IE61670B1

IE61670B1 - A panel assembly

Info

Publication number: IE61670B1
Application number: IE70789A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Morgan Noel Mcsweeney
Original assignee: Downpark Limited
Priority date: 1989-03-06
Filing date: 1989-03-06
Publication date: 1994-11-16
Also published as: GB2228964A; ZA892277B; GB9002086D0

Abstract

Window frame assembly comprises a frame (3) having a recess for receiving a double glazed unit (4). Four retaining clips (37) at the corners (40) of the double glazed unit (4) secure the double glazed unit (4) in the recess. Each retaining clip (37) comprises a pair of clip members (38) joined by a cranked connecting member (39). A panel engaging member (44) extending from a central member (42) of each clip member (38) abuts the front face (20) of the double glazed unit (4) while a frame engaging member (43) extending from the central member (42) engages a retaining member (46) in the recess (28) for securing the double glazed unit (4) in the recess (28). The connecting member (39) extends along the periphery (23) of the double glazed unit (4) around the corner (40) thereof to locate the retaining clip (37) on the double glazed unit (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a panel assembly and in particular though not limited to a window frame assembly comprising a frame and a pane of glass mounted in the frame.

In window frames constructed of materials other than wood and steel, such as, for example, aluminium and window frames of plastics material such as PVC. in general, it is preferable that the pane of glass should be set in the frame by means other than using putty. Such frames are normally formed by a number of extruded members, and a recess to receive the pane of glass is formed in each extruded member. The recess is formed by a first face which faces the rear face of the pane of glass, and a second face which faces the peripheral edge of the pane of glass. In general, the pane of glass or a double glazed unit is retained in the recess by a number of retaining spring clips which are positioned around the peripheral edge of the glass pane. These retaining clips may be of many constructions, however, in general it is normal for portion of the clip to engage the frame and : another portion of the clip to engage the front face of the glass pane to retain the glass pane in the recess. However, one r problem that exists in such constructions of window frame ι assembly is a result of the fact that such clips, in general cannot be positively located. As a result of frequent opening and closing of a closure member of a window frame, the clips tend to vibrate along the frame between the frame and the glass pane. It is not uncommon to have two or three clips which were originally spaced apart along one side of the frame to move together during use. This, it will be appreciated, causes considerable problems, in that the pane of glass is no longer adequately secured in the frame and could fall out, or alternatively could relatively easily be removed by a burglar. Indeed, because of the ease with which such clips can move along a frame member between the glass pane and the frame, a burglar could relatively easily move the clips together, thereby making it relatively easy to prise the pane of glass from the frame.

A further disadvantage of such retaining clips arises during the assembly of a panel into a frame. Because the clips cannot be positively located between the frame and glass pane, frequently the clips are randomly positioned during assembly causing similar consequential problems.

There is therefore a need for a panel assembly and clip member which overcomes these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a panel assembly and clip member.

According to the invention, there is provided a panel assembly comprising a panel having a front face, a back face and a peripheral edge extending around the panel between the front and back faces, a frame having a recess extending around the interior of the frame to receive the panel, the recess being formed by a first face facing towards the back face of the panel, and a second face facing towards the peripheral edge of the panel, and a plurality of retaining clips engagable with the panel and the frame for retaining the panel in the recess in the frame, each retaining clip comprises a pair of clip members joined by a connecting member, the clip members being engagable with respective peripheral edges of the panel adjacent a corner thereof, and the connecting member extending around the corner of the panel, wherein each clip member comprises a central member engagable with a portion of the peripheral edge of the panel, a panel engaging member extending from one side of the central member for engaging the front face of the panel, and a frame engaging member resilientiv connected to the central member on the opposite side thereof to that from which the panel engaging member extends, the frame engaging member extending from the central member in a generally outwardly forwardly direction relative to the panel for engaging the second face of the recess.

Preferably, each central member is an elongated member, the frame engaging member extending from one longitudinal side edge of the central member, and the panel engaging member extending from the opposite longitudinal side edge of the central member.

