(19) |
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/img/EPO_BL_WORD.jpg) |
|
(11) |
EP 0 721 045 B1 |
(12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
(45) |
Mention of the grant of the patent: |
|
28.07.1999 Bulletin 1999/30 |
(22) |
Date of filing: 22.12.1995 |
|
|
(54) |
Cavity closer system
Abschlussvorrichtung für Hohlmauer
Système pour la fermeture d'un mur creux
|
(84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
BE DE FR GB NL |
(30) |
Priority: |
05.01.1995 GB 9500113
|
(43) |
Date of publication of application: |
|
10.07.1996 Bulletin 1996/28 |
(73) |
Proprietor: Owens Corning Polyfoam UK Limited |
|
Hartlepool, TS25 2BE (GB) |
|
(72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Machon, Daniel
Sheffield
S18 6AY (GB)
- Baldwin, David Anthony
Bishampton
WR10 2NL (GB)
|
(74) |
Representative: Rackham, Stephen Neil |
|
GILL JENNINGS & EVERY,
Broadgate House,
7 Eldon Street London EC2M 7LH London EC2M 7LH (GB) |
(56) |
References cited: :
GB-A- 2 178 770 GB-A- 2 213 187 GB-A- 2 270 534 US-A- 3 973 295
|
GB-A- 2 197 671 GB-A- 2 267 515 US-A- 3 922 764 US-A- 4 641 474
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
|
[0001] The present invention relates to a cavity closer system which insulates and closes
a cavity in an external cavity wall around window and door openings.
[0002] Closing the wall cavity around window and door openings is difficult to achieve using
traditional cut brick and damp proof course methods. Failure to do so can lead to
cold bridging and water penetration resulting in wet reveals, rotting frames, mould
growth and cracked plaster.
[0003] A modern solution to the problem is to provide a cavity closer comprising a rigid
PVC-U channel extrusion filled with polyisocyanurate foam insulation: such a cavity
closer system is available in the UK under the tradename THERMABATE (Registered Trade
Mark). The PVC-U extrusion sleeve supports the foam insulation and provides a waterproof
barrier. The dimensions of the rigid PVC-U channel extrusion are chosen according
to the width of the cavity, normally laid down in the appropriate building regulations,
and cut according to the height or length of the opening.
[0004] In this system the rigid PVC-U extrusion cavity closer is also provided with a number
of T-shaped projecting flanges running along its length which give a key for plastering
and provide protection against water penetration across the cavity. Separate PVC-U
moulded wall fixing ties are provided which are adapted to slot between the T-shaped
flanges provided on the cavity closer and key into a mortar bed joint to hold the
cavity closer in position.
[0005] This system is relatively expensive due to the amount of plastics material used to
form the body of the cavity closer.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fixing clip for use with
a cavity closer comprises a central springy tongue integral with a substantially planar
frame, the springy tongue extending in a direction away from the plane of the frame
and the frame also having at least one integral penetrating projection directed away
from the plane of the frame in an opposite direction to that of the springy tongue.
[0007] In use, the penetrating projections of a number of fixing clips of the present invention
are arranged to engage opposite faces of a cavity closer so that when the cavity closer
and fixing clips are inserted into a wall cavity opening, the springy tongue of each
of the fixing clips acts as a wedge between the cavity closer and adjacent wall to
hold the cavity closer in place.
[0008] Preferably, the fixing clip further comprises a first flange formed on an end edge
of the frame which, in use, aligns with an outwardly exposed face of the cavity closer
and forms a support ledge to limit the extent to which the cavity closer can be inserted
into a wall cavity opening. Preferably, the first flange is provided with a keying
means.
[0009] Preferably, the fixing clip includes a second flange formed on an opposite end edge
of the frame which, in use, is arranged to overlie the opposite, inwardly exposed
face of the cavity closer. This second flange acts as a fitting guide so that when
the flange overlies the face of the cavity closer, the first flange is aligned with
the opposite face of the cavity closer. Furthermore, the second flange counteracts
any levering effect that the springy tongue has when it is depressed which might otherwise
detach the fixing clip from the cavity closer before it can be properly inserted into
the cavity opening.
