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Title:
WINDOW FRAME ELEMENT AND WALL CONSTRUCTION PROVIDED THEREWITH
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/010426
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an assembly of two window frame elements, comprising: - a first window frame element, comprising at least a first stop part with which the first window frame element is arrangeable against a support member and comprising at least a second stop part configured to receive a window pane part, and wherein the first window frame element is manufactured from gypsum; - a second window frame element, comprising at least a first stop part with which the second window frame element is arrangeable against a support member and comprising at least a second stop part configured to receive a window pane part, and wherein the second window frame element is manufactured from gypsum; and - wherein the first stop part of the first window frame element and the first stop part of the second window frame element are arrangeable against the same support member and in assembled state have mutually facing edge surfaces. The invention further relates to a wall construction comprising such an assembly of window frame elements.

Inventors:
HAARMANS OLAF (NL)
Application Number:
PCT/NL2015/050515
Publication Date:
January 21, 2016
Filing Date:
July 14, 2015
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
SYSTEM FLEX B V (NL)
International Classes:
E06B1/24; E06B5/16; E04B2/74; E06B3/08; E06B3/18
Foreign References:
GB2285470A1995-07-12
EP0902154A21999-03-17
DE2331247A11974-01-17
DE2717018A11978-10-26
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
HAAN, Raimond Johannes Gerardus (AC Den Haag, NL)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. Assembly of two window frame elements, comprising:

- a first window frame element, comprising at least a first stop part with which the first window frame element is arrangeable against a support member and comprising at least a second stop part configured to receive a window pane part, and wherein the first window frame element is manufactured from gypsum;

- a second window frame element, comprising at least a first stop part with which the second window frame element is arrangeable against a support member and comprising at least a second stop part configured to receive a window pane part, and wherein the second window frame element is manufactured from gypsum; and

- wherein the first stop part of the first window frame element and the first stop part of the second window frame element are arrangeable against the same support member and in assembled state have mutually facing edge surfaces.

2. Assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first window frame element and/or the second window frame element is manufactured from fibre -reinforced gypsum.

3. Assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first window frame element and/or the second window frame element is manufactured from glass fibre-reinforced gypsum.

4. Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the assembly of the first and the second window frame element is configured to form a connection in a wall between a wall part and a window pane part, in particular a sheet of glass.

5. Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first stop part of the first window frame element and the first stop part of the second window frame element each form substantially a right angle with which the first and the second window frame element are each airangeable against two sides of the support member, and wherein the assembly of the first and the second window frame element in assembled state together enclose a U-shape which is arrangeable against three sides of the support member.

6. Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second stop part of the first window frame element and/or the second stop part of the second window frame element form substantially a right angle in which the window pane part is connectable against two sides.

7. Wall construction, comprising:

- at least one support member which forms a carrier member of the wall construction;

- an assembly of two window frame elements as claimed in any of the claims 1-5, wherein a window pane part is arranged against the second stop part of the first window frame element and/or against the second stop part of the second window frame element.

8. Wall construction as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first stop part of the first window frame element and the first stop part of the second window frame element face substantially inward from the wall part, wherein a first side of the first stop part extends substantially in the plane of the wall and wherein a second side of the first stop part extends substantially transversely of the plane of the wall.

9. Wall construction as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the second stop part of the first window frame element is in engagement with a first window pane part and wherein the second stop part of the second window frame element is in engagement with a second window pane part, wherein the first window frame element and the second window frame element together provide a spacer between the first window pane part and the second window pane part.

10. Wall construction as claimed in any of the claims 7-9, wherein the second stop part of the first window frame element and the second stop part of the second window frame element face substantially outward from the wall, wherein a first side of the second stop part extends in each case substantially in the plane of the wall and wherein a second side of the second stop part extends in each case substantially transversely of the plane of the wall. 11. Wall construction as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second side of the second stop part of the first window frame element and/or of the second window frame element has a length substantially equal to the combined thickness of the window pane part and a glued connection so that the window pane part lies substantially flush with an adjacent wall part in the wall construction, whereby the wall construction has a substantially flush wall surface.

