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[0001]    The present invention relates to a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly but not exclusively for outdoor use.  
           [0002]    In particular, the present invention can be applied to casings and to the corresponding sashes of windows, doors, doors with door frame, entrance doors, sliding doors or windows, center-hung sashes, shutters of various types such as matchboard shutters, Venetian-style shutters, open/closed slat shutters, et cetera.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Currently, the door and window market is becoming orientated toward the choice of component materials that achieve high performance in terms of durability without having to perform any maintenance.  
           [0004]    Particular attention is paid to the materials that compose doors or windows and corresponding casings for outdoor use.  
           [0005]    These are in fact most affected by early aging, both because they are exposed to the effects of weather and because of the chemical attacks caused by pollution.  
           [0006]    Casings are formed by a frame that can be fixed to the jambs of the openings to be closed and is provided with an inward side and an outward side with respect to the building in which the frame is applied.  
           [0007]    Likewise, the corresponding doors or windows are also formed by a frame, which can be fixed to the casing and is provided with an inward side and an outward side.  
           [0008]    The outward sides of the frames are the ones exposed to the effects of weather and to the highest concentration of pollutants and therefore are the ones that deteriorate more rapidly.  
           [0009]    The most widespread type of door or window and casing is substantially based on a structure that is entirely made of wood.  
           [0010]    Wood deteriorates rapidly and periodically needs maintenance, including stripping and repainting, especially on the outward side of the frame.  
           [0011]    In order to obviate these drawbacks, frames made of metallic material such as aluminum are currently known and used.  
           [0012]    However, these aluminum frames have a distinctly higher production cost than equivalent wood frames, due both to the structural complexity of the profiled elements that form them and to the particular operations for assembling their components.  
           [0013]    Moreover, their users often perceive them negatively, since they are considered cold and unaesthetic.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The aim of the present invention is to provide a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, that solves the drawbacks noted above in known types.  
           [0015]    Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, that withstands the deterioration caused by the atmospheric environment and by pollutants and has low production costs.  
           [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, that has a high-value finish.  
           [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, that is strong and stable from a geometric and structural standpoint.  
           [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, that can be manufactured with known systems and technologies.  
           [0019]    This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, comprising a base framework constituted by at least one laminated wood layer, characterized in that it comprises a metal skin for facing and outward protection and means for the adhesion of said skin to said framework. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is a sectional axonometric view, taken along a transverse plane, of the lower cross-members of a pair of frames according to the invention, respectively of a window sash and of a window casing;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a sectional axonometric view, taken along a transverse plane, of the lateral posts of a pair of frames according to the invention, respectively of a window sash and of a window casing;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a sectional axonometric view, taken along a transverse plane, of a portion of the lower cross-members of a pair of frames, in a second embodiment according to the invention, respectively of a window sash and of a window casing;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is a sectional axonometric view, taken along a transverse plane, of a portion of the lateral posts of a pair of frames, in a second embodiment according to the invention, respectively of a window sash and of a window casing;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is a cutout axonometric view of a frame of a vertical matchboard shutter according to the invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is a front view of a frame of a slat shutter according to the invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of a portion of the slat shutter frame of FIG. 6;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view, taken along a transverse plane, of a perimetric portion of another embodiment of the frame according to the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    With reference to FIGS.  1  to  4 , a first frame related to a window sash, according to the invention, is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 .  
         [0030]    Likewise, a second frame of a complementary casing, according to the invention, is generally designated by the reference numeral  100 .  
         [0031]    The first sash frame  10  and the second casing frame  100  are substantially composed of the same components; for the sake of simplicity, therefore, the first sash frame  10  will be described mostly hereinafter.  
         [0032]    When the complementary components of the second frame  100  are described, they will be designated by the same name as the first frame  10  but with progressive, generally corresponding, numerals increased by one hundred.  
         [0033]    The first sash frame  10  comprises a perimetric base framework  11  that is constituted in this case by four laminated wood layers that are mutually bonded by gluing: respectively, an outward layer  12 , two central layers  13   a  and  13   b,  and an inward layer  14 .  
         [0034]    The outward layer  12  protrudes, parallel to the plane of the window, with a portion  15  with respect to the other three layers  13   a,    13   b  and  14 , and acts as an abutment for a double-glazing unit  16 .  
         [0035]    The double-glazing unit  16  is sandwiched between the portion  15  and a rim  17  that is fixed to the inward layer  14 .  
         [0036]    An exposed finishing veneer  19 , made of high-value wood (for example oak, chestnut, birch, rift-sawn fir, larch or mahogany, et cetera) or very high-value wood (for example teak, rosewood, et cetera), is applied to the side of the framework  11  that is directed toward the inside of the building to which the frame  10  is applied, in practice on the inward face  18  of the inward layer  14 .  
