Door or window closure element

Abstract

A door or window closure element, which comprises a fixed frame (2), which can be positioned around an opening (100) defined in a wall (101) of a building, and at least one occluding element (3) for closing the opening (100), which is supported by the fixed frame (2). The fixed frame (2) comprises a plurality of profiled elements (6). At least one of the profiled elements (6) comprises at least one base body (7), from which at least one locator flap (8) protrudes which is designed to be positioned in abutment against the outer face of the wall (101) and is configured to allow the application of means for fixing (9) the base body (7) to the wall (101). According to the invention, the base body (7) comprises coupling means (10) which can be engaged by at least one covering casing (11) which is configured to cover at least the area of the locator flap (8) that is affected by the means for fixing (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a door or window closure element.

[0002] As is known, door or window closure elements are typically constituted by a fixed frame, which is mounted along the perimeter of a wall defined in a building, and by at least one movable leaf, which is supported by the fixed frame and the function of which is to close the opening on which the door or window closure element is mounted.

[0003] In particular, door or window closure elements are known which are used, especially, in the construction of buildings constituted by prefabricated residential modules for tourist use, such as mobile homes, chalets and the like, wherein the fixed frame is constituted by profiled elements, which have a respective locator flap which is designed to be rested against the outer face of the wall of the building and which provides an area for the application, at multiple points, of the screws or bolts used to execute the fixing of the profiled elements to the wall.

[0004] More specifically, through the locator flaps, self-tapping fixing screws are typically screwed into the wall, and make it possible to anchor the profiled elements to the wall of the building.

[0005] Although conceptually valid, in that they are structurally very simple, the aesthetic finishes of these door or window closure elements are not optimal, and as a result are unsuitable for the modern architectural needs of today's prefabricated residential modules for tourist use.

[0006] Furthermore, the stability and strength they offer over time are not optimal either.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to provide a door or window closure element that is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the above mentioned aspects.

[0008] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a door or window closure element that can be superior, both aesthetically and functionally, than the prior art.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a door or window closure element that, in addition to offering a contemporary design, can ensure high levels of safety and stability in the connection to the wall of the building.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a door or window closure element wherein inspection and maintenance of the parts thereof that ensure its connection to the wall are straightforward.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a door or window closure element that offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation characteristics.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a door or window closure element that is highly reliable, is relatively easy to implement, and has a competitive production cost.

[0014] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a door or window closure element according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the door or window closure element according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a front elevation view of the door or window closure element according to the invention; Figures 2-5 are cross-sectional views, taken along the line II-II of Figure 1, which show a sequence of operating steps to install the door or window closure element according to the invention.

[0016] With reference to the figures, the door or window closure element according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a fixed frame 2, which can be positioned around an opening 100, which is defined in a wall 101 of a building, such as, for example, a prefabricated residential module, such as a chalet, a mobile home or the like.

[0017] It must be noted that the wall 101 can be made of wooden material, as in the accompanying figures, but it can also be made of brick, concrete or other construction materials, according to requirements.

[0018] The fixed frame 2 of the door or window closure element supports at least one occluding element 3 which is configured to close the opening 100.

[0019] For example, the occluding element 3 can be constituted, as in the example shown, by at least one movable leaf 3a, which is constituted, preferably, by a movable frame 4 which supports a pane of glazing or of double glazing 5. There is no reason why the occluding element 3 cannot be constituted by a double glazing pane or the like, directly supported by the fixed frame 2.

[0020] The fixed frame 2 comprises a plurality of profiled elements 6, which are assembled together to form a closed shape.

[0021] At least one of these profiled elements 6 and, more preferably, each of the profiled elements 6, comprises at least one base body 7 from which at least one locator flap 8 protrudes.

[0022] In particular, this locator flap 8 is intended to be positioned in abutment against the outer face of the wall 101.