[0010] Preferably, the at least one penetrating projection comprises a saw toothed flange
formed on at least one side edge of the frame. The at least one penetrating projection
secures the fixing clip to the cavity closer whilst the cavity closer is inserted
into the cavity opening.
[0011] Preferably, the fixing clip is formed from a sheet metal blank. More preferably,
the fixing clip is formed from stainless steel.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cavity closer system comprises
the combination of a cavity closer formed solely from a length of rigid, water resistant
insulation material having a generally rectangular cross-section and a number of fixing
clips in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
[0013] The advantage of the second aspect of present invention is that the cavity closer
is formed solely from water resistant insulation material which is sufficiently rigid
that it does not require any additional protective plastics sleeve and consequently,
may be manufactured relatively cheaply. A slot may be formed in one face to act as
a water break and help to prevent water crossing the cavity.
[0014] Preferably, the insulation material is extruded polystyrene. Extruded polystyrene
is inherently waterproof and is a good insulation material. Furthermore, extruded
polystyrene will readily receive a fixing to hold the cavity closer in place. Other
suitable insulation materials include expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, phenolic,
glass fibre and rock wool.
[0015] Preferably, a surface of a face of the cavity closer is formed with a keying surface.
[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a length of cavity closer for use in the cavity
closer system of the present invention;
Figures 2a to 2d show views of a fixing clip in accordance with the present invention
for use with the cavity closer of Figure 1; and,
Figure 3 shows a view of a cavity closer system in accordance with the present invention
used to close a reveal in a cavity wall.
Figure 1 shows a cavity closer 1 comprising a length of extruded polystyrene material
having a substantially rectangular cross-section and provided with indentations 2
which, in use, form a keying surface. The indentations 2 are formed on the face 4
of the cavity closer 1 by rolling a shaped surface over the polystyrene material as
it is being extruded. The dimensions of the cavity closer 1 are determined by the
dimensions of a cavity which the closer is intended to fit. In this example, the depth
of the side walls 3 is selected to correspond to the dimensions of the fixing clip
(see Figures 2a to 2d).
[0017] The advantage of this cavity closer is that it is formed solely from water resistant
insulation material which is sufficiently rigid that it does not require any additional
protective plastics sleeve and consequently, may be manufactured relatively cheaply.
The extruded polystyrene is inherently waterproof and is a good insulation material.
Furthermore, as will be described below, extruded polystyrene will readily receive
a fixing to hold the cavity closer in place.
[0018] Figures 2a to 2d show views of a fixing clip 6 for use with the cavity closer 1 shown
in Figure 1. Fixing clip 6 is formed from a sheet of stainless steel material having
a thickness of around 0.5mm and comprises a central springy tongue 7 integral with
a planar frame 8, a pair of saw tooth flanges 9, 10 which form penetrating projections,
a support flange 11 and a fitting guide flange 12.
[0019] In use, fixing clip 6 is fitted to the side walls 3, (see Figure 1) of the cavity
closer 1 by pressing the penetrating projections 9, 10 into the polystyrene material
so that the support flange 11 is aligned with the plane of the upwardly exposed face
4 of the closer with the guide flange 12 overlying the lower face 5.
[0020] The support flange 11 forms a support ledge to limit the extent to which the cavity
closer can be inserted into a wall cavity opening. The support flange 11 is provided
with a keying surface 13.
[0021] The guide flange 12 acts as a fitting guide so that when the guide flange 12 overlies
the face 5 of the cavity closer 1 the support flange 11 is aligned with the opposite
face 4 of the cavity closer. Furthermore, the guide flange 12 counter-acts any levering
effect that the springy tongue 7 has when it is depressed which might otherwise detach
the fixing clip from the cavity closer before it can be properly inserted into a cavity
opening.
[0022] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a reveal in a cavity wall comprising a brick
outer leaf 14 and a block inner leaf 15. Cavity board insulation 16 is inserted within
the cavity.
