AU2017101115A4 - Window Winder - Google Patents

Abstract

A window winder for moving a window panel relative to a window frame includes a body and a flexible element disposed within the body which is attachable to the window panel. The flexible element is movable relative to the body from a retracted configuration in which the flexible member is substantially within the body to a first extended configuration in which a length of the flexible member is extended from the body. The window winder includes at least a first mounting member associated with the flexible element such that the first mounting member moves relative to the body when the flexible element moves relative to the body; a stop member removably mountable in or on the first mounting member; and a restricting element associated with the body to engage the stop member engaged with the first mounting member and to thereby limit movement of the flexible element beyond a second extended configuration in which the length of the flexible member which extends from the body is shorter than that of the first extended configuration. C~Co Lfl n m

Description

2017101115 16 Aug 2017 ι "Window Winder"

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a window winder for moving a window panel relative to a window frame.

Background [0002] Window winders can be used to adjust and control the degree to which a window is open. A window winder may include a flexible element such as a chain which is fixed to a window panel. The chain is wound in and out of a housing within the window winder. By varying the length of the chain which is extended from the housing, it is possible to vary the degree to which the window is open. In some situations, it may be desirable or required (by law) to limit the degree to which a window can be opened. For example, for safety or security reasons, it might be desirable or required to limit the degree to which a window can be opened to prevent entry or exit through the window by small children, adults or animals.

[0003] For a window winder in which the degree to which a window can be opened can be adjusted, it may be desirable or required by law to limit access to the mechanism for adjusting the degree to which the window can be opened. For example, if the mechanism for adjusting the degree of opening of the window is easily accessed, the mechanism can be easily circumvented and the goal of preventing entry or exit through the window will not be achieved.

[0004] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0005] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 2 2017101115 16 Aug 2017

Summary [0006] A window winder for moving a window panel relative to a window frame, includes: a body; a flexible element disposed within the body and attachable to the window panel, the flexible element being movable relative to the body from a retracted configuration in which the flexible member is substantially within the body to a first extended configuration in which a length of the flexible member is extended from the body; at least a first mounting member associated with the flexible element such that the first mounting member moves relative to the body when the flexible element moves relative to the body; a stop member removably mountable in or on the first mounting member; and a restrictor associated with the body to engage the stop member mounted in or on the first mounting member and to thereby limit movement of the flexible element beyond a second extended configuration in which the length of the flexible member which extends from the body is shorter than that of the first extended configuration.

[0007] The body may include a removable panel. Removal of the removable panel may open the body such that the stop member can be mounted in or on the first mounting member.

[0008] The body may include a compartment in which the stop member is storable when the stop member is not mounted in or on the mounting member.

[0009] The compartment may be accessible by removal of the removable panel.

[0010] The window winder may include a cover which covers at least a portion of the body. The cover may restrict access to the removable panel in the body.

[0011] The flexible member may include a first end which is attachable to the window panel and a second end within the body. The first mounting member may be provided at the second end.

[0012] The window winder may further include a restrictor plate in which the restrictor is formed. The restrictor plate may include an aperture through which the stop member is insertable for mounting in or on the first mounting member.

[0013] The window winder may include a second mounting member associated with the flexible element such that the second mounting member moves relative to the body when 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 3 the flexible member moves relative to the body. The stop member may be removably mountable in or on the second mounting member. Engagement of the restrictor and the stop member mounted in or on the second mounting member may limit movement of the flexible mechanism beyond a third extended configuration in which the length of the flexible member which extends from the body is different to that of the second extended configuration.

[0014] The stop member may be mountable in or on the second mounting member by insertion through the aperture in the restrictor plate.

[0015] The body may include a first surface via which the body is fixed to a structure. The body may also include a second surface which lies in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface. The removable panel may be provided in the second surface.

[0016] The body may comprises a base plate which includes the first surface and a top plate which includes the second surface. The restrictor may be provided in the top plate. Alternatively, the restrictor may be provided in the base plate.

[0017] The second mounting member may be provided in the flexible member at a position intermediate the first end and the second end such that the length of the flexible member which extends from the body in the third extended configuration is shorter than that of the second extended configuration.

Brief Description of Drawings [0018] Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a window winder according to an embodiment disclosed herein attached to a window panel.

[0019] Figure 2. is a perspective rear view of the window winder.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective partially exploded view of the window winder showing the main components of the window winder.

[0021] Figure 4 is another perspective partially exploded view of the window winder illustrating the relationship between various components of the window winder.

[0022] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of an end portion of a chain shown in Figure 4.

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the top plate of the body of the window winder on the base plate of body. 4 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 [0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the top plate and the base plate of the body separated from each other.