[0023] More specifically, the locator flap 8 is configured to allow the application of means for fixing 9, which make it possible to fix the base body 7 of the profiled element 6 to the wall 101.

[0024] It should be noted that the locator flap 8 is, conveniently, made in a single piece with the base body 7.

[0025] According to the invention, the base body 7 comprises coupling means 10 which can be engaged by at least one covering casing 11, which is configured to cover, externally, at least the area of the locator flap 8 that is affected by the presence of the means for fixing 9.

[0026] In this manner, by virtue of the possibility to couple the covering casing 11 to the base body 7, by way of the coupling means 10, the means for fixing 9 the base body 5 to the wall 101 are not only hidden from external view, so as to improve the appearance of the door or window closure element with respect to the prior art, but are also protected from atmospheric agents, thus conferring greater reliability and safety on the door or window closure element.

[0027] Advantageously, the covering casing 11 is made from at least one profiled member 12, which can be coupled, by way of the coupling means 10, to the base body 7, in a position substantially facing the locator flap 8.

[0028] It should be noted that the means for fixing 9 can, for example, comprise at least one fixing screw 9a, which can be screwed, through the locator flap 8, into the wall 101.

[0029] More preferably, the means for fixing 9 comprise a plurality of fixing screws 9a, which are arranged, mutually spaced apart, along the longitudinal extension of the locator flap 8.

[0030] In this case, the profiled member 12 is, conveniently, configured to cover at least the area of the locator flap 8 that is affected by the presence of the fixing screws 9a, so as to hide from view the points where the base body 7 is fixed to the wall 101 and, more specifically, the heads of the fixing screws 9a.

[0031] Descending into the details, the coupling means 10 comprise at least one first engagement element 10a which is defined on the base body 7 and can be engaged by being pressed by at least one second engagement element 10b which is supported by the profiled member 12.

[0032] Advantageously, the first engagement element 10a comprises at least one first engagement rib 13a, 13b, which is defined on the face of the locator flap 8 that is directed away from the wall 101.

[0033] The second engagement element 10b comprises, in turn, at least one engagement seat 14, which is configured to receive, by snap engagement, the first engagement rib 13a, 13b.

[0034] In more detail, advantageously, there is a pair of first engagement ribs 13a, 13b which are arranged mutually spaced apart and substantially parallel.

[0035] Conveniently, the first engagement ribs 13a, 13b extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locator flap 8.

[0036] By contrast, the engagement seat 14 is laterally delimited by at least one pair of second engagement ribs 15a, 15b, which protrude from the face of the profiled member 12 that is designed to be directed toward the locator flap 8.

[0037] In particular, either or both of the first and the second engagement ribs 13a, 13b, 15a and 15b is elastically yielding in order to allow the snap engagement of the first engagement ribs 13a, 13b between the second engagement ribs 15a, 15b.

[0038] More specifically, the first engagement ribs 13a, 13b are elastically flexible when pushed toward each other, so as to allow their coupling between the second engagement ribs 15a, 15b.

[0039] Advantageously, the second engagement ribs 15a, 15b have, proceeding in the direction of their free end, an extension whereby they progressively converge toward each other, so as to define an inlet of the engagement seat 14 with a smaller transverse dimension than that of the engagement seat itself and an area inside the engagement seat 14 which is undercut with respect to the inlet of the engagement seat, so as to resist the uncoupling of the first engagement ribs 13a, 13b from the engagement seat 14.

[0040] In turn, the first engagement ribs 13a, 13b have, proceeding in the direction of their free end, an extension whereby they progressively diverge from each other, until they reach a distance from each other that is greater than the dimension of the inlet of the engagement seat 14, in order to allow their insertion in the engagement seat 14 only as a consequence of their elastic bending toward each other.

[0041] Advantageously, the first engagement ribs 13a, 13b have, at their free end, guiding end portions with an extension whereby they progressively converge toward each other, in order to cause, as a result of their relative sliding along the edges of the second engagement ribs 15a, 15b which delimit the inlet of the engagement seat 14, the elastic bending of the first ribs 13a, 13b and, as a consequence, the possibility of their insertion into the engagement seat 14.

