Patent ID: 12258809

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of an aluminium extrusion framing system10in accordance with the invention, as illustrated inFIGS.1to10, comprises a first wedge member12made of resilient material for securing and sealing a panel16in the framing system. Preferably the first wedge member12is one of a pair of wedge members, and a second wedge member14is also provided for securing and sealing the panel16in the framing system. Preferred embodiments of the first and second wedge members12and14are illustrated inFIGS.6and5respectively. The wedge members12and14are typically manufactured from rubber or a resilient plastics material, such as PVC or silicon.

The framing system10also comprises an aluminium extrusion20having a channel22adapted to receive an edge of the panel16therein. A first side wall24bis formed with a first elongate retention means28extending the full length of the extrusion20for receiving the first wedge member12in connection therewith.

The framing system10further comprises a removable cover plate30adapted to be secured to the extrusion20and received in close proximity to a top edge of the first side wall24bof the channel22whereby, in use, when the panel16is installed in the channel22with the first wedge member12received in connection with the first retention means28, the first wedge member12is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate30is secured to the extrusion20. The first elongate retention means28is preferably located so that, in use, when the first wedge member12is received in connection therewith it does not protrude above the cover plate30. This concealing function of the removable cover plate30is clearly illustrated inFIGS.3and4.

In this embodiment the channel22has a pair of opposing side walls24and an elongate lip26provided along a top edge of a second side wall24a. Preferably the second side wall24aof the channel22is formed with a second elongate retention means32extending the full length of the extrusion20for receiving the second wedge member14in connection therewith. The first and second retention means28and32of this embodiment are similar in design and function. Both are in the form of a groove adapted to receive part of the first and second wedge members12and14respectively therein. In both cases the groove of the retention means28and32is formed with a pair of inwardly extending, opposing lips extending the full length of the groove, which are designed to retain the part of the respective wedge member received in the groove therein.

The aluminium extrusion20of this embodiment also includes a base plate34, which is received in the rear of the extrusion and is designed to close the rear of the extrusion. The base plate34has an L-shaped upstand which supports the rear of channel22of the extrusion, particularly when it bears the weight of the panel16therein.

FIG.9illustrates another kind of aluminium extrusion21that forms part of the framing system10. The extrusion21comprises two parts21′ and21″ which clip together back to back, to provide a join or sill between two panels16arranged one directly above the other. Each part of the extrusion21receives first and second wedge members12,14in its respective channel22to wedge the edge of the panel16in the channel. Each part of the extrusion21is also provided with an elongate lip26and a removable cover plate30. It will be understood that the aluminium extrusion for the framing system10can be manufactured in many different shapes and configurations to suit various framing requirements.

A preferred method of installing a panel16, in this case a pane of glass, in an aluminium extrusion20of the framing system10will now be described with reference toFIGS.1to7. The aluminium extrusion20is assembled, and the base plate34inserted in the rear. The second wedge member14is preferably inserted in connection with the second elongate retention means32on the second side wall24a. It will be seen that the position of the second elongate retention means32on the second side wall24a, and the shape of the second wedge member14is such that it is substantially concealed below the elongate lip26, when installed.

Next the glass pane16is installed in the framing system, with an edge of the pane16received in the channel22of the aluminium extrusion20, pressed against the second wedge member14, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The channel22is, of course, designed and sized to receive a pane of this particular thickness therein. When the pane16is installed in the channel22an elongate edge of the elongate lip26lies adjacent to and in close proximity to the panel. Preferably, the second wedge member14is formed with a small lip that extends between the glass pane16and the edge of the elongate lip26, as shown inFIG.2. This ensures that the pane16is sealed within the channel22and inhibits the ingress of any water into the channel22.

With the glass pane16thus correctly positioned in the channel22, the first wedge member12is inserted into the narrow gap between the pane16and the first side wall24bof the channel22, as shown inFIG.2. The first wedge member12is designed with a series of parallel vanes which flex as the wedge member12is inserted, allowing it to be squeezed into the narrow gap, as shown inFIGS.3and4. A rear surface of the first wedge member12is formed with a protruding rib that catches under one of the lips provided for this purpose in the groove of the first elongate retention means28. Once the first wedge member12is thus wedged into the narrow gap between the pane16and the second wall24bof the channel22, and retained by the first elongate retention means28, it is virtually impossible to remove it, and the glass pane16will remain firmly and securely wedged in the channel22.

Finally, the removable cover plate30is installed in the aluminium extrusion20, as shown inFIG.3. The removable cover plate30of this embodiment is provided with first and second elongate retaining clips on each edge along its length, which are designed to clip under matching elongate protrusions provided on the aluminium extrusion20. Once the removable cover plate30is installed, an elongate edge of the removable cover plate30lies adjacent to and in close proximity to the glass pane16, on the opposite side to the elongate lip26. A top vane of the first wedge member12may extend into the small gap between the edge of the removable cover plate and the glass pane16. However the removable cover plate30ensures that the first wedge member12is substantially concealed and hidden from view, when the removable cover plate30is secured to the extrusion20. The end result is a less obvious and more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the join between the glass pane and the aluminium extrusion.

A second embodiment of an aluminium extrusion framing system40in accordance with the invention is illustrated inFIGS.11to14. The framing system40is similar to the first embodiment of the framing system10, and therefore the similar parts are identified with the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail. The framing system40comprises a first wedge member12made of resilient material for securing and sealing a panel16in the framing system. Preferably the first wedge member12is one of a pair of wedge members, and a second wedge member14is also provided for securing and sealing a panel16in the framing system.

The framing system40also comprises an aluminium extrusion50having a channel22adapted to receive an edge of the panel16therein. The channel22has a pair of opposing side walls24and an elongate lip26provided along a top edge of a second side wall24a. A first side wall24bis formed with a first elongate retention means28extending the full length of the extrusion20for receiving the first wedge member12in connection therewith. The first elongate retention means28is located so that, in use, when the first wedge member12is received in connection therewith it does not protrude above the elongate lip26.

As with the first embodiment10, the framing system40further comprises a removable cover plate60adapted to be secured to the extrusion50and received in close proximity to a top edge of the first side wall24bof the channel22whereby, in use, when the panel16is installed in the channel22with the first wedge member12received in connection with the first retention means28, the first wedge member12is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate60is secured to the extrusion50. This concealing function of the removable cover plate30is illustrated inFIGS.13and14.

Preferably the second side wall24aof the channel22is formed with a second elongate retention means32extending the full length of the extrusion50for receiving the second wedge member14in connection therewith.

The principal difference between this embodiment of the framing system40and the previous embodiment is the manner in which the removable cover plate60is secured to the extrusion50. The removable cover plate60of this embodiment, is provided with a first elongate retaining clip36on one edge along its length (similar to the first embodiment), which is designed to clip under a matching elongate protrusion provided on the aluminium extrusion50. A second elongate retaining clip62is provided along it length, intermediate the width of the removable cover plate60, which is adapted to engage with a securing clip64provided in connection with the aluminium extrusion50.

The aluminium extrusion50of this embodiment is provided with an additional elongate protrusion54, provided on a wall of a cavity provided adjacent to the channel22. The protrusion54is designed to receive the securing clip64in connection therewith. When both the first and second wedge members12,14have been inserted in their respective first and second elongate retention means, the removable cover plate60is clipped into place and secured to the aluminium extrusion50, as shown inFIGS.13and14, the first wedge member12will be substantially concealed. The end result is a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the join between the panel16and the aluminium extrusion50, similar to that shown inFIG.7.

The preferred method of installing a panel16in the framing system40of this embodiment is substantially the same as with the previous embodiment, and will not be described again in detail. The primary difference, as noted above, is the manner in which the removable cover plate60is clipped into place and secured to the aluminium extrusion50.

FIGS.15to18illustrate another embodiment of the aluminium extrusion framing system90according to the present invention, which can be used for concealing part of the hinge of a door. The framing system90comprises an aluminium extrusion100, which is similar to the aluminium extrusion20of the previous embodiments. In this embodiment the aluminium extrusion100comprises a cavity102within which part of a hinge92can be concealed. The aluminium extrusion100would typically form part of a door frame for a door (not shown). As can be clearly seen inFIGS.15to17the part of the hinge to be concealed is bent so as to be received in the cavity102. Screw fasteners94, for connecting the hinge92to the door frame, can then be screwed through the hinge part into the door frame as shown inFIG.15.

The framing system90further comprises a cover plate104which can be secured to the aluminium extrusion100, and is adapted to cover the cavity102. In use, the part of the hinge92received in the cavity102is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate104is secured to the extrusion100. As can be seen most clearly inFIG.18b, the cover plate104is formed with a pair of narrow rectangular apertures106, sized to receive there-through the part of the hinge92which is received in the cavity102. Both the part of the hinge92and the screw fasteners94will be concealed within the cavity, providing a more aesthetically pleasing finish for the door frame.