[0025] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the base plate with the chain partially extended.

[0026] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the base plate with the chain retracted.

[0027] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the base plate with the chain fully extended.

[0028] Figure 11 is a plan view of the top plate of the body with the cylinder assembly removed.

[0029] Figure 12 is a front view of the top plate of the body on the base plate of the body, with the cylinder assembly removed.

[0030] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the top plate of the body on the base plate of the body, with the cylinder assembly removed.

[0031] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the upper side of the top plate of the body with the removable panel removed.

[0032] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the underside of the top plate of body.

[0033] Figure 16 is perspective view of the underside of the cover of the window winder.

[0034] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rear of the body without the cover and with the chain extended.

[0035] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the cylinder assembly of the locking mechanism of window winder.

Description of Embodiments [0036] In the figures, reference numeral 10 generally designates an exemplary embodiment of a window winder for moving a window panel 12. With reference to Figures 1 to 7, the window winder 10 includes a housing 8 which includes a body 16 and a cover 26. The body 16 includes a base plate 18 and a top plate 20 (see Figures 3, 6, 7 and 11). In this embodiment, the top plate 20 is fixed to the base plate 18 by screws 22 (for example, as shown in Figure 11) which pass through holes 24 in the top plate 20 (see Figure 7). The cover 26, in this embodiment, covers a portion of the body 16.

[0037] For reference, the use of terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “top plate”, “base plate”, “upper side”, “underside” and the like are with respect to the arrangement of the window 5 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 winder 10 as shown in Figure 1 where the cover 26 is taken to represent the top of the window winder 10.

[0038] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, the window winder 10 includes a flexible element in the form of a chain 30 which is disposed within the body 16. A first end 32 of the chain 30 is attachable to the window panel 12 by means of a bracket 34 and the other end (the second end 36) of the chain 30 is maintained within the body 16. The chain 30 is movable relative to the body 16 from a retracted configuration (see Figure 9) in which the chain 30 is housed substantially within the body 16 to a first extended configuration (see Figure 10) in which a length 38 of the chain 30 is extended from the body 16.

[0039] The window winder 10 includes a drive means 40 for moving the chain 30 from the retracted configuration toward the first extended configuration and vice versa. The drive means 40 includes a winder handle 42 which is operatively connected to the chain 30 by a worm drive assembly 44 comprising a worm 46 and a worm gear 48 which an associated cog 49 with teeth 50 which engage links 52 of the chain 30. Winding the winder handle 42 in one direction turns the worm 46 which in turn rotates the worm gear 48 and the cog 49 which moves the chain 30 from the retracted configuration in which the chain 30 is housed substantially within the body 16 toward the first configuration in which the length 38 of the chain 30 is extended from the body 16. Winding the winder handle 42 in the other direction will move the chain 30 in the opposite direction such that the chain 30 moves toward the retracted configuration. It will be appreciated that, depending on the way in which the window winder 10 is mounted adjacent the window panel 12 and the way in which the chain 30 is attached to the window panel 12, some portion of the chain 30 may still extend from the body 16 when the chain 30 is in the retracted configuration.

[0040] In addition, the window winder 10 includes a key operated locking mechanism 130 which is engageable with the worm gear 48 to stop the worm gear 48 from turning and thereby prevent the drive means 40 from driving the chain 30 into or out of the body 16. Typically, the locking mechanism 130 is used to lock the drive means 40 when the chain 30 is in the retracted configuration and to thereby lock the window panel 12 in position when it is closed.

[0041] With reference to Figure 4, 6 and 12 to 15, the top plate 20 includes the locking mechanism 130. The locking mechanism 130 includes a cylinder assembly 132, a lock spring 134 and a lock pin 136. In addition, the cylinder assembly 132 includes a cylinder 133, a cylinder bracket 138, bracket springs 140 and a projection 142 which engages the 6 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 lock pin 136 (see Figure 18). The lock spring 134 biases the lock pin 136 toward the worm gear 48. When the locking mechanism 130 is locked, the projection 142 is in a position which allows the lock spring 134 to push the lock pin 136 toward the worm gear 48 such that the tip 144 of the lock pin 136 (see Figure 15) projects between the teeth 47 of the worm gear 48 and prevents the worm gear 48 from turning in either direction. When the locking mechanism 130 is unlocked, the projection 142 moves the lock pin 136 against the biasing force of the lock spring 134 to a position in which the tip 144 of the lock pin 136 is not between the teeth 47 of the worm gear 48 so that the worm gear 48 can be driven in either direction (to extend the chain 30 or retract the chain 30) by the winding of the winder handle 42. A key (not shown) inserted into the key hole 148 locks and unlocks the locking mechanism 130.

