EP0300832A1 — A framework structure for windows and doors

Claim 1

Independent Claim 160 words

A rectangular framework structure for a door or window, which includes four primary framework elements forming the outer perimeter of the rectangular framework structure; a plurality of secondary framework elements extending between two opposing primary framework elements; a plurality of auxiliary framework elements extending perpendicularly between the secondary elements and parallel adjacent primary elements, spacing apart these elements; and a plurality of tie-rods holding together the framework elements, bracing them into a rigid substantially planar structure, the framework elements all defining an operative front wall, a rear wall, at least one side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall and an elongate angularly disposed locating flange extending operatively rearwardly from a location near the front wall on the sides of the framework elements that oppose other framework elements in their operative configuration, the angular locating flanges of the primary and secondary elements being cut away to receive and frictionally locate the auxiliary elements in their required configuration.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 160 words

A rectangular framework structure for a door or window, which includes four primary framework elements forming the outer perimeter of the rectangular framework structure; a plurality of secondary framework elements extending between two opposing primary framework elements; a plurality of auxiliary framework elements extending perpendicularly between the secondary elements and parallel adjacent primary elements, spacing apart these elements; and a plurality of tie-rods holding together the framework elements, bracing them into a rigid substantially planar structure, the framework elements all defining an operative front wall, a rear wall, at least one side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall and an elongate angularly disposed locating flange extending operatively rearwardly from a location near the front wall on the sides of the framework elements that oppose other framework elements in their operative configuration, the angular locating flanges of the primary and secondary elements being cut away to receive and frictionally locate the auxiliary elements in their required configuration.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 33 words

A framework structure as claimed in Claim 1, in which the primary framework elements define only one side wall on the side of these elements that face the secondary and auxiliary framework elements.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 43 words

A framework structure as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the secondary and auxiliary framework elements define two spaced apart side walls which, together with the front wall and rear wall form tubular elements having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 37 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the tie-rods pass centrally through the auxiliary framework elements and through apertures provided in the side walls of the primary and secondary elements.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 35 words

A framework structure as claimed in Claim 4, in which the opposite ends of the tie-rods are threaded and are engageable by means of nuts, so that complete framework structures can be tightened together thereby.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 37 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the angle between the locating flanges and the plane defined by the side walls of the framework elements is between 30° and 60°.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 16 words

A framework structure as claimed in Claim 6, in which the said angle is approximately 45°.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 52 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the locating flanges of the primary and secondary framework elements are cut away so that opposing ends of the auxiliary framework elements can fit snugly into the cut-away formations and frictionally engage the primary and/or secondary framework elements.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 73 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which some of the framework elements have glass plane locating flanges removably engaged therewith and extending from the sides thereof and other framework elements have glass pane locating franges fixedly extending from the sides thereof, the glass pane locating flanges opposing the angularly disposed locating flanges to effectively define channel formations within which glass panes can be received and located.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 49 words

A framework structure as claimed in Claim 9, in which the secondary framework elements and primary framework elements, disposed parallel therewith, have glass pane locating flanges fixedly extending therefrom, whereas the auxiliary framework elements and primary framework elements, disposed parallel therewith, have glass pane locating flanges removably engaged therewith.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 47 words

11 A framework structure as claimed in Claim 10, in which the glass pane locating flanges of the auxiliary framework elements and said primary framework elements are separate flange elements that can removably engage engagement formations defined by the said auxiliary framework elements and primary framework elements.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 35 words

A framework structure as claimed in Claim 11, in which the glass pane locating flange elements and auxiliary framework elements and primary framework elements define complementary engagement formations whereby they can removably engage one another.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 49 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 12, in which the angular locating flanges and glass pane locating flanges define suitable formations along the length thereof for receiving sealing elements that can provide for the sealing location of glass panes within the framework structure.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 64 words

Framework structure as claimed in Claim 13, in which a hollow space is defined operatively beneath the angular locating flanges within which sealing elements are receivable and in which the free ends of the pane locating flanges define a lip formation projecting towards the angular locating flanges and which can provide for the location of sealing elements with respect to these pane locating flanges.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 63 words

A framework structure as claimed in Claim 13, in which a hollow space is defined operatively beneath the angular locating flanges within which sealing elements are receivable and in which the free ends of the pane locating flanges define serrations projecting towards the angular locating flanges and which can provide for the location of sealing elements with respect to these pane locating flanges.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 30 words

Framework structure as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 15, which includes sealing elements that can provide for the sealing location of glass panes within the framework structure.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 31 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the primary framework elements are secured to one another by means of securing means such as screws.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 36 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claim, in which the overall configuration of the framework element is such that consistent front and rear faces are defined by the assembled framework structure.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 20 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the framework elements are of aluminium.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 25 words

A framework structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes glass panes located in the spaces defined between the framework elements.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 27 words

A kit for a framework structure which includes the framework elements and tie-rods for a framework structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 23 words

A kit as claimed in Claim 21, which includes glass panes for fitting into a framework structure made up of the framework elements.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 54 words

A method of manufacturing a framework structure for a door or window, which includes arranging and frictionally locating a plurality of suitable elongate framework elements into a configuration in which they form a lattice defining a multi-division structure for sheet-like panes, and bracing the elements into a rigid structure by means of tie rods.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 54 words

A method of manufacturing a framework structure for a door or window, which includes arranging and frictionally locating a plurality of suitable elongate framework elements into a configuration in which they form a lattice defining a multi-division structure for sheet-like panes, and bracing the elements into a rigid structure by means of tie rods.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 28 words

A method as claimed in Claim 23, which includes the use of framework elements for a framework structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 19.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as claimed in Claim 23 or Claim 24, which includes locating glass panes into the framework structure formed.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 19 words

A framework structure manufactured in accordance with the method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 16 words

Framework elements for a framework structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 20.

A framework structure for windows and doors

Abstract

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