METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF WOODEN FRAME PIECES FOR USE IN WINDOW FRAMES AND DOOR FRAMES

Abstract: Window frames and door frames of wood must often be protected against dry-rot and mould. Therefore, they are most often made of impregnated wood. However, this gives rise to such a great environmental risk that there is need for a subsequent, effective impregnation of the frames, which can hereby be manufacturated from unimpregnated wood. By providing the frame pieces (1-5) according to the invention with at least one channel (6, 8, 16), which extends longitudinally to and in around the centre of the piece, and further by mutually connecting this or these channels by means of a hole (7), it is possible, after the frame has been assembled and after mounting in the building, to introduce a fluid impregnation agent into the channels (6, 8, 16) via the hole (7). The frame is hereby provided with impregnation agent from inside the exposed places in the frame, and this impregnation can be maintained by suitable subsequent filling with impregnation agent.

Description: METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF WOODEN FRAME PIECES FOR USE IN WINDOW FRAMES AND DOOR FRAMES Background of the invention The invention concerns a method for the manufacture of wooden frame pieces for use in window frames and door frames, said frame pieces being provided with concealed channels in which impregnation agents can be introduced for the protection of the wood against dry-rot and mould fungus, and where the channels open out on the outer side of the frame for the filling of the agents, and also the use of the frame parts manufactured by the metho . Wood has a long tradition as a building material, and it is used to an increasing degree where it can fulfil the reguirements for strength and maintenance. Wood is namely a material which is very environment friendly, the reason being that it immediately enters into the organic cycle. Where wood is exposed to damp, and particularly where it is permanently influenced by moisture, it is necessary to protect the wood. This can either be effected constructively, where the wooden construction is configured for protection against the influence of water, or it can be effected by chemical treatment of the wood. Such chemical treatment can consist either of a surface protection, where use is made of chemical impregnation agents for protection against dry-rot and mould fungus, or by giving the wooden item an application of a solution of impregnation agents which wholly or partly spread into the wood. Such impregnated wood is used to a great extent for wooden constructions, in that it is well protected and herewith stable, but at the same time the wood is a threat to the environment because of the relatively high content of heavy metals and organic solvents. To this can be added the disadvantages and inconveniences which are connected with the handling of the impregnated wood, the reason being that the persons involved are exposed to the air-borne toxic influence, or by the direct contact with the impregnation agents. Moreover, the impregnation agents wear out the cutting tools during the working of the wood, and it can also take up to several weeks before the surface treatment of impregnated wood can take place. In order to avoid these disadvantges and inconveniences, there is a need for the use of unimpregnated wood in the manufacture of, among other things, frames for windows and doors. However, this most often necessitates the subsequent protection of the finished frames against attacks of dry-rot and mould fungus. An example of such a subsequent impregnation of a mounted window frame is known from GB 2,11,282. The method known from this publication comprises the milling of grooves along the frame piece and the drilling of channels in the frame piece, said grooves and channels being mutually connected in such a manner that impregnation agents can be introduced into the channels and spread into the wood, hereby impregnating the frame. However, this known method is encumbered with some disadvantages, mainly that the grooves and the channels must extend at an angle in the frame since they must be implemented from the outside and inwards, which is not only relatively difficult to perform for the reason that precision is required to ensure the necessary channel connections, but also that it requires some form of drill gauge or guide in order for the angularly- extending channel system to be produced with the requisite precision. Furthermore, the distribution of the impregnation agent in the channel is not uniform, the result of which can be that there will be zones which receive too great a supply of impregnation agent, or there will be zones which are weakly impregnated because of an inadequate supply. The impregnation agents dissolved in liquid distribute themselves mainly through the wood grain. Since the grain normally extends longitudinally in the item, the impregnation agent will distribute itself more easily in the longitudinal direction than transversely. However, this is difficult to take into consideration when the channel extends at an angle through the item. Moreover, the transverse extension of the channel system through the grains constitutes a weakening of the wood. The object of the invention According to the invention, by manufacturing frame