Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of windows and window frames, in particular, but not exclusively, for use with roof windows such as skylights. The invention also relates to associated methods, such as of installation of windows and window frames.

Background

The benefits of natural light are well-known in terms of eyesight, psychology and environmental friendliness. Accordingly, it is increasingly popular to install windows in surfaces that may otherwise be closed to the transmission of light. For example, windows or skylights are fitted to many types of roofs, from flat roofs to various angles of sloping roof. There are many different types of covering for roofs, ranging from tiles or slates to panels or sheets, for example copper or waterproof membranes such as bituminous roof felt. Roof windows are often fitted to an upstand projecting from the roof, to provide water run-off from the window onto the roof covering. However, fitting a roof window to an upstand can present a security risk or a source of weakness for water penetration of a roof.

Summary

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a roof window frame for mounting a roof window to a roof upstand, the frame comprising:

a first frame portion for supporting an aperture cover, the first frame portion configured to be attached to the roof upstand by a fastening arrangement; and

a second frame portion attachable to the first frame portion, wherein the second frame portion is configured to prevent or at least inhibit access to the fastening arrangement. The frame may be configured to prevent or at least inhibit (e.g. unauthorised) access to the fastening arrangement and/or to prevent or at least inhibit water access to the fastening arrangement. The frame may be configured such that the fastening arrangement does not penetrate a side portion of the upstand. For example, the first frame portion may comprise a fastening arrangement interface wherein the fastening arrangement interface is configured to align the fastening arrangement with an upper portion of the upstand. The upper portion of the upstand may comprise an upper surface of the upstand, such as an upwardly-facing surface. The fastening arrangement may attach the first frame portion via the fastening arrangement interface such that the fastening arrangement penetrates the upstand above the upstand side portion. Penetrating the upstand with the fastening arrangement above the upstand side portion may prevent or inhibit water penetration into the upstand, such as water penetration via a fastening arrangement through a waterproof covering on the upstand side portion.

The fastening arrangement interface may comprise a surface configured to receive the fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement interface may comprise a surface configured to position the fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement interface may comprise a recess. The fastening arrangement interface may comprise an aperture. The fastening arrangement interface may comprise a blind aperture. The fastening arrangement interface may be configured to connect the first frame portion to the upstand at an angle to the upstand (e.g. non-perpendicular, non-vertical, and/or non-horizontal, such as between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the upstand).

The first frame portion may comprise a flange. The flange may comprise the fastening arrangement interface. The frame may be configured to position the fastening arrangement interface adjacent the upper portion of the upstand. The fastening arrangement may comprise an adhesive; and/or a snap-on; and/or a fastener such as a screw, bolt, nail or the like.

The frame may be configured to provide visibility of and/or access to the upstand side portion after mounting the first frame portion to the upstand. Providing access to the upstand side portion after mounting the first frame portion may allow for an inspection and/or a treatment of the roof, such as the application of a waterproof covering, before and/or after the mounting of the first frame portion. The frame may enable an aperture to be covered prior to waterproofing the roof. It may be useful to cover the aperture with the frame (and preferably a permanent aperture covering supported by the frame), prior to waterproofing the roof. For example, the aperture may otherwise allow undesirable water passage prior to completion of the waterproofing of the roof. (Permanently) waterproofing the roof adjacent the aperture may represent a more time-consuming and/or labour-intensive and/or condition-dependent (e.g. weather-dependent) procedure than mounting the first frame portion. Accordingly, mounting the first frame portion may represent a quick and/or efficient step in (temporarily and/or permanently) waterproofing a roof. Covering a roof aperture at an early stage may also improve safety, such as reducing a risk of falling through an uncovered or temporarily covered roof aperture (e.g. whilst laying a waterproof covering). Providing access to the upstand side portion after mounting the first frame portion and/or penetrating the upstand with the fastening arrangement above the upstand side portion may allow for subsequent installation and/or inspection and/or repair and/or replacement of a waterproof covering adjacent the aperture. The second frame portion may be configured to cover the fastening arrangement. The second frame portion may be configured to substantially cover the upstand side portion. The second frame portion may comprise a side cover. The second frame portion may be configured to conceal the fastening arrangement. The second frame portion may be configured to shield the fastening arrangement (e.g. from rain, water run-off, impact, or the like).

