DRAINAGE WINDOW SILL

Abstract

 Window sill assembly comprising a frame and a window sill, wherein the assembly is provided so as to extend over an outside wall and at least a part of a cavity wall, wherein the frame comprises at least a rear segment and two side segments which are provided to support the window sill respectively at the position of its rear side and at the position of its sides, wherein the frame further comprises a front profile which is provided so as to extend at least partially over the outside wall for the purpose of supporting a front side of the window sill, wherein the window sill is provided at the position of the front side with a drip zone, all this such that water can be discharged via the drip zone from a position on the front profile, wherein the window sill assembly further comprises a sheet material which extends under the window sill, wherein the sheet material is connected on the rear side and the sides of the frame and extends to a position at the front profile.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a window sill assembly provided so as to extend over an outside wall and at least a part of a cavity wall.

[0002] Recent building requirements in respect of insulation and airtight construction have led architects and contractors to place windows and doors more in the direction of the inside wall. Traditionally, windows and doors are placed on and/or close to the outside wall. This has the advantage that the outside wall and window and/or door form a substantially continuous barrier to rain, moisture and dirt. This is because the window and/or the door is physically connected to the outside wall. In practice the gap between the window and/or the door on the one hand and the outside wall on the other is sealed in order to prevent moisture, water and dirt from ending up behind the outside wall. When the window and/or the door is connected to the inside wall, different measures have to be taken in order to prevent water, moisture and dirt from ending up behind the outside wall. This is because, when water ends up behind the outside wall, the water may compromise the insulating effect of the outside wall relative to the inside wall. The water can also penetrate as far as the inside wall and damage the inside wall, for instance damage plaster or paint. When the window and/or the door is placed more in the direction of the inside wall, special attention is paid to framing. More specifically, the opening between the outside wall and the window and/or the door will have to be finished in order to carry water, moisture and dirt to the outer side of the outside wall. The window sill plays an important part herein.

[0003] A window sill is typically provided on an underside of the window or door in order to finish the opening in the wall in which the window or door has been placed on the underside. Such window sills typically drain in the direction of an outer side of the outside wall so that water does not remain in the window opening. Window sills are traditionally manufactured typically from stone, for instance bluestone. Window sills are more recently also being made of other materials, for instance from plastic, aluminium or other materials. The connection between the window on the one hand and the outside walls on the other is important here in guaranteeing correct operation of the window sill. One of the main purposes of a window sill, in addition to aesthetic finishing of the window opening, is to prevent water, moisture and dirt being able to penetrate via the window opening into the building or into the wall.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a window sill assembly which is better configured to discharge water, moisture and dirt to an outer side of the outside wall.

[0005] The invention provides for this purpose a window sill assembly comprising a frame and a window sill, wherein the assembly is provided so as to extend over an outside wall and at least a part of a cavity wall, wherein the frame comprises at least a rear segment and two side segments which are provided to support the window sill respectively at the position of its rear side and at the position of its sides, wherein the frame further comprises a front profile which is provided so as to extend at least partially over the outside wall for the purpose of supporting a front side of the window sill, wherein the window sill is provided so as to extend over the front profile and wherein the front side is provided with a drip zone, all this such that water can be discharged via the drip zone from a position on the front profile, wherein the window sill assembly further comprises a sheet material which extends under the window sill, wherein the sheet material is connected on the rear side and the sides of the frame and extends to a position at the front profile.

[0006] The invention is based on the insight that preventing water from ending up behind the outside wall comprises of several stages. In a first stage a physical barrier is formed on the outer side. The outer side is the side where the construction elements are in contact with the outside air. In a second stage water which has ended up behind the physical barrier is collected and discharged. In other words, water will not only be kept out, but the construction is formed such that water which has penetrated is guided out before it ends up behind the outside wall. This is made possible by providing the sheet material under the window sill. The sheet material can only function reliably when placed correctly. This is a great challenge in practice. The invention therefore provides a frame for the window sill and is provided so as to connect the sheet material on the rear side and sides of the frame. In other words, a mechanism is provided for placing the sheet material. The good functioning of the sheet material can hereby be guaranteed.

[0007] The window sill further extends over the front profile, which extends over the outside wall. By also connecting the sheet material to this front profile water which has come to lie on the sheet material will be carried to a position over the outside wall. Water which passes the physical barrier of the first stage will hereby still not be able to end up behind the outside wall. This is advantageous because a fully watertight framing is very difficult to construct in practice. With prolonged use for instance, the water will be able to find its way through the first barrier, inter alia due to wear. By making use of a sheet material under the window sill, the window sill assembly can be provided so as to divert the water to a position outside the outside wall. By providing the window sill with a drip zone the water which is carried via the sheet material to an outer side of the outside wall will no longer run down along the outside wall. The latter stated could, in time, result in streaks and/or discoloration on the outside wall, which is undesirable from an aesthetic viewpoint. By discharging the water via a drip zone on the window sill, the water can drop down from the drip zone at a distance from the outside wall, so that the discharged water does not come into direct contact with the outside wall.

[0008] The sheet material is preferably formed integrally with a surface area greater than that of the window sill. By forming the sheet material integrally it is possible to prevent overlaps. It will be apparent that overlaps typically form a location where the water is still potentially able to penetrate or seep through. Providing the sheet material integrally will prevent this. By making the sheet material with a surface area greater than that of the window sill, the sheet material will extend more widely and/or deeply in the wall than the window sill. The sheet material hereby spans a zone which is wider and/or deeper than the zone which is covered by the window sill. Water which still find its way beyond the first barrier will therefore end up fully on the sheet material and can still be carried via the sheet material to the outer side of the outside wall.

[0009] The rear segment is preferably provided so as to at least partially support a window, wherein the sheet material is connected to the rear side by clamping the sheet material between the rear side and the window, preferably over the whole width of the window. It is advantageous to have a window support on the rear segment. This supporting function ensures that the window can be secured more easily. The rear segment hereby obtains multiple functions, i.e. supporting the window and attaching the sheet material. The sheet material can be clamped between the window and the rear segment. The clamping guarantees that water which comes to lie between the window and window sill is collected by the sheet material.

[0010] The side segment is preferably provided with an outer upright wall, wherein the sheet material extends under the side segments and is connected to the outer upright wall. When the sheet material is connected to the outer upright walls of the side segments and extends under the side segments, the side segments will beat situated above and as seen in the transverse direction, within the boundaries of the sheet material. Water running down at the side segments will hereby be collected by the sheet material and be carried via the sheet material to the outer side of the outside wall. This makes it possible to manufacture the framing between outside wall and window more inexpensively, whereby watertightness is not guaranteed. Sheet material extending under the side segments will be able to collect water which flows down on the sides of the window at the position of the framing. Water which might penetrate via the side of the window sill can also be collected by the sheet material. Discharge of water is thus further improved.

[0011] The sheet material preferably forms a water receptacle with upright edges at the position of the rear segment and at the position of the side segments. Forming a water receptacle with the sheet material will make it possible to collect water in the water receptacle. Undesired running off of the collected water from the sheet material at the position of the rear segment and at the position of the side segments can also be prevented. The flow of the water can hereby be controlled and directed toward the outer side of the outside wall.

[0012] The sheet material is preferably placed such that the water receptacle drains to the front profile. This is advantageous because the front profile is positioned at least partially over the outside wall. The water can hereby be discharged to the outer side of the outside wall in simple manner.

[0013] The front profile is preferably provided so as to hold the sheet material, preferably over the whole length of the front profile. By holding the sheet material, the sheet material cannot be displaced from its arranged position. The sheet material hereby ensures that substantially the whole underside of the window sill remains watertight. The holding of the sheet material by the front profile further allows the sheet material to be placed before the window sill is placed. This gives builders the option to place the window, to place the sheet material and then place the framing and the window sill. This is because the sheet material is connected via the frame to the window sill.

[0014] The front profile preferably comprises two elements between which the sheet material is clamped. The clamping of the sheet material is advantageous because the attachment can take place over the whole width of the profile in simple manner. Clamping over the whole width of the profile has the advantage that it ensures that the sheet material is attached over the whole width to the front profile. The water can hereby be discharged via the front profile. Furthermore, an additional attaching means or attaching element is not necessary either.

[0015] The drip zone is preferably formed by a cavity in the front of the window sill and at least one opening on an underside of the cavity, which cavity preferably extends over substantially the whole width of the window sill. When the water is discharged via a cavity on the front side of the window sill, the water can be easily discharged on the outer side of the outside wall.

[0016] The cavity is preferably accessible via a slot situated under the window sill and directed toward the rear side, wherein the sheet material extends via the slot into the cavity. This slot serves as guiding element for guiding the water to the cavity. It is hereby advantageous also to have the sheet material extend along the slot and via the slot into the cavity. This is advantageous because the water is thus discharged via the sheet material, through the slot to the cavity.

[0017] The drip zone is preferably formed by providing an edge at the front of the window sill, which edge also extends downward. The edge thus serves as reservoir, where the water is temporarily stored before it is discharged through the opening. The edge more preferably has an acute angle. The angle, preferably an acute angle, ensures that the location where water drips down can be precisely determined.

[0018] The at least one opening preferably comprises a plurality of openings provided at the position of the front and on the underside of the window sill at a mutual distance in the width direction. By providing a plurality of openings a greater flow rate of water can typically flow through the openings from the cavity to the drip edge. A greater flow rate of water is advantageous for preventing accumulation of water in the window sill. The discharge will also take place more quickly when the openings are distributed over the width direction.

[0019] The window sill is preferably formed as a plate which is bent at the front of the window sill, so that the cavity is formed. This has the advantage that the window sill can be formed from one plate in simple and inexpensive manner.

[0020] The window sill is preferably manufactured from a metal, preferably from aluminium. A metal is a typical example of the material from which window sills are manufactured. An advantage of using a metal is the pliability, whereby the window sill can be made from one plate more easily.

[0021] The invention will now be further described on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0022] In the drawing:

figure 1 shows an outer shell of a building with an opening for a window;

figure 2 shows an exploded view of a window sill assembly according to a first aspect of the invention;

figure 3 shows a detail view of a side segment according to an embodiment of the invention;

figure 4 shows a section of an outer shell and window with window sill assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

figure 5 shows an exploded view of a window sill assembly according to a second aspect of the invention;

figure 6 shows a schematic section of a window sill assembly according to a preferred embodiment at the position of the inside wall;

figure 7 shows a perspective view of a window sill assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

figure 8 shows a section of an outer shell and window with window sill assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

figure 9 shows several embodiments of a window sill as applicable in the window sill assembly according to the invention.

[0023] In the drawing the same or similar elements are given the same reference numeral.

[0024] Figure 1 shows an outer shell of a building. The outer shell is typically constructed from an inside wall 1 and an outside wall 2 which are erected at a distance from each other. This distance is called the cavity 3. Cavity 3 can be a layer of air, can be formed by insulating material, or a combination thereof. Inside wall 1 and outside wall 2 can each be manufactured from different types of material. Inside wall and outside wall 1, 2 can thus be made of stone, wherein a facing brick is typically chosen for the outside wall, while a cheaper stone is typically chosen for an inside wall. The inside wall can alternatively be constructed from wood. The outside wall can also be constructed from wood, wherein the wood is then typically covered or treated, so that it is resistant to different weather conditions. As further alternative, outside wall 2 can be formed by a plaster layer. The skilled person will appreciate that different options and combinations are possible. The examples given above are therefore not limitative to the invention and serve only to illustrate the invention.

[0025] Recent trends and developments in respect of insulation and airtight construction make it advantageous to place windows and doors on the inside wall. Placing on the inside wall is defined as the most important connection between the window and/or door and the wall being situated between the latter stated and the inside wall. The window and/or the door is hereby mounted on and carried by the inside wall. The direct result hereof is that opening 4 which is provided in inside wall 1 determines the dimensions of the window. A further result is that the opening in outside wall 2 must be manufactured in accordance with the opening in inside wall 1, and in accordance with the window which will be placed therein. This is further elucidated below. When the window or the door is placed on inside wall 1, it is easier to connect an airtight sheet material which forms part of inside wall 1. The insulation is also found to be better.

[0026] In the further description the invention will be elucidated with reference to a window. It will however be apparent to the skilled person that the invention can be applied in wholly similar manner in placing of a door. The invention is not limited here to a window, a door or to a determined kind or type of window.

[0027] When the window is placed on inside wall 1, inside wall 1 is typically first erected with the opening 4 provided therein. This opening 4 is measured, after which a window is manufactured to the size of the opening 4. This is what must be understood in this description when it is stated that the opening in the inside wall determines the dimensions of the window. The window 4 is placed, after which the exact dimensions and position of the outer window sill can be determined. In order to guarantee good drainage, the outer window sill is typically formed with a slight incline, wherein the window sill drains in a direction away from the window. This angle of inclination is predetermined. Water and dirt can hereby be discharged via the window sill to an outer side of outside wall 2. The opening which must be provided an outside wall 2 must take into consideration on the one hand the definitive width of the window sill, as well as the optimal angle of inclination of the window sill. In practice it is difficult for builders to correctly estimate the size and position of the opening in outside wall 2 beforehand. In practice, the window sill is therefore often placed, after which outside wall 2 is erected further around the window sill, so that the opening in outside wall 2 is optimally formed. The advantage hereof is that the opening in outside wall 2 is formed correctly. The drawback is however that the window sill can become damaged by workmen erecting outside wall 2 further. The placing of the window sill is also difficult because the outside wall has not yet been formed up to the desired height at the moment of placing. Figure 2 shows an aspect of the window sill assembly according to the invention which provides a solution for this problem.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a part of an inside wall 1 and an outside wall 2 which are provided at a mutual distance, this distance forming the cavity 3. Figure 2 further shows a window 5 which is provided to be placed in the opening (not shown in figure 2) of inside wall 1. Figure 2 further shows a window sill 6 which can be placed as outer window sill on window 5 in order to give the underside of the window opening an aesthetic finish and in order to discharge water and dirt to an outer side of outside wall 2. Window sill 6 is provided so as to be placed on a frame which comprises at least two side segments. The two side segments 7 of the frame are shown in Figure 2. Side segments 7 support window sill 6 in the placed position. Each side segment 7 is formed from two parts which are movable relative to each other. Each side segment preferably has a first, fixed part 8 and a second, movable part 9. Movable part 9 can slide relative to fixed part 8 so that the length of side segment 7 is adjustable. This is illustrated with arrow 10.

[0029] Side segments 7 are formed such that they can function for builders, more specifically for the builders erecting outside wall 2, as a jig which indicates the final position of window sill 6, even before window sill 6 has actually been placed. Side segments 7 can be connected directly or indirectly to window 5, such that the relative position between fixed part 8 of side segment 7 and window 5 allows an optimal positioning of the window sill. The length of side segment 7 can then be adjusted by extending movable part 9 such that the length of side segments 7 is adapted to the thickness of the wall, more specifically the thickness of cavity wall 3 and outside wall 2. In a preferred embodiment which will be discussed below the distal end of the side segments is placed in line with the outer surface of outside wall 3. Side segments 7 thereby position themselves in the lower corners of the opening to be formed in outside wall 2. This allows builders to erected outside wall 2 further and to provide the opening therein at an optimal position and with optimal dimensions. After outside wall 2 has been erected, window sill 6 can be placed on side segments 7.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of a side segment 7. In Figure 3 side segment 7 is placed under a screen guide 11. Screen guides can be provided on an outer side of a window 5 for the purpose of guiding a roller blind or a sun screen. When side segment 7 is placed under a screen guide 11, it will not be necessary to connect side segment 7 directly to window 5. Side segment 7 can then be connected indirectly, via screen guide 11, to window 5. Particularly when no screen guide 11 is provided, the side segment, and more specifically the first part 8 of side segment 7, can alternatively be fixedly connected to the window, for instance via a screw or a bolt.