[0023] In this example, the cavity closer 1 is inserted between the brick outer leaf and
brick inner leaf and held in place by the fixing clips 6 spaced at intervals on either
side of the cavity closer. The springy tongue 7 of the fixing clip 6 is sufficiently
resilient to hold the cavity closer in position whilst the support flange 11 of each
fixing clip ensures that the cavity closer 1 cannot be inserted too far into the cavity.
In this example, the cavity closer extends in a vertical direction but it may also
be used to close reveals which extend horizontally such as those found around doors
and windows.
1. A fixing clip (6) for use with a cavity closer (1), comprising a central springy tongue
(7) integral with a substantially planar frame (8), the springy tongue (7) extending
in a direction away from the plane of the frame (8) and the frame also having at least
one integral penetrating projection (9, 10) directed away from the plane of the frame
in an opposite direction to that of the springy tongue (7).
2. A fixing clip (6) according to claim 1, further comprising a first flange (11) formed
on an end edge of the frame (8) which, in use, aligns with an outwardly exposed face
(4) of the cavity closer (1) and forms a support ledge to limit the extent to which
the cavity closer (1) can be inserted into a wall cavity opening.
3. A fixing clip (6) according to claim 2, in which the first flange (11) is provided
with a keying means (13).
4. A fixing clip (6) according to any preceding claim, in which the fixing clip (6) includes
a second flange (12) formed on an opposite end edge of the frame (8) which, in use,
is arranged to overlie the opposite, inwardly exposed face (5) of the cavity closer
(1).
5. A fixing clip (6) according to any preceding claim, in which the at least one penetrating
projection (9, 10) comprises a saw toothed flange formed on at least one side edge
of the frame (8).
6. A fixing clip (6) according to any preceding claim, in which the fixing clip (6) is
formed from a sheet metal blank.
7. A cavity closer system comprising the combination of a cavity closer (1) formed solely
from a length of rigid, water resistant insulation material having a generally rectangular
cross-section and a number of fixing clips (6) in accordance with any preceding claim.
8. A cavity closer system according to claim 7, in which the insulation material is extruded
polystyrene.
9. A cavity closer system according to claim 7 or 8, in which a surface of a face (4)
of the cavity closer (1) is formed with a keying surface (2).
10. A cavity closer system according to any of claims 7 to 9, in which a slot is formed
in one face (5) of the cavity closer (1).
1. Befestigungsclip (6) zur Verwendung für einen Hohlmauerabschluß (1), umfassend eine
mittige Federzunge (7), die integral mit einem im wesentlichen ebenen Rahmen ausgebildet
(8) ist, wobei sich die Federzunge (7) in einer Richtung weg von der Ebene des Rahmens
(8)weg erstreckt, und wobei der Rahmen oder das Gestell ferner mindestens einen integralen
herausragenden Vorsprung (9,10) besitzt, der von der Ebene des Rahmens in entgegengesetzter
Richtung zu derjenigen der Federzunge weggerichtet ist.
2. Befestigungsclip (6) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend einen ersten Flansch (11),
der an der einen Endkante des Rahmens (8) ausgebildet ist, und der im Gebrauch zu
einer nach außen freiliegenden Fläche (4) des Hohlmauerabschlusses (1) ausgerichtet
ist und eine Stützleiste oder Verstärkungsrippe ausbildet, um das Ausmaß einzuschränken,
mit dem der Hohlmauerabschluß (1) in eine Wandhohlraumöffnung eingesetzt werden kann.
3. Befestigungsclip (6) nach Anspruch 2, bei dem der erste Flansch (11) mit einem Befestigungsmittel
oder -löchern (13) versehen ist.
4. Befestigungsclip (6) nach irgendeinem vorstehenden Anspruch, bei dem der Befestigungsclip
(6) einen zweiten Flansch (12) umfaßt, der an der gegenüberliegenden Endkante des
Rahmens (8) ausgebildet ist, der im Gebrauch so angeordnet ist, daß er über der gegenüberliegenden,
nach innen gerichteten, freiliegenden Fläche (5) des Hohlmauerabschlusses (1) liegt.
