The invention has been developed primarily for use in glass door and window systems in which the frame and sash elements are manufactured predominantly from extruded aluminium sections. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this particular material or mode of construction.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Sliding windows and doors are well known and commonly used in the building industry. In many applications they offer functional and aesthetic advantages over hinged doors and windows. However, as the door or window must slide freely within the fixed frame for ease of use, it has proven difficult to provide an effective weather seal when the window or door is closed. To address this, it has been found that frame designs which incorporate a so called"van door"type closing action are able to provide an adequate seal around most of the window or door."Van door"type closing refers to a closing mechanism which, by means of guides, cams or the like, laterally displaces the sliding sash of the window or door toward the surrounding frame as it moves to a closed position thereby causing the sliding sash to engage weather seals arranged around the perimeter of the sliding sash. In addition, the guides and/or cams act to retain the sliding sash against the window/door frame whilst it is in the closed position.

While this form of closing may provide a seal around the majority of the frame, it is difficult to obtain adequate sealing against, for example, wind driven rain at the corners of the window or door. In particular, the corners nearest the sill are specially crucial as they are more exposed to the weather.

Additionally, there are a number of shortcomings with the weather seals used to seal around the perimeter of the sliding sash. Firstly, it is often time consuming and labour intensive to apply the weather seal around the perimeter of the sash.

Furthermore, known weather seals often add an undesirable degree of friction to the sliding sash during the sliding operation of the window or door. Additionally, weather seals such as foam seals often require a substantial degree of compression before providing effective sealing which results in the sliding sash being difficult to close.

It is an object of the various aspects of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention provides a sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including respective frame members which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed position, wherein said sealing arrangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on said sliding sash, and wherein upon moving said

sliding sash to said closed position said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members.

More particularly, the present invention provides a sealing arrangement at an end of the interlock between the fixed and sliding sashes of a sliding window or door.

In a preferred form of the invention, the seal is provided by means of a moving seal element carried on the sliding sash at the end of its interlock stile which cooperates with a fixed seal located between the corresponding end of the interlock stile of the fixed sash and a sill or head frame member of the window or door.

Preferably, the fixed seal element is formed from a deformable material. More preferably, the fixed seal member is formed from a rubber compound.

Preferably, the moving seal element is formed from a deformable material.

More preferably, the moving seal element is formed from a rubber compound.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a seal for a sliding window or door, said seal including a first sealing element and a second sealing element, said first sealing element in the form of a flap and said second sealing element in the form of a deformable bulb section.

Preferably the second sealing element is of a hollow cross-section.

Preferably the first sealing element is made of a rubber compound.

Preferably, the first and second sealing members are carried on a backing member. Preferably the backing member is configured in the form of a strip.

A yet further aspect of the present invention provides a sealing arrangement for a sliding window or door, said sliding window or door including a fixed sash and a sliding sash, said sliding sash movable between a closed position and an open

position, said fixed and sliding sashes each including respective frame members which are positioned adjacent each other when said sliding sash is moved to said closed position, wherein said sealing arrangement includes a fixed seal element and a moving seal element, said moving seal element carried on said sliding sash, and wherein upon moving said sliding sash to said closed position said fixed and moving seal elements cooperate with each other to provide a seal at an end of said adjacent frame members, said sliding window or door further including a seal to provide sealing between said fixed sash and said sliding sash, said seal including first sealing element and a second sealing element, said first sealing element in the form of a flap and said second sealing element in the form of a deformable bulb section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various novel and inventive aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a partly assembled sliding window or door incorporating one preferred embodiment of the sealing arrangement of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a length of window or door sill frame member with an interlock sill seal according to the present invention positioned thereon; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional end view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a plan view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal depicted in Figure 2;

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c depict end, plan, and perspective views respectively of one embodiment of the interlock sill seal; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sill frame member and interlock sill seal shown in Figure 2 in conjunction with a corner stake member of the sliding sash of the window or door; Figure 7 is a plan view of the arrangement depicted in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the sliding sash depicted in a partially open position; Figure 9 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the sliding sash depicted in a closed position; Figure 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the interlock assembly of a sliding window or door incorporating a further preferred embodiment of the sealing arrangement of the present invention; Figure 11 depicts the interlock assembly of Figure 10, with the sliding sash shown in a raised position so as to illustrate the interlock sealing element carried on the end of the sliding interlock stile seal according to the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of a sliding sash with the sliding sash sealing components removed; Figures 13a to 13c depict a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in an open position and illustrating the fixed and moving interlock sealing elements; Figures 14a to 14c depict a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in a closed position and illustrating the fixed and moving interlock sealing elements;

