Strip-shaped support and insulating element for supporting and insulating a window frame

A strip-shaped support and insulating element for supporting and insulating a window frame with respect to a main wall includes: (1) a support part formed of load-bearing material and having (a) a first side surface engageable with the main wall and (b) a second side surface substantially perpendicular to the first side surface and supportingly engageable with the window frame, the support part including (a1) a first web that includes the first side surface and an inner side surface opposite the first side surface and (a2) a second web connected to and projecting at an angle from the first web; and (2) an insulating part along the inner side surface of the first web and pivotably connected to an outer edge area of one of the first and second webs such that the insulating part is pivotable between positions which expose or cover the inner side surface of the first web.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to elements for supporting and insulating window frames.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Support and insulating elements have been used for some years in conjunction with composite thermal insulation systems to extend a wall opening for a window artificially outward. According to EP 2 639 394 A2, a support part of rigid, load-bearing foam is screwed laterally to the wall and serves, especially at the bottom, to support the window frame to be inserted. In this composite thermal insulation system, an outer face wall, for example, cooperates with the inner wall to form an intermediate space, in which the support part is arranged. The load-bearing support part with a more-or-less triangular cross-section is supplemented by an insulating part, which consists of, for example, a hard, flexible foam and which cooperates with the support part to form a two-part body with preferably a rectangular cross-section. After the support part has been screwed to the inner wall, the insulating part must be joined to the support part in a separate operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a support and insulating element which can be transported and installed especially easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, the strip-shaped support and insulating element for supporting and insulating a window frame comprises a support part having a first side surface extending in a longitudinal direction, which first side surface serves to rest against the main wall to which the support part is to be attached, and a second side surface, extending in the longitudinal direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first side surface and serves to support the window frame, wherein the support part is made of a load-bearing material. The support part comprises a first web, which includes the first side surface, and also comprises a second web, which is connected to the first web and projects from the first web at an angle. In addition, the support and insulating element comprises an insulating part, which is connected to the support part. The insulating part is arranged in an area of an inner side surface of the first web of the support part opposite the first side surface and is pivotably connected to an outer edge area of the first or second web in such a way that the insulating element is pivotable between a working position, in which it exposes at least most of the inner side surface of the first web of the support part, and an insulating position, in which it covers at least most of the inner side surface of the first web of the support part.

With this configuration, a combined support and insulating element is created, which can be transported compactly and installed especially easily. This is ensured first by the fact that the support part and the insulating part are connected to each other, and second by the fact that the insulating part can be pivoted away from the support part, so that the inner side surface of the first web of the support part is exposed to allow the production of through-holes for the fastening means and to allow the introduction of the fastening means into the through-holes for attachment of the support and insulating element to the main wall. Then the insulating part can be easily pivoted back into the insulating position, in which it fulfills its insulating function.

The pivotable connection between the insulating part and the support part is preferably formed by a flexible adhesive strip, which is adhered to both the insulating part and the support part. In this way, a low-cost and easy-to-handle structure is created, which allows the insulating part to pivot with respect to the support part to any desired degree.

To further facilitate the on-site installation work, it is possible for at least one through-hole extending through the first web of the support part from the inner side surface of the first web to the first side surface to accommodate a fastening element for fastening the support part to the main wall to have been already provided in the web. In this way, the tradesman does not need to perform the step of producing the through-hole at the construction site.

In a preferred embodiment, the support part is made of a rigid foam material. This material has the advantage that it can bear a great deal of weight but also performs a certain insulating function on its own. An example of a corresponding material is a rigid foam based on polyurethane such as Purenit®.

The insulating part is preferably formed of foam, preferably of a hard, flexible foam. This foam material should preferably be self-supporting. Thermal insulation materials such as polystyrene, Styrodur, Styropor, Styrofoam, or Neopur can be considered for this use, for example.

To improve the fastening of the insulating part to the support part during transport and also in the installed state, the one of the first and second webs, to which the insulating part is not pivotably connected, can be connected to the insulating part by an adhesive strip which can be pulled off at least from the support part.

An especially preferred geometry is given when the support part has a substantially L-shaped cross-section. This guarantees that the pivoting of the insulating part is not impeded and simultaneously that slanted surfaces on the support part, which would make it more difficult to produce through-holes or to introduce fastening elements into the through-holes, are avoided.

