Preframe for window installation and related methods

Abstract

The method involves placing four corner pieces in the corners of a rectangular opening in a wall, creating a preframe by placing four profiles along the sides of the opening, securing clamps to the upper part of a window frame, arranged to engage with corresponding parts of said preframe, and securing anchoring plates on the window frame. The method may further include placing a support profile onto the bottom profile of the preframe, positioning a window frame in the preframe, engaging the clamps with the preframe, and engaging tensioning wedges with the anchoring plates. The method may also include placing an outer sill in the space defined by the support profile and an outwardly protruding part of the bottom profile, installing an outer window trim that engages with the anterior groove of the profiles, and finishing the inside of the wall by securing a stool against the preframe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention pertains to the field of construction, specifically to the installation of window frames in walls, especially prefabricated walls. It involves a preframe with four identical corner pieces and profiles that form a rectangular shape.Background

[0002] The construction industry has been continuously evolving with the aim of improving the efficiency and quality of building processes. One area of focus has been the installation of window frames in prefabricated walls. Traditionally, this process has been labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring skilled labor to ensure proper alignment and sealing. The process also typically involves the use of various materials such as foam, glue, silicones, and tape to ensure airtight and watertight installation. These materials are often non-reusable and can contribute to environmental waste. Furthermore, the installation process can be complex, involving multiple steps such as the placement of the window frame, securing it in place, and finishing the inside of the wall. There is a need for a more efficient and standardized method of installing window frames in walls, especially prefabricated walls.

[0003] EP3258050A1 discloses 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 window sill is movable relative to the frame in order to provide access to the cavity wall in a first position of the window sill, wherein the frame comprises at least a rear segment and two side segments which are each compatible with the window sill in a manner such that in a second position of the window sill connections between frame and window sill bring about draining of the window sill assembly in the direction of an outer side of the outside wall.

[0004] EP3584397A1 discloses 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 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.

[0005] While the cited patent application publications deal with a certain step of the window installation process, they don't completely solve the problem of providing a more efficient and standardized method of installing window frames in walls, especially prefabricated walls.Summary

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for facilitating the installation of a window frame in a rectangular opening in a wall, the method comprising: placing four corner pieces in respective corners of said rectangular opening, said corner pieces being at least partially made from an elastically deformable material; creating a preframe by placing four profiles along respective sides of said rectangular opening between pairs of said corner pieces, whereby said profiles are kept in place by a tensioning force applied by said pairs of corner pieces, said profiles having a common uniform cross-section comprising at least two longitudinal grooves on a side that faces the inside of said opening; securing clamps to the upper part of the vertical profiles of said preframe; and securing anchoring plates on the posterior groove of the profiles of said preframe.

[0007] It is an advantage of this method that it standardizes the starting situation for the installation of a window in a wall. The preframe provided by the present invention ensures proper alignment and an airtight and watertight installation, while avoiding the use of various non-reusable materials such as foam, glue, silicones, and tape.

[0008] In an embodiment, the method according to the present invention further comprises: placing a support profile onto the bottom profile of said preframe, engaging said support profile with one of said at least two longitudinal grooves of said bottom profile; positioning a window frame in said preframe on top of said the support profile; engaging fasteners provided on said window frame with said clamps to keep said window frame from falling out of said preframe; and engaging tensioning wedges with said anchoring plates so as to completely immobilize said window frame relative to said preframe.

[0009] It is an advantage of the use of a support profile that the window frame is properly supported and that space is provided at the bottom of the window frame to install drainage.

[0010] In a particular embodiment, the method according to the present invention further comprises placing an outer sill in the space defined by the support profile and an outwardly protruding part of the bottom profile.

[0011] It is an advantage of this embodiment that the outer finishing of the window placed in the preframe can be made to look like the outer finishing of a traditionally installed window.

[0012] In an embodiment, the method according to the present invention further comprises installing an outer window trim that engages with the anterior groove of said profiles.

[0013] It is an advantage of this embodiment that the outer window trim is easily aligned and made watertight and airtight relative to the preframe.

[0014] In an embodiment, the method according to the present invention further comprises finishing the inside of the wall by securing a stool against the preframe.

