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(11) | EP 1 055 796 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Mechanical joint for frames and transoms |
| (57) A joining piece (30) and a method of using the joining piece for joining together
a first (2) and a second (12) elongate profile at an angle, the second elongate profile
(12) having a tubular section is described. The joining piece (30) is adapted for
fixing, e.g. clipping, to the first elongate profile (2) and the joining piece is
inserted in the tubular section at an end of the second elongate profile (12) or the
tubular section at an end of the second profile is inserted in the joining piece.
The tubular section of the second elongate profile (12) is inserted into the joining
piece (30) or the joining piece (30) is inserted into the tubular section of the second
profile (12) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second
profile. Preferably, the joining piece (30) has a cam surface which rides on the end
of the second elongate profile to push the first elongate profile (2) away from the
end of the second elongate profile (12) to thereby allow the second elongate profile
to clip into the first elongate profile. |
[0001] The present invention relates to a joint between profiles, particularly to a joint for the structural connection of section bars, especially those which are tubular or include tubular or hollow sections. The present invention may find advantageous use in the joining of window or door frames including joining together mullions, sashes, transoms etc., for example the joining of a transom into an existing window frame at an intermediate position along one side of the frame.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] There are a large number of designs of extruded plastic or metal profiles which are used in the building trade for open frames such as window frames, window sashes (the moving part of the window) and door frames. Generally, these profiles include, in cross-section, one or more quadratic tubular sections running the length of the profile. These tubular sections provide good strength and rigidity with relatively low weight. Attached to the tubular section there are usually one or more flanges with a cross-section which may receive a rubber or elastomer seal. These flanges may be adapted to receive window panes, glazing generally including double glazing, door panels etc. There are also a large number of designs for the joining of two profiles at an angle, e.g. 90° to form an open frame or to form a cross-member or transom in an existing frame, for example a welded frame. Some of these designs use a joint piece which is attached to one frame member and eases the attachment of the other frame members. The two members of the frame may be identical profiles or may have different cross-sections.
[0003] Several of the designs of joint pieces have a tubular part which is fixed to a first frame member and locates into the tubular cross-section of the adjoining frame member. The adjoining frame member is slid over the tubular part of the joint member until it abuts the first frame member. When several frame members are joined together to form a quadratic frame (generally at least four are necessary) the frame members must be moved together roughly at the same time. If one frame member is not located properly the frame members must be moved far enough apart again so that each adjoining frame member can be slid over the tubular part of the relevant joining piece. Where the frame has intermediate joining cross-pieces or transoms, forgetting one of these transoms means dismantling the frame at least partly or distorting the frame sufficiently until enough space is available to insert the transom end over the tubular part of the joint piece. Further, many joint pieces must be inserted from one end of the relevant frame member and then slid along the member to the correct position. If such a joint piece is forgotten, the frame must be dismantled to allow access to the free ends of the relevant frame members.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention, to provide a joint and a jointing method which avoids the problems with the conventional devices.
[0005] In particular it is an object of the present invention to provide a joint and a jointing method which allows the jointing of a frame member at an intermediate position into an open frame without requiring dismantling of the frame.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a joint and a jointing method which has simplicity and speed of assembly, with the added bonus of providing automated fixing of a transom to a frame such as a window, sash or door frame.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a mechanical joint which is aesthetically pleasing and with the little visibility of the joint itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention may provide a method of using a joining piece for joining together a first and a second elongate profile at an angle, whereby the joining piece is adapted for fixing to the first elongate profile and the joining piece is inserted in the second elongate profile, wherein the second elongate profile is inserted in the joining piece in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second profile. The second profile preferably has a tubular cross-section. In addition a further direction of insertion may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second elongate profile. Preferably, the joining piece is clipped into the first profile. Preferably, the joining piece has an arcuate cam surface which co-operates with the end of the second elongate profile member to push away the first elongate member a sufficient distance to allow he second member to enter the joining piece followed by return of the first member to abut the end of the second member. Preferably, the end of the second elongate profile clips into the first elongate profile. The joining piece assists in this clipping action by spacing the first elongate member from the end of the second elongate member as a cam follower portion on the end of the second elongate member engages with and slides over the arcuate cam surface of the joining piece.
