[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing an installation aid for use
when mounting a window frame in a roof structure of a building, to an installation
aid adapted for use when mounting a window frame in a roof structure of a building,
and to a kit including such an installation aid.
[0002] When installing a window in an inclined roof including an underroof, an opening for
the window frame is cut in roof battens and the underroof. An insulating frame adapted
to surround the window frame and insulate the transition between the roof window and
the roof structure in the mounted state may be used for marking where the cut in the
roof structure should be made as described in
WO9831896A1. This method, however, suffers from the disadvantages that the insulating frame may
be difficult to handle, particularly if performing the installation on a windy day,
and that some insulating frames have a tendency to warp resulting in the opening getting
the wrong shape.
[0003] When the window frame, and possibly an insulating frame, has been mounted in the
opening, a sealing collar also known as an underroof collar is applied in order to
waterproof the transition between the installed window frame and the underroof. Such
an underroof collar is known from
EP0994992B1. During the installation, the underroof collar is pulled over the window frame and
an inner portion of the underroof collar is attached to the outer side of the window
frame so that an outer skirt portion of the underroof collar extends over the underroof
of the roof structure. Subsequently flashing elements are arranged on top of the underroof
collar.
[0004] This way of weather-proofing the transition between a window frame and a roof structure
has found widespread use and has proven to work very well as long as the installation
is performed correctly. However, the underroof collar, which is typically made from
a thin water- and wind-proof non-woven material, is prone to fluttering under the
influence of wind, and is therefore not always installed with the necessary precision.
[0005] Moreover, it remains a problem that a relatively high number of installation products
have to be handled during the installation process.
[0006] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide an installation aid, which
facilitates the installation of a roof window.
[0007] In a first aspect of the invention the object is achieved with a method, comprising:
providing an installation aid comprising a plate portion adapted for being arranged
on an exterior side of the roof structure, so that it extends in parallel with the
plane of the roof structure, said plate portion matching the size and shape of the
window frame to be mounted,
arranging at least one insulating and/or weather-proofing element on the plate portion,
possibly attaching one or more insulating and/or weather-proofing elements to the
plate portion,
folding said plate portion along at least one pre-defined fold-line so that the insulating
and/or weather-proofing element(s) become enclosed in a space formed between two sections
of the plate portion, thereby bringing the installation aid into a folded state, and
using at least one first cut-out provided at a distance from the at least one fold-line
and at an outer edge of the plate portion as a handle when handling the installation
in its folded state.
[0008] This method results in the installation aid being provided in an easily manageable
folded state of delivery as also described above and in that at least one insulating
and/or weather-proofing element, which would otherwise have to be handled separately,
can be carried onto the roof together with the installation aid.
[0009] The at least one insulating and/or weather-proofing element may for example include
insulating elements adapted for being interconnected to form an insulating frame surrounding
the window frame in the mounted state, flashing members, and/or a skirt member adapted
to serve the same purpose as the outer skirt portion of a traditional underroof collar.
Other items such as coverings, claddings, fasteners, brackets etc. may also be provided
on the plate portion.
[0010] The use of the at least one first cut-out as a handle facilitates handling of the
installation aid even further. Moreover, it may provide a clear indication which way
the installation aid is to be turned during handling, which may for example reduce
the risk of insulating and/or weather-proofing element falling out.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the plate portion comprises at least two first cut-outs
and the plate portion is folded so that two first cut-outs located at two opposing
outer edges of the plate portion become superposed in a manner allowing these first
cut-outs to be used as a single handle.
[0012] When at the installation site, the use of the installation aid includes unfolding
the installation aid, arranging the plate portion on an exterior side of the roof
structure, attaching the plate portion to the roof structure, and using the plate
portion as an aid for cutting an opening in the roof structure and/or for transferring
a cutting indication to the roof structure.
[0013] The use of the at least one first cut-out as a handle may also facilitate the use
of the installation aid as a cutting guide as the handle may be used when unfolding
and arranging the plate portion on the roof structure.
