GB2215392A - Tilt and turn window system - Google Patents

Abstract

In a tilt and turn window system the drive to actuate the hinging mechanisms is transmitted from a handle 7 through a continuous elongate band 22 extending around the casement frame 3. The band 22 is fixed at one end to a location block 24 arranged for pressure friction engagement with the other end of the band 22 and the block makes selective engagement with a tilt support on the outer frame 1. The means for changing the mode of operation of the system from closed, to turn or to tilt are mounted by pressure friction engagement on the drive band 22 and include a catch block 72 which selectively locks a stay 55 for window closed or turn modes or releases it as shown for the tilt mode and at least one bolting member engagable with a striker plate on the outer frame to lock the window in closed position. The band carries a boss 121 which is released by a detent plate 122 only when the window is closed. <IMAGE>

Description

WINDOW SYSTEM This invention relates to an improved system for windows, especially a tilt and turn system.

In a tilt and turn system, the window comprises an outer frame and a casement, and the casement is mounted on the outer frame by hinge mechanisms which are operable through a control handle to one of two selected modes called "tilt" when the hinging axis is generally horizontal and called "turn" when the hinging axis is generally vertical. The tilt/turn system includes a "locking" mode in which the casement frame is secured closed onto the outer frame by the interengagement of bolting devices. Conventionally, the outer frame is fixed and secured to the building structure.

In known tilt/turn systems, there is a drive arrangement which extends around the periphery of the casement and this drive is arranged to be controlled and operated by an operating handle or the like. The drive arrangement is conventionally provided by a series of rods or drive plates that extend along linear portions of each side of the casement frame with special links for transmitting the drive around each corner portion and, usually there are special adjuster devices for fitting the drive to the casement. Indeed, in most known systems because of the fixed lengths of such rods or plates, the component parts for the system can only. be provided for a limited range of window sizes and to suit all possible size ranges, a large number of kits of component parts have to be made available.

In addition, these tilt/turn systems have been developed primarily from window arrangements commonly used in countries such as Germany and Italy where shutters are hung on the exterior of the window, either for winter protection or for shading in the summer heat. Thus, what has been derived from the country origins of such systems is a style of hinged mounting wherein the casement is arranged to tilt and to turn inwards into the interior of the structure as opposed to the conventional outward hinging arrangement and style as found in the United Kingdom. The known tilt/turn systems are not capable of simple modification to convert them to outward hinging movement as would be desirable to follow custom and practice in the United Kingdom as well as in certain other countries where outward hinging movement is preferred.

Numerous practical problems arise with existing tilt/turn systems, these being related to the fitting and installation of the system as well as the user risk of mishandling by operation of the handle to change the mode when the casement is supported in either the tilt or turn mode. Other fitting problems arise because of the confinement of the mechanisms within the rebate between the casement and the outer frame which limits the size and type of component assemblies, and the need to provide all round sealing without interference with the parts of the system.- Commonly, such tilt/turn systems are fitted to windows which are constructed from aluminium or UPVC and UPVC/metal sections, and the profile of such sections dictates the fitting and installation of any such tilt/turn system.Generally, such sections for the casement have a profile including a rebate groove, often referred to as the "Euro-groove" which has been adopted by many hardware and window system manufacturers, and this design and profile has to be accommodated when designing new or improved tilt/turn systems for existing window styles, sizes and designs.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved tilt and turn system for windows which has a special form of drive mechanism that is simple to install for a wide range of window types, styles and sizes.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved tilt and turn window system which can be employed both for inwards and for external hinging movement of the casement.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved tilt and turn system in which there are special features to prevent mis-handling of the system by the user.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved tilt and turn window system in which the drive mechanism is provided for fitting to the casement rebate of the type known as the Euro-groove.

Further objects of this invention include providing an improved tilt and turn system which is capable of adjustment during service, fitting and installation in a simple manner, and having a special form of locking arrangement to secure the casement in the closed position.

