A SYNTHETIC PLASTICS MATERIAL WINDOW-FRAME FOR WINDOWS AND THE LIKE APPLICATIONS

Abstract: A window-frame (1) of a synthetic plastics material, being quite stiff and strong and, hence, specially suited to large-size windows, is provided with large-size rib formations (12) of hollow construction and having a substantially semicircular shape in cross-section, which are formed on the sides (2a-2d, 4a-4d, 5a-5d) of the wings (4,5) and the frame (2) of the window-frame (1), as well as with tubular stiffening inserts (14) of metal fitting into respective ones of said rib formations (12).

Description: This invention relates to a synthetic plastics material window-frame for windows and the like applications, of a type which comprises a frame and at least one wing supported on the frame, sides of said frame and said at least one wing including respective box-type moldings. As is known, window-frames made of a synthetic plastics material, such as polyvinylchloride, have met with widespread acceptance on the market, both on account of their affording durability and stability over time and of their limited cost and virtual freedom from maintenance problems even in severe environmental conditions. Such window-frame are usually comprised of box-type moldings or profile members wherein longitudinally extended chambers are formed. In addition, metal inserts are provided within said chambers to form a reinforcement of sort as is required to ensure that the window-frame has adequate strength and stability to withstand the static and dynamic loads anticipated therefor, pursuant to the provisions of well-known and specified safety regulations. One of such frames is disclosed by DE-A-2117397, according to which rib formations are provided extending along at least a part of the moldings, the rib formations being formed integrally with the respective moldings. However, conventional window-frames of synthetic plastics do not generally lend themselves for large-size windows and the like applications. In fact, owing to the low strength and inherent stiffness of such materials, conventional large-size window-frames would be subjected to unacceptable bending and deforming stresses. It is the object of this invention to provide a synthetic plastics material window-frame which has such constructional and performance characteristics as to be also usable for large-size windows and the like, in conformity with enforced safety regulations, and can obviate the cited drawbacks in connection with the background art. This object is achieved according to the invention by a window-frame as specified in claim 1. The window-frame of this invention advantageously includes a chamber formed longitudinally within said rib formation, and a stiffening insert of metal fitted in said chamber. The features and advantages of a synthetic plastics material window-frame according to the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative and non-limitative drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing in diagramatic form a window-frame according to the invention; Figure 2 is a fragmentary, sectional plan view of the window-frame of Figure 1, taken along the line II-II therein; and Figures 3, 4, and 5 are enlarged scale sectional views of respective details of the inventive window-frame. With reference to the drawing figures, the numeral 1 generally designates a window-frame for a large-size window of the two-winged variety, made of a synthetic plastics material such as a rigid shock-resistant polyvinylchloride. The window-frame 1 has an outward front 1a and an opposite inward front 1b, and comprises a frame 2 adapted for installation to masonry work 3 in a manner known per se. Upper 2a and lower 2b major sides, and oppositely located minor sides 2c and 2d, are defined on the frame 2. The window-frame 1 further comprises first and second wings, respectively designated 4 and 5, which are supported on the frame 2 by means of hinges 6. More specifically, upper 4a and lower 4b minor sides, and oppositely located major sides 4c and 4d, are defined on the first wing 4, whilst indicated at 5a and 5b are the upper and lower minor sides of the second wing 5, and at 5c and 5d the oppositely located major sides thereof. Furthermore, the hinges 6 are mounted between the sides 2c of the frame 2 and 4c of the first wing 4, as well as between the side 2d and the side 5d of the second wing 5. The sides of the frame 2 and the wings 4 and 5 are formed of respective box-type PVC moldings, designated with the same reference numerals as said sides and being welded at their ends. Indicated at 7 is an additional box-type PVC molding extending along, and being attached to, the molding 5c so as to form an abutment center upright for the side 4d of the first wing 4. A plurality of chambers 8a and 8b, respectively of large and small size, are formed within each molding 2a-2d, 4a-4d, 5a-5d, and 7, extending longitudinally therethrough. A respective metal insert 9 is provided in the chambers 8a which comprises a steel sectional member of C-shaped cross-section. The moldings 4a-4d and 5a-5d of the wings 4 and 5 are also formed with respective seats 10 providing holder cappings for glass panes 11 to be mounted in said seats, two on each wing 4, 5 in mutually spaced-apart relationship. In accordance with the invention, the window-frame 1 has on its outward front 1a respective tubular rib formations 12 extending along the moldings 2a-2b, 4a-4b, 5a-5b, and 7. Each tubular rib formation 12 is formed integrally with its related molding and has a relatively large size which is substantially proportionate with that of the molding itself, i.e. dimensions of the order of the moulding. It is important to observe that each tubular rib formation 12 has a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape, and a chamber 13, also substantially semicircular in cross-section, formed longitudinally therethrough. The chambers 13 accommodate respective stiffening metal inserts 14 of tubular shape which are supported on spacer lugs 15 extending into the chambers 13 and a unitary construction with the tubular rib formations 12. The window-frame 1 further includes a respective groove 16 formed longitudinally in each tubular rib formation 12 near an outermost generatrix line thereof and being open outwardly. Snap fitted into the grooves 16 are respective decorative trimmings 17. The synthetic plastics material window-frame of this invention has shown to be significantly stronger, stiffer, and stabler than the conventional window-frame and lends itself, therefore, advantageously for use with large-size windows and the like, in particular of dwelling and office buildings, as well as for the restoration of historical buildings. Of special advantage has shown to be, moreover, the provision of tubular rib formations semicircular in shape which, while being compact in size, can accommodate tubular stiffening inserts of metal. Furthermore, the very shape and framing arrangement of such tubular rib formations are suitable to confer substantial aesthetic value on the window-frame. A further advantage of the window-frame is that the grooves provided along the tubular rib formations may be readily utilized to support dimming and radiation attenuating arrangements for the glass panes.

Claims: 1. A synthetic plastic material window-frame for window and the like applications, of a type which comprises a frame (2) and at least one wing (4, 5) supported on the frame (2), sides of said frame (2) and said at least one wing (4, 5) including respective box-type moldings (2a-2d, 4a-4d, 5a-5d), at least one respective tubular rib formation (12) extending along at least a part of the molding (2a-2d, 4a-4d, 5a-5d), said tubular rib formation (12) being formed integrally with its respective molding and comprising a chamber (13) formed longitudinally through said tubular rib formation (12), characterized in that said tubular rib formation (12) has a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape, dimensions of the order of the respective molding, and a metal stiffening insert (14) housed in said chamber (13). 2. A synthetic plastics material window-frame according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert (14) is tubular in shape. 3. A synthetic plastics material window-frame according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a groove (16) formed longitudinally in said tubular rib formation (12) and being open outwardly.

Inventors: LO SCALZO, VINCENZO
Applicants: COLOR-PLAST S.R.L.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: E06B3
IPC codes: E06B3