In another embodiment of the inventionthe angle 5 between the frame engaging member and the central member is less than 90°. Preferably, the angle between the frame engaging member and the central member is less than 60°. Advantageously, the angle between, the frame engaging member and the central member is about °.

In another embodiment of the invention, the free edge of the frame engaging member engages a retaining member extending from the recess in the frame.

In one embodiment of the invention, the panel is of glass.

In another embodiment of the invention, the panel is a double glazed panel having a front pane of glass forming the front face of the panel, and a rear pane of glass forming the rear face of the panel, the front and rear panes of glass being spaced apart and sealably joined by a connecting member extending round the peripheral edge of the two panes of glass and defining therewith the peripheral edge.

Further the invention provides a retaining clip for use in the panel assembly according to the invention.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a window according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a detail of 10 the window of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cut-away perspective view of another detail of the window of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view of portion of the window on the line IV-IV of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of portion of the window of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the portion of Fig. 5 in a different direction, and Fig. 7 is a side view of the portion of Fig. 5.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a panel assembly in this case a window according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The window 1 comprises a framework 2 which forms a frame 3 for receiving a panel in this case a double glazed unit 4 and a pair of frames 6 and 7 which form openings which are closed by closure windows 8 and 9 which are hingedly connected to the frames 6 and 7. Such construction of window closures and frames will he well known to those skilled in the art, and it is not intended to describe it further. The window closures 8 and 9 comprises frames 11 and 12 respectively which also receive double glazed units 14 and 15 respectively. The framework 2 and frames 11 and 12 are formed by extruded sections of plastics material, in this case PVC. Each double glazed unit 4, 14 and 15 comprises front and back panes of glass 18 and 19 which respectively define front and back faces 20 and 21 of the double glazed units 4, 14 and 15. The front and back panes 18 and 19 are spaced apart and sealably joined by a sealing member 24 which extends around the periphery 23 of the front and back panes 18 and 19 to form a sealed interior region 25 which is evacuated. Such construction of double glazed units will be well known to those skilled in the art.

Since the assembly of the double glazed units 4, 14 and 15 in the frames 3, 11 and 12 respectively is substantially similar from here on only the assembly of the double glazed unit 4 in the frame 3 will be described in detail.

The frame 3 comprises side members 26 of extruded PCV of hollow construction having hollow bores 33 and 34. A reinforcing member 35 of steel extends through the bore 33 of each side member 26.

A recess 28 is formed in each side member 26 and extends around the interior of the frame 3 to receive the double glazed unit 4. The recess 28 is formed by a first face 30 which faces the back face 21 of the double glazed unit 4 and a second face 31 which faces the peripheral edge 23 of the double glazed unit 4.

Four retaining clips 37 also according to the invention retain the double glazed unit 4 in the recess 28 in the frame 3. Referring to Figs. 5 to 7 each retaining clip 37 comprises a pair of clip members 38 which are joined by a cranked connecting member 39. all integrally formed from a single sheet of spring steel. Each clip member 38 engages a respective peripheral edge 23 adjacent a corner 40 of the double glazed unit 4. The connecting member 39 ' ij extends along the peripheral edges 23 on each side of the corner 40 and around the corner 40, thereby locating the clip members 38 in position between the double glazed unit and the frame 3. Each clip member 38 comprises an elongated central member 42 having a frame engaging member 43 extending from one longitudinal side thereof and a panel engaging member 44 extending from the opposite longitudinal edge to respectively engage the frame 3 and front face 20 of tbe double glazed unit 4. Tbe frame engaging member 43 in its relaxed state forms an angle A of approximately 30° with the central member 42, see Fig. 7. A retaining member 46 extending around the second face 31 of the recess 28 engages the free edge 45 of the frame engaging member 43 when the double glazed unit 4 and retaining clip 37 is inserted in the recess 28. Thus, by virtue of the fact that the retaining clips 37 are of spring steel, as the double glazed unit 4 and retaining clips 37 are being entered in the recess 28, the frame engaging member 43 springs inwardly in the direction of the arrow B to clear the retaining member 46. On passing the member 46 the frame engaging member 43 springs outwardly to engage a groove 47 in the retaining member 46 to secure the double glazed unit 4 in the recess 28.

