AU2010202147B2

AU2010202147B2 - Window winder

Info

Publication number: AU2010202147B2
Application number: AU2010202147A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul Jordan
Original assignee: Trend Windows and Doors Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Trend Windows and Doors Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-02
Filing date: 2010-05-26
Publication date: 2016-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-26
Also published as: AU2010202147A1; NZ585648A

Abstract

A lockable window winder (1) for a hingedly connected window, the winder including a body (2) which is mountable to a fixed surface adjacent the window and an actuating element (7)movably mounted at its proximal end to the body and connectable to the window at its 5 distal end, such that movement of the actuating element causes the window to move between a closed and an open position. Also included is an operating mechanism mounted to the body for moving the actuating element, the operating mechanism including drive means and a handle (15). Locking means (21,22) are provided on the body which are configured to be moveable between an unlocked position in which the operating mechanism can move the 10 actuating element and a locking position in which the locking means acts directly on or obstructs the handle to thereby prohibit movement of the actuating element. In one form the winder is provided as a complete unit including the actuating element. In another form a conversion assembly is provided that converts an existing non locking window winder to a lockable winder. This is done by providing a replacement cover that 15 includes the locking mechanism along with an optional replacement handle. Figure 1 \OL \'3 1l

Description

WINDOW WINDER

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to security devices and in particular to security devices for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

The invention has been developed primarily for use as a lockable window winder and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and could be readily adapted for use with other hinged members such as doors or similar.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Residential, commercial and industrial buildings commonly include one or more windows which are hinged to a window frame such that the window can pivot between closed and open positions. Such hingedly connected windows are generally classified into two main categories, namely casement windows and awning windows, based on the location of the hinge or hinges. Casement windows are typically hinged along their left or right side vertical frame members. Awning windows are usually hinged along their upper or top horizontal frame member, however, in some forms can be hinged along their lower or bottom frame member.

To facilitate opening and closing of both casement and awning windows it is common to install a window winder which acts on the opposite edge (i.e. bottom edge for awning windows or other side edge for casement windows) of the window to which the hinge is mounted.

Some known window winders include a lock for preventing the window from being opened so as to inhibit unauthorised access to the building. The locks of these known winders generally employ relatively complex internal locking mechanisms that engage the window moving actuator elements and/or the associated drive mechanism. A disadvantage of internal locking mechanisms is that it is not readily apparent upon visual inspection of the device whether or not the window is in fact locked or unlocked. As such, a person who is unaware that the winder is locked may inadvertently apply extraneous force on the handle in an effort to open or close the window and, in doing so, could either weaken or destroy the locking mechanism. In addition, the complex nature of internal locking mechanisms necessarily results in known window winders being relatively expensive.

Furthermore, many known window winder devices are not sufficiently robust to provide the desired level of security required for a particular building, rather merely acting as a deterrent to unauthorised access.

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

It is also an object of the present invention in at least its preferred form to provide a window winder for enhancing the security of residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a window winder for a hingedly connected window, the window winder including: a body, the body being mountable to a fixed surface adjacent the window; an actuating element movably mounted at its proximal end to said body and connectable to the window at its distal end such that movement of said actuating element causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position; an operating member mounted on said body for moving said actuating element; and locking means mounted on said body and configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the handle is free to cause movement of said actuating element and a locking position in which the locking means acts directly on or obstructs the distal end of the handle, thereby to prohibit movement of the handle and the actuating element.

In one particular preferred form of the first aspect of the invention there is provided a window winder for a hingedly connected window, the window winder including: a body, the body being mountable to a fixed surface adjacent the window, an actuating element movably mounted at its proximal end to said body and connectable to the window at its distal end such that movement of said actuating element causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position; an operating mechanism mounted on said body and having a drive means and a handle, the handle extending from the body to a distal end, whereby movement of the handle causes a corresponding movement of the actuating element to move the window between the closed and open positions; and locking means mounted on said body and configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the handle is free to cause movement of said actuating element and a locking position in which the locking means acts directly on or obstructs a distal end of the handle, thereby to prohibit movement of the handle and the actuating element.

In certain preferred embodiments, the body includes a base portion and a cover portion. The fixed surface to which the body is mountable is preferably a window frame or a window sill. Preferably, the base portion defines a substantially planar mounting surface for mounting the body to the window sill. The base portion preferably has a plurality of holes for receiving fasteners to securely fix the body to the window sill, in use.

