IE86916B1 - Vent arrangement for a frame component - Google Patents

Description

VENT ARRANGEMENT FOR A FRAME COMPONENT This invention relates to a frame including a frame component and a vent arrangement, for example for use in the formation of a window or door frame. The invention relates, in particular, to a frame including a frame component of the type incorporating a thermal break.

Where window or door frames are formed from frame section components of extruded aluminium or the like, it is becoming commonplace for the components to each include a thermal break so as to reduce the conduction of thermal energy between the side of the frame facing towards the inside of a building in which the window or door frame is installed and the side of the frame facing towards the outside. The provision of such thermal breaks is advantageous in that the thermal insulating properties of the frame, and hence of the building in which the frame is installed, are enhanced. Furthermore, the formation of condensation on the frame is reduced, and this in turn can result in reduced formation of mould and other benefits.

There is a requirement to provide a frame component for use in a window or door frame and in which the frame component includes an air vent to permit a limited degree of ventilation.

Where frame components are used which do not include a thermal break, the provision of such an air vent is relatively straight fon/vard in that openings can be formed in the frame component, where desired, to allow the passage of air from one side thereof to the other.

However, where the frame section includes a thermal break, the provision of such openings may not achieve the desired effect as the thermal break may block the passage of air from one side of, the frame component to the other. To avoid the necessity for the ventilation path to pass through the thermal break, the design of the frame component may be modified to incorporate a ventilation path. However, in order to minimise the number of different component sections required in the manufacture of a frame and to keep costs to a minimum, this is not desired.

Rather than incorporate the air vent openings directly within the frame component, it is known to provide a separate vent component adapted to be secured to the frame component and incorporating the openings required to provide the required air ventilation path. Whilst the use of such a vent component allows the provision of ventilation, when used in conjunction with frame components incorporating thermal breaks, the vent component may bridge the thermal break. Where the vent component is of a material of good thermal conductance, for example where it includes a section of extruded aluminium form, the bridging of the thermal break significantly impacts upon the thermal insulating properties of the frame. Clearly, this is undesirable.

The provision of a thermal break within such a vent component has been considered, but results in the vent component being of undesirably complex form. it is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide a vent arrangement for a frame component which is of relatively simple and convenient form.

According to the present invention there is provided a frame comprising a frame component and a vent arrangement, the frame component having a first engagement profile to one side thereof and a second engagement profile to an opposite side thereof, the vent arrangement comprising a first vent section adapted to be secured to the frame component and having a first mounting feature adapted to cooperate with the first engagement profile of the frame component, and a first engagement feature of substantially the same shape and size as at least part of the first engagement profile, and a second vent section adapted to be secured to the frame component and having a second mounting feature adapted to cooperate with the second engagement profile of the frame component, and a second engagement feature of substantially the same shape and size as at least part of the second engagement profile, wherein the first and second vent sections are each provided with ventilation openings.

Such an arrangement permits the incorporation of a vent path in a simple and convenient manner.

Where the frame component is of the type incorporating a thermal break, with the first and second engagement profiles located to opposite sides of the thermal break, the arrangement permits the provision of a vent path without bridging the thermal break.

Conveniently, the vent arrangement further comprises mounting means for securing the first and second vent sections to the frame component. The mounting means conveniently comprise screws or other threaded fasteners.

The first engagement feature is conveniently shaped to cooperate with a glazing bead, the second engagement feature conveniently carrying a seal which, in use, abuts a face of a glazing unit. if desired, the first and second vent sections may be coated or coloured, for example to match the associated frame component and glazing bead. The vent sections do not need to be the same colour as one another.

It will be appreciated that the use of the vent sections allows the frame to be constructed using a standard frame section and standard glazing beads, etc, the provision of the vent sections simply resulting in the size of the glazing unit used with the frame being smaller than would otherwise be the case.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing (Figure 1) which is a sectional view of a vent arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, and the associated frame component, glazing bead and glazing unit.

Referring to Figure 1, part of a window or door frame is shown. The frame comprises a frame component 10 of the type incorporating a thermal break. The frame component 10 includes a first, outer frame part 12 and a second, inner frame part 14 secured to one another in a spaced relationship by a resin material thermal break 16. The manner in which the thermal break is provided is not of relevance to the present invention and so will not be described further herein, save to say that the techniques involved are all familiar to a man skilled in the art.

The first frame part 12 is shaped to include a first engagement profile 18 of generally L- shaped form. Where the frame component 10 is used in a window or door frame of the unvented type, or is used in the formation of part of a frame remote from the location of a vent, the generally L-shaped first engagement profile 18 would normally cooperate, in use, with a glazing bead used to secure an associated glazing unit in position. However, in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the L-shaped first engagement profile does not cooperate with a glazing bead and instead cooperates with a first mounting feature of a first vent section 22. The first mounting feature 20 takes the form of a recess or channel provided in the first vent section 22 and into which the free end of a limb of the L- shaped first engagement profile 18 is receivable. The cooperation between the first engagement profile 18 and the first mounting feature 20 serves to properly locate the first vent section 22 relative to the frame component 10. However, it does not in this embodiment physically secure the first vent section 22 in position. This function is served by a screw or other threaded fastener (not shown) which extends along the position marked by line 24, the head of the fastener being housed within a recess 26 formed in the vent section 22.