The embodiment inFIGS.15to18is described with respect to concealing a hinge of a door. However it is to be noted that other items of door hardware such as locks could also be concealed in an analogous way to the way the door hinge is concealed, with the appropriate adaptations.

It should be noted that whilst the embodiments have been described with reference to a standard aluminium frame, the invention can be equally applied to a thermally broken aluminium system. In this latter case, as per usual practice, a PVC section or thermal break is included to stop heat transfer from the outside to inside.

FIGS.19(a) to19(e)illustrate a further embodiment of the framing system110of the present invention, which may be used in conjunction with the first or second embodiments described above, or as a stand-alone system. The framing system110of this embodiment comprises an aluminium extrusion120having a channel122adapted to receive an edge of a panel116therein, the channel being formed by a pair of opposing side walls124. In this embodiment, a first side wall124bof the channel is formed by part of a removable support member126(seeFIGS.19(c) to19(e)). The first side124bhas a first elongate retention means128extending the full length of the extrusion120for receiving a first wedge member112in connection therewith. The first wedge member112is made of resilient material for securing and sealing the panel116in the framing system.

The framing system110further comprises a removable cover plate130adapted to be secured to the extrusion120and received in close proximity to a top edge of the first side wall124bof the channel122. In use, when a panel116is installed in the channel122with the first wedge member112received in connection with the first retention means128, the first wedge member is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate130is secured to the extrusion120.

Preferably the first wedge member124is one of a pair of wedge members, and the framing system110further comprises a second wedge member114made of resilient material for securing and sealing a panel in the framing system. Preferably a second side wall124ais formed with a second elongate retention means132, extending the full length of the extrusion120, for receiving the second wedge member114in connection therewith.

As with the first and second embodiments, an elongate lip136is provided along a top edge of the second side wall124aof the channel122. Preferably both the elongate lip136and the cover plate130each have an edge that lies adjacent to and in close proximity to the panel116after installation.

The aluminium extrusion120of this embodiment is referred to as a sill section120, as it is typically employed as the bottom frame member in a window or door frame. With a typical window frame there are four side frame members. The two vertical side frame members and the top side frame member would typically comprise the aluminium extrusion20or50of the first and second embodiments. However the fourth side frame member, which is normally the bottom or sill, the sill section120is employed, which is open on one side. The reason why the sill section120is open on one side is so that a glass pane can be inserted into the assembled window frame. In theory, it is possible to use the sill section120on all four sides of the frame to glaze a window.

A preferred method of installing a panel116, for example a pane of glass, in the aluminium extrusion120of the framing system110will now be described with reference toFIGS.19(a) to19(e).

Firstly, the second wedge member114is preferably inserted in connection with the second elongate retention means132on the second side wall24a. It will be seen that the position of the second elongate retention means132on the second side wall124a, and the shape of the second wedge member114is such that it is substantially concealed below the elongate lip126, when installed.

Next the glass pane116is installed in the frame, with an edge of the pane116received in the channel122, to be formed in the aluminium extrusion120, pressed against the second wedge member114, as shown inFIG.19(b). The channel122is, of course, designed and sized to receive a pane of this particular thickness therein. When the pane116is installed in the channel122an elongate edge of the elongate lip126lies adjacent to and in close proximity to the pane116.

With the glass pane116thus correctly positioned in the channel122, the support member126is then clipped into place, as shown inFIGS.19(c) to19(e). A foot on the support member126hooks under a first elongate retaining clip118provided on the aluminium extrusion120, and the support member126then snaps into place. The first side wall124bon the support member126, together with the second side wall124a, now forms the channel122of the aluminium extrusion120.

Next, the first wedge member112is inserted into the narrow gap between the pane116and the first side wall124bof the channel122, as shown inFIG.19(d). The first wedge member112is designed so that it can be squeezed into this narrow gap, as shown inFIGS.119(d) and119(e). A rear surface of the first wedge member112is formed with a protruding rib that catches the first elongate retention means128. Once the first wedge member112is thus wedged into the narrow gap between the pane116and the second wall124bof the channel122, and retained by the first elongate retention means128, it is virtually impossible to remove it, and the glass pane116will remain firmly and securely wedged in the channel122.