[0042] The top plate 20 has a cylinder mount 146 (see, for example, Figures 4 and 12). The cylinder assembly 132 fits into the cylinder mount 146. When the cylinder assembly 132 is in the cylinder mount 146, a tab 150 on the cylinder 133 which extends radially from the cylinder 133 engages a wall 152 of the cylinder mount 146 to hold the cylinder assembly 132 in the cylinder mount 146 and prevent the cylinder assembly 132 from being removed from the cylinder mount 146. In addition, the bracket springs 140 contact surfaces 154 of the cylinder mount 146 and bias the cylinder assembly 132 in a direction away from those surfaces 154. In other words, in a direction out of the cylinder mount 146.

[0043] As can be seen from Figures 3, 4 and 8, the base plate 18 includes a track 54 in which the chain 30 sits. The chain 30 is driven along the track 54 between the retracted configuration and the first configuration by the drive means 40.

[0044] With reference to Figures 3 to 5, the window winder 10 also includes a first mounting member 56 associated with the chain 30 such that the first mounting member 56 moves relative to the body 16 when the chain 30 moves relative to the body 16. In this embodiment, the first mounting member 56 is provided at the other end (the second end 36) of the chain 30.

[0045] As can be seen in the enlarged view of the second end 36 of the chain 30 shown in Figure 5, the first mounting member 56 includes a projection 58 and a recess 60 formed in the projection 58. In this embodiment, the height of the first mounting member 56 including the projection 58 is greater than the height of the chain 30. 7 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 [0046] A stop member in the form, in this embodiment, of a stop pin 62 is removably mountable in the recess 60 of the first mounting member 56 (see Figure 8). In more detail, the stop pin 62 is inserted into the recess 60. When the stop pin 62 is inserted into the recess 60, one end 63 of the stop pin 62 projects out of the recess 60 (see Figure 8) so the combined height of the mounting member 56 and the stop pin 62 is greater than the height of the mounting member 56 including the projection 58.

[0047] Figure 15 illustrates the underside 64 of the top plate 20. A generally U-shaped track 66 is formed in the underside 64 of the top plate 20. The U-shaped track 66 in the top plate 20 corresponds generally to the position of the track 54 in the base plate 18. The U-shaped track 66 has a first arm 68 ending at a first end 70 of the U-shaped track 66 and has a first end wall 72. The U-shaped track 66 has a second arm 74 ending at a second end 76 of the U-shaped track 66 and has a second end wall 78.

[0048] As explained above, the height of the mounting member 56 including the projection 58 is greater than the height of the chain 30. The projection 58 extends into the U-shaped track 66 and, when the stop pin 62 is not inserted into the recess 60, the projection 58 travels within the U-shaped track 66 from the first end 70 to the second end 76 as the chain 30 moves from the fully extend configuration to the retracted configuration and vice versa. Because the projection 58 extends into the U-shaped track 66, the U-shaped track 66 limits the range of movement of the chain 30 by limiting the range of movement of the projection 58 between the first end 70 and the second end 76. When the chain 30 is retracted into the body 16 (see Figure 9), the projection 58 is at the second end 76 of the U-shaped track 66 and when the chain is fully extended (see Figure 10), the projection 58 is at the first end 70 of the U-shaped track 66. When the chain 30 is being driven by the drive means 40 toward a fully extended configuration (the first configuration), the projection 58 travels within the U-shaped track 66 until it reaches the first end wall 72. The end wall 72 prevents the projection 58 from travelling further in that direction and as a result the chain 30 cannot be driven further from the body 16 by the drive means 40. In other words, the engagement of the projection 58 and the first end wall 72 of the U-shaped track 66 establishes the maximum length of the chain 30 which can be extended from the body 16.

[0049] A groove 80 is formed in the second arm 74 of the U-shaped track 66. The groove 80 has a first end 82 and a first end wall 84 and a second end 86 and a second end 8 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 wall 88. The second end wall 88 of the groove 80 is adjacent the second end wall 78 of the U-shaped track 66.

[0050] When the stop pin 62 is inserted into the recess 60 of the projection 58 (see Figure 8), the end 63 of the stop pin 62 which projects out of the recess 60 extends into the groove 80. The groove 80 limits the range of movement of the stop pin 62 in a similar way to the way in which the U-shaped track 66 limits the range of movement of the projection 58.