Four facia members 49 releasably engage grooves 50 formed in the second face 31 of the recess 28 with snap fit action. The grooves 50 are formed by a front wall 51 extending from the second face 31 and by the retaining member 46. Legs 52 and 53 extending from each facia member 49 engage the groove 50. Although in Fig. 1 the facia 'members 49 in the frame 3 have been shown cut-away at the corners to expose the clips 37. it will be appreciated that the facia members extend right into the corners of the frame 3 as illustrated in the frames 11 and 12.

A sealing gasket 55 of silicon rubber material is provided between the front face 30 of the recess 28 and the back face 21 of the double glazed unit 4 to prevent ingress of moisture into the recess 28. A sealing gasket 56 also of silicon rubber material is provided between the facia member 49 and the front face 20 of the double glazed unit 4 similarly to prevent the ingress of moisture into the recess 28. The gaskets 55 and 56 are extruded and shaped to positively locate in retaining slots 57 and 58 respectively formed in the first face 30 of the recess 28 and in the facia member 49 respectively.

In use, when the frame 3 has been formed by connecting the side members 26 together, the process of the forming the frame 3 will be well known to those skilled in the art.

The sealing gasket 55 is secured around the front face 30 of the recess 28. Retaining clips 37 are placed on the double glazed unit at end of the corners 40 with the panel engaging members 44 abutting the front face 20 of the double glazed unit 4 and the central members 42 and connecting member 39 abutting the edge 23 of the unit 4. 1 The double glazed unit 4 with the clips 37 is assembled into the recess 28 so that the frame engaging members 43 ί of the clips 37 pass over the retaining member 46 and spring out to engage in the groove 47. This secures the double glazed unit 4 in the recess 28. The sealing gaskets 56 are secured to the four facia members 49 which are in turn secured in the grooves 50 of the recess 28.

The double glazed unit 4 is then fully assembled and sealed in the frame 3. Assembly and sealing of the double glazed units 14 and 15 in the frames 11 and 12 is similar to that of the double glazed unit 4 in the frame 3.

The advantages of the invention are many, however, the main advantage of the invention is the fact that the retaining clips 37 according to the invention locate in the recess 28 and can thus not be moved along the recess. This thus thoroughly secures the double glazed unit 4 in the frame 3. Another important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the clips 37 are located on the double glazed unit 4, assembly of the double glazed unit 4 in the frame 3 can be achieved considerably quicker and with considerably greater ., accuracy. There is thus no danger of the clips 37 being randomly positioned along the peripheral edge of the double glazed unit 4.

While the panel assembly has been described as being a double glased window, it could be any other type of panel assembly. For example, it could be a window frame with single glazing, in other words, a frame with a single pane of glass, or it could be any other shape or construction of window frame. Further, the panel assembly could comprise any other type of panel besides a double glased unit or a pane of glass. For example, the panel could be of any other material, such as, for example, timber, plastics material whether transparent, translucent or opaque, steel or the like. Further, the panel assembly may be used for partitioning.

It will also be appreciated that while the retaining clips have been described as being of spring steel, they could be of any other suitable material. Further, while the frame engaging member has been described as being at an angle of approximately 30° to the central member of the retaining clip, it will be readily appreciated that the angle between the frame engaging member and the central member could be any other desired angle.

Indeed, it is envisaged that the angle between the frame engaging member and the central member may be just less than 90°, although it is envisaged that more desirable results would be achieved where the angle is maintained below 60°. Needless to say, other suitable retaining means for engaging the retaining clips may he provided.

Further, while the frame has been described as being of PVC material, it could be of any other suitable plastics material, or indeed any other suitable material. Needless to say, it is not necessary that the frame should be formed by extruded members, the members could be formed by any other suitable process.

It is also envisaged that other shapes and construction of recess in the frames could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

Needless to say, while it is preferable, it is not essential that sealing gaskets should be used, and further in certain cases it is envisaged that the facia member may be dispensed with, or where a facia member is used, other shapes and construction of facia member could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

Indeed, in certain cases it is envisaged that instead of the facia member, a suitable flowable settable material could be used for sealing and facing the front of the double glazed unit, for example a putty, mastic or the like.