[0014] In a second aspect of the invention the object of the invention is achieved with
an installation aid comprising a plate portion adapted for being arranged on an exterior
side of the roof structure, so that it extends in parallel with the plane of the roof
structure, said plate portion matching the size and shape of the window frame, where
the plate portion is provided with at least one pre-defined fold-line and at least
one first cut-out at a distance from the at least one fold-line and at an outer edge
of the plate portion, said first cut-out being suitable for use as a handle and said
fold-line allowing the installation aid to be folded in a manner so that a space is
formed between two sections of the plate portion.
[0015] By allowing the installation aid to be folded and providing the plate portion it
with a cut-out suitable for use as a handle, the installation aid gets down to a manageable
size and the handle in the relatively stiff plate portion allows it to be easily carried
onto the roof, where it is to be used. The space allows the installation aid to serve
as a carrier bag for the other installation products to be used in the installation
of the roof window, thus allowing them all to be carried onto the roof as one convenient
item.
[0016] When it is to be used for aiding in the mounting a window frame in a roof structure
of a building, the installation aid is unfolded and arranged with the plate portion
on an exterior side of the roof structure, where it may be used as an aid for cutting
the opening in the roof structure and/or for forming part of the weather-proofing
system as will be described below. Installation products held in the space of the
installation aid in the folded state may be removed before arranging the plate portion
in plane with the roof structure, but it is also possible to have some of them permanently
attached to the plate portion.
[0017] The term "cut-out" is to be understood as an interruption of the sheet material used
for the plate portion. It will often be advantageous to make it by cutting or punching,
but it is not to be understood as being limited to such methods. It is also possible
to provide the cut-out by moulding, by melting the material, or by any other method
suitable for locally interrupting the material. It is noted that it is not necessary
to remove material. It is also possible to fold away a flap of material, which has
been loosened from the plate portion. Folding away material may help to stabilize
the opening and/or make the edge of the opening less sharp.
[0018] If providing more than one fold-line, the folded installation aid may be given a
more complex shape. In one embodiment, two fold-lines are provided close to the middle
of the plate portion, so that in the folded state of the installation aid the section
between these fold-lines forms a base section on which the installation aid may rest
in a standing position. In another embodiment six fold-lines are provide so that a
base section is formed between the two fold-lines furthest from the outer edges of
the plate portion and so that a substantially rectangular space is formed between
the two sections adjacent to the base sections.
[0019] The plate portion makes the installation aid substantially more dimensionally stable
than the traditional insulating frames, making it well suited as a guide for making
the opening in the roof. For this purpose, the plate portion may have outer dimensions
matching the dimensions of the window frame, so that cut made along the outer edges
of the plate portion or along lines drawn with these edges as a drawing guide results
in an opening matching the size and shape of the window frame. It is, however also
possible to provide the plate portion with one or more second cut-outs forming inner
edges of the plate portion, which are arranged so that they match the outer dimensions
of the window frame and may thus be used as drawing or cutting guides. In other words,
the feature that the plate portion is matching the size and shape of the window frame
is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to embodiments, where the outer dimensions
of the plate portion correspond to the outer dimensions of the window frame. It is
even feasible to provide the plate portion with second cut-outs allowing one installation
aid to be used in the mounting of two or more different dimensions of the window frame,
and/or to use the outer edges of the installation aid for one window frame size and
inner edges for one or more other window frame sizes.
[0020] Alternatively, or in addition, the plate portion may replace or support the inner
portion of the underroof collar thus making the water-proofing of the transition between
the window frame and the roof structure easier than with a traditional underroof collar.
[0021] In one embodiment, the plate portion comprises at least two first cut-outs and the
fold-line(s) is/are located so that two first cut-outs located at two opposing outer
edges of the plate portion become superposed in a folded state of the installation
aid in a manner allowing these first cut-outs to be used as a single handle. This
has at least two advantages. One being that the double layer of material provides
a relatively more stable handle, another being that holding on to both of these cut-outs
at the same contributes to retaining the plate portion in its folded state and retaining
items held in the space delimited by the plate portion.