The second frame portion may be attachable to the first frame portion via an interengaging coupling arrangement. The interengaging coupling arrangement may comprise a releasable coupling arrangement. The interengaging coupling arrangement may comprise a selectively releasable coupling arrangement. The interengaging coupling arrangement may comprise a non-releasable coupling arrangement. The interengaging coupling arrangement may comprise a selectively non-releasable coupling arrangement. The interengaging coupling arrangement may comprise a locking mechanism. The interengaging coupling arrangement may comprise a snap-fit. The second frame portion may comprise a first part of the interengaging coupling arrangement. The third frame portion may comprise a second part of the interengaging coupling arrangement. The frame may comprise an adhesive. The interengaging coupling arrangement may comprise an adhesive such that the interengaging coupling arrangement is substantially fixed.

The frame may be configured to prevent or at least inhibit forced removal. The frame may be configured to at least partially absorb and/or distribute an applied force, such as an applied downward and/or lateral force (e.g. from an impact, such as striking or kicking; and/or from a continuous force such as pulling or prising).

The second frame portion may be movable relative to the first frame portion when attached to the first frame portion. The second frame portion may be relatively movable without disengaging the interengaging coupling arrangement. Allowing the second frame portion to be movable relative to the first frame portion may prevent or reduce and/or distribute a transfer of applied force from the second frame portion to the first frame portion.

The second frame portion may be attachable to the first frame portion via a third frame portion. The third frame portion may comprise a resilient element. The third frame portion may be configured to at least partially absorb and/or distribute a force. The third frame portion may be configured to provide relative movement between the second frame portion relative to the third frame portion and/or the first frame portion in the event of an applied force (such as an impact to the second frame portion). The third frame portion may be configured to provide a resilient displacement and/or deformation of the interengaging coupling arrangement in the event of an applied force. Providing such resilient displacement and/or deformation may assist in preventing damage to the frame portion/s and/or the coupling arrangement and/or preventing release of the interengaging coupling arrangement.

The frame may comprise a predefined weakness, such as a predefined mechanical flaw. The second frame portion may comprise the predefined weakness. The predefined weakness may be configured to provide a first failure mode. For example, in the event of an attempted forced removal of the second frame portion, the frame portion may bend and/or break at the predefined weakness. The predefined weakness may be configured to prevent or at least inhibit access to the fastening arrangement subsequent to failure at the predefined weakness. The weakness may be located below the fastening arrangement interface and/or below the interengaging coupling arrangement.

The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may comprise a discrete member/s. Providing discrete frame portion members may allow for separate transportation and/or installation and/or replacement. Separate transportation and/or installation may reduce a risk of damage to a frame portion prior to installation.

The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may be integrally formed. For example, the second frame portion may be connected to the first frame portion by an integral hinge. The first frame portion may comprise at least the third frame portion. Integrally forming at least some of the frame portions may provide for ease of manufacture and/or transportation and/or installation.

The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may comprise a longitudinal member. The longitudinal member may be configured to be arranged along an edge region of the frame. The longitudinal member may be configured to define the edge region of the frame.

The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may comprise an extrusion. The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may comprise aluminium. The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may comprise a coating, such as a powder coating. The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may comprise a moulding. The first and/or second and/or third frame portion/s may comprise a plastic, such as reinforced plastic.

The frame may be configured to prevent or at least inhibit access to the fastening arrangement to a user without a release tool. The frame may be configured to substantially limit access to the fastening arrangement to only a user with the release tool. The second frame portion may be releasably attachable to the first frame portion. The second frame portion may be releasable from the first frame portion with the use of the release tool. The release tool may be bespoke. The release tool may be configured to disengage the interengaging coupling arrangement. The second frame portion may be releasable by selectively deflecting, deforming or displacing the second or third frame portion/s (e.g. with the tool).The frame may be configured such that the second frame portion is releasably attachable more than once. The second frame portion may be releasably attachable by selectively deflecting, deforming or displacing the second or third frame portion/s (e.g. with the tool).

The first frame portion may be configured to project beyond the upstand and optionally project beyond a component attached to the upstand, such as a waterproofing material (e.g. roof felt) attached or to be attached to the upstand. The first frame portion may comprise an overhang. The overhang may be configured to substantially cover an upper edge of the upstand, such as an outer upper edge of the upstand.

The first frame portion may be configured to support a planar aperture covering, such as a panel or a window pane; and/or to support a three-dimensional aperture covering, such as a dome or a pyramid.

