AU2021254667A1 - Improvements in window assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall, the assembly having structure which is configured to define a perimeter of at least one opening for the flow of air therethrough, and wherein the assembly further has a cover member movable between open and closed positions where in a closed position the cover member prevents the flow of air through the opening(s) and in an open position it permits the flow of air therethrough. 2/10 (22 ('20o1O Rgr 3 N Figure4 /

Description

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IMPROVEMENTS IN WINDOW ASSEMBLIES RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2020903861 filed on 26 October 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to assemblies for mounting in the hole of a building wall and for promoting ventilation of the building.

BACKGROUND

The quality of air in a building is an important factor in the health, well-being and performance of the people in that building. Children who grow up in urbanised areas are more exposed to environmental pollution thereby reducing their life expectancy and quality of life. In addition recent research suggests that purification of the air that we breathe can benefit patients with heart problems.

As such, adequate quality ventilation is important, and in particular the air introduced into the building from the external environment. Due to our increasing urbanization, the outside air can be polluted due to traffic and industry or even biogenic factors such as pollen or dust.

Furthermore, to replace window assemblies for the purposes of aesthetics or to add functionality to the window such as increased ventilation, shading, security it is both difficult, labour intensive and expensive. Such a situation may occur when one building user takes over a building they may find that the window assemblies are not sufficient or do not have the aesthetics they want. Alternatively a building owner may wish to update the look and purpose of the window assemblies to prepare for sale or rent.

Examples of the invention seek to solve or at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of previous window assemblies.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall, the assembly having structure which is configured to define a perimeter of at least one opening for the flow of air therethrough, and wherein the assembly further has a cover member movable between open and closed positions where in a closed position the cover member prevents the flow of air through the opening(s) and in an open position it permits the flow of air therethrough.

According to an embodiment, the structure includes sheet material and a frame for supporting said sheet material wherein a section of the frame and/or the sheet material is arranged so as to define the perimeter of the opening(s).

According to an embodiment, the assembly has means for drawing or expelling air through the opening(s).

According to an embodiment, the assembly has at least one means for effecting filtration or purification of the air passing through the opening(s).

According to an embodiment, the assembly has netting material for prevention of ingress of insects through the opening(s).

According to an embodiment, the assembly has a decorative member.

According to an embodiment, the assembly has a security member for preventing unauthorised access.

According to an embodiment, the assembly is configured to receive at least one element adjacent to the opening(s) such that the air substantially passing through the opening passes through the element(s) wherein the or each element comprises one or more of the following: means for effecting filtration or purification, netting material, cover member, decorative member, security member and means for drawing or expelling air through the opening(s).

According to an embodiment, the or each element is removable.

According to an embodiment, the assembly is configured to receive at least two removable elements, one element being arrangeable to be in parallel and superimposed configuration to another such element.

According to an embodiment, the or each element is defined as a panel, wherein an outer perimeter of the or each panel member is substantially superimposed over or within an inner perimeter of the opening.

According to an embodiment, the assembly is configured to receive a removable housing, wherein the housing is openable to receive at least one panel therein and when the housing is closed, the housing is receivable within an inner perimeter of one of said openings.

According to an embodiment, the frame has at least one container portion which is configured to receive growing media capable of sustaining vegetation or to receive at least one container having such growing media, the received container(s) or growing media arranged to as to be adjacent to at least one opening such that air flowing through the at least one opening passes through shoot systems of vegetation when so cultivated in the growing media.

According to an embodiment, when the cover member is in the closed position, the cover member and container portion(s) and/or containers form an enclosure about the vegetation, and, when the cover member is in the open position, the air flows through the shoot systems of the vegetation for oxygenation of the air.

According to an embodiment, the sheet material is non-transparent or opaque.

According to an embodiment, the sheet material includes illumination means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a window assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall, the window assembly having a frame, the outer periphery of which is receivable in the hole of the building wall, the window assembly being configured for releasable attachment of at least one member, wherein the at least one member being for one or more of the following: security, shade, decorating or for sustaining vegetation.

According to an embodiment, the window assembly and the at least one member is configured to be releasably attachable by means for fastening the member(s) external to the building.

According to an embodiment, the at least one member is a decorative member for internal decoration of said window or frame of said window, wherein said structure and said decorative member(s) have engaging portions which are differently configured such that one decorative member is selectively engageable to another such decorative member or to said structure via each engaging portion.

