AU2016269510A1 - Compact window winder - Google Patents

Abstract

A window winder 1 for moving a window panel 8 relative to a window frame 5, the window winder 1 including; a housing 2 having an opening 43, a chain 3 that is movable relative to the housing 2 through said opening, a manual actuator 4, 22, 29 that is operable to move the chain 3, the chain 3 having a proximal end 39 located within the housing 2 and a distal end 7 for attaching to the window panel 8 in use, the chain 3 includes a stop means 38 at the proximal end 39 which engages an abutment 40 so as to limit movement of the chain 3 to a projection of the distal end 7 of the chain 3 from the housing 2 of no greater than 110mm. centrally operated window vAnder -4 '61 ( 13 10;2 25;3 18 >./36 y- 43~~ 23 %*

Description

1 2016269510 08 Dec 2016

COMPACT WINDOW WINDER

[0001] This invention relates to a window winder for moving a window panel relative to a frame. More preferably the window winder is of the kind including a chain for fastening to the window panel, which is movable relative to a housing, fastened to the window frame, by operation of a manual actuator.

[0002] A window winder of the foregoing kind is used to control movement of the window panel relative to the frame. It is generally desirable that this control of movement be by way of operation of the manual actuator only, so that forced movement of the window panel independently of the manual actuator is prevented. The manual actuator may include gearing to control the movement, while also compensating for the weight of the window panel and allowing for incremental movement relative to the window frame.

[0003] Previous window winders have been designed with a chain of sufficient length to provide an opening between the window and frame of at least 270mm. It has since been appreciated that providing an opening of this size can create a safety hazard as infants can fall through the opening. One solution has been to provide an intermediary stop which is subsequently attached to the chain by the person installing the winder. The stop acts between the chain and the housing to limit the opening. Problems can arise with this arrangement if the stop is attached incorrectly or if the stop falls out.

[0004] The housing of existing window winders is relatively large to accommodate the chain and manual actuator including the gearing. This has previously not been such an issue whilst the size of the window frame remained large, and in particular the window sill remained relatively wide as it could easily accommodate a relatively large housing. However architects are encouraging the design of windows with a more slimline appearance having thinner frames and smaller window sills. The existing window winders tend not to compliment these new window designs. centrally operated window winder 2 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 [0005] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was, in Australia, known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a window winder for moving a window panel relative to a window frame, the window winder including; a housing having an opening, a chain that is movable relative to the housing through said opening, a manual actuator that is operable to move the chain, the chain having a proximal end located within the housing and a distal end for attaching to the window panel in use, the chain includes a stop means at the proximal end which engages an abutment so as to limit movement of the chain to a projection of the distal end of the chain from the housing of no greater than 110mm. The limiting of the projection to 110mm sets a safe maximum opening of the window relative to the frame, while including the stop means on the chain avoids the installer having to fit the stop means when installing the winder on the window.

[0007] It is preferred that the housing includes a chain guide which defines a path along which the chain moves within the housing, the chain guide including an inner portion, an outer portion and an intermediate portion between the inner portion and the outer portion, the inner portion, outer portion and intermediate portion each being substantially parallel with each other. The addition of the intermediate portion can permit a longer chain without lengthening the housing so as to minimise the footprint of the housing.

[0008] The housing may include a base and a cover, the chain guide being integrally formed with the base and the cover is formed with an abutment for interaction with the stop means. Alternatively the abutment may be formed with the base and the cover may be formed with the chain guide. The intermediate portion is defied in part by an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein a spacing between the inner wall and the outer wall is less than 15mm. This provides for a relatively slimline housing which compliments the current style of windows. The proximal end of the chain is located within the intermediate portion when the centrally operated window winder 3 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 chain is in a retracted condition, and located remote from the intermediate portion when the chain is in an extended condition.

[0009] It is preferred that the chain includes a plurality of links connected by pins, the links being configured so as to permit an included angle between adjacent links to be less than 60Q. It is further preferred that the chain guide is configured to interact with the chain so that at least two adjacent links are angled at 57s or less when the chain is located in the intermediate portion. This allows for the chain to fold back on itself so as to make tight turns, when moving within a compact chain guide.