In some preferred forms, the cover portion is fixedly attached to the base portion. In other forms, the cover portion is releasably attached to the base portion.

The locking means preferably includes a slidably mounted detent, the detent being slideable relative to the body between a retracted unlocked position wherein the operating member can move the actuating element and an extended locking position wherein the detent interferes with the operating member to substantially prohibit movement of the actuating element. In preferred forms, the detent is in the form of an L-shaped tongue. It will be appreciated that in other forms, the detent can be a rotatably or pivotally mounted (or otherwise movable) locking protuberance configured to act on or obstruct the operating member.

Preferably, the locking means includes a key-operated lock cylinder operatively associated with the detent such that key operation of the cylinder slides the detent between the extended and retracted positions, as required.

The cover portion is preferably configured to house the locking means. More preferably, the cover portion is configured to house the key-operated lock cylinder and the slideable detent. In certain embodiments, a backing member is arranged behind the lock cylinder to position the lock cylinder such that the operative outer face of the lock cylinder is substantially flush with the outer surface of the cover. The backing member is preferably held in fixed relation relative to the cover by a fastener such as a screw. Preferably, the cover includes an opening through which the tongue can slide bi-directionally between the retracted and extended positions. The opening is preferably of complementary shape to the crosssectional profile of the locking tongue. It will be appreciated that the complementary shaped opening provides a guide for the tongue as the tongue slides through the opening. The locking tongue preferably has a flange for limiting the extent to which the tongue can extend from the opening in the cover.

The locking tongue is preferably adapted to provide a visual indication that the locking means is in the locking position or the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the locking tongue has indicia for indicating that the tongue is in the locking position wherein the indicia is visible when the tongue is in the extended locking position. In other embodiments, the locking tongue is formed of a different colour and/or material such that the locking tongue is readily visible when the tongue is in the extended position.

Preferably, the locking tongue is substantially concealed when the tongue is in the retracted position. It will be appreciated that when the tongue is in its retracted position and therefore substantially absent from view this provides a visual indication that the window is unlocked.

In other forms, the window winder may include a separate indicating means for indicating whether the locking means is in the locking or unlocked position. The indicating means may be a pop-up button or flag or similar which is movable between a first position indicating that the winder is locked and a second position indicating that the winder is unlocked. Preferably, the indicating means is operatively associated with the detent such that when the detent moves to its locking position the indicating means moves to the first position and when the detent moves to its unlocked position the indicating means moves to the second position. It will be appreciated that in those embodiments having a separate indicating means, the indication of whether the locking means is in the locking or unlocked position is primarily provided by the indicating means, rather than the detent itself.

Preferably, the key-operated lock cylinder has engaging means in the form of, for example, a cam for engaging the detent such that movement of the cam provides a corresponding sliding movement of the detent. The cam is preferably configured for rotational movement upon key operation of the locking cylinder. The detent or locking tongue preferably has a receiving formation in which the cam is received, wherein the receiving formation has a first engaging surface against which the cam acts to slide the tongue to the extended position and a second engaging surface against which the cam acts to slide the tongue to the retracted position. In certain preferred forms, the receiving formation is an aperture such as, for example, a slot.

The operating member is preferably connected to the actuating element via drive means such that movement of the operating member causes a corresponding movement of the actuating element to open or close the window.

Preferably, the operating member is a rotatably mounted handle configured such that · rotation of the handle relative to the body moves the actuating element which moves the window between the closed position and the open position, as required. For example, the handle may be mounted such that clockwise rotation of the handle moves the actuating element in a way which causes the window to move towards the open position. Similarly, counter-clockwise rotation of the handle could cause the actuating element to move in such a way that the window moves towards the closed position. It will be appreciated that the handle can be rotated such that the window can be selectively positioned at a desired position intermediate the open and closed positions.

The drive means preferably includes a rotatable shaft on which a driving member is connected and a driven member associated with the actuating element, the driving member and driven member being in driving engagement such that rotation of the shaft causes the actuating element to move relative to the body. In preferred forms, the drive means is a geared mechanism in which the driving member and driven member are in intermeshing driving engagement. Preferably, the driving member is a driving gear operable via the handle and which may be separate to, or integral with the handle. The driven member is preferably a driven gear or similar gear-type formation. The gear-type formation may be integrally formed with the actuating element.

