Patent Description:
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of installation of said frame structure.

In particular, the present invention relates to a frame structure, which is inserted within the opening of an outer wall and fixed to the outer wall with the purpose of accommodating and supporting a respective fixture be it a window, a French door or a door. The frame structure defines a made-to-measure accommodation for the respective fixture, bounds the compartment with suitably finished surfaces, thermally and acoustically insulates the fixture from the outer wall and prevents thermal bridges from being created along the outer wall around the fixtures.

An example of a frame structure that can be installed in an opening of a building wall is disclosed in document <CIT>.

In building renovations of occupied buildings, the need is known to be able to work on the outer façade without accessing the internal spaces of the building, so as to not cause inconveniences to the occupants of the building.

With the purpose to satisfy such need, scaffolds or lifting platforms are placed at the outer façade of the building to be renovated.

However, due to the thickness of the outer wall of the building and/or to the bulks of the frame structure, generally the installation of the frame structure within an opening of the outer wall is impracticable with the traditional scaffolds, which are placeable within a maximum distance from the façade of the building to be restored, because of safety reasons.

Currently, the installation of the frame structure from the outside of the building is carried out only by means of the use of lifting platforms, which however are able to operate up to a maximum given height.

An object of the present invention is to realise a frame structure of the type identified above which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, a frame structure for finishing and equipping an opening of an outer wall of a building is realised, the frame structure comprising:.

wherein each guide comprises a first coupling portion, which is shaped to couple with the respective lateral elongated element; a second coupling portion, which is configured to couple with the base transverse element; and a backing portion, which connects the first and the second coupling portions and is configured to rest on the reinforcement panel of the base transverse element.

Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to instal in a simple and quick manner the frame structure within an opening of an outer wall of a building, assembling the frame structure directly in situ, during the step of installation within the opening of the outer wall.

In this manner, it is possible to reduce the bulks of the frame structure and use scaffolds of traditional type for the installation of said frame structure.

More specifically, it is possible to mount each lateral elongated element on the base transverse element after the base transverse element has been installed within the opening of the outer wall, so as to prevent the management and the transport of a pre-assembled frame structure.

Moreover, thanks to the guide, it is possible to slidingly couple each lateral elongated element with the base transverse element in a simple manner.

The reinforcement panel, which adheres, for example via gluing, to a main face of the mat has the function of defining the outer finishing surface of the compartment of the opening and, in combination with the mat, making the base transverse element and each lateral elongated element self-supporting. The reinforcement panel is generally thin and made of high-density material such as fibre cement and, thus, subject to bend if subjected to a bending moment, whereas the mat is much thicker than the reinforcement panel but has a lower density and thus, it is more deformable. The joining of the mat having high thickness with the reinforcement panel having reduced thickness takes care of the mutual structural weaknesses of the mat and of the reinforcement panel and makes the base transverse element and each lateral elongated element sufficiently self-supporting.

In particular, each lateral elongated element is configured to be at least partially inserted within the opening of the outer wall of the building, preferably by means of a sliding along the respective guide.

In this manner, it is possible to slidingly insert each lateral elongated element on the base transverse element in a simple and precise manner.

In particular, the base transverse element extends along a base axis; each guide extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base axis.

In this manner, it is possible to insert each lateral elongated element flush with a lateral edge of the opening of the outer wall.

In particular, each guide is a profile preferably made of a metallic material or a polymeric material or wood concrete.

In this manner, the production costs of the guides are limited.

More specifically, the backing portion is substantially perpendicular to the first coupling portion and to the second coupling portion, so as to prevent water infiltrations in the outer wall.

In particular, the mat of each lateral elongated element is provided with a respective first seat shaped to house the first coupling portion and preferably to allow a sliding of the lateral elongated element along the respective guide; in particular, each first seat being notched in the mat of the respective lateral elongated element.

In this manner, it is possible to form the first seat in a simple and cost-effective manner.

In particular, the base transverse element is provided with a pair of second seats, each of which is recessed in the reinforcement panel and in the mat and is shaped to house the second coupling portion of a respective guide.

In particular, each lateral elongated element extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the base axis once said lateral elongated element is mounted on the base transverse element.

In this manner, the lateral elongated elements constitute the shoulders of the frame structure.

In particular, the frame structure comprises an upper transverse element, which is supported by the lateral elongated elements in correspondence of their upper ends.