[0022] In a third aspect of the invention the object is achieved with a kit including an
installation aid as described above and at least one insulating and/or weather-proofing
element, said installation aid being folded around the insulating and/or weather-proofing
element(s) in a state of delivery so that the insulating and/or weather-proofing element
are enclosed in a space between two sections of the plate portion. This allows the
installation aid and the insulating and/or weather-proofing elements to be delivered
and handled as one convenient item.
[0023] In one embodiment, all insulating elements needed for insulating the transition between
the roof structure and the window frame and possible associated items, such as connectors,
are held by the folded installation aid. It is presently considered advantageous that
at least one of them is attached to the installation aid, for example by means of
an adhesive, in order to prevent them from being lost. It is, however, also possible
to compress the insulating element(s) when folding the installation aid, such that
it/they are kept in place by friction. It that case, the opposite sides of the installation
aid, which come together as a result of the folding, should preferably be attached
to each other, for example by means of staples, in order to make sure that the installation
aid does not unfold as a result of the pressure from the compressed insulating element(s).
[0024] The kit may further include a roof window so that it is ensured that the installer
get a roof window and an installation aid with matching shapes and sizes.
[0025] Embodiments and advantages of the invention described with reference to one aspect
of the invention also applies to the other aspect unless otherwise stated.
[0026] The following embodiments are common to all aspects of the invention.
[0027] In one embodiment, the first cut-out(s) has/have an elongate rounded shape with a
length of at least 40 mm, preferably between 90 mm and 120 mm, and a width of at least
15 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm. These dimensions make the first cut-outs
well-suited for being gripped by a human using two or more fingers and the rounded
shape facilitates gripping.
[0028] As mentioned above, the installation aid may comprise at least one second cut-out
adapted for assisting in forming an opening in the roof structure suitable for receiving
the window frame. The second cut-out may be a large cut-out corresponding in size
and shape to the size and shape of the intended opening in the roof structure and
thus also to the outer dimensions of the roof window frame to be mounted therein.
It may, however, be preferred to use a plate portion, which at least partially covers
the intended opening in the roof structure when arranged in plane with the roof, since
this will make the installation aid more dimensionally stable and provide a larger
surface suitable for carrying insulating elements and other items. A series of second
cut-outs can then be provided forming a path along the intended edge of the opening
in the roof structure. This series of second cut-outs can then be used as a cutting
guide when making the opening in the roof structure or as a drawing guide allowing
the shape of the intended opening to be transferred to the roof structure using a
pen or the like.
[0029] If the second cut-out is a large cut-out corresponding in size and shape to the size
and shape of the intended opening in the roof structure, a stabilizing member may
be arranged in the second cut-out interconnecting the edges of the second cut-out.
This will help prevent the plate portion from unintentional warping. Such a stabilizing
portion may for example be attached to the plate portion by means of an adhesive,
welding, staples, or friction.
[0030] The plate portion will typically include material, which in the mounted condition
constitutes a top, a bottom and two side members. It is, however also possible to
utilize a plate portion not extending along all sides of the opening in the roof structure,
or to use a plate with no clear distinction between top, bottom and two side members.
[0031] In one embodiment, the plate portion is assembled from four or more separate pieces
of material. This allows an overlap at the corners which may strengthen and/or stabilize
the plate portion. It also allows the separate pieces of material to be made from
different materials. One or more of the separate pieces may be made by extrusion or
a like continuous process, which may reduce the cost of manufacture. Separate frame
pieces may be assembled on site.
[0032] The plate portion is preferably made of relatively rigid material in order to facilitate
handling. Cardboard is one option, but it may be preferred to use a polymer, such
as for example polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyvinylchloride, due to its resistance
to moisture. Composites and layered materials such as polymer coated cardboard are
also usable.
[0033] Using a transparent material will allow the installer to see the battens and other
parts of the roof structure underneath the plate portion, when the installation aid
has been arranged on an exterior side of the roof structure, thus potentially facilitating
the installation process. Another potential advantage of using a transparent material
is that insulating and/or weather-proofing elements held within the space formed by
the folded installation aid can be more easily identified.