The frame may comprise the aperture covering. For example, the frame may be fitted with an aperture covering prior to transportation to the installation site. The frame may comprise a seal between the aperture covering and the first frame portion. The seal may comprise an aperture covering face seal, such as below the aperture covering. The seal may comprise an aperture covering edge seal, such as a vertical seal between the aperture covering edge and the first frame portion. The seal may comprise a wet seal, such as putty and/or silicon or the like. The seal may comprise a dry seal, such as a gasket or rubber strip or the like. The frame may comprise a fixed frame. Alternatively, the frame may comprise an openable frame. For example, the frame may comprise and/or be connected to a hinge such that the frame can be pivoted relative to the upstand (e.g. to open the window upwards). The frame may comprise a polygonal frame, such as hexagonal, triangular or square. The frame may comprise a rectilinear frame for covering a rectilinear aperture. One or more sides of the frame may comprise at least a first frame portion. Each side of the frame may comprise at least a first frame portion. Alternatively, at least one side of the frame may comprise first and second frame portions and at least one other side of the frame may comprise an alternative frame member such as a vertical upstand or a longitudinal structural member.

The frame portion/s may be configured to be longitudinally connected. For example, the first frame portion may comprise an attachment feature for connecting two adjacent (e.g. two abutting) first frame portions. The frame portion/s may be configured to be angularly connected. For example, the first frame portion may comprise a sufficient lateral cross-sectional profile to allow mitred connections, such as a welding of two first portions to each other at a 90 degree angle. The frame may comprise a plurality of second and/or third frame portions for each first frame portion. For example, multiple third frame portions may be distributed along a length of a single first frame portion. The third frame portions maybe evenly distributed. The third frame portions may be positioned adjacent the fastening arrangement. For example, the plurality of third frame portions may be positioned between a plurality of fasteners along a length of the first frame portion. The number and/or relative lengths of the plurality of third frame portions may vary according to a desired degree of security. For example an increase in the number and/or relative length (e.g. total length of third frame portions relative to the first frame portion) may increase a force required to release and/or apply the second frame portion.

The third frame portion/s may be attached to the first frame portion prior to and/or during and/or after mounting the first frame portion to the upstand. The third frame portion/s may be attached to the first frame portion with an adhesive. The frame may comprise a plurality of first and/or third frame portions for each second frame portion. For example, a plurality of first frame portions may be longitudinally connected and fewer second frame portions, such as a single second frame portion, provided to cover substantially the combined length of the plurality of first frame portions. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a roof window frame to a roof upstand, the method comprising:

attaching a first frame portion to a roof upstand by a fastening arrangement, the first frame portion being configured to support an aperture cover; and

attaching a second frame portion to the first frame portion such that the second frame portion prevents or at least inhibits access to the fastening arrangement.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. For example, features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to the first aspect, may be equally be appropriate as features of embodiments relating to the second aspect, and vice versa. Features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to apparatus, may be equally appropriate as features of embodiments relating specifically to methods, and vice versa.

It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful in providing roof window frames. The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-

Figure 1 shows a roof window frame in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, with the roof window frame mounted to a roof upstand;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional representation of a first frame portion of the roof window frame of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of a second frame portion of the roof window frame of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional representation of a third frame portion of the roof window frame of Figure 1 ; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional representation of the roof window frame of Figure 1 with the first, second and third frame portions of Figures 2 to 4 in a mounted configuration;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional representation of the mounted configuration of Figure 5 mounted to the roof upstand in a first arrangement;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional representation of the mounted configuration of Figure 5 mounted to the roof upstand in a second arrangement; and

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a roof window frame in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a roof window frame 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The roof window frame 10 is shown mounted to a roof upstand 12.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional representation of a first frame portion 14 of the roof window frame 10 of Figure 1 . The first frame portion 14 comprises a rebate 16 for supporting a planar flat window pane. In the embodiment shown, the first frame portion 14 comprises an angular mounting surface 18 for supporting a domed or pyramid- shaped window pane. The first frame portion 14 has a longitudinally extending flange 20. The flange 20 comprises grooves 22 to provide alignment for inserting a fastener such as a screw through the flange 20. The flange 20 is angled with respect to the rebate 16 such that the fastener is aligned at angle of approximately 45 degrees to the rebate 16 and will penetrate the upstand 12 at an angle of about 45 degrees.

