WINDOW AND BALCONY DOOR FRAME

Abstract

 The window and balcony door frame (1) comprises:
- at least one fixed frame (2) associable with a wall wherein an opening is cut; and
- at least one leaf (3) movable with respect to said fixed frame (2), comprising at least one double glazing unit (4) provided with at least two transparent panes (5, 6, 7);
wherein the leaf (3) comprises at least one load-bearing frame (8) coupled to the double glazing unit (4), positioned between the panes (5, 6, 7) and covered by these and fixed to the panes (5, 6, 7) by means of structural glues, and wherein the leaf (3) comprises at least one module (11) adapted to support opening/closing means of the leaf (3), positioned between the panes (5, 6, 7) and separate from the load-bearing frame (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window and balcony door frame.

Background Art

[0002] Window frames are known to comprise a fixed frame associable with a wall in which an opening is cut out, and at least one movable leaf with respect to the fixed frame.

[0003] The leaf is provided with at least one double glazing unit comprising at least two transparent panes and at least one movable frame coupled to the double glazing unit.

[0004] In traditional window/door frames, the movable frame defines a framework within which the double glazing unit is positioned. The movable frame, therefore, is external to the double glazing unit and wraps at least partly around the double glazing unit, supporting the weight thereof.

[0005] A further type of window/door frames requires that the movable frame is sandwiched between the panes and at least partly covered by the panes themselves.

[0006] In more detail, the movable frame has a pair of contact surfaces opposite each other, each one associated with a relative pane and at least partly covered by it. Such window/door frames have a wide glass surface area, which gives a high level of brightness to the room in which they are installed and contribute to increasing the aesthetic value of the window/door frames themselves compared to traditional window/door frames, making them highly demanded by customers.

[0007] The movable frame also comprises side surfaces, transverse to the contact surfaces that face outwards from the leaf and are uncovered by the panes. In a leaf opening configuration, therefore, the side surfaces may be visible.

[0008] The movable frame must, therefore, be appropriately made in such a way as to effectively support the panes and at the same time give a fine aesthetic effect to the window/door frame at least as far as the visible parts of the movable frame itself are concerned.

[0009] The need is, therefore, strongly felt to devise new construction solutions of such type of window/door frame that can fully meet the intended mechanicalstructural requirements and, at the same time, the customers' needs.

Description of the Invention

[0010] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a window and balcony door frame which allows effectively supporting the panes while at the same time giving a fine aesthetic effect to the window/door frame itself.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to devise a window and balcony door frame that can be fabricated in a plurality of different materials and is provided with low visual impact.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to devise a window and balcony door frame that gives greater brightness than known solutions.

[0013] Still one object of the present invention is to devise a window and balcony door frame that provides effective thermal insulation from the outside.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise a window and balcony door frame that can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy-to-use and cost-effective solution. The aforementioned objects are achieved by this window and balcony door frame having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a window and balcony door frame, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a window/door frame according to the invention, in a closed configuration;

Figure 2 is an axonometric view of a window/door frame according to the invention, in an open configuration;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the window/door frame according to the invention, in accordance with a first embodiment;

Figure 4 is a detailed view of the window/door frame in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view of the window/door frame according to the invention, in accordance with a second embodiment;

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view of the window/door frame according to the invention, in accordance with a third embodiment.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0016] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a window and balcony door frame.

[0017] The window/door frame 1 comprises at least one fixed frame 2 associable with a wall wherein an opening is cut out and at least one leaf 3 movable with respect to the fixed frame 2.

[0018] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the window/door frame 1 comprises a pair of leaves 3 movable with respect to the fixed frame 2. It cannot however be ruled out that the window/door frame 1 comprise a single leaf 3.

[0019] Specifically, the leaf 3 is movable between a closed configuration, wherein it is in contact with the fixed frame 2 and obstructs the opening, and an open configuration, wherein it is moved away from the fixed frame 2 and at least partly frees the opening.

[0020] The leaf 3 is provided with at least one double glazing unit 4 comprising at least two transparent panes 5, 6, 7.

[0021] More specifically, the double glazing unit 4 comprises at least two panes 5, 6, 7 facing each other and placed at a predefined distance.

