Patent Description:
When installing windows in a roof, it is first and foremost vital to ensure that the roof window itself is tight, just as the connection between the window frame and the surrounding roofing material needs to be weatherproof. At the same time, the insulation properties of the window need to meet certain standards, and the manufacturing and installation of the roof window need to be carried out cost- and time-efficiently.

To fulfil these requirements, the design of the roof window is critical for optimal performance. Examples of prior art roof windows setting out to improve the performance on several of these parameters are found in i. Even though these roof windows have proven to function very well in practice, there is still room for improvement.

With this background, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a roof window by which it is possible to improve weatherproof properties without compromising other parameters as functionality, transport, installation, use or manufacturing.

This and further objects are achieved with a roof window of the kind mentioned in the introduction which is furthermore characterised by the features set forth by the features of the characterising portion of claim <NUM>.

The dampening and/or insulating members can be attached to one or multiple positions of the mentioned window components. It is furthermore possible to combine the attachment of more than one dampening and/or insulating member or to combine the attachment of dampening and/or insulating members on different window components. For manufacturing purposes, it is an advantage that the set of dampening and/or insulating members is configured to be attached to the roof window component in question in a separate assembling step, such that it is possible to handle the dampening and/or insulating member and the roof window component as a single unit in subsequent assembly steps. By forming a tight connection between the dampening and/or insulating members and the glazing profile, side sash covering or top frame covering member, the weatherproof properties of the window are improved by sealing the space between at least two window components.

The dampening and/or insulating member may possess any degree of compressibility to fit the requirements at the given position.

In the present context, the term "attached" is to be interpreted to encompassing any connection between two separate elements.

In principle, the dampening and/or insulating member may be attached to the roof window component in any suitable manner. In a presently preferred embodiment, the connection is carried out by mechanical fastening means, adhesion, or form-fitting, or a combination thereof. In this way, full flexibility is obtained.

The feature that the set of covering members comprises a bottom sash covering, and said dampening and/or insulating member is a sash profile seal configured to be attached to the lower end of the glazing profile for at least a proportion of the length where the glazing profile is overlapping with the bottom sash covering in the assembled state has the advantage that by compressing said sash profile seal against the glazing profile, the space around the lower end of the glazing profile and surrounding window components, which has a complex geometry and which furthermore due to i. manufacturing tolerances may vary between individual roof windows, is filled out and the risk of leaks etc. is minimized. Surrounding roof window components can be the bottom sash covering, side sash covering, additional dampening and/or insulating members or other components. The said sash profile seal therefore ensures a weatherproof connection between the components.

As the sash profile seal comprises a base portion, an inner leg portion, and an outer leg portion, this is the most basic configuration which at the same allows easy connection of the sash profile seal to the glazing profile and satisfactory sealing properties.

In presently preferred further developments, the sash profile seal may be provided with an inner top flange, which in an advantageous manner is allowed to abut a portion of the glazing profile in the assembled state of the sealing profile. Other preferred developments include providing the sash profile seal with an outer top outwards flange, and an outer top inwards engagement portion to fit the sash profile seal on to the glazing profile. In a preferred embodiment of above mentioned inventions at least one said dampening and/or insulating member is made of chloroprene, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyurethane (PU) or polyethylene (PE).

The dampening and/or insulation effect of the chosen material can be improved by using versions with trapped air, e.g. foam materials. The density of the dampening and/or insulating member and the proportion of trapped air or other gases in the dampening and/or insulating member can vary. Air or other gases can be trapped in the dampening and/or insulating member by closed or semi-closed cells. Such materials allow compression without comprising durability, dampening and/or insulation.

The chosen materials have the advantage to be resistant to water and wind, making them long-lasting and suitable materials for dampening and/or insulation. Using soft foam materials in proximity to movable window components hinders air-flow in surrounding undefined space without compromising the agility of the movable window components.

In a second aspect, a method of assembling a roof window is provided.

