(19)
(11) EP 3 170 959 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
09.05.2018 Bulletin 2018/19

(21) Application number: 16460082.7

(22) Date of filing: 10.11.2016
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E06B 1/60(2006.01)
E04F 21/00(2006.01)

(54)

A WINDOW INSTALLATION APPARATUS

FENSTERINSTALLATIONSVORRICHTUNG

APPAREIL D'INSTALLATION DE FENÊTRE


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 18.11.2015 PL 41483215
02.05.2016 PL 41706816

(43) Date of publication of application:
24.05.2017 Bulletin 2017/21

(73) Proprietor: Grobelny, Wlodzimierz
62-081 Przezmierowo (PL)

(72) Inventor:
  • Grobelny, Wlodzimierz
    62-081 Przezmierowo (PL)

(74) Representative: Golebniak, Andrzej 
Kancelaria Patentowa A.J. Golebniakowie ul. Partyzancka 7
PL-61-495 Poznan
PL-61-495 Poznan (PL)


(56) References cited: : 
WO-A1-2015/066743
DE-A1- 19 526 203
US-A- 5 427 349
DD-A- 53 392
DE-A1-102007 006 087
   
       
    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).


    Description


    [0001] The herein described invention is an apparatus for window installation in the window opening.

    [0002] The most common method of window installation in the window opening is known for years and consists in securing the frame by positioning it parallel to the wall, at a certain distance from its surface, simultaneously ensuring that the window is aligned vertically and horizontally. This method requires the installer to use a set of wooden wedges for preliminarily securing the frame. The wedges are delicately driven between the frame and the surface of the window opening. However, this method is problematic for a single installer, because it is not easy to perform with two hands only and thus requires a considerable amount of skills and experience. Namely, the installer must simultaneously hold the frame, insert a wooden wedge underneath it and drive it in with a hammer to secure it in place. As the wedge is being driven in, it secures the frame but simultaneously moves it relative to the outside surface of the wall. As a result, the procedure must be repeated several times and a spirit level must be used to ensure that the frame is vertically aligned. Consequently, window installation is often flawed in many ways, the most common issue being excessive clearance between the frame and the window opening.

    [0003] The description of the utility model PL. 107340 (U1) teaches a set of installation wedges shown in drawing Pos. I, characterized in that both the upper (3) and the bottom (4) surface of each wedge (1, 2) has preformed transverse ridges, and both these surfaces have preformed transverse rectangular cavities (6) shaped symmetrically to one another, and each lateral surface (7) of each wedge has guide protrusions, extending beyond the outline.

    [0004] The international application WO2005068749 (A1) teaches a distance (expansion) piece that can replace a traditional wedge for fitting a window to an opening of a building, as shown in drawing Pos. II. In this embodiment, the distance piece consists of two part (2, 3) having inner surfaces (4, 5) facing towards each other and outer surfaces (7, 8) forming outer parts of the distance piece. The outer surface comprises resilient protrusions (15) located in cavities of the surfaces (23).

    [0005] Importantly, the parts (2, 3) are movable relative to each other and can expand forming a wedge, whose cross-section forms an isosceles triangle. The parts can also be contracted. They are separated by means of a separation part (9) comprising a lock (17) and an ergonomically shaped grip (18) provided with a non-slippery surface. During use, the separation part (9) is inserted between the two parts (2, 3) which are apart. The separation part (9) is adapted to move linearly in the inner space to effect the movement of the set of first contact portions (10, 11), and those portions expand the parts (2 and 3). In addition, the parts (2, 3) are flexibly connected by means of a resilient connecting element, preferably taking the form of rubber bands. The two circumferentially extending grooves (21) serve to fixate two of such rubber bands in place.

    [0006] All parts of the distance piece can be made of wood or steel or made of a polymeric or ceramic material, a composite material comprising fibres of glass, carbon or Kevlar (polymer material).