[0015] It is an advantage of this embodiment that the stool is easily aligned relative to the preframe.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corner piece for use in the method described above.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a profile for use in the method described above.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a preframe installation kit, comprising: a set of four corner pieces, at least partially made from an elastically deformable material; a set of four profiles with uniform cross-section, configured to fit between pairs of said corner pieces; said profiles comprising at least two longitudinal grooves on a side that, in use, faces the inside of an opening in which the preframe is installed; a support profile configured to engage with one of said at least two longitudinal grooves of one of said profiles, which, in use, is placed on the bottom of said opening in which the preframe is installed; at least two clamps configured to be secured said profiles, at a location which, in use, corresponds to respective upper parts of two vertically placed profiles of the preframe; and a plurality of anchoring plates configured to be secured on the posterior groove of said profiles.

[0019] In an embodiment of the preframe installation kit according to the present invention, the corner pieces are identical.

[0020] The technical effects and advantages of embodiments of the corner piece, the profile, and the preframe installation kit according to the present invention correspond mutatis mutandis to those of the corresponding embodiments of the method according to the present invention.Brief Description of the Figures

[0021] These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a corner piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 (left) illustrates parts of two profiles as may be used in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 (right) illustrates a support profile as may be used in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 schematically illustrates a basic arrangement of two profiles abutting a corner piece according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a basic arrangement of two profiles in a corner of an opening in a cavity wall, as a result of apply an embodiment of the method according to the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates clamps as used in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 provides a flow chart illustrating steps of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, which steps lead to the creation and preparation of a preframe; Figure 7 provides a flow chart illustrating further steps of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, which steps lead to the preparation and installation of a window frame into the preframe; and Figure 8 provides a flow chart illustrating further steps of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention, which steps lead to a fully finished window. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0022] The method and the kit according to the present invention are based inter alia on the insight of the inventors that by placing a modular preframe in the opening in which the window is to be installed, the window installation can be facilitated and standardized. The elements of the preframe are shaped in such a way that they can be placed against the sides of the opening in the wall in a way that ensures windtight and watertight closure, such that these issues are no longer the concern of the installer of the window frame. The preframe used in embodiments of the present invention is built from corner pieces 110 and profiles 120a-d.

[0023] Throughout the present description, when referring to the preframe and its parts, the term "front" or "anterior" will be used to designate the side that, in use, is at or nearest to the outside of the building in which it is installed, and term "back" or "posterior" will be used to designate the side that, in use, is at or nearest to the inside of the building in which it is installed. In a similar manner, the "front surface" or "anterior surface" of a wall will be the surface at or nearest to the outside of the building and the "back surface" or "posterior surface" of a wall will be the surface at or nearest to the inside of the building. This terminology is used for clarification purposes only, and does not preclude the use of the invention described herein in walls that are internal to a building and that do not face the outside.

[0024] Throughout the present description, the element to be placed inside the preframe will be referred to as a "window frame". Again, this terminology is used for clarification purposes only, and does not preclude the use of the invention described herein in other applications such as the installation of doors, sashes, and other framed elements.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a corner piece 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It comprises a generally L-shaped profile, providing substantially planar support surfaces to be placed against the surfaces of the opening in the wall at a 90° angle. The corner piece 110 further presents abutment surfaces in between which the profiles 120a-d can be secured.

[0026] The preframe is normally constructed with its front edge substantially flush with the front (outer) surface of the wall into which it is installed or, in the common case of a cavity wall, substantially flush with the front surface of the inner wall; to this end, the corner piece 110 preferably comprises an L-shaped flange on its front side.

[0027] As the corner piece 110 plays a pivotal role in guiding rain and other water away from the opening in the wall, the surfaces on the side facing the inside of the opening in the wall (i.e., facing the window frame, when it is installed) may be tapered towards the inside of the building, thus forming a natural downward slope from the window frame towards the outer sill and the outside of the building.