In this manner, the frame structure comprises an upper crossbeam and defines a frame completely thermally insulated from the outer wall.

In particular, the upper transverse element comprises a plurality of upper walls, which bound a tunnel configured to accommodate an outer fixture.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the upper transverse element comprises a single upper wall so as to close at the top the frame structure in case it is not necessary to accommodate the outer fixture.

More specifically, at least one upper wall comprises a respective mat made of a thermally insulating material, and/or a respective reinforcement panel.

In this manner, also the upper transverse element is thermally insulated.

In particular, the frame structure comprises at least one support bracket, which is configured to be fixed to the outer wall of the building and to support the base transverse element.

In this manner, it is possible to suitably support the base transverse element also when the base transverse element has a width such to protrude towards the outside of the outer wall.

In particular, each mat is made of an incombustible material, such as mineral wool or fibreglass.

In this manner, it is possible to satisfy the most restrictive fire prevention regulations. Mineral wool and fibreglass allow classifying the frame structure in high classes of reaction to fire, in particular in classes A1, A2 and B of the European classification EN <NUM>-<NUM>.

In particular, each reinforcement panel is made of a material selected from fibre cement, magnesium oxide, calcium hydrosilicate, marble, metal sheet, resin, and ceramic.

The aforementioned materials are incombustible and, besides ensuring a high level of surface finishing, they contribute to giving the frame structure an excellent class of reaction to fire according to the European classification EN <NUM>-<NUM>.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of installation of a frame structure that is devoid of the drawbacks of the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of installation of a frame structure for finishing and equipping an opening of an outer wall of a building is provided, the method comprising the steps of:.

Thanks to the present method, it is possible to assemble the various components of the frame structure directly during the installation of the frame structure within an opening of an outer wall of a building, ensuring simultaneously the quickness and a suitable quality of the installation operations.

More specifically, in the steps of installation it is possible to prevent the bulks of the pre-assembled frame structure, mounting each lateral elongated element on the base transverse element after the base transverse element has been laid within the opening of the outer wall.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of non-limiting example embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:.

With reference to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> indicates, as a whole, a frame structure arranged within an opening of an outer wall <NUM> of a building. In general, the frame structure <NUM> has the functions of supporting an inner fixture <NUM> and an outer or blackout fixture <NUM>, of insulating the fixtures <NUM> and <NUM> from the outer wall <NUM>, and of finishing the free surfaces of the outer wall <NUM>.

In the illustrated case, the outer fixture <NUM> is defined by a rolling shutter and the frame structure <NUM> additionally has the functions of guiding the rolling shutter in the opening and closing strokes and of accommodating the outer fixture <NUM>.

In embodiments not illustrated in the accompanying figures, the inner and outer fixtures are of different type and the frame structure has a configuration designed to support said fixtures without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In some cases, the outer fixture <NUM> is absent.

In the non-limiting case described and illustrated herein of the present invention, the outer wall <NUM> comprises a self-supporting wall or panel wall <NUM>; an outer insulating coating <NUM>; an outer finishing layer <NUM>; and an inner finishing layer <NUM>. The stratigraphy of the outer wall <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> has a merely exemplifying purpose and, in practice, can assume configurations different from the one illustrated.

The frame structure <NUM> comprises a base transverse element <NUM>, which comprises a mat <NUM> made of a thermally insulating material, a reinforcement panel <NUM> integral with the mat <NUM>, and a pair of guides <NUM> and <NUM>, each of which is arranged at a respective end of the base transverse element <NUM>; and a pair of lateral elongated elements <NUM> and <NUM>, each of which comprises a mat <NUM> made of a thermally insulating material and a reinforcement panel <NUM> integral with the mat <NUM>, and is configured to couple with a respective guide <NUM>, <NUM> so as to be mounted on the base transverse element <NUM>.

The base transverse element <NUM> extends along a base axis A1 and is configured to rest on a lower edge <NUM> of the opening of the outer wall <NUM>. In particular, the mat <NUM> is configured to be arranged in contact with the lower edge <NUM>.

Each guide <NUM>, <NUM> extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base axis A1.

In particular, each guide <NUM>, <NUM> is a profile preferably made of a metallic material, such as aluminium, or a polymeric material, such as PVC, or wood concrete.