12. Wall construction as claimed in any of the claims 9-11, wherein the first window pane part comprises a sheet of glass with a first fire resistance grading, and wherein the second window pane part comprises a sheet of glass with a second fire resistance grading, wherein the first grading and second grading differ from each other.

13. Wall construction as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the second stop part of the first window frame element and the second stop part of the second window frame element enclose a U- shape and receive a window pane part therein.

14. Wall construction as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least one of the window frame elements takes a divided form.

15. Wall construction as claimed in any of the claims 7-14, further comprising:

- at least one further support member which forms a further carrier member of the wall construction; and

- at least two plasterboard panels which are each attached to at least two support members and span the space between the two support members.

1 . Wall construction as claimed in any of the claims 7-15, wherein the support member against which the assembly of window frame elements is arrangeable comprises at least one wall of an interior space of a building.

17. Wall construction as claimed in claim 16, wherein the window pane part is arranged on at least two opposite sides thereof in an assembly of window frame elements having as support member a wall of the interior space of the building.

18. Wall construction as claimed in claim 17, wherein the window pane part is arranged on at least three sides in an assembly of window frame elements having as support member a wall of the interior space of the building.

Description:
Window frame element and wall construction provided therewith

The present invention relates to an assembly of two window frame elements. The invention relates more particularly to an assembly of window frame elements for a partition wall or system wall assembled from plasterboard panels. The invention further relates to a wall construction comprising such an assembly of window frame elements.

Partition walls are generally known and are generally used for later subdivision of spaces in a building. The usual method of placing such a wall consists of attaching to the floor and to the ceiling U-shaped metal stud profiles between which C-shaped metal stud profiles are generally placed as uprights at a mutual distance of for instance 60 cm. Formed in this way is a support construction against which plasterboard panels are arrangeable. Created between the plasterboard panels and the profiles is a space through which (electrical) wiring can be fed and which are if desired filled with thermal and/or acoustic insulating materials. Tn addition to having good sound- absorbing properties, rock wool also has advantageous fire-retardant properties.

Plasterboard panels comprise chemically bound crystal water, whereby they display good fire-retardant properties. If the plasterboard is heated by a source of fire, this crystal water will evaporate and extract from the fire the energy required for the conversion. As a result the increase in temperature of the plasterboard and the system wall construction is slowed and held

substantially constant for a period at about 110°C, and the wall will remain standing for longer. During the fire a layer of burnt plaster will develop which has a higher thermal insulation. The glass fibres in the fire-retardant plasterboard panels act as reinforcement of the gypsum core so that the structural cohesion is even improved for a long time during the fire load.

The fire retardance of the plasterboard depends, just as in the case of other building materials, on the whole construction in which it is applied. One of the elements causing a wall erected from plasterboard panels to collapse during a fire are the window frame elements manufactured from metal. As a result of the heating by the source of fire the metal window frame expands on the side of the source of fire. If the associated change in length cannot be absorbed, the window frame will bend outward and deform the wall. The structural stiffness is hereby lost, and a glass element supported in the window frame element can for instance come loose.

When a partition wall is provided with a window it is usual to arrange a glass element on both sides of the wall. In a conventional metal stud construction these wall sides are located at some mutual distance, whereby each wall will in that case be provided with its own window frame element. When there is a source of fire on one side of the wall, the side facing toward the source of fire will heat up much more quickly than the opposite side of the partition wall remote from the source of fire. Because gypsum has a low coefficient of thermal conduction, this effect is particularly pronounced in walls erected with plasterboard panels. Because the window frame elements are exposed to a different heating on the two sides of the wall and consequently undergo a different expansion, stresses are created here in the partition wall which can result in collapse thereof.

A further drawback of window frame elements manufactured from metal is that the dimensioning of the window frame element has to be adapted to the (metal) stud profiles. Because (metal) stud profiles are applied in different dimensions this means that corresponding metal window frame elements have to be available at the construction site. There is a need for an alternative to the window frame elements manufactured from metal which allows a greater flexibility in dimensioning, whereby the dimensioning can be adapted in simple manner at the construction site to the (metal) stud profile used.

An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly of window frame elements for a wall construction, particularly for a partition wall or system wall, wherein the stated drawbacks do not occur, or at least do so to lesser extent. More particularly desired is a flexible dimensioning, preferably in combination with an increased fire retardance.

Said object is achieved according to the invention with an assembly of two window frame elements, comprising:

- a first window frame element, comprising at least a first stop part with which the first window frame element is arrangeable against a support member and comprising at least a second stop part configured to receive a window pane part, and wherein the first window frame element is manufactured from gypsum;

- a second window frame element, comprising at least a first stop part with which the second window frame element is arrangeable against a support member and comprising at least a second stop part configured to receive a window pane part, and wherein the second window frame element is manufactured from gypsum; and

- wherein the first stop part of the first window frame element and the first stop part of the second window frame element are arrangeable against the same support member and in assembled state have mutually facing edge surfaces.

The window frame elements can be applied in support members, i.e. stud profiles, of differing width dimensions, wherein in the case of a wide support member a join can be present between the two window frame elements of the assembly. A possible join can if desired be filled substantially airtightly in order to seal the inner space substantially airtightly. Applying an assembly of two window frame elements thus creates on the one hand the freedom to allow a join to come about between the two window frame elements, which makes it possible to enclose stud profiles of a larger size with a respective window frame element close to two corners of the stud profile, which is generally a U-profile or a C-profile.

Because the two window frame elements are manufactured from the easily machinable material gypsum, the assembly of the invention on the other hand provides the option of modifying the edge surfaces, for instance by means of sanding or grinding away a part of the window frame element.

The assembly provides the option on the one hand of allowing a join to come about, or on the other of reducing the thickness at the position of the edge surfaces, where the two window frame elements will make contact with each other when abutting. An assembly of window frame elements suitable for a flexible dimensioning is hereby provided.

An advantage of an assembly of window frame elements manufactured from gypsum is the low expansion when heated, whereby the structural integrity of the wall is preserved for longer during a fire than would be the case were a metal window frame element applied. Because the window frame elements are manufactured from gypsum, the fire-retardance is moreover increased.

The wall parts of such a wall are generally formed by plasterboard panels. The term plasterboard refers here to gypsum cardboard and gypsum fibreboard as well as fire-retardant plasterboard (for instance types A, D, E, F, HI, H2, H3, 1 and P).

By also manufacturing the window frame elements of the assembly from gypsum a visually continuous whole results between the wall part manufactured from gypsum and the window frame element manufactured from gypsum.

When the wall part and the window frame elements of the assembly are both manufactured from the same material, they can be treated together and will also continue to form a visually continuous whole after the treatment. If a layer of paint is for instance applied it will be partially absorbed by an element manufactured from gypsum. A conventional window frame element manufactured from metal does not absorb any paint however, whereby the colour of the paint on a metal element will differ from that on the adjacent wall part manufactured from gypsum. It is moreover possible to envisage different paints having to be used, each developed for a specific substrate. The final result will be a colour difference between the metal window frame element and the wall part manufactured from gypsum, this being prevented with the invention.

When according to a further preferred embodiment the window frame elements of the assembly are manufactured from fibre -reinforced gypsum, and still more preferably from glass fibre-reinforced gypsum, a high structural strength is obtained, particularly in the case of fire.

According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly of window frame elements is configured to form a connection in a wall between a wall part and a window pane part, in particular a sheet of glass.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first stop part of the first window frame element and the first stop part of the second window frame element each form substantially a right angle with which the first and the second window frame element are each arrangeable against two sides of the support member, and wherein the assembly of the first and the second window frame element in assembled state together enclose a U-shape which is arrangeable against thr ee sides of the support member.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the second stop part of the first window frame element and/or the second stop part of the second window frame element form substantially a right angle in which the window pane part is connectable against two sides. Because the window frame elements lie against the support member on two sides, a reliable and fixed positioning is obtained.