Claims

1. I. A panel assembly comprising a panel having a front f . face, a back face and a peripheral edge extending Λ around the panel between the front and back faces, a frame having a recess extending around the interior of the frame to receive the panel, the recess being formed by a first face facing towards the back face of the panel, and a second face facing towards the peripheral edge of the panel, and a plurality of retaining clips engagable with the panel and the frame for retaining the panel in the recess in the frame, each retaining clip comprises a pair of clip members joined by a connecting member, the clip members being engagable with respective peripheral edges of the panel adjacent a corner thereof, and the connecting member extending around the corner of the panel, wherein each clip member comprises a central member engagable with a portion of the peripheral edge of the panel, a panel engaging member extending from one side of the central member for engaging the front face of the panel, and a frame engaging member resiliently connected to the central member on the opposite side thereof to that from which the panel engaging member extends, the frame engaging member extending from the central member in a generally outwardly forwardly direction relative to the panel for engaging the second face of the recess.

2. A. panel assembly as claimed in Claim 1 in. which each central member is an elongated member, the frame engaging member extending from one longitudinal side edge of the central member, and the panel engaging member extending from the opposite longitudinal side edge of the central member.

3. » A panel assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the angle between the frame engaging member and the central member is less than 90°.

4. A panel assembly as claimed in Claim 3 in which the angle between the frame engaging member and the central member is less than 60°. 5. A panel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the free edge of the frame engaging member engages a retaining member extending from the recess in the frame.

5. A panel assembly as claimed in Claim 5 in which the retaining member extends from the second face of the recess towards the peripheral edge of the panel, the retaining member extending continuously around the recess.

6. 7. A panel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim lo in which the connecting member is cranked intermediate its ends and extends from the central member of each pair of clip members.

7. 8. A panel assembly as claimed in Claim 7 in which the clip members and the connecting member of each retaining clip are formed integrally.

8. 9. A panel assembly as claimed in Claim 8 in which each retaining clip is formed from a single sheet of spring steel material.

9. 10. A panel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which a facia member engagable with the recess extends around the periphery of the panel for engaging the front face thereof.

10. 11. A panel assembly as claimed in Claim 10 in which the facia member releasably engages a groove extending into the second face of the recess of the frame.

11. 12. A panel assembly as claimed in Claim 10 or 11 in which a sealing member is provided between the facia member and the panel to prevent the ingress of moisture.

12. 13. A panel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which a sealing member is provided between the first face of the recess and the back face of the panel to prevent the ingress of moisture.

13. 14. A panel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the panel is of glass.

14. 15. A panel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the panel is a double glazed panel having a front pane of glass forming the front face of the panel, and a rear pane of glass forming the rear face of the panel, the front and rear panes of glass being spaced apart and sealably joined by a connecting member extending round the peripheral edge of the two panes of glass and defining therewith the peripheral edge. IS. A panel in which the assembly as claimed in any preceding claim frame is of a plastics material.

15. 17. A panel in which the assembly as frame is of claimed in any preceding claim PVC material.

16. 18. A panel assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

17. 19. A retaining clip for use in the panel assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the retaining clip comprising a pair of clip members for engaging r respective peripheral edges of the panel adjacent a corner thereof, and a connecting member joining the clip members .

18. 20. A retaining clip as claimed in Claim 19 in which each clip member comprises a central member for engagement with a portion of the peripheral edge of the panel, a panel engaging member extending from one side of the central member for engaging the front face of the panel, and a frame engaging member resiliently connected to the central member on the opposite side thereof to that from which the panel engaging member extends, the frame engaging member extending from the central member in a generally outwardly forwardly direction relative to the panel member for engaging the second face of the recess.

19. 21. A retaining clip as claimed in Claim 20 in which the connecting member is cranked intermediate its ends and extends between the central member of each clip member. rf

20. 22. A retaining clip substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .