Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
1
CORNER KEY FOR CONNECTING PROFILES TOGETHER AND FRAME
WORK ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a corner key for connecting profiles together
and
also to a frame work assembly that includes such corner keys and profiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Corner keys and lineal profiles are well known in the art, particularly in the
context
of windows and doors. A lineal profile in this context designates eifiher a
sash
profile or a frame profile. A corner key is used to connect the sash or frame
profiles together.
As it is known in the art, a sash element in the context of windows forms the
mobile and working portion of a window. The sash element forms a perimeter
called a sash frame that holds the necessary working hardware to allow the
sash
to slide, pivot, tilt, lock, etc. The sash element also includes the assembly
of
glazing and the edge-surrounding sash profiles. Sash profiles include top and
bottom horizontal rails, and vertical stiles. A sash in the context of doors
is most
commonly referred to as a panel.
In the manufacture of a conventional sash or frame assembly, one typically
starts
with lineal profiles. These profiles are designed to incorporate specific
functional
features and to show a certain aesthetic.
Furthermore, although many materials of construction are conventionally
utilized
for the manufacturing of sash elements, such as wood and aluminum, presently
available insulating window units that utilize a sash element formed of
polyvinyl
chloride polymers (PVC) are known to provide superior insulating properties.
A frame in the context of both windows and doors designates the fixed
structural
assembly portion of a window or a door. The frame in this context is used for
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
2
example as a means of anchoring a window to a building. The frames contain
mobile sashes and hold fixed glazing. Similarly as for sash elements, frame
elements are typically made of PVC, but other materials, such as wood or
aluminum, may be used as well.
Window frames and doorirames, are commonly made of four mainframe profiles.
In a typical window frame, the top frame profile is usually identified as the
header,
the bottom one as the sill and the remaining two as the side jambs.
PVC window fabrication primarily involves the use of mitre-jointed corners.
Accordingly, sash or frame profiles have their ends cut at an angle in order
to form
such mitre joints. Producing mitre joints requires great consistency in
maintaining
the shape of the profiles and a high degree of precision in cutting at the
correct
angle. Thus, very precise cutting equipment must be used to this effect. Once
cut,
the mating ends of the profiles are joined together and a corner key can be
used
to align and reinforce the mitre joint.
The following documents disclose mitre cut profiles that are connected with a
corner key:
US Patents Inventors
4,240,765 OFFTERDINGER
4,453,855 RICHTER et al.
6,047,514 VERCH
6,073,412 VERCH
6,108,997 BLAIS et al.
Foreign Patent Inventors
EP-0,611,871 BLANPIED
A disadvantage of producing mitre joints is that they require relatively
expensive
cutting equipment to make them. Such equipment also requires a larger working
area and also more highly skilled labour.
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
3
It is also known in the art to use frame profiles that are straight cut. Most
wood
and aluminum profile assemblies commonly use butt-jointed corners, usually
without corner keys. However, these assemblies require very complex machining
preparation.
The following documents disclose butt-jointed profiles that also use a corner
key
to create the joint:
US Patents Inventors
4,296,587 BERDAN
4,502,260 MACHLER
4,570,406 DIFAZIO
4,856,230 SLOCOMB
5,431,211 GUiLLEMET
5,473,853 GUILLEMET et
al.
5,485,705 GUILLEMET
5,547,011 DOTSON et al.
5,921,051 HOPE
5,960,605 HOPE
6,067,760 NOWELL
6,134,857 HOPE
Typically, as disclosed in US Patent No. 6,067,760 (NOWELL) for example, one
end of the corner key is inserted inside a profile. A screw is then driven in
an outer
face of the profile and through the corner key to prevent them from
disengaging
from each other.
This technique of using perpendicular fastener insertion for joining together
a
profile to its corner key is satisfactory only when using certain types of
materials,
such as aluminum or pultrusion profiles. However, perpendicular fastener
insertion
through thermoplastic (PVC) profiles is not satisfactory because of the low
tear
resistance of such materials.
US patent No. 5,105,581 (SLOCOMB, Jr.) discloses a corner key that is only
temporarily connected to a header by means of screws inserted longitudinally
in a
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
4
screw boss of the header. No screw is longitudinally or axially inserted along
the
jambs. These screws temporarily hold the header to the corner key before an
ultra-sound welding operation permanently secures the frame profiles to the
corner key. This technique is disadvantageous in that the frame profiles are
to be
secured to the corner key in two steps, thus increasing manufacturing time.
Furthermore, there is no compression at all the interfaces of the profiles and
the
corner key that ensures a tight contact between them.
Korean utility model 1996-0068593U (LEE) discloses a corner key that is
exclusively connected to profiles by means of axial screws. The corner key has
openings that allow the insertion from the outside of reinforcement metals
through
the corner key and the profiles, after these are connected together, so as to
prevent the phenomenon of bending of plastic frames.
None of the above mentioned documents address the problem of the possibility
of
water and air leakage through the joints between the profiles and the corner
keys,
nor any description of preventive measures to preclude such leakages.
Furthermore, none of the above listed documents mention the use of corner
keys,
profiles and frame work assemblies in a context besides windows and doors.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the market for a relatively inexpensive
frame
work assembly having corner keys and profiles that can be tightly fitted to
each
other, with their joints being well sealed to avoid leakage problems.
Besides tight fitting and well sealed joints, it is known in the art to use a
barrier
system in the design, which is named the "Pressure-Equalized Rain-Screen
Principle". This known principle is based on an outer "water-shed" barrier, in
combination with a continuous, inner air barrier, whilst the air chamber
between
these two barriers has to be in communication with the outside ambient air
pressure. To achieve the latter condition, openings to the outside have to be
created in the sill profiles of sashes and frames. Furthermore, any
accumulation of
water within the sash and frame profile cavities has to be evacuated through
such
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
openings as well. The preparation of such openings requires special equipment
and affords extra labour.
There is therefore also a need in the market for a relatively inexpensive
frame
5 work assembly that could incorporate the pressure equalization and rain
screen
principle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a corner key and a frame
work
assembly that can overcome the prior art deficiencies and shortcomings.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a corner key for
connecting
two or more profiles together and forming a frame work assembly in a simple,
yet
reliable manner with a minimal effort and low manufacturing costs.
According to the present invention, there is provided a corner key for
connecting
two or more profiles together, each profile having an end face, a longitudinal
drainage and venting passage and a longitudinal securing bore, the corner key
comprising:
first and second adjacent inner corner faces, first and second adjacent
outer corner faces opposite to the inner corner faces, and opposite inner and
outer side corner faces extending between the inner and outer corner faces,
the
inner corner faces being shaped for respective coupling with the profiles;
first and second guide arrangements having a tab projecting on one of the
inner corner faces and the end faces of the profiles, and an accommodating
anchoring channel in the other one of the end faces of the profiles and the
inner
corner faces, the tab being shaped for fit engagement into the accommodating
anchoring channel;
first and second bores each extending between a different one of the outer
corner faces and one of the inner corner faces opposite to the one of the
outer
corner faces, the bores being in registration with the securing bores of the
profiles
when the profiles are coupled with the corner key;
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
6
first and second fasteners respectively insertable in the bores of the corner
key and the profiles in a locking arrangement in which the corner key and the
profiles are connected together; and
a drainage and venting passage extending between the first and second
inner corner faces, the drainage and venting passage having opposite end
openings in registration with the drainage and venting passages of the
profiles
when the profiles are coupled with the corner key.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a
frame work assembly comprising:
a) two or more lineal profiles, each having an end face, a longitudinal
drainage and venting passage and a longitudinal securing bore; and
b) one or more corner keys, each corner key for connecting the two or
more profiles together, each corner key having:
first and second adjacent inner corner faces, first and second
adjacent outer corner faces opposite to the inner corner faces, and
opposite inner and outer side corner faces extending between the inner and
outer corner faces, the inner corner faces being shaped for respective
coupling with the profiles;
first and second guide arrangements having a tab projecting on one
of the inner corner faces and the end faces of the profiles, and an
accommodating anchoring channel in the other one of the end faces of the
profiles and the inner corner faces, the tab being shaped for fit engagement
into the accommodating anchoring channel;
first and second bores each extending between a different one of the
outer corner faces and one of the inner corner faces opposite to the one of
the outer corner faces, the bores being in registration with the securing
bores of the profiles when the profiles are coupled with the corner key;
first and second fasteners respectively insertable in the bores of the
corner key and the profiles in a locking arrangement in which the corner
key and the profiles are connected together; and
a drainage and venting passage extending between the first and
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
7
second inner corner faces, the drainage and venting passage having
opposite end openings in registration with the drainage and venting
passages of the profiles when the profiles are coupled with the corner key.