[0022] The panes 5, 6, 7 are made of a transparent material, such as e.g. glass. It cannot however be ruled out that the panes 5, 6, 7 be made of a different type of transparent material.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the panes 5, 6, 7 are substantially rectangular in shape.

[0024] It cannot however be ruled out that the panes 5, 6, 7 may have a different conformation.

[0025] The double glazing unit 4 also comprises at least one spacer body 9 of the panes 5, 6, 7, containing a dehydrating material adapted to dehydrate an inter-space of the double glazing unit 4.

[0026] In more detail, the spacer body 9 is positioned between the panes 5, 6, 7 and defines therewith a cavity that can be filled with air or other gas, and adapted to give thermal insulation to the window/door frame 1.

[0027] According to the invention, the leaf 3 comprises at least one load-bearing frame 8 coupled to the double glazing unit itself.

[0028] The load-bearing frame 8 is, in turn, positioned between the panes 5, 6, 7 and is covered by these.

[0029] The load-bearing frame 8 is substantially arranged within the inter-space defined by the panes 5, 6, 7.

[0030] The load-bearing frame 8 is completely covered by the panes 5, 6, 7. Preferably, the load-bearing frame 8 is completely covered by both panes 5, 6, 7.

[0031] The load-bearing frame 8 comprises at least one pair of first contact surfaces opposite each other, each associated with a relevant pane 5, 6, 7 and totally covered by it.

[0032] The load-bearing frame 8 is fixed to the panes 5, 6, 7 by means of structural glues.

[0033] In the context of this disclosure, the term "structural glues" refers to a class of adhesive compounds which, upon application, cross-link and integrate directly into the structure of the material to which they are applied. Structural glues are capable of withstanding great mechanical stresses and allow replacing traditional joining methods such as screws and rivets which could cause thermal bridging and cannot perform a cooperating structural function between glass and frame.

[0034] Structural glues may comprise modified acrylic resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins or the like.

[0035] Structural glues, therefore, are positioned between the pane 5, 6, 7 and the relevant contact surface.

[0036] Conveniently, the load-bearing frame 8 is made of at least one first material. The first material is selected from the list comprising: glass, aluminum, steel, plastic, pultruded material (GFRP - Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers) or a combination thereof.

[0037] The load-bearing frame 8 comprises a plurality of profiled elements 10 associated with each other along the perimeter of the panes 5, 6, 7.

[0038] With reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the panes 5, 6, 7 are rectangular and the load-bearing frame 8 comprises four profiled elements 10, one on each side of the pane 5, 6, 7.

[0039] Each profiled element 10 is between 4 mm and 7 mm thick.

[0040] The profiled element 10 is made in a single body piece. It cannot however be ruled out that the profiled element 10 comprise two or more portions coupled to each other until the desired thickness is obtained.

[0041] In accordance with the invention, the leaf 3 comprises at least one module 11 adapted to support opening/closing means of the leaf 3, positioned between the panes 5, 6, 7 and separate from the load-bearing frame 8.

[0042] In more detail, the module 11 is not directly associated with the load-bearing frame 8.

[0043] In other words, the load-bearing frame 8 and the module 11 are made in separate and distinct bodies.

[0044] The module 11 is, also, arranged in the inter-space defined by the panes 5, 6, 7. The module 11 has the function of operating in conjunction with the fixed frame 2 for the connection to the opening/closing means, as will be better described later in this disclosure.

[0045] Thus, the load-bearing frame 8 has, therefore, a function of supporting and holding the panes 5, 6, 7 while the module 11 has the function of connecting to the fixed frame 2 to enable the opening/closing of the leaf 3 with respect thereto.

[0046] The module 11 and the load-bearing frame 8 can, therefore, be made independently of each other, depending on the specific function they are to perform.

[0047] The module 11 is arranged substantially parallel to the respective profiled element 10 and extends at least as long as the respective profiled element 10.

[0048] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the module 11 is made as a single body piece.

[0049] In combination or alternatively, the module 11 can comprise two or more units assembled together. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the module comprises two units associated with each other.

[0050] Conveniently, the module 11 is made of at least a second material.

[0051] The second material is selected from the list comprising: aluminum, wood, plastic, glass, pultruded material or a combination thereof.

