AU2005205789B2 - Improvements to Louvre Windows - Google Patents

Description

0 o IMPROVEMENTS TO LOUVRE WINDOWS FIELD OF THE INVENTION C/ This invention relates to improvements to louvre windows and Sparticularly relates to improvements to a louvre locking mechanism to lock the louvres in a louvre window, improvements to a louvre operating mechanism, and a sealing system to reduce water penetration through the window. The invention also 00 relates to a louvre window system which may have all of these improvements. The oinvention will be described with reference to a louvre window but it should be Sappreciated that the invention may also be applicable to other types of louvre arrangements such as louvre doors or louvres in other types of partitions.

BACKGROUND ART Louvre windows consist of a surround frame formed of upper and lower horizontal frame portions and opposed side frame portions which are fastened together. The frame supports an array of horizontal louvres which pivot about horizontal pivot pins between louvre open and louvre closed positions. It is known to tip the frame on its side such that the louvres extend vertically, however the invention will be described with respect to horizontally extending louvre blades.

For louvre windows, the blades are formed of glass and are rectangular when viewed in plan. The blades can have a length of anywhere between 20 to 100cm, a width of between 1 0 to 40cm, and a thickness of between 5 to As it is not practical to drill holes in glass blades, it is usual for the glass blades to be supported by end clips. One end clip is pivotally attached to one side frame portion and the other end clip is pivotally attached to the other side frame portion. It is normal for the end clips on one side frame portion to be functionally attached together such that all the end clips can be rotated by a louvre operating mechanism. The end clips on the other side frame portion can usually pivot independently.

Conventional louvre operating mechanisms which open and close louvre blades provide a measure of security to prevent the louvres from being opened by an intruder. For instance, a conventional louvre operating mechanism has an overcentre-type mechanism which makes it difficult for an intruder to prise the louvre blades back into the open position. However, this conventional operating mechanism In 2 o functions primarily to open and close the louvres and does not have a central function to lock the louvres in the closed position. As well, these conventional arrangements work on the end clips which are attached to one side of the frame. The end clips which are attached to the other side of the frame have no operating mechanism.

Conventional louvre operating mechanisms simply rotate the end clips on one side frame portion by engaging with and rotating the pivot pins. The 00 mechanism is simple as the louvre pivots about a central portion which means that the O pivot pin is easily accessible to the mechanism.

In However, such mechanisms are not very effective for louvre blades which do not pivot about a mid-point. For instance, one type of louvre blade is of the type having a top pivot which means that the blade pivots about an upper portion, usually adjacent the junction between the upper longitudinal edge of the blade and the side edge of the blade. When pivoted in this manner, conventional louvre operating mechanisms are not very effective.

A particular disadvantage with conventional louvre mechanisms is the rather large load placed on the operating mechanism when opening or closing a louvre window of the type described above. This requires components to be made of strong material, usually steel which adds to the manufacturing cost. As well, it can be difficult for a person to manipulate a conventional operating mechanism due to the larger loads.

It is known to open larger louvre structures using assistance from pneumatic rams, but this requires pressure piping to be installed around the frame and greatly adds to the cost. Large helical springs have also been used to assist in movement of larger louvres (typically steel or metal louvres) for fire ventilation Various types of louvre actuating devices are known to open and close the louvre blades.

In order to reduce water penetration through the louvre window, the blades are in an overlapping configuration when closed, which means that a lower longitudinal edge of an upper blade overlaps the upper longitudinal edge of an 3 0 adjacent lower blade. It is also known to have end clips configured to seal against each other to minimise water penetration through the end clips.

Overlapping blades are not very effective in preventing water tt 3 OI o penetration. Under strong wind and rain conditions, water can be forced uphill between the overlapping closed blades and into the interior of the louvre window.

COne way to minimise this is to increase the degree of overlap but this increases the size and weight of a louvre window and reduces optical transparency.

S OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide at least one improvement to a 00 louvre window, for instance to the louvre locking mechanism, the louvre operating omechanism and a sealing system to reduce or eliminate water penetration. It is an t object of the invention to provide a louvre window having various improvements. It is an object of the invention to provide a louvre locking mechanism, a louvre operating mechanism and a louvre sealing system which may overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a louvre locking mechanism to lock a plurality of louvres in a louvre window, the locking mechanism comprising an elongate slide member which is slidable between a louvre locking position and an unlocking position, an operating means to operate the slide member, and a plurality of engagement means on the slide member, each said engagement means engageable with a said louvre, whereby the louvres can be closed in the normal manner, and the slide member can be operated to its locking position which causes the engagement means to engage with the louvres.