[0034] At least one third cut-out may be provided for holding a tool or another product
during installation of the installation aid and/or the window frame. Such cut-outs
are preferably embodied by leaving a flap of material, which can be folded outwards
from the plane of the plate portion, and which is then used as a shelf for carrying
the tool or other product. When no longer needed the flap can be moved back into the
cut-out to lie flush with the plate portion.
[0035] One example is the provision of two cut-outs at the side of the installation aid
intended to be arranged at the bottom of the opening in the roof structure, i.e. horizontally
and lowermost when seen in the direction of slope of the roof. When folding the flaps
loosened by the cut-outs, so that they project towards the exterior, these flaps can
be used for supporting a spirit level, thus helping to ensure a correct positioning
of the unfolded installation aid in relation to the roof structure. This is particularly
advantageous when using the installation aid as an aid for making the opening in the
roof structure.
[0036] Such flaps may also be used for positioning insulating and/or weather-proofing elements
or other items in relation to the plate portion in the folded state of the installation
aid.
[0037] Similarly, at least one fourth cut-out can be used for positioning the installation
aid in relation to the roof structure and/or for attaching the installation aid to
the roof by turning flaps of material loosened by the cut-out inwards so that they
engage with the inner sides of the battens, installation battens, or other parts of
the roof structure. Such flaps of material may also serve weather-proofing purposes
by contributing to a wind-proofing of the finished structure. Flaps projecting from
fourth cut-outs may also be used for supporting an installation batten, drainage gutter,
or tile support, either permanently or temporarily until it has been attached to the
roof structure.
[0038] Other possible types of cut-outs are at least one fifth cut-out adapted for connecting
the installation aid to another installation aid and/or at least one sixth cut-out
adapted for assisting in reducing the size of the installation aid. The fifth cut-outs
may give the outer edges of the plate portion the shape of pieces of a puzzle, or
cut-out flaps on one plate portion may be folded out and passed through openings in
another plate portion, thereby locking the two plate portions to each other. The sixth
cut-outs may serve as cutting guides or serve as weakenings allowing a separation
of two parts of the plate portion. These embodiments allow the installation aid to
be adapted for situations, where two or more roof windows are installed close to each
other, or where a roof window is installed close to another structure, such as a chimney,
a wall, or a solar collector.
[0039] User instructions can be printed on the plate portion, both regarding how to install
the installation aid itself and regarding possible other items held inside it in the
state of delivery. Other information regarding origin, size, type, etc. of the installation
aid may also be provided on the plate portion.
[0040] In order to replace or supplement a traditional underroof collar, the installation
aid may include a skirt portion attached to an outer edge of the plate portion. In
the state of the delivery, the skirt portion is preferably rolled-up or folded so
that it can be positioned between two sections of the plate portion as described above.
[0041] As will be understood by the skilled person, the advantages described with reference
to the different cut-outs above and in the following are independent of each other.
This means that the advantages described with reference to second, third, fourth,
fifth, and sixth cut-outs will still apply even if the installation aid does not have
first cut-outs suitable for use as handles. Likewise, even if some of the cut-outs
may have a combined function, one should not be regarded as a necessity if applying
another.
[0042] In the following the invention will described in more detail with reference to the
drawing, where
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an installation aid according to the invention
in a folded state of delivery,
Fig. 2 shows a different embodiment of the installation aid in a folded state and
being carried by an installer,
Fig. 3 shows the installation aid in Fig. 2 in an unfolded state,
Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of an installation aid according to the invention
in an unfolded state and arranged on a roof structure,
Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of an installation aid according to the invention
in an unfolded state and arranged on a roof structure,
Fig. 6 shows a spirit level arranged on flaps folded out from cut-outs in a fifth
embodiment of an installation aid according to the invention in an unfolded state,
Fig. 7 shows the interconnection of a sixth embodiment of installation aids arranged
in a group,
Fig. 8 shows the detail marked VIII in Fig. 7,
Fig. 9 shows the detail marked IX in Fig. 7,
Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 9 but showing an installation situation where the roof
windows are to be mounted with a shorter horizontal distance,
Fig. 11 corresponds to Fig. 7 but showing a seventh embodiment of installation aids,
and
Fig. 12 shows the detail marked XII in Fig. 11.