Preferably, the tabs project respectively from the first and second inner
corner
faces of the corner key for fit engagement into the accommodating anchoring
channels in the end faces of the profiles, and the bores of the corner key are
located adjacent to the tabs of the corner key.
Preferably, the outer side corner face has a water evacuation and pressure
equalization vent in communication with the drainage and venting passage of
the
corner key and the drainage and venting passage of each profile.
Preferably, the corner key and profiles are made of polyvinyl chloride
polymers
(PVC).
Preferably, the first and second inner corner faces respectively comprise
first and
second recesses located adjacent to the tabs, and the recesses are provided
with
a sealing element sealing the corner key with the profiles when the profiles
are
coupled to the corner key.
Preferably, the inner and outer side corner faces comprise extension fins for
masking joints between the side corner faces and the profiles when the
profiles
are coupled to the corner key.
The invention as well as its numerous advantages will be better understood by
reading of the following non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment
made in reference to the appending drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a corner key and profiles according
to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
Figure 2A is a cross sectional partial view at line II-II of Figure 1 showing
a screw,
corner key and profile before assembly, and wherein the corner key is provided
with a recess without its seating bead, according to a preferred embodiment of
the
present invention;
Figures 2B is a cross sectional partial view of the screw, corner key and
profile of
Figure 2A after assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 3A is a cross sectional partial view at line II-II of Figure 1 showing
a screw,
corner key and profile before assembly, and wherein the corner key is provided
with a sealing bead in a recess, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 3B is a cross sectional partial view of the screw, corner key and
profile of
Figure 3A after assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a corner key with an arrow showing water
evacuation, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a corner key with arrows showing air
pressure
equalization, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a corner key 10 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Also shown are portions of two profiles,
one
corresponding to a sill 12 and the other to a jamb 14 that are to be connected
together by means of the corner key 10 to form part of a window frame
assembly.
Those skilled in the art will understand that although only two window frame
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
9
profiles 12, 14 are illustrated, the teachings according to the present
invention are
also applicable to any number of profiles or to any other general purpose
profiles
that are to be jointed with a corner key. In particular, it will be understood
that the
present teachings apply not only to window frames, but also to door frames,
and
to other similar structural assemblies as well.
The corner key 10 that is illustrated is preferably used as a right side lower
corner
key, but those skilled in the art will also understand that this corner key 10
can be
modified so that it can also be used in another position of the frame, as will
be
described below.
The profiles 12, 14 that are to be used with the corner key 10 can be made
from
various materials and by means of different techniques. For example, the
profiles
12, 14 can be made of extruded aluminum, steel, brass or other metals.
Alternatively, the profiles 12, 14 can be formed by means of pultruded
plastics,
thermoplastics, such as PVC, or thermoset plastics. It is to be understood,
however, that other suitable materials and techniques may be used to make
these
profiles as is well known in the art.