In preferred embodiments, the handle is pivotally connected to the rotatable shaft of the drive means such that the handle can be pivoted between an operable position in which the handle is positioned for use and an inoperable position. Preferably, when the handle is in the operable position, the handle extends away from the body (or cover portion). In the inoperable position, the handle preferably lies substantially against the body (or cover portion). In certain preferred embodiments, the locking means (e.g. the slidable detent or locking tongue) interferes with the handle when the handle is in the inoperable position such that the handle substantially cannot be moved (e.g. pivoted) to the operable position, thus substantially prohibiting movement of the actuating arm to open or close the window. In various other embodiments, the locking means interferes with the handle when the handle is in the operable position such that the handle substantially cannot be operated (e.g. rotated), again substantially prohibiting movement of the actuating arm to open or close the window.

In such embodiments, the point at which the tongue obstructs the handle may be determined by the position of the handle at the time the locking tongue is extended. As such, the handle may be able to be rotated some way before coming into contact with or is otherwise obstructed by the locking tongue. In some embodiments, the handle may be able to be rotated almost a complete revolution before being obstructed by the locking tongue, hence the reference to prohibiting or limiting movement of the actuating element.

It will be appreciated that the locking means is preferably used to lock the window in the closed position. However, the locking means can also be used to lock the window at any position intermediate the closed and open position and at the open position. For example, the window could be positioned in a partially opened position and locked in this position. This would provide some degree of security whilst still allowing airflow through the gap provided by the window being partially open.

In some embodiments, the actuating element is an actuating arm pivotally mounted at its proximal end to the body. The actuating arm is preferably mounted on the base portion of the body. The actuating arm may include a first arm member and a second arm member wherein both arm members are pivotally mounted about the same pivot point. Preferably, the first and second arm members can pivot relative to each other. One of the first arm member and the second arm member is preferably configured to push the window out to the open position and the other of the first arm member and the second arm member is configured to pull the window in to the closed position. In certain embodiments, one of the first arm member and the second arm member comprises two link members which are linked to enable relative rotational movement between the two link members. The distal end of the, or each, arm member preferably has a connecting formation for connecting and/or engaging the actuating arm to the window.

In other preferred forms, the actuating element is a flexible member such as, for example, a link chain. In some such forms, the flexible member or link chain is configured such that one end of the chain moves in a substantially linear manner to and from the body to move the window between the closed and open positions and the other end flexes or bends so as to fit within the body as the window is closed.

Preferably, the window is one of a casement window and an awning window. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that casement windows are generally hinged on a substantially vertical side member of the window. That is, casement windows are generally hinged on either the left or the right side of the window. Awning windows are typically hinged along a top edge member of the window.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover for a window winder of the type having a body mountable to a window frame, an actuating element movably mounted at its proximal end to the body and connectable at its distal end to a hingedly connected window such that movement of the actuating element causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position, and an operating member for moving the actuating element, the cover including: a housing mountable to the body; and locking means associated with the housing and configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the operating member can move the actuating element and a locking position in which the locking means directly interferes with the operating member to substantially prohibit movement of the actuating element.

Preferably, the housing has a cavity at one end in which the locking means is housed.

In one preferred form of the second aspect of the invention there is provided a locking window winder conversion assembly/kit for converting non locking window winders of a kind having a base portion, the base being mountable to a fixed surface adjacent the window, an actuating element movably mounted at its proximal end to said base and connectable to the window at its distal end such that movement of said actuating element causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position; and an operating mechanism mounted on said base for moving said actuating element, the operating mechanism including a drive means and a handle; the assembly including: a replacement cover; locking means mounted on said cover and configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the handle is free to cause movement of said actuating element and a locking position in which the locking means acts directly on or obstructs a distal end of the handle, thereby to prohibit movement of the handle; and, optionally, a replacement handle.

It will be appreciated that the cover or conversion assembly/kit can be adapted to fit to existing non-locking window winders. That is, the cover could be supplied as an after sales product and retro-fitted to replace a cover of a non-locking window winder to convert the winder to a lockable winder.