Other objectives of this invention will become apparent later herein with reference to various technical advantages as explained with reference to an exemplary embodiment of this invention as described.

According to this invention, we provide a tilt and turn window system in a window having an outer frame and a casement with a continuous peripheral rebate groove extending around four casement side members, a first leaf hinge mounted for tilting movement on the outer frame and connected to a first side member of the casement which is opposed to a third side member of the casement, a second leaf hinge mounted on the outer frame axially aligned with said first leaf hinge for turning movement of the casement in the turn mode in which the third side member of the casement defines the free edge of the casement to be displaced away from the outer frame, a stay mounted at one end to said second leaf hinge and pivotally connected to a second side member of the casement extending between said first and third side members remote from said first leaf hinge, and a tilt support associated with the fourth side member of the casement and remote from said first leaf hinge for supporting tilting movement of the casement in the tilt mode in which the second side member of the casement defines the free edge of the casement to be displaced away from the outer frame on release of the stay for pivotal movement to limit the extent of tilting displacement, the system comprising a drive mechanism including an elongate drive band extending within the rebate groove around the casement and guide support members at each corner of the casement engaged by the drive band for guiding and supporting the band during drive transmitting movement, a drive coupling between the drive band and an operating handle arranged for actuating movement of the band to selected tilt, turn and closed positions, a device arranged to prevent operation of the handle when the casement is displaced outwardly from the outer frame in either the tilt or turn mode, the outer frame mounting at least one striker for engagement by a bolting member mounted on the drive band and when the operating handle is in the closed position, the drive band mounting a catch for holding and releasing the stay respectively in turn and tilt modes, and the drive band mounting a tilt block for engagement with and release from the tilt support respectively in the tilt and turn modes.

In the invented tilt and turn system the drive to actuate the hinging mechanisms is transmitted through a continuous elongate band which extends around the casement frame. By the provision of this band with the guided support at each corner where the direction of the band changes, all of the complications of the traditional rods or drive plates is avoided. One particular advantage thereby achieved is that the same component parts can be employed for a wide range of window sizes, types and styles by merely changing the overall length of the drive band.

The drive band extends as a continuous loop around the casement frame and the band mounts the means for changing the mode of the system from closed, to turn or to tilt. Thus all of the relative movement required for the full range of operative uses of the tilt and turn system is controlled by the single drive band of which the movement is controlled by the drive coupling to the operating handle. The problems associated with mechanical linkages and other components or connections such as slackness or lost motion found with rods and drive plate arrangements in known tilt and turn systems is avoided.

Preferably, the drive band is a flat strip of high tensile austenitic steel. The drive band is resistant to corrosion and weathering effects, and this is an adventage over conventional rod or plate systems which are normally of plated or passivated steel.

In a preferred arrangement, one end of the drive band is secured to a location block located at a selected position on the casement frame and the band is looped around the peripheral groove in the casement frame with the other end of the band being secured and fixed to the location block following adjustment to the peripheral length required.

By this arrangement, the length of the drive band for any casement size and type can be accurately adjusted during fitting and installation at a single selected position. This has important practical advantages when considering the rod or drive plate systems where two adjustments may be required at each corner of the casement frame after selecting the correct lengths of such rods or drive plates.

The drive coupling between the drive band and the operating handle is preferably a friction drive including a pressure drive plate engaging the drive band with the movement of the operating handle being transmitted to the drive plate through a forked link.

By using a friction drive to the drive band, it is not necessary to make any mechanical fixing to the drive band, and this avoids drilling or piercing the high tensile steel band and enables adjustment of the band to be infinite through the one end not secured to the location block.

Preferably, the friction drive includes means for adjusting the pressure applied to the band through the drive plate.

Conveniently, the operating handle is arranged for rotation between the selected positions, and the rotary movement of the handle is translated to the desired linear movement by a rack connected to the forked link.