The end 63 of the stop pin 62 travels within the groove 80 between the second end 86 and the first end 82 as the chain 30 moves from a retracted configuration toward a partially extended configuration (discussed in more detail below) and vice versa. Because the stop pin 62 extends into the groove 80, the groove 80 limits the range of movement of the chain 30 by limiting the range of movement of the stop pin 62 between the first end 82 of the groove 80 and the second end 86 of the groove 80. When the chain 30 is retracted into the body 16, the stop pin 62 is at the second end 86 of the groove 80 and when the stop pin 62 is at the first end 82 of the groove 80, the chain 30 is partially extended. When the chain 30 is being driven by the drive means 40 toward an extended configuration, the stop pin 62 travels within the groove 80 until it reaches the first end wall 84 of the groove 80. The first end wall 84 of the groove 80 prevents the stop pin 62 from travelling further in that direction and as a result the chain 30 cannot be driven further from the body 16 by the drive means 40.

[0051] Figure 8 shows the stop pin 62 inserted into the first mounting member 56 at a position corresponding to the first end 82 of the groove 80. At this position, the stop pin 62 engages with the first end wall 84 of the groove 80 and this engagement prevents the chain 30 from being further extended from the body 16. This arrangement of the chain 30 partially extended from the body 16 corresponds to a second extended configuration.

[0052] In this embodiment, as described above, the first end wall 84 of the groove 80 is a restricting element formed in the top plate 20 of the body 16. This restricting element 84 engages the stop pin 62 which is held in the recess 60 of the first mounting member 56 and thereby limits movement of the chain 30 beyond the second extended configuration. As can be understood from Figures 8 and Figure 10, the length of the chain 30 which extends from the body 16 in this second extended configuration is shorter than the length of the chain 30 which extends from the body 16 in the first extended configuration.

[0053] In this embodiment, the top plate 20 includes a metal restrictor plate 90 at the first end 82 of the groove 80. As a result, the first end 82 of the groove 80, the restricting 9 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 element in the form of the first end wall 84 of the groove 80, and the surrounding portion of the top plate 20 is metal. In addition, in this embodiment, the stop pin 62 is made of metal. Because these components are made of metal, they are better able to withstand the wear which comes from the repeated engagement of the stop pin 62 and the end wall 84 of the groove 80 which occurs over time as the window winder 10 is used to repeatedly move the window panel 12 open and closed.

[0054] In Figures 6, 11 and 14, the upper side of the top plate 20 is shown. The top plate 20 includes a removable panel 92 at a position corresponding to the position of the metal restrictor plate 90. Removal of the removable panel 92 (see Figure 14) opens the body 16 and exposes the restrictor plate 90. The restrictor plate 90 includes an opening 94. In Figure 14, the stop pin 62 is illustrated in two orientations A (upright) and B (on its side). When the recess 60 of the first mounting member 56 is aligned with the opening 94, the stop pin 62 (in the upright orientation) can be passed through the opening 94 and into the recess 60.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the body 16 is fixed to a structure 100 adjacent to the window (see Figure 1) with the bottom surface of the base plate 18 in contact with the structure 100. The body 16 includes through holes 102 and can be fixed by screws inserted through these holes to the structure 100. In this embodiment, the upper surface 104 of the top plate 20 is substantially parallel to the under surface 106 of the base plate 18. The removable panel 92 is formed in the upper surface 104 of the top plate 20.

[0056] With reference to Figure 11, the top plate 20 includes a compartment 96 in which the stop pin 62 can be stored (on its side) when it is not inserted into the recess 60 of the first mounting member 56. As can be seen from Figures 6 and 11 (for example), when the removable panel 92 is in place on the top plate 20, it covers the compartment 96 and the stop pin 62 when it is stored in the compartment 96.

[0057] As will also be appreciated from Figure 2, when the cover 26 is fitted onto the body 16, the cover 26 covers at least a part of the removable panel 92. As a result, the cover 26 limits access to the removable panel 92. To access the removable panel 92, first the cover 26 is removed. This arrangement helps to secure the removable panel 92 in place over both the restrictor plate 90, the opening 94, and the compartment 96. It also makes it more difficult for someone (for example, a child) to tamper with the internal mechanism of the window winder 10. For example, it makes it more difficult to remove the stop pin 62 from the recess 60 in the first mounting means 56 and to thereby increase the length of the ίο 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 chain 30 which can be extended from the body 16 and increase the degree to which the window can be opened.

[0058] In the above described embodiment, the projection 58 travels within the U-shaped track 66 and engagement of the projection 58 with the first end wall 72 of the U-shaped track 66 establishes the maximum length of the chain 30 which can be extended from the body 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement and other methods for establishing the maximum length of the chain 30 which can be extended from the body 16 are possible. For example, a block may be positioned in one of the links 52 at the second end 36 or in the vicinity of the second end 36 of the chain 30. The block will prevent the teeth 50 of cog 49 of the worm gear 48 from engaging with that link and prevent the worm gear 48 from turning further to drive the chain 30 from the body 16.