Referring initially to <FIG> in which a prior art roof window <NUM> is shown. Details of this roof window <NUM> are shown and described in the above-mentioned <CIT> to which reference is hereby made. In a manner known per se, the roof window <NUM> comprises a sash <NUM> connected to a frame <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. The frame <NUM> comprises frame members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and frame covering members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The sash <NUM> comprises a ventilation flap <NUM>, a handle bar <NUM>, sash members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and sash coverings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, a corresponding partial perspective view of the lower right-hand corner of a roof window in a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Details not shown or described in detail correspond to the prior art roof window described in the above and/or are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art. Elements having the same or analogous function have the same reference numerals. Thus, the roof window <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM>,<NUM> with a mounting bracket <NUM>, a side frame covering <NUM>, a bottom sash covering <NUM>, a side sash member <NUM>, a pane <NUM> and a glazing profile <NUM>. The side sash covering <NUM> has been removed for clarity reasons.

A set of dampening and/or insulating members <NUM> is provided in accordance with the invention, and in the first embodiment such a dampening and/or insulating member comprises a sash profile seal <NUM> attached to the lower end of the glazing profile <NUM>.

The exploded partial perspective view <FIG> shows a side sash covering <NUM>, a glazing profile <NUM> with a sash profile seal <NUM>, and a bottom sash covering <NUM> on which a pin <NUM> is provided. Referring now also to Fig. XX, the pin <NUM> is configured to interact with a key-hole shaped aperture <NUM> in a resilient flange <NUM> on the side sash covering <NUM> to provide a snapping engagement which secures the side sash covering <NUM> to the sash in a manner known per se from Applicant's international publication <CIT>. As will be described in further detail below, the sash profile seal <NUM> is shaped to fit the form of the glazing profile <NUM>. The length of the sash profile seal <NUM> is defined to at least cover a proportion of the area where the glazing profile <NUM> overlaps with the bottom sash covering <NUM>. In the assembled state the sash profile seal <NUM> can fill out the interspace between the glazing profile <NUM> and the bottom sash covering <NUM> and/or the glazing profile <NUM> and the side sash covering <NUM>. The bottom sash covering <NUM> here comprises an upstanding flange 42a provided with a cut-out <NUM> configured to receive the sash profile seal <NUM>.

<FIG> refer to the same first embodiment of a sash profile seal <NUM>. The figures show two detailed perspectives of a sash profile seal <NUM> of a length L comprising a base portion <NUM>, an inner leg portion <NUM>, an outer leg portion <NUM>, an inner top flange <NUM>, an outer top outwards flange <NUM>, and an outer top inwards engagement portion <NUM>. The bottom base portion <NUM> defines a bottom width W2. The distance between the edges of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> defines a top width W1. An inner width W0 of the sash profile seal <NUM> is defined by the distance between the facing sides of the leg portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The leg portions <NUM>, <NUM> thus form a canal configured to accommodate the glazing profile <NUM> in a manner to be described in further detail below. Further details shown in these figures include showing a pre-defined height HI at the inner leg portion <NUM>, here including the inner top flange <NUM>. The pre-defined height HI and a thickness of the base portion <NUM> are preferably chosen such that the inner leg portion <NUM> including the inner top flange <NUM> are compressed relative to the glazing profile <NUM>. Furthermore, it is shown how the sash profile seal <NUM> has a pre-defined height HO below the outer top outwards flange <NUM>, the pre-defined height HO and a thickness of the base portion <NUM> being chosen such that the outer leg portion <NUM> is stretched relative to the glazing profile <NUM> to bring the outer top outwards flange <NUM> in abutment with the upstanding flange 42a.

In the embodiment shown, the outer top inwards engagement portion <NUM> is provided with a C-shaped incision <NUM> to engage with a protruding flange <NUM> of the glazing profile <NUM>. Although this provides for an increased retention of the sash profile seal <NUM> during manufacture, it has proven to counteract proper compression of the sash profile seal.

Further details of presently preferred second and third embodiments will now be described with particular reference to <FIG>. Only differences relative to the first embodiment will be described in detail. Elements having the same or analogous function are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment to which <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, has been added.

In <FIG>, details of the glazing profile <NUM> are shown. In the embodiment shown, the glazing profile <NUM> has a base <NUM>, an inner leg <NUM>, an outer leg <NUM>, a transition portion <NUM>, and an apex portion <NUM>. Additionally, a curved end portion <NUM> and a protruding flange <NUM> are present. The base <NUM> defines a width WGP of the glazing profile <NUM>, configured to interact with the sash profile seal <NUM>. It is noted that the glazing profile <NUM> has a larger total width, taking into account also the curved end portion <NUM>. The inner leg <NUM> defines an inner height HGPI and the outer leg <NUM> defines an outer height HGPO.