According to an embodiment, the or each decorative member has two pairs of opposing engaging portions wherein each pair of engaging portions are directed laterally from each other and wherein each decorative member is selectively engageable to another decorative member(s) or said structure on any one or all of said engaging portion(s).

According to an embodiment, the or each decorative member has illumination means and electrical circuity and where the engaging portions are defined as plug and port arrangements, such that when the or each decorative member is so received in the structure, the engaging portions are adapted to conduct electricity from the structure to the or each decorative member to power the illumination means via the electrical circuitry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly for mounting in an opening of a building wall having a vertically oriented opening according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention when viewed external to the building;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 in exploded form;

Figure 3 is a perspective view in exploded form of an assembly having a housing for mounting in the vertically oriented opening according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a housing according to another embodiment of the invention in an unfolded and folded configurations;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall having a horizontally oriented opening according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention when viewed external to the building;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 5 in exploded form;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an assembly having a housing for mounting in the horizontally oriented opening in exploded form according to another alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figures 8a, 8b and 8c are alternative housings for the assembly of Figures 5 to 7 according to embodiments of the invention in various configurations;

Figures 9 and 10 are front and perspective views respectively of an assembly for mounting in an opening of a building wall having a security element according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figures 9 and 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an assembly having openings defined in a casing of the assembly in exploded form according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 13 and 14 show perspective views of an assembly having openings defined in casing of the frame according to further alternative embodiments of the invention;

Figure 15 shows an exploded perspective view of an assembly having openings in the casing of the assembly;

Figure 16 is a cross-section view through the line marked A-A in Figure 15 showing path of the air flow;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall, such as a port or skylight, and having a cover portion in the casing of the frame according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 17;

Figures 19 and 20 are exploded perspective views when viewed internally of an assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall configured to receive two containers for sustaining vegetation and having a cover portion in closed and open positions respectively according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 21 to 24 are cross-section views of alternative embodiments of the assembly of Figures 19 and 20 configured for sustaining vegetation;

Figures 25 to 27 are perspective views of an assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall when viewed external to the building in open and closed positions according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 28 and 29 are external and internal perspective views respectively of an assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall according to still yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 29;

Figures 31 and 32 are external and internal perspective views respectively of an assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the assembly of Figures 28 to 30;

Figure 33 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 32;

1o Figures 34 and 35 are front views of a door or window assembly having the assemblies of Figures 28 to 33 in a slidable arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 36 and 37 are cross-section views of alternative slidable arrangements of the assemblies of Figures 34 and 35;

Figure 38 is a front view of an assembly for attaching to a window or to a frame of a window according to still another preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 39 are perspective views of three decorative elements for decoration of the window receivable in the assembly of Figure 38;

Figure 40 are two close-up views of two orthogonally directed side portions of a decorative element for connection thereof;

Figure 41 is a perspective view of a window assembly with an external decorative member in readiness for installation according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 42 is a perspective view of an alternative window assembly with another external decorative member according to still yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 43 and 44 are perspective views of security members for use in the window assemblies of Figures 41 and 42;

Figure 45 is a perspective view of shading members in-situ for use with the window assemblies of Figures 41 and 42; and

Figure 46 is an exploded view of the shading members of Figure 45.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals or those which are multiples of 100 which represent differing embodiments thereof.

In Figures 1 to 37, there are shown views of assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 for mounting in the hole of a building wall and which advantageously provides ventilation of air to the building. In particular, the assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 are configured to controllably introduce air into the building or to be controllably expelled from the building according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 have sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 and a frame 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804 which is configured to support the sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802. In particular, the frame 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804 is configured to allow the assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 to be installed into the hole in the building wall, and the frame 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804 is arranged so as to at least partly support the sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 by the periphery thereof so as to provide a barrier between the exterior and the interior of the building.

The assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 is also configured to define at least one opening 106, 206, 206a, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806 which provides for the passage of air therethrough. Specifically, the at least one opening 106, 206, 206a, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806 allows for the passage of air through the assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and consequently for air to enter or exit the building. The assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 also has a cover member 108, 208, 208a, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 or a housing assembly 110, 210 having the cover member 108, 208, 208a, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 which can, in a first position, permit air to flow through the at least one opening 106, 206, 206a, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806 and in a second position, occlude the opening(s) thereby preventing air flow through the at least one opening 106, 206, 206a, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806. The cover member 108, 208, 208a, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 and housing assembly

110, 210 having a cover member 108, 208, 208a, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 will be described in more detail in the following paragraphs.