pieces so that the individual frame pieces during manafacture and before assembly are provided with at least one channel which extends longitudinally to and around the middle of the piece, and by providing a hole extending at right-angles hereto between the channel and the side surface of the piece, in a surprisingly simple manner there is achieved a channel system which is not only simple to configure, since it solely comprises channels which extend parallel with the remaining working operations on the item, but which also lies in the centre zone of the item, whereby the radial distance to the surface of the item is substantially uniform. This ensures an even distribution of the impregnation agent throughout the whole area around the channel. Moreover, the channel can be produced in standard items, since no significant weakening of the wood occurs due to the positioning and extension of the channels respectively around the middle and longitudinally through the item. Therefore, the method is suitable for the manufacture of frames in a rational manner and, since the frame can be protected by a subsequent introduction of impregnation agents, the possibility is provided for the use of unim¬ pregnated wood. There is hereby achieved the most environment-friendly production and maintenance of the wood, and surface treatment such as painting can hereby be undertaken immediately after the manufacture of the frame. As disclosed in claim 2, by providing a channel on the upper side of the upper frame piece, this will be able to function as an impregnation agent reservoir from which the agent can seep down through the side pieces to the bottom piece. This distribution is particularly expedient, in that this is often the same way as moisture in the wood will spread. Consequently, the frame becomes impregnated at precisely the place where there is the greatest need. Furthermore, a subsequent filling of impregnation agent is reduced to a simple filling-up of this overlying re¬ servoir in the upper frame. As disclosed in claim 3, by providing the channel in the lower frame from above in the window rabbet, it remains concealed when the window is closed, and moreover it is placed in that area which is normally the most moist. As disclosed in claim 4, by producing the channel by drilling from the ends of the piece, the simplest possible operation is achieved, which can possibly be automated. As disclosed in claim 5, by producing the channel as a groove which is subsequently closed, the same possibility is achieved for a rational production without unnecessary weaking of the item. As disclosed in claim 6, by using a strip with a groove for insertion, a simple and effective production of the groove is achieved, since chips etc. can be removed before assembly of the parts. As disclosed in claim 7, by closing the channels' opening by means of a plug or screw, the channel can be produced easily and effectively and thereafter closed. As disclosed in claim 8, by closing the groove by means of a loose wooden piece, which is glued in, profile lists can be used in the production. As disclosed in claim 9, by only partly closing the channel's opening at the end, a seeping-out of impregnation agent can be ensured for protection of the exposed end wood and the assembly itself. As disclosed in claim 10, by using a screw with a through-going hole for this purpose, it is simple to ensure a suitable passage of the impregnation agent. Finally, as disclosed in claim 11, it is expedient to use the method for the manufacture of wooden frames for windows and doors, where the impregnation can be effected after the mounting, and where the optimum impregnation state can constantly be ensured, and herewith maintenance, by subsequent filling-up with impregnation agent. The drawing In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, which shows example embodiments of items, and where fig.l shows an example of a window frame made of frame pieces according to the invention, fig. 2 shows a part of the upper frame, fig. 3 shows a part of the side frame, fig. 4 shows a part of the window bar, fig. 5 shows a part of the lower frame, fig. 6 shows a screw with through-going hole, fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the upper frame, fig. 8 shows a corresponding side frame, fig. 9 shows a corresponding window bar, fig. 10 shows a corresponding lower frame, and fig. 11 shows a second example of a window frame with overlying channels. Description of the example embodiments The method according to the invention will be described in connection with a discussion of the example embodiments which are shown in figs. 2-5, figs. 7-10 and fig. 11 respectively. In the manufacture of a window frame, which can appear as shown in fig. 1, a number of frame pieces are involved, namely an upper piece 1, two side pieces 2, a lower piece 3 and possibly a transverse window bar 4 and a vertical window bar 5. The upper piece 1, one end of which is shown in fig. 2, comprises a possibly profiled wooden item which in dif¬ ferent ways can be provided with rabbets etc. According to the invention, two longitudinal holes are also provided, channels 6, a suitable distance inside the frame piece 1, corresponding to the extent of the desired area for the subsequent impregnation. At a suitable distance inside the frame piece, a trans- verse hole 7 is provided which extends through