[0059] In the above embodiment, a stop pin 62 is inserted into a recess 60 in the first mounting member 56 and the engagement of the stop pin 62 with the first end 82 of the groove 80 limits the length of the chain 30 which can be extended from the body 16 and establishes the second extended configuration. By inserting the stop pin 62 in the recess 60, the profile of the first mounting member 56 is changed and as a result the range of movement of the first mounting member 56 with respect to the body 16 is reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to the arrangement described above. For example, the stop member may change the profile of the first mounting member 56 in other ways so that it engages with a restricting element provided on the body 16. For example, the stop member may increase the width of the first mounting member 56 so that the stop element engages with a restricting element formed in one of the side walls 108, 110 of the U-shaped track 66.

[0060] In addition, the stop member may be mounted on the mounting member in other ways. For example, it could be clipped on to or screwed into the mounting member. In addition, in the above described embodiment, the restricting element (the first end wall 84) is formed in the top plate 20 of the body 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the restricting element may be formed in the base plate (as described in the previous paragraph) or in an additional component of the body 16.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the stop pin 62 travels within a groove 80 and engages the first end wall 84 (being the restricting element) of the groove 80. However, it is not necessary to have a groove in which the stop pin 62 travels. The restricting element may be a beam, a bar, a projection, or the like, formed in the top plate 20 at a position above the 11 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 U-shaped track 66 (for example, at a position corresponding to the first end wall 84 of the groove 80) and configured to engage the stop member. When the stop member carried by the first mounting element engages the restricting element, further movement of the chain 30 from the body 16 will be prevented.

[0062] In the above described embodiment, the chain 30 has a first mounting member 56. However, the present invention is not limited to having only one mounting member. Two or more mounting members may be associated with the chain 30. In such situations, a first mounting member 56 may be formed in the second end 36 of the chain 30 as described in the embodiment above. In addition, the chain 30 may have a second mounting member formed in or on one of the links 52 of the chain 30. If the second mounting member comprises a projection and a recess as in the above described embodiment, a user can choose to put the stop pin in either the first mounting member or the second mounting member. In that case, when the stop pin is carried by the second mounting member, the chain will be restricted to a third configuration in which the length of the chain which extends from the housing will be shorter than the length of the chain which extends from the housing in the second extended configuration. The presence of multiple mounting members allows for more flexibility in selecting a length of the chain to be extended from the housing and a corresponding degree of opening of the window.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting element is provided in the second arm 74 of the U-shaped track 66. However, the restricting element is not limited to this position and it may be provided at other positions along the U-shaped track 66 including in the first arm 68 of the U-shaped track 66. In the same way, the removable panel 92 is not limited to the position described in the above embodiment. In addition, it is not necessary for the restricting element to be provided at a position corresponding to the removable panel. For example, in the above described embodiment, the removable panel could be provided at a position between the second end 76 of the U-shaped track 66 and the restricting element (the first end wall 84 of the groove 80). The position of the restricting element will be determined by its relationship with the first mounting member and the length of the chain to be extended from the housing in the second extended configuration.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the removable panel 92 is provided in an operatively upper surface of the top plate 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the removable panel may be provided in a side wall of the 12 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 housing (for example, the side wall of the base plate) so that the stop member is mounted on a side of the mounting member. In such an embodiment, a groove similar to the one described above may be provided in the side wall 108 of the track 54 of the base plate 18 with a corresponding restricting element formed in the side wall 108, the stop member inserted through the removable panel in the side wall travels along the groove in the side wall until it engages the restricting element and thereby limits the length of the chain 30 extended from the body 16.

[0065] If there are multiple mounting members, there may also be multiple removable panels to allow for mounting of the stop member in or on the mounting members.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, the stop pin 62 is stored in the body 16 in a compartment 96 beneath the removable panel 92. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The stop member may be stored in a compartment which is not covered by the removable panel or it may be stored in a compartment covered by a second removable panel.

[0067] In the figures, reference number 8 generally designates an exemplary embodiment of a housing of a window winder 10. As described above, the housing 8 includes the body 16 and the cover 26 which releasably engages the body 16. The body 16 includes the base plate 18 and the top plate 20 (see Figures 3 and 7).

[0068] With reference to Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 16, a first projection 112 is associated with the body 16 and a first hole 114 is associated with the cover 26. In more detail, in this embodiment, the first projection 112 is provided on a tab 116 formed in a first end wall 118 of the top plate 20 of the body 16. In addition, the first hole 114 is formed in a first end wall 120 of the cover 26 at a position corresponding to the position of the first projection 112 on the top plate 20.