The frame 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, and/or the sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 are able to be arranged so as to be define the at least one opening(s) 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806. For example, the frame 104, 204 can have at least one partition member 112, 212 which can separate the assembly 100, 200 into at least two portions, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8, where one portion defines the periphery of the opening 106, 206, and another portion which is configured for supporting the sheet material 102, 202. In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the assembly 100 has a partition member 112 which extends between the top and bottom portions of the frame 104, otherwise known as the head and the sill. In another example illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the assembly 200 has a pair of partition members 212 which extend between the opposing sides or jambs of the frame 204 thereby forming two spaced-apart portions which can support two sheets of sheet material 202 and where the opening 206 is defined therebetween. In particular, the partition members 212 define the top and bottom of the opening 206 in this example.

In another example illustrated in Figures 12 to 16, the assembly 300 has a frame 304 can comprise a casing in which the perimeter of the opening or openings 306 are defined, and where the inner periphery of the casing supports the outer periphery of the sheet material 302. Figures 12 to 16 show various arrangements of opening(s) 306 in the frame 304. For example, the opening 306 can extend all about the perimeter of the frame 304 as shown in the example of Figures 12, 13 and 15. Alternatively, the frame 304 can define the periphery of a pair of openings 306, one in the upper portion of the casing and another in the lower portion of the casing 304.

Although most of the examples illustrate assemblies having one opening, the example assembly 400 shown in Figures 17 and 18 has a frame 404 having a plurality of openings 406, such as those defining a linear series of openings or a mesh. Alternatively, the at least one opening 506 can be defined between the frame 504 and the sheet material 502, as illustrated in the assembly 500 illustrated in Figures 19 to 30, where the perimeter of the opening 506 is defined partly by the sheet material 502 and partly by the frame 504. Another embodiment illustrated in Figure 8a show a plurality of openings 208a defined in a panel member or front cover portion of housing assembly 210.

The example shown in Figures 31 to 36 shows assemblies 600, 700 substantially comprising sheet material 602, 702 and where the at one opening 606, 706 is defined in the sheet material 602, 702. The opening 606 can be formed as a vertical slot such that this assembly 600 can be used primarily for ventilation in commercial buildings or in residential buildings which also acts to prevent persons entering or exiting the building for safety reasons. For example, such assemblies 600, 700 may be utilised in hotels or other commercial buildings to conform to standards which are in place to prevent hotel guests or users from unauthorised exit but still allow the control of air flow into or out of the building for the health and well-being of the guests or users. The opening 706 can be formed in a decorative manner yet advantageously allow air flow as illustrated in Figures 31 to 33. Although the assemblies 600, 700 are illustrated without support of a frame, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a frame may be used if required for mounting in the hole of the building.

The sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 can comprise transparent, translucent or opaque material, such as glass, including transparent, frosted or coloured glass, fibre glass or suitable polymer material. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 can also include a decorative layer for aesthetic purposes, as illustrated in Figure 27. Furthermore, the assembly 600, 700 exemplified in Figures 31 to 36 can advantageously have sheet material 602, 702 formed of translucent or opaque material to preserve the privacy of those in an adjacent building or the privacy of the building users as may be required by regulations.

The sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 such as glass can include electronic circuitry and illumination means (not shown) where the electronic circuitry including wires is configured to supply electricity to the illumination means. The illumination means can include lighting such as LEDs, OLEDs and the like and which can be arranged within the sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 for an aesthetically pleasing and decorative effect. The power for the illumination means can be supplied by a battery source or alternatively by mains power 114, 214, 314, 514, 814. In an alternative embodiment, the sheet material 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 can include two layers of glass, such as double-glazing, where the electronic circuitry and illumination means are located therebetween.

While the embodiment described in the previous paragraphs are usable as window elements in a commercial or residential building, in various arrangements 800 illustrated in Figures 34 to 37, the assemblies 600, 700 comprising sheet material 602, 702 can be used as screens or door panels. The screens or door panels can include those that face towards a garden or deck, and advantageously slidable from side to side to allow entry and exit as indicated by the arrows in Figure 36.

The assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 have a cover member 108, 208, 208a, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 or a housing assembly 110, 210 having a cover member 108, 208, 208a, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, where the cover member 108, 208, 208a, 208b, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 is movable between the first and second positions as discussed above, to allow a user to control the air flow into or out of the building. Preferably, the cover member 108, 208, 208a, 208b, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 can be moved into a variety of positions between the first and second positions which allows adjustability of the volume of air flow. Examples of these cover members 108, 208, 208a, 208b, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 or housing assemblies 110, 210 are illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 7, 8a, 8b, 8c 15, 17 to 30 and 33, where arrows indicate direction of the flow of air.

The assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 can also include means for drawing air into the building or expelling air from the building 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716as shown in Figures 3, 4, 7, 8a, 8b, 12, 15, 25, 27, 30 and 33 and preferably the means 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716 is controllable so as to be able to select between drawing air or expelling air as required or to increase or decrease the volume of air drawn or expelled. In a preferred embodiment, the means for drawing or expelling air 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716 is a device having a brushless motor which takes in the air and feeds it into the periphery of the opening, such a device is known commonly as the Dyson 'Air Multiplier'. Alternatively, the means for drawing or expelling air 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716 can be of conventional means, such as a fan with rotating blades having a motor. The means for drawing or expelling air 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716 is thus able to be housed in the assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and is configured to be powered by a nearby power point via a power cable to mains power 114, 214, 314, 514, 814. Preferably, the means for drawing or expelling air 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716 is removably housed in the assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, for ease of maintenance and repair.

The cover members 108, 208, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 are also configured to be removable to allow one or more elements to be placed over the opening(s) 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, such as at least one element for filtration or purification purposes 118, 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718, netting or mesh material

120, 220, 320, 520, 620, 720 or preventing ingress of insects, or a decorative element 122, 222. Notably, the assembly 400 does not require netting or mesh material as the plurality of openings 406 act as a mesh to prevent ingress of insects. Plurality of openings 206a may also act in a similar way.

The element may be defined as a panel member which includes at least one element. The decorative element 122, 222 has one or more apertures to allow air to flow through the opening 106, 206, 206a, 206b, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706 and any element or panel member positioned so as to be super-imposed over the opening(s) 106, 206, 206a, 206b, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706. The elements or panel members comprising such an element are preferably sized to attachable to the opening(s) via fasteners (not shown) and allows air which flows through the opening(s) 106, 206, 206a, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706 to also flow through the elements or panel members. Examples of such fasteners include magnetic fasteners, clips or press studs however it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that many fasteners would be equally usable.

The assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 can have one or more elements according to the needs or desires of the residents, where multiple elements can be received in a stacked configuration within the perimeter of the opening 106, 206, 306, 506, 606, 706 or a recess defined by the frame about the opening 106, 206, 306, 506, 606, 706. For example, Figures 3 and 7 show multiple elements comprising a decorative element 122, 222 which is viewable externally and an inner-most cover member 108, 208 with an element comprising netting material 120, 220 and a filtration or purification element 118, 218 therebetween. Each element is advantageously individually removable and interchangeable for convenient replacement, maintenance or repair from within the building. This is especially important for windows which are situated in high-rise buildings where it is not convenient or possible to do maintenance, repair or replacement external to the building and for the convenience of the resident or other user of the building. However alternatively, the decorative element 122, 222 may be removable or replaceable external to the building.

In another alternative embodiment, the assembly 200 is also configured to receivably support a security element 224 external to the building for prevention of unauthorised access therein as illustrated in Figures 9 to 11. Preferably, the security element 224 has a support member 226 which is receivable in the opening 206 which is lockably fixable to the assembly 200 to ensure security and safety. More preferably, the support member 226 can also have one or more apertures for allowing air flow through the assembly 200 if required for the purposes of ventilation. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the security element can be provided such that it is receivably supported and lockable internal to the building for ease of removal for aesthetic or additional protective or servicing purposes.