[0042] Conveniently, the area of the locator flap 8 that is affected by the presence of the means for fixing 9 and, more specifically, of the fixing screws 9a, corresponds substantially to the area interposed between the first engagement ribs 13a, 13b, so that the heads of the fixing screws 9a can be accommodated in the space delimited by the first engagement ribs 13a and 13b.

[0043] Conveniently, the profiled member 12 is configured to occupy a space that is comprised within the footprint of the base body 7, in such a way that, when the profiled member 12 is coupled to the base body 7, some continuity is created between the base body 7 and the profiled member 12.

[0044] In particular, the locator flap 8 is spaced apart from the surface 7a of the base body 7 that is intended to be positioned on the outside of the building, and the space occupied by the profiled member 12 basically corresponds to the space present between such surface 7a and the locator flap 8.

[0045] In particular, once coupled to the base body 7, the profiled member 12 is, advantageously, positioned, with its face 12a intended to be directed outward, substantially flush with the surface 7a of the base body 7.

[0046] Conveniently, the surface 7a of the base body 7 has an edge 16, intended to be directed toward the profiled member 12, which has a shaping adapted to receive the edge portion 17 of the outer face 12a of the profiled member 12, so that the outer face 12a of the profiled member can basically constitute the continuation of the surface 7a of the base body 7, once the profiled member has been coupled to the base body 7.

[0047] Preferably, this shaping of the edge 16 defines a shoulder 18 for the edge portion 17 of the profiled member 12.

[0048] Advantageously, the profiled member 12 has, furthermore, a portion 19 which, with the profiled member 12 in a condition of engagement with the base body 7, extends beyond the free edge of the locator flap 8, so ensuring the locator flap 8 is completely covered by the profiled member 12.

[0049] Conveniently, substantially at this portion 19, the profiled member 12 has at least one coupling seat 20 for at least one sealing gasket 21, intended to be interposed between the profiled member and the wall 101.

[0050] For completeness, it must be added that at least one first layer of sealant 22, preferably silicone or other, similar material, can optionally be interposed between the locator flap 8 and the wall 101, and is passed through by the means for fixing 9 and, more precisely, by the fixing screws 9.

[0051] Conveniently, on the side of the base body 7 that is directed toward the inside of the building, there is a mating portion 23 for coupling an in-wall frame 24, which makes it possible to complete the fixing of the fixed frame 2 to the wall 101 and to ensure the finish thereof on the innermost side of the building.

[0052] In particular, the mating portion 23 comprises an engagement seat 25, while the in-wall frame 24 is made up of at least one corner element 26, which has two wings arranged substantially at right angles to each other and, more precisely, a first wing 26a, engageable in the engagement seat 25, and a second wing 26b, designed to come into abutment against the inner face of the wall 101.

[0053] Between the second wing 26b of the corner element 26 and the wall 101, a second layer of sealant 27 can be interposed, also, for example, silicone.

[0054] It should be noted that the base body 7 of the profiled elements 6 has, conveniently, at least one glass fiber stiffener.

[0055] More preferably, the base body 7 is produced by co-extrusion of plastic material, in particular PVC, and strands of glass fiber or glass filaments.

[0056] The presence of this glass fiber stiffener makes it possible to: improve the mechanical characteristics of the base body 7, by reducing its bending deformability; counter thermal dilation of the PVC; and ensure the base body 7 has superior characteristics of thermal insulation, with respect to traditional stiffeners of metal.

[0057] Advantageously, the profiles 29 that make up the movable frame 4 of the leaf 3a can also be made with glass fiber stiffeners.