Finally, the removable cover plate130is installed in the aluminium extrusion120, as shown inFIG.119(e). The removable cover plate130of this embodiment is provided with first and second elongate retaining clips on each edge along its length, which are designed to clip under matching elongate protrusions provided on support member126and the aluminium extrusion120. Once the removable cover plate130is installed, an elongate edge of the removable cover plate130lies adjacent to and in close proximity to the glass pane116, on the opposite side to the elongate lip126. As with the previous embodiments, the removable cover plate130ensures that the first wedge member112is substantially concealed and hidden from view, when the removable cover plate130is secured to the extrusion120. The end result is a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the join between the glass pane and the aluminium extrusion.

FIGS.20(a) to20(e)illustrate a still further embodiment of the framing system140of the present invention, comprising an aluminium extrusion in the form of a window sash section150for a sash window (or sliding window). The aluminium extrusion150has a channel152adapted to receive an edge of a glass pane154therein, the channel being formed by a pair of opposing side walls142. In this embodiment, a first side wall142bof the channel is formed by part of a removable support member158(seeFIGS.20(b),20(e) and20(f)). The first side142bhas a first elongate retention means extending the full length of the support member158for receiving a first wedge member156in connection therewith. The first wedge member156is made of resilient material for securing and sealing the panel116in the framing system.

The support member158is clipped into place on the aluminium extrusion150, as shown inFIGS.20(e) and20(f). A foot on the support member126hooks under a first elongate retaining clip118provided on the aluminium extrusion120, and the support member126can then be snapped into place. The first side wall124bon the support member126, together with the second side wall124a, now forms the channel122of the aluminium extrusion120.

The framing system140further comprises a removable cover plate144adapted to be secured to the extrusion150and received in close proximity to a top edge of the first side wall142bof the channel152. In use, when the pane154is installed in the channel152with the first wedge member156received in connection with the first retention means, the first wedge member is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate144is secured to the extrusion150.

The manner in which the removable cover plate144is secured to the extrusion150, is similar to the second embodiment of the framing system40. The removable cover plate144of this embodiment, is provided with a first elongate retaining clip on one edge along its length, which is designed to engage a matching elongate recess provided on the removable support member158. A second elongate retaining clip152is provided along its length, intermediate the width of the removable cover plate144(seeFIG.20(c)), which is adapted to engage with a securing clip146provided in connection with the support member158.

The removable support member158of this embodiment is provided with an additional elongate protrusion148(seeFIG.20(b)), provided along its length, intermediate the width of the support member. The protrusion148is designed to receive the securing clip146in connection therewith. When the first wedge member156has been inserted in the first elongate retention means, the removable cover plate144is clipped into place and secured to the support member158, as shown inFIG.20(f), so that the first wedge member156will be substantially concealed. The end result is a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the join between the pane16and the aluminium extrusion (sash section)150.

A still further embodiment of an aluminium extrusion framing system160in accordance with the invention is illustrated inFIGS.21to24. The framing system160is similar to the first embodiment of the framing system10, and therefore the similar parts are identified with the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail. As with the framing system10, the framing system160comprises a removable cover plate30adapted to be secured to the extrusion20and received in close proximity to a top edge of the first side wall24bof the channel22whereby, in use, when the panel16is installed in the channel22with the first wedge member12received in connection with the first retention means28, the first wedge member12is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate30is secured to the extrusion20.

Advantageously, the cover plate30can also be used to conceal other things within the aluminium extrusion20. In this embodiment the cover plate30is used to conceal a lighting fixture162, which is installed behind the removable cover plate30, in a cavity provided within the aluminium extrusion wherein, in use, a lighting effect can be created adjacent to the panel16. In the illustrated embodiment the lighting effect is a pattern, words, logo or other indicia164laser-cut into the cover plate30so that, in use, when the lighting fixture162is switched ON light shines through laser-cut indicia to create the lighting effect.

Typically the lighting fixture162is an LED array mounted directly behind the cover plate30, within the cavity provided within the aluminium extrusion20, as shown inFIG.24. Preferably a coloured filter and/or diffuser166is also installed behind the cover plate30, between the lighting fixture162and the laser-cut indicia as shown inFIG.22, to enhance the lighting effect. Alternatively, instead of laser-cut indicia, an aperture is provided in the cover plate30within which a another kind of lighting fixture168is received, having a source of light and colour filter and/or diffuser integral to the fixture, as shown inFIG.23.

FIGS.25to39illustrate another embodiment of an extrusion framing system170according to the present invention, which can be used for concealing part of the hinge of a door/window or other panel. In particular it is designed to create a smooth, uninterrupted finish by concealing the screw fixings of a hinge172, in this case for a door to door hinge connection of, for example, a bi-fold door with glass panels mounted within each sash. It allows for an uninterrupted seal from top to bottom of the panel, therefore increasing the weather-ability of the system.