[0028] Figure 2 (left) illustrates parts of two profiles 120a, 120b as may be used in an embodiment of the present invention. The remaining profiles 120c, 120d (not shown) are of a similar shape, i.e. the profiles 120a-d have a common uniform cross-section. They may in particular be sawn to size from a single longer profile, for instance on the site where the wall is constructed. Throughout the figures and the present description, the bottom profile will be referred to as 120a, the upright (vertical) profiles will be referred to as 120b and 120d, and the upper profile will be referred to as 120c.

[0029] The profiles 120a-d comprise at least two, and preferably at least three, longitudinal grooves 121, 122, 123 on one side. The side with the grooves will be the side that faces the inside of the opening when the preframe is formed.

[0030] In the illustrated case, the profiles 120a-d are substantially flat, elongate boards. The middle section of the profiles 120a-d may comprise a flat hollow chamber (optionally with internal longitudinal reinforcements), the side walls of which extend upwards to form T-shaped protrusions that define the middle groove 122. The front section of the profiles 120a-d may also comprise a hollow chamber, which is preferably open at the front side to allow insertion of a flashing membrane (not shown in Figure 1, see element 170 in Figure 4) as described in more detail below. The back section of the profiles 120a-d may consist of a bottom surface and an upright longitudinal edge.

[0031] The profiles 120a-d are preferably symmetrical around a central longitudinal symmetry plane, perpendicular to the main plane of the profile. This means that the profiles 120a-d present the same interface to the inside and the outside of the wall. As a result, a perfectly sealed window frame installation arrangement is obtained, regardless of whether the window frame is installed from the inside or from the outside of the wall.

[0032] As the two or more grooves generally have the same external features, the functions of each of the grooves, as described herein, may be performed by other grooves as necessary, when the circumstances require the window to be placed at a different distance from the reference plane of the wall.

[0033] When the profiles 120a-d are provided in the preferred shape as illustrated, the combination of their symmetry and the similarity of the two or more grooves results in a modular preframe building system.

[0034] Figure 2 (right) illustrates a support profile 130 designed to be placed on the bottom profile 120a and to support the window frame, as described in more detail below. It is noted that the support profile 130 may either be attached to the bottom profile 120a prior to the installation of the window frame, or be attached to the bottom of the window frame prior to its installation into the preframe.

[0035] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a basic arrangement of two profiles 120a, 120d abutting a corner piece 110 in a corner of the opening in a wall (not shown). The free front groove 121 and back groove 123 can be seen, and a support profile 130 is present in the middle groove.

[0036] Figure 4 also illustrates a basic arrangement of two profiles 120a, 120b in a corner of the opening in a cavity wall, whereby parts of the cavity wall are shown as cross sections. The free back groove 123 can be seen, and a support profile 130 is present in the middle groove 122. The front groove 121 is covered by a flashing membrane 180, folded to follow the contour of the space formed by the support profile 120a, the outwardly protruding part of the bottom profile 120a, and the outer edge of the outer wall. Another flashing membrane 170 is inserted in the frontal slit in the front chamber of the bottom profile 120a and folded over the outer edge of the inner wall of the cavity wall. An anchoring plate 150 is secured to the posterior groove of upright profile 120b.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates clamps 130 as used in embodiments of the present invention. These clamps, or "clickers", are arranged to be able to engage with corresponding parts of said preframe, for example by means of a releasable snap-fit mechanism, in such a way as to provisionally keep the window in its position during the installation process, prior to the definitive fixation.

[0038] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the above referenced figures and the flow charts presented in Figures 6-8.

[0039] With reference to Figure 6, in a first step, the method comprises placing 1010 four corner pieces 110 in respective corners of said rectangular opening. The corner pieces 110 are at least partially made from an elastically deformable material, such that the preframe profiles 120a-d can be kept in place by the tension exercised by the corner pieces 110 when they are slightly deformed by the insertion of the profiles (see step 2). Preferably, the corner pieces 110 are identically formed, such that they cannot be placed in a wrong corner. If the corner pieces 110 have tapered surfaces to aid with the draining of water, they should be oriented so as to drain the water towards the outside of the building.

[0040] In a second step, the method comprises creating 1020 a preframe by placing four profiles 120a-d along respective sides of the rectangular opening between pairs of the corner pieces 110. As indicated above, the profiles 120a-d are kept in place by a tensioning force applied by said pairs of corner pieces 110. In other words, the preframe profiles 120a-d are "squeezed" into place between the corner pieces 110.

