Window / door frame comprising a newly developed fixed frame

Abstract

Frame (100) for windows or French doors of a building; the frame (100) comprises a fixed frame (TF) suitable for being arranged in an opening of the wall (M) and anchored to said wall (M), and a leaf (A) movably connected to the fixed frame (TF) and comprising a wooden frame (TA); wherein the fixed frame (TF) comprises four elements (2) joined at right angles, each comprising a supporting profile (3) of bio-composite material and a covering profile (4) of metal material joined to the supporting profile (3) to cover a face of the supporting profile (3) facing the exterior of the building.

Description

[0001] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a window / door frame comprising a newly developed fixed frame.

[0002] Specifically, the present patent application relates to a window frame or to a French door frame.

[0003] As it is known, window frames and French door frames are necessary in a building to provide lighting, ventilation, and thermal / acoustic insulation.

[0004] A conventional window / door frame comprises: a fixed frame suitable for being arranged in an opening in the wall; and a leaf that is movably connected to the fixed frame and comprises a frame that supports at least one transparent pane.

[0005] The fixed frame is suitable for being fixed to the wall, either directly or indirectly with the interposition of a counter frame that is anchored to the sides of the opening in the wall by means of anchoring plates.

[0006] Once the counter frame is anchored in the wall, firstly the fixed frame is fixed to the counter frame, then the leaf is movably connected to the fixed frame, and finally the counter frame is concealed by means of special framing strips.

[0007] So the counter frame is no longer visible whereas the fixed frame and the leaf remain visible.

[0008] It should be noted that the frame of the leaf has the same dimensions or slightly smaller dimensions in width and height than the fixed frame.

[0009] As it is known, the fixed frames and leaf frames made of steel or aluminum alloy installed in old buildings are gradually disappearing because of their low thermal performance and unattractive aesthetics.

[0010] Due to improved living standards there is now a high market demand for windows with movable leaf frames and wooden fixed frames.

[0011] In fact, such wooden windows are characterized by excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, are aesthetically pleasing and add beauty to the building.

[0012] Nevertheless, it is known that wood may be easily damaged because of the exposure to weather agents, even if treated with special protective chemicals.

[0013] Therefore, solutions have been devised in which the wooden leaf frame and the wooden fixed frame are externally covered with metal profiles suitable for protecting the wood from external weathering.

[0014] Despite being widely adopted in the building industry, such a solution is impaired by several drawbacks.

[0015] In fact, the wooden strips of the fixed frame must be dimensioned to withstand the stress impressed on them by the leaf every time the leaf is closed and stopped against the fixed frame.

[0016] In order to meet such a mechanical and structural requirement, the strips of the fixed frame have a high cross-section (both in depth and height) so that they are massive and strong.

[0017] However, said high-dimensioned strips are bulky and negatively affect the height and width of the leaf and consequently the width of the transparent pane.

[0018] More precisely, when they are positioned on the perimeter of the opening in the wall, said strips significantly reduce the width of the opening and consequently represent a constraint for the width of the leaf and of the transparent pane supported by the leaf.

[0019] The smaller the width of the opening defined by the fixed frame is, the smaller the width of the transparent pane supported by the leaf will be.

[0020] Obviously, a reduced width of the opening (defined by the fixed frame) and a reduced width of the transparent pane (supported by the leaf) adversely affect the amount of light that enters the building when the window is either open or closed.

[0021] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by devising a window frame comprising a new fixed frame with a supporting profile made of a material such that the window frame: has a lower volume than the fixed frame made with wooden strips; has the same if not better mechanical and structural properties than the wooden strips; and has a texture and an aesthetics that mimics that of wood.

[0022] A further purpose of the present invention is to devise a window frame that is simple and inexpensive to make.

[0023] These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the features listed in the attached independent claim 1.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments appear from dependent claims.

[0025] The window frame according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0026] For the sake of explanatory clarity, the description of the window frame according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which have only illustrative and non-limiting value, wherein: Fig. 1 is a front view of a window frame seen from the interior of a building; Fig. 2 and 2A are two sectional views of two alternative versions of the window frame of Fig. 1, sectioned along the vertical plane V-V of Fig. 1; Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of the detail enclosed in the dashed circle "H" of Fig. 2A; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an element that composes the fixed frame of the window frame according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the movable leaf of the window frame according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a wooden strip of the movable leaf of the window frame.

[0027] With reference to the attached figures, a window frame according to the invention is described, it being comprehensively indicated with the reference numeral "100".

[0028] Referring to Fig. 1, the frame (100) comprises a fixed frame (TF) suitable for being arranged in an opening of a wall (M) and fixed directly or indirectly with the interposition of a counter frame that is anchored to the sides of the opening in the wall by means of anchoring plates.

[0029] Moreover, the frame (100) comprises a leaf (A) movably connected to the fixed frame (TF) by means of hinges. The leaf (A) comprises a wooden frame (TA) that supports at least one transparent pane (LA). Although in Fig. 1 the frame (100) has only one leaf (A), the window frame (100) may comprise two leaves or multiple leaves (A). In Figs. 2 and 4, the leaf (A) has a side-by-side spaced pair of transparent panes (LA) that are parallel to each other and are supported by the window frame (TA). Evidently, nothing would change if the leaf (A) had only one transparent pane (LA) or more than two transparent panes (LA) parallel to each other.

[0030] The fixed frame (TF) comprises four elements (2) joined at right angle, namely, two transoms, a lower transom and an upper transom, and two side posts.

[0031] With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, each element (2) of the fixed frame (TF) comprises a supporting profile (3) of a bio-composite material comprising resin and natural fibers.

[0032] Preferably, the resin of the bio-composite material used for the supporting profile (3) comprises polyvinyl chloride, whereas said natural fibers of the bio-composite material used for the supporting profile (3) comprise rice husk.

[0033] In the embodiment of the invention, the bio-composite material used for the supporting profile (3) is known by the trade name of Resysta ®< .

[0034] Such material, which is known by the trade name of Resysta ®< , comes in the form of strips that have the same tactile and aesthetic sensations as real wood and can be machined with the traditional woodworking machines.

[0035] Such Resysta ®< strips are easy to maintain and are more durable than real wood due to their resistance to water as well as to ultraviolet rays.

[0036] Being made of rice husk, which is a waste product of the food industry, said Resysta ®< strips are recyclable.

[0037] Said Resysta ®< strips can be sawn, screwed, nailed, stapled and glued with multiple types of adhesives.

[0038] So, the machines and technologies used in the woodworking industry to make wooden profiles and strips can be used to make the supporting profile (3) with Resysta ®< material.

[0039] The bio-composite material used to make the supporting profile (3) has the following technical characteristics: 1.48 g / cm 3< density; softening temperature of 82°C on a 5-kg sample; said temperature was calculated in accordance with ISO 306 standard; hardness with a shore D of 76 calculated in accordance with the ISO 868 standard; tensile strength of 20 N / mm 2< in accordance with ISO 527 standard; 0.6% elongation at break in accordance with ISO 527 standard; flexural modulus of 4000 N / mm 2< in accordance with ISO 178 standard; Class V0 flammability in accordance with the UL 94 standard; shock resistance of 5.7 KJ / m 2< in accordance with the ISO 180 standard; and thermal stability of 23 minutes in accordance with the CEI 20-34 / 3-2 standard.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 3, when seen in cross-section, the supporting profile (3) has an L-shape with a first wing (31) orthogonal to the plane (Q-Q) (shown in Fig. 2) whereon the opening of the wall lies, and a second wing (32) orthogonal to the first wing (31). The supporting profile (3) with L-shape defines a seat (30) facing the interior of the building and suitable for accommodating the frame (TA) of the leaf (A).

[0041] The first wing (31) has a first face (311) facing the opening, a second face (312) opposite said first face (312), and an end face (310) facing the interior of the building. The second face (312) of the first wing (31) of the supporting profile (3) is directed towards a perimeter edge of the wall that defines the opening or towards a counter frame if the supporting profile (3) is part of the upper transom or of the side posts of the fixed frame (TF), or is directed towards an interior sill if the supporting profile (3) is part of the lower transom of the fixed frame (TF).

[0042] The second wing (32) has a first face (321) facing the interior of the building, a second face (322) facing the exterior of the building, and an end section (320).

[0043] The first wing (31) of the supporting profile (3) has a longitudinal channel (S2) formed on the first face (311) of the first wing (31) and suitable for accommodating an intermediate seal (G2) with a lip (G20) that is substantially orthogonal to the first face (311) of the first wing (31) and against which the frame (TA) of the leaf (A) rests when the leaf (A) is closed.

[0044] The first wing (31) of the supporting profile (3) has attachment seats (38) formed on the second face (312) having a C-shaped cross-section.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 2 and 2A, an L-shaped profile (P) can be coupled to said attachment seats (38) comprising: a first branch (P1) disposed under the second face (312) of the first wing (31) and having an attachment portion (P10) inserted into the attachment seat (38); and a second branch (P2) suitable for partially covering an inner face of the wall or of the counter frame.

[0046] Obviously, such profiles (P) can be coupled to the attachment seat (38) of the supporting profile (3) when the supporting profile (3) is part of a post or of an upper transom of the fixed frame (TF).

[0047] In fact, the lower transom of the fixed frame (TF) is usually positioned on a sill, and therefore such a profile (P) could not be applied.

[0048] Again with reference to Figs. 2 and 2A, the second branch (P2) is attached to the wall or to a counter frame by means of screws (Vx).

[0049] In a first embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2, the second branch (P2) comprises hooks (P20) that protrude frontally from the second branch (P2) to be attached to a strip (N).

[0050] In a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, a plasterboard panel (U) is suitable for being applied in front of the second branch (P2).

[0051] In such a case, the profile (P) comprises a lateral element (P3) that projects in front of the second branch (P2) in coplanar direction to the first branch (P1) and a rib (P4) that projects in front of the second branch (P2) parallel to the lateral element (P3) and against which a perimeter edge (U1) of the plasterboard panel (U) is suitable for abutting. The rib (P4) and the lateral element (P3) define a cavity (Pi) wherein an edge of a conventional joint-covering mesh (R) is suitable for being inserted. The joint-covering mesh (R), the front face of the plasterboard panel (U) and the cavity (Pi) are all concealed by a layer of filler (J).

[0052] The version shown in Figs. 2A and 2B can be used to make windows flush with the wall.

[0053] In fact, the plasterboard panel (U) may have such a thickness that the face facing the interior of the building is flush with the interior of the leaf when the leaf is closed. This makes the frame (100) extremely pleasant to see, and the presence of the fixed frame (TF) is no longer perceived from the interior of the building.

[0054] Now going back to Fig. 3, the supporting profile (3) comprises longitudinal ducts (3c) that extend for the entire length of the supporting profile (3) and lighten the supporting profile (3). Said longitudinal ducts (3c) can be filled with an insulating material.

[0055] Again with reference to Fig. 3, each element (2) of the fixed frame (TF) comprises a covering profile (4) of metal material connected to the supporting profile (3) to cover a face of the supporting profile (3) facing the exterior of the building. Specifically, the covering profile (4) covers the external face (322) of the second wing (32) facing the exterior of the building.

[0056] Preferably, said metal material used for the covering profile (3) is aluminum.

[0057] The covering profile (4) comprises an end portion (41) surmounting the end section (320) of the second wing (32) of the supporting profile (3) and comprising a C-shaped longitudinal seat (S1) facing the interior of the building and suitable for accommodating a stop seal (G1) against which the frame (TA) of the leaf (A) is suitable for resting when the leaf (A) is closed.

[0058] The covering profile (4) is connected to the supporting profile (3) by means of coupling means. More precisely, retaining teeth (61, 62) and respective retaining seats (71, 72) are formed on the supporting profile (3) and on the covering profile (4) and are coupled with each other and are suitable for fixing the covering profile (4) to the supporting profile (3).

[0059] More precisely: the supporting profile (3) comprises a first retaining tooth (61) that protrudes from the second face (322) of the second wing (32), and a first retaining seat (72) formed at the end section (320) of the second wing (32); whereas the covering profile (4) comprises a second retaining seat (71) formed at one end of the covering profile (4) opposite the end portion (41) and suitable for being coupled with the first retaining tooth (61) and a second retaining tooth (62) formed at the end portion (41) and suitable for being coupled with the first retaining seat (72).

[0060] Referring to Figs. 2, 4, and 5, the wooden frame (TA) comprises four wooden strips (1) joined at right angle to each other to form the frame that perimetrally supports the at least one transparent pane (LA).

[0061] With reference to Fig. 5, when viewed in cross-section, each wooden strip (1) has an essentially L-shape with a first wing (11) orthogonal to the at least one pane (LA) and a second wing (12) parallel to the at least one pane (LA).

[0062] The first wing (11) of the wooden strip (1) comprises a first face (111) facing the interior of the leaf (TA), a second face (112) opposite said first face (111) and a front face (110) suitable for facing the exterior of the building.

[0063] The second wing (12) of the wooden strip (1) comprises a first face (121) suitable for facing the exterior of the building, a second face (122) suitable for facing the opposite direction, and an end face (120) facing the exterior of the leaf (TA).

[0064] A stop gasket (G3) is arranged in a seat (S3) formed on the first face (121) of the second wing (12) near the end face (120). The stop gasket (G3) is suitable for abutting against the end face (310) of the first wing (31) when the leaf (A) is closed.

[0065] An abutment tooth (16) suitable to abutting against the intermediate seal (G2) protrudes orthogonally from the second face (112) of the first wing (11).

[0066] Again with reference to Fig. 5, the wooden strip (1) comprises a notch (14) suitable for accommodating a perimeter edge of the at least one transparent pane (LA).

[0067] In particular, the notch (14) is formed between the first face (111) and the front face (110) of the first wing (11).

[0068] Now with reference to Fig. 4, for each wooden strip (1), the frame (TA) of the leaf (A) comprises a pane-stopper profile (5) attached to the front face (110) of the first wing (11) of the wooden strip (1), which comprises a first portion (51) covering the front face (110) of the first wing (11) of the wooden strip (1), and a second portion (52) disposed in front of the notch (14) and comprising a C-shaped seat (S4) for a gasket (G4) that is pressed against the at least one pane (LA).

[0069] The pane-stopper profile (5) is suitable for abutting against said stop seal (G1) when the leaf (A) is closed.

[0070] The frame (TA) comprises attachment means (9) that attach the first portion (51) of the pane-stopper profile (5) to the front face (110) of the first wing (11) of the wooden strip (1).

[0071] The attachment means (9) comprise a plate (91) attached to the front face (110) of the first wing (11) of the wooden strip (1) and from which a plurality of mushroom-shaped pegs or one longitudinal rib with mushroom-shaped cross-section protrudes.

[0072] In both embodiments, however, the mushroom configuration comprises a stem and an enlarged ending head (90) inserted in a C-shaped seat (50) of the first portion (51) of the pane-stopper profile (5).

[0073] Following the above description, the advantages of the present invention are now manifest.

[0074] In fact, the fixed frame (TF) provided with the supporting profiles (3) of biocompatible material that imitates the wood (Resysta ®< ) is characterized by: a reduced volume; high mechanical and structural properties; and a pleasing aesthetics that mimics that of wooden frames.

[0075] Numerous variations and changes of detail may be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of a technician of the field, still falling in the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Frame (100) for windows or French doors of a building; said frame (100) comprising: - a fixed frame (TF) suitable for being arranged in an opening of a wall (M) and fixed to said wall (M); and - a leaf (A) movably connected to the fixed frame (TF) and comprising a wooden frame (TA); wherein said fixed frame (TF) comprises four elements (2) joined at right angle, each one comprising: - a supporting profile (3) of bio-composite material; - a covering profile (4) of metal material and joined to the supporting profile (3) to cover a face of the supporting profile (3) facing the exterior of the building.

2. The frame (100) according to claim 1, wherein said bio-composite material used for the supporting profile (3) comprises a resin and natural fibers.

3. The frame (100) according to claim 2, wherein said resin of the bio-composite material used for the supporting profile (3) comprises polyvinyl chloride.

4. The frame (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said natural fibers of the bio-composite material used for the supporting profile (3) comprise rice husk.

5. The frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bio-composite material is Resysta®.

6. The frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said covering profile (4) is made of aluminum.

7. The frame (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when seen in a cross-sectional view, said supporting profile (3) has an L-shape with a first wing (31) orthogonal to the plane (Q-Q) whereon the opening of the wall lies, and a second wing (32) orthogonal to the first wing (31); wherein said supporting profile (3) with L-shape defines a seat (30) facing the interior of the building and suitable for accommodating the frame (TA) of the leaf (A); wherein said covering profile (4) of metal material is joined to an external face (322) of the second wing (32) of the supporting profile facing the exterior of the building.

8. The fixture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein retaining teeth (61, 62) and respective retaining seats (71, 72) are formed on said covering profile (4) and on said supporting profile (3) and are coupled with each other for fixing the covering profile (4) to the supporting profile (3).

9. The frame (100) according to claim 7 or 8; wherein said covering profile (4) comprises an end portion (41) surmounting an end section (320) of the second wing (32) of the supporting profile (3) and comprising a longitudinal seat (S1) facing the interior of the building and suitable for accommodating a stop seal (G1) against which the frame (TA) of the leaf (A) is suitable for resting when the leaf (A) is closed.

10. The frame (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said first wing (31) has a longitudinal channel (S2) formed on the first face (311) of the first wing (31) suitable for accommodating an intermediate seal (G2) with a lip (G20) against which the frame (TA) of the leaf (A) is suitable for resting when the leaf (A) is closed.

11. The frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (TA) of the leaf (A) comprises seats (S3) wherein stop gaskets (G3) are arranged and suitable for abutting against an end section (310) of the first wing (31) of the supporting profile (3) of the fixed frame (TF).

12. The frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (TA) of the leaf (A) comprises four wooden strips (1) joined at right angle to form a frame that perimetrally supports the at least one transparent pane (LA).

13. The frame (100) according to claim 12, wherein each wooden strip (1) comprises a notch (14) suitable for accommodating a perimeter edge of the at least one transparent pane (LA).

14. The frame (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, when seen in a cross-sectional view, each wooden strip (1) has a substantially L-shape with a first wing (11) orthogonal to the at least one pane (LA) and a second wing (12) parallel to the at least one pane (LA).

15. The frame (100) according to claim 14, wherein: - the first wing (11) of the wooden strip (1) comprises a first face (111) facing the interior of the leaf (TA), a second face (112) opposite said first face (111), and an end face (110) suitable for facing the exterior of the building; and - the second wing (12) of the wooden strip (1) comprises a first face (121) suitable for facing the exterior of the building, a second face (122) suitable for facing in the opposite direction, and an end face (120) facing the exterior of the leaf (TA); wherein said notch (14) is formed between the first face (111) and the front face (110) of the first wing (11); wherein, for each wooden strip (1), said frame (TA) of the leaf (A) comprises a pane-stopper profile (5) attached to the front face (110) of the first wing (11) of the wooden strip, which comprises a first portion (51) covering the front face (110) of the first wing (11) of the wooden strip (1), and a second portion (52) disposed in front of the notch (14) and comprising a seat (S4) for a gasket (G4) that is pressed against the at least one pane (LA).

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