    [0007] The description of the international application WO2005102609 (A1) (also published as GB2413352 (B)) teaches a door support and alignment kit, as shown in drawing Pos. III. The kit comprises an elongated block (10) having a transverse slot (11) formed with two recesses (13, 15). Recess (13) receives a single wedge (12) while recess (15) can receive secondary wedges (14) positioned side-by-side.
    A door (D) can be stood on its edge and engaged in the transverse slot (11) and rested on the upper surface of web (10A). Wedge (12) is slid into the transverse slot (11) alongside one face of the door (D), to wedge the door against end surface (11b), and hold the door vertically. Once the door has been planed to size, and positioned within the door frame, smaller wedges (14) can be inserted into the gaps between the edges of the door (D) and frame, to align the door within the inner frame.

    [0008] DD 53 392 A discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

    [0009] The purpose of the present invention was to develop an apparatus for window installation that makes window installation significantly easier not only to a skilled installer but also to an inexperienced person lacking the necessary skills.

    [0010] In accordance with the present invention, the window installation apparatus comprising of at least one wedge-shaped distance piece has a body connected in a sliding manner to a clamp. Between the body and the clamp, an expansion unit is positioned, comprising a wedge and a lead screw connected by means of a threaded connection to an opening in the wedge. The body has protrusions positioned at its opposite sides and adapted to lock in a rail positioned outside the window frame, lateral rails mating with the clamp's brackets and an opening in a rest wall, against which the head of the lead screw rests. The outer surfaces of the wedge and the inner surfaces of the body and the clamp converge downward at the same angle.

    [0011] The inclination of the inner walls of the body and the clamp and the outer walls of the wedge is 10 ÷ 50 degrees, and preferably 30 degrees.
    The opening in the rest wall for the lead screw is preferably elongated oval in shape.

    [0012] Inner walls of the body and the clamp comprise vertical recesses to accommodate the screw.
    Additionally, the apparatus comprises a cover connected in a sliding manner to the clamp, intended for extending the working range of the apparatus.
    Optionally, the apparatus additionally comprises an intermediate wedge positioned between the body and the clamp. Its outer and inner walls converge downwards at the same angle as the outer walls of the main wedge.

    [0013] The device according to the present invention offers a simple solution that makes window installation significantly easier. The device is reliable and easy to operate. The use of three (and preferably four) such devices makes it possible to fit a window in the window opening in a short time, even by one person only.

    [0014] The subject of the invention is presented in two embodiments in a schematic drawing, where Fig. 1 is an expanded view of the window installation apparatus in its first embodiment (perspective view), Fig. 2 - window installation apparatus in its first embodiment (front view), Fig. 3 - the same apparatus (perspective view), Fig. 4 - body of the apparatus (front view, as seen from the clamp), Fig. 5 - axial section of the body, Fig. 6 - clamp (front view, as seen from the body), Fig. 7 - clamp (bottom view), Fig. 8 - expanded view of the window installation apparatus in its second embodiment (perspective view), Fig. 9 - window installation apparatus in its second embodiment (front view), Fig. 10 - the same apparatus (perspective view).

    [0015] The first embodiment of the window installation apparatus according to the invention has been used for the installation of a PVC window. Four such devices were used.

    [0016] Each device was made of a plastic material technically known as POM (polyacetal), considered to be one of the most rigid and robust thermoplastics.

    [0017] The window installation apparatus comprises a body 1 intended for quick installation outside a PVC window frame (not shown in the drawing) near its corners by means of protrusions 2 extending from the body 1. The protrusions 2, positioned on opposite sides of the body 1, lock in a rail (not shown in the drawing) positioned outside the window frame.
    The body 1 interacts with a clamp 3, connected in a sliding manner to the body 1 by means of brackets 4 of the clamp 3 and the rail 5 formed out of the sides of the body 1. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises an expansion unit consisting of a wedge 6 positioned between the body 1 and the clamp 3.

    [0018] Outer walls 7 of the wedge 6 converge downwards at an angle of 30 degrees. Likewise, inner walls 8 of the body 1 and the movable clamp 3 (facing the wedge 6) incline at an angle of 30 degrees. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a steel lead screw 9.
    The lead screw 9 is positioned in the body 1, in an oval opening 10 made in a rest wall 11, against which its head rests from the bottom. The other end of the lead screw 9 is threaded into an opening 12 in the wedge 6. Inner walls 8 of the body 1 and the clamp 3 comprise vertical recesses 13 to accommodate the screw 9.