[0041] The preframe allows for an efficient sealing of the opening into which the window frame 200 will be installed. To this end sealing elements may be installed on the preframe itself, as represented by the third step 1022a, in particular along the vertically placed preframe profiles 120b and 120d and the along the top profile 120c. Alternatively, the sealing elements may be pre-installed along the corresponding edges of the window frame 200, as represented by the alternative third step 1022b, shown in dashed lines. In either case, the seal is to be installed with its slope aligned in the appropriate direction, in function of whether the window is to be installed from the inside or from the outside of the wall.

[0042] In a fourth step 1024, drainage extension are placed on the preframe profiles 120a-d to allow drainage of any moisture (in particular, precipitation and condensation), in a direction away from the inside of the building, at least as far as the cavity of the cavity wall.

[0043] In the case of a prefabricated wall, the wall may be equipped with a preframe by means of the four steps described above, and shipped to the construction site with the preframe in it. The following steps will then be performed at the construction site. In the case of wall that is built on-site, the four steps described above and the subsequent steps described below will all be performed at the construction site.

[0044] With reference to Figure 7, in a fifth step, the method comprises securing 1030 the clamps 130 to the upper part of the window frame 200.

[0045] In a sixth step, the method comprises securing 1040 anchoring plates 140 to the profiles of the window frame 200, for anchoring onto the posterior groove 123 of the profiles 120-d )of said preframe.

[0046] In a seventh step, the method comprises placing 1050 a support profile 130 onto the bottom profile 120a of the preframe. The support profile 130 engages the bottom profile 120a with one of the at least two longitudinal grooves of the bottom profile 120 a. In a three-groove implementation, the middle groove 122 will be the one engaging with the support profile 130. Alternatively, the support profile 130 may be installed onto the bottom profile of the window frame 200, prior to the subsequent positioning step.

[0047] The actual installation of a window frame 200 in the preframe starts with an eighth step consisting of positioning 1060 the window frame 200 in the preframe on top of (or with) the support profile 130. It can then, in a ninth step, be rotated into the plane of the preframe and provisionally locked in place by engaging 1070 the clamps provided on the window frame 200 for that purpose in the third step 1030 described above, with the preframe. This will keep the window frame 200 from falling out of the preframe, prior to the definitive fixation of the window frame 200. Preferably, the fasteners engage with the clamps by a simple click-in mechanism, which does not require any detailed manipulation by the installers. As a result, the installers immediately have their hands fee to take care of the subsequent steps.

[0048] In a tenth step, the window frame 200 is then brought into its final position and completely immobilized relative to the preframe by engaging 1080 tensioning wedges with the anchoring plates 140.

[0049] Once the window frame 200 is in place, the wall may be made waterproof on the outside. The bottom profile 120a may be provided, on its side facing the outside of the window (i.e., the anterior side), with a slit for receiving a first flashing membrane 170, which may be folded over the outer edge of the inner wall in a cavity wall. A second flashing membrane 180 may be folded to follow the contour of the space formed by the support profile 120a, the outwardly protruding part of the bottom profile 120a, and the outer edge of the outer wall. Following the flashing, an outer sill 160 may be placed 1080 in the space defined by the support profile 130 and an outwardly protruding part of the bottom profile 120a . The outer sill 160 may be made from bluestone, metal, polymer, or any other conventional material.

[0050] With reference to Figure 8, the outside of the wall may further be finished by covering the remaining sides of the opening by installing 1090 an outer window trim that engages with the anterior groove 131 of the profiles 120b-d and by sliding in and securing 1100 a window sill in the space created by the supporting profile 130 (on the outer side and optionally on the inner side). The inside of the wall may further be finished 1100 by securing a stool against the preframe and any other desired finishing such as wood trimming or plasterwork.