The framing system170comprises substantially identical first and second door frame extrusions174forming a sash section for the glazed doors. In this embodiment each extrusion174comprises a cavity176within which part of a hinge172can be concealed. As can be clearly seen inFIGS.25and26a cut-out178is provided in an edge of the sash section through which part of the hinge to be concealed is extended so as to be received in the cavity176. Furthermore, the hinge172itself has a modified shape to match the profile of the extrusion174, as can be seen most clearly inFIGS.28(b)and29, so that when the hinge172is received in the cavity part of the hinge replaces the cut-out portion178of the sash section.

The framing system170further comprises a pair of cover plates180which can be secured to the respective extrusions174, and is adapted to cover each cavity176. In use, the part of the hinge172received in the cavity176is substantially concealed when the removable cover plates180are secured to the respective extrusions174. As can be seen most clearly inFIG.25, each cover plate180is formed with a narrow thermal break182, which extends the full length of the cover plate180. Both the parts of the hinge172and the screw fasteners used to secure the hinge to the sash, will be concealed within the respective cavities176, to provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish for the door frame, as shown inFIGS.26and27.

It will be apparent that the aforementioned embodiment of an extrusion framing system170for concealing part of the hinge of a door/window or other panel need not be manufactured from extruded aluminium. It may be extruded from any suitable material, including, for example, UPVC, fibreglass or other rigid plastics or composite materials. It can also be made from a combination of such materials. This is also true of the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.30to36.

FIGS.30to33illustrate another embodiment of an extrusion framing system190according to the present invention, which can be used for concealing part of the hinge of a door/window or other panel. The framing system190comprises a door frame extrusion192, which is similar to the aluminium extrusion174of the previous embodiment, and a door jamb extrusion194. In this embodiment the extrusion192comprises a cavity196within which part of a hinge198can be concealed. The extrusion192would typically form part of a frame or sash section for a glazed door (not shown). As can be clearly seen inFIG.30a cut-out202is provided in one edge of the sash section through which part of the hinge198to be concealed is extended so as to be received in the cavity196. Furthermore, the hinge198itself has a modified shape to match the profile of the extrusion192, as can be seen most clearly inFIGS.32and33, so that when the hinge198is received in the cavity part of the hinge replaces the cut-out202in the edge of the sash section. The framing system190further comprises a cover plate200which can be secured to the extrusion192, and is adapted to cover the cavity196.

The framing system190also comprises a door jamb extrusion194, which comprises a cavity202within which the other part of the hinge198can be concealed. The extrusion194would typically form part of a jamb for a door (not shown). The framing system190further comprises a cover plate204which can be secured to the extrusion194, and is adapted to cover the cavity202. In use, the part of the hinge198received in the cavity202is substantially concealed when the removable cover plate204is secured to the extrusion194. As can be seen most clearly inFIG.30, the cover plate204is formed with a narrow rectangular aperture206, sized to receive there-through the part of the hinge198which is received in the cavity202. Both the part of the hinge198and the screw fasteners will be concealed within the cavity, providing a more aesthetically pleasing finish for the door jamb, as shown inFIG.31.

As with the previous embodiment, each cover plate200and204is formed with a narrow thermal break182, which extends the full length of the cover plate.

The embodiments inFIGS.25to33are described with respect to concealing a hinge of a door. However, as previously noted, other items of door hardware such as locks could also be concealed in an analogous manner to the way the door hinge is concealed, with the appropriate adaptations.

FIGS.34to36illustrate another embodiment of an extrusion framing system210according to the present invention, which can be used for concealing part or all of a holding mechanism for holding a panel in place in the framing system. The holding mechanism may be the fixing or body of a lock, hinge, magnetic catch or any other mechanism for holding a door, window or other panel in place. The framing system210comprises an extrusion212having a cavity214in which part of a holding mechanism for holding a panel in place in the framing system can be concealed. In each case, the holding mechanism comprises a mechanism that is adapted to be mechanically connected to the extrusion and/or the door, window or other panel.