Figures 15a to 15j depict various views of a further preferred embodiment of the fixed interlock sealing element; Figures 16a to 16j depict various views of a yet further preferred embodiment of the fixed interlock sealing element; Figures 17a to 17j depict various views of a further preferred embodiment of the moving interlock sealing element; Figures 18a and 18b depict end and perspective views respectively of a preferred embodiment of a weather seal according to a further aspect of the present invention; Figures 19a and 19b depict end and perspective views respectively of the weather seal positioned in a sliding sash frame member; Figures 20a and 20b depict cross-sectional end and top views respectively of an assembled sliding window or door illustrating the sliding sash weather seal whilst the sliding sash is in an open position; and Figures 21a and 21b depict cross-sectional end and top views respectively of a sliding window or door assembly illustrating the sliding sash weather seal whilst in a closed position.

DISCUSSION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figure 1, a cut-away perspective view of the interlocking stiles of a fixed and a sliding sash of a sliding window or door assembly 1 is shown. The assembly 1 includes a sliding sash 2 mounted on a sill member 3 and adapted for sliding movement along the length of the sill. The sill 3 is preferably an extruded section, and is further preferably formed from aluminium. The sill 3 includes an integrally formed rail 11 upon which the sliding sash is mounted and which acts to

guide the sliding movement of the sliding sash. The assembly further includes a fixed sash 4 positioned on the sill. In the embodiment depicted the fixed sash 4 is positioned on the exterior (weather) side of the sill 3. Both the fixed and sliding sashes include stiles 5 & 6 respectively which extend in a direction perpendicular to the sill and the direction of the sliding movement of the sliding sash. The stiles 5 & 6 include tongues 7 & 8 respectively which are adapted to overlap and interlock when the sliding sash 2 is moved to its closed position. The various frame elements are preferably extruded aluminium sections although, as mentioned above, the present invention is not limited to this particular material or mode of construction. For example, the various frame elements may be formed from extruded polymers, pultruded reinforced polymers, extruded metal such as aluminium, timber or any combination thereof. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity the panels carried by the sliding and fixed sashes have been omitted. In use, panels such as, for example panes of glass, would be located in recesses 9 & 10 of the sashes respectively.

Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the window or door sill 3 shown in Figure 1 with a sealing element 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention located thereon.

In the particular embodiment depicted, the sealing element 20 is adapted to engage with a longitudinally extending lip 12 of the window sill extrusion and to mate with the external recess 13 of the sill, thereby aiding in the sealing of the window.

The location of the seal on the sill is also depicted in Figures 3 and 4 which depict end and plan views respectively of Figure 2. It is to be noted that the profile of the sill 3 can be varied and that in some forms of the invention the longitudinally extending lip

12 and recess 13 may be omitted and the form of the sealing element 20 configured to suit. The sealing element 20 includes an outer sealing face 21 shaped to conform with the outer surface of the sill 3.

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c depict end, plan and perspective views respectively of a preferred embodiment of the fixed sealing element 20. The sealing element 20 is provided with an outer surface or face 21 adapted to seat upon the external face of the sill 3 and thereby provide a seal against the ingress of water and/or wind. In the embodiment depicted, the sealing element 20 further includes a recessed mating portion 22 which is adapted to engage with the lip 12 of the sill 3, thereby aiding in locating and retaining the sealing element in position on the sill. However, as mentioned above, the profile of the sill may vary and may not necessarily include the lip portion 12 depicted and accordingly the shape of the sealing element 20 may vary correspondingly. Preferably the sealing element 20 is made of a deformable material, such as rubber, so as to enable it to conform to the shape of the external surface of the sill 3.

The sealing element 20 is preferably adapted to include a means for locating with respect to the fixed sash. In the embodiment depicted the seal element includes a notched recess 23 in its outer face to provide for location of the seal with respect to a fixed sash of the window. In particular, the notched recess 23 mates with a corresponding notch on a frame element of the fixed sash. To further provide for location of the seal, a longitudinally extending slot 24 is provided into which an edge of the interlock tongue 8 of the stile of the fixed sash 4 is located.

A further feature of the preferred embodiment of the sealing element 20 is a tapered face 25 on the leading end 26 of the seal to assist in the sealing action as the fixed and moving interlocking stiles of the window or door come into engagement upon closing of the window or door.