[0043] An installation aid 1 according to the invention is shown in a folded state in Fig.
1.
[0044] The plate portion 2 is here folded along six fold-lines 21 of which only five can
be seen. These fold-lines 21 are parallel and arranged substantially symmetrically
in relation to the centre of the plate portion, and the plate portion has been folded
over 90 degrees at each of the fold-lines. A two-part base section 22 is defined between
the two lines furthest from the outer edges 23 of the plate portion, and two side
sections 24, one on either side of the base section, extend away from the base section
substantially in parallel to each other. Two top sections 25 in continuation of the
side sections extend towards each other substantially in parallel with the base section,
and two handle sections 26 closest to the outer edges 23 of the plate portion extend
away from the base section substantially in parallel with the side sections. In this
way a substantially rectangular space has been formed between the base section 22,
the two side sections 24, and the top sections 25, while the handle sections 26 are
aligned and lying closely together.
[0045] The space formed between the base section 22, the two side sections 24, and the top
sections 25 encloses a plurality of insulating and weather-proofing elements 3, and
each of the handle sections 26 includes a first cut-out 271 suitable for use as a
handle. As the handled sections are parallel and adjacent to each other the two first
cut-outs together form a single handle.
[0046] Here the first cut-outs 271 are shown as simple openings in the material of the plate
portion, but it will be understood that it is also possible to leave a section of
the material, for example a flap having substantially the same shape as the opening,
and fold it over the edge of the opposite cut-out. The flap on one handle section
projecting through the opening in the other handle section will not only result in
a reduced risk of cutting one's fingers on the edges of the cut-outs but will also
contribute to keeping the two handle sections 26 in a closely aligned mutual position.
These advantages will also apply to other embodiments with two superposed cut-outs.
[0047] In another embodiment, which is not illustrated, the plate portion has only one handle
section. The other is either replaced by a flap, which is attached to the one handle
section, or it is left out entirely and the two top sections are connected directly
to each other.
[0048] The reference numbers used in Fig. 1 will also be used in the following figures for
features having substantially the same function, even though they are not necessarily
identical. Throughout the drawing the same reference numbers have been used for features
having substantially the same function.
[0049] Another embodiment of the installation aid 1 is shown in Figs 2 and 3. In Fig. 2
it is being carried by an installer 4 and in Fig. 3 it is in its unfolded state.
[0050] In this embodiment the plate portion 2 includes only two fold-lines 21 delimiting
two base sections 22, one on either side of a central opening 270. This means that
in the folded state, the two handle sections 26 do not lie flush but only come together
at the part closest to the outer edges 23. In this embodiment the plate portion encloses
a considerably number of insulating and weather-proofing elements in its folded state
and the handle sections are therefore curving. Staples, adhesive or the like applied
at the outer edges 23 may be used to keep the two handles sections 26 together. Here
too, it is possible to replace one of the handle sections with a flap or connect the
side section directly to the handle section on the opposite side at a position below
the first cut-out when seen in the state and orientation shown in Fig. 2.
[0051] As will be seen in Fig. 2, the folding of the plate portion 2 has resulted in the
installation aid getting down to a size, where it is easily manageable, so that the
installer 4 can conveniently carry it onto the roof of a building (not shown), and
the insulating and weather-proofing elements 3 are conveniently kept in place. The
insulating and weather-proofing elements have been attached to the plate portion by
and adhesive (not shown) before folding the plate portion so that they do not slide
out.
[0052] A company logo has been printed on the plate portion 2 and it is also possible to
print or attach other information, such as for example user instructions on the plate
portion. Logo or information can also be applied to the side of the plate portion
forming the interior side in the folded state. This possibility for adding information
to the plate portion applies to all embodiments of the invention.