    [0019] Driving the lead screw 9 into the wedge 6 pulls the wedge 6 towards the body 1, as a result of which the walls 7 of the wedge 6 press against the inner walls 8 of the body 1 and the clamp 3. The interaction of the inclined elements 7 and 8 of the apparatus pushes the clamp 3 outwards, thus expanding the apparatus.
    In the case of one of the four devices used according to the invention, the installer found that the expansion range was insufficient because the gap between the window and the wall was too wide. Therefore, he used an additional element in the form of a cover 14 for the clamp 3. The two elements are connected in a sliding manner by means of brackets 15 of the cover that mate with side rails 16 of the clamp 3.

    [0020] In the second embodiment, in order to increase the working range of the clamp 3, the expansion unit has been additionally fitted with an intermediate wedge 17, positioned between the main wedge 6 and the body 1 and the clamp 3, whose outer walls 18 and inner walls 18' converge downwards at the same angle as the walls 8 of the main wedge 6, i.e. at an angle of 30 degrees.
    Driving the lead screw 9 into the wedge 6 pulls the wedge 6 towards the body 1, as a result of which the walls 7 of the wedge 6 press against the inner walls 18' of the intermediate wedge 17, which in its turn acts (via its outer walls 18) on the inner walls 8 of the body 1 and the clamp 3. The interaction of the inclined elements 7, 18', 18 and 8 of the apparatus pushes the clamp 3 outwards, thus expanding the apparatus

    [0021] By using the devices according to the invention a single operator easily fitted and immobilized the window frame in a correct position in the window opening before its final installation by means of expanding foam.

    List of reference



    [0022] 
    1 -
    body
    2 -
    protrusion of the body
    3 -
    clamp
    4 -
    clamp bracket
    5 -
    rail
    6 -
    wedge
    7 -
    outer wall of the wedge
    8 -
    inner wall of the body and the clamp
    9 -
    lead screw
    10 -
    rest wall opening
    11 -
    rest wall
    12 -
    wedge opening
    13 -
    recess
    14 -
    cover
    15 -
    cover bracket
    16 -
    side rail
    17 -
    intermediate wedge
    18 -
    outer wall of the intermediate wedge
    18' -
    inner wall of the intermediate wedge



    Claims

    1. A window installation apparatus for installing a window in a window opening, said apparatus comprising at least one wedge-shaped distance piece, wherein said apparatus has a body (1) connected in a sliding manner to a clamp (3), between which an expansion unit is positioned, comprising a wedge (6) and a lead screw (9) connected by means of a threaded connection with an opening (12) of the wedge (6), wherein the body (1) has lateral rails (5) mating with brackets (4) of the clamp (3), while the outer walls (7) of the wedge (6) and the inner walls (8) of the body (1) and the clamp (3) converge downward at the same angle,
    the apparatus being characterized in that the body (1) has protrusions (2) positioned at its opposite sides and adapted to lock in a rail positioned outside the window frame, and an opening (10) in a rest wall (11), against which the head of the lead screw (9) rests.
     
    2. The apparatus according to the claim 1 characterized in that the inclination angle of the inner walls (8) of the body (1) and the clamp (3) and the outer walls (7) of the wedge (6) is 10 ÷ 50 degrees, and preferably 30 degrees.
     
    3. The apparatus according to the claim 1 characterized in that the opening (10) in the rest wall (11) accommodating the lead screw (9) is elongated oval in shape.
     
    4. The apparatus according to the claim 1 characterized in that the inner walls (8) of the body (1) and the clamp (3) comprise vertical recesses (13) to accommodate the screw (9).
     
    5. The apparatus according to the claim 1 characterized in that it additionally comprises a cover (14) connected in a sliding manner to the clamp (3).
     