Referring to Figure 6, a corner joining element 30, or stake, of the sliding window or door sash is depicted mounted on the window sill 3. For the sake of clarity, and to illustrate an aspect of the sealing arrangement of the present invention, the various frame elements of the fixed and sliding sashes have been omitted from Figure 6. The corner joining element 30 is adapted to provide a corner connection between perpendicular frame elements of the sliding sash. The corner joining element 30 is further adapted for mounting upon the rail section 11 of the window or door sill 3. In a further aspect of the present invention the corner stake 30 carries a sealing member 32 which, in use, cooperates with the deformable fixed seal 20 on the sill to provide for sealing between the fixed and sliding sashes at the end of the interlocking stiles 5 & 6. It should be noted that the movable sealing member 32 may be either integrally formed with the corner stake 30, or alternatively, formed separate thereto.

In one embodiment, the movable sealing member 32 may be manufactured from a relatively hard material such as nylon. Upon closing of the window or door, the moving seal element 32 carried on the moving window or door sash passes up and over the tapered leading surface 25 of the fixed seal 20 and is positioned thereon when the window or door is in a fully closed position. The nose section 33 of the movable sealing member 32 is slightly rounded in order to more easily enable the moving seal to pass over the fixed seal. The weight of the sliding sash bearing on the moving seal

element 32 causes the moving seal to compress the fixed seal 20 so that the fixed seal deforms partially around the moving seal 32, thereby closing any gaps between and/or surrounding the adjacent seals and providing a weather-tight seal at the base of the interlocking tongues 7 and 8 and between sill 3 and the interlock stiles 5 & 6 of the fixed and sliding sashes 4 and 2 respectively.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the fixed seal 20 may be manufactured from a relatively hard material, whilst the moving seal 32 is manufactured from a deformable material, such as rubber, so as to effect sealing at the end of the fixed and moving stiles 5 & 6. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, both the fixed seal 20 and the moving seal 32 are both formed from relatively deformable materials.

In yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention, sufficient weather sealing of the end of the fixed and moving stiles may be provided without relying upon material deformation of the fixed and/or moving seals. In this embodiment of the invention, the fixed and moving seals may be configured to cooperate with each other when the sliding sash is moved to a closed position. For example, the fixed and moving seals may be provided with mating surfaces or shapes such that when the seals are moved into cooperating positions a weather-tight seal is formed at the base of the interlocking stiles. For example, the seals may be provided with labyrinthine forms which cooperate with each other upon moving the sliding sash to a closed position.

Referring to Figures 1,8 and 9, a further preferred feature of the sealing arrangement of the present invention is the provision of a wedge-shaped sealing element 40 within the interlock channel of the stile of the fixed sash. The sealing

element 40 is adapted such that upon the sliding window or door sash being moved to a closed position the tongue 8 of the stile 6 of the sliding sash mates with surface 41 of the seal 40 to provide sealing along the stile channel. Preferably the wedge-shaped sealing element 40 is manufactured from a resilient material which provides a degree of compliance when the stile engages with the seal 40.

As depicted in Figures 1,8 and 9 the channel of the fixed stile 5 is provided with a rib 50 for ensuring correct location of the seal member 40 and for retaining the seal in position within the channel.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the sealing member 32 carried on the sliding sash includes a tapered face 34. The angle of the tapered face corresponds with the tapered surface 42 of the wedge-shaped seal element 40 in the stile of the fixed sash. The tapered face 34 is preferred so as to allow the moving seal member to progressively fill the gap between the sill hump rail and the exterior part of the fixed sash interlock as the window or door closes, whilst avoiding interference with the tongue 7 of the fixed stile 5.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in order to provide additional sealing along the length of the interlock of the stiles of the fixed and sliding sashes, it is also preferable for a deformable seal 55, preferably made of foam, to be located within the channel 54 of the stile of the sliding sash. It is further preferable that the seal 55 extend along the full length of the channel 54 to provide sealing therealong.

In a further aspect of the present invention provision is made in either the sash extrusions, or in the corresponding parts of the external frame with which the sliding sash mates upon closing, for the fitting of a weather seal. Preferably the weather seal

is located inside the sliding sash extrusions. Preferably the weather seal is arranged such that as the closed window is pushed by external wind pressure, the sash further compresses the seal to better seal the window against the ingress of wind and rainwater. A novel and inventive form of weather seal will be described herein with particular reference to Figures 18a and 18b.