[0010] The manual actuator may include a drive member that rotates about a drive axis and a driven member that rotates about a driven axis in response to rotation of the drive member. The drive axis and driven axis are preferably offset from one another and the manual actuator includes a worm drive to facilitate interaction between the drive member and the driven member, the worm drive including a worm that rotates about the drive axis and a wheel that rotates about a driven axis in response to rotation of the worm. The use of a worm drive makes it difficult to force the window to move without using the manual actuator. The window winder may include a sprocket that rotates about the driven axis on rotation of the wheel, however other forms of means for engaging with the chain may also be suitable.

[0011] The window winder preferably includes a locking means that when in a locked condition inhibits movement of the chain out from the housing. The locking means may take any form and one preferred includes a detent that is adjustable relative to the housing between an active position and an inactive position in which it inhibits and does not inhibit movement of the chain respectively. The locking means preferably includes a key operated actuator that when operated adjusts the position of the detent. The locking means may also include a snib actuator that when operated adjusts the position of the detent. This may take any suitable form and one form includes the snib actuator being operated by depressing a snib button.

[0012] One preferred form of the locking means includes the detent engaging the drive member when in the active position to inhibit operation of the centrally operated window winder 4 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 manual actuator. The drive member may include a ratchet formation which interacts with the detent so as to permit operation of the manual actuator to retract the chain into the housing while hindering operation of the manual actuator to extend the chain out of the housing. This allows the chain to retract into the housing while the locking means is active, however preventing extension of the chain out of the housing.

[0013] Where the winder does not include a locking means it is preferred that the housing be of a length no greater than 135mm. Where the winder does include a locking means it is preferred that the housing be of a length no greater than 190mm [0014] The base may be produced from any suitable material however it is preferred that it be moulded from any suitable plastics material with bearing formations to receive the drive member and the driven member.

[0015] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a handle for use with a window winder including a housing, a chain housed within the housing and a manual actuator for moving the chain relative to the housing, the handle being configured to interact with the manual actuator so that when rotated moves the chain relative to the housing, and the handle having a first articulation and a second articulation for allowing adjustment of the handle from a stored configuration to an operating configuration. The handle preferably stores in a streamlined manner which may include the handle having a body portion and a head portion pivotably connected to the body portion at the first articulation, the head portion being rotatable relative to the body portion when the handle is in the operating condition and inhibited from rotating when in the stored condition. The handle may also include a foot portion pivotably connected to the body portion remote from the head portion at the second articulation, the foot portion being configured for mounting the handle. The body portion and the foot portion are each preferably configured to interact so as to inhibit pivoting movement of the body portion relative to the foot portion when the handle is in the stored condition. The configuration may include any one of a friction fit, snap fit or clip between the foot portion and the body portion. The centrally operated window winder 5 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 body potion is preferably configured to interact with the housing to inhibit rotation of the handle when the handle is in the stored configuration.

[0016] It is preferred that the window winder be configured so that the opening in the housing for the chain is centrally located. This provides a balanced aesthetic that is appealing, at least to the architects.

[0017] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in greater detail by reference to the attached illustrations of preferred embodiments of a window winder according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation view of the winder when in use.

[0019] Figure 2 is a front isometric view of a first preferred embodiment showing the chain in a retracted position.

[0020] Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the winder from Figure 2.

[0021] Figure 4 is a rear isometric view of the winder from Figure 2 with a cover of the housing removed.

[0022] Figure 5 is a detailed view of the chain.

[0023] Figure 6 is an underside isometric view of the winder from Figure 2 with a base of the housing removed.

[0024] Figure 7 is a detailed view of A from Figure 6 showing the stop on the chain engaging an abutment on the cover.

[0025] Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of a winder.

[0026] Figure 9 is a front isometric view of a third embodiment of a winder with a handle in a stored position.

[0027] Figure 10 is a window winder from Figure 9 with a handle being folded out towards an operative position.