[0052] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the second material is other than the first material.

[0053] By way of example, Figures 3 and 4 show a possible embodiment of this invention, wherein the first material is glass and the second material is aluminum.

[0054] In accordance with an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5, on the other hand, the first material is glass and the second material is wood.

[0055] Again, Figure 6 shows, as an example, another embodiment wherein the load-bearing frame 8 is made of glass and the modules 11 are made of wood or a combination of glass and wood.

[0056] Embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the second material coincides with the first material.

[0057] The fixed frame 2 is made of a third material selected from the list comprising: aluminum, wood, plastic, pultruded material or a combination thereof.

[0058] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the third material coincides with the second material.

[0059] The module 11 and the fixed frame 2 are therefore made of the same material in order to give aesthetic continuity to the window/door frame 1.

[0060] Conveniently, the module 11 is arranged along at least one perimeter edge of the panes 5, 6, 7 and is at least partly covered by these.

[0061] In more detail, the module 11 comprises a pair of second contact surfaces opposite each other, each one associated with and at least partly covered by a relevant pane 5, 6, 7.

[0062] The module 11 also comprises at least one pair of side surfaces transverse to the contact surfaces.

[0063] The module 11 is arranged at least where the side of the leaf 3 kinematically connected to the fixed frame 2 is located.

[0064] Advantageously, the module 11 is associated with the panes 5, 6, 7 externally to the load-bearing frame 8.

[0065] In other words, one of the side surfaces of the module 11 faces the outside of the double glazing unit 4, while the other of the side surfaces faces the load-bearing frame 8.

[0066] Specifically, the module 11 is arranged in the space comprised between the load-bearing frame 8 and the perimeter edge of the panes 5, 6, 7.

[0067] In the open configuration, therefore, the module 11 is at least partly visible while the load-bearing frame 8 is hidden by it.

[0068] More specifically, in the open configuration, at least one side surface is visible. Thus, the module 11 also serves an aesthetic function, at least as far as its visible parts are concerned.

[0069] The module 11 is, in turn, associated with the panes 5, 6, 7 by interposition of structural glues.

[0070] Conveniently, the leaf 3 comprises a plurality of modules 11 associated with each other along the perimeter of the panes 5, 6, 7.

[0071] The plurality of modules 11 defines a framework adapted to surround the load-bearing frame 8.

[0072] In the open configuration, therefore, the framework is at least partly visible, while the load-bearing frame 8 is hidden by it.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the spacer body 9 is positioned between the load-bearing frame 8 and the module 11.

[0074] In detail, the load-bearing frame 8 is arranged within the cavity defined by the panes 5, 6, 7 and by the spacer body 9.

[0075] For this purpose, the load-bearing frame 8 is provided with at least one through hole 12 adapted to connect the spacer body 9 to the inside of the double glazing unit 4 in a fluid-operated manner.

[0076] The load-bearing frame 8 can, conveniently, be provided with a plurality of through holes 12. In particular, the through holes 12 can be evenly obtained in the load-bearing frame 8.

[0077] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the load-bearing frame 8 is positioned between the spacer body 9 and the module 11.

[0078] The spacer body 9 substantially communicates directly with the inside of the double glazing unit 4.

[0079] Advantageously, the leaf 3 comprises at least one thermal insulation element 13 positioned between the load-bearing frame 8 and at least one of the panes 5, 6, 7 and is adapted to cover at least partly at least the load-bearing frame itself.

[0080] It is easy to appreciate that in the case wherein the load-bearing frame 8 and the module 11 are made of a first and a second thermally insulating material, respectively, the window/door frame 1 may be without the thermal insulation element 13.

[0081] The thermal insulation element 13 is of flat conformation and is attached to the load-bearing frame 8 and to the pane 5, 6, 7 by means of the structural glues.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the thermal insulation element 13 is associated only with part of the load-bearing frame 8. More specifically, the thermal insulation element 13 is associated with one of the profiled elements 10. Conveniently, the leaf 3 comprises a plurality of insulation elements 13 each positioned between one of the profiled elements 10 and a respective pane 5, 6, 7.

[0083] The insulation elements 13 can be assembled together to form a substantially rectangular frame and be applied to the entire surface of the load-bearing frame 8 facing the pane 5, 6, 7.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the thermal insulation element 13 is configured to at least partly cover the module 11 as well.