The cover members 108, 208, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 can be removable with respect to the assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 housing assembly 110, 210, and/or openings 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706 for easy access to at least one element or at least one panel member comprising an element as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the elements need not be attachable for covering the opening(s), but are receivable in a recess formed by the assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, including one or more of the following: the frame 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704 and/or partition members 112, 212 and/or the casing, where the perimeter of the recess is greater than the perimeter of the opening(s) 106, 206, 206a, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706. In such configurations the cover member 108, 208, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 or the housing assembly 110, 210 having the cover member 108, 208, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 may be configured so as to be able to be receivable in the recess so as to be able to hold the at least one element or panel members between the cover member/housing assembly 108, 110, 208, 210, 308a, 308b, 408, 508, 608, 708 and the opening 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706 as illustrated in the example of Figures 3, 4, 7, 8a, 8b, 12, 15, 16, 18, 26, 27 and 33.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 4, 8b and 8c, the housing assembly 110, 210,211 is defined as a cassette having a hingeable front wall portion which are configured to be unfoldable and foldable about one or more elements or panel members which are received in a base of the cassette and which is configured to be porous to allow air flowing through the opening(s) 106, 206, 206a, 206b to flow through the cassette and through the at least one element. Preferably, the rear wall portion is also removable, which when it is in the second or folded position, acts as the cover member when in situ.

Alternatively, the at least one element is receivable in a housing assembly 110, 210, 211 or cassette, as described above, which is attachable adjacent to the opening(s) 106, 206a, 206b such that the air passing through the opening(s) 106, 206a, 206b passes through the front wall portion of the housing assembly/cassette and is able to ventilate the building if the cover member 108, 208a, 208b is not occluding the opening(s) 106, 206a, 206b.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover members 108, 208a can be slidable with respect to the assembly 100, 200, housing assembly 110, 210 and/or opening(s) 108, 208a as illustrated in Figures 8a, 17 to 33. In particular, the assembly 400 exemplified in Figures 17 and 18 defines a round window such as a port hole or skylight. In such an example assembly 400, the cover member 408 of Figures 17 and 18 can be defined as a curved strip of sheet material which is configured to be able to be circumferentially slidable along the curved casing wall, such that the curved strip at least partially occludes the plurality of openings or permits air to flow through the one or more openings 406 depending on the position of the curved strip relative to the openings 406. In the embodiment illustrated in 1o Figures 8a, 8b and 8a, a plurality of openings 206a, 206b are provided in a front wall portion of the housing assembly 210, 211 and, preferably, a slidable cover member 208a or hingeable cover member 208b can also be provided for occluding the openings 206a, 206b if desired.

In an alternative embodiment, the cover member 308b can comprise two portions which are configured to be hingedly movable to the casing 304 and/or to each other. As illustrated in Figure 15, the two portions are connected to each other at the top and bottom of the casing 304 intermediate the sides and are both hingedly openable and closeable to be able to replace, interchange or remove the corresponding elements 316, 318, 320. Each of the corresponding elements 316, 318, 320 also comprise two portions, each of which can be replaced or removed by opening the corresponding cover portion 308b. The cross-section view of the assembly 300 illustrated in Figure 16 is taken through dotted line A-A and which shows the path of the air flow through the openings 306 of the casing 304 and elements of netting material and filter material 318, 320.

The element 118, 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718 having a filtration or purification effect can comprise a number of different porous materials or filters such as those known for filtering particulates such as dust, pollen, mould and bacteria or for absorbing or having catalysts such as charcoal or titanium dioxide to remove odours or gaseous pollutants. The elements 218 can include HEPA filters or photo-catalytic filters or UV sources such as bulbs or LEDS. Gaseous pollutants can include as volatile organic compounds such as those from emitted from combustion engines or ozone. The housing assembly 110, 210, 211 can include one or more elements 118, 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718. For example, the housing assembly 211 illustrated in Figure 8c can have two elements 218 such as a charcoal and a HEPA filter or in another example, a UV element and a photo catalytic element.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 19 to 27, there are shown views of an assembly 500 which has at least one container portion 528 configured to receive growth media or containers 532 having growth media which is capable of sustaining vegetation. Preferably, the at least one container portion 528 is provided in the bottom portion of the assembly 500 however it is also envisaged that the container portions 528 can be located else in the assembly 500 such as the top portion of the assembly or intermediate thereto. Advantageously, the at least one container portion 528 can house vegetation which is exposed to the sunlight thereby providing a suitable growing environment. The container portions 528 can be defined as a drawer with one or more partitions as illustrated in Figure 19 which can be slidable into a position which conveniently allows easy access to the container portions 528.