[0058] It must also be added that, conveniently, the double glazing pane 5 of the movable leaf 3 is supported by the movable frame 4 between an abutment 30, defined by the profile 29 of the movable frame 4, and a retention gasket 31, which is located on the side of the movable leaf 3a that is directed toward the outside and which is coupled to the profile 29 of the movable frame 3.

[0059] This retention gasket 31 has a sealing lip 31a, which abuts against the double glazing pane 5, so covering a limited portion of the terminal edge of the double glazing pane 5, and has at least one engagement appendage 31b, for its coupling by interlocking with the profile 29.

[0060] The retention gasket 31 has the following advantages: it gives the movable leaf 3a a greater available transparent surface area and, therefore, more light; it protects the double glazing pane 5 from any impacts and from sudden changes in temperature near the edge and, therefore, it prevents breakage from thermal shock; it allows the use of standard types of glass, i.e. it does not necessarily require the use of special types of glass, such as tempered glass or ground glass; it makes it possible to give a finish to the edge of the movable leaf 3a and not leave the silicone exposed; it contributes, together with the gasket of the movable frame 4, to close it and provide a seal against air, water and wind; and it can be replaced if damaged.

[0061] The use of the door or window closure element, according to the invention, is the following.

[0062] The base body 7 of the profiled element 6 that forms the fixed frame 2 of the door or window closure element is placed on an edge of the opening 100 and the locator flap 8 is placed against the outer face of the wall 101, preferably interposing a first layer of sealant 22, as shown in Figure 2.

[0063] The fixing screws 9a are screwed, through the locator flap 8 and the first layer of sealant 22 and into the wall 101, so as to fix the base body 7 to the wall 101, as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0064] At this point, as shown in Figure 4, the profile 12 is coupled to the base body 7 by pressure, using the coupling means 10.

[0065] The installation of the door or window closure element is completed by applying, on the innermost side of the building, the in-wall frame 24, which is coupled to the mating portion 23 defined on the base body 7.

[0066] In practice it has been found that the door or window closure element according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects and, in particular, attention is drawn to the fact that in the door or window closure element the fixing bolts or screws are present but are not visible, so enabling a clean and minimalist design, as well as safety and stability together with contemporary harmony and uniformity.

[0067] The invention also has the advantage of offering a considerable ease of maintenance, in that the covering casing facilitates maintenance and inspection, while always keeping a well-finished and professional appearance.

[0068] Another advantage of the invention is ease of installation, in that the lightness and the intelligent design of the profiled elements that are used for its manufacture enable rapid and effortless installation, so reducing mounting times and associated costs.

[0069] It should also be emphasized that the profiled elements of the door or window closure element according to the invention are designed to be integrated easily with classic indoor in-wall frames, so offering a flexible solution adapted to different types of installation and offering superior versatility in construction or renovation projects.

[0070] Another advantage of the door or window closure element according to the invention is that it has an optimized design that provides a strong and stable structure, capable of withstanding atmospheric agents, so ensuring duration and safety over time.

[0071] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows the door or window closure element to be installed from the outside inward, meaning it is not necessary to enter buildings for its installation.

[0072] It must also be emphasized that, with respect to solutions in the prior art, the door or window closure element according to the invention lends itself particularly well to application in buildings constituted by prefabricated residential modules, such as mobile homes, chalets and the like.

[0073] Attention must also be drawn to the fact that, as the locator flap is integral with the base body of the profiled elements that make up the fixed frame, mounting the door or window closure element to the wall is facilitated very much, as there is no need to mount multiple elements as in the prior art.

[0074] Furthermore, the door or window closure element according to the invention does not require operations of placing, cutting or refinishing onsite, as in the prior art, in that the locator flap is already mounted on the fixed frame of the door or window closure element.

[0075] Yet another advantage of the invention is that it makes it possible to fix the door or window closure element without needing to remove the movable leaf, in that its fixing occurs at the locator flap and therefore in an area that does not interfere with the leaf, differently from the prior art wherein the fixing is typically done vertically, with screws that pass through the fixed frame of the door or window closure element along a direction that goes from the position occupied by the leaf toward the fixing wall.