The invention further relates to a wall construction, comprising:

- at least one support member which forms a carrier member of the wall construction; - an assembly of two window frame elements according to the invention, wherein a window pane part is arranged against the second stop part of the first window frame element and/or against the second stop part of the second window frame element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the wall construction, the first stop part of the first window frame element and the first stop part of the second window frame element face substantially inward from the wall part, wherein a first side of the first stop part extends substantially in the plane of the wall and wherein a second side of the first stop part extends substantially transversely of the plane of the wall.

When according to yet another preferred embodiment the second stop part forms substantially a right angle in which the window pane part is connectable against two sides, a reliable and fixed positioning is also obtained for this connection.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the wall construction, the second stop part of the first window frame element is in engagement with a first window pane part and the second stop part of the second window frame element is in engagement with a second window pane part, wherein the first window frame element and the second window frame element together provide a spacer between the first window pane part and the second window pane part. This spacer ensures a distance between the sheets of glass, whereby an insulating air layer can be formed therebetween.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the second stop part of the first window frame element and the second stop part of the second window frame element face substantially outward from the wall, wherein a first side of the second stop part extends in each case substantially in the plane of the wall and wherein a second side of the second stop part extends in each case substantially transversely of the plane of the wall. Although it is possible to envisage a single sheet of glass being arranged in the centre of a double wall, for instance for cost-saving reasons, it is usual to also provide a double wall with two sheets of glass, each substantially in line with one wall.

It is particularly attractive and advantageous for these sheets of glass to connect substantially flush with the wall parts of the wall. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the second side of the second stop part of the first window frame element and/or of the second window frame element has for this purpose a length substantially equal to the combined thickness of the window pane part and a glued connection so that the window pane part lies substantially flush with an adjacent wall part in the wall construction, whereby the wall construction has a substantially flush wall surface. In addition to having an aesthetically smooth form, such a flush wall surface is also functional. Less accumulation of dust will after all take place since it does not have joins and/or edges. Such a flush wall is hereby particularly suitable for aseptic or low-dust spaces, such as a clean room or an operating room.

The fire retardance is improved when a sheet of glass of fire-resistant glass is applied. In the context of this application glass is designated as fire-resistant if the glass is provided with a specific fire-resistant intermediate layer. Such an intermediate layer can for instance comprise fire- resistant film or a medium which foams in the case of fire. In the Netherlands glass is designated as fire-resistant only if it forms an effective barrier to the fire for 30 minutes. According to the fire classes for glass in accordance with EN 13501-2 and EN 12101-1 such a window pane is also classified as a 30 EI or 30 EW window pane.

Given in the table below per class and minimum time span of fire resistance is the correspondi class designation according to the EN 13501-2 and EN 12101-1 standards.

15 min 20 min 30 min 45 min 60 min 90 min 120 min

DH - - DH30 - - - -

E - E20 E30 - E60 E90 E120

EW - EW20 EW30 - EW60 EW90 EW120

EI EI15 ET20 ET30 ET45 ET60 ET90 ET120 It is surprisingly advantageous according to a further preferred embodiment of the wall construction for the first window pane part to comprise a sheet of glass with a first fire resistance grading, and wherein the second window pane part comprises a sheet of glass with a second fire resistance grading, wherein the first grading and second grading differ from each other. Despite two different gradings of fire resistance being applied, tests have shown that the double-glazed construction enables an unexpectedly high degree of fire resistance, which can be explained by the insulating intermediate air layer. If the first window pane part has 30 EI or 30 EW glass and the second window pane part has 'normal', i.e. non-fire-resistant, glass (for instance type 622 glass) a fire resistance can be achieved which far exceeds 30 minutes and comes close to 60 minutes. In short, one layer of 30 EI or 30 EW glass, an intermediate insulating air layer and a layer of

'normal' glass (i.e. glass lacking a specific fire-resistant intermediate layer) come close to 60 EI or 60 EW glass while glass of a lower grading is applied. Because all glass will have some degree of fire resistance, it is emphasized that 'non-fire-resistant' glass refers to glass lacking a specific fire- resistant intermediate layer.

It is also possible to envisage a single sheet of glass being provided in the centre of a double wall, for instance for cost-saving reasons. An alternative embodiment therefore comprises at least two wall parts which are arranged on opposite sides of the support members and wherein the assembly of window frame elements extends between the two wall parts and comprises a recess for receiving a window pane part therein. According to a further preferred embodiment, the second stop part of the first window frame element and the second stop part of the second window frame element enclose for this purpose a U -shape for receiving a window pane part therein.