The opening 506 for the flow of air through the assembly 500 is arranged so as to provided adjacent to the vegetation which so received in the container portions 528 which allows easy access to the vegetation 530 for maintenance, watering, replacement and the like from within the building. In a preferred embodiment of Figures 19 to 27, the opening 506 is defined by the lower edge of the sheet material 502 and the sill of the assembly 500. The cover member 508 can be used to permit air from the external environment to enter and flow through the assembly 500, via the vegetation 530 and opening 506, which advantageously purifies and oxygenates the air before it enters the building.

As discussed in previous paragraphs, the opening 506 is configured to receive at least one element or a panel member which can comprise at least one element for filtration or purification, netting material and/or means for drawing or expelling air as illustrated in the various embodiments of Figures 19 to 27.

Figures 19 to 27 show various views of an assembly 500 configured for holding and sustaining vegetation 528 therein, where the frame 504 has at least one container portion 528 for receiving growing media capable of sustaining vegetation 530 or for receiving at least one container 532 having growing media capable of sustaining vegetation. The assembly 500 has a cover member 508 which is configured to be slidable from an upper open position to lower closed position and is configured such that the cover member 508 defines a lid for at least one container portion 228. In particular, the container portion 528 and lid form an enclosure or 'hot-house' for the vegetation 530 when the cover member 508 is in the lower closed position, which also prevents air from entering or exiting the building. In a preferred embodiment, the container portion 528 is configured to be slidably removable with respect to the frame 504 so as to be able to easily access any vegetation 530 for the purpose of maintenance, repair or replacement. As illustrated in Figure 19, the container portion 528 is conveniently defined as a drawer which is able to receive a pair of containers 532 therein.

The cover member 508 can be arranged to be supported on a pair of rails 534, as illustrated in Figures 21 to 24, such that it is slidably movable between a lower part of the assembly 500 and an upper part thereof. The cover member 508 can have three portions, with a top generally horizontal portion extending between an inner most upright portion and an outermost upright portion which are substantially parallel to the inner-most and outer most faces of the assembly respectively, thereby forming a cap over the container portion(s) 528 to provide space for the growing vegetation 530. In a preferred embodiment, the cover member 508 has a decorative layer 536.

The vegetation 530 not only acts to provide a purifying effect on air entering the building but also provides for aesthetically pleasing vegetation 530 to conveniently be part of the internal environment. The applicant also expects that there will also be an external aesthetic effect from a single assembly 500 displaying vegetation as well as an overally aesthetic to a building overall if a plurality of these assemblies 500 was provided as the windows of a medium to high density residential or commercial building. Advantageously, this assembly, whether singly or as plurality of assemblies, can provide additional vegetation 530 into an urbanised environment to beautify and purify the air for all residents.

The at least one container portion 528, as illustrated in Figure 24, can include a reservoir portion 538 which is configured to hold liquid for the purpose of providing the vegetation 530 with moisture. The at least one container portion 528 may also have one or more apertures arranged to allow evaporation of the liquid 540 which can provide an air cooling effect. Replacement of the liquid 540 can be done manually, or alternatively, the assembly 500 can be connected to the mains water supply for convenience. Means for drawing air into the building 516 can be provided at the exit or entrance to the reservoir portion 538 to increase the rate of evaporation of the liquid and thus the cooling effect if so desired.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a window assembly 1000 which is configured for mounting in the hole 1003 of a building wall 1060 as illustrated in Figures 38 to 46. The window assembly 1000 has a frame 1004 which can have an outer periphery of which is mounted into the hole 1003 and which supports one or more sheet members 1002 such as glass.

The window assembly 1000 includes at least one member 900, 1024, 1026, 1036a, 1036b, 1058, 1060 which is releasably attachable to the frame 1004 and/or the sheet material 1002. The at least one member 900, 1024, 1026, 1036a, 1036b, 1058, 1060, as illustrated in Figures 38 to 46, is releasably attachable to the exterior of the building so as to allow easy and convenient replacement of the at least one member 900, 1024, 1026, 1036a, 1036b, 1058, 1060 according to the building user's taste or needs, which may require additional shading, security or aesthetic appeal.

