WINDOW DRESSING SYSTEM AND ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a window dressing system and assembly for securing adjacent to a room-facing side of a glazing element fitted in a mounting recess formed by a window frame. The window dressing system includes: a panel, a spacer frame at least partially surrounding the periphery of the panel, the panel being secured thereon, and a conformable securer enveloping the spacer frame. A releasable engagement between the conformable secure means and at least part of the window frame secures the panel of the window dressing system at a spacing away (G) from the room-facing side of the glazing element.

Claims

1. A window dressing system for securing adjacent to a room-facing side of a glazing element fitted in a mounting recess formed by a window frame, the window dressing system comprising: a panel, a spacer frame at least partially surrounding the periphery of the panel, the panel being secured thereon, and a conformable securer enveloping the spacer frame, wherein a releasable engagement between the conformable securer and at least part of the window frame secures the panel of the window dressing system at a spacing away from the room-facing side of the glazing element.

2. The window dressing system of claim 1, wherein the releasable engagement is a non-invasive releasable engagement.

3. The window dressing system of claim 1, wherein the releasable engagement is configured as any one or a combination of a friction fit, compressible fit, abutting fit, or a self-adhesive fit.

4. The window dressing system of claim 1, wherein the conformable securer is configured to extend onto at least a section of the periphery of the panel.

5. The window dressing system of claim 1, wherein the spacing away is configured to enable a gap distance between the panel of the window dressing system and the room-facing side of the glazing element of 6 mm to 20 mm.

6. The window dressing system of claim 5, wherein the spacing away enables a fixed gap distance.

7. The window dressing system of claim 5, wherein the spacing away enables a variable gap distance.

8. The window dressing system of claim 7, wherein the variable gap distance tapers gradually away from a mid-point towards end-points of the spacing away.

9. The window dressing system of claim 1, further comprising adherers affixed to a glazing element facing side of the spacer frame.

10. The window dressing system of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises glass, plastic, metal, or insulating board material.

11. A window dressing assembly for securing adjacent a room-facing side of a glazing element fitted in a mounting recess formed by a window frame, the window dressing assembly comprising: a first window dressing system releasably secured adjacent the glazing element, and a second window system secured immediately adjacent the first window dressing system.

12. The window dressing assembly of claim 11, wherein the first window dressing system and the second window dressing systems are each a window dressing system according to claim 1.

13. A method for securing a window dressing system adjacent a room-facing side of a glazing element fitted in a mounting recess formed by a window frame, the method comprising: positioning the window dressing system within the mounting recess so that the window dressing system is secured at a spacing away from the room-facing side of the glazing element.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the window dressing system is the window dressing system according to claim 1.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the positioning of the window dressing system comprises forming a releasable engagement between the conformable securer and at least part of the window frame of the mounting recess.

16. A method for securing a window dressing assembly adjacent a room-facing side of a glazing element fitted in a mounting recess formed by a window frame, the method comprising: positioning the window dressing assembly within the mounting recess so that the window dressing assembly is secured at a spacing away from the room-facing side of the glazing element.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the window dressing assembly is the window dressing assembly according to claim 11.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] Various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0107] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of the window dressing system of the first aspect of the invention;

[0108] FIG. 2 shows another configuration of the window dressing system of the first aspect of the invention;

[0109] FIGS. 3(a)-(d) illustrate methods of securing the window dressing system of the first aspect of the invention to windows of various designs;

[0110] FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the window dressing system of the first aspect of the invention with a variable gap distance (G);

[0111] FIGS. 5(a) and (c) show configurations of the window dressing assembly of the second aspect of the invention;

[0112] FIGS. 5(b) and (d) illustrate methods of securing the window dressing assemblies of FIGS. 5(a) and (c) to windows of various designs;

[0113] FIGS. 6(a) and (b) illustrate methods of installing the window dressing system of the first aspect of the invention or the window dressing assembly of the second aspect of the invention to existing glazing elements;

[0114] FIGS. 7(a) and (b) illustrate a method of installing an alternative embodiment of the window dressing system of the first aspect of the invention to an existing glazing element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of the window dressing system (10) of the first aspect of the invention. The core configuration of the system (10) comprises a panel (12), a spacer frame (14) surrounding the periphery of the panel (12) and conformable securer (16) enveloping the spacer frame (14). FIG. 1 also shows the glazing element (22) fitted in the mounting recess (26) formed by the window frame (24).

[0116] The panel (12) is made of thin and rigid clear plastic, such as acrylic. Acrylic has a good rigidity which makes for a durable installation of the window dressing system (10).