In order to enable arrangement of a single sheet of glass in the U-shaped recess it is advantageous according to a further preferred embodiment for at least one of the window frame elements to take a divided form.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the wall construction comprises at least one further support member which forms a further carrier member of the wall construction, and at least two plasterboard panels which are each attached to at least two support members and span the space between the two support members.

When the support member is arranged close to or against a wall of the space, such as a side wall, floor or ceiling, the window pane part will extend to a position very close to this wall.

According to a further preferred embodiment, this is achieved in that the support member against which the assembly of window frame elements is arrangeable comprises at least one wall of an interior space of a building. It is noted that the window frame elements are manufactured from easily machinable gypsum and can therefore be made to size if desired for the purpose of an adjusted attachment.

When according to yet another preferred embodiment the window pane part is arranged on at least two opposite sides thereof in an assembly of window frame elements having as support member a wall of the interior space of the building, the window pane part will extend substantially wholly between two opposite walls. The window pane part for instance spans for instance substantially the whole distance between two side walls, or between a floor and a ceiling.

A particularly attractive and spatial embodiment is obtained when the window pane part according to yet another preferred embodiment is arranged on at least three sides in an assembly of window frame elements having as support member a wall of the interior space of the building.

When the window pane part comprises fire-resistant glass, it forms together with the window frame elements manufactured from gypsum a transparent and fire-resistant partition wall.

According to a preferred embodiment of the wall construction, the wall part comprises a plasterboard panel.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the wall construction, the window pane part comprises a sheet of glass received by the second stop part of the window frame elements, more particularly a sheet of glass of fire-resistant glass. The fire retardance of the overall construction is determined by the weakest link. According to a further preferred embodiment, a sheet of glass of fire-resistant glass is for this reason arranged in the window frame element.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated in the following description with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a space with a partition wall which is provided with a wall construction with a window frame element according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the wall construction shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view according to arrow III-III in figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view according to arrow IV in figure 3;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view according to arrow V in figure 3;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view according to arrow VI- VI in figure 2;

Figure 7 is a detailed isolated view of the window frame element;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through an alternative embodiment with a single sheet of glass; and

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a space in which window frame elements are arranged close to the floor, side wall and ceiling.

The space shown in figure 1 comprises a floor 1 and a ceiling 2 between which a partition wall 4 according to the invention is arranged. This partition wall 4 is provided with a first recess 6 for a window 8 and a second recess 10 for a door (not shown).

Figure 2 shows a front view of wall 4, wherein uprights 12 present in the wall form support members which will be elucidated further hereinbelow and are shown with broken lines.

Plasterboard panels 14 are attached with screws 18 to these uprights 12 and the space between plasterboard panels 14 is filled by skimming 16 so that a substantially flush wall 4 is created.

The first recess 6 which is arranged in wall 4 and in which a sheet of glass 26 forming the window 8 is arranged is bounded by a window frame element 22 functioning as connecting member 20. This window frame element 22 will be further elucidated with reference to figures 3, 4 and 6-8.

Window frame elements 22 form connecting members 20 which are preferably manufactured from gypsum, and still more preferably from glass fibre-reinforced gypsum.

Figure 3 shows a partition wall 4 which takes a double-walled form and comprises two mutually opposite wall parts. Both wall parts comprise a plasterboard panel 14 and a sheet of glass 26 which are arranged mutually in line, or flush, relative to each other with an exceptionally elegant and fire-retardant connection. A sheet of glass 26 manufactured from fire-resistant glass is provided in order to increase the fire resistance. This fire-resistant sheet of glass 26 is preferably arranged substantially on all sides in window frame elements 22 manufactured from gypsum.