[0031] Figure 3 shows that side segment 7 has an upper segment 12 and a lower segment 13. Upper segment 12 has a slot 14 which is provided so as to receive a side of window sill 6. Slot 14 is therefore provided to have a drainage gradient after side segment 7 has been placed, this gradient corresponding to the optimal drainage gradient of window sill 6. The skilled person will appreciate that this embodiment in which a groove 14 is provided is optimized for window sills of a plate material. When a window sill with a thicker structure, for instance a stone window sill, is placed, slot 14 will be made wider in accordance with the thickness of the window sill, or the slot can be replaced with a protruding edge on which the window sill can rest.

[0032] Upper segment 12 further comprises an upper surface which is preferably horizontal when side segment 7 is in place. A horizontal upper surface 16 simplifies placing of side segment 7 considerably. Using a spirit level, builders can check whether side segment 7 has been placed correctly. Slot 14 lies at an angle relative to upper surface 16, this angle corresponding to the optimal drainage gradient of window sill 6.

[0033] Lower segment 13 comprises the second part 9 of side segment 7. In the embodiment of Figure 3 the second part 9 and the first part 8 take a mutually slidable form, wherein a sliding surface 15 is provided which determines the sliding direction 10. The first and second part 8 and 9 each have a sliding surface 15, which surfaces are complementary to each other. Sliding surface 15 is preferably parallel to slot 14, such that the second part slides relative to the first part 8 in the direction in which window sill 6 extends in the placed position. It will hereby not only be possible to adjust the length of side segment 7, but the eventual height of the distal end of side segment 7 will also change in accordance with the extent to which the side segment is extended. This eventual height is directly related to the optimal angle of the window sill, such that the opening in outside wall 2 is correctly indicated on the basis of the distal end of side segment 7.

[0034] Figure 3 shows that the side segment is provided with fastening means 17, embodied in the form of a bolt, for the purpose of fixing the first part relative to the second part. In the embodiment of Figure 3 the second part is provided with a hole through which a bolt 17 can pass, while first part 8 is provided with a sliding slot 21, shown in Figure 4, which allows the second part to slide relative to the first part. Sliding slot 21 is formed at the same angle as sliding surface 15. Via connecting means 17 the first part can be fixed relative to the second part in a desired position. It will be apparent to the skilled person that sliding slot 21 and hole can also be reversed, wherein the sliding slot is provided in second part 9 and the hole in first part 8.

[0035] At the position of the distal end the second part 9 of side segment 7 has an offset connection 18 and a positioning surface 19. Positioning surface 19 further preferably has a connecting zone 20 for the purpose of connecting a front profile (not shown in Figure 3). Positioning surface 19 is formed such that it extends at the side of the window sill. This allows builders to determine the opening in outside wall 2, and more specifically the exact position of the upward boundaries of the opening, on the basis of the position of positioning surface 19. After placing of the window sill, the upward edges of the opening in outside wall 2 preferably lie in line with the sides of the window sill, such that the window sill fits in the opening well.

[0036] Offset connection 18 is provided in order to correctly position the positioning surface 19 in the width direction of the window. Offset connection 18 makes it possible to give the window sill a slightly wider form on an outer side of the outside wall than at the position of cavity 3. The height of positioning surface 19 is further preferably chosen such that the lower edge of positioning surface 19 corresponds with the underside of the window sill 6 to be placed. The direct result is that the builders erecting outside wall 2 can also precisely determine the lower boundary of the opening which must be provided an outside wall 2. It is noted here that, because sliding surface 15 lies at an angle, adjusting of the length of side segment 7 also entails a change in the height of the lower edge of positioning surface 19. In this context it is noted that it is not necessary for positioning surface 19 to take up the exact location of the corner of the opening in outside wall 2, but is related thereto. Positioning surface 19 could thus also be formed so as to be able to extend always at exactly 1 cm from the optimal boundary of the opening, both side boundary and lower boundary, in outside wall 2.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a side view/section of a wall in which a window 5, side segment 7 and window sill 6 are placed. The figure shows the inside wall 1 on which window 5 is placed. A profile 23 is preferably placed between inside wall 1 and window 5. This profile 23 is preferably multifunctional and also functions as a rear segment of the frame which carries window sill 6. Profile 23 is more preferably insulating, such that the insulating effect of window 5 is extended via profile 23 to wall 1, 2, 3. Profile 23 can for instance be a composite profile for supporting window 5.