The louvre locking mechanism can be used in addition to a louvre operating mechanism and can function to securely lock the louvres in the closed position.

Preferably, the engagement means comprise pins extending from the slide member, which engage with recesses formed on end clips when the end clips are in the louvre closed position and the slide member is in the locking position, the end clips, in use being attached to an end of the louvre blades.

The louvre locking mechanism is preferably positioned in a side frame portion which is opposite to the side frame portion which houses the louvre operating mechanism. In this way, the louvres can be locked in the closed position at either end.

In another form, the invention is directed to a louvre operating mechanism which can be used to open and close louvres of the type which are Ic) 4 o attached to the window via a top pivot.

In this form, the invention resides in a louvre operating mechanism to c open and close a plurality of louvres in a louvre window, the louvres being pivotally attached to the window via a top pivot, the mechanism comprising a reciprocatable slide member, operating means to reciprocate the slide member, a link member for each louvre, the link member being pivotally attached to the slide member and 00 pivotally attached relative to an end edge of the louvre blade at a position spaced from Othe top pivot, whereby reciprocation of the slide member causes the link members to t open or close the louvres.

Preferably, the top pivot is on an end clip which, in use, is attached to an end of a louvre blade, and the link member is pivotally attached to the end clip.

The mechanism can be used for louvres which do not overlap each other such that, when in the closed position, the louvres are co-planar.

Another form of the invention resides in a second type of louver operating mechanism which uses a combination of link members, one or more rack members, and one or more gear members to allow louvres to be opened and closed in a more convenient manner.

This second form of the invention resides in a louvre operating mechanism for opening and closing a louvre which is pivotally mounted to a support, the mechanism comprising link members, at least one rack member, at least one gear member and a gear rotating member, the link members comprising a first link member and a second link member which are pivotally connected to each other, the first link member also being pivotally connected to the louvre, the second link member also being connected a said gear member, the said gear member and a said rack member being meshed together, the said rack member able to adopt reciprocal movement upon rotation of the said gear member, the said gear member being rotated by the gear rotating member.

In a more particular form, the invention resides in the mechanism as described above for opening and closing a plurality of louvres in a louvre window, wherein each louvre in the window has a pivotally attached said first link member and said second link member, each said second link member is rigidly attached to a said gear member, each said gear member is meshed to a said rack member, the rack O members being interconnected to reciprocate as a single unit, one of the gear members being rotated by the gear rotating member.

,The arrangement described above allows a bank of louvres to be N, opened and closed without placing large loads on the components. This allows the components to be made of less expensive materials such as plastic rather than steel.

However, it should be appreciated that the components can be made of any desired 00 material.

The mechanism can also allow the Iouvres to be closed more tightly t against each other than may have been possible with conventional louvre operating mechanisms. The arrangement can also allow a louvre to be pivoted to an almost fully open position in a convenient manner.

The mechanism can be used for operation of a single louvre but finds more practicality in operating a plurality of louvres together for pivoting movement between open and closed positions. The mechanism also finds particular use with louvres of the type that are pivotally mounted to the surround frame adjacent a corner of the louvre as opposed to a mid-point of the louvre which is more conventional.

The mechanism comprises link members and preferably comprises two link members being a first link member and a second link member. The link members may be formed of any convenient material including but not limited to metal and plastics. The link members are typically elongate plate-like in configuration and have opposed ends which are rounded to facilitate pivotal attachment to other members.

The size and shape of the link members can vary depending on the size, shape and type of louvre in the louvre window.

The first link member and the second link member are pivotally connected to each other. It is typical for the link members to be connected together adjacent their ends.

The first link member is pivotally connected to a louvre. Typically, the link member is pivotally connected adjacent its end to the louvre. For glass louvres, end clips are typically used and the first link member can be pivotally attached to the end clip of the louvre. It is preferred that the first link member is attached to the louvre adjacent the end edge of the louvre and in a region approximating the midpoint region of the end edge of the louvre.

The second link member may be elongate and substantially plate-like in configuration and may also have rounded opposed ends. Typically, second link member has a length which is less than the length of the first link member. The Isecond link member is connected to a gear member. Preferably, the second link

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member is rigidly attached to the gear member such that rotation of the gear member causes the link member to rotate about its attachment to the gear member.