The sash profile seal <NUM> is shown in a state of delivery, i.e. before assembly in which it is attached to the bottom sash covering <NUM> and/or the glazing profile <NUM>. As in the first embodiment, pre-defined heights HO and HI are defined, just as inner width W0 between the leg portions <NUM> and <NUM>. As indicated, the inner width W0 in the shown un-compressed state is smaller than the width WGP of the glazing profile <NUM>. The dimensions of the sash profile seal <NUM> may in principle be chosen arbitrarily as long as a good fit with the components of the roof window is achieved. However, it is preferred that the height HI and thickness of the base portion <NUM> are chosen such that the inner top flange <NUM> is pressed against the transition portion <NUM> of the glazing profile <NUM> such that a tight circumferential fit of the sash profile seal <NUM> against the inner leg <NUM> and the base <NUM> is ensured. On the outer side, the height HO is chosen such that the outer top outwards flange <NUM> is pressed against the upstanding flange 42a of the bottom sash covering <NUM>, thereby also ensuring a tight circumferential fit of the sash profile seal <NUM> against the outer leg <NUM> of the glazing profile <NUM>. The thickness of the respective inner and outer leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> are also chosen suitably to ensure that the sash profile seal <NUM> is centred on the glazing profile <NUM>, with substantially equal compression being present at each side.

Referring now to <FIG>, details of the bottom sash covering <NUM> are shown, which may be of relevance to any of the first, second and third embodiments of the sash profile seal <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM> of the roof window <NUM>, but also of further, non-shown embodiments thereof. Here, it is shown how the cut-out <NUM> in the upstanding flange 42a has a bottom edge <NUM>, an inner edge <NUM> and an outer edge <NUM>. The dimensions and shape of the cut-out <NUM> are advantageously configured such that the sash profile seal is compressed in the interspace between the cut-out <NUM> and the glazing profile <NUM> in the assembled state of the roof window <NUM>. In order to facilitate the mounting and steer the compression, it is particularly advantageous if one or both of the edges is/are inclined away from the cut-out <NUM> by a pre-defined angle. Here, the outer edge <NUM> forms an angle α3 with the vertical. The angle may be chosen in accordance to other dimensions, but typical values lie in the range <NUM> to <NUM>°, here about <NUM>°. The inner edge <NUM> could be provided with an inclination of similar magnitude or a different one. Also visible in <FIG> is a tab <NUM> protruding from the bottom edge <NUM>. The tab <NUM> may serve as an additional support of the sash profile seal <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>. As a difference from the first embodiment, it is noted that no outer top inwards engagement portion is provided to engage with the protruding flange <NUM> of the glazing profile <NUM> is present.

Turning to <FIG>, a second embodiment of the sash profile seal <NUM> is shown. The basic configuration of the sash profile seal <NUM> including base portion <NUM>, inner leg portion <NUM> and outer leg portion <NUM> corresponds to that of the first and second embodiments. An inner top flange <NUM> is provided as well, and an outer top outwards flange <NUM> as in the second embodiment. Furthermore, an outer top inwards flange <NUM> is provided. The outer top inwards flange <NUM> abuts the upper side of the protruding flange <NUM> of the glazing profile <NUM> in the assembled state. In <FIG>, the sash profile seal <NUM> is schematically shown in a hypothetical condition, before being compressed to conform to the shape of the glazing profile <NUM>, the bottom sash covering <NUM> and possibly other components of the roof window <NUM>. A further detail includes that at least one leg portion, here both of the inner leg portion <NUM> and the outer leg portion <NUM> are inclined outwards relative to the base portion <NUM> by a predefined angle β2, β3 with the vertical. The angle may be chosen in accordance with the dimensions of the remaining components of the roof window and of the sash profile seal <NUM> itself, but typical values lie in the range <NUM> to <NUM>°, here about <NUM>°. In this way, a V-shape of the sash profile seal <NUM> is achieved which has proven to function particularly well with regard to mounting, adaptation and sealing properties.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of the sash profile seal <NUM> in its delivery condition. During the manufacturing of the sash profile seal <NUM>, typically by means of extrusion to achieve a suitable density, the inner and outer leg portions <NUM>, <NUM> assume a position in which they form a curve towards the canal defined between the leg portions to enhance the fit and retention on the glazing profile <NUM> even further.