[0085] In more detail, in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the thermal insulation element 13 covers both the load-bearing frame 8 and the modules 11.

[0086] Instead, in accordance with the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, where the second material is wood, the thermal insulation element 13 covers the load-bearing frame 8 and only part of the modules 11.

[0087] In addition, the thermal insulation element 13 also covers the spacer body 9. The leaf 3 also comprises at least one covering profiled element 20, positioned between the panes 5, 6, 7, separate from the load-bearing frame 8 and adapted to conceal the latter.

[0088] More specifically, the covering profiled element 20 is arranged substantially parallel to the respective profiled element 10 and extends at least as long as the respective profiled element 10.

[0089] The covering profiled element 20 is associated with the panes 5, 6, 7 externally with respect to the load-bearing frame 8. In other words, the covering profiled element 20 is arranged in the space between the load-bearing frame 8 and the perimeter edge of the panes 5, 6, 7.

[0090] Specifically, the covering profiled element 20 is, on one side, facing the outside of the double glazing unit 4 and, on the other side, facing the load-bearing frame 8.

[0091] The covering profiled element 20 is structurally similar to the module 11 but, unlike the latter, is not adapted to support the opening/closing means of the leaf 3. The covering profiled element 20 has, therefore, a purely aesthetic function, at least as far as its visible parts are concerned.

[0092] The covering profiled element 20 can be made in one of either the first material or the second material. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the covering profiled element 20 is made of aluminum, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, it is made of wood, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, it is made of glass.

[0093] Advantageously, the double glazing unit 4 comprises at least a first pane 5 and a second pane 6 facing the outside of the double glazing unit 4 and at least one central pane 7 positioned between the first pane 5 and the second pane 6.

[0094] The double glazing unit 4 is, therefore, provided with two cavities, each adapted to accommodate a respective load-bearing frame 8 and at least one module 11. The double glazing unit 4 may also comprise a plurality of central panes 7 to define a plurality of inter-spaces.

[0095] The central pane 7 comprises at least one perimeter edge 14 protruding from the load-bearing frame 8.

[0096] In more detail, the perimeter edge 14 is also protruding from the module 11.

[0097] In even more detail, the perimeter edge 14 is protruding at least from the module 11 positioned between the second pane 6 and the central pane 7.

[0098] As stated above, the window/door frame 1 comprises opening/closing means of the leaf 3.

[0099] The opening/closing means comprise at least one opening/closing mechanism 15 of the leaf 3 associated with the fixed frame 2 and operatively connected to the module 11 where the first pane 5 is located.

[0100] In turn, the module 11 comprises at least one coupling portion 16 fixable to the opening/closing mechanism 15.

[0101] The opening/closing mechanism 15 comprises a hinge mechanism positioned between the fixed frame 2 and the module 11.

[0102] The opening/closing means also comprise at least one closing seal 17 associated with the fixed frame 2 and adapted, in a closure configuration, to abut against the second pane 6 externally.

[0103] The closing seal 17 contacts and stops against the outer surface of the second pane 6 and provides effective insulation of the window/door frame 1 from the outside.

[0104] Conveniently, the opening/closing means also comprise at least one central seal 18 associated with the fixed frame 2 and adapted, in a closing configuration, to abut against the perimeter edge 14.

[0105] The central seal 18 contacts and stops against the surface of the central pane 7 so as to give additional insulation of the window/door frame 1 from the outside. The opening/closing means then comprise at least one accessory seal 19 associated with the module 11 and adapted, in a closing configuration, to abut against one of either the fixed frame 2 or an additional leaf 3.

[0106] It should be specified that in the embodiments shown in the figures, the load-bearing frames 8 and the modules 11 are all made of the same first material and of the same second material, respectively.

[0107] It cannot however be ruled out that the load-bearing frame 8 and the modules 11 of a double glazing unit 4 be made of first materials and second materials, respectively, other than the other double glazing unit 4, depending on construction or aesthetic requirements.

[0108] For example, one of the double glazing units 4 can mount a load-bearing frame 8 and the modules 11 with a lower overall thickness than the other double glazing unit 4 in order to reduce the visual impact.