[0069] In addition, with reference to Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 16, a second projection 122 is associated with the body 16 and a second hole 124 is associated with the cover 26.

In more detail, in this embodiment, the second projection 122 is the cylinder assembly 132 in the cylinder mount 146 of the top plate 20 of the body 16. In addition, the second hole 124 is formed in the cover 26 at a position corresponding to the position of the cylinder assembly 132 on top plate 20 of the body 16.

[0070] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the first hole 114 and the second hole 124 are through holes formed in the cover 26. The size and shape of the first hole 114 corresponds 13 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 to the size and the shape of the first projection 112 such that when the cover 26 is placed onto the top plate 20 as shown in Figure 1, the first projection 112 projects into the first hole 114. In addition, the size and shape of the second hole 124 corresponds to the size and the shape of the cylinder assembly 132 such that when the cover 26 is placed onto the top plate 20 as shown in Figure 1, the cylinder assembly 132 projects into the second hole 124. The size and shape of the projections correspond to the size and shape of the holes sufficiently that there is insufficient clearance between the projections and the holes for them to disengage from each other unless the projections are moved relative to the holes by a user. In this embodiment, the movement of the projections is achieved by pressing the projections to move them relative to the holes.

[0071] As a result, when the cover 26 is fitted onto the top plate 20 of the body 16 as shown in Figure 1, the first projection 112 engages the first hole 114 and the cylinder assembly 132 engages the second hole 124 to maintain the cover 26 on top plate 20 of the body 16.

[0072] As described above, when the body comprising the base plate 18 and the top plate is assembled, the top plate 20 is fixed to the base plate 18 by screws 22 (see Figure 11). Therefore, typically, when the housing 8 is being assembled, the cover 26 is fitted on the top plate 20 after the top plate 20 has been fitted on the base plate 18.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first end wall 118 of the top plate including the tab 116 is made from a plastics material. When the cover 26 is being fitted onto the top plate 20, it possible for the free end of the tab 116 with the first projection 112 to deflect inwardly toward the interior of the body 8. A recess 156 is formed in a first end wall 158 of the base plate 18 at a position corresponding to the position of the tab 116 when the top plate 20 is fitted to the base plate 18. This recess 156 accommodates the inward deflection of the tab 116. This inward deflection of the tab 116 with the first projection 112 allows the cover 26 to pass over the first projection 112. When the first hole 114 is in position over the first projection 112, the tab 116 is able to return to its un-deflected position and for the first projection 112 to fit into (snap into) the first hole 114.

[0074] As described above, the cylinder assembly 132 is supported in the cylinder mount 146 by the bracket springs 140. Therefore, it is possible to press the cylinder assembly 132 inward toward the interior of the body 16 against the biasing force of the bracket springs 140. Therefore, in a similar way to the first projection 112, when the cover 26 is being fitted on to the top plate 20, it is possible for the cylinder assembly 132 to move inward 14 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 toward the interior of the body 16 to allow the cover 26 to pass over the cylinder assembly 132. When the second hole 124 is in position over the cylinder assembly 132, the cylinder assembly 132 is able to return to its biased position due to the biasing force of the bracket springs 140.

[0075] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, 11 to 13 and 16, the top plate 20 includes a groove 160 on its upper surface 104. When the cover 26 is fitted on the top plate 20, a wall 162 of the cover 26 fits into the groove 160.

[0076] With reference to Figures 11, 12, and 15, the top plate 20 includes a second tab 168 at a second end wall 170 (the opposite end to the first end wall 118). The second tab 168 includes a third projection 172. In addition, with reference to Figure 16, the cover 26 includes a blind hole 174 formed on the inside of the cover 26 in a second end wall 176 (the opposite end to the first end wall 120 of the cover 26). When the cover 26 is fitted to the top plate 20 with the first projection 112 engaging the first hole 114 and the second projection 122 engaging the second hole 124, the third projection 172 of the top plate 20 fits into the blind hole 174 in the cover 26 to more securely hold the cover 26 on top plate 20.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the cover 26 is fitted on the top plate 20 with the first projection 112 engaging the first hole 114 and the second projection 122 engaging the second hole 124, it is possible to disengage the first projection 112 from the first hole 114 by pressing the first projection 112 inward toward the interior of the body 16 such that the first projection 112 moves with respect to (relative to) the first hole 114. However, because the cylinder assembly 132 is engaging the second hole 124, the cover 26 remains in place. In addition, in the same way, it is possible to disengage the cylinder assembly 132 from the second hole 124 by pressing the cylinder assembly 132 inward toward the interior of the body 16 such that the cylinder assembly 132 moves with respect to (relative to) the second hole 124. However, if the first projection 112 is engaged in the first hole 114, the cover 26 will be maintained in place.