         [0037]    The thickness of said veneer can be for example 3-4 mm, and the veneer is cold- or high frequency-bonded and pressed.  
         [0038]    The inward layer  14  protrudes toward the second frame  100  of the casing in the opposite direction with respect to the protrusion of the portion  15  of the outward layer  12  with a part  20  with respect to the other two layers  13  and  14 .  
         [0039]    The protruding part  20  acts as an internal closure element of the window, abutting against the inward side of the second frame  100  (in particular against the exposed finishing veneer  119  of the inward layer  114 ).  
         [0040]    A slot  21  is provided on the protruding part  20  of the inward layer  14  of the sash frame  10  and accommodates a fixing portion  22  of a first L-shaped gasket  23  that is interposed between the frames  10  and  100  when the window is closed.  
         [0041]    A metallic facing skin  30  is made to adhere, by way of adhesion means specified hereinafter, to the side of the framework  11  that is directed toward the outside of the building to which the first frame  10  is applied, in practice on the entire visible outward face  24  of the outward layer  12 .  
         [0042]    The outward layer  12  forms an acute-angled recess  12   a  together with the adjacent central layer  13   a,  and the metallic facing skin  30  also adheres to the portion of the central layer  13   a  that is formed by the recess  12   a.    
         [0043]    The metallic skin  30  has, for example, a thickness comprised between 0.1 mm and 0.35 mm and is preferably made of aluminum alloy, for example alloy types 3005 or 8011, in one of the following physical states: H14, H16, H34.  
         [0044]    As an alternative, the metallic skin  30  can be made of materials or alloys such as copper, brass, bronze, steel, et cetera.  
         [0045]    In the case of brass and copper, these materials are in the soft or annealed physical state.  
         [0046]    The metallic skin  30  has an external finish provided by means of a heat-sealing lacquer.  
         [0047]    The means for the adhesion of the metallic skin  30  to the outward layer  12  comprise, for example, an adhesive of the reactive hot-melt type based on polyurethane with post-crosslinking.  
         [0048]    As an alternative, said adhesion means can comprise a thermal bonding film that is interposed between the metallic facing skin  30  and the outward layer  12 .  
         [0049]    Consider now the second casing frame  100 ; the materials of the corresponding components of the first sash frame  10  and of the second casing frame  100  are substantially the same.  
         [0050]    The base framework  111  of the second frame  100  is composed of an outward laminated layer  112 , a central laminated layer  113 , and an inward laminated layer  114 , which are respectively bonded to each other by means of adhesive.  
         [0051]    An exposed finishing veneer  119 , made of valuable or highly valuable wood, adheres to the inward face  118  of the inward layer  114 .  
         [0052]    A metallic finishing skin  130  adheres to the entire exposed outward face  124  of the outward layer  112 .  
         [0053]    In particular, the outward layer  112  protrudes in the opposite direction with respect to the protrusion of the part  20  of the first frame  10  that abuts against the veneer  119  with a portion  120  with respect to the other two layers  113  and  114 .  
         [0054]    The portion  120  of the outward layer  112  acts as an abutment for the outward side of the first frame  10  when the window is closed.  
         [0055]    A slot  121  is provided on the portion  120  of the outward layer  112  of the first frame  10  and accommodates a portion  122  for fixing a second L-shaped gasket  123  that is interposed between the frames  10  and  100  when the window is closed.  
         [0056]    With reference to FIG. 1, which is a sectional view of the lower cross-members of the first sash frame  10  and of the second casing frame  100  of a window, the outward layer  12  surmounts, when the window is closed, the region occupied by the second gasket  123 , so as to protect the outer closure region of the window against the rain, like a shelter, thus reducing possible infiltrations of water between the first frame  10  and the second frame  100 .  
         [0057]    With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a base framework  11  of the first sash frame  10  that is provided by means of only three laminated layers; the outward layer  12 , the central layer  13 , and the inward layer  14 .  
         [0058]    With reference to FIG. 3, which is a sectional view of a portion of the lower cross-members of the first sash frame  10  and of the casing frame  100  of a window, a metallic profiled element  40  is fixed to the metallic skin  30  of the first frame  10  and is constituted by a central plate  41 , which is inclined toward the lower part of the window (and therefore toward the second frame  100 ), and by two parallel wings  42 , which protrude on opposite sides with respect to the plate  41 .  