Preferably, the cover or conversion assembly/kit will have some or all of the preferred features of the first aspect of the invention as described above in so far as the key elements such as the locking mechanism and, optionally, the handle, are concerned.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a window winder for a hingedly connected window, the window winder including: a body, the body being mountable to or adjacent a window frame; an actuating element movably mounted at its proximal end to said body and connectable to the window at its distal end such that movement of said actuating element causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position; and an operating member mounted on said body for moving said actuating element wherein the operating member is arranged to pivot between an operable position and an inoperable position.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the window winder according to the invention, in the unlocked position;

Figure 2 is rear perspective view of the window winder of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the window winder with the handle in its operable position;

Figure 4 is a left hand partially exploded perspective view of the whole window winder;

Figure 5 is a right hand exploded perspective view of the base portion, actuating element and drive means;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the body and handle of the window winder, with the locking tongue in its retracted unlocked position;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the body and handle of the window winder, with the locking tongue in its extended locked position;

Figure 8 is a front view of the locking means and handle, showing the unlocked position in which the handle is spaced from the locking tongue;

Figure 9 is a front view of the locking means and handle, showing the locking position in which the tongue interferes with the handle;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the handle and locking means showing the engagement between the locking cylinder and locking tongue in the unlocked position; and

Figure 11 is a rear view of the handle and locking means showing the engagement between the locking cylinder and locking tongue in the locked position.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, the present invention provides a window winder 1 for a hingedly connected window such as a casement window or awning window (not shown) which can be moved between a closed position and an open position. For the sake of clarity, the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be made with reference only to an awning window which is hinged along its top edge to the top frame member of a window frame (not shown). However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to awning windows and that the invention can be used with other windows such as casement windows or similar which are hinged along their left or right sides.

It should also be understood that the invention in one form provides for a conversion assembly/kit for converting suitably configured nonlocking window winders to locking ones according to the invention. While the following embodiment relates to a window winder, it will be appreciated that certain elements can comprise one form of the conversion assembly or kit as described in more detail below.

The window winder 1 includes a body 2 having a base portion 3 and a cover portion 4 which is secured to the base portion 3. The base portion 3 defines a substantially planar mounting surface 5 for mounting the body 2 to the window sill (not shown). The base portion 3 has a plurality of holes 6 for receiving fasteners in the form of screws (not shown) to securely fix the window winder 1 to the window sill.

An actuating element in the form of an actuating arm 7 is pivotally mounted at its proximal end 8 to the body 2 and connected to the window at its distal end 9 such that movement of the actuating arm 7 relative to the body causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position.

The actuating arm 7 has a first rigid arm member 10 extending in a first direction from the pivot point of the arm 7 and a second arm member 11 extending in a second direction from the pivot point such that the first and second arm members are arranged at an angle relative to one another. The second arm member 11 preferably comprises two link members (12, 13) which are linked together to enable relative rotational movement between the two link members.

The distal end 9 of the first arm member 10 is configured to abuttingly engage a lower edge frame member of the window to push the window out to the open position.

The distal end 9 of the link member 13 of the second arm member 11 has a connecting formation in the form of a hole 14 to enable the second arm member 11 to be connected to a bracket or pin on the lower frame member of the window. As will be described in greater detail below, the abutting engagement between the first arm member 10 and the window enables the window to be pushed out to partially and fully opened positions, and the connection between the second arm member 11 and the window enables the window to be pulled in to the closed position, as required by a user.

An operating member including a rotatable handle 15 is mounted on the body 2 for selectively moving the actuating arm 7 to thereby open and close the window. The handle 15 is connected to the actuating arm 7 via a drive means such that rotation of the handle 15 causes a pivoting movement of the actuating arm 7. The pivoting movement of the actuating arm 7 moves the window between the closed position and the open position, as required. For example, the handle 15 and the drive means can be arranged such that clockwise rotation of the handle 15 moves the actuating arm 7 in a way which causes the window to move towards the open position. Similarly, counter-clockwise rotation of the handle 15 could cause the actuating arm 7 to move in such a way that the window moves towards the closed position. It will be appreciated that the handle 15 can be selectively rotated such that the window can be positioned at a desired position intermediate the open and closed positions.

The drive means preferably includes a geared mechanism as best shown in Figure 5.

The drive means includes a driving worm gear G' from which extends a rotatable shaft 16 on which the handle 15 is mounted. The worm gear G' engages a driven spur gear formation G" integrally formed on, or otherwise associated with, the proximal end 8 of link member 12 of the actuating arm 7. The shaft 16 is arranged at a first end 17 of the body 2 and passes through a clearance hole 18 (Figure 4) in the cover 2 so as to stand proud of the cover. The driving and driven gears G' and Care in intermeshing driving engagement such that rotation of the handle 15 rotates the shaft 16 which causes the actuating arm 7 to move relative to the body 2 and thereby open or close the window.