[0009] A further aspect of the present invention is a method of joining a joining piece and two profiles together securely with a single fastening device, e.g. a long screw. For example, the present invention includes insertion of a peg into a hole transversely through at least a part of the second profile, the peg including an internal thread running perpendicular to the peg's longitudinal axis, that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second profile, and a fastening means is introduced through the first profile and the joining piece to engage with the internal thread of the peg.
[0010] A further aspect of the present invention includes a joining piece for joining together a first and a second elongate profile at an angle, whereby the joining piece is adapted for fixing to the first elongate profile and a direction of insertion of the joining piece in the second elongate profile or of insertion of the second elongate profile in the joining piece is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second profile. In addition a further direction of insertion may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second elongate profile. Preferably, the joining piece clips into the first profile. Preferably, the joining piece has an arcuate cam surface which co-operates with the end of the second elongate profile member to push away the first elongate member a sufficient distance to allow he second member to enter the joining piece followed by return of the first member to abut the end of the second member. Preferably, the joining piece facilitates the second elongate profile clipping into the first elongate profile.
[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a joint between a first profile and a second profile at an angle to each other using a joining piece which is fixed to the first profile and inserted into the second profile or the second profile is inserted into the joining piece, wherein a peg is inserted in a hole transversely through at least a part of the second profile, the peg including an internal thread running perpendicular to the peg's longitudinal axis, that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second profile, and a fastening means is introduced through the first profile and the joining piece to engage with the internal thread of the peg. Preferably, the joining piece may be clipped to the first profile. Preferably, a direction of insertion of the joining piece in the second elongate profile or of insertion of the second elongate profile in the joining piece is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second profile. In addition a further direction of insertion may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second elongate profile. The second profile preferably clips into the first profile.
[0012] The first and second profiles may form part of a window frame or a sash frame of a window. A joint in accordance with the present invention may be made at an intermediate position on such a frame, e.g. one which is welded. A joint for a window, sash or door frame in accordance with the present invention fully addresses 3 critical objectives:
1) The transom cannot move, because the joining piece, by clip-fitting it into the drainage area of the frame or sash, is prevented from any movement.
2) The transom cannot twist, because the joint piece holds the free ends of the transom between 2 thick walls.
3) The transom cannot open up from the frame or sash because both components are tightly joined together, e.g. by a screw.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Figs. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of preparation of one member of a window frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of preparation of one member of a sash frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 shows insertion of a joining piece in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention into a member shown in any of Figs. 1 to 4.
Fig: 6 shows the joining piece of Fig. 5 clipped in place.
Fig. 7 is a thee-dimensional representation of Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 shows how a seal or bead may be removed to accommodate the joining piece shown in Figs. 5 to 7.
Figs. 9, 10 and 11 show preparation of a second member of a frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, whereby Fig. 9 shows the milling template for the en of the second member.
Figs. 12 and 13 show insertion of the screw sleeve in the second member.
Fig. 14 shows the method of location of a transom between two frame members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 15 and 16 show joints formed using a joining piece in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 17 and 18 show two alternative embodiments of how the first member of a frame is secured to a second member.
Fig. 19 shows a T joint in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 20 is a three-dimensional representation of a joining piece in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The present invention will be described with reference to certain embodiments and to certain drawings but the present invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.