         [0059]    The metallic profiled element  40  is fixed by means of one of said wings  42  and surmounts, when the window is closed, the region occupied by the second gasket  123 , so as to protect against the rain, like a shelter, the outward closure region of the window, thus reducing possible infiltrations of water between the first frame  10  and the second frame  100 .  
         [0060]    With reference again to both embodiments, when the window is closed, a gap  50  is formed between the first frame  10  and the second frame  100 .  
         [0061]    In particular, the second casing frame  100  has a groove  151  that is formed at the base of the protruding portion  120  of the outward layer  112 .  
         [0062]    The groove  151  is covered on its sides by a portion of metallic film  130   a  that is similar to the metallic skin  130  that adheres to the visible outward face  124 .  
         [0063]    With reference to the lower cross-member of the window (and therefore to FIGS. 1 and 3), the groove  151  corresponds to a channel for accumulating condensation and has a channel  152  for discharging externally said condensation that passes within the laminated layers.  
         [0064]    Within the gap  50 , the frame  10  has a first longitudinal recess  51 , which is formed proximate to the coupling of the metallic skin  30 , and a second longitudinal recess  52 , which is larger than said first recess  51  and is formed centrally between the laminated layers.  
         [0065]    The sash frame  10  and the casing frame  100  further comprise means  60  for ventilating the wood portion of said framework proximate to said metallic skin; said means are constituted for example by regions  61  that are not covered by the metallic skin  30  and are adjacent to the peripheral end portion of said metallic skin.  
         [0066]    The ventilation means  60  can also comprise a plurality of microperforations, not shown in the figures, provided in series on the metallic skin  30 ; the dimensions of said microperforations are such that water finds it difficult to enter them but are sufficient to ventilate the underlying wood.  
         [0067]    In particular, said microperforations are used for shutters or doors or otherwise for casings with extensive wood surfaces, which accordingly have central parts that are difficult to ventilate from the peripheral region.  
         [0068]    With reference to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the invention is designated by the reference numeral  200  and corresponds to a frame of a matchboard shutter.  
         [0069]    As before, said shutter frame  200  comprises a base framework  211 , which is constituted for example by four laminated wood layers that are mutually bonded by gluing: respectively, an outward layer  212 , two central layers  213   a  and  213   b,  and an inward layer  214 .  
         [0070]    The metallic facing skin  230  adheres both to the outward layer  212  and to the inward layer  214 .  
         [0071]    Both the outward layer  212  and the inward layer  214  have vertical grooves  215  that the skin  230  follows completely.  
         [0072]    With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the invention is designated by the reference numeral  300  and corresponds to a slat shutter frame.  
         [0073]    As described earlier, said slat shutter frame  300  comprises a perimetric base framework  311 , which is constituted for example by four laminated wood layers that are mutually bonded by gluing: respectively, an outward layer  312 , two central layers  313   a  and  313   b,  and an inward layer  314 .  
         [0074]    The metallic facing skin  330  adheres to the outward layer  312 , to the inward layer  314 , to the inward and outward edge portions  315  and  316  of the base framework  311 .  
         [0075]    The slats  317 , provided in an inward layer  414  and an outward layer  412  that are mutually bonded by adhesive, also have a metallic facing skin  430  that adheres directly to their entire surface, both on the outward layer  412  and on the inward layer  414 .  
         [0076]    In particular, on each slat  317  the skin  430  is provided in two parts that are respectively fixed to the outward layer  412  and to the inward layer  414  and end by folding onto the head  418  of the slat and inside the groove  419  formed on the bottom  420  of said slat.  
         [0077]    The groove  419  is suitable for coupling to the head of a corresponding contiguous slat.  
         [0078]    Alternative embodiments of the invention relate to frames for doors, front doors, et cetera, and respective door frames, are substantially similar to the preceding ones and are characterized in that they comprise said metallic facing skin for outward protection of said means for the adhesion of said skin to said framework.  
         [0079]    For example, the frame of a door (not shown in the figures) comprises a base framework that is composed of a plurality of laminated layers that are respectively mutually bonded by adhesive.  
         [0080]    An exposed finishing veneer, made of valuable or extremely valuable wood, is made to adhere to the face of the inward layer.  
         [0081]    Said metallic facing skin is applied by adhesion to the entire visible outward surface of the door.  
         [0082]    Optionally, said metallic skin may adhere to both faces of the door.  
         [0083]    With reference to FIG. 8, a frame according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  500 .  
         [0084]    In this embodiment, said frame relates to a shutter, for example of the matchboard type.  
         [0085]    The frame  500  comprises a base framework  511 , which is constituted in this embodiment by a single laminated wood layer  112 ; as an alternative, said framework may be constituted by a plurality of wood layers.  