[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment, to remove the cover 26 from the top plate 20, the first projection 112 is pressed inward toward the interior of the body 16 to disengage the first projection 112 from the first hole 114 and the cylinder assembly 132 is pressed inward toward the interior of the body 16 to disengage the cylinder assembly 132 from the second hole 124. In other words, to remove the cover 26 from the top plate 20, both the first projection 112 and the second projection 122 are disengaged from the first hole 114 and 15 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 the second hole 124, respectively. When both the first and second projections 112, 122 are disengaged from their respective holes 114 and 124, the cover 26 will be removable from the body 16. The movement of the first projection 112 with respect to the first hole 114 and the movement of the second projection 122 with respect to the second hole 124 may occur simultaneously to release the cover 26. Alternatively, the movement of the first projection 112 with respect to the first hole 114 may occur before or after the movement of the second projection 122 with respect to the second hole 124. However, even if the first projection 112 is moved with respect to the first hole 114 before the second projection 122 is moved with respect to the second hole 124, it will be necessary to maintain the first projection 112 in a disengaged state while the second projection 122 is being disengaged from the second hole 124 (and vice versa) in order for the cover 26 to be removable from the body 16. When both the first projection 112 and the second projection 122 are disengaged from the first hole 114 and the second hole 124, respectively, the cover 26 will be removable. When only one of the first projection 112 and second projections 122 is disengaged from their respective holes 114 and 124, the cover 26 will be maintained on the body 26.

[0079] As can be seen in Figure 1, for example, the first projection 112 faces in a different direction to the cylinder assembly 132. Therefore, when the first projection 112 is pressed to release its engagement with the first hole 114, it moves in a different direction to the direction in which the cylinder assembly 132 moves when it is pressed to release its engagement with the second hole 124. The direction in which the first projection 112 is pressed is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 16. The direction in which the cylinder assembly 132 is pressed is at approximately 90 degrees to the direction in which the first projection 112 is pressed, in other words, in a direction 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body 16.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the engagement of the first projection 112 with the first hole 114 and the cylinder assembly 132 with the second hole 124 maintains the cover 26 on the body 16 and that to remove the cover 26 from the body 16 requires disengaging the first projection 112 from the first hole 114 and the cylinder assembly 132 (the second projection 122) from the second hole 124. This makes removal of the cover 26 more complex. As a result, access to the removable panel 92 and to the mechanism for adjusting the length of the chain 30 which extends from the body 16 (described above) is restricted. In addition, access to the locking mechanism 130 may also be restricted. 16 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 [0081] As explained above, a key (not shown) inserted into the key hole 148 locks and unlocks the locking mechanism 130. For example, a key inserted into the key hole 148 and rotated rotates the cylinder 133 within the cylinder bracket 138. By providing a projection (not shown) in the cylinder mount 146 which engages the cylinder 133 when it is rotated to the locked position, it is also possible to lock the cylinder assembly 132 in the spring biased position such that it cannot be pressed inward toward the interior of the body.

When the key is inserted into the key hole 148 and the cylinder 133 is rotated to the unlocked position, the projection in the cylinder mount 132 is disengaged from the cylinder 133 and allows the cylinder assembly 132 to be pressed inward toward the interior of the body. In this situation, it is necessary to unlock the locking mechanism before the cover 26 can be removed from the body 16.

[0082] As described above, the body 16 can be mounted on or attached to structure 100 by means of screws through the holes 102. Securely fitting the cover 26 to the body 16 also restricts access to the screws which fix the body 16 to the structure 100.

[0083] In the above described embodiment, the second projection 122 is the cylinder assembly 132. The present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the second projection 122 may have a structure similar to the first projection 112 and be independent of the locking mechanism 130. In another example, the window winder 10 may not have a locking mechanism 130 and in that case the first and second projections may be identical and be provided at opposite end walls of the body 16.

[0084] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first projection 112 and the second projection 122 (the cylinder assembly 132) are provided on the top plate 20. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the first projection and the second projection could be provided in the base plate 18 and engage first and second holes formed in the cover 26. In that case, for example, the arrangement shown in Figure 4, where the base plate 18 includes a recess 156 which allows the tab 116 on the top plate 20 to be deflected inwardly, the arrangement could be reversed. The tab could be provided on the base plate and extend upwardly from the base plate 18. The recess could be provided in the top plate 20. Alternatively, a portion of the end wall 118 of the top plate 20 could be omitted to allow the tab on the base plate to be deflected inward prior to engaging the first hole provided in the cover.