In a more complex variant, the support part can have a substantially T-shaped cross-section. Then the support and insulating element comprises preferably two insulating parts, one on each side of the second web.

In most of the preferred embodiments, the second web comprises the second side surface, and the first and second side surfaces also intersect at the same angle at which the second web projects from the first web. This pertains in particular to the configuration of the support part with an L-shaped cross-section.

It is also possible, however, for the first web to comprise the second side surface, which is then arranged adjacent to the first side surface. This configuration is unavoidable in the case of a support part with a T-shaped cross-section, but it can also be present in the case of the support part with an L-shaped cross-section.

The latter configuration is especially advantageous when a sealing strip of a flexible foam which returns to its original shape after compression is arranged on a side of the insulating part facing away from the support part. In this way, the sealing action of the insulating part is reinforced, for the flexible foam can, because of its expansive force, rest under pressure against the outer wall. In the case of the configuration of the support part with a T-shaped cross-section, furthermore, it is also possible for the flexible foam to conform to the window frame and to seal it off against the effects of weather.

To facilitate handling in such a case, the sealing strip is preferably held in the compressed state by a compression means, wherein, by loosening or removing the compression means, the expansion of the sealing strip can be initiated. Thus the compression means can be loosened or removed only after the support and insulating element has been installed, and the sealing strip, the expansion of which would interfere with the work of installing the support and insulating element, will not expand until after that work is completed.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression means is a plastic sheet wrapper, which at least partially surrounds the sealing strip. It can be easily loosened or removed and can also serve in the installed state as a vapor barrier. Alternatively, the sealing strip can also be configured in such a way that the expansion can be activated in a controlled manner by, for example, the effect of heat, by the effect of moisture, or by the effect of electricity.

A building section equipped with support and insulating elements according to the invention usually comprises a main wall, an outer wall, and an intermediate space between the main wall and the outer wall. The support and insulating elements, as they were described above, are usually arranged in the intermediate space between the main wall and the outer wall and are fastened to the main wall by fastening elements. A window frame is arranged adjoining the intermediate space and rests on the second side surfaces of the support part of the support and insulating elements. It is also possible for only one support and insulating element to be present, which is arranged underneath the window frame and thus bears the weight of the window. As an alternative to the outer wall, it is also possible to attach a layer of thermal insulation comprising an opening for a window to the main wall. The support and insulating element will then project into this thermal insulation layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1aand 1bshow a first embodiment of the support and insulating element according to the invention for supporting and insulating a window frame. The support and insulating element comprises a support part2with an angled cross-section, to which an insulating part4with a rectangular cross-section is connected. As can best be seen inFIG. 3, both the support part2and the insulating part4extend primarily in a longitudinal direction. The length of the support and insulating element in the longitudinal direction can be freely selected and is preferably in the range of 10-150 cm. The support part2can be formed as a single piece or consist of two smaller parts connected together. The support part2, in the embodiment shown here, has an L-shaped cross-section. It is made of a load-bearing material, which is adapted to bear the weight of the window frame without itself becoming deformed. Wood or plastic can be used as the material of the support part2, but a rigid foam material, such as a foam based on polyurethane or polystyrene, for example, is preferred.

It is preferable for the rigid foam material to comprise a compressive stress according to DIN EN 826 in the range of 2-15 MPa, and especially in the range of 4-8 MPa. The bulk density of the rigid foam material should be in the range of 100-1,200 kg/m3, and preferably in the range of 350-800 kg/m3. The thermal conductivity of the rigid foam material should be in the range of 0.05-0.2 W/mK, and preferably in the range of 0.06-0.15 W/mK. The rigid foam material is dimensionally stable and incompressible under the load of the window. An example of a rigid foam material of this type is sold under the name Purenit®.

The support part2comprises a first side surface6, extending in the longitudinal direction, which serves to rest against the main wall8(FIG. 2). The first side surface6is part of a first web10of the support part2. The support part2also comprises a second side surface12, extending in the longitudinal direction, which second side surface12is substantially perpendicular to the first side surface6and serves to support a window frame34(FIG. 2). In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the second side surface12is part of a second web16of the support part2, which is connected to the first web10and projects from the first web10at an angle. In the example shown here, the angle is 90°. The first side surface6and the second side surface12meet each other along one edge and also intersect at the same angle as the two webs10,16do, therefore at an angle of 90°.