The angular mounting surface 18 has an alignment groove 23 for aligning a fastener (e.g. a screw) or a drill bit for mounting a domed or pyramid-shaped pane. The alignment groove 23 is positioned opposite the centre of fixing channel 25 between two bosses 28, 30. The fixing channel 25 is configured to accommodate a lock nut, such as a square or hex nut for receiving a bolt through the pane and a hole at the alignment groove 23.

The first frame portion 14 is a powder-coated aluminium extrusion. Accordingly, the rebate 16, the angular mounting surface 18 and the flange 20 extend along the length of the first frame portion 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the frame 10 comprises four similar first portions 14, each welded to adjacent first portions 14 at mitred corners, to form a substantially square window frame 10. In alternative embodiments, other froms of frame may be formed by welding or otherwise joining frame portions.

The first frame portion 14 has an upper and a lower longitudinal channel 24, 26. The longitudinal channels 24, 26 provide apertures for attachment at the longitudinal ends of the first frame portions 14. The longitudinal channels 24, 26 define partial substantially cylindrical surfaces for receiving fasteners such as dowelling and/or screws, in particular self-tapping screws. Accordingly, multiple first frame portions 14 may be longitudinally connected to create a frame side longer than a single first frame portion 14.

The first frame portion 14 has a first recess 30 for receiving a second frame portion. The upper recess 30 is arcuate to allow the second portion to be pivotally mounted. The first frame portion 14 has a second recess 32 for receiving a third frame portion. The first frame portion 14 has a lip 34 for securing the third frame portion. The recesses 30, 32 and the lip 34 are formed with the extrusion and extend along the length of the first frame portion 14.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of a second frame portion 36 of the roof window frame 10 of Figure 1 . The second frame portion 36, in the form of a cover, has an upper protrusion 38 for insertion into the first recess 30 of the first frame portion 14 of Figure 2. The upper protrusion 38 is arcuate to allow the second frame portion 36 to be pivotally mounted to the first frame portion 14. The second frame portion 36 has a rib 40 with a notch 42 for snap-fitting.

The second frame portion 36 has a longitudinal groove 44 defining a mechanical weakness. The longitudinal groove 44 is positioned below the rib 40. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the second frame portion 36, such as by pulling at the bottom of the second frame portion 36 after snap-fitting, the first point of failure will be at the groove 44. The bottom 46 of the second frame portion 36 below the groove 44 will bend upwards or snap off, inhibiting removal of the top 48 of the second frame portion 36 above the groove 44. In the embodiment shown, the bottom 46 of the second frame portion 36 is mechanically weaker than the top 48 by virtue of a reduced thickness. Accordingly, the bottom 46 will deform by bending before the top 48, and may reduce force transmitted to the top 48. The protrusion 38 and the rib 40 are protected from damage. The protrusion 38 and the rib 40 are formed with the extrusion and extend along the length of the first frame portion 14. The second frame portion 36 is a partly-coated aluminium extrusion. The protrusion 38, the rib 40, the groove 44 and the transition in thickness are all comprised on an interior face of the second frame portion. Accordingly, the exterior face of the second frame portion 36 is substantially continuous, which may be aesthetically desirable, reduce wear, and/or conceal the construction/position of the frame or fastening mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the exterior face comprises an additional longitudinal groove 49 to allow for a predefined breakage along the exterior of the second frame portion 36. For example, in an alternative embodiment where an adhesive is applied such that the second frame portion 36 has become permanently attached, the additional longitudinal groove 49 defines a line for running a saw or grinder to release the second frame portion 36 (without damaging the first frame portion 14).

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional representation of a third frame portion 50 of the roof window frame 10 of Figure 1 . The third frame portion 50 is an intermediate member for connecting the second frame portion 36 to the first frame portion 14. The third frame portion 50 comprises an upright element 52 for insertion with the second recess 32 and the lip 34 of the first frame portion 14. The upright element 52 is configured to be shorter than a maximum separation between the recess 32 and the lip 34; and longer than a minimum separation between the lip 34 and the recess 32. Accordingly, the lip can be inserted into the lip 34 and recess 32 in one direction, and maintained in the lip 34 and recess 32 against removal in another direction. The third frame portion 50 has a pair of locking ribs 53 for maintaining the upright element 52 in the lip 34 of the first frame portion 14.