[0016] Fig. 19 is a schematic representation of a joint, e.g. a "T" joint, between two elongate members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The joint may be formed at an intermediate position in a frame made up of a plurality of first elongate members 2 all of which are connected together at their ends, e.g. by welding. The joint comprises a first elongate member 2 which may be a plastic or metal profile having one or more tubular sections 4, 5, 6 which may be substantially quadratic and one or more flanges 7, 8, 9, 10. One (4) of the tubular sections 4, 5, 6 is a main tubular section having a cross-sectional dimension at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70 % or more of the largest dimension of member 2. Flanges 7, 8, 9, 10 may be adapted to receive rubber or elastomeric seals or may provide channels for weather-stripping or for sliding panels or window panes or doors. The first elongate member 2 is joined to a second elongate member 12 of similar or dissimilar cross-section at an angle, e.g. substantially perpendicular. The second elongate member may comprise a plastic or metal profile having one or more tubular sections 13, 14, 15, 16 which may be substantially quadratic and one or more flanges 17, 18, 19. One (15) of the tubular sections 13-16 is a main tubular section having a cross-sectional dimension at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% or more of the largest dimension of member 12. Pairs of flanges 7 to 10 or 17 to 19 may form channel structures with a portion of the quadratic tubular sections 4 to 6 or 13-16, respectively. The end of the second elongate member 12 fits into a joining piece 30 which is located in one of the channels 3 of the first elongate member 2.
[0017] A joining piece 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in Fig. 20 as well as Figs. 5, 6 and 7. It may be made of plastic or metal, for instance. It is adapted to fit into a channel 3 of a first elongate member 2 and to clip into a portion of a flange 8 so that it is temporarily held in place before being finally secured. The channel 3 may be a drainage area of elongate member 2. The joining piece 30 comprises a central tubular portion 32 which is integral with a planar base portion 31, the central tubular portion 32 extending from the base 31 at the angle (e.g. 90°) which the joint is to make. The central tubular portion 32 is adapted to fit into one of the tubular sections 13-16 of the second elongate member 12, I.e. it may be a quadratic tubular portion. Flanking the central tubular section on at least two sides thereof are flanges 33, 34 which are integral with base portion 31 and extend away therefrom in the same direction as the central tubular portion 32. The two flanges 33, 34 form parallel channel spaces 35, 36 respectively with the outer walls of the central tubular portion 32 for receipt of one wall of a tubular section 13-16 of the adjoining second elongate member 12. In addition the joining piece 30 has a central circular tubular part 37 with a hole 38 therein which penetrates though the base portion 31. One portion of the central circular tubular part 37 extends away from the base portion 31 in the same direction as the central tubular portion 32. The central tubular portion 32 of the joining piece 30 has two arcuate or sloping cam surfaces 66 formed, for instance, in opposing walls of the central tubular section 32. The arcuate or sloping cam surface is preferably convex in a direction facing away from the base 31. The cam surfaces 66 are preferably further from the base 31 than the central circular tubular portion 37. Preferably, the flanges 33, 34 are also profiled in their height above the base 31 such that any position on the arcuate or angled cam surface 66 is always further from the base 31 than the position on the flanges 33, 34 defined by a line passing through the position on the arcuate cam surface in a direction perpendicular to the flanges 33, 34 and parallel to planar base 31.
[0018] The method of installation of a joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. With reference to Figs. 1 or 2 an end view of a first elongate member 2 is shown with a flat channel section 3 at the top. The first elongate member 2 will form at least part of the frame of a window, a door or similar. The base of channel 3 is formed from one wall 43 of a quadratic tubular section 4 of the first elongate member 2 and the side-walls of the channel 3 are formed by two flanges 8, 9. In preparation for clamping the first elongate member 2 to the second elongate member 12 two aligned holes 47, 48 are drilled into the opposing walls 41, 43 of the quadratic tubular section 4 of elongate member 2. The two holes 47, 48 may be the same diameter (Fig. 2) or may have differing diameters (Fig. 1). If additional reinforcing is required at the joint position a reinforcing piece 46 may be introduced into the inside of the central quadratic tubular section 4 of the first elongate member 2 in the location of the joint. This reinforcing piece 46 may be made of metal and preferably has the same outer form as the inside form of a quadratic tubular section 15 of the second elongate member 2. Holes 47, 48 are drilled through the reinforcing piece 46 as well in this case. Preferably, the lower hole 47 is of such a larger diameter than hole 48 that the head of a bolt passes through hole 47 but not hole 48 so that the head of the bolt is tightened against the inner wall of the reinforcing piece 46 at a position close to the base 43 of channel 3.