5. Befestigungsclip (6) nach irgendeinem vorstehenden Anspruch, bei dem mindestens ein
herausragender Vorsprung (9,10) einen Sägezahnflansch umfaßt, der mindestens an einer
Seitenkante des Rahmens (8) ausgebildet ist.
6. Befestigungsclip (6) nach irgendeinem vorstehenden Anspruch, bei dem der Befestigungsclip
(6) aus einem Metalllagen-Rohling geformt ist.
7. Abschlußvorrichtung für Hohlmauer, umfassend die Kombination eines Hohlmauerabschlusses
(1), der allein aus einer Länge eines starren, wasserfesten Isolierungsmaterials geformt
ist, das einen generell rechteckigen Querschnitt und eine Anzahl von Befestigungsclips
(6) nach irgendeinem vorstehenden Anspruch besitzt.
8. Abschlußvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, bei dem das Isolierungsmaterial extrudiertes
Polystyrol ist.
9. Abschlußvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, bei dem eine Oberfläche einer Seite (4)
des Hohlmauerabschlusses (1) als Befestigungs- oder Aufkeilungsfläche (2) ausgeformt
ist.
10. Abschlußvorrichtung nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, bei dem ein Schlitz in
der einen Fläche (5) des Hohlmauerabschlusses (1) ausgebildet ist.
1. Agrafe de fixation (6) pour utilisation avec un élément de fermeture de cavité (1),
comportant une languette flexible centrale (7) d'un seul tenant avec un cadre essentiellement
plan (8), la languette flexible (7) s'étendant dans une direction à l'écart du plan
du cadre (8) et le cadre ayant également au moins une saillie de pénétration d'un
seul tenant (9, 10) dirigée à l'écart du plan du cadre dans une direction opposée
à celle de la languette flexible (7).
2. Agrafe de fixation (6) selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre un premier rebord
(11) formé sur un bord d'extrémité du cadre (8) qui, lors de l'utilisation, s'aligne
avec une face exposée extérieurement (4) de l'élément de fermeture de cavité (1) et
forme un rebord de support destiné à limiter l'étendue sur laquelle l'élément de fermeture
de cavité (1) peut être inséré dans une ouverture de cavité de mur.
3. Agrafe de fixation (6) selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle le premier rebord (11)
est pourvu de moyens d'accrochage (13).
4. Agrafe de fixation (6) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle l'agrafe de fixation (6) comprend un deuxième rebord (12) formé sur un bord
d'extrémité opposé du cadre (8) qui, lors de l'utilisation, est prévu pour recouvrir
la face opposée exposée vers l'intérieur (5) de l'élément de fermeture de cavité (1).
5. Agrafe de fixation (6) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle la saillie de pénétration (9, 10) comporte un rebord en dent-de-scie formé
sur au moins un bord latéral du cadre (8).
6. Agrafe de fixation (6) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle l'agrafe de fixation (6) est formée à partir d'un flan en tôle.
7. Système de fermeture de cavité comportant la combinaison d'un élément de fermeture
de cavité (1) formé uniquement d'une longueur de matière d'isolation rigide résistant
à l'eau ayant une section globalement rectangulaire et un certain nombre d'agrafes
de fixation (6) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.
8. Système de fermeture de cavité selon la revendication 7, dans lequel la matière d'isolation
est du polystyrène extrudé.
9. Système de fermeture de cavité selon la revendication 7 ou 8, dans lequel une surface
d'une face (4) de l'élément de fermeture de cavité (1) est formée avec une surface
d'accrochage (2).
10. Système de fermeture de cavité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 9, dans
lequel une fente est formée dans une face (5) de l'élément de fermeture de cavité
(1).
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=1999/30/DOC/EPNWB1/EP95309480NWB1/imgf0001)
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=1999/30/DOC/EPNWB1/EP95309480NWB1/imgf0002)