In the non-limiting case described and illustrated herein of the present invention, each guide <NUM>, <NUM> is integral with the base transverse element <NUM>. In such configuration, each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to slide along the respective guide <NUM>, <NUM> so as to be at least partially inserted within the opening of the outer wall <NUM>.

Furthermore, the frame structure <NUM> comprises an upper transverse element <NUM>, which rests on the lateral elongated elements <NUM> and <NUM> in correspondence of their upper ends and is fixed to the lateral elongated elements <NUM> and <NUM>.

In particular, the upper element <NUM> comprises three upper walls <NUM>, which bound a tunnel <NUM> configured to accommodate the outer fixture <NUM>.

In accordance with an embodiment not shown in the accompanying figures, each upper wall <NUM> comprises a respective mat made of a thermally insulating material, and a respective reinforcement panel integral with the respective mat.

Furthermore, the upper transverse element <NUM> comprises a further panel <NUM>, which has the function of closing at the bottom and in part the tunnel <NUM> leaving a slit for the passing of the outer fixture <NUM>.

In accordance with a variant not illustrated in the accompanying figures, the upper transverse element <NUM> comprises a single upper wall <NUM>, which is provided with a respective mat and of a respective reinforcement panel. This simplified solution is adopted when it is not necessary to accommodate the outer fixture <NUM>.

The frame structure <NUM> is fixed to the outer wall <NUM> by means of fixing elements, such as cramps not illustrated in the accompanying figures.

In particular, the fixing elements can be cemented in the outer wall <NUM> or can be fixed to the outer wall <NUM> by means of plugs and coated with the insulating coating <NUM>.

Each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the base axis A1 once said lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> is mounted on the base transverse element <NUM>.

In other words, each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> identifies an angle of about <NUM>° with the base transverse element <NUM>.

More specifically, the lateral elongated elements <NUM> and <NUM>, are arranged on the sides of the opening of the outer wall <NUM> and are parallel to and facing each other.

Furthermore, each of the lateral elongated elements <NUM> and <NUM> has a notch <NUM>, which extends in the respective mat <NUM> and in the respective reinforcement panel <NUM> so as to form a U-shaped guide for guiding the outer fixture <NUM>.

The base transverse element <NUM> faces and is parallel to the upper transverse element <NUM> and directly supports the lateral elongated elements <NUM> and <NUM>.

Each mat <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has the form of a parallelepiped and has insulating properties with regard both to the acoustic transmission and the heat transmission and is preferably made of incombustible material. In particular, each mat <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is made of an insulating and incombustible material selected from fibreglass and mineral wool. The definition "incombustible" refers to the European classification EN <NUM>-<NUM>.

Each mat <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is glued along a wide main face of the same to the respective reinforcement panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> so as to allow prefabricating the frame structure <NUM> prior to the installation of the frame structure <NUM> within the opening of the outer wall <NUM>. In accordance with the tests performed, a satisfying gluing was obtained with a moisture curing polyurethane glue.

In the case shown in <FIG>, the reinforcement panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged flush with the respective mats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, it being understood that, in accordance with variants not illustrated, the reinforcement panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can protrude with respect to the respective mats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each reinforcement panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a lesser thickness than the respective mat <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and is made of a material selected from fiber cement, magnesium oxide, calcium hydrosilicate, metal sheet, marble, and ceramic.

With reference to <FIG>, each guide <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a coupling portion <NUM>, which is shaped to couple with the respective lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM>; a coupling portion <NUM>, which is configured to couple with the base transverse element <NUM>; and a backing portion <NUM>, which connects the coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> and is configured to rest on the reinforcement panel <NUM> of the base transverse element <NUM>.

In particular, the coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> are defined by respective walls <NUM> and <NUM>, which are parallel to each other. The backing portion <NUM> is defined by a wall <NUM>, which is substantially perpendicular with respect to the walls <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, each guide <NUM>, <NUM> is Z-shaped.

The mat <NUM> of each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> is provided with a respective seat <NUM> shaped to house the coupling portion <NUM> and allow a sliding of the lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> along the respective guide <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, each seat <NUM> is notched in the mat <NUM>, so as to allow the sliding of the wall <NUM> therein.

The base transverse element <NUM> is provided with a pair of seats <NUM>, each of which is recessed in the reinforcement panel <NUM> and in the mat <NUM> and is shaped to house a respective coupling portion <NUM>. In particular, each seat <NUM> is notched in the reinforcement panel <NUM> and in the mat <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a further embodiment not forming part of the present invention is shown, wherein the guide <NUM> is T-shaped.