The handle 15 of the preferred embodiment is pivotally connected to the rotatable shaft 16 of the drive means such that the handle 15 can be pivoted between an operable position in which the handle 15 is positioned for use, as shown in Figure 3, and an inoperable position, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 When the handle 15 is in the operable position, the handle 15 extends away from the cover portion 4 of the body 2 of the window winder 1 and is freely rotatable by a user to open or close the window as desired. As most clearly shown in Figure 2, the handle 15 rests against the cover portion 4 when it is in its inoperable position. The cover portion 4 has a contoured outer surface 19 which substantially complements an inner edge profile of the handle 15 such that the body and handle unit of the window winder 1 has a slimline profile when the handle 15 is pivoted to its inoperable position. It will also be appreciated that when the handle 15 is in its inoperable position the handle is advantageously out of the way and less prone to inadvertent rotation by, for example, accidental bumps or knocks.

The window 1 has a locking means for selectively locking and unlocking the window winder. The locking means is housed within the cover portion 2 at a second end 20 of the body 2. The locking means includes a key-operated locking cylinder 21 operatively engaged with a slidably mounted detent or L-shaped locking tongue 22, whereby key operation of the locking cylinder 21 slides the locking tongue 22 relative to the body 2 between a retracted unlocked position in which the locking tongue 22 is substantially concealed from view and an extended locking position. A backing member 30 is fitted behind the cylinder 21 to hold the cylinder in position relative to the cover portion 4 such that an outer face of the cylinder is held substantially flush with the outer surface of the cover. The backing member 30 is fixed in position by a screw 31. As will be described in greater detail below, the locking tongue 22 is selectively slidable between the unlocked position in which the handle 15 is free to move the actuating arm 7 to open or close the window and the locking position in which the tongue 22 directly interferes with the handle 15 to substantially prohibit movement of the actuating arm 7. That is, the tongue 22 is positioned to obstruct the handle 15. It will be appreciated that the handle 15 may be able to move a short way before it comes into contact with the tongue 22.

The cover portion 4 includes an L-shaped opening 23 (Figure 4) in which the locking tongue 22 is arranged such that the tongue can slide back and forth through the opening between the retracted and extended positions. A flange 24 (Figures 9 and 10) is arranged at an operative inner end of the locking tongue 22 for limiting the extent to which the tongue can extend from the opening 23 in the cover portion 4. That is, the flange 24 is configured to abut an inner wall surface of the cover portion to limit the movement of the tongue.

The key-operated lock cylinder 21 has an engaging means in the form of a cam 25 for engaging the locking tongue 22. The cam 25 engages the tongue 22 via a plate 26 which extends transversely from the flange 24 of the locking tongue 22 and generally towards the cylinder 21. In particular, the plate 26 has a receiving formation in the form of a slot 27 in which the cam 25 is received. The slot 27 has a first engaging surface 28 against which the cam 25 acts to slide the locking tongue 22 to the extended locking position and a second engaging surface 29 against which the cam 25 acts to slide the tongue 22 to the retracted unlocked position.

The cam 25 is configured such that, upon key operation of the locking cylinder 21, the cam 25 rotates about a longitudinal axis X-X of the rotating plug element of the lock cylinder 21. As most clearly shown in Figures 9 and 10, the rotation of the cam 25 about axis X-X causes sliding movement of the tongue 22, between the retracted and the extended positions, due to the fact that the tongue 25 is constrained within the opening 23.

As most clearly shown in Figure 6, when the locking tongue 22 is in its extended position, the slidable locking tongue 22 interferes with the handle 15 when the handle is in the inoperable position. This interference between the locking tongue 22 and the handle 15 prevents the handle 15 from being pivoted to the operable position, and consequently prohibits movement of the actuating arm 7, in effect locking the window.

It will be appreciated that the locking means is preferably used to lock the window in the closed position. However, the locking means can also be used to lock the window at any position intermediate the closed and open position, or at the open position. For example, the window could be positioned in a partially opened position and locked in this position. This would provide some degree of security whilst still allowing airflow through the gap provided by the partially open window.

The locking tongue is preferably adapted to provide a visual indication that the locking means is in the locking position. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the locking tongue 22 is formed of a different colour (i.e. red) to that of the cover portion 4 and handle 15 such that the locking tongue 22, when the tongue is in its extended locking position, it is readily visible and thus apparent that the window is locked. Such a visual indication that the window is locked, may advantageously act as further deterrent to those seeking to gain unauthorised access a dwelling via the window.