As shown, each profile 12, 14 that is to be connected to the corner key 10
preferably has three types of apertures that are apparent on the end faces 13,
15
of each profile 12, 14. These apertures include a longitudinal anchoring
channel
16, 18, a longitudinal drainage and venting passage 20, 22 and one or more
longitudinal securing bores 24, 26. It is advantageous to form these apertures
during the fabrication of these profiles 12, 14 so as to diminish the costs of
production. In the case of, for example, a lineal extrusion process, these
apertures
are easily created when forming each profile 12,14. One could also create
these
apertures later on, but this would increase manufacturing processing times and
ensuing costs.
The longitudinal anchoring channels 16, 18 do not need to extend all the way
across each profile 12, 14, but rather can take the shape of a recess with a
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
predetermined depth as will be described below. Furthermore, the anchoring
channels 16, 18 could also be replaced with tabs as will be described below.
Preferably, the corner key 10 has a generally three-dimensional rectangular
shape
5 with two adjacent inner corner faces 28, 30, two adjacent outer corner faces
32,
34, and opposite inner and outer side corner faces 36, 38 extending between
the
inner and outer corner faces 28, 30, 32, 34. Similarly as explained in
relation with
the profiles 12, 14, the corner key 10 may be made according to different
techniques and from different materials. For example, it can be formed, cast
or
10 molded by using metals, thermoplastics or thermoset plastics.
The inner corner faces 28, 30 are shaped for respective coupling with the
profiles
12, 14, preferably with flat portions thereof matching those of the straight
cut
profiles 12, 14. Of course, it will be understood that the corner key 10 may
have
shapes other than a generally rectangular one, depending on the particular
application or preferred design. For example, the corner key could be
polygonal,
such as hexagonal, or have any suitable shape, such as curvilinear, as long as
it
can be properly connected to appropriately shaped profiles. Furthermore, the
corner key 10 of the present invention may be modified so as to be able to
connect more than two profiles together as it will be apparent to those
skilled in
the art.
In the illustrated embodiment, the corner key 10 has two tabs 40, 42 that
project
respectively from the inner corner faces 28, 30. These tabs 40, 42 are shaped
for
tit engagement into the anchoring channels 16, 18 of the profiles 12, 14. It
is
preferable that the longitudinal anchoring channel 16, 18 of each profile 12,
14
and respective tabs 40, 42 have matching shapes in order to facilitate fit
engagement of the tabs 40, 42 into the anchoring channels 16, 18. As
illustrated,
the tabs 40, 42 and the anchoring channels 16, 18 may have matching L or S
shapes. It is also preferable that the tabs 40, 42 be tapered so as to further
facilitate their fitting into the anchoring channels 16, 18. The tabs 40, 42
are
preferably continuous in shape and extend along the inner corner faces 28, 30
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
11
starting from close to the edge of the inner side corner face 36 towards the
outer
side corner face 38, as illustrated. Additional tabs (not shown) may also
project
from the inner corner faces 28, 30 if more than two profiles are to be used
with a
single corner key. Of course, the tabs may have different designs than those
illustrated herein, if desired. Preferably, the tabs 40, 42 have a continuous
shape
extending lengthwise between the inner and outer side corner faces 36, 38.
It should also be understood that the guide arrangement formed of the tabs 40,
42
and channels 16, 18 as described above can be modified according to design
preferences. For example, profile tabs may project from the end faces 13, 15
of
the profiles 12, 14 in replacement of the anchoring channels 16, 18, while the
inner corner faces 28, 30 may be provided with channels or recesses that
receive
these profile tabs. It is also contemplated that the tabs may be removable,
thus
consisting in separate pieces from both the corner key 10 and profiles 12, 14.
Indeed, in such a configuration both the end faces 13, 15 of the profiles 12,
14
and the inner corner faces 28, 30 could then be provided with channels or
recesses for receiving portions of these removable tabs.