Uprights 12 forming the carrier members of the wall are arranged between the wall parts. According to a particularly advantageous and surprising embodiment, these uprights can be manufactured from cardboard. An upright manufactured from cardboard, which is generally known to have a low combustion temperature, is found to be particularly suitable for increasing the fire retardance of the overall wall construction compared to conventional metal stud profiles manufactured from steel. Even if crystal water evaporates from plasterboard panels 14 as a result of heat, the integrity will be preserved. The other generally known property of cardboard, that it readily absorbs moisture, surprisingly has no adverse effect on the integrity of the wall construction.

The integrity of wall 4 can be increased when uprights 12 and plasterboard panels 14 enclose an inner space 34 which is bounded substantially airtightly on all sides. This is possible on the underside with floor 1 or a closing element 36 and on the upper side with a window frame element 22 (optionally with a seal (not shown) in a join 40 located between different parts thereof) or a closing element 38. In the case of fire the quantity of air enclosed in this inner space 34 will expand and the internal pressure will increase, this guaranteeing the integrity of wall 4. When crystal water evaporates from plasterboard panels 14 and is partially absorbed by the cardboard uprights 12, the increased air pressure will press the cardboard against plasterboard panels 14 and prevent the cardboard uprights 12 collapsing or falling apart. The internal air pressure which results because the air enclosed in inner space 34 expands as a consequence of the heat thus increases the stiffness of the wall construction.

By providing the uprights 12 and/or closing elements 36, 38, and optional side elements (not shown) with one or more perforations, they can be easily glued with a glued connection. The glue then enters into and through the perforations and, after curing, will form a fixed glued connection. This greatly reduces the necessity of drilling into the construction.

Window frame elements 22, which are shown enlarged in figures 4 and 6, can if desired be combined into one integral part. The shown application of two individual window frame elements 22, i.e. one window frame element 22 on each side of an upright 12, does however have the advantage that window frame element 22 can be applied with uprights 12 having differing width dimensions. In the case of a wider upright 12 a join 40 with some clearance will result between two window frame elements 22, which join can if desired be sealed with a suitable (heat-resistant) sealant.

Window frame element 22 comprises at least a first stop part 46 with which window frame element 22 is arrangeable against an upright 12 of wall 4. It further comprises a second stop part 52 which is configured to receive the window 8 which forms the window pane part.

In order to guarantee a high strength even in the case of fire, window frame element 22 is preferably manufactured from gypsum, more preferably manufactured from fibre -reinforced gypsum, and still more preferably manufactured from glass fibre -reinforced gypsum.

The first stop part 46 forms substantially a right angle with which window frame element

22 is arrangeable against two sides 52, 54 of upright 12 of wall 4 (figure 7). In the view shown in figure 4 stop part 46 lies against a closing element 38. In the situation shown in figures 4 and 6 in which it is arranged in wall 4 the first stop part 46 faces substantially inward from wall part 14, wherein a first side 48 of first stop part 46 extends substantially in the plane of wall 4, and wherein a second side 50 of first stop part 46 extends substantially transversely of the plane of wall 4.

Second stop part 56 of window frame element 22 preferably also forms substantially a right angle, so that the sheet of glass 26 forming the window pane part is connectable against two sides 58, 60 of this angle. In the situation shown in the figures in which it is arranged in wall 4 the second stop part 56 faces substantially outward from wall 4, wherein a first side 58 of second stop part 56 extends substantially in the plane of wall 4 and wherein a second side 60 of second stop part 56 extends substantially transversely of the plane of wall 4.

The second side 60 of second stop part 56 has a length substantially equal to the sum of the thickness (i.e. second side 64) of window pane part 8 and the thickness of glue connection 44, so that sheet of glass 26 which forms the window pane part is received lying substantially flush with an adjacent wall part 14. This creates a substantially flush connection between plasterboard panels 14 and sheet of glass 26 of window 8. Such a wall is hereby particularly suitable for an aseptic or low-dust space, such as an operating room or a clean workspace, also referred to as clean room.

Window frame element 22 with its first stop part 46 and second stop part 56 is shown in detail in figure 7. First stop part 46 has a first side 48 and a second side 50. Second stop part 56 has a first side 58 and a second side 60.