The surface of the first vent section 22 remote from the first mounting feature 20 is provided with a first engagement feature 26 of generally L-shaped form, of similar shape and size to the first engagement profile 18 so as to be able to cooperate with the mounting formation 30 of a glazing bead 32. As mentioned hereinbefore, the design of the glazing bead 32 is conveniently such that, where desired (such as in unvented framed or unvented parts of frames), the glazing bead 32 can be secured directly to the frame component 10 rather than having the first vent section 22 interposed therebetween As illustrated, an auxiliary engagement feature 34 is also provided on the first vent section 22 for engagement with another part of the glazing bead 32. Unlike the first engagement feature 26, the auxiliary engagement feature 34 does not mirror the shape of part of the frame component 10.

The first vent section 22 is machined to form vent openings 36 at appropriate locations along its length to allow the passage of a ventitation air flow between the exterior of the frame and a cavity 38 within the frame. If desired, baffles andlor covers may be provided adjacent the outer surface of the first vent section 22 to hide the openings and control the speed of airflow through the openings.

Conveniently, the first vent section 22 is of extruded aluminium form.

The second frame part 14 includes a second engagement profile 40 in the form of a wall 42 defining, adjacent its end, a recess 44. Where the frame component 10 is used in the formation of an unvented frame, or forms a part of a vented frame remote from the vent, the recess 44 receives a glazing seal which, in use, abuts a face of a glazing unit.

A second vent section 46 is secured to the second frame part 14. As illustrated, the second vent section 46 comprises a body part 48 from which extends a second mounting feature 50 in the form of a leg adapted to engage with lips 52 provided on the second engagement profile 40 to properly locate the second vent section relative to the frame component 10. As with the first vent section 22, a screw or other threaded fastener (not shown, but its position is denoted by line 54) is used to secure the second vent section 46 to the frame component 10.

The secure fastening of the vent sections in position is important to ensure that the glazing unit is properly supported, in use.

As with the first vent section 22, the second vent section 46 is conveniently of extruded aluminium form.

An end of the second vent section 46 remote from the second mounting feature 50 is shaped to define a second engagement feature 56 shaped to match the shape of the part of the second engagement profile 40 defining the recess 44. As shown, in use, the second engagement feature 56 carries a glazing seat 58 which bears against a face of a glazing unit 60.

The body part 48 of the second vent section 46 is provided with openings 62 permitting communication between the cavity 38 and the inner side of the frame. A filter component 64 is conveniently carried by the body part 48 adjacent the openings 62. A standard trickle vent cover may be used to hide the openings 62. If desired, an open cell foam may be provided within the cavity 38 to enhance acoustic performance. it will be appreciated that the use of the vent arrangement of the invention allows a standard frame component to be modified to incorporate a vent. Where ventilation is not required, the same frame section can be used, but without the addition of the vent arrangement In addition, the same glazing beads, etc, can be used regardless as to whether the vent arrangement is used. The vent sections may be coloured or finished to match other components of the system. if desired, they may have different colours or finishes. Externally, the vent need not project from the frame, and the vent is of slim, compact form.

Where the frame component includes a thermal break, it will be appreciated that the vent arrangement does not bridge the thermal break and so the thermal insulating properties of the frame are not impacted by the presence of the vent arrangement, other than by virtue of the ventilation air flow through the vent. Whilst described with reference to an arrangement with a thermal break, it will be appreciated that the invention is also applicable to arrangements without such a break.

Whilst illustrated in a fixed frame, it will be appreciated that the invention may also be applied to moveable frame sections, for example on doors and windows.

A number of other modifications and alterations may be made to the arrangement described hereinbefore without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

CLAIMS:

1. A frame comprising a frame component and a vent arrangement, the frame component having a first engagement profile to one side thereof and a second engagement profile to an opposite side thereof, the vent arrangement comprising a first vent section adapted to be secured to the frame component and having a first mounting feature adapted to cooperate with the first engagement profile of the frame component, and a first engagement feature of substantially the same shape and size as at least part of the first engagement profile, and a second vent section adapted to be secured to the frame component and having a second mounting feature adapted to cooperate with the second engagement profile of the frame component, and a second engagement feature of substantially the same shape and size as at least part of the second engagement profile, wherein the first and second vent sections are each provided with ventilation openings.

2. A frame according to Claim 1, wherein the frame component is of the type incorporating a thermal break, with the first and second engagement profiles located to opposite sides of the thermal break.

3. A frame according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the vent arrangement further comprises mounting means for securing the first and second vent sections to the frame component.

4. A frame according to Claim 3, wherein the mounting means comprise screws or other threaded fasteners.

5. A frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second engagement feature carries a seal which, in use, abuts a face of a glazing unit.

6. A frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second vent sections are coated.

7. A frame according to Claim 6, wherein the first and second vent sections are differently coated. DERMOT P. CUMMINS & CO. 2b Clonskeagh Square Clonskeagh Road Dublin 14