[0038] Figure 4 further shows that first part 8 of the side segment is connected to profile 23. The side segment is thereby indirectly connected to window 5. In the embodiment of Figure 4 a screen guide 11 is also connected to window 5. The first part of the side segment forms the underside of screen guide 11. Figure 4 shows that sliding surface 15 extends at an angle relative to upper surface 16, which angle corresponds to the drainage gradient of window sill 6. Second part 9 can hereby be extended from the first part with the drainage gradient of window sill 6. Figure 4 further illustrates that sliding slot 21 is also formed at this angle, and shows the bolt 17. Figure 4 further shows that positioning surface 19 is brought with its distal end in line with the outer surface of outside wall 2. This brings the underside of positioning surface 19 to a height which is related to the optimal height of the opening in outside wall 2. This allows the builders to form outside wall 2, and more specifically the forming of the opening in outside wall 2 with an optimal lower boundary.

[0039] As elucidated above, the side boundaries or upright boundaries of the opening are also determined by positioning surface 19. Figure 4 further shows that a front profile 24 is connected to the connecting zone 20 of positioning surface 19. Front profile 24 is preferably provided to carry or support or position or mount the window sill 6 on a front side thereof. Figure 4 shows the assembly with a mounted window sill 6. It is noted here that side segments 7 in particular allow substantially the whole construction, including forming of the opening in outside wall 2 at the correct position and with the correct dimensions, to be carried out before window sill 6 is placed.

[0040] Figure 5 shows another aspect of the window sill assembly. When the window is placed on the inside wall, it is important that water and dirt are guided quickly and completely to the outer side of outside wall 2. It will be understood that water in cavity 3 will greatly affect the insulating value in the wall. The wall may further also be damaged because inside wall 1 is for instance not intended and not provided to become wet and/or damp. In order to guarantee a good and complete drainage, the window sill assembly is constructed as in Figure 5.

[0041] Figure 5 shows an inside wall 1 and an outside wall 2 which are provided at a distance from each other, this distance forming the cavity 3. Figure 5 further shows a window 5 which is formed to be placed in an opening (not shown in figure 5) of inside wall 1. Provided on the outer side of window 5, at the underside of window 5, is a frame with a rear segment 23, two side segments 7 and a front profile 24. This frame is provided with a sheet material 27. The sheet material is connected to each of the rear segment 23, side segment 7 and front profile 24. Sheet material 27 ensures that water is guided to the outer side of the outside wall. Sheet material 27 is preferably provided integrally and connected to rear segment 23, side segments 7 and front segment 24. Sheet material 27 thereby extends over a surface area greater than the surface area of window sill 6. As a result, if water were to end up behind the window sill and/or under the window sill, it will still be collected by sheet material 27 and discharged to the outer side of outside wall 2. Sheet material 27 thereby forms a second physical barrier to water, moisture and dirt, which is positioned, considering the operation of the window sill assembly, downstream of the window sill, which forms the first barrier. Side segments 7 of Figure 5 can be fixed side segments or can be side segments with an adjustable length as described above and shown in Figures 2-4. By providing side segments 7 with an adjustable length, the above described advantages and options can be combined with this aspect of discharging water.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a section of inside wall 1 and window 5 to illustrate a preferred connection of sheet material 27 to rear segment 23. Rear segment 23 preferably extends at least partially under window 5, and sheet material 27 is preferably clamped between rear segment 23 and window 5 over the whole width of window 5. Water which hits the window on an outer side and flows downward along the window, and which would seep beyond the window sill, will hereby always come to lie on sheet material 27, because the sheet material is clamped between window 5 and rear segment 23. A guaranteed correct drainage at the position of the window is hereby achieved. This guaranteed correct drainage is not related to the way in which the window sill connects against the window. A good connection of window sill 6 against window 5 and/or against rear segment 23 will ensure that little or no water comes to lie on sheet material 27. This connection even forms together with the window sill the first barrier. This connection of window sill 6 and window 5 and/or rear segment 23 is however no longer critical for keeping water out of cavity 3. This is found to be a great advantage in practice.