In a further aspect of the present invention, cams and/or guide means are incorporated in the sliding window or door to urge the sliding sash laterally as it closes for the purposes of sealing.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a interlock assembly of a sliding window or door is depicted in a closed position. The sliding sash 2 is located on and guided by the rail 11 which is integrally formed in the frame member 3. In the closed position, the interlock stile members 5,6 are in a position such that the respective tongues 7,8 overlap and interlock. Sealing elements 40,55 are located within the channels interlock stiles 5,6 respectively to provide for sealing along the length of the interlock. Figure 11 illustrates the sliding sash 2 in a raised position so as to reveal the end seal element 32 which locates on the end of the moving stile 6.

Referring to Figure 12, a sliding sash assembly 2 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted, along with the various sealing components which are carried on the sliding sash. When assembled, the sliding sash carries a sealing element 32 to provide sealing at the end of the interlock stiles when the sliding sash is in a closed position. The embodiment of the sealing element 32 depicted is adapted to be located and retained upon the end of the interlock stile

member 6 of the sliding sash. In order to reduce friction upon closing whilst also enabling a seal against the ingress of water, the sealing element preferably includes one or more raised surfaces 36 which seal upon one or more corresponding surfaces of the fixed seal element 20. In the preferred embodiment depicted the sealing element 22 includes a pair of ribs 36 which seat upon corresponding sealing surfaces of the fixed sill seal element 20. It should be appreciated that the shape and configuration of the sealing element 32 may vary depending upon the cross-sectional form of the interlock stile member 6. As discussed above, the sliding sash further includes an interlock seal 55, preferably in the form of a deformable foam or rubber strip, which is located within the channel 54 of the stile 6 of the sliding sash so as to provide for sealing along the length of the interlock stile when the sliding sash is in a closed position. Additionally, in accordance with a further inventive aspect of the present invention, the sliding sash 2 carries a weather seal 60 so as to provide for sealing between the fixed and sliding sash frame members. The weather seal is configured in the form of a strip and is located and retained inside the sliding sash frame member 70 by means of a pair of opposing slots 71a, 71b located within the sash frame member.

It is further preferable for the weather seal 60 to be located on the external (weather) side of the window or door. The weather seal 60 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 18a and 18b.

Figures 13a to 13c, and 14a to 14c, provide a partial perspective view of the interlock assembly in open and closed positions respectively, and illustrate the components of the sealing arrangement at the end of the interlock stiles. The sealing arrangement at the end of the interlock stiles includes a fixed sealing element 20

carried on the sill frame member 3, whilst the sliding sash 2 carries a mating sealing member 32 located at the end of the interlock stile. When the sliding sash 2 is moved to a fully closed position as shown in Figure 14b, the sealing member 32 at the end of the interlock stile seats upon the sealing member carried on the sill member 3 so as to effect sealing engagement at the end of the interlock. The fixed sealing element 20 preferably includes an outwardly extending sealing member which locates within the channel 54 of the moving stile 6 and engages with the sealing surface (s) of the sealing member 32 when the sliding sash is moved to its closed position. It is to be noted that a corresponding sealing arrangement may be provided at both ends of the interlock.

Figures 15a to 15j depict various views of a further preferred embodiment of the fixed interlock sealing element 20. The sealing element 20 is adapted to engage with the end of a fixed interlock stile. Accordingly, it should be noted that the particular form of the sealing element 20 may vary depending upon the cross-sectional form of the interlock stile. The sealing element 20 is further adapted to seat upon an outer face of the window or door sill, and includes an outer sealing face 21 shaped to conform with the outer surface of the sill 3. Preferably the sealing face 21 includes a lip 27 which engages with a corresponding longitudinally extending groove on the sill member 3 so as to provide for the correct location of the seal element 20 on the sill.

The seal element 20 may include a tapered leading face 25 so to provide for easier engagement with the moving seal element 32 carried on the end of the moving interlock stile as the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to its closed position. In the preferred embodiment depicted, the seal element 20 includes a pair of sealing faces 28,29 upon which the moving interlock seal element 32 seats when the

sliding sash of the window or door is in its closed position. When the sliding sash of the window or door is moved to its closed position the ribs 36 of the moving seal 32 seat upon the faces 28,29 of the fixed seal 20. The outwardly extending member 31 on the fixed seal 20 locates within the channel 54 of the moving stile 6, with the tongue 8 of the moving stile locating in the space 37 behind the member 31. The embodiment of the fixed interlock sealing element depicted is adapted to seat upon an inclined external face of a window or door sill, such as that which is typical of a lower sill of a sliding window or door.

