GB2256891A - Frame structure for covering a window area - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame structure 1 for use in covering a window area 2 comprises a pair of co-operating frame members 3, 4 of rectangular form, and a panel 5 disposed between the frame members 3, 4 so as to be secured thereby. The panel 5 illustrated comprises a thermal barrier formed by a sheet of transparent plastics material. The panel 5 may be replaced by a fine gauze panel which serves as an insect barrier, (Figure 8). <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO FRAME STRUCTURES This invention relates to frame structures and provides a frame structure for use in covering a window area.

According to the invention, a frame structure for use in covering a window area comprises a pair of co-operating frame members and a panel disposed between the frame members so as to be secured thereby.

The panel may be of a form whereby it serves as a barrier to insects.

Alternatively, the panel may comprise a thermal barrier.

The invention also comprises the frame members per se.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a rear view of one of a pair of frame members, Figure 2 is a front view thereof, Figure 3 is a front view of a panel, Figure 4 is a rear view of the other of the pair of frame members, Figure 5 is a front view thereof, Figure 6 is a front view, in perspective, of the complete frame structure, less panel, in an open position, Figure 7 is a fragmentary end view, in section, of the frame structure, and Figure 8 is a rear view of a three-pane window, which employs the frame structure of Figure 6.

With reference first to Figures 1 to 6, a frame structure 1 for use in covering a window area 2 (Figure 6) comprises a pair of co-operating frame members 3, 4 of rectangular form, and a panel 5 (Figure 3) disposed between the frame members 3, 4 so as to be secured thereby.

In this example, the panel 5 comprises a thermal barrier, and is formed by a sheet of transparent plastics material, such as polythene.

The periphery of the panel 5 is formed with small diameter holes 6 which are located by pins 7 carried by the (rear) frame member 3, whereby the panel is located in position. A resilient sealing strip 10 is disposed between the frame members 3, 4 which are pivotally attached to each other by hinges 11. The rear of the front frame member 4 is formed with recesses 12 which locate, ie accommodate, the heads of the pins 7, see Figures 4 and 7.

With reference now to Figure 6, the frame structure 1 is shown secured to the frame 15 of a pivotably mounted window 16, by means of hinges 17 so as to cover the window area 2. Resilient sealing strip material 20 (Figure 1) is mounted on the back of frame member 3 to provide a good seal between the frame member 3 and the window frame 15. When the window 16 is closed, and the frame structure 1 as well, the structure 1, with its panel 5, as well as the sealing strip 20, serves as a double glazing unit, so as to retain heat.

When in the closed position, the frame structure 1 is held against the window frame 15 by pivotable latches 18 secured to the frame 15.

Figure 8 is a rear view of a three-pane window frame 25 fitted in a wall 26 and incorporating the frame structure 1. However the thermal barrier panel 5 has been replaced by a panel 30 of fine gauze.

The window can be left open so that a flow of air can take place without, however, the entry of insects as the gauze panel 30 serves as a barrier to insects.

Various modifications may be made, for example the panel 5 or panel 30 may, for decorative purposes, be accompanied by a panel bearing a pattern. Such a panel may comprise a panel of net curtain.

Reference should also be made to the disclosures of co-pending UK application no. 9113092.2 filed 18 June 1991.

Claims (14)

1. A frame structure for use in covering a window area, comprising a pair of co-operating frame members and a panel disposed between the frame members so as to be secured thereby.

2. A frame structure as claimed in claim 7 wherein the panel is of a form whereby it serves as a barrier to insects.

3. A frame structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panel serves as a thermal barrier.

4. A frame structure as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein the frame members are secured together by hinges.

5. A frame structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 provided with hinges for pivotally mounting the frame structure in position.

6. A frame structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 provided with resilient sealing means disposed between the frame members.

7. A frame structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 provided with means for locating the panel in position.

8. A frame structure as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means comprise pins carried by one of the frame members co-operating with holes formed in the panel.

9. A frame structure as claimed in claim 8 wherein the other of the frame members is formed with recesses for locating the pins.

10. A frame structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 provided with resilient sealing means for sealing the frame structure to the structure to which, in use, it is secured.

11. The frame members per se of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Frame members as claimed in claim 11, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A frame structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A frame structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, modified substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 8 of said drawings.