         [0086]    A metallic facing skin  515  for outward protection adheres to the base framework  511  on the side  513  of the framework  511  that is directed toward the outside of the building to which the frame is applied (with reference to the case of a closed casing on the building) and on the corresponding inward side  514 .  
         [0087]    The metallic skin  515  has, for example, a thickness comprised between 0.1 mm and 0.35 mm and is preferably made of aluminum alloy, for example alloy types 3005 or 8011, in one of the following physical states: H14, H16, H34.  
         [0088]    As an alternative, the metallic skin  515  can be made of copper, brass, bronze, steel, et cetera and can have an external finish provided by means of a thermal bonding lacquer.  
         [0089]    In order to make the metallic skin  515  adhere to the wood layer  512 , it is possible to use for example an adhesive of the reactive hot-melt type based on polyurethane with post-crosslinking; as an alternative, it is possible to interpose a thermal bonding film.  
         [0090]    In this embodiment, the perimetric edge  516  of the base framework  511 , delimited on the outer side  513  and on the inner side  514  (except for the portion related to the hinges of the sash) is formed by a step-like portion  516   a  for abutment during closure of the sash onto a corresponding casing portion (not shown).  
         [0091]    A metallic protective lamina  517  is fixed along the step-like portion  516   a  and substantially duplicates its step-like configuration.  
         [0092]    In particular, in this embodiment the metallic lamina  517  is an extruded aluminum profile.  
         [0093]    At the outer edge  518  and at the inner edge  519  of the framework  511 , the metallic lamina  517  has a region  517 a that gradually decreases in thickness until it ends with a wider rim  520  that has a substantially circular transverse cross-section.  
         [0094]    The metallic lamina  517  is coupled to the perimetric edge  516  by way of fixing means  521 , constituted by two longitudinal tabs  522  that each protrude at right angles from a respective one of the two parallel surfaces  517   b  of the metallic lamina  517  that duplicate the step-like portion  516   a.    
         [0095]    The tabs  522  are inserted within corresponding slots  523  formed in the layer  512 .  
         [0096]    In particular, the longitudinal tabs  522  are sawtooth-shaped on opposite sides and are inserted with interference in the slots  523 , which have a rectangular cross-section.  
         [0097]    Advantageously, the fixing means  521  comprise silicone  526  (or an equivalent material having the same waterproofing and adhesiveness characteristics), which is arranged between the lamina  517  and the layer  512 , as described hereinafter.  
         [0098]    At the outer edge  518  and at the inner edge  519 , the framework  511  has a bevel  524 .  
         [0099]    The bevel  524  and the thinner region  517   a  of the lamina  517  form a cavity  525  for retaining the silicone  526 .  
         [0100]    The metallic skin that adheres to the outward and inward sides of the framework allows to protect the wood against the effects of weather acting directly on said sides.  
         [0101]    In practice it has been found that the invention thus described solves the problems noted in known types of frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use; in particular, the present invention provides a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, that withstands deterioration caused by the atmospheric environment and by polluting agents.  
         [0102]    The metallic skin that adheres to the outward side of the frame in fact allows to protect the wood from the effects of weather and requires no maintenance.  
         [0103]    Moreover, the present invention provides a frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly for outdoor use, that has a high-value finish.  
         [0104]    The use of an exposed finishing veneer of high-value wood on the inward side of the frame in fact makes the casing and the door or window aesthetically appreciable.  
         [0105]    The possibility to apply lacquer to the metallic skin further allows to obtain a luxury finish with an extremely vast color range.  
         [0106]    Moreover, it should be noted that the ventilation means spare the wood from rotting due to humidity, since the metallic skin tends to not allow paths for the escape of moisture particles.  
         [0107]    The metallic lamina that is fixed to the perimetric edges of the framework also allows indirect protection of the door or window, avoiding for example contact with the rain that infiltrates between the door or window and the casing when the door is closed.  
         [0108]    The fixing of the metallic lamina to the perimetric edges of the framework provides an optimum seal and is easy and quick to perform.  
         [0109]    The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.  
         [0110]    In practice, the materials employed, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.  
         [0111]    The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. PD2003A000073 and in Italian Utility Model Application No. PD2003U000061 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Summary:
A frame for casings, doors or windows and the like, particularly but not exclusively for outdoor use, applicable to casings and corresponding sashes of windows, doors, front doors, sliding sashes, center-hung sashes, matchboard shutters, Venetian-style shutters, open/closed slat shutters. The frame has a base framework of one or more laminated wood layers, an exposed finishing veneer adhered to the inside side and a metal skin for facing and protection, adhered to the framework; the metallic skin provides a frame with aesthetic finish and weather protection.