the two channels 6 and ends on the side of the frame piece at either the one or both side surfaces. Two screws 11 are used for the closing of the channels 6, but other methods of closing can be envisaged such as plugs or the like which seal off the channels 6. In a commonly-known manner, assembly joints such as scarf joints or the like are provided between the upper frame 1 and the side frame 2. The side frame 2, which is shown in fig. 3, is provided with three channels 6 and a transverse channel 7. The two outermost channels 6 are closed with screws 11, whereas the centre channel 6 is provided with a limited opening via a hole in a screw. This screw 12 is shown more clearly in fig. 6, in which the hole 13 through the screw can be seen. Upon assembly of the upper frame 1 with the side frame 2, the impregnation fluid in the central channel 6 will be able to seep through the opening 13 in the screw 12 and into the side frame 2. Corresponding to the side frame 2, the transverse bar 4, which is shown, in fig. 4, is provided with three channels 6, a connection channel 7, two closing screws 11 and a through-flow screw 12. Finally, in fig. 5 is shown the lower frame 3, in which the channels are configured as recesses 8 from underneath and into the frame, said recesses being concluded at a distance from the end. Moreover, tracks 10 in which lists 9 can be placed and glued are configured opposite the recesses 8. There are hereby formed two channels 8 which are mutually connected to a transverse channel 7. By means of the frame pieces 1-5 thus manufactured, it is possible to assemble a window frame such as that shown as an example in fig. 1. When the frame has been assembled, the channels 6, 8 and the transverse channels 7 will be positioned and connected with one another in such a manner that an im¬ pregnation fluid, which is introduced via the channels 7, will spread to the places in the frame where the channels 6, 8 are placed. By a suitable dimensioning of these channels, an optimum impregnation will be able to ensure protection of the frame against dry-rot and mould. When the fluid has been introduced, the transverse channels 7 are closed or plugged with a screw 11 or similar tight-sealing plug. With subsequent filling with impregnation fluid, this screw or plug is removed before the filling, after which the channels are closed again. The embodiment examples of frame pieces shown in figs. 7-10 are correspondingly provided with channels. In this case, use is made of a list 15 which is provided with a longitudinal groove 16. The outside surface of the frame pieces 1-4 is configured with a track 14 into which the list 15 can be pressed and secured, e.g. by gluing. As shown in figs. 7, 8 and 9, the track 14 finishes at a distance from the end, while that shown on the under frame 3, see fig. 10, extends for the whole length of the frame piece. Consequently, in the example shown in fig. 10, there is a small groove-filling piece 17 placed in each groove 16, which is hereby closed at a distance from the end. As shown in figs. 3 and 9, at the end of the side frame 2 and transverse window bar 4 there is mounted a screw 12 with passage for the through-flow of impregnation fluid to the assembly place. Also with this embodiment, one of these frame pieces in the assembled frame will be able to be filled with flow¬ ing impregnation agent through the transverse holes 7, which are thereafter closed with a screw 11 or the like. Finally, in fig. 11 there is shown an example of a frame where the top of upper frame piece 1 is configured with a channel 8 which is dimensioned in such a manner that it can serve as a reservoir for the impregnation agent. This channel 8 can be closed at the top with a list 9, as shown in fig. 5, or 15 as shown in figs. 9 and 10. The advantage gained hereby is that the agent can seep from this reservoir down through the side pieces 2 to the lower piece 3. Moreover, it is easier to mill or to saw a channel in long frame pieces than to drill a channel from the end of the piece, since the length of the drill sets a limit for how long the drilled channel can extend in the piece. Subsequent introduction of impregnation agent can be ef¬ fected by re-filling the channel with the agent. Correspondingly, in the lower piece 3 from the top there is configured a channel 8 in the rabbet, which can be covered with a list and which, moreover, is concealed and protected by the window frame when the window is closed. By means of this method, frames which are environment- friendly can be produced, and which can be effectively impregnated by filling the internally-lying channel system with impregnation fluid. It is hereby possible to continuously ensure effective maintenance by the introduction of further impregnation fluid, either of the same kind or of another composition. The optimum security is hereby achieved against attack by dry-rot and mould, whereby the demands regarding maintenance of the frame are fulfilled. The filling with impregnation fluid can be effected in any known manner, e.g. by injection pump, and can be carried out either from the outside or from the inside at the opening to the channel 7. In the foregoing, the method and its use are described with reference to a window frame and door frame but, of course, there will be nothing to prevent the execution of the method with other similar wooden constructions.