The third frame portion 50 comprises a lateral element 54 with a notched rib 56 for receiving the rib 40 of the second frame portion 36. The third frame portion 50 has a tool recess 58 for receiving a bespoke tool to force the lateral element 54 away from the rib 40 of the second frame portion 36 when engaged. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional representation of the roof window frame 10 of Figure 1 with the first, second and third frame portions 14, 36 and 50 of Figures 2 to 4 in a mounted configuration. For clarity, the fastening mechanism, upstand and aperture cover have been omitted from Figure 5.

To connect the second frame portion 36 to the first frame portion 14, the third frame portion 50 is first located in the first frame portion 14. A third frame portion 50 separate from the first frame portion 14 is used to provide flexible resilience at the notched rib 56 to facilitate interengagement with the notched rib 40 of the second frame portion 36. The cross-section in Figure 5 shows the first, second and third frame portions 14, 36 and 50. However it will be appreciated that, in the embodiment shown, the third frame portion 50 is shorter than the first frame portion 14 such that at a similar cross-section at a different location along the first frame portion 14 no third frame portion 50 would be shown.

The upright element 52 of the third frame portion 50 is inserted upwards into the second recess 32 of the first frame portion 14. The third frame portion 50 is pivoted about the second recess 32 towards the first frame portion 14 to position the pair of locking ribs 53 above the lip 34 of the first frame portion 14. The third frame portion 50 slides down onto the lip 34 such that the third frame portion 50 is laterally secured to the first frame portion 14 in the second recess 32 and by the lip 34. In alternative embodiments, the third frame portion 50 is glued to the first frame portion 14 to permanently secure the third frame portion 50 to the first frame portion 14. The arcuate protrusion 38 of the second frame portion 36 is inserted into the first recess 30 of the first frame portion 14. The second frame portion 36 is pivoted about the arcuate protrusion 38 towards the first frame portion 14. The notch 42 of the first frame portion's rib 40 is snap-fitted to the notched rib 56 of the third frame portion 50. Accordingly a bending moment is applied to the lateral element 54 of the third frame portion 50, maintaining an overall downward force on the third frame portion 50 such that the third frame portion 50 remains secured to the first frame portion 14.

In alternative embodiments the second and/or third frame portions 36, 50 may be connected to the first frame portion 14 and/or each other 50, 36 by sliding longitudinal engagement. The lateral element 54 of the third frame portion 50 is configured to accommodate an increase in bending moment such that the lateral element 54 can resiliently deflect downwards in the event of an increase in force at the notched rib 56 caused, for example, by an external force applied to the second frame portion 50. The notched ribs 40, 56 can slide away from each other to absorb or distribute an applied force, without disengaging the second and third frame portions 36, 50. Once an applied force is removed, the lateral element 54 and the first frame portion 36 may revert to the arrangement of Figure 5.

To disengage the notched ribs 40, 56 from each other 56, 40, a bespoke key (not shown) is inserted under the second frame portion 36. The key has a bespoke hook for insertion into the recess 58 of the third frame portion 50. The key can then be pulled downwards to deflect the lateral element 54 of the third frame portion 50 and disengage the notched rib 56 from the second frame portion 36. With all of the third frame portions 50 disengaged, the second frame portion 36 can be removed (by pivoting outwards about the protrusion 38).

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional representation of the mounted configuration of Figure 5 mounted to the roof upstand 12. In the embodiment shown, a triple-glazed pane 60 is fitted to the frame 10. The pane 60 is fitted to the rebate 16 with a rubber seal (not shown) and a wet seal (not shown) is applied in the vertical space between the end edge of the pane 60 and the first frame portions 14. A thermal break 61 is provided to reduce heat loss. The pane 60 can be fitted to the frame 10 offsite, such as in a factory, for transportation and installation together with the frame 10. In alternative embodiments, other aperture coverings are used, such as single or double glazing.

To mount the first frame portion 14 to the upstand 12, an adhesive or sealant (not shown) is applied to the underside of the rebate 16 and/or on top of the upstand 12, to provide a seal between the first frame portion 14 and the upstand 12. In the embodiment shown, the first frame portion 14 is positioned on the upstand 12 such that the flange 20 overhangs an upper portion 62 of the upstand 12. In alternative embodiments, the flange 20 overhangs more; and in other alternative embodiments, the flange 20 does not overhang. A series of holes is made through the flange 20 using the grooves 22 for alignement. The first frame portion 14 is then fixed to the upper portion 62 of the upstand 12 using screws 64.through the flange 20 at an angle of about 45 degrees to the upstand 12.