For example, as illustrated in Figures 41, and 42, the window assembly 1000 can 1o include the member 1036a, 1036b, which is configured so as to provide a veneer over the frame 1004, and further being configured to be interchangeable with another such member 1036a, 1036b such as another veneer which can be replaced or updated according to the building user's wants and needs which may have any colour, pattern or texture as desired by the building user. The member 1036a, 1036b, is preferably rectangularly shaped similarly to the frame 1004, and having an opening which, in use, allows light to penetrate through the clear or transparent sheet material such as glass 1002. Notably, the member 1036a comprises a thin layer but this may mean that, in use, the member 1036a is recessed from the external surface of the building wall. Alternatively the member 1036b may be arranged so as to have an outer surface which is able to sit proud or flush with the external building surface and additionally may have a flange which extends past the outer perimeter of the hole 1003 as illustrated in Figure 42.

In another example, the window assembly 1000 includes the security members 1024, 1026 which act to prevent unauthorised access through the window. In the illustrated embodiments, the security members 1024, 1026 are shutters which can be closable and openable either by manual or automated means. It will be appreciated that the security members could be any other security features such as bars or grills, which could be shaped in decorative or regular patterns attachable externally to the frame 1004.

As illustrated in Figures 45 and 46, the window assembly 1000 can also include shading members 1058, 1060 which act to prevent unwanted sun at hotter parts of the year depending on the orientation of the building and window. The shading members can be additional to the decorative member 1036b as particularly illustrated in Figure 46.

Preferably the at least one member 900, 1024, 1026, 1036a, 1036b 1058, 1060 serves a purpose such as for security 1024, 1026, shading 1058, 1060 or for decorative purposes 1036. In another preferred embodiment, the at least one member is an assembly 500 as described above and which is configured to be attached externally rather than internally as shown in Figures 19 to 27, but which allows access to the growing environment from within the building. As illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 41 and 42, the sheet material 1002 is supported by the frame 1004 however it can be appreciated that sheet material 1002 may be also supported by the at least one member 1024, 1026, 1036a 1036b.

In a preferred embodiment, the window assembly has at least one member comprising an assembly 900 being attachable to a window (not shown) or a frame of a window internal to the building as illustrated in Figures 38 to 40. Preferably, the member comprising assembly 900 is attached on an inner-most side of a window for interior decorative purposes.

The means for attachment of the at least one member 900, 1024, 1026, 1036, 1058, 1060 can be adhesives or any type or number of fasteners 1062 as would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art and can include magnetic fasteners, clips, ties, hoop and loop fasteners known commonly as 'velcro' fasteners, threaded fastening arrangements such as screws or bolts, non-threaded arrangements such as rivets. The attachment may be removable for allowing access to the window or can be permanent as desired.

The assembly 900 has structure 942 for supporting at least one decorative member 944 which provides decoration for said window. The at least one decorative member 944 has side portions 946, 948 which are differently configured such that one decorative member 944 is connectable to another like decorative member 944. Furthermore, the structure 942 also has engaging portions 950, 952 which are configured to mateably engage with said side portions 946, 948 to facilitate support of the decorative members 944.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one decorative member 944 has a first pair of differently configured side portions 946, 948 which are orthogonally directed to a second pair of differently configured opposing side portions 946', 948' as illustrated particularly in Figure 38 and 39. This example decorative member 944 is defined as a tile member, where the decorative member 944 can be selectively and supportably engaged by the structure 942 or another decorative member 944 on any one or all four sides.

As exemplified in Figure 40, one side portion 946 is defined as a tab member which is mateably engageable to a tab receiving member in the opposing side portion 948. The structure also has tab portions or tab receiving portions which can correspondingly mateably engage with the tab or tab receiving portions on the decorative member 944 so as to support them in the structure 942.

Advantageously, the tab and tab receiving portions are able to be easily disengaged and engaged for customizable arrangement of the at least one decorative members 944 within the structure 942 according to the desire and aesthetic sensibilities of the user. For example in Figure 39, four decorative members 944 are used to provide a decorative arrangement, each decorative member 944 having a different marking, in the form of icons, text, pictures and the like, to form a matrix being two decorative members high and two decorative members wide. Alternatively in Figure 39, three decorative members 944 form a vertical column arrangement which form an 'I love you' message in icon form. The structure 942, in a preferred embodiment, may also be of a modular nature which allows different customizable supportive arrangements of the decorative members 944.