In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS.34to36the holding mechanism for holding a panel in place in the framing system210is a magnetic catch mechanism216. Typically the magnetic catch mechanism comprises first and second magnets218aand218b, which when brought into close proximity exert a strong attractive force to retain the panel in a closed position.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.34, the first magnet218ais concealed within the cavity214in the extrusion212forming a frame for the panel. A removable cover plate220, adapted to be secured to the extrusion212, is provided to conceal the first magnet218awithin the cavity214. The second magnet218bis concealed within a cavity222in an extrusion224used to form a jamb for the panel. A removable cover plate226, adapted to be secured to the extrusion224, is provided to conceal the second magnet218bwithin the cavity222.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.35, the first magnet218ais concealed within the cavity214in the extrusion212forming a frame for the panel, similar to that shown inFIG.34. A cover plate220is provided to conceal the first magnet218awithin the cavity214. However, the second magnet218bis concealed within another cavity228of the extrusion224used to form a jamb for the panel. A removable cover plate230, adapted to be secured to the extrusion224, is provided to conceal the second magnet218bwithin the cavity228. The removable cover plate230of this embodiment is also used to support a rubber door seal232, which presses against the frame212for the panel, when it is in the closed position.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.36, the first magnet218ais again concealed within the cavity214in the extrusion212forming a frame for the panel, similar to that shown inFIG.34, except that the magnet218ais located nearer to one side of the frame. A cover plate220is provided to conceal the first magnet218awithin the cavity214. The second magnet218bis concealed within the rubber door seal232, which is supported on the removable cover plate230, provided on the extrusion224for the jamb for the panel.

FIGS.40and41illustrate another embodiment of an extrusion framing system260according to the present invention, which can be used for concealing part or all of a holding mechanism for holding a panel in place in the framing system. The framing system260comprises an aluminium frame extrusion262for a door having a cavity264in which part of a lock mechanism266for holding a panel in place in the framing system can be concealed.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.40and41the holding mechanism for holding a panel in place in the framing system260is a lock mechanism266. Typically the lock mechanism266comprises a latch mechanism268, which has a latch that extends into a door frame (not illustrated) through a strike plate, to retain the door in a closed position. In the embodiment shown inFIG.41, the latch mechanism268is concealed within the cavity264in the extrusion262forming a frame for the door. A removable cover plate270, adapted to be secured to the extrusion262, is provided to conceal the part of the latch mechanism within the cavity264. The cover plate270is provided with an aperture272, as shown inFIG.40, through which the latch of the latch mechanism protrudes. This is the only part of the latch mechanism268which is normally visible.

In each of the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.34to36,40and41it will be seen that, in use, at least part of the holding mechanism is substantially concealed when the removable cover plates are secured to the respective extrusions.

Yet another embodiment of the aluminium extrusion framing system240according to the present invention is illustrated inFIGS.37to39. The framing system240comprises first and second wedge members242aand242bmade of resilient material for securing and sealing a panel244in the framing system. The first and second wedge members242are similar to the second wedge member14of the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1to10.

The framing system240further comprises a first aluminium extrusion246forming a channel adapted to receive an edge of the panel244therein, the channel being formed by a pair of opposing side walls. A first side wall of the channel has a first elongate retention means248extending the full length of the extrusion246for receiving the first wedge member242ain connection therewith.

A second aluminium extrusion250is adapted to be secured to the first extrusion246and provides a second side wall of the pair of opposing side walls forming the channel, as shown inFIG.37. The second side wall has a second elongate retention means252extending the full length of the extrusion250for receiving the second wedge member242bin connection therewith. In use, when a panel244is installed in the channel with the first wedge member242areceived in connection with the first retention means248, and the second wedge member242breceived in connection with the second retention means252, the first and second wedge members are substantially concealed when the second extrusion250is secured to the first extrusion246.

Preferably an elongate lip254is provided along a top edge of both the first and the second side walls of the channel. Preferably the elongate lip254provided along the top edge of both the first and the second side walls has an edge that lies adjacent to and in close proximity to the panel244after installation, as shown inFIG.37.

It will be apparent that the removable cover plate in each of the aforementioned embodiments may be made from a different material to the extrusion for the framing system. Furthermore the cover plate can be connected to the extrusion by any suitable means, e.g. plastic clip, magnet, hook and loop fastener, glue, silicon, etc. The framing system of the invention is applicable to all kinds of doors, windows and panels, including awnings, casements, pivoting and sliding or hinged.

Now that several embodiments of the glazing framing system and method have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:(i) They provide a less obvious and more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the join between the glass pane and the aluminium extrusion;(ii) They do this by concealing the wedge member(s) used for wedging the glass pane into the aluminium extrusion, rendering it/them substantially invisible;(iii) They can also be used to conceal other kinds of fixings or holding mechanisms for holding a panel in place to produce a more aesthetically pleasing finish.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, the number, shape and type of the wedge members employed for wedging the panel in the aluminium extrusion may vary significantly from that shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.