00 The mechanism further comprises at least one rack member. It is preferred that a rack member is provided for each louvre. Thus, if a louvre window has a plurality of louvres. A rack member or a rack portion should be provided in the vicinity of each louvre. In a simple form, a single elongate rack plate or rod can be provided to which the gear member of each louvre can be meshed. Alternatively, separate rack members may be provided with the rack members being somehow interconnected to act as a single unit.

The gear member and the rack member are meshed together such that rotation of the gear member causes the rack member to adopt sliding movement. The gear member can preferably be rotated in each direction which can cause the rack member to adopt reciprocal motion.

A gear rotating member is provided to rotate the gear member. The gear rotating member can be a worm gear or some other form of arrangement to turn the gear member. The gear rotating member can have a portion which extends out of the louvre surround frame and which can be turned or otherwise manipulated by a person to operate the louvres.

In another form, the invention is directed to a sealing system for a louvre window which does not require the louvre blades to overlap. This allows the louvre blades to adopt a co-planar position when closed which provides a neater appearance to the louvre window.

In this form, the invention resides in a louvre window sealing system for a louvre window of the type having a plurality of louvre blades, the sealing system comprising a frame member having at least one portion adapted to sit behind longitudinal edges of adjacent pairs of louvre blades, and a sealing means on the frame member, the sealing means adapted to seal against a rear face of at least one longitudinal edge of the louvre blades and adjacent the peripheral edge of the louvre blades when the blades are in the closed position.

Ic) 7 0 o Preferably, the frame member is formed separately from the louvre window and is insertable into the louvre window, the frame member being rectangular when viewed in plan and having upper and lower horizontal frame portions, two opposed vertical side frame portions and a plurality of horizontal cross members which extend from one said side portion to the other said side portion, the sealing means comprising a sealing bead which extends along the frame member and is 00 shaped to extend about the peripheral rear face of each louvre blade.

tt oIn another form the invention resides in a louvre window assembly 'n which may have one or more of the above-described louvre locking mechanism, the louvre operating mechanism and/or the sealing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a frame member used as part of a sealing system for a louvre window.

Figure 2 is a side view of the frame member of Figure 1 partially cut away to show the positioning of the sealing beads.

Figure 3 is a side section view of a louvre window prior to the frame member being installed.

Figure 4 is a side view of the louvre window of Figure 3 with the frame member installed and the louvres/end clips in the closed position.

Figure 5 is a side view of the frame member of Figure 4 with the Iouvres/end clips in the extended position.

Figure 6 is a side view of a louvre window where the louvres/end clips are pivotally attached to the window via a top pivot and illustrating a louvre operating mechanism according to a first embodiment in the form of a slide member and link members attached to the slide member and each louvre/end clip, the louvres being in a closed position.

Figure 7 illustrates the louvre window of Figure 6 with the louvres/end clips in the open position.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of a louvre window where the louvres/end clips are in the closed position and are locked by a locking mechanism.

o Figure 9 illustrates the window of Figure 8 where the Iouvres/end clips are unlocked and are in the open position.

Figures iCA-lOC are views of an end clip according to an embodiment N of the invention.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment where the louvre window comprises upper and lower pivoting louvres separated by a fixed glass pane.

00 Figures 13 is a section view through a louvre surround frame o illustrating two louvres (there typically being more) in a closed position and operated by a operating mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 illustrates the arrangement of Figure 13 where the louvres have been moved to an open position.

Figures 15A-15H show a progressive opening of a single louvre and illustrating the position of the link members in the progressive opening steps.

BEST MODE The embodiments of the invention are illustrated with respect to a louvre window of the type having a plurality of louvre blades which can pivot between open and closed positions. The louvre blades are typically rectangular when viewed in plan and can be formed of glass, although the blades may be formed of other materials such as metal, wood, plastics, composites and the like, If the blades themselves are formed of glass, the blades are held at their end edges by a pair of louvre clips. However, if the blades are formed of materials other than glass (for instance wood or metal), end clips may not be necessary as the various attachments can be attached directly to the end edge of the blade. Therefore, a reference made to a louvre clip is not meant to be limiting to the invention as a clip required for glass blades may not be required for other types of blades. Where mention is made of an attachment or a part which is attached to or forms part of an end clip, it should be appreciated that this can be equally applicable to the edge of a non-glass blade where a clip may not be required.