In another preferred embodiment, the tab and tab receiving members define an electrical plug and port arrangement which can supply electricity to at least one decorative member 944. The at least one decorative member 944 has illumination means 954 and electrical elements 956, such as wires, which when connected to the structure 942 and/or another decorative member 944 may illuminate those decorative members 944 from within. Thus the decorative members 944 can comprise transparent, coloured or translucent materials through which the illumination means 954 can be viewable. The illumination means 954 can include LED, OLED, fluorescent bulbs and the like, and it will be appreciated that any type of illumination means would be possible.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention advantageously can aid in the ventilation of a building and increase the quality of air contained therein. Furthermore the embodiments of the present invention are modular in nature and therefore it is possible to add, remove or interchange components of the above disclosed window assemblies to increase, modify or change the functionality and aesthetics of window assemblies as desired by a building owner.

Through-out the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives is intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the assembly uppermost.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall, the assembly having structure which is configured to define a perimeter of at least one opening for the flow of air therethrough, and wherein the assembly further has a cover member movable between open and closed positions where in a closed position the cover member prevents the flow of air through the opening(s) and in an open position it permits the flow of air therethrough.

2. An assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall according to claim 1, wherein the structure includes sheet material and a frame for supporting said sheet material wherein a section of the frame and/or the sheet material is arranged so as to define the perimeter of the opening(s).

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, further having means for drawing or expelling air through the opening(s).

4. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further having at least one means for effecting filtration or purification of the air passing through the opening(s).

5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further having netting material for prevention of ingress of insects through the opening(s).

6. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further having a decorative member.

7. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further having a security member for preventing unauthorised access.

8. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly is configured to receive at least one element adjacent to the opening(s) such that the air substantially passing through the opening passes through the element(s) wherein the or each element comprises one or more of the following: means for effecting filtration or purification, netting material, cover member, decorative member, security member and means for drawing or expelling air through the opening(s).

9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the or each element is removable.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the assembly is configured to receive at least two removable elements, one element being arrangeable to be in parallel and superimposed configuration to another such element.

11. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each element is defined as a panel, wherein an outer perimeter of the or each panel is substantially superimposed over or within an inner perimeter of the opening.

12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein the assembly is configured to receive a removable housing, wherein the housing is openable to receive at least one panel therein and when the housing is closed, the housing is receivable 1o within an inner perimeter of one of said openings.

13. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame has at least one container portion which is configured to receive growing media capable of sustaining vegetation or to receive at least one container having such growing media, the received container(s) or growing media arranged to as to be adjacent to at least one opening such that air flowing through the at least one opening passes through shoot systems of vegetation when so cultivated in the growing media.

14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein, when the cover member is in the closed position, the cover member and container portion(s) and/or containers form an enclosure about the vegetation, and, when the cover member is in the open position, the air flows through the shoot systems of the vegetation for oxygenation of the air.

15. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet material is non-transparent or opaque.

16. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet material includes illumination means.

17. A window assembly for mounting in a hole of a building wall, the window assembly having a frame, the outer periphery of which is receivable in the hole of the building wall, the window assembly being configured for releasable attachment of at least one member, wherein the at least one member being for one or more of the following: security, shade, decorating or for sustaining vegetation.

18. A window assembly according to claim 17, wherein the window assembly and the at least one member is configured to be releasably attachable by means for fastening the member(s) external to the building.

19. A window assembly according to claim 17, wherein the at least one member is a decorative member for internal decoration of said window or frame of said window, wherein said structure and said decorative member(s) have engaging portions which are differently configured such that one decorative member is selectively engageable to another such decorative member or to said structure via each engaging portion.

20. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein the or each decorative member has two pairs of opposing engaging portions wherein each pair of engaging portions are directed laterally from each other and wherein each decorative member is selectively engageable to another decorative member(s) or said structure on any one or all of said engaging portion(s).

21. An assembly according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the or each decorative member has illumination means and electrical circuity and where the engaging portions are defined as plug and port arrangements, such that when the or each decorative member is so received in the structure, the engaging portions are adapted to conduct electricity from the structure to the or each decorative member to power the illumination means via the electrical circuitry.

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