[0053] A third embodiment of an installation aid is shown in Fig. 4, where the unfolded
plate portion 2 has been arranged on an exterior side of a roof structure 5 including
roofing 51, underroof 52, battens 53, and counter-battens 54 arranged on top of rafters
(not shown), so that the plate portion extends in parallel with the plane of the roof
structure. The central opening 270 is aligned with an opening 50 formed in the roof
structure so that an installer (not shown) can stand inside the building with his
upper body and arms on the outside of the opening and be able to reach the entire
installation aid and surrounding parts of the roof structure.
[0054] When mounting a window frame in the roof structure 5 using this embodiment of the
installation aid, the following sequence of steps is performed:
- Forming a preliminary opening 50 in the roof structure.
- Arranging an installation batten 55 at a position defining the position of the bottom
of the window frame in the mounted state.
- Bending flaps formed by cut-outs 274 in the plate portion 2 of the installation aid
1 inwards and arranging the plate portion on top of the battens 53 so that two of
the flaps rest on the installation batten 55 thereby positioning the plate portion
in the direction of inclination of the roof. It is also possible to first arrange
the plate portion and then bend the flaps to keep it in place.
- Attaching the plate portion 2 to the battens 53 and/or installation batten 55, for
example by means of staples.
- Possibly arranging a second installation batten 56, drainage gutter, or tile support
by using two other flaps bent out from cut-outs 274 in the plate portion as a support.
- Using the outer edges 28 extending in parallel with the direction of inclination of
the roof structure 5 as drawing aids for transferring a cutting indication to at least
the battens.
- Removing the installation aid 1 and using the just made cutting indications on the
battens 53 as a guide for cutting a permanent opening in the roof structure.
[0055] As an alternative to the last two steps, it is also possible to simply use the outer
edges 28 of the plate portion 2 as cutting guides advancing a jigsaw or the like (not
shown) along these outer edges, and then subsequently removing the installation aid.
[0056] The parts of the plate portion 2 located on top of the installation battens 55, 56,
i.e. outside the limits of the permanent opening in the roof structure, can be left
on the roof structure 5 by cutting along the lines indicated by a second cut-out 272.
These second cut-outs are sufficiently big to allow the blade of a jigsaw to pass
through one of them and the other second cut-outs in the line will then guide the
saw.
[0057] A fourth embodiment of the installation aid is shown in Fig. 5.
[0058] This installation aid is provided with second cut-outs 272 not only at the top and
bottom as in Fig.4 but also along the outer edges 28 extending in parallel with the
direction of inclination of the roof. These second cut-outs are well suited for assisting
in the formation of the opening in the roof structure by serving as drawing or cutting
guides as is here illustrated by a saw 6.
[0059] In this embodiment the parts of the plate portion 2 left after cutting out the opening
in the roof structure forms a frame surrounding the opening. This frame may serve
as a sealing frame surrounding the window frame (not shown) when it has been mounted
and contributing to the weather-proofing of the finished structure. The part which
is shown in grey and is removed when cutting the opening may be made from a different
material than the rest of the plate portion and serve as a temporary stabilizing portion.
[0060] Furthermore, the plate portion 2 here serves as a point of attachment for an outer
skirt portion 7 serving as an underroof collar, the plate portion thus replacing the
inner un-pleated portion known from some traditional underroof collars. The attachment
of the skirt portion or underroof collar 7 to an outer portion of the plate portion
2 at line 71 may be established as a part of the mounting process, or the underroof
collar may be attached already in the state of delivery and kept enclosed in the plate
portion 2 in the folded state as previously described with reference to insulating
and weather-proofing elements.
[0061] A still further embodiment is shown in Fig. 6. In addition to a central opening 270
and to second-cut-outs 272 adapted for assisting in forming an opening in the roof
structure suitable for receiving the window frame, the plate portion 2 here also includes
two third cut-out 273 from where flaps have been bent out and are holding a spirit
level 8. Such flaps can also be used for holding other tools or products associated
with the installation of a roof window and the openings formed by the cut-outs may
also be utilized for such purposes.
[0062] In this embodiment the first cut-outs 271 are of a rectangular shape, whereas they
are rounded in the other figures of the drawing.