[0043] Figure 6 further shows that at the position of window 5 window sill 6 is positioned via an auxiliary profile 28. Figure 6 also shows that a support plate 22 is provided in order to support sheet material 27. This support plate 22 is also visible in Figure 4 and extends between rear segment 23 and front profile 24 of the frame.

[0044] Figure 7 shows that sheet material 27 is connected to side segments 7. Side segments 7 preferably have on their outer sides a flat wall against which the sheet material can be attached. Outer side is understood to be the side which, relative to opening 4, lies remote from the opening. The sheet material preferably extends under at least the first part 8 of side segment 7 to the upright outer side wall thereof. Sheet material 27 thus forms a water receptacle with three upright walls, i.e. an upright wall on the rear side in that the sheet material is clamped between the window and rear segment 23, and with upright side walls because sheet material 27 extends under first part 8 and upward to a position against the upright side walls of first part 8. In the context of this description water receptacle is defined as a bottom with at least three upright walls. A water receptacle according to this definition will not be able to hold water, but will be able to prevent water which has ended up in the water receptacle from running beyond the bottom and the three upright walls. At the nose of the window sill sheet material 27 is supported by front profile 24. Water which ends up on the sheet material will hereby always be guided by the sheet material to front profile 24.

[0045] Because sheet material 27 extends under the first part 8 of side segment 7 and is connected to an outer upright wall thereof, water which ends up in the screen guide and/or water which seeps through on a side of the window sill to a position behind the window sill will be collected completely by the sheet material. At the sides of the window sill the sheet material also provides for a guaranteed complete discharge of water. It is therefore no longer necessary to make the sides of the window sill watertight relative to the framing and, when the screen guide is provided, it is no longer necessary to manufacture the screen guide watertightly and/or for drainage to the window sill. This is because water which comes to lie under the window sill at the position of the sides of the window sill will be collected by the sheet material and guided to the front profile.

[0046] Figure 8 shows a section of window 5 and inside wall 1 and outside wall 2, and shows a mounted situation of the window sill assembly. Window sill 6 has here been placed. As described above, on a side the window sill extends in slot 14 of first part 8 of side segment 7. On the front side of window sill 6 sheet material 27 extends into the nose of the window sill. In the embodiment of Figure 8 window sill 6 is manufactured from a plate material which is bent on the front side so as to form the nose of the window sill. The bent nose preferably comprises a drip zone 25. Drip zone 25 is formed by a lowermost point or lowermost zone of window sill 6 which is situated at a distance from the outer side of outside wall 2. The result of drip zone 25 is the water which ends up in or on window sill 6 falls down at the position of drip zone 25. Forming this drip zone 25 at a distance from outside wall 2 prevents water from flowing down from window sill 6 along the outside wall and thus forming stains and/or streaks.

[0047] In the embodiment of Figure 8 the front profile 24 is formed with a U-shaped slot in which a lower edge of window sill 6 is received. This U-shaped slot is situated under a fastening surface 29 to which sheet material 27 is attached. Sheet material 27 will hereby guide the water into the nose of window sill 6. By forming the window sill from a plate material which is bent at the position of the nose of the window sill, the nose is open. More specifically, the window sill forms at the nose a cavity which is accessible via a slot. The slot is the opening between the lower edge of the plate forming the window sill, and the upper surface.

[0048] For the purpose of discharging the water an opening 31 is, preferably a plurality of openings 31 are, formed in the window sill at drip zone 25. Water which ends up via sheet material 27 in the nose of window sill 6 can hereby flow through openings 31 to drip zone 25. Water is thus discharged via the sheet material and via window sill 6 to a drip zone of window sill 6.

[0049] Figure 9 shows several other embodiments for guiding water via sheet material 27 to a drip zone of the window sill. Figure 9A shows a solid window sill 6, for instance formed by a stone window sill. Window sill 6 is provided on the underside and on the front side with grooves extending in a direction with at least a component in the direction of the nose of window sill 6. These grooves ensure that when a sheet material is pressed against the bottom of the window sill, water situated on sheet material 27 can be guided via the grooves and by the attractive force between the water and window sill 6 to the nose of window sill 6. In the embodiment of Figure 9A the water will therefore not be carried into the nose of the window sill. This is because the nose is not hollow. The water will be carried to a position at an underside, where it will run off and drip off further at the drip zone of window sill 6. In this embodiment the front profile can be provided with a further drip edge or drip protrusion mounted on the bottom of the window sill so as to thus facilitate dripping off from the window sill.