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the winder 1 including in summary a housing 2, a chain 3, and a handle 4. The housing 2 houses the centrally operaled window winder 6 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 chain 3 when the chain is in a retracted position (see Figure 4) which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to latter illustrations. Figure 1 illustrates the chain 3 in an extended position whereby the chain 3 extends out from the housing 2. The housing 2 is illustrated as being mounted to a window frame 5, or more specifically a sill 6 of the window frame 3, whilst a distal end 7 of the chain 3 is attached to a free end of a pivoting window panel 8. The distal end 7 of the chain 3 can be retracted towards the housing 2 on rotation of the handle 4 about a drive access Z-Z. It is an aspect of the winder according to the invention that the distal end 7 of the chain 3 project from the housing 2 a distance D which is no greater than 110 mm. This ensures that a gap between the free end of the window panel and the window frame is maintained with a safe distance to reduce the likelihood of an infant egressing therethrough.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates the window winder 1 in an assembled form with the handle 4 mounted towards the left-hand side of the housing 2. A snib actuator 9 and a key controlled actuator 10 are positioned towards the right-hand side of the housing and form part of a locking means which will be described in greater detail by reference to latter illustrations. The housing 2 illustrated also includes a pair of longitudinally spaced apertures 12 adjacent opposed side edges of the housing 2, each configured to receive a screw fastener (not shown) for attaching the housing 2 to the window frame 5. It should be noted that the relative locations of the handle 4, snib actuator 9 and key operated actuator 10 on the housing 2 may vary from that as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates the window winder 1 from Figure 2 in an exploded form to reveal that the housing 2 is formed from a combination of a cover 13 and a base 14. The housing 2 may be formed by any suitable material, however it is preferred that the cover 13 be formed by relatively hard material such as a metal so as to protect the elements located within the housing 2. The base 14 may also be formed by any suitable material and one suitable material may be a plastics material of the kind that is suitable for moulding. The length of the housing 2 in this embodiment is preferably no greater than 190mm. centrally operated window winder 7 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 [0031] The base 14 illustrated is formed with a chain guide 15 within which the chain 3 travels when moving between the extended position as illustrated in Figure 1, and a retracted position as illustrated in Figure 2. The chain guide 15 includes an inner portion 16 adjacent an inner side of the housing 2, an outer portion 17 adjacent an outer side of the housing 2, and an intermediate portion 18 positioned between the inner portion 6 and the outer portion 17. The inclusion of an intermediate portion 18 allows for a longer length of chain, without extending the length of the housing 2. Furthermore it should be noted that a spacing between an inner wall 19 of the intermediate portion 18 and an outer wall 20 of the intermediate portion 18 is no greater than 15 mm so as to maintain a relatively compact housing 2.

[0032] Figure 3 also illustrates the base 14 being formed with a slot 21 to receive a drive member 22, and a boss 23 to seat a driven member 24, each acting as a bearing formation to support the drive member 22 and driven member 24 respectively. The drive member 22 and driven member 24 combine with the handle 4 to form a manual actuator that when operated moves the chain 3 relative to the housing 2.

[0033] The drive member 22 illustrated in Figure 3 is formed with a hex head 25 on which the handle 4 seats in a driving engagement. The drive member 22 also includes a worm formation 26 (more clearly illustrated in Figure 4) which interacts with a wheel formation 27 on the driven member 24 the worm formation 26 and wheel formation 27 combining to form a worm drive facilitating interaction between the drive member 22 and driven member 24. The driven member 24 also includes a sprocket 28 having teeth which locate between pins 30 of the chain 3. It should be noted that the driven member 24 rotates about a driven axis Y-Ywhich is angled relative to the drive axis Z-Z (see Figure 1) as a result of the worm drive. This arrangement inhibits forced movement of the window 8 relative to the frame 5 other than by way of operation of the manual actuator.

[0034] Figure 3 also illustrates a detent 31 that combines with the snib 9 actuator and key operated actuator 10 to form part of the locking means. The locking means also includes a ratchet formation 32 (see also Figure 4) on the centrally operated window winder 8 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 drive member 22 which interacts with a nose portion 33 of the detent 31 when the locking means is in an active position. While the locking means is in the active position, operation of the manual actuator to extend the chain 3 relative to the housing 2 is prevented, whilst retraction of the chain 3 into the housing 2 is still permitted as a result of the ratchet 32 and nose 33. Movement of the detent 31 laterally relative to the base 14 is achieved by either depressing the snib bottom 34 of the snib actuator 9 or rotating the cam 35 (see Figure 4) of the key operated actuator. The locking means also includes a spring 36 which acts between the base 14 and the detent 31 to urge the detent 31 towards the drive member 22 encouraging the locking means to adopt an inactive position. Alternatively the detent 31 may interact with the driven member 24 or the chain 3.

[0035] Figure 3 also illustrates the chain 3 having a fastening element 36 at its distal end 7 with a pair of spaced fastening apertures 37 designed to accommodate screw fasteners (not shown) when attaching the fastening element 36 to the window 8.