In particular, the guide <NUM> comprises a wall <NUM>, which, in use, is arranged in contact with a lateral edge of the base transverse element <NUM> and with a lateral portion of the lateral elongated element <NUM>; and a wall <NUM>, which is substantially perpendicular to the wall <NUM>, is configured to rest on the reinforcement panel <NUM> of the base transverse element <NUM>, and is configured to be in contact with a lower portion of the lateral elongated element <NUM>.

Practically, the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM> bound an angular housing configured to house an edge of the lateral elongated element <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a further embodiment not forming part of the present invention is shown, wherein the guide <NUM> is in the form of a straight parallelepiped.

In particular, in use, the guide <NUM> is arranged flush with a lateral edge of the base transverse element <NUM>.

More specifically, the guide <NUM> is made of wood concrete.

In the case shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> is coupled with the base transverse element <NUM> so as to form an interspace for the housing of a cladding panel, not shown in the accompanying figures, between a lower portion of each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> and the reinforcement panel <NUM>.

In use and with reference to <FIG>, two support brackets <NUM> are fixed to an outer wall <NUM> of the building under an opening of the outer wall <NUM>. Each support bracket <NUM> has the function of supporting the base transverse element <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the base transverse element <NUM> lays on the lower edge <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the opening of the outer wall <NUM> so as to be supported by the support brackets <NUM> and is subsequently fixed to the support brackets <NUM>.

At this point, with reference to <FIG>, the lateral elongated element <NUM> is coupled with the guide <NUM>. In particular, the lateral elongated element <NUM> is coupled with the coupling portion <NUM> (<FIG>) so that the wall <NUM> (<FIG>) is inserted within the seat <NUM> (<FIG>).

Subsequently and with reference to <FIG>, the sliding of the lateral elongated element <NUM> along the guide <NUM> is carried out until the lateral elongated element <NUM> reaches the predetermined position, in which the lateral elongated element <NUM> is at least partially inserted within the opening of the outer wall <NUM>. In such step of installation, the seat <NUM> (<FIG>) slides along the wall <NUM> (<FIG>) of the coupling portion <NUM> (<FIG>).

The same operations are performed also for the lateral elongated element <NUM>, which is slidingly inserted on the guide <NUM>.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, not shown in the accompanying figures, each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> can be inserted in the predetermined position within the outer wall <NUM> by means of a sliding along a direction substantially different from the extension direction of the guides <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, the sliding of each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> can occur in a direction substantially parallel to the base axis A1. Said alternative embodiment is implementable in the case when the frame structure <NUM> comprises the guides <NUM> (<FIG>) or the guides <NUM> (<FIG>).

Once each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> is inserted in the predetermined position on the respective guide <NUM>, <NUM>, said lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> is fixed to the outer wall <NUM> by means of fixing elements, such as cramps not shown in the accompanying figures.

At this point, the upper transverse element <NUM> is arranged resting on each lateral elongated element <NUM>, <NUM> in correspondence of its upper end, so as to define together with the base transverse element <NUM> and with the lateral elongated elements <NUM> and <NUM> a frame completely thermally insulated from the outer wall <NUM>.

Finally, the frame structure <NUM> installed is sealed on the outer wall <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A frame structure for finishing and equipping an opening of an outer wall of a building, the frame structure (<NUM>) comprising:
- a base transverse element (<NUM>), which comprises a mat (<NUM>) made of a thermally insulating material, a reinforcement panel (<NUM>) integral with the mat (<NUM>), and a pair of guides (<NUM>, <NUM>), each of which is arranged at a respective end of the base transverse element (<NUM>);
- a pair of lateral elongated elements (<NUM>, <NUM>), each of which comprises a mat (<NUM>) made of a thermally insulating material and a reinforcement panel (<NUM>) integral with the mat (<NUM>), and is configured to couple with a respective guide (<NUM>, <NUM>) so as to be mounted on the base transverse element (<NUM>);
wherein each guide (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first coupling portion (<NUM>), which is shaped to couple with the respective lateral elongated element (<NUM>, <NUM>); a second coupling portion (<NUM>), which is configured to couple with the base transverse element (<NUM>); and a backing portion (<NUM>), which connects the first and the second coupling portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) and is configured to rest on the reinforcement panel (<NUM>) of the base transverse element (<NUM>).