[0117] The panel (12) is typically 2 mm thick. However, in some system (10) installations (such as, for example, installation of smaller panels (12) or of panels (12) fitted into the recess (26) via self-adherers), the panel (12) can be 1 mm thick. The panel (12) is sized to be slightly larger (typically by about 8 mm for an average sized window, but potentially by between 4 mm and 20 mm for smaller or larger windows) than the visible glass pane of the individual glazing element (22) to allow for easy installation and removal, as well as to compensate for any window frame (24) irregularities.

[0118] The spacer frame (14) is secured onto the whole of the periphery of the panel (12) using very high bond adhesive tape. In this arrangement, one face of the spacer frame (14) is attached to the periphery of the panel (12), whilst the other opposing face of the spacer frame (14) faces the glazing element (22). The spacer frame (14) is made of rigid plastic (such as uPVC) which comes in a range of colours to blend in with the aesthetics of the existing window frame (24). Alternatively, the spacer frame (14) is made of aluminium (which is more rigid than uPVC) when fitted against glazing elements (22) about or larger than 1.25 m.sup.2. The spacer frame (14) has a depth of 9 mm and a width of approx. 6 mm.

[0119] The conformable securer (16) is a D-shaped EPDM sponge (16) provided with a self-adhesive strip for affixing to both the periphery of the spacer frame (14) and that of the panel (12). The sponge (16) has a width of 10 mm and a depth of 13 mm. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sponge (16) therefore extends beyond (or overhangs) the spacer frame (14) towards the glazing element (22) by about 2 mm. For smaller panels (12), the sponge (16) would have a width of 7 mm and a depth of 8 mm.

[0120] Based on the above-mentioned dimensions of parts of the core configuration for a typical system (10), the window dressing system (10) has a total depth of 13 mm (calculated as the sum of the 9 mm depth of the spacer frame (14), the 2 mm thickness of the panel (12) and the 2 mm overhang of the sponge (16)), compressible to 11 mm when the system (10) is installed in the window frame (24).

[0121] The releasable engagement between the sponge (16) and the window frame (24) is a friction fit, thus the panel (12) is secured in an optimal installing position by compressing the sponge (16) against the walls of the window frame (24).

[0122] FIG. 1 also shows the spacing away (G) created between the panel (12) and the glazing element (22). In this configuration, the spacing away (G) enables a variable gap distance (or cavity). As can be seen from FIG. 4, the variable gap distance tapers away from approx. 20 mm at the mid-point of the spacing away (G) to approx. 11 mm at both end-points of the spacing away (G). In use, the variable cavity is formed during the friction-fitting process of the system (10) when the thin panel (12) bulges away from the glazing element (22) in the middle of the spacing away (G). The existence of the variable cavity further improves the thermal performance of the system (10).

[0123] FIG. 2 shows another configuration of the window dressing system (10) of the first aspect of the invention. The core configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, hence the same reference numerals have been used to indicate like-parts of the system (10).

[0124] As seen from FIG. 2, the system (10) is shown to further comprise an adherer (18) affixed to a glazing element facing side (142) of the spacer frame (14). The adherer (18) is a self-adhesive strip (18) having a width of 6 mm and a depth of 1 mm.

[0125] In this configuration, where the window frame (24) surfaces immediately adjacent to the glazing element (22) are not perpendicular to the glazing element (22) (i.e., they meet the glazing element (22) at an angle or are otherwise shaped) or where they are too shallow to allow for the sponge (16) to provide a friction fit, the self-adhesive strip (18) is used to affix the window dressing system (10) directly to the glazing element (22). In this arrangement, the spacing away (G) enables a fixed gap distance (or cavity) of about 10 mm.

[0126] FIGS. 3(a) and (c)-(d) illustrate methods of securing the window dressing system (10) of FIG. 1, whereas FIG. 3(b) illustrates a method of securing the window dressing system (10) of FIG. 2 to windows of various designs. Same reference numerals have been used to indicate like-parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2. All of these methods demonstrate how the flexible sponge (16) surround allows effortless and convenient installation of the system (10) when clearance is limited by window furniture (30).

[0127] FIG. 3(a) illustrates how, when installed, the sponge (16) compresses against the inside face of the existing window frame (24) so that the friction between the sponge (16) and the window frame (24) holds the window dressing system (10) in place in a manner that is secure, yet removable.

[0128] Unlike some fixed secondary glazing systems, the system (10) of FIG. 3(a) is easily removed completely at times (such as on very warm days) when an improved thermal performance is unwanted.

[0129] When window furniture (30) is present, the sponge (16) abuts the existing glazing element (22), ensuring that the window dressing system (10) forms a cavity of trapped air of, usually, 11 mm with the glazing element (22), as shown in FIG. 3c. If the narrowness of the window frame (24) or available space (due to window furniture (30)) requires it, the sponge (16) can be compressed by 2 mm, reducing the cavity to a minimum of 9 mm as dictated by the rigid spacer frame (14) as shown in FIG. 3d.

[0130] In the case where window frame (24) surfaces immediately adjacent the glazing element (22) are not perpendicular to the glazing element (22) or where they are too shallow to allow for the sponge (16) to provide a friction fit, high bond self-adhesive tape (18) is used to affix the window dressing system (10) directly to the glass surface of the glazing element (22). As shown in FIG. 3d, this arrangement delivers a cavity of 10 mm. The glass surface is not damaged by this fixing system, and while removal of the window dressing system (10) is more difficult than with the friction fit method, it can still be achieved without damage to the existing window fabric.

[0131] Because the window dressing system (10) sits immediately against the glazing element (22) and behind any existing window furniture (30), unlike traditional systems, the system (10) of FIGS. 3(c)-(d) does not impede operation of the existing windows. Furthermore, the window dressing system (10) does not require to be moved or removed prior to opening the existing window. Existing finger pulls, locks, closers and other window furniture will operate as normal in an unimpeded fashion.

[0132] FIGS. 5(a) and (c) show two configurations of the window dressing assemblies (40), whilst FIGS. 5(b) and (d) illustrate methods of securing the two window dressing assemblies (40) of FIGS. 5(a) and (c) to windows of various designs.

[0133] As it can be seen from either of FIG. 5(a) or (c), two identical window dressing systems (10) are combined such that, when installed against the glazing element (22) (as shown in FIGS. 5(b) and (d)), a triple glazed arrangement is formed with further improved thermal performance. The two identically sized window dressing systems (10) have been combined (i.e., the first window dressing system has been secured onto the second window dressing system) using the very high bond adhesive strip (18). The same adhesive strip (18) is also used when securing a window dressing assembly (40) to a window frame (24) of an irregular design.

[0134] FIGS. 6(a) and (b) illustrate methods of installing the window dressing system (10) of either of FIGS. (1) to (4) or the window dressing assembly (40) of FIG. 5 to existing glazing elements (22).

[0135] FIG. 6(a) demonstrates the way in which the window dressing system (10) or assembly (40) is sized for, and installed into, an existing primary window assembly. Panels (12) are constructed to measure circa 10 mm larger than each individual glazing element (22). In the scenario shown in FIG. 6, two separate systems (10) or assemblies (40) are required, but in other instances, more or fewer window dressing systems (10) or assemblies (40) may be employed depending upon the number of glazing elements (22) present in the existing primary window assembly. FIG. 6(a) shows the systems (10) or assemblies (40) prior to installation, whereas FIG. 6(b) shows the systems (10) or assemblies (40) after installation.

[0136] In use, the systems (10) or assemblies (40) are inserted into the window frames (24) immediately surrounding the existing glazing elements (22) as per FIG. 6(a). The sponge (16) (no shown) then compresses against the inside face of the existing window frames (24) to allow installation as shown in FIG. 6(b), and the friction between the sponge (16) and the window frame (24) holds the window dressing systems (10) or assemblies (40) in place adjacent to a room-facing side of a glazing element (22) in a manner that is secure yet removable.

[0137] FIGS. 7(a) and (b) illustrate a method of installing an alternative embodiment of the window dressing system (10) to an existing glazing element (22). FIG. 7(a) shows a system (10) sized to cover only a section of the existing primary glazing element (22). In this embodiment, the spacer frame (14) (not shown) only partially surrounds the periphery of the panel (12) so that the window dressing system (10) can be secured onto only a section of the glazing element (22), thus not having to cover the whole of the glazing element in order to be appropriately secured thereon. In the embodiment of FIG. 7(a), the spacer frame (14) is secured on two opposing sides (top and bottom) of the panel (12, as well as onto the left side of the panel (12).

[0138] Whilst it is obvious that this alternative embodiment of the window dressing system (10) cannot be used to function as secondary glazing, the system (10) is used for decoration, as information display or for privacy.

[0139] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that variations may be made to the above window dressing systems and assemblies without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It should thus be noted that the subject matter contained in the above specification or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purposes, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0140] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive, sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.

[0141] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present invention, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0142] The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described therein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.