[0036] The window winder 1 according to the invention includes a stop means 38 at a proximal end 39 of the chain. The stop means 38 may take any suitable form and one preferred is illustrated in Figure 3 of a stub shaft 38 extending out from the chain 3. The stub shaft 38 is configured to interact with an abutment 40 (see Figure 6) so as to limit movement of the chain 3 to a projection of the distal end 7 of the chain 3 from the housing 2 of no greater than 110 mm. The manner in which this is achieved will be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates the winder 1 with a chain 3 in a retracted position whereby the fastening element 36 sits flush against a front wall 41 of the base 14, and a proximal end 39 of the chain 3 is located within the intermediate portion 18 of the chain guide 15. The configuration of the chain guide 15 requires the chain 3 to occupy a relatively compact space, and in particular requires links 42 of the chain 3 adjacent the proximal end 39 to fold tightly back on themselves. It is preferred that the links 42 be configured so as to permit an included angle a between adjacent links to be less than 60° (see Figure 5). centrally operaled window winder 9 2016269510 08 Dec 2016

Furthermore it is preferred that the chain guide 15 and more specifically the intermediate portion 18 of the chain guide 15, is configured to interact with the chain 3 so that the links 42 are angled at 70° or less when the proximal end 39 of the chain 3 enters or exits the intermediate portion 18. This angle may increase when the chain reaches the retracted position.

[0038] It can be appreciated from Figure 3 that the housing 2, and in particular the base 14 of the housing 2 is formed with an opening 43 in the front wall 41 through which the chain 3 extends. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the opening 43 is centrally located between the opposed side walls in the front of the housing. This is achieved by having a relatively compact chain guide 15 on one side of the driven member 24, balanced by the locking means on the other side of the driven member 24.

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates an underside view of the winder 1 showing the chain 3 in the extended position. The base 14 of the housing 2 has been removed to reveal the stop means 38 engaging an abutment formation 40 on the inner side of the cover 13. This engagement is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 7. It ought to be appreciated that once the stop means 38 engages the abutment 40 on the cover 13, further extension of the chain 3 out of the housing 2 is prevented. It also ought to be appreciated that the abutment 40 formation may be located elsewhere on the housing 2.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 8 which illustrates an alternative embodiment of the winder 101 which includes some of the same features from the winder 1 illustrated in Figure 3. For ease of understanding the similar features will be given like reference numerals with the prefix 100. Figure 8 illustrates the window winder 101 having a handle 104, drive member 122, driven member 124, chain 103, which each operate in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 3. The cover 113 and base 114 are more a compact version, as is this form of the winder 101 does not include a locking means. Accordingly the length of the housing 2 in this embodiment is no greater than 135mm. It can be noted that the opening 143 to the base is, as a result, off center. It is to be understood however that the stop means 138 illustrated at the centrally operated window winder 10 2016269510 08 Dec 2016 proximal end 139 of the chain 103 interacts with an abutment (not illustrated in this Figure) substantially similar to the abutment 40 illustrated in Figure 6.

[0041] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the window winder 1, or more specifically an alternate embodiment of the handle 4 forming part of the manual actuator. The handle 4 includes a head portion 44, a body portion 45, and a foot portion 46 which is more clearly illustrated in Figure 10. It can be appreciated when comparing Figures 9 and 10 that the head portion 44 is connected to the body portion 45 at a first articulation 47, whilst the body portion 45 is connected to the foot portion 46 at a second articulation 48. The first and second articulations 47, 48 are illustrated in the form of a pin connection between the respective portions 44, 45, 46 which permits the body portion 45 to pivot from a stored configuration as illustrated in Figure 9 to an operating configuration as illustrated in Figure 10. It should be noted that the head portion 44 can rotate relative to the body portion 45 when the handle is being rotated about the drive axis Z-Z. The foot portion 46 includes a mount 49 that is configured to located on the hex head 25 (see Figure 3) of the drive member 22, and may be retained in this position by a screw fastener 50.

[0042] It is preferred that the body portion 45 interact with the foot portion 46 by way of a friction fit, snap fit or clip configuration for retaining the body portion 45 adjacent the foot portion 46 when in the stored configuration. Furthermore it is preferred that the body portion 45 interact with the housing 2 so as to prevent operation of the manual actuator whilst the handle 4 is in the stored configuration.

[0043] It ought to be appreciated from the foregoing that a window winder 1 according to the invention provides a relatively compact solution which is also relatively safe.