The embodiment of figure 7 shows a wall construction wherein the first window pane part comprises a sheet of glass 26 with a first fire resistance grading and wherein the second window pane part comprises a sheet of glass 26 with a second fire resistance grading, wherein the first grading and second grading differ from each other. One sheet of glass 26 can thus have fire- resistant glass of a first fire resistance grading, for instance 30 EI or 30 EW, and the other sheet of glass 26 can have fire-resistant glass of a second, different fire resistance grading or have so-called non-fire-resistant glass (for instance 'normal' laminated glass, also known as type 662 laminated glass). First tests are promising and indicate that the stricter requirements of an EI standard can be met with a standard EW type of glass in the wall construction according to figure 7. Alternatively, it appears that a combined 60 minute EW standard can be achieved (or 30 EI) with a combination of a 30 minute EW glass (30 EW) and a 'normal' type 662 laminated glass. Because all glass will have some degree of fire resistance, it is emphasized that 'non-fire -resistant' glass refers to glass lacking a specific fire-resistant intermediate layer.

When the first window pane part 26 has glass of 30 El or 30 EW and the second window pane part has 'normal' glass 26, i.e. non-fire -resistant glass, a fire resistance can be achieved which far exceeds the 30 minutes of the 30 EI or 30 EW glass and comes close to 60 minutes. In short, one layer of 30 EI or 30 EW glass, an intermediate insulating air layer and a layer of 'normal' glass come close to 60 EI or 60 EW glass while glass of a lower grading is applied.

Because the assembly comprises two window frame elements 22 between which a join 40 is present, this results in the freedom to allow join 40 to increase in size, whereby it becomes possible to apply the assembly of window frame elements 22 in uprights 12 of different dimensions while uprights 12 are enclosed in each case by a respective window frame element 22.

Because window frame elements 22 are manufactured from gypsum and gypsum is easily machinable, the option is however also created of modifying edge surfaces 45, for instance by sanding or grinding away a part of window frame element 22. The assembly of window frame elements 22 can hereby be easily made to size for uprights 12 with smaller dimensions at the construction site, so that these smaller uprights 12 can also be enclosed abutting in each case by a respective window frame element 22.

The assembly provides the option on the one hand of allowing a join 40 to come about, or on the other of reducing the thickness at the position of edge surfaces 45, where the two window frame elements 22 will make contact with each other when abutting. An assembly of window frame elements 22 suitable for a flexible dimensioning is hereby provided.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment, wherein a double wall is provided with a single sheet of glass 26. A first window frame element 122 and a second window frame element 124 are shown in the shown embodiment. The second window frame element 124 is divided into a main part 124a and a glazing bar part 124b.

The first window frame element 122 and main part 124a of a corresponding second window frame element 124 are arranged against an upright 12 (not shown) or closing element 38 (not shown). A sheet of glass 26 is then arranged against a seal 128. Glazing bar part 124b of the second window frame element 124 is then placed into engagement with sheet of glass 26 and placed abutting main part 124a. The glazing bar part 124b is likewise provided with a seal 128. The glazing bar part 124b is then attached to main part 124a with fastening means suitable for the purpose, such as screw 126.

Both main part 124a and glazing bar part 124b are provided on their front side with a respective recess 130, 132. Once the glazing bar part 124b has been attached with screw 126 to main part 124a, the continuous recesses 130, 132 are filled with grout 116. The join between main part 124a and the glazing bar part 124b is hereby filled, and a substantially flush wall surface results.

Finally, figure 9 shows a perspective view in which the window frame elements are arranged on the right-hand side wall (not shown) and partially on the floor and the ceiling, whereby a window 8 extending substantially wholly between these walls is possible. The invention is of course not limited to three sides close to the wall, and it is also possible to provide a wall completely of glass. An attractive and moreover fire-resistant glass partition is created particularly when a fire-resistant sheet of glass 26 is applied with the window frame elements 22, 122, 124 according to the invention manufactured from gypsum.

Although it shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, the above described embodiment is intended solely to illustrate the present invention and not in any way to limit the specification of the invention. When measures in the claims are followed by reference numerals, such reference numerals serve only to contribute toward understanding of the claims, but are in no way limitative of the scope of protection. The rights described are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.