[0085] In addition, in the above described embodiment, the first projection 112 and second projection 122 are provided on the body 16 and the first hole 114 and second hole 17 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 124 are provided in the cover 26. The present invention is not limited to this arrangement and the first and second projections may be provided in the cover 26 and the first and second holes may be provided in the body 16. For example, the cover may include a tab with a first projection and the tab may be configured to fit (or slide) within a wall of the body not covered by the cover. The first hole may be in the wall of the body and when the cover is in position on the body, the first projection may extend from the inside to the outside through the first hole. In this case, the tab on the cover would be deflected inwardly as it was fitted onto the body.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the first projection 112 and the second projection 122 are provided on the body 16 while the first and second holes 114 124 are provided on the cover 26. The present invention is not limited to this arrangement and an arrangement in which the first projection 112 and the second hole 124 are provided on the body 16 and the second projection 122 and the first hole 114 are provided on the cover 26 (or vice versa) is also possible.

[0087] In the embodiment described above, the first projection 112 and the second projection 122 are provided on different sides of the top plate 20 and, as a result, they are moveable in different directions to disengage from the first hole and the second hole, respectively. The present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the first projection and the second projection may be provided on the same side or on the same surface of the body. For example, the first projection and the second projection could be provided space apart on the side wall 164 of the top plate 20 and the first hole and the second hole could be provided a corresponding positions in the side wall 166 of the cover 26 (see Figures 3 and 6). In that case, the direction in which the first projection moves with respect to the first hole to disengage the first projection from the first hole would be in the same as the direction in which the second projection moves with respect to the second hole to disengage the second projection from the second hole.

[0088] In the above described embodiment, the housing 8 has been described with reference to a window winder. However, the present invention is not limited to housing for window winders and it is also applicable to housings for door locks and other types of window locks and also to latches and other closure mechanisms for windows and doors, and the like.

[0089] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from 2017101115 16 Aug 2017 18 the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A window winder for moving a window panel, the window winder comprising: a body; a flexible element disposed within the body and attachable to the window panel, the flexible element being movable relative to the body from a retracted configuration in which the flexible member is substantially within the body to a first extended configuration in which a length of the flexible member is extended from the body; at least a first mounting member associated with the flexible element such that the first mounting member moves relative to the body when the flexible element moves relative to the body; a stop member removably mountable in or on the first mounting member; and a restricting element associated with the body to engage the stop member mounted in or on the first mounting member and to thereby limit movement of the flexible element beyond a second extended configuration in which the length of the flexible member which extends from the body is shorter than that of the first extended configuration.
2. 2. A window winder according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a removable panel and wherein removal of the removable panel opens the body such that the stop member can be mounted in or on the first mounting member.
3. 3. A window winder according to claim 2, wherein the body includes a compartment in which the stop member is storable when the stop member is not engaged with the mounting member.
4. 4. A window winder according to claim 3, wherein the compartment is accessible by removal of the removable panel.
5. 5. A window winder according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a cover which covers at least a portion of the body and restricts access to the removable panel in the body.
6. 6. A window winder according anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible member includes a first end which is attachable to the window panel and a second end within the body and the first mounting member is provided at the second end.
7. 7. A window winder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a restrictor plate in which the restrictor is formed, the restrictor plate comprising an aperture through which the stop member is insertable for mounting in or on the first mounting member.
8. 8. A window winder according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a second mounting member associated with the flexible element such that the second mounting member moves relative to the body when the flexible member moves relative to the body, the stop member being removably mountable in or on the second mounting member; wherein engagement of the restrictor and the stop member mounted in or on the second mounting member limits movement of the flexible mechanism beyond a third extended configuration in which the length of the flexible member which extends from the body is different to that of the second extended configuration.
9. 9. A window winder according to claim 8, wherein the stop member is mountable in or on the second mounting member by insertion through the aperture in the restrictor plate.
10. 10. A window winder according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the body includes a first surface via which the body is fixed to a structure and a second surface which lies in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface and wherein the removable panel is provided in the second surface.
11. 11. A window winder according to claim 10, wherein the body comprises a base plate which includes the first surface and a top plate which includes the second surface and the restrictor is provided in the top plate.
12. 12. A window winder according to claim 10, wherein the body comprises a base plate which includes the first surface and a top plate which includes the second surface and the restrictor is provided in the base plate.
13. 13. A window winder according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second mounting member is provided in the flexible member at a position intermediate the first end and the second end such that the length of the flexible member which extends from the body in the third extended configuration is shorter than that of the second extended configuration.
14. 14. Window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover which covers at least a portion of the housing.