[0044] Various alterations and/or additions may be introduced into the window winder as hereinbefore described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. centrally operated window winder

Claims (27)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A window winder for moving a window panel relative to a window frame, the window winder including; a housing having an opening, a chain that is movable relative to the housing through said opening, a manual actuator that is operable to move the chain, the chain having a proximal end located within the housing and a distal end for attaching to the window panel in use, the chain includes a stop means at the proximal end which engages an abutment so as to limit movement of the chain to a projection of the distal end of the chain from the housing of no greater than 110mm.
2. 2. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the housing includes a chain guide which defines a path along which the chain moves within the housing, the chain guide including an inner portion, an outer portion and an intermediate portion between the inner portion and the outer portion, the inner portion, outer portion and intermediate portion each being substantially parallel with each other.
3. 3. A window winder according to claim 2 wherein the housing includes a base and a cover, the chain guide being integrally formed with the base and the cover is formed with an abutment for interaction with the stop means.
4. 4. A window winder according to claim 3 wherein the intermediate portion is defied in part by an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein a spacing between the inner wall and the outer wall is less than 15mm.
5. 5. A window winder according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the proximal end of the chain is located within the intermediate portion when the chain is in a retracted condition, and located remote from the intermediate portion when the chain is in an extended condition.
6. 6. A window winder according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the chain includes a plurality of links connected by pins, the links being configured so as to permit an included angle between adjacent links to be less than 60s.
7. 7. A window winder according to claim 6 wherein the chain guide is configured to interact with the chain so that at least two adjacent links are angled at 57s or less when the chain is located in the intermediate portion.
8. 8. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the manual actuator includes a drive member that rotates about a drive axis and a driven member that rotates about a driven axis in response to rotation of the drive member.
9. 9. A window winder according to claim 8 wherein the drive axis and driven axis are offset from one another and the manual actuator includes a worm drive to facilitate interaction between the drive member and the driven member, the worm drive including a worm that rotates about the drive axis and a wheel that rotates about a driven axis in response to rotation of the worm.
10. 10. A window winder according to claim 9 including a sprocket that rotates about the driven axis on rotation of the wheel.
11. 11. A window winder according to any one of claims 8 to 10 including locking means that when in a locked condition inhibits movement of the chain out from the housing.
12. 12. A window winder according to claim 11 wherein the locking means includes a detent that is adjustable relative to the housing between an active position and an inactive position in which it inhibits and does not inhibit movement of the chain respectively.
13. 13. A window winder according to claim 12 wherein the locking means includes a key operated actuator that when operated adjusts the position of the detent.
14. 14. A window winder according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the locking means includes a snib actuator that when operated adjusts the position of the detent.
15. 15. A window winder according to claim 14 wherein the snib actuator is operated by depressing a snib button.
16. 16. A window winder according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the detent engages the drive member when in the active position to inhibit operation of the manual actuator.
17. 17. A window winder according to claim 16 wherein the drive member includes a ratchet formation which interacts with the detent so as to permit operation of the manual actuator to retract the chain into the housing while hindering operation of the manual actuator to extend the chain out of the housing.
18. 18. A window winder according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the housing has a length of no greater than 135mm.
19. 19. A window winder according to any one of claims 10 to 17 wherein the housing has a length of no greater than 190mm.
20. 20. A window winder according to any one of claims 8 to 19 wherein the base is moulded from a plastics material with bearing formations to receive the drive member and the driven member.
21. 21. A handle for use with a window winder including a housing, a chain housed within the housing and a manual actuator for moving the chain relative to the housing, the handle being configured to interact with the manual actuator so that when rotated moves the chain relative to the housing, and the handle having a first articulation and a second articulation for allowing adjustment of the handle from a stored configuration to an operating configuration.
22. 22. A handle according to claim 21 wherein the handle includes a body portion and a head portion pivotably connected to the body portion at the first articulation, the head portion being rotatable relative to the body portion when the handle is in the operating condition and inhibited from rotating when in the stored condition.
23. 23. A handle according to claim 22 including a foot portion pivotably connected to the body portion remote from the head portion at the second articulation, the foot portion being configured for mounting the handle.
24. 24. A handle according to claim 23 wherein the body portion and the foot portion are each configured to interact so as to inhibit pivoting movement of the body portion relative to the foot portion when the handle is in the stored condition.
25. 25. A handle according to claim 24 wherein the configuration includes any one of a friction fit, snap fit or clip between the foot portion and the body portion.
26. 26. A handle according to any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the body potion is configured to interact with the housing to inhibit rotation of the handle when the handle is in the stored configuration.
27. 27. A window winder according to any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the opening in the housing for the chain is centrally located.