[0019] When the first elongate member 2 is part of the frame of a sash of a window the preferred method is always to use a reinforcing piece 46 which is adapted to slide into the tubular section 4 of the first elongate member 2 and to make the hole 47 larger than hole 48 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
[0020] Next the joining piece 30 is snap fitted into channel 3 as shown schematically in Fig. 5. The flanges 33, 34 or another appropriate part of piece 30 preferably have a first clipping device such as a lip or step 39 which clips underneath a second clipping device such as a step or lip 45 of the flange 8. The piece 30 preferably has an extension of the central circular tubular portion 37 which forms a boss 40 extending below the base 41 of piece 30 and which fits into hole 48 in the base wall 43 of channel 3. The piece 30 is then held within channel 3 by the flanges 8, 9, the boss 40 in hole 48 and the clipping action of the first and second clipping devices 39, 45 (Figs. 6 and 7) of flange 8. Where a prefitted seal in flange 8 interferes with the entry of piece 30 into channel 3, this may be removed as shown in Fig. 8, before insertion of piece 30. Optionally, if required the joining piece 30 may be further secured to the first elongate member 2 by means of one or more screws which may be fitted through the base 41 of joining piece 30 and screwed into the wall 43 of second elongate member 2 (Fig. 7).
[0021] The preparation of the end of the second elongate element 12 is shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11. Two aligned holes 57, 58 are drilled through two opposing walls 51 and 53 of a quadratic tubular section 15 of the second elongate member 12 (which may be a transom). It is preferred if the centre line through these holes 57, 58 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first elongate member 2 when the two members 2 and 12 are joined together but the present invention is not limited thereto. If required an additional reinforcing piece 56 may be slipped inside the tubular section 15 of elongate member 12 before the drilling. The end of elongate member 12 is then cut or milled in accordance with a profile as shown schematically in Fig. 9 which results in the shape at the bottom of elongate member 12 as shown in Fig. 11. The flanges 19 and 20 as well as the tubular sections 13 and 14 may be cut back from the end of the second elongate member 12 along its longitudinal axis more than the remainder of the member 12 to form a step 58. The milling or cutting removes the portion of the wall 54 (and a corresponding piece of the reinforcing piece 56 if this is present) so that there is an opening 59 in the central quadratic tubular section 15 facing towards the step 58. Optionally a further clipping device 65 may be milled in the end of member 12. Further, the surface 67 at the end of the step 58 is preferably at an acute angle 69 to the longitudinal surface of step 58 of member 12. The end 68 of the angled portion forms a cam follower which will follow the arcuate or angled cam surface 66 of joining piece 30 as described below. A screw sleeve or peg 61, 62 is now inserted in holes 57, 58, for instance screw sleeve 61, 62 may comprise two parts 61 and 62 which screw into each other. In screw sleeve 61, 62 there is a central tapped hole 63 whose centre line is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of screw sleeve 61, 62. This hole 63 should be aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of elongate member 12 to allow entry of the end of a bolt 64 (see Figs. 17 and 18). The second elongate member 12 now appears as in Fig. 13.