In the first web10, one or preferably several through-holes18can be provided, which serve to allow the passage of one or more fastening elements20(FIG. 2), such as screws. Each through-hole18thus passes through the first web10of the support part2from an inner side surface22, which is opposite the first side surface6, to the first side surface6. As can be seen inFIG. 2, each fastening element20serves to fasten the support part2of the support and insulating element to the main wall8.

It is also possible to not provide any through-holes18in the first web10of the support part2at the factory; instead the through-holes in the support part2can be made by the tradesman only after the support and insulating element has arrived at the installation site.

The insulating part4is arranged in the area of the inner side surface22of the first web10of the support part2. It is preferably made of foam, and more preferably of a hard, flexible foam. Generally, these types of foam materials are self-supporting but cannot bear any load. Examples of such materials are polystyrene, Styrodur, Styropor, Styrofoam, and Neopur, with unit weights of <100 kg/m3, and preferably <50 kg/m2. They are considered thermal insulation materials. The compressive strength of these thermal insulation materials is preferably no more than 50% of the compressive strength of the rigid, load-bearing foam preferably used for the support part2. In fact, it is usually less than 20% of that value.

The insulating part4is pivotably connected to an outer edge area of the first web10of the support part2. It can also be pivotably connected to an outer edge area of the second web16of the support part2.FIG. 1ashows an insulating position of the insulating part4, in which the insulating part4covers at least most of the inner side surface22of the first web10of the support part2. In the present case, the insulating part4covers the inner side surface22completely. In this position, the insulating part4lies preferably both on the first web10and also on the second web16of the support part2. It is especially preferable for the support part2and the insulating part4to form together a rectangular cross-section. The support and insulating element is also preferably transported in this insulating position.

FIG. 1bshows the insulating part4as it is being pivoted into a working position, in which it exposes at least most of the inner side surface22of the first web10of the support part2. In the working position of the insulating part4, the fastening elements20can be introduced without hindrance into the through-holes18. If there are no through-holes18in the support part2, the tradesman has unhindered access to the first web10of the support part2when the insulating part4is in the working position and can produce the through-holes18there before he introduces the fastening elements20through the through-holes18and into the main wall8. The pivot angle between the working position and the insulating position of the insulating part4is usually in the range of 60-120° but is not subject to any limitations. The pivotable connection between the insulating part4and the support part2is preferably achieved by a flexible adhesive strip24, which is adhered both to the insulating part4and to the support part2. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1aand 1b, the adhesive strip24extends straight across the edge-to-edge joint between the support part2and the insulating part4and thus covers it. There are, however, many other arrangements of the adhesive strip24which can be considered.

In addition to the adhesive strip24, the person skilled in the art will be able to imagine many other possibilities for realizing the pivoting connection between the insulating part4and the support part2. For example, the insulating part4and the support part2could be connected to each other by another elastic element, a small area of the support part2could be laminated directly to the insulating part4, or some other mechanical pivoting connection could be realized between the insulating part4and the support part2.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1a, furthermore, a second adhesive strip26is provided, which connects the edge area of the second web16of the support part2to the insulating part4. This adhesive strip26should be easily releasable at least from the support part2, because it must be separated from the support part2before the insulating part4can be pivoted into the working position (FIG. 1b). The adhesive strip26is preferably reusable, so that, after the support part2has been fastened to the wall8and the insulating part4has been pivoted back into the insulating position, the strip can be refastened to the support part2. Instead of the second adhesive strip26, the releasable connection between the insulating part4and the second web16of the support part2can also be realized in some other way.

In the case where the pivotable connection is established between the second web16of the support part2and the insulating part4, the releasable adhesive bond between the insulating part4and the support part2will logically be situated between the insulating part4and the first web10of the support part2.

In principle, however, the pivotable connection between the insulating part4and the support part2can also be the only connection between these two components. The insulating part4should, in that case, remain in the insulating position as long as no external forces act on it. This would be possible, for example, if, through suitable choice of the size and shape of the support part2and of the insulating part4, the insulating part4wedges itself, removably, between the inside surface of the support part2perpendicular to the inner side surface22and the pivoting connection.