[0076] By virtue of this, it is possible to fix the door or window closure element according to the invention, simply by placing it against the wall, without needing to intervene in the area of the opening affected by the movable leaf, with consequent reduced installation time.

[0077] Furthermore, in order to prevent the ingress of water from outside, the door or window closure element according to the invention does not require bulky, unsightly gasket seals on its outermost side, because its locator flap makes it possible to apply sealing material in the area where the locator flap abuts against the wall, so protecting the sealing material from bad weather and concealing it from view, since it is also covered by the covering casing, so offering superior sealing characteristics over time.

[0078] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0079] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0080] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000024594 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A door or window closure element comprising a fixed frame (2) which can be positioned around an opening (100) defined in a wall (101) of a building, and at least one occluding element (3) for closing said opening (100), which is supported by said fixed frame (2), said fixed frame (2) comprising a plurality of profiled elements (6), at least one of said profiled elements (6) comprising at least one base body (7), from which at least one locator flap (8) protrudes which is designed to be positioned in abutment against the outer face of said wall (101) and is configured to allow the application of means for fixing (9) said base body (7) to said wall (101), characterized in that said base body (7) comprises coupling means which can be engaged by at least one covering casing (11) which is configured to cover at least the area of said locator flap (8) that is affected by said means for fixing (9).

2. The door or window closure element according to claim 1, characterized in that said covering casing (11) comprises at least one profiled member (12) which can be coupled, by virtue of said coupling means (10), to said base body (7) in a position that substantially faces said locator flap (8).

3. The door or window closure element according to claim 2, characterized in that said means for fixing (10) comprise at least one fixing screw (9a) which can be screwed, through said locator flap (8), into said wall (101), said profiled member (12) being configured to cover at least the area of said locator flap (8) that is affected by the presence of said at least one fixing screw (9).

4. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling means (10) comprise at least one first engagement element (10a) which is defined on said base body (7) and can be engaged by being pressed by at least one second engagement element (10b) which is supported by said profiled member (12).

5. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one first engagement element (10a) comprises at least one first engagement rib (13a, 13b), which is defined on the face of said locator flap (8) that is directed away from said wall (101), said at least one second engagement element (10b) comprising at least one engagement seat (14) which is configured to receive, by snap engagement, said at least one engagement rib (13a, 13b).

6. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pair of first engagement ribs (13a, 13b) which are arranged mutually spaced apart and substantially parallel, said at least one engagement seat (14) being laterally delimited by at least one pair of second engagement ribs (15a, 15b), either or both of said first and said second engagement ribs (13a, 13b, 15a, 15b) being elastically yielding in order to allow the snap engagement of said first engagement ribs (13a, 13b) between said second engagement ribs (15a, 15b).

7. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said profiled member (12) is configured to occupy a space comprised within the footprint of said base body (7), with said profiled member (12) in the condition for coupling to said base body (7).

8. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, with said profiled member (12) in a condition of engagement with said base body (7), said profiled member (12) can be positioned, with its face (12a) designed to be directed outward, substantially flush with the surface (7a) of said base body (7) that is directed outward.

9. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (7a) of said base body (7) that is directed outward has an edge (16) which is designed to be directed toward said profiled member (12) and has a shaping adapted to receive the edge portion (17) of the face (12a) of said profiled member (12) that is designed to be directed toward said base body (7).

10. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shaping comprises a shoulder (18) for said edge portion (17).

11. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said profiled member (12) has a portion (19) that extends beyond the free edge of said locator flap (8), when said profiled member (12) is in a condition of engagement with said base body (7).

12. The door or window closure element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said profiled member has, substantially at said portion (19) that extends beyond the free edge of said locator flap (8), at least one coupling seat (20) for at least one sealing gasket (21) designed to be interposed between said profiled member (12) and said wall (101).

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