Figures 16a to 16j depict various views of a further form of the fixed seal element 20. In this form, it is to be noted that the sealing face 21 of the fixed seal which seats on the sill frame member 3 is substantially parallel to the sealing face which cooperates with the moving seal on the end of the moving interlock stile and typically the seal member is used for providing sealing at the upper end of the interlock where the sill member 3 does not have an inclined outer face.

Figures 17a to 17j depict various views of a particularly preferred embodiment of the moving seal element 32. The moving seal element 32 is adapted to engage with the end of the moving interlock stile 6 of the sliding sash of the window or door.

Accordingly, it should be noted that the particular form of the sealing element 32 may vary depending on the cross-sectional form of the interlock stile. The seal element includes ribs 36 which seat upon faces 28,29 of the fixed seal 20. The seal element further includes a member 3 8 which locates within the channel 54 at the end of the moving stile 6. The member 3 8 preferably includes a tapered leading face so as to facilitate engagement with the fixed seal element 20 as the sliding sash of the window

or door is moved to its closed position. The member 38 may also include a notch 39 as shown which cooperates with a complementary rib within the channel 54 of the moving stile to assist in the location of the seal on the end of the stile.

Referring to Figures 18a and 18b, an end view and a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the weather seal 60 is depicted. In the preferred embodiment depicted, the weather seal includes a pair of sealing elements; namely, a deformable "bulb"seal element 61 and a flap seal element 62. The bulb seal is preferably formed of an easily deformable rubber material and is preferably of hollow cross-section. The pair of sealing elements are located on a relatively rigid backing member 63, preferably in the form of a strip. The configuration of the weather seal provides for the seal to be inserted into a corresponding slotted section in the sliding sash frame members as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 18a and 18b.

The sealing faces of the pair of sealing elements 61,62 are located in planes which are at an angle with respect to each other. In use, the weather seal is configured and positioned in the frame member such that the flap seal 62 provides an outer, primary sealing boundary whilst the bulb seal 61 provides an inner, secondary sealing boundary.

Referring to Figures 19a and 19b, an end view and perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a sliding sash frame member 70 are depicted with the weather sealing element 60 located in position within the frame member. Preferably the frame member 70 includes a pair of longitudinally extending internal slots 71 a, 71b within which the weather seal is located and retained. To assemble the weather seal on the sliding sash frame member, one end of an appropriate length of weather

seal 60 is located within the slots 71a, 71b and the weather seal 60 is then slid into position along the length of the channel defined by slots 71a, 71b. By configuring the weather seal 60 and sash frame member 70 so as to enable the sliding fitment of the seal within the sash frame member, significant advantages in assembly time and labour requirements are provided, as well as enabling consistent and accurate assembly of the weather seal within the sash frame.

Referring to Figures 20a and 20b, the sash assembly is depicted in an open position. As described previously, the sill member 3 includes a hump section 11 upon which the sliding sash 2 is located and guided.

Referring to Figures 2 la and 21b, the sliding sash is depicted in the closed position. In this position, a wedge element 75 carried on the inside of the sliding sash engages with an outwardly extending hump section 76 on the window or door frame to cause the sliding sash to move laterally. In doing so, the weather seals 60 located around the periphery of the sliding sash are pressed against the respective frame sections of the window or door frame to effect sealing around the periphery of the sliding sash. The bulb member 61 of the peripheral seal deforms such that an area of its outer surface conforms to the outer surface of the fixed frame sections. Preferably, the lower flap 62 of the weather seal is sized such that the leading edge 64 of the flap extends to a position near or below the outer edge of the sash, thereby minimising the ingress of water due to the action of surface tension. Essentially, the flap seal element diverts any water back outwards and the deformable bulb acts as a secondary sealing line in the event that the first sealing line provided by the flap is breached.

Advantageously, the slide-in configuration of the peripheral seal reduces assembly time and, as no skill is required in assembly of the seal on the moving sash, the performance of the peripheral seal is consistent and predictable. Furthermore, the rubber bulb and flap sealing elements provide only minimal drag during the sliding operation of the sash and yet provide effective sealing when pushed up against the hump sections of the fixed frame by the van door closing action at the end of the travel of the sliding sash.

Whilst the present invention has been described in the context of a horizontally sliding window or door, it should be noted that the invention may also be applied to vertically opening windows.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.