<FIG> refers to further embodiment of the invention and shows an exploded partial perspective view of the side sash covering <NUM> with flange <NUM> and key-hole shaped aperture <NUM> on a lower end <NUM> of the side sash covering <NUM>. The sash profile seal <NUM> of the first embodiment is configured to cooperate with the addition dampening and/or insulating members generally designated <NUM> of this further embodiment comprising and a rectangular strip <NUM> and an inner strip <NUM> as well as an outer strip <NUM>. The rectangular strip <NUM> is attached to the side sash covering <NUM> under the key-hole shaped aperture <NUM>, inserted in the direction of arrow A. The outer and inner strip <NUM>, <NUM> serve as first and second exterior side dampening and/or insulating members along the longitudinal axis of the side sash covering <NUM>, respectively. The inner strip <NUM> is attached to the side sash covering <NUM> along the flange <NUM>. The outer strip <NUM> is attached to the side sash covering <NUM> in parallel to, but with distance to the inner strip <NUM>. In combination with embodiments of the sash profile seal having an outer top outwards flange, this flange abuts at least one strip of the set of strips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to enhance the seal even further.

<FIG> refers to a further embodiment of the invention and shows an exploded partial perspective view of a sealing pad <NUM> forming part of the set of dampening and/or insulating members in accordance with the invention. The sealing pad <NUM> is provided in the vicinity of a screw hole <NUM> of in the side sash covering <NUM>. The size of the sealing pad <NUM> exceeds the area of the screw hole <NUM> and covers additional area of the side sash covering <NUM>.

The sealing pad may in principle have any suitable configuration and in the embodiment shown it has a thickness of preferably <NUM>, more preferably <NUM>, and most preferably <NUM> and can be of various cross-section shapes including a rectangular or rounded cross-sector shape. The elastic sealing pad tolerances compression and movements without losing its function for sealing. During thrilling through the sealing pad, a minimum of sealing pad material or no sealing pad material is transferred to the thrill. This ensures an easy and fast manufacturing and/or installation since the thrilling devices need a minimum amount of cleaning or replacement. A screw driven through the sealing pad pulls down proportions of the sealing pad into the screw hole and provides additional sealing between the under-side of the side sash covering, screw, screw hole and the surroundings thereof. The sealing pads can be provided on rolls for easy storage and easy, efficient window manufacturing. Furthermore, the rolls comprising the sealing pads can be transported to already installed roof windows to upgrade the dampening and/or insulation thereof.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a roof window which is top-hung during normal use but which pivots for cleaning. The covering members at the top of the window thus comprises two components, relative to the one-part top frame covering <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and are here denoted first top frame covering member <NUM> and second top frame covering <NUM>. The set of dampening and/or insulating members here comprises a foam padding <NUM> attached to the first top frame covering member <NUM> as well as a spacing <NUM> between the first top frame covering member <NUM> and the second top frame covering member <NUM>. Also visible in <FIG> is the handle bar <NUM>, sash top member <NUM>, ventilation flap <NUM> and a frame top member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A roof window (<NUM>) comprising a frame (<NUM>), a sash (<NUM>), a set of covering members (<NUM>), a glazing profile (<NUM>) and a set of dampening and/or insulating members (<NUM>), the set of dampening and/or insulating members (<NUM>) comprising at least one member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) attached to a respective roof window component comprising the glazing profile (<NUM>), a side sash covering (<NUM>) and/or a top frame covering member (<NUM>, <NUM>), in an assembled state of the roof window,
wherein the set of covering members (<NUM>) comprises a bottom sash covering (<NUM>), characterised in that the at least one dampening and/or insulating member comprises a sash profile seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to be attached to the lower end of the glazing profile (<NUM>) for at least a proportion of the length where the glazing profile (<NUM>) is overlapping with the bottom sash covering (<NUM>) in the assembled state, that
the sash profile seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises a base portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), an inner leg portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and an outer leg portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to fit the sash profile seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) on to the glazing profile (<NUM>), that
said sash profile seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) has an inner width (W0) between the inner leg portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and the outer leg portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) substantially matching a width (WGP) of the glazing profile (<NUM>) in the assembled state of the roof window, and that
said sash profile seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) has a top width (W1) exceeding a bottom width (W2) and the inner width (W0) and a length (L) of the same order of magnitude as the bottom width (W2).