Furthermore, even though the tabs 40, 42 are shown to be at a right angle from
each other, this does not necessarily have to be the case for all designs.
Indeed,
the tabs 40,42 may also form acute or obtuse angles with each other.
The corner key 10 that is illustrated may be used in rectangular frame work
assemblies, however a modification of the angles between the inner and outer
corner faces 28, 30, 32, 34 andlor tabs 40, 42 can be made so as to obtain
differently shaped frames works, such as triangular shapes or rhomboid shapes
with acute and obtuse angles.
The corner key 10 illustrated has multiple bores 44, 46, each extending
between a
different one of the outer corner faces 32, 34 and one of the inner corner
faces 28,
30 opposite to the one of the outer corner faces 32, 34. In the corner key 10
that is
illustrated, the bores 44, 46 are non-intersecting because of the kind of
fastener (a
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
12
screw) that is used, but this need not be the case as it will be further
explained
below. Furthermore, only one bore 44, 46 may extend across each of the inner
corner faces 28, 30 and outer corner faces 32, 34. However, if desired, and
for
increased rigidity, several bores 44, 46 may extend across each of the inner
corner faces 28, 30 and outer corner faces 32, 34. In the illustrated example,
the
corner key 10 has three bores 44, 46 extending across each of the inner corner
faces 28, 30 and outer corner faces 32, 34.
As it will be appreciated, when the profiles 12, 14 are inserted into the tabs
40, 42
of the corner key 10, the bores 44, 46 are in registration with the respective
securing bores 24, 26 in the profiles 12, 14.
In order to create a stable and durable locking arrangement between the corner
key 10 and the profiles 12, 14, a set of fasteners 48, 50 are respectively
inserted
in the bores 44, 46 of the corner key 10 and the securing bores 24, 26 of the
profiles 12, 14. Preferably, the fasteners 48, 50 are metal screws but any
other
type of fastener may be used for the purpose of locking the corner key 10 to
its
profiles 12, 14. For example, the fastener may be a serrated metal rivet, a
bonded
rivet or a fusion welded rivet. In another embodiment of the invention, the
fastener
may be a certain type of adhesive glue or sealer that hardens inside the bores
44,
46 of the corner key and the securing bores 24, 26 of the profiles 12, 14. In
that
particular case, and as already mentioned above, the bores 44, 46 need not to
be
non-intersecting with each other. Alternatively, an ultrasound weld may also
be
used instead of the adhesive.
In the illustrated example, three screws 48 are inserted in the bores 44 of
the
corner key 10 from the outer corner face 32 and into the securing bores 24 of
profile 12. Similarly, three screws 50 are inserted in the bores 46 of the
corner key
10 from the outer corner face 34 and into the securing bores 26 of profile 14.
It is
to be understood, however, that in another embodiment of the invention, only a
single screw can be inserted from each of the outer corner faces 32, 34, into
the
bores 44, 46 and securing bores 24, 26. These bores would then be preferably
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
13
located in the middle of the corner key 10.
The fasteners 48, 50 are solely responsible for the permanence of the frame
work
assembly (not shown) that can be built. The axial or longitudinal insertion of
the
fasteners 48, 50 relative to the profiles 12, 14 assures an intimate contact
between the cut end faces 13, 15 of the profiles 12, 14 and the mating inner
corner faces 28, 30 of the corner key 10. A sealing element, such as a foamed
hot-melt sealing bead 60, in addition to the fasteners 48, 50 may assist in
the
permanence of the frame work assembly. The sealing beads 60 provide the
corner key 10 with long-lasting sealing properties to intimately seal the
interfaces
between the lineal profiles 12, 14 and the corner keys.
