodiment of aframe70 according to the invention. Once again aframe member 71is provided on which acover profile 72 is arranged. Thecover profile has afastening tongue 73 with which coverprofile 72 is fixed inmember 71.Cover profile 72 is furtherprovided with apositioning lip 74 which prevents thepossibility ofcover profile 72 moving away fromframe member71.

Further provided incover profile 72 is acavity 75in which a glazing gasket can be placed.

Claims (13)

1. Frame, for instance for a window or a door,which frame comprises at least one frame member, at least onehollow cover profile arranged on the frame member, and firstfixing means for fixing the position of the cover profile andfor preventing a rotation of the cover profile inlongitudinal direction, wherein the cover profile furthercomprises at least one positioning protrusion for at leastpartly positioning the cover profile relative to the framemember.
2. Frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixingmeans comprise a groove and a strip hooking therein.
3. Frame as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the atleast one cover profile has a substantially elongate cross-section,and wherein the first fixing means are arranged atleast close to a first end surface and the positioningprotrusion is arranged at least close to a second endsurface.
4. Frame as claimed in any of the foregoing claims,wherein the at least one cover profile comprises at least onebarb means which is operative in a direction opposite to thefastening direction of the first fixing means.
5. Frame as claimed in any of the foregoing claims,wherein the at least one frame member is hollow and comprisesat least two cavities separated from each other.
6. Frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein astrengthening beam is arranged in a first cavity.
7. Frame as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein in theframe member there are arranged a first channel which debouches, from the second cavity, on a first side of theframe member, and a second channel which debouches, from thesecond cavity, on a second side of the frame member.
8. Frame, for instance for a window or a door,which frame comprises at least one frame member, at least onehollow cover profile arranged on the frame member and fixingmeans for positioning the cover profile relative to the framemember.
9. Frame as claimed in claim 8, wherein the framemember comprises a recess, and wherein at least a part of thecover profile is adapted to the cross-section of the recessin order to position the cover profile relative to the framemember.
10. Frame as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein theframe member is provided with a groove, and wherein the coverprofile comprises a rib which protrudes into the groove.
11. Frame as claimed in claim 10, wherein thegroove and/or the rib is provided with a toothing in order toclamp the rib in the groove.
12. Frame as claimed in any of the claims 8-11,comprising a glue layer applied between the cover profile andthe frame member.
13. Frame as claimed in any of the claims 8-12,comprising a double-sided adhesive tape arranged between thecover profile and the frame member.

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