[0109] Likewise, it cannot be ruled out that the load-bearing frame 8 of the same double glazing unit 4 comprise profiled elements 10 made of first materials different from each other and that the modules 11 of the same double glazing unit 4 be made of second materials different from each other.

[0110] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the window and balcony door frame according to the invention enables the panes to be supported effectively while at the same time giving a valuable aesthetic effect to the window/door frame itself.

[0111] This is achieved by the presence of a load-bearing frame adapted to support the panes and of the modules, at least partly visible, adapted to support the opening/closing means.

[0112] Thus, the window/door frame according to the invention is provided with great flexibility in construction and allows the use of different materials combined with each other according to customers' needs.

[0113] The present embodiment allows the present to be manufactured in a plurality of different materials while maintaining a small visual impact.

[0114] Finally, the present window/door frame avoids the formation of thermal bridges, thanks to the fixing of the various components by structural glues, and allows effective thermal insulation from the outside.

Claims

1. Window and balcony door frame (1) comprising:

- at least one fixed frame (2) associable with a wall wherein an opening is cut; and

- at least one leaf (3) movable with respect to said fixed frame (2), comprising at least one double glazing unit (4) provided with at least two transparent panes (5, 6, 7);

characterized by the fact that said leaf (3) comprises at least one load-bearing frame (8) coupled to said double glazing unit (4), positioned between said panes (5, 6, 7) and covered by these and fixed to said panes (5, 6, 7) by means of structural glues, and by the fact that said leaf (3) comprises at least one module (11) adapted to support opening/closing means of said leaf (3), positioned between said panes (5, 6, 7) and separate from said load-bearing frame (8).

2. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said load-bearing frame (8) is made of at least a first material and said module (11) is made of at least a second material, wherein said second material is other than said first material.

3. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first material is selected from the list comprising: glass, aluminum, steel, plastic, pultruded material, or a combination thereof.

4. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second material is selected from the list comprising: aluminum, wood, plastic, glass, pultruded material, or a combination thereof.

5. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said module (11) is associated with said panes (5, 6, 7) externally with respect to said load-bearing frame (8).

6. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said module (11) is associated with said panes (5, 6, 7) by interposition of structural glues.

7. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said module (11) is arranged along at least one perimeter edge of said panes (5, 6, 7) and is at least partly covered by these.

8. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said leaf (3) comprises a plurality of said modules (11) associated with each other along the perimeter of said panes (5, 6, 7).

9. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said leaf (3) comprises at least one thermal insulation element (13) positioned between said load-bearing frame (8) and at least one of said panes (5, 6, 7) and adapted to cover at least partly said load-bearing frame (8).

10. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said double glazing unit (4) comprises at least one spacer body (9) of said panes (5, 6, 7), containing a dehydrating material adapted to dehydrate an inter-space of said double glazing unit (4), wherein said load-bearing frame (8) is positioned between said spacer body (9) and said module (11).

11. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said double glazing unit (4) comprises at least one spacer body (9) of said panes (5, 6, 7), containing a dehydrating material adapted to dehydrate said double glazing unit (4), wherein said spacer body (9) is positioned between said load-bearing frame (8) and said module (11), said load-bearing frame (8) being provided with at least one through hole (12) adapted to connect said spacer body (9) in a fluid-operated manner with the inside of said double glazing unit (4).

12. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said double glazing unit (4) comprises at least a first pane (5) and a second pane (6) facing outwards said double glazing unit (4) and at least one central pane (7) positioned between said first pane (5) and said second pane (6).

13. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one opening/closing mechanism (15) of said leaf (3) associated with said fixed frame (2) and operatively connected to said module (11) at said first pane (5), said module (11) comprising at least one coupling portion (16) fixable to said opening/closing mechanism (15).

14. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one closing seal (17) associated with said fixed frame (2) and adapted, in a closure configuration, to externally abut against said second pane (6).

15. Window and balcony door frame (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said central pane (7) comprises at least one perimeter edge (14) protruding with respect to said load-bearing frame (8) and by the fact that it comprises at least one central seal (18) associated with said fixed frame (2) and adapted, in a closing configuration, to externally abut against said perimeter edge (14).

Drawing