Glass block window

Abstract

A glass block window assembly has a window frame formed from a window frame extrusion, a window sash formed from a window sash extrusion, and spaced separation strips holding glass blocks within the sash. The window sash extrusion has spaced connectors projecting laterally from the extrusion and securing opposite ends of the separation strips to opposite sides of the window sash. The sash is hinged to the window frame, constraining the sash to movement to an acute opening angle further restricting the sash to movement to an acute opening angle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] THIS invention relates to a glass block window. At present glass block windows are usually made fixed and over many years this has remained the normal practice. The present invention is directed to an articulated glass block window able to be moved between closed and open positions.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Prior art efforts to construct glass block windows have been complex in construction and have not been commercially accepted, the complexity arising principally due to a combination of weight and the difficulties in maintaining a structurally stable assembly made from glass blocks, the present invention is differen in so far as it is directed to a simple extruded sash and frame arrangement where the blocks are held in a stable grid of rigid strips connected between the sash extrusions.

[0003] The availability of thinner glass blocks in recent times has promoted rethinking of the possibility of using glass blocks in traditional windows. U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,352 issued in 1996 utilises 75 mm thick glass blocks, 50 mm glass blocks have recently become available. The window described in this patent is complex, and while it provides the full range of opening possibilities it does so at high expense both in materials and construction costs.

[0004] It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a glass block window that while it does not provide the full range of opening available in the prior art provides a safe, simple and economic construction particularly suited to ventilation although not limited to this specific application. It is a further object of the invention to provide a glass block window structure having structural integrity defined by the limited application of the window to a hinged opening as described and defined.

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect therefore the present invention resides in A glass block window assembly comprising a window frame formed from a window frame extrusion, a window sash formed from a window sash extrusion and spaced separation strips holding glass blocks within the sash, the window sash extrusion having spaced connectors projecting laterally from the extrusion and securing opposite ends of the separation strips to opposite sides of the window sash, the separation strips holding glass blocks in position within the sash, the sash being hinged to the window frame constraining the sash to movement to an acute opening angle. Preferably, the window frame extrusion includes a channel locating the connectors in the window frame extrusion.

[0006] The connectors can be used on all four sides of the window but are usually employed on at least two opposed sides securing separation strips across the window frame.

[0007] The extrusions are typically formed with spaced longitudinally extending screw receiving means so corner joints can be made by butt joining and screwing.

[0008] The connectors can be made by providing spaced slots in the frame extrusion in the case of wider blocks so that the whole width of the separation strip can locate and be held in the slots. In the case of narrower bocks and narrower extrusions it is preferable to avoid cutting away the separation strip to fit a smaller slot so the connector in this case is typically a bridging bracket or clip that holds the end of a separation strip and is also secured or located in the window frame extrusion, this is preferred as this avoids weakening the separation strip because the full width of the strip can be maintained. The widow frame extrusion preferably includes connector locators either using the spaced slots or for smaller blocks a C-shaped channel can be employed. The bridging connectors are held captive by the locator and project from the frame and are coupled to the separation strips.

[0009] Typically the window is supported by retractable stays intermediate edges of the window connecting the window frame to the sash and limiting movement of the window to an acute opening angle. This enables the window frame to be of simple construction, able to manage the additional weight and at the same time constrain the window for safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and be put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention and wherein;

[0011] FIGS. 1A to 1B are respective closed and open positions illustrating a glass block window according to the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2A is a exploded view illustrating a separation strip connector bracket and separation strip;

[0013] FIG. 2B is a section through a window sash extrusion adapted to accommodate the bracket of FIG. 2A;

[0014] FIG. 3A is a drawing illustrating the use of a window frame and sash extrusion in a glass block window; and

[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates the window moved to an open position.

METHOD OF PERFORMANCE

[0016] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 there is illustrated an openable glass block window 10 comprising framed glass blocks window section 11 in an outer sash frame 13. The glass blocks 11 are held in spaced relationship by horizontal separation strips extending between and rigidly secured to the frame members 13. The window section 11 is support at its open position relative of the sash 13 by retractable says 12.

[0017] In order to form a structurally rigid glass block wall window assembly the frame members 13 are formed as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the frame members 13 include opposed channels 14 which are adapted to hold in sliding relationship the bracket 15 of FIG. 2A. Bracket 15 has three prongs 16, 17 and 18 with the prongs 16 and 18 being offset so that they pass underneath the separation strip 19 whereas the prong 17 passes above the separation strip 19. The lobes 20 and 21 fit into the channels 14 of the window sash frame 13 and is slidable along the window sash frame 13 to any select position whereby it can be secured in place using a screw passing through hole 22, two brackets 15 and separation strip 19 is utilised between runs of glass blocks.

[0018] A window frame extrusion is employed and operates in conjunction with the extrusion 13.

[0019] This is more readily seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The window frame extrusion is illustrated at 23 shown secured to a section of wall 24 and this frame would be fixed around the perimeter of the window frame. The glass block wall assembly would be made up using a perimeter frame of the extrusion 13 and glass blocks 11 placed in position utilising the separation strips and the brackets 15 as previously described. Seals are employed at 25 and 26 in the respective extrusions and as can be seen in FIG. 3B the glass block window can be articulated using any suitable hinge (not shown).

[0020] Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the present invention many variations and modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as herein set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A glass block window assembly comprising a window frame formed from a window frame extrusion, a window sash formed from a window sash extrusion and spaced separation strips holding glass blocks within the sash, the window sash extrusion having spaced connectors projecting laterally from the extrusion and securing opposite ends of the separation strips to opposite sides of the window sash, the separation strips holding glass blocks in position within the sash, the sash being hinged to the window frame constraining the sash to movement to an acute opening angle.

2. A glass block window assembly according to

claim 1 wherein the window sash extrusion includes a channel locating the connectors in the window sash extrusion.

3. A glass block window assembly according to

claim 1 wherein the extrusions are formed with spaced longitudinally extending screw receivers and the window sash has corner joints made by butt joining and screwing the extrusions together.

4. A glass block window assembly according to

claim 1 wherein the widow sash extrusion includes connector locators, the connectors being held captive by the locators and projecting from the frame and being coupled to the separation strips.

5. A glass block window assembly according to

claim 1 wherein the widow sash extrusion includes connector locators, the connectors being held captive by the locators and projecting from the frame and being coupled to the separation strips, the window sash being supported by retractable stays intermediate edges of the window connecting the window frame to the sash and limiting movement of the window sash to an acute opening angle.

6. A glass block window assembly according to

claim 1 wherein the window sash is supported by retractable stays intermediate edges of the window connecting the window frame to the sash and limiting movement of the window sash to an acute opening angle.