[0063] Turning now to Figs 7-12 these show still further embodiments adapted for use when
mounting two or more window frames in a group, here four windows (not shown) mounted
two-by-two, i.e. side-by-side and over- and-under. In order to achieve the prescribed
distance between the roof windows in the group, the installation aids 1 also need
to be arranged correctly in relation to each other. Their dimensions are therefore
such that a standard installation distance is achieved by abutting the outer edges
23, 28 of the plate portions 2 so that the plate portions lie as close to each other
as possible without overlapping. In the situation shown in Fig. 7, however, a shorter
distance between the roof windows in the direction of the inclination of the roof
is required and the plate portions are therefore arranged with an overlap as is better
seen in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the mutual position of the plate portions is ensured
by means of a connector bracket 9 being inserted with each of its two legs through
fifth cut-outs 275 in the respective plate portions. As can be seen, a second set
of fifth cut-outs, here shown as holes, is provided for use if a shorter overlap is
needed.
[0064] Figs 9 and 10 show how the outer edges 28 extending in the direction of the inclination
of the roof can either abut as in Fig. 7 and 9 or overlap as in Fig. 8 and 10 and
how the connector bracket 9 and the fifth cut-outs 275 can be used for fixating either
of these mutual position as well as at least one further mutual position by passing
the connector bracket through other cut-outs.
[0065] Fig. 11 and 12 show a different embodiment of the installation aids 1 having many
of the features described with reference to the previous embodiments as indicated
by the reference numbers. In this embodiment the first cut-outs 271 are arranged at
the outer edges 28 extending in the direction of the inclination of the roof in the
mounted state and only a single fold-line 21 is used.
[0066] This embodiment too has fifth cut-outs 275 adapted for connecting one installation
aid to another installation aid, but in this embodiment the interconnection is achieved
by bending a flap 279 formed in one of the cut-outs 275 through a cut-out 275 in the
other installation aid, i.e. without any loose connector brackets. The flap 279 is
provided with an arrow and the respective cut-outs 275 in the receiving plate portion
with size indications, here the numbers 100, 120, 140, 160, helping the installer
to choose which cut-out to pass the flap through in order to have the correct distance
between the central openings 270 in the two installation aids. The numbers 100, 120,
140, 160 each indicates a distance in millimetres between the window frames so that
standard flashing and covering members may be used.
[0067] If it is desired to avoid overlapping plate portions, the plate portion 2 may instead
or as supplement be provided with at least one sixth cut-out 276 adapted for assisting
in reducing the size of the installation aid 1. Such sixth cut-outs 276 are seen in
Fig. 3, where two series of elongate cut-outs on both sides of the plate portion serve
as guides for reducing the width of the plate portion to two different smaller sizes,
but it is of course also possible to remove material only at one side. The triangular
cut-outs are intended as size indicators and explanatory text can be printed or attached
next to them. Alternatively, the triangular openings can be made with different sizes
of shapes or left out.
[0068] A need for reducing the size of the installation aid 1 may also arise from differences
in other installation conditions such as the possible use of an insulating frame.
As an example the size and shape of the plate portion 2 may correspond to the size
and shape of a standard size insulating frame, while sixth cut-outs 276 or other size
reduction aids allow the plate portion 2 to be reduced to a size corresponding to
the window frame without an insulating frame. Likewise, sixth cut-outs 276 or other
size reduction aids allowing the plate portion 2 to be reduced to a size corresponding
to smaller or reduced insulating frame may be provided, which may for example be relevant
if installing a window in a roof where the position and/or distance between rafters
does not allow the use of a standard insulating frame.
[0069] The exact design of the sixth cut-outs may vary and it is also possible to indicate
a possible size reduction without cut-out, simply adding lines, text, colouring, or
the like to the plate portion.
[0070] The installation aids 1 in Figs 7-10 are adapted either for being arranged in alignment
with a pre-made opening in the roof structure, or for using the edge of the central
opening 270 as a drawing or cutting guide, while the installation guides in Figs 11-12
have a temporary stabilizing portion as described with reference to Fig. 5. It is
to be understood that unless otherwise stated the fifth cut-outs 275 are independent
both on these features and on other features such as for example the position of the
first cut-outs. This is just one example which illustrates the general rule that the
functionally independent features of the embodiments described above are not to be
regarded as depending on each other. I.e. the presence of one does not mean that the
other has to be present too in order for the installation aid to fall within the scope
of the claims unless explicitly disclosed.