The insulating part4can also be configured in such a way that the surface of the insulating part4adjoining the inner side surface22of the support element2provides sufficient free space to accommodate the parts of the fastening elements20which may be projecting from the inner side surface22(not shown in the drawings).

FIGS. 2 and 3show the installation situation of a support and insulating element according to the invention. The building section28shown comprises not only the main wall8, to which the support part2is fastened by means of the fastening elements20, but usually also an outer wall30, which is usually formed by thermal insulation material. This outer wall30is rear-ventilated, and the support and insulating element according to the invention is arranged in the intermediate space32between the main wall8and the outer wall30. The outer wall30is usually connected to the main wall8by webs, projections, or bolts. The window frame34(FIG. 2) is usually arranged in line with the intermediate space32and is supported on the second side surface12of the support part2of the at least one support and insulating element. In addition, sealing elements36such as elements made of polyurethane foam can be inserted between the window frame34and the support part2. Sealing elements38such as elements of polyurethane foam can also be arranged between the window frame34and a projection of the outer wall30extending up beyond the height of the support part2.

As can be seen especially clearly inFIG. 3, the strip-shaped support and insulating elements are usually arranged all the way around the window opening (only three of four sides are shown). In this context, in should be pointed out that the orientation of the support and insulating elements inFIGS. 1a, 1b,2,4a,4b, and5always represents the installation situation present under the window opening. The support and insulating element must be rotated as needed on the other three sides of the window opening.

It is also possible to install one or more support and insulating elements only under the window opening, because that is where the primary weight of the window rests.

If the window frame34is surrounded on all sides by support and insulating elements according to the invention, then the one or more support and insulating elements at the bottom of the window opening will usually be connected to the main wall8by screws or the like. At this location, but primarily on the other sides of the window opening, it is possible under certain conditions that an adhesive bond between the support part2and wall8could be sufficient. The adhesive bond can also be advantageous as a supplement to the fastening by means of the fastening elements20. The adhesive can preferably also serve simultaneously as a vapor barrier.

InFIG. 3, the lengths of the support and insulating elements correspond to the corresponding length and width of the window opening. Nevertheless, it is also possible to arrange several support and insulating elements in a row along each side of the window opening. As a rule, the individual support and insulating elements will be mitered to the proper length and either will rest against each other or preferably will be fastened together, especially by means of an adhesive. A situation is also conceivable, however, in which the individual support and insulating elements do not butt up against each other and instead have intermediate spaces between them, which are filled up with other materials such as insulating materials.

As shown inFIG. 3, the support part2can comprise, in the bottom area of the window opening, additional projections40, to which an exterior windowsill (not shown), for example, can be screwed. In addition, such projections40can also serve to improve the static load-bearing capacity of the support part2.

FIGS. 4aand 4bshow a different embodiment of the support and insulating element according to the invention. Here the second side surface12of the support part2is also formed on the first web10. The second side surface12is again arranged to adjoin the first side surface6, but it does not extend over the entire width of the support part2. Instead, it forms only an end surface of the angle-shaped support part2. To this extent, only a smaller contact surface is available for the window frame34in this embodiment.

The advantage of this embodiment, however, is that a sealing strip42made of a flexible foam of polyurethane, for example, which returns to its original shape after compression, can be arranged on a side of the insulating part4facing the window frame34. This sealing strip42can expand against the window frame34and thus ensure a seal against the window frame34. As a result, an additional seal like that shown inFIG. 2can be omitted. The sealing strip42can, in addition, be held in the compressed state by a compression means44, here a plastic sheet wrapper. The sealing strip42can be expanded at the construction site by detaching or removing the compression means44.

The individual elements of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1aand 4acan also be combined at any time to obtain new embodiments.

FIG. 5shows another embodiment of the support and insulating element according to the invention. Here the support part2is formed with a substantially T-shaped cross-section, and the support and insulating element comprises two insulating parts4, one of which is arranged on each of the two sides of the second web16of the support part2. If, as shown, the lower insulating part4is equipped with a sealing strip42, this strip will, after expansion in the installed state, press against the outer wall30or against the alternative thermal insulation and ensure a seal at that point.

For the person skilled in the art, additional modifications, especially of the geometric arrangement of the support part2and the insulating part4, are conceivable within the scope of the invention.