The corner key 10 is also provided with a drainage and venting passage 52
extending between the first and second inner corner faces 28, 30. This
drainage
and venting passage 52 has opposite end openings 54, 56 in registration with
the
drainage and venting passages 20, 22 of the profiles 12, 14 when these are
coupled with the corner key 10. As it will be further explained below with
reference
to Figures 4 and 5, the purpose of the drainage and venting passage 52 in the
corner key 10 and the drainage and venting passages 20, 22 in the profiles 12,
14
is to allow water and air to flow therethrough. The drainage and venting
passage
52 of the corner key 10 acts as an opening for pressure equalization within
the
rain screen principle discussed above.
The sealing element can also include silicone or a solid sealant such as
preformed or stamped foam gaskets. In addition to reinforcing the permanence
of
the joint at the interface between the end faces 13, 15 of the profiles and
the inner
corner faces 28, 30 of the corner key 10 as mentioned above, this sealing
element
eliminates possible water leaks from the drainage and venting passage 52
dripping into the wall cavity surrounding a window or a door frame, for
example.
Preferably, the sealing element, such as the foamed hot-melt sealing bead 60,
is
applied onto the inner adjacent corner faces 28, 30 for sealing the drainage
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
14
channel 52 of the corner key with those of the profiles 12, 14 when the
profiles 12,
14 are coupled to the corner key 10.
It is also preferable that the inner corner faces 28, 30 of the corner key 10
be
provided with strategically positioned sealing recesses 63 located adjacent to
the
base of the tabs 40, 42, where they meet the inner corner faces 28, 30 of the
corner key 10. The sealing recesses 63 are shaped to receive and contain the
sealing bead 60, and preclude it from dripping when it is laid therein. As
illustrated, the sealing bead 60 is preferably laid along a continuous line
adjacent
to each of the tabs 40, 42 and the drainage and venting passage 52.
Preferably, the bores 44, 46 of the corner key 10 are located adjacent to the
tabs
40, 42 of the corner key 10. In this manner, the screws 48, 50 are
strategically
positioned, adjacent to the critical contact line formed by the tabs 40, 42
and the
sealing beads 60.
Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, there is shown an alternative embodiment of
the
present invention wherein no sealing bead 60 is applied in the between the
corner
key 10 and profile 12. However, the inner corner face 28 is still provided
with the
sealing recess 63 that is formed of a sloped wall surface 68 on the inner
corner
face 28. This sloped wall surface 68 assists in the action of wedging the
lineal
profile 12 into the sealing recess 63.
Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, there is shown the same configuration as in
Figure 2A and 2B, but with the sealing bead 60 being applied in the sealing
recess
63, for further enhancing the sealing feature of the design.
Preferably, and as is best illustrated with reference to Figures 1, 2A , 2B,
3A and
3B, the inner and/or outer side corner faces 36, 38 have extension fins 70 for
masking the joints 72 that are created between the corner key 10 and the
profiles
12, 14, when the profiles 12, 14 are coupled to the corner key 10. In other
words,
the inner and outer side corner faces 36, 38 can be extended to overlap the
plane
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
of contact between the cut faces 13, 15 of the profiles 12, 14 and the
designated
contact inner corner faces 28, 30 of the corner key 10. The added feature of
such
face extensions is the structural overlapping and the visual masking of the
assembly joint 72 between the cut end faces 13, 15 of the lineal profiles 12,
14
5 and the corresponding faces of the corner key for the purpose of covering up
irregularities of the profiles' 12, 14 end-cuts 13, 15, of guiding the
application of
the sealing bead 60, and of masking any sealing bead overflow. The extension
of
corner surfaces for the purpose of overlapping the assembly joint 72 can be
applied to other surfaces of the corner key 10, particularly to those which
remain
10 exposed to the eye after the completion of installation of an assembled
window or
door.
Advantageously, the extension fins 70 provided on the inner and outer side
corner
faces 36, 38 may also form part of the sloped wall surface 68 of the sealing
recess
15 63 provided on the inner corner faces 28, 30.
Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand, the corner key 10 may
be
provided without any sealing recesses 63 and sealing beads 60. Such a
configuration may be advantageous because it is easier and less expensive to
make. However, when a sealing bead is applied between the corner key and the
profile, there may be leakage problems as there is not enough sealant mass to
compensate for irregular contact faces and/or gaps created by distortion and
by
movement of contact surfaces at the joints.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown another embodiment of the present
invention showing a corner key 10 that is similar to the one shown in Figure
1. As
mentioned above, the corner key 10 that is illustrated in Figures 1, 4 and 5
is
preferably used as a right-side lower corner key because its outer side corner
face
38 is provided with a water evacuation vent 58 that is in communication with
the
drainage and venting passage 52 of the corner key 10 and the drainage and
venting passage 22, 20 of each profile 12, 14 when these are coupled together.
As those skilled in the art will understand, upper corner keys do not need to
be
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
16
provided with such vent 58.
In use, when water infiltrates into the drainage and venting passages 20, 22
of the
profiles, such as in case of rain or high humidity, this configuration allows
for water '
evacuation through the vent 58. It is preferable that the vent 58 and the
drainage
passage 52 have substantially flush bottom surfaces declining toward the outer
side corner face 38. This downward slope facilitates the water evacuation as
depicted by arrow and water drop 64.
As shown in Figure 5, the corner key 10 with its vent 58 also has the
advantage of
providing pressure equalization between the inside of the profiles 12, 14 and
the
ambient air outside, as depicted by arrow 66.
Preferably, the drainage and venting passage 52 has an opening 59 in one of
the
inner corner faces 28, 30. In the illustrated example, the opening 59 is on
the
inner corner face 30, above the end opening 54 of the drainage and venting
passage 52. The corresponding profile 14 also has its drainage and venting
passage 22 provided with an opening 61 that communicates with the opening 59.
These openings 59, 61 are provided so that sashes or any component of a frame
can be inserted therein, as those skilled in the art will understand.
Advantageously, the inner and outer side corner faces 36, 38 can bear logos,
trademarks, information or decoration designs for advertisement, publicity
and/or
decoration purposes. Also, the inner side corner face 36 may have a chamfered
and rounded corner 62 extending between the inner corner faces 28, 30. A
chamfered and rounded corner may also be provided between the outer corner
faces 32, 34. The chamfered and rounded corner 62 provides a design that may
be appealing, and which is visible on an assembled sash or window frame.
Use of the corner key of the present invention eliminates the need for
expensive
production equipment and large floor space, and therefore provides a cost
efficient solution for the fabrication of window or door frame assemblies in
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
17
particular, but also for general purpose frame work assemblies.
Furthermore, the frame work assembly according to the present invention
eliminates the need for mitre-cuts, welding and weld cleaning, nor is any
punching, routing or drilling needed since all operational functions of a
complete
window or door assembly are incorporated into the corner keys. It also allows
the
use of unskilled labor due to the simplicity of its assembly process.
An advantage of the present invention is that the pressure equalization and
water
evacuation openings are provided as an integral part of the design of the
corner
keys, thus eliminating the need for the otherwise required additional
machining
effo rt.
The frame work assembly of the present invention may be used for the creation
of
windows having any type of operation, such as fixed, horizontally and
vertically
sliding, inward and outward projecting, etc.
The frame work assembly may also be used for the creation of doors of any type
of operation, such as sliding, inward and outward projecting, etc.
Although the present invention has been exemplified with frame profiles, those
skilled in the art will understand that the present teachings are also
applicable to
sash profiles.
Furthermore, although the profiles are mainly used in the context of a window
or
door frame assembly, those skilled in the art will understand that the corner
key
and profiles of the present invention may be used to assemble such diverse
frame
work assemblies as walls of a building, a container, or any general purpose
structure or frame work assembly.
Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in
detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood
CA 02473305 2004-07-13
WO 03/058018 PCT/CA02/00041
18
that the invention is not limited to this precise embodiment and that various
changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the
scope or spirit of the present invention.