1. A method for providing an installation aid for use when mounting a window frame in
a roof structure of a building, comprising:
providing an installation aid comprising a plate portion adapted for being arranged
on an exterior side of the roof structure, so that it extends in parallel with the
plane of the roof structure, said plate portion matching the size and shape of the
window frame,
arranging at least one insulating and/or weather-proofing element on the plate portion,
possibly attaching one or more insulating and/or weather-proofing elements to the
plate portion,
folding said plate portion along at least one pre-defined fold-line so that the insulating
and/or weather-proofing element(s) become enclosed in a space formed between two sections
of the plate portion, thereby bringing the installation aid into a folded state, and
using at least one first cut-out provided at a distance from the at least one fold-line
and at an outer edge of the plate portion as a handle when handling the installation
in its folded state.
2. A method according to claim 1, where the plate portion comprises at least two first
cut-outs and where the plate portion is folded so that two first cut-outs located
at two opposing outer edges of the plate portion become superposed in a manner allowing
these first cut-outs to be used as a single handle.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 further including
unfolding the installation aid,
arranging the plate portion on an exterior side of the roof structure,
attaching the plate portion to the roof structure, and
using the plate portion as an aid for cutting an opening in the roof structure and/or
for transferring a cutting indication to the roof structure.
4. An installation aid adapted for use when mounting a window frame in a roof structure
of a building, said installation aid comprising a plate portion adapted for being
arranged on an exterior side of the roof structure, so that it extends in parallel
with the plane of the roof structure, said plate portion matching the size and shape
of the window frame, where the plate portion is provided with at least one pre-defined
fold-line and at least one first cut-out at a distance from the at least one fold-line
and at an outer edge of the plate portion, said first cut-out being suitable for use
as a handle and said fold-line allowing the installation aid to be folded in a manner
so that a space is formed between two sections of the plate portion.
5. An installation aid according to claim 4, where the plate portion comprises at least
two first cut-outs and where the fold-line(s) is/are located so that two first cut-outs
located at two opposing outer edges of the plate portion become superposed in a folded
state of the installation aid in a manner allowing these first cut-outs to be used
as a single handle.
6. An installation aid according to claim 4 or 5, where the first cut-out(s) has/have
an elongate rounded shape with a length of at least 40 mm, preferably between 90 mm
and 120 mm, and a width of at least 15 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm.
7. An installation aid according to one or more of claims 4-6, further comprising at
least one second cut-out adapted for assisting in forming an opening in the roof structure
suitable for receiving the window frame.
8. An installation aid according to one or more of claims 4-7, further comprising at
least one third cut-out for holding a tool or another product during installation
of the installation aid and/or the window frame.
9. An installation aid according to one or more of claims 4-8, further comprising at
least one fourth cut-out for positioning the installation aid in relation to the roof
structure and/or for attaching the installation aid to the roof structure.
10. An installation aid according to one or more of claims 4-9, further comprising at
least one fifth cut-out adapted for connecting the installation aid to another installation
aid and/or at least one sixth cut-out adapted for assisting in reducing the size of
the installation aid.
11. An installation aid according to one or more of the claims 4-10, where one or more
cut-outs leave a flap of material, which can be folded outwards from the plane of
the plate portion.
12. An installation aid according to one or more of the claims 4-11, where user instructions
are printed on the plate portion.
13. An installation aid according to one or more of the claims 4-12, further including
an outer skirt portion attached to an outer portion of said plate portion.
14. A kit including an installation aid according to one or more of claims 4-13 and at
least one insulating and/or weather-proofing element, said installation aid being
folded around the insulating and/or weather-proofing element(s) in a state of delivery.
15. A kit according to claim 14 further including a roof window with a frame having a
size and shape matching the size and shape of the plate portion.