While the embodiment will be described with reference to a louvre window, the term "louvre window" need not be restricted to windows only and may include other arrangements such as doors containing louvres, partitions containing louvres, and the like.

Ic) 9 Louvre windows are typically rectangular when viewed in plan and consist of a surround frame, typically formed of metal and which consists of top of CA bottom horizontal frame members and a pair of opposed vertical side frame members which are attached together to form a rigid surround frame. The side frame members are formed with channels and the like to accommodate the various louvre operating mechanisms. For glass blades, a pair of plastic end clips are pivotally attached to each 00 vertical side frame member and a glass blade is then inserted between the clips.

O Usually, the clips on one side wall are linked inside the frame to some form of operating member, while the clips on the other side wall can pivot freely. An operating member in the form of an extending handle can be pulled or rotated to open and close the louvre blades. This type of arrangement is conventional.

Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated part of a sealing system for a louvre window. Figure 1 illustrates a frame member 14 which is rectangular when viewed in plan and consists of upper and lower horizontal frame portions 15, 16 and vertical side frame portions 17, 18. The portions are formed of extruded aluminiumn and are screwed or otherwise attached to fonn a strong rigid unit. The frame is provided with a plurality of horizontal cross bars 19A-19B. The number of cross bars correspond to the number of louvre blades in the louvre assembly less one. In the embodiment, the louvre window is illustrated with three louvre blades and therefore two cross bars are required. However, it must be appreciated that the louvre window may have a larger number of louvre blades in which case frame member 14 will be larger and will have additional crass bars.

Cross bars 19A-19B are formed separately and are attached to vertical portions 17, 18. The cross bars may be formed of aluminium, but it is envisaged that the cross bars may also be formed of materials or have a configuration strong enough to allow the cross bars to also function as security bars. If desired, the cross bars can be formed of clear plastic material to minimise obstruction of the view through the window.

The front (illustrated) face of frame member 14 is formed with channels or grooves in which sealing beads can be fitted. In the embodiment, frame member 14 is provided with a peripheral outer sealing bead 20 which fits within a formed channel 21 (the channel better illustrated in Figure and an inner array of ttn 010

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0 sealing beads 22 fitted within respective channels 23 (again better illustrated in Figure 2).

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ry The inner beads extend along the inner peripheral edge of frame Smember 14 and also along each cross bar 19A-19B. The channel 23 extending along the cross bar has a double width to allow two sealing beads to extend along the channel. Alternatively, the sealing bead extending along the channel can be thicker 00 than the sealing bead extending along the inner peripheral edge of the frame member.

oFigure 2 illustrates frame member 14 in side view with the cut aways n illustrating the beads and the bead channels.

0 Figure 3 illustrates in side view a louvre window according to an embodiment of the invention. The louvre window has a top horizontal frame member a bottom horizontal frame member 11 and a pair of vertical side frame members 12, 13 (only one side frame member 12 being illustrated in Figure The louvre window has three louvre blade end clips 24-26 to support three glass blades, although it should be appreciated that no limitation is meant on the number of blades present in the louvre window.

Figure 4 illustrates in side view frame member 14 fitted to the louvre window and behind the louvre blades/end clips 24-26. Outer peripheral bead 20 seals against a wall which forms part of a peripheral channel or recess in the surround frame thereby preventing or at least reducing passage of water between the outer periphery of frame member 14 and the window surround frame.

Because of the sealing system, the louvre blades no longer need to overlap each other in the conventional manner. Instead, the blades can be separated from each other such that no overlap occurs and when the blades are closed, the rear face of each blade is in a single plane. Figure 4 illustrates this where the rear face 27- 29 of each blade, when in the closed position, is in a single plane. In the embodiment, the louvre blades are spaced apart such that, while they do not overlap, they are very closely spaced from each other such that there is no unnecessary spacing between adjacent blades.

The inner peripheral beads 22 on frame member 14 extend about the rear face of a respective glass louvre blade and adjacent the edge of the rear face (that is the rear peripheral edge). The sealing beads therefore seal against the flat surface of V'3 11

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O the blade and do not seal against the side edges of the blade. The sealing beads extending along the cross bars 19A-19B seal against the lower longitudinal edge of an r, upper blade, and the upper longitudinal edge of a lower blade.

The frame member with its sealing beads allows the louvres to adopt a 0 co-planar non-overlapping relationship when in the closed position. This makes it possible for the louvre blades to seal against the sealing beads on the frame member.