As alluded to above, the cover and locking mechanism described above can also be used as a conversion assembly or kit for converting existing nonlocking window winders to a locking window winder. While these conversion assemblies can be configured in various forms, the basic idea is that the cover and assembly can be installed onto an existing window winder by simply replacing the existing window cover. Typically this is done by removing the old handle (which is usually mounted on a spigot), removing the old cover, attaching the conversion assembly, and, subject to the preferred handle arrangement, also replacing the old handle with a new handle configured to suit the cover of the conversion assembly.

Accordingly, the present invention, at least in its preferred embodiments, provides a safe, robust, effective, easy to use and relatively inexpensive device for enhancing the security of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. In these and other respects, the invention in its preferred embodiments represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

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

Claims

CLAIMS :-

1. A window winder for a hingedly connected window, the window winder including: a body, the body being mountable to a fixed surface adjacent the window; an actuating element movably mounted at its proximal end to said body and connectable to the window at its distal end such that movement of said actuating element causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position; an operating mechanism mounted on said body and having a drive means and a handle, the handle extending from the body to a distal end, whereby movement of the handle causes a corresponding movement of the actuating element to move the window between the closed and open positions; and locking means mounted on said body and configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the handle is free to cause movement of said actuating element and a locking position in which the locking means acts directly on or obstructs a distal end of the handle, thereby to prohibit movement of the handle and the actuating element.
2. A window winder according to claim 1, wherein the locking means includes a movable detent, the detent being movable relative to the body between a retracted unlocked position wherein the operating mechanism can move the actuating element and an extended locking position wherein the detent directly interferes with the handle to thereby substantially prohibit movement of the actuating element.
3. A window winder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle is pivotably mounted to the drive means such that the handle can be pivoted between an operable position in which the handle is free to operate and an inoperable position where movement of the handle is severely constrained.
4. A window winder according to claim 3, wherein the locking means includes a detent configured such that when the locking means is in the locking position the detent acts to retain the handle in the inoperable position.
5. A window winder according to claim 4, wherein the detent is slidably movable.
6. A window winder according to claim 5, wherein the detent is configured to slide over the distal end of the handle when the handle is in the inoperable position such that the handle cannot be released to the operable position.
7. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means includes a lock cylinder operatively associated with a movable detent, the detent being movable relative to the body between a retracted unlocked position wherein the operating mechanism can move the actuating element and an extended locking position wherein the detent directly interferes with the handle to thereby substantially prohibit movement of the actuating element.
8. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a base portion and a cover portion and the locking means is housed within the cover portion.
9. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means includes indicating means to indicate whether the locking means is in the locked or unlocked position.
10. A window winder according to claim 9, wherein the indicating means is provided by visual indicia on an operative element of the locking means.
11. A window winder according to claim 9, wherein the indicating means is operatively associated with, but separate from, the locking means.
12. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element is in the form of pivotably moving actuating arms.
13. A window winder according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the actuating element is in the form of a flexible link chain mechanism.
14. A locking window winder conversion assembly for converting non locking window winders of a kind having a base portion, the base being mountable to a fixed surface adjacent the window, an actuating element movably mounted at its proximal end to said base and connectable to the window at its distal end such that movement of said actuating element causes the window to move between a closed position and an open position; and an operating mechanism mounted on said base for moving said actuating element, the operating mechanism including a drive means and a handle; the assembly including: a replacement cover; locking means mounted on said cover and configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the handle is free to cause movement of said actuating element and a locking position in which the locking means acts directly on or obstructs a distal end of the handle, thereby to prohibit movement of the handle.
15. A conversion assembly according to claim 14, further including a replacement handle.
16. A conversion assembly according to claim 15, wherein the handle is pivotably mounted to the drive means such that the handle can be pivoted between an operable position in which the handle is free to operate and an inoperable position where movement of the handle is severely constrained.
17. A conversion assembly according to claim 16, wherein the locking means includes a detent configured such that when in a locking position the detent acts to retain the handle in the inoperable position.
18. A conversion assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the locking means includes a movable detent, the detent being movable relative to the body between a retracted unlocked position wherein the operating mechanism can move the actuating element and an extended locking position wherein the detent directly interferes with the handle to thereby substantially prohibit movement of the actuating element.
19. A conversion assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the locking means includes a lock cylinder operatively associated with a movable detent, the detent being movable relative to the body between a retracted unlocked position wherein the operating mechanism can move the actuating element and an extended locking position wherein the detent directly interferes with the handle to thereby substantially prohibit movement of the actuating element.
20. A conversion assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the locking means includes indicating means to indicate whether the locking means is in the locked or unlocked position.
21. A window winder substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.