[0022] The other end of elongate element 12 may be prepared in the same way and a further joining piece 30 may be located into a further first elongate element 2. The transom represented by 12 can now be located between two first elongate members 2 as shown schematically in Fig. 14. One end of elongate member 12 can be pushed onto the central tubular portion 32 of a joining piece 30. The other end of elongate member 12 is located into another joining piece 30 by a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of both the first and second elongate members 2 and 12. The opening 59 in the step 58 region of the end of elongate member 12 slides over the central quadratic tubular portion 32 of joining piece 30 while the two opposing walls 51 and 53 of member 12 slide into the receiving spaces 35 and 36 between the flanges 33 and 34 and the central tubular portion 32 of joining piece 30. During the process and initiating it, the cam follower 68 of the second member 12 rides over the arcuate or sloping cam surface 66 of joining piece 30 pushing the first elongate member 2 away from the end of the member 12. Where first elongate members 2 form a frame and member 12 is a transom, the elongate members 2 flex to allow the cam follower 68 to ride over the cam surface 66. This allows the angled section 67 of member 12 to clear the end of piece 30 as well as the end of flange 8 of adjoining elongate member 2. The first elongate members 2 are then pushed back towards each other, e.g. by the flexed elongate members 2 returning to their stress-free state so that they abut firmly with the ends of the second elongate members 12. The clipping device 65 locates into a channel or other similar mechanical receiving space in flange 9 thus clipping the transom 12 into the adjoining first member 2. The angled portion 67 slides in to conform to the sloping outer surface of the flange 8. The final result is shown in Fig. 15. If it is desired only to form a "T" joint, a single joining piece may be used as shown in Fig. 16. In either case the result is an aesthetically pleasing joint.
[0023] The final step is to secure the joint permanently by fixing a bolt 64 from the exposed side of elongate member 2 which is opposite the second elongate member 12 though the central hole 38 of fixing piece 32 into the tapped hole 63 of the screw sleeve 61, 62 located in the second elongate member 12. Depending on the size of hole 47 the head of bolt 64 either rests against the outside of first elongate member 2 (Fig. 18) or against the inner side of wall 43 of the tubular section 4 of first elongate member 2 or against the inner wall of the reinforcing piece 46 if present (Fig. 17). The result is as shown in Fig. 19.
1. A method of using a joining piece for joining together a first and a second elongate
profile at an angle, the second elongate profile having a tubular section, whereby
the joining piece is adapted for fixing to the first elongate profile and the joining
piece is inserted in the tubular section at an end of the second elongate profile
or the tubular section at an end of the second profile is inserted in the joining
piece, wherein the tubular section of the second elongate profile is inserted into
the joining piece or the joining piece is inserted into the tubular section of the
second profile in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second
profile.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the joining piece is fixed to the first elongate
profile at an intermediate position thereof.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first profile has a tubular section.
4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising the step of removing a portion
of a side wall of the tubular section of the second profile.
5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the joining piece is clipped
into the first profile.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the joining piece is clipped into a channel
of the first elongate profile.
7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second elongate profile
is clipped into the first elongate profile.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the joining piece has a cam surface and the
clipping step includes the end of the second elongate profile riding over the cam
surface to thereby move the first elongate profile away from the end of the second
elongate profile.
9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and second elongate
profiles form a frame.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the frame is a window frame, a sash frame
or a door frame.
11. A joining piece for joining together a first and a second elongate profile at an angle,
the second elongate profile having a tubular section, whereby the joining piece is
adapted for fixing to the first elongate profile and a direction of insertion of the
joining piece in the tubular section at an end of the second elongate profile or of
insertion of the tubular section at an end of the second elongate profile in the joining
piece is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second profile.
12. The joining piece according to claim 11, further comprising a base portion for location
abutting the first elongate profile and a sloping or arcuate cam surface facing away
from the base portion.
13. The joining piece according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a clipping device
for clipping the joining piece to the first elongate profile.
14. A joint comprising a first and a second elongate profile joined at an angle to each
other, the second elongate profile having a tubular section, a joining piece fixed
to the first elongate profile and inserted in an end of the tubular section of the
second elongate profile, wherein the insertion direction of second elongate profile
into the joining piece is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second
profile.
15. The joint according to claim 14, wherein the second elongate profile is clipped into
the first elongate profile.
16. The joint according to claims 14 or 15, wherein the joint is formed at an intermediate
position on the first elongate profile.