[0051] The preframe may be built with parts that are provided together as a kit. A preframe installation kit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a set of four corner pieces 110, at least partially made from an elastically deformable material and a set of four profiles 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d with uniform cross-section, configured to fit between pairs of said corner pieces 110. The profiles 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d comprise at least two longitudinal grooves 121, 122, 123 on a side that, in use, faces the inside of an opening in which the preframe is installed. The kit further comprises a support profile 130 configured to engage with one 122 of said at least two longitudinal grooves of one 120a of said profiles, which, in use, is placed on the bottom of said opening in which the preframe is installed. The kit further comprises at least two clamps 140 configured to be secured to the profiles, at a location which, in use, corresponds to respective upper parts of two vertically placed profiles 120b, 120d of the preframe; and a plurality of anchoring plates 150 configured to be secured on the posterior groove 123 of the profiles 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d.

[0052] All the optional features of the corner pieces 110 and the profiles 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, described hereinabove, may be present in the corresponding parts of the kit according to the invention.

[0053] While the invention has been described hereinabove by referring to specific embodiments, this has been done to clarify and not to limit the invention, the scope of which is determined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating the installation of a window frame (200) in a rectangular opening in a wall, the method comprising: - placing (1010) four corner pieces (110) in respective corners of said rectangular opening, said corner pieces (110) being at least partially made from an elastically deformable material; - creating (1020) a preframe by placing four profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) along respective sides of said rectangular opening between pairs of said corner pieces (110), whereby said profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) are kept in place by a tensioning force applied by said pairs of corner pieces (110), said profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) having a common uniform cross-section comprising at least two longitudinal grooves (121, 122, 123) on a side that faces the inside of said opening.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: - securing (1030) clamps (130) to the upper part of a window frame (200), said clamps (130) being arranged to engage with corresponding parts of said preframe; and - securing (1040) anchoring plates (140) to said window frame (200), at a location which, in use, allows engagement with the posterior groove (123) of the profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) of said preframe.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: - placing (1050) a support profile (130) onto the bottom profile (120a) of said preframe, engaging said support profile (130) with one (122) of said at least two longitudinal grooves of said bottom profile (120a); - positioning (1060) a window frame (200) in said preframe on top of said the support profile (130); - engaging (1070) said clamps (130) with said preframe to keep said window frame (200) from falling out of said preframe; and - engaging (1080) tensioning wedges with said anchoring plates (140) so as to completely immobilize said window frame (200) relative to said preframe.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: - placing (1050) a support profile (130) onto the bottom part of a window frame (200), in a position that allows engagement with one (122) of said at least two longitudinal grooves of said bottom profile (120a); - positioning (1060) said window frame (200) said the support profile (130) in said preframe; - engaging (1070) said clamps (130) with said preframe to keep said window frame (200) from falling out of said preframe; and - engaging (1080) tensioning wedges with said anchoring plates (140) so as to completely immobilize said window frame (200) relative to said preframe.

5. The method of claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising placing (1090) an outer sill (160) in the space defined by the support profile (130) and an outwardly protruding part of the bottom profile (120a).

6. The method of any one of claims 2-5, further comprising installing (1100) an outer window trim that engages with the anterior groove (131) of said profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d).

7. The method of any one of claims 2-6, further comprising finishing (1110) the inside of the wall by securing a stool against the preframe.

8. A corner piece (110) for use in the method according to any of claims 1-7.

9. A profile (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) for use in the method according to any of claims 1-7.

10. A preframe installation kit, comprising: - a set of four corner pieces (110), at least partially made from an elastically deformable material; - a set of four profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) with uniform cross-section, configured to fit between pairs of said corner pieces (110); - said profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) comprising at least two longitudinal grooves (121, 122, 123) on a side that, in use, faces the inside of an opening in which the preframe is installed; - a support profile (130) configured to engage with one (122) of said at least two longitudinal grooves of one (120a) of said profiles, which, in use, is placed on the bottom of said opening in which the preframe is installed; - at least two clamps (140) configured to be secured to a window frame (200), at a location which, in use, corresponds to respective upper parts of two vertically placed profiles (120b, 120d) of the preframe; and - a plurality of anchoring plates (150) configured to be secured to said window frame (200), at a location which, in use, allows engagement with the posterior groove (123) of said profiles (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d).

11. The preframe installation kit of claim 10, wherein the corner pieces (110) are identical.

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