Claims: C L A I M S 1. Method for the manufacture of frame pieces of wood for use in window frames and door frames, said frame pieces being provided with concealed channels into which impregnation agents can be introduced for protection of the wood against dry-rot and mould, and where the chan¬ nels open out on the outer side of the frame for the filling with the agents, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the individual frame pieces (1-5) are provided in their manufacture with at least one channel (6, 8, 16) which extends longitudinally to and around the centre of the piece (1-5), and in that a hole (7) extending sub¬ stantially at right-angles hereto is configured between the channel (6, 8, 16) and the side surface of the piece (1-5). 2. Method according to claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the channel ( 8 ) in the upper frame piece ( 1 ) is formed from the upper side of the frame piece. 3. Method according to claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the channel ( 8 ) in the lower frame piece (3) is formed from the upper side of the frame piece and extends preferably in the rabbet for the window frame. 4. Method according to claim 1, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that the channel (6) is produced by drilling from the ends of the pieces (1-5). 5. Method according to claims 1-3, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the channel (8) is produced by the cutting of a groove along the upper side of the piece (1-3), after which the groove is closed at the top by means of a list ( 9 ) . 6. Method according to claim 5, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the channel is comprised of a groove (16) in a list (15) which is inserted in the groove in the frame piece. 7. Method according to claims 1 and 4, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that each channel ( 6) is closed at the ends and side surface of the pieces (1-5) by plugging or by means of a screw (11). 8. Method according to claims 5 and 6, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that each groove (8, 16) is closed at the ends of the piece by means of a filling-out piece (17) which is glued in the groove. 9. Method according to claims 7 and 8, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the channel ( 6 ) or the groove (16) is only partly closed at the ends of the piece (1- 5). 10. Method according to claim 9, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that a screw (12) with a through-going hole (13) is used for the partial closing. 11. Use of the method disclosed in claims 1-10 for the manufacture of frame pieces (1-5) for prefabrication of wooden frames with the possibility of subsequent filling of the channels (6, 8, 16) with impregnation agents. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 21 August 1997 (21.08.97); original claims 1-11 replaced by amended claims 1-8 (2 pages)] 1. Method for the manufacture of frame pieces of wood for use in window frames and door frames, said frame pieces being provided with concealed channels into which impregnation agents can be introduced for protection of the wood against decay such as rot and mould, and where the channels open out on the outer side of the frame for the filling with the agents, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the channel (8) in the upper frame piece (1 ) is formed from the upper side of the frame piece. 2. Method according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that the channel (8) in the lower frame piece (3) is formed rom the upper side of the frame piece and extends pre erably in the rabbet. 3. Method according to claims 1 and 2, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the channel (8) is produced by the cutting of a groove along the upper side of the piece (1-3), after which the groove is closed at the top by means of a list (9) . . Method according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r - i z e d in that the channel is comprised of a groove (16) in a list (15) which is inserted in the groove in the frame piece. 5. Method according to claims 3 and 4, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that each groove (8, 16) is closed at the ends of the piece by means of a filling-out piece (17) which is glued in the groove. 6. Method according to claim 5, c h a r a c t e r - i z e d in that the channel (6) or the groove (16) is only partly closed at the ends of the piece (1-5). 7. Method according to claim 6, c h a r a c t e r - i z e d in that a screw (12) with a through-going hole (13) is used for the partial closing. 8. Use of the method disclosed in claim 7 for the manu¬ facture of frame pieces (1-5) for prefabrication of wooden frames with the possibility of subsequent filling of the channels (6, 8, 16) with impregnation agents.

Inventors: ROBERTSON IAN MALCOLM, ROBERTSON, IAN, MALCOLM
Applicants: ROBERTSON IAN MALCOLM, ROBERTSON, IAN, MALCOLM
Application year: 1997
Main classification: E06B7
IPC codes: B27K3, E06B3