00 This allows the louvre blades to be of various thickness with the beads/seals being Oeffective for all thicknesses. The frame arrangement allows a fixed glass pane (see Figures 11 and 12) to be fitted using the same frame member. The arrangement 0 allows an individual peripheral seal for each blade which presses against the rear flat face of the blade. As the beads seal against the rear flat surface of the blade, and not with the side edges, the cut size of the louvre blade is not as critical for seal effectiveness. Blades of different thickness can be accommodated without change to the seal system. The bead works in compression as the blade is pushed against the bead when the louvre is closed. This is in contrast with other sealing systems where the blade slips over the seal causing rapid wear and tear.

The individual seals for each blade and the perimeter seal can eliminate or reduce water ingress to the point where the drain slots in a conventional louvre window are either not required or can be made smaller (these drain slots are open to the outside).

The support frame 14 gives support to the louvre blade on all four sides under positive load condition. Each blade is sealed with a continuous seal around the perimeter of the blade with a compression seal. The cross bars in the frame can form part of an integral security system as well as a means for carrying the blade seal. The frame is able to carry insect screen material if desired, therefore doing away with the requirement for a separate frame to carry an insect screen. The frame can be removed from the inside to allow for blade replacement and/or clip replacement.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a louvre operating mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention. The blades/end clips 24-26 are pivotally attached to a side vertical frame member 12 via a top pivot 24A-26A, the pivots being best illustrated in Figure 7. These top pivots pivot the end clip adjacent an upper edge of the clip which is in contrast with conventional blades which pivot adjacent the midt12

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point or balance point. A slide member 30 in the form of an elongate plate is positioned in vertical side frame member 12 for reciprocal sliding movement. The slide member is operated by an operating means 31 which comprises a push member which can be pushed upwardly or downwardly to reciprocate the slide member The operating means need not be restricted to a push member and can incorporate a turn knob, handle, or any other type of arrangement to control the slide member 00 Slide member 30 has a length which allows each louvre blade to be connected to the oslide member. Each louvre blade is connected via a link member 32 which is in the I form of an elongate plate. A link member 32 is provided for each louvre blade. One 0 end of the link member is pivotally attached to the slide member via a pivot pin 33.

Similarly, the other end of each link member 32 is pivotally attached via a pivot pin 34 to the end edge of each louvre clip/blade. Pin 34 is spaced from top pivot 24A- 26A, and a position slightly spaced from the mid or balance portion of the louvre is preferred. Although the link member 32 could be attached more towards the lower longitudinal edge of each louvre, this will increase the length and possibly cost of the link member.

With this arrangement, reciprocation of slide member 30 will cause the louvres to pivot between the open position illustrated in Figure 1 and where slide member 13 is in an upper slide position, and a closed position illustrated in Figure 2 where slide member 30 is in a lower slide position.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a louvre locking mechanism to lock the louvres in the closed position. The mechanism can also bias the louvres into a good sealing engagement with the sealing beads on frame member 14 (see Figure The locking mechanism has a slide member in the form of an elongate plate or bar which slides within a side vertical frame member which is on the opposite side to the louvre winding mechanism illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. In conventional louvre windows, this opposite side contains louvre clips which can pivot freely and independently from each other. Slide member 35 has a plurality of engagement means in the form of short extending locking pins or studs 36. The studs can be spot welded or otherwise attached, or can be integrally formed with slide member 35. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, three pins 36 are provided to lock three louvre end clips 37-39. It should be appreciated that the length of slide member 35 and the number of V13

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o pins 36 will depend upon the number of louvre blades in the louvre window with each louvre blade requiring an associated pin 36.

r' Each louvre clip 37-39 has a slot or recess 40 formed in an end edge wall of the clip and adjacent the juncture between the end edge and the lower longitudinal edge of the blade. The slot 40 is designed to trap the respective pin or stud 36 on slide member 00 In use, the slide member is moved to the unlocking position illustrated oin Figure 9. The louvre blades can then be pivoted to the closed position illustrated in Figure 8. Thereafter, slide member 35 can be pushed upwardly into its locking 0 position where each pin 36 enters into and is trapped by a slot 40 on each louvre blade end clip. An operating means (not illustrated) is accessible from the side vertical frame member to reciprocate slide member 35 between its lower unlocking position illustrated in Figure 9 and its upper locking position illustrated in Figure 8.

