WO2025004061A1

WO2025004061A1 - Sash assembly of a sliding window

Info

Publication number: WO2025004061A1
Application number: PCT/IN2024/050473
Authority: WO
Inventors: Indraneel ZOPE; Fahim Mohammad
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Priority date: 2023-06-29
Filing date: 2024-05-02
Publication date: 2025-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-29

Abstract

The sash assembly (100) comprises a first glass panel (106) and at least a pair of sashes (104) Each of the sashes (104) is configured to receive the first glass panel (106) and comprises a sash frame (302), a first adhesive member (304), a first bonding agent (306) and at least one first end support member (308). The first glass panel (106) is mounted on the sash frame using the first adhesive member (304) and the first bonding agent (306). The first end support member (308) coupled to the sash frame (302) and positioned adjacent to the first glass panel (106). The first glass panel (106) is coupled to the sash (104) in a manner that the first glass panel (106) conceals at least a portion of the sash frame (302) that is concealed behind the first glass panel (106).

Description

SASH ASSEMBLY OF A SLIDING WINDOW

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to windows, it particularly relates to sash for a door or window for mounting a glass panel.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Sliding windows are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings for their aesthetic appeal and less consumption of space. The windows are typically configured to allow natural light and fresh air to enter the room while also providing insulation against heat. However, traditional sliding windows have a visible frame that can detract from the overall appearance of the window and can cause an unpleasant aesthetic appeal.

[0004] To address this issue, sliding windows with concealed sash frame were developed. These windows have a sash frame that is concealed from view, giving the window a sleek and modern look. The sash frame or a part of the sash frame is hidden behind the glass, which results in giving a window a sleek look.

[0005] While sliding windows with concealed sash frame have become increasingly popular, they present a unique set of challenges. One of the primary challenges with the existing sliding windows is ensuring that the window remains structurally integral. The sash carries the load of the glass and is subjected to repeated sliding movement, which may cause the sash to buckle and fail. This compromises not only the durability and longevity of the window but also poses safety risks to the occupants of the building. Therefore, it is important that sash is designed and engineered in a manner that the window is structurally sound and does not fail prematurely.

[0006] KR102086754 discloses a concealed horizontal sliding window. The fixed window is attached on one side to the left outer frame or left frame member and on the other side to the middle outer frame or outer frame member (130). An adhesive material is used for attachment of securing glass pane with the frame. Such a configuration fails to address the inherent problem associated with the sliding windows which is the impact of forces due to the sliding movement of the windows on the sash. The existing solution will fail prematurely because of the inertial forces acting on the sash frame due to the operation of the sliding windows.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved sliding window configuration that addresses the foresaid challenges and provides a reliable, durable, and structurally strong sliding window.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] In an embodiment, a sash assembly of a sliding window is disclosed. The sash assembly comprises a first glass panel and at least a pair of sashes. Each of the sashes is configured to receive the first glass panel and comprises a sash frame comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface, a first adhesive member engaged to the exterior surface of the sash frame, a first bonding agent and at least one first end support member. The first glass panel is mounted on the sash frame using the first adhesive member and the first bonding agent. The first end support member coupled to the sash frame and positioned adjacent to the first glass panel. The first glass panel is coupled to the sash in a manner that the first glass panel conceals at least a portion of the sash frame that is concealed behind the first glass panel. [0009] In an embodiment, a method of installing the sash assembly is disclosed. First step comprises, engaging the first adhesive member to the exterior surface of the sash frame. Second step comprises engaging the first glass panel with the first adhesive member. Third step comprises, applying the first bonding agent in a region between the first glass panel and the exterior surface of the sash frame to couple the first glass panel with the sash frame. Fourth step comprises, coupling the first end support member to the sash frame along the periphery of the sash frame. Final step involves applying a sealant between the edge of the first glass panel and the first end support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a sash assembly 100 with a window 102, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. IB illustrates a front view of the sash assembly 100 with a window 102, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 1C illustrates a detailed view B of the sash assembly 100 with a window 102, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the sash assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment; [0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 100 across the plane AA, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view C of the cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 100 across the plane AA, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 500 across the plane AA, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 600 across the plane AA, in accordance with another embodiment; and

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 700 across the plane AA, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0020] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0022] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a sash assembly 100 with a window 102, in accordance with an embodiment. The window 102 may comprise at least a pair of sashes 104 configured to receive a first glass panel 106, wherein the sashes 104 are slidably coupled to the frame 108 of the window 102 and configured to move relative to each other. The window frame 108 may comprise guiderails, wherein the sash assembly 100 is slidably coupled to the window 102 frame via the guiderails.