[0050] Figure 9B shows an alternative embodiment, the principle of which corresponds to Figure 8, and wherein sheet material 27 extends into a nose of window sill 6. In Figure 6 the window sill is formed by a plate which is bent at the nose. This results in a cavity at the position of the nose of the window sill, into which sheet material 27 is carried. A finishing plate 32 can be provided in order to finish the sides of window sill 6 of Figure 9B.

[0051] Because sheet material 27 is connected to the frame of the window sill, the sheet material can be placed before the window sill itself is placed. This has the above described advantages. More specifically, window 5 can be placed on the inside wall, and the opening at the position of the outside wall can be formed with optimal dimensions and at an optimal position, by means of the side segments of the frame of the window sill assembly. The framing covering the cavity can also be manufactured, whether or not with screen guides 11, and a sheet material can be placed and connected to the frame of the window sill assembly in order to finish cavity 3 watertightly on the underside of opening 4. After this, as almost final step, window sill 6 can be placed. The window sill assembly as described above thereby allows a window to be placed on the inside wall and finished correctly, including ensuring correct drainage, in simple and efficient manner. The window sill assembly thereby provides a solution for commonly occurring practical problems.

[0052] The skilled person will appreciate on the basis of the above description that the invention can be embodied in different ways and on the basis of different principles. The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. The above described embodiments and the figures are purely illustrative and serve only to increase understanding of the invention. The invention will not therefore be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. Window sill assembly comprising a frame and a window sill, wherein the assembly is provided so as to extend over an outside wall and at least a part of a cavity wall, wherein the frame comprises at least a rear segment and two side segments which are provided to support the window sill respectively at the position of its rear side and at the position of its sides, wherein the frame further comprises a front profile which is provided so as to extend at least partially over the outside wall for the purpose of supporting a front side of the window sill, wherein the window sill is provided at the position of the front side with a drip zone, all this such that water can be discharged via the drip zone from a position on the front profile, wherein the window sill assembly further comprises a sheet material which extends under the window sill, wherein the sheet material is connected on the rear side and the sides of the frame and extends to a position at the front profile.

2. Window sill assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sheet material is formed integrally with a surface area greater than that of the window sill.

3. Window sill assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the rear segment is provided so as to at least partially support a window and wherein the sheet material is connected to the rear side by clamping the sheet material between the rear side and the window, preferably over substantially the whole width of the window.

4. Window sill assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the side segment is provided with an outer upright wall and wherein the sheet material extends under the side segments and is connected to the outer upright wall.

5. Window sill assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the sheet material forms a water receptacle with upright edges at the position of the rear segment and at the position of the side segments.

6. Window sill assembly according to claim 5, wherein the sheet material is placed such that the water receptacle drains to the front profile.

7. Window sill assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the front profile is provided so as to hold the sheet material, preferably over the whole length of the front profile.

8. Window sill assembly according to claim 7, wherein the front profile comprises two elements between which the sheet material is clamped.

9. Window sill assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the drip zone is formed by a cavity in the front of the window sill and at least one opening in the window sill on an underside of the cavity, which cavity preferably extends over substantially the whole width of the window sill.

10. Window sill assembly according to claim 9, wherein the cavity is accessible via a slot situated under the window sill and directed toward the rear side, and wherein the sheet material extends via the slot into the cavity.

11. Window sill assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the drip zone is formed by providing an edge at the front of the window sill, which edge extends downward.

12. Window sill assembly according to claim 11, wherein the edge has an angle, preferably an acute angle.

13. Window sill assembly according to any one of the claims 9-12, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings at a mutual distance in the width direction.

14. Window sill assembly according to any one of the claims 9-13, wherein the window sill is formed as a plate which is bent at the front of the window sill so that the cavity is formed.

15. Window sill assembly according to any one of the claims 9-14, wherein the window sill is manufactured from a metal, preferably from aluminium.

Drawing