The screws 64 are positioned along the length of the first frame portion 14 to firmly secure the first frame portion 14 to the upstand 12. The roof upstand 12 shown is a rectangular timber protrusion projecting upwards from a roof (not shown).

The roof adjacent the aperture now covered by the frame 10 with the pane 60 is still accessible, including a side portion 66 of the upstand 12 (substantially an entire side face of the upstand 12). Accordingly, a roof covering can be applied to the roof and upstand 12 after mounting the first frame portion 14 (with the pane 60). It can also be seen that the location of the screw 64 above the side portion 66 of the upstand 12 ensures that a roof covering is not comprised by the screw 64 passing through the roof covering.

Although all of the portions 14, 36, 50 shown are aluminium extrusions, the third frame portion 50 is cut to shorter lengths than the other frame portions 14, 36, to allow multiple third frame portions 50 to be mounted to the first frame portion 14 in between the screws 64. When the first frame portion 14 has been secured to the upstand 12, and the third frame portions 50 have been mounted to the first frame portion 14, the second frame portion 36 can be interengagingly mounted to conceal the screws 64. Sufficient lengths of third frame portions 50 ensure that a force required to remove the second frame portion 36 is suitably high to prevent undesired disengagement of the second frame portion 36. In alternative embodiments, an adhesive is applied to the interengaging coupling arrangement of the ribs 40 and 56 to increase the force required to remove the second frame portion 36.

The second frame portion 36 can only be removed with the aid of the bespoke key. In the event of attempted forced removal, such as by a prospective thief or vandal, the frame 10 is configured to prevent or at least inhibit access to the screws 64. If an attempt is made to pull the second frame portion 36 off by such as by pulling at the bottom 46 of the second frame portion 36, the bottom 46 of the second frame portion 36 below the groove 44 will bend upwards or snap off, inhibiting removal of the top 48 of the second frame portion 36 above the groove 44. The top 48 of the second frame portion 36 still conceals the screws 64 from access, such as from a prospective thief, and from rain. Accordingly, the screws 64 are protected from damage or undesired removal.

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional representation of the mounted configuration of Figure 5 mounted to the roof upstand 12 in a second arrangement. In the arrangement shown, a domed GRP 70 panel is mounted to the angular mounting surface 18 of the first frame portion 14, rather than a pane 60 to the rebate 16. Wet or dry seals (not shown) are used to seal the panel 70 to the first frame portion 14. The panel 70 is mounted using a series of nut and bolt arrangements 72 through holes drilled through the angular mounting surface 18 using the groove 23 for alignement. The nut is concealed within the frame 10 to inhibit unauthorised removal of the panel 70 from the frame 10. The nut is held in the fixing channel 25 between two bosses 28, 30 to aid installation. The bolt is dome-headed to provide tamper-resistance. In alternative embodiments, a spacer or smaller nut can be used to allow free rotation of the nut in the event that the bolthead used is not tamper-resistant (e.g. where a prospective thief/vandal attempts to unscrew the bolt, the nut may freely rotate within the frame 10, inhibiting bolt removal).

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a roof window frame 1 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The roof window frame 1 10 shown in Figure 8 is generally similar to that shown in Figure 1 , and as such like components share like reference numerals, incremented by 100. Accordingly, the roof window frame 1 10 comprises a plurality of first frame portions 1 14.

Three adjacent first frame portions 1 14 have been longitudinally connected along each major side 174, 176 of the frame 1 10. The first frame portions 1 14 are connected to each other using dowelling in upper and lower longitudinal channels of the first frame portions 1 14. An adhesive or sealant is used in between the longitudinally connected first frame portions 1 14. The first frame portion 1 14 along a minor side 178 is connected to the major sides 174, 176 with welded mitre corners. Another minor side 180 of the frame 1 10 is connected to a flat plate 182, rather than a first frame portion. The flat plate 182 is useful for particular installations, such as where the flat plate forms part of a roof upstand. In alternative embodiments, the other minor side of the frame is connected to a right angle rather than a flat plate; which may be useful for particular installations, such as where the right angle can be mounted to a structure other than an upstand. It will be appreciated that any of the aforementioned apparatus may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same apparatus.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, where a square frame shown it will be appreciated that different shapes may be provided in alternative embodiments. Similarly, where discrete portions (e.g. first and third) are shown, it will be appreciated that integral portions may be used in alternative embodiments.