[0024] FIG. IB illustrates a front view of the sash assembly 100 with a window 102, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 1C illustrates a detailed view B of the sash assembly 100 with a window 102, in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIGs. IB and 1C, when viewed by an observer, a portion of the sash frame 302 (refer FIG. 3) is visible to the observer and a portion of the sash frame 302 is concealed behind the glass panel. The sash assembly 100 is assembled and configured in a manner that the portion of the sash frame 302 that is visible to an observer is minimal without compromising on the structural integrity of the sash assembly 100.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the sash assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The sash assembly 100 comprises a first glass panel 106 and at least a sash 104. The sash assembly 100 is further slidably mounted on the window 102.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 100 across the plane AA shown in FIG. IB, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view C of the cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 100 across the plane AA, in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, each of the sashes 104 comprise a sash frame 302, a first adhesive member 304, a first bonding agent 306 and at least one first end support member 308. The sash frame 302 is slidably coupled to the frame of the window 102 and has an exterior surface 402 and an interior surface 404.

[0027] In an embodiment, the exterior surface 402 may be the surface that faces towards the observer outside the window 102 and the interior surface 404 may be the surface that is behind the exterior surface 402.

[0028] The first adhesive member 304 is engaged to the exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302 along the periphery of the sash frame 302. Further, the first glass panel 106 is coupled to the exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302 via the first adhesive member 304.

[0029] In an embodiment, the first adhesive member 304 may be a double-sided tape comprising a first adhesion side and a second adhesion side. The first adhesion side may be engaged to the exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302 and the second adhesion side may be engaged to the first glass panel 106 thereby coupling the first glass panel 106 with the sash frame 302.

[0030] Further, the first glass panel 106 is coupled with the sash frame 302 via the first adhesive member 304 in a manner that a cavity is defined between the first glass panel 106 and the sash frame 302.

[0031] The cavity on the bottom has a surface of the sash frame 302, on the side has the adhesive member 304 and, on the top has the first glass panel 106.

[0032] The first bonding agent 306 is applied in the cavity to secure the first glass panel 106 and the sash frame 302 together. The first bonding agent 306 may act as a load bearing element carrying the load exerted by the first glass panel 106.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first bonding agent 306 is a silicone-based bonding agent. [0034] In one embodiment, the first adhesive member 304 and the first bonding agent 306 is applied along the periphery of the first glass panel 106. This configuration ensures that the first glass panel 106 is uniformly supported by the sash frame 302 around its periphery.

[0035] In such embodiment, the first glass panel 106 contributes to the structural integrity of sash assembly 100. Further, fixing of the first glass panel 106 to the sash frame 302 along the entire periphery using the adhesive results in higher strength of the composite system.

[0036] A first end support member 308 is coupled to the sash frame 302 and is positioned adjacent to the first glass panel 106. In an embodiment, multiple first end support members 308 are coupled to the sash frame 302 wherein the first end support members 308 are coupled to the sash frame 302 around the edges of the first glass panel 106.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first end support member 308 is coupled to the sash frame 302 around the periphery of the first glass panel 106 to provide secondary support to the first glass panel 106.

[0038] In an embodiment, a gap 414 is defined between the first end support member 308 and the edge of the first glass panel 106. Further, a sealant is applied in the gap 414 between the first end support member 308 and the edge of the first glass panel 106 to offer leak protection.

[0039] In one embodiment, at least one first end support member 308 is positioned towards the lower end of the sash frame 302, wherein the lower edge of the first glass panel 106 interfaces with the first end support member 308 to offer support to the first glass panel 106 from the bottom.

[0040] In an embodiment, the sash frame 302 defines a volumetric region 412, wherein the volumetric region 412 is defined as an enclosed area formed by the exterior walls of the sash frame 302. Further, a reinforcement member 406 is enclosed within the volumetric region 412 to provide structural rigidity to the sash frame 302.

[0041] In an embodiment, the reinforcement member 406 is inserted into the volumetric chamber 412 of the sash frame 302.

[0042] In an embodiment, the reinforcement member 406 is made using a metal such as galvanized iron.