The profile of slot 40 is such that one side wall 40A is inclined. As a pin or stud 36 moves along the slot, the inclined wall 40A will force the louvre blade into tight engagement with the sealing beads on frame member 14 or against some other support. The operating means can be locked, for instance key locked to provide a measure of security. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a snib lock arrangement can be used. The louvre locking mechanism is independent of the operating mechanism. By having the louvre locking mechanism on the opposite side frame member, the louvre blades can be locked by the louvre locking mechanism on one side of the blades, and can be held in place or "locked" by the natural operation of the louvre winding mechanism on the other side of the frame. This greatly improves the resistance to forced entry by an intruder.

Figures 10OA-10C illustrate various views of a louvre blade end clip according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment of a louvre window having upper and lower pivoting louvre blades and a central fixed glass 41 which is sealed against ingress of water by a peripheral seal described with reference to Figures 1 to Figures 13-15 illustrate a second embodiment of the louvre operating mechanism.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, there is illustrated, in section, a novel In 14 o louvre operating mechanism attached to two louvres pivotally mounted to a support.

Specifically, there is illustrated a surround frame comprising a top horizontal V) extrusion 50, a bottom horizontal extrusion 51, and a side vertical extrusion 52.

Attached to extrusion 52 are two louvre end clips 53, 54 (better illustrated in Figure 14). The louvre end clips hold the edge of a glass louvre blade. In the embodiment, only two end clips are illustrated but it should be appreciated that a more typical 00 situation would have a louvre window consisting of more than two blades.

o Clips 53, 54 each have an upper longitudinal edge 55, 56 and each upper longitudinal edge is pivotally attached through pivot points 57, 58 to or relative to extrusion 52.

Each louvre clip 53, 54 (and therefore each louvre) is pivoted between a closed position illustrated in Figure 13 and a partially open position illustrated in Figure 14 via two link members being a first link member 59 and a second link member 60. In Figure 13, the two link members are partially superimposed, but in Figure 14 the link members can be seen clearly.

First link member 59 is pivotally attached to a respective end clip 53, 54 via a pivot point 61. Pivot point 61 is in the middle region along the end edge of the respective clip 53, 54. The opposed end 62 of first link member 59 is pivotally attached to one end 63 of second link member 60. Thus, the two link members are pivotally attached together and first link member 59 is also pivotally attached to its respective end clip 53, 54.

Second link member 60 is attached to a toothed gear member 64 in such a way that it rotates with the gear member. That is, second link member 60 is not pivotally attached to gear member 64 although, if required, a degree of lost motion can be built in to the attachment between second link member 60 and gear member 64. In the embodiment, the second link member is attached to the rotational axis 64 of gear member 64. Gear member 64 is rotatably attached to or relative to extrusion 52 to hold it in place.

Each gear member 64 meshes to a rack member 66, 67. Each rack member 66, 67 is mounted in extrusion 52 for reciprocating movement. The rack members are interconnected such that movement of one rack member 66, 67 will result in the same movement of the other rack member 66, 67. If the louvre window Qhas a larger number of louvres, all the rack members in the embodiment are connected to move as a single unit.

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rO )One of the gear members 64 is rotated by a gear rotating member The gear rotating member 70 has a worm gear 71 which meshes with the teeth on gear member 64 and has a shaft 72 which extends out of the surround frame and can be fitted with a turn knob (not illustrated) to allow it to be turned by a person.

00 In use, a person can rotate shaft 72 (via the turn knob not illustrated) o which rotates worm gear 71 which in turn causes gear member 64 to rotate. As gear i member 64 rotates, it slides the meshed rack member 67, and as rack member 67 is 0 O 10 connected to rack member 66 (this not being illustrated in Figure 14), rack member 66 will also move which will rotate its attached gear member 64. As well, rotation of the gear members 64 will cause rotation of each second link member 60 which in turn pushes up (or pulls down depending on the direction of rotation of the gear member), each first link member 59 which results in the louvre blades being opened and closed.

Figures 15A-15H show progressive opening of a louvre and illustrates the angled relationship between the link members.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims (3)

1. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame member is formed separately from the louvre window and is insertable into the louvre window, the frame member being rectangular when viewed in plan and having upper and lower horizontal frame portions, two opposed vertical side frame portions and a plurality of horizontal cross members which extend from one said side portion to the other said side portion, the sealing means comprising a sealing bead which extends along the frame member and is shaped to extend about the peripheral rear face of each louvre blade.
2. 3. A louvre window having the sealing system of claim 1.
3. 4. A sealing system or louvre window having a sealing system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.