    6. The apparatus according to the claims 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 characterized in that it additionally comprises an intermediate wedge (17) positioned between the body (1) and the clamp (3), whose outer walls (18) and inner walls (18') converge downwards at the same angle as the outer walls (8) of the main wedge (6).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Vorrichtung zum Einbauen eines Fensters in eine Fensteröffnung, die mindestens ein als Keil ausgebildetes Distanzstück enthält, wobei die erwähnte Vorrichtung einen Körper (1) aufweist, der verschiebbar mit einer Klemmung (3) verbunden ist, zwischen denen eine Expansionseinheit angeordnet ist, die aus einem Keil (6) und einer Gewindespindel (9) besteht, die über eine Gewindeverbindung mit der Öffnung (12) des Keils (6) verbunden ist, dessen Körper (1) seitliche Schienen (5) aufweist, die mit den Klammern (4) der Klemmung (3) zusammenwirken, während die Außenwände (7) des Keils (6) und die Innenwände (8) des Körpers (1) sowie die Klemmung (3) im gleichen Winkel nach unten gerichtet sind, wobei die Vorrichtung dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass der Körper (1) Vorsprünge (2), die auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten angeordnet sind und zum Einrasten in eine außerhalb des Fensterrahmens angeordnete Schiene geeignet sind, sowie eine Öffnung (10) in der Auflagewand (11), die dem Kopf der Gewindespindel (9) als Auflage dient, aufweist.
     
    2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Neigungswinkel der Innenwände (8) des Körpers (1) und der Klemmung (3) sowie der Außenwände (7) des Keils (6) 10 ÷ 50 Grad und vorzugsweise 30 Grad beträgt.
     
    3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Öffnung (10) in der Auflagewand (11), die die Gewindespindel (9) aufnimmt, eine längliche ovale Form hat.
     
    4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Innenwände (8) des Körpers (1) und die Klemmung (3) senkrechte Vertiefungen (13) aufweisen, um die Gewindespindel (9) aufzunehmen.
     
    5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie zusätzlich mit einer verschiebbar mit der Klemmung (3) verbundenen Abdeckung (14) versehen ist.
     
    6. Vorrichtung nach Ansprüchen 1 oder 2 oder 3 oder 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie zusätzlich einen Zwischenkeil (17) aufweist, der zwischen dem Körper (1) und der Klemmung (3) angeordnet ist, dessen Außenwände (18) und Innenwände (18') im gleichen Winkel wie die Außenwände (8) des Hauptkeils (6) nach unten gerichtet sind.
     


    Revendications

    1. Le dispositif d'installation de fenêtre pour installer une fenêtre dans ' une ouverture de fenêtre, ledit appareil comprenant au moins une pièce d'écartement en forme de coin, dans lequel ledit appareil comporte un corps (1) relié de manière coulissante à une pince (3) entre lesquelles une unité d'expansion est positionnée, comprenant une cale (6) et une vis principale (9) connectée au moyen d'une connexion filetée avec une ouverture (12) de la cale (6), dans laquelle le corps (1) comporte des rails latéraux (5) coopère avec des supports (4) de la pince (3) tandis que les parois extérieures (7) de la cale (6) et les parois intérieures (8) du corps (1) et la pince (3) convergent vers le bas en même temps angle, l'appareil étant caractérisé en ce que le corps (1) comporte des protubérances (2) placées sur ses côtés opposés et adaptées pour bloquer un rail positionné à l'extérieur du cadre de fenêtre et une ouverture (10) dans une paroi de repos (11), contre laquelle repose la tête de la vis mère (9).
     
    2. Le dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que l'angle d'inclinaison des parois internes (8) du corps (1) et de la pince (3) et des parois extérieures (7) du coin (6) est de 10 ÷ 50 degrés, et de préférence 30 degrés.
     
    3. Le dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture (10) dans la paroi de repos (11) recevant la vis principale (9) est de forme ovale allongée.
     
    4. Le dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que les parois internes (8) du corps (1) et de la pince (3) comportent des évidements verticaux (13) pour loger la vis (9).
     
    5. Le dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre un couvercle (14) relié de manière coulissante à la pince (3).
     
    6. Le dispositif selon les revendications 1 ou 2 ou 3 ou 4 ou 5 caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre une cale intermédiaire (17) positionnée entre le corps (1) et la pince (3), dont les parois extérieures (18) et les parois internes (18') convergent vers le bas selon le même angle que les parois extérieures (8) du coin principal (6).
     




    Drawing




















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description