[0043] In one embodiment, the sash assembly comprises a first locking member 408 coupled to the sash frame 302 of one of the sashes 104 and a second locking member 410 coupled to the sash frame 302 of another sash of the pair of sashes 104. The first locking member 408 is coupled on the interior surface 404 of its corresponding sash frame 302. The second locking member 410 is coupled to the first end support member 308 of its corresponding sash frame 302. The locking members of the pair of the sashes 104 are configured to interlock with each other thereby arresting the lateral movement of the sashes.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 500 across the plane AA marked in Fig. IB, in accordance with another embodiment. The exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302 comprises a seating member 502 for mounting the first glass panel 106. The seating member 502 protrudes from the exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302 towards the exterior side of the sash frame 302. The seating member 502 is configured to receive a glass panel to be mounted on the sash frame 302 thereby concealing at least a portion of the sash frame 302 located behind the first glass panel 106.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first glass panel 106 is mounted on the seating member 502 in a manner that at least a portion of the glass panel extends beyond the seating member 502 to define a cavity between the first glass panel 106 and the exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302. [0046] In an embodiment, the first adhesive member 304 has adhesion side on one side and an interlocking mechanism 504 on another side. The first adhesive member 304 is engaged to the seating member 502 via the interlocking mechanism 504.

[0047] In one embodiment, the seating member 502 may protrude from a region on the inner periphery of the sash frame 302.

[0048] In another embodiment, the seating member 502 may protrude from a region away from the inner periphery of the sash frame 302.

[0049] In one other embodiment, the first end support member 308 is coupled to the sash frame 302 on a surface from which the seating member 502 protrudes.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 600 across the plane AA shown in FIG. IB, in accordance with another embodiment. The sash frame 302 comprises a wall 602 protruding from the inner periphery of the exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302 towards the exterior side of the sash frame 302. Further, the first adhesive member 304 is positioned adjacent to the wall and away from the inner periphery of the sash frame 302.

[0051] The presence of wall 602 prevents direct exposure of the first adhesive member 304 to a person standing on the inside of the window 102. As a result, any tampering/cutting of the first adhesive member 304 from the inside of the window 102 is prevented and this ensures the safety of the sash assembly 100.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sash assembly 700 across the plane AA shown in FIG. IB, in accordance with another embodiment. The sash assembly 700 relates to a double-glazed design wherein the sash comprises two glass panels mounted on either side of the sash frame 302. The sash assembly 700 comprises a first glass panel 106 and a second glass panel 702, wherein the first glass panel 106 is mounted on the exterior surface 402 on the sash frame 302 and the second glass panel 702 is mounted on the interior surface 404 of the sash frame 302. [0053] The first glass panel 106 is mounted to the exterior surface 402 on the sash frame 302 using a first adhesive member 304 and a first bonding agent 306. The first end support member 308 is coupled to the sash frame 302 and positioned adjacent to the first glass panel 106. The second glass panel 702 is mounted to the interior surface 404 on the sash frame 302 using a second adhesive member 704 and a second bonding agent 706. Further, a second end support member 708 is coupled to the sash frame 302 and positioned adjacent to the second glass panel 708.

[0054] In an embodiment, multiple second end support members 708 may be coupled to the sash frame 302 around the second glass panel to offer protection to the second glass panel 702.

[0055] In another embodiment, a method of installing the sash assembly 100 with the window 102 or door is disclosed. At first step, the adhesive member is engaged to the exterior surface 402 of the first glass panel 106. At second step, the first glass panel 106 is engaged to the adhesive member. Subsequently, the bonding agent is applied in a region between the first glass panel 106 and the exterior surface 402 of the sash frame 302 to couple the first glass panel 106 with the sash frame 302. Further, the end support member is coupled to the sash frame 302 along the periphery of the sash frame 302. Finally, a sealant is applied between the edge of the first glass panel 106 and the end support member.

[0056] Upon assembling the sash assembly 100, the sash assembly 100 is thereon slidably coupled to the guiderails of the frame of the window 102 or door.

[0057] In one embodiment, the sash frame is made using a plastic material such as Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC).

[0058] In another embodiment, the sash frame is made using a aluminum.

[0059] The disclosed configuration of the sash assembly improves the structural integrity of the sash assembly since glass panel is fixed to the sash frame along the periphery. This further reduces the thickness of the reinforcement member required to enhance the strength of the sash frame. This reduction in the thickness of reinforcement member gives economic benefit by reducing the cost involved in the production of the sash assembly.

[0060] Further, the silicone-based bonding agent that is used along the periphery of the glass panel serves three purposes viz., sealing, adhesion and load bearing capacity. The silicone bonding agent takes up the load of the glass panel and reduces the impact of the load on the corners of the sash frame. Therefore, the disclosed configuration eliminates the weld failure at the corners of the UPVC based sash frame due to continuous sliding movement of the sash.

[0061] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0062] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given. List of elements

100 - Sash assembly

102 - Sliding window

104 - Sash

106 - First glass panel

108 - Window frame

302 - Sash frame

304 - First adhesive member

306 - First bonding agent

308 - First end support member

402 - Exterior surface

404 - Interior surface

406 - Reinforcement member

408 - First locking member

410 - Second locking member

412 - Volumetric region

414 - Gap

502 - Seating member

504 - Interlocking mechanism

602 - Wall

702 - Second glass panel

704 - Second adhesive member

706 - Second bonding agent

708 - Second end support member

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A sash assembly (100) of a sliding window (102), wherein the sash assembly (100) comprises: a first glass panel (106); at least a pair of sashes (104), wherein each of the sashes (104) is configured to receive the first glass panel (106) and comprises: a sash frame (302) comprising an exterior surface (402) and an interior surface, wherein the sash frame (302) is slidably coupled to a frame of the window (102); a first adhesive member (304) engaged to the exterior surface (402) of the sash frame (302) along the profile of the sash frame (302), wherein the first glass panel (106) is coupled to the exterior surface (402) of the sash frame (302) via the first adhesive member (304) such that a cavity is defined between the first glass panel (106) and the sash frame (302); a first bonding agent (306) applied in the cavity to secure the first glass panel (106) and the sash frame (302) together; and at least one first end support member (308) coupled to the sash frame (302) and positioned adjacent to the first glass panel (106), wherein: the first glass panel (106) is coupled to the sash (104) in a manner that the first glass panel (106) conceals at least a portion of the sash frame (302) that is behind the first glass panel (106).

2. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the sash frame (302) defines a volumetric region (412); and a reinforcement member (406) enclosed within the volumetric region (412) is configured to provide structural rigidity to the sash frame (302).

3. The sash assembly (500) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface (402) of the sash frame (302) further comprises: a seating member (502), for mounting the first glass panel (106), positioned adjacent to the first adhesive member (304), wherein the first glass panel (106) mounted on the seating member (502) conceals at least a portion of the sash frame (302) located behind the first glass panel (106).

4. The sash assembly (500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first adhesive member (304) is engaged to the seating member (502) via an interlocking mechanism (504).

5. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end support members (308) are placed around the edges of the first glass panel (106) to offer protection to the first glass panel (106).

6. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein: at least one of the first end support members (308) is positioned towards the lower end of the sash frame (302) such that the edge of the first glass panel (106) interfaces with the first end support member (308) sash frame (302).

7. The sash assembly (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sash frame (302) comprises: a wall (602) protruding from the inner periphery of the exterior surface (402) of the sash frame (302) towards the exterior side of the sash frame (302).

8. The sash assembly (600) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first adhesive member (304) is positioned adjacent to the wall (602) and away from the inner periphery of the sash frame (302).

9. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sash assembly further comprises: a first locking member (408) coupled to the sash frame (302) of one of the pair of sashes (104); and a second locking member (410) coupled to the sash frame (302) of another sash of the pair of sashes (104) wherein: the first locking member (408) is coupled on the interior surface (404) of its corresponding sash frame (302); the second locking member (410) is coupled to the first end support member (308) of its corresponding sash frame (302); and the locking members of the pair of the sashes (104) are configured to interlock with each other.

10. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sash assembly (100) is slidably coupled to a window (102) or door frame via guiderails.

11. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first adhesive member (304) is a double-sided tape, wherein: a first adhesion side of the tape is engaged with the exterior surface (402) of the sash frame (302); and a second adhesion side of the tape is engaged with the first glass panel (106).

12. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bonding agent (306) is a silicone-based bonding agent.

13. The sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein: between the first end support member (308) and the edge of the first glass panel (106) a gap (414) is defined; and a sealant is applied in the gap (414) between the first end support member (308) and the edge of the glass panel.

14. The sash assembly (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sash assembly (100) comprises: a second glass panel (702) coupled to the interior surface (404) of the sash frame (302) via a second adhesive member (704) and a second bonding agent (706); and a second end support member (708), coupled to the sash frame (302) and positioned adjacent to the second glass panel (702).

15. A method of installing the sash assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: engaging the first adhesive member (304) to the exterior surface (402) of the sash frame (302); engaging the first glass panel (106) with the first adhesive member (304); applying the first bonding agent (306) in a region between the first glass panel (106) and the exterior surface (402) of the sash frame (302), to couple the first glass panel (106) with the sash frame (302); coupling the first end support member (308) to the sash frame (302) along the periphery of the sash frame (302); and applying a sealant between the edge of the first glass panel (106) and the first end support member (308).

6. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: slidably coupling the sash assembly (100) to a window (102) via guiderails of the window (102).