It is envisaged that in certain application of the invented tilt and turn system, it might be desirable to have a mechanical connection to the drive band, and in such application, the drive band would be mechanically fixed by screws or bolts or rivets to the drive coupling whilst both ends of the drive band would be arranged for adjustment relative to the location block.

Such an arrangement can be offered as an alternative whilst still maintaining the advantages of a single continuous drive band extending around the peripheral rebate of the casement frame.

The invented tilt and turn system can be applied to windows which are arranged to tilt outwards of the fixed frame in the manner of an awing or projecting top hung window with the turn mode being for conventional outward opening of the casement. In this application of the system, the second side member of the casement would be at the bottom of the casement.

The outer frame and the casement may include a restrictor link to limit outward opening of the casement both in the tilt mode and in the turn mode when the system is so applied for outward opening movement.

The invented tilt and turn system can be applied to windows which are arranged for inward opening manner as mentioned earlier herein as being commonly adopted.

This versatility of application and installation of the invented tilt and turn system provides significant advantages for use in the United Kingdom and in other countries where outward opening of casement is preferred. The use of the single drive band which can be arranged around the peripheral rebate of the casement and located in any desired position enable the same component parts to be employed irrespective of whether the window is designed for inward or outward opening.

The invented tilt and turn system includes a special anti-mishandling device which is arranged to prevent inadvertent actuation of the operating handle when the casement is open being disposed in either of the tilt or turn modes. Preferably, this device is arranged so that the operating handle with the drive coupling to the drive band is rendered inoperable when the casement is open.

The device conveniently comprises a detent arrangement which automatically engages when the casement is displaced away from the fixed outer frame so that the operating handle cannot be moved, and when the casement is closed onto the fixed outer frame, then the detent is released to permit movement of the handle and thus enabling drive to the drive band.

The device may comprise a spring loaded detent plate which is spring biassed into engagement with an abutment fixed to the drive coupling with the spring bias being overcome by engagement of a nose block mounted on the fixed frame which engages with the plate when the casement closes to the frame to displace the plate from the abutment.

This form of spring loaded detent plate provides a very simple and automatic safeguard for operation of the system by the user whilst avoiding complex arrangements requiring special installation and fitting to prevent mishandling such as could be associated with the hinges and the stay.

For security and adequate sealing of the casement to the fixed outer frame, the drive band may include a plurality of bolting means spaced apart for engagement with strikers mounted on the fixed outer frame when the casement is in the closed position.

For further security, the operating handle may include a key-operated cylinder lock or the like to be used to secure the operating handle against operating movement when the casement is in the closed position, or to limit the operation to the tilt only mode.

Other features and merits of the invented tilt and turn system will be explained and be understood from the exemplary embodiment of the invention as now to be described.

An exemplary embodiment of the invented tilt and turn system as applied to a window for inward opening is depicted in the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURES 1,2 and 3 are schematic views of the window shown respectively in the closed, tilt and turn modes; FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic view of the casement with the band drive fitting; FIGURE 5 is an illustrative sectional view of the outer frame and casement taken on line A-A as shown in Figure 4; FIGURE 6 is an exploded detail view of the first leaf hinge; FIGURE 7 is an exploded detail view of the second leaf hinge and the stay including a section of the drive band and a corner guide; FIGURES 8,9 and 10 are illustrative plan views showing the stay respectively in the closed, tilt and turn modes; ; FIGURES 11,12 and 13 are detail illustrative views showing the relative positions of the mechanism for controlling release of the stay respectively in the turn, tilt and alternate turn modes; FIGURE 14 is a sectional view of the location block for one end of the drive band and securing of the other end, the location block being integrated with the tilt support; FIGURE 15 is a sectional view of the assembly shown in Figure 14, the section being taken on line B-B as shown in Figure 14; FIGURE 16 is an exploded view of various component parts including a bolting member and striker plate; FIGURES 17,18 and 19 are illustrative views showing the bolting member and striker plate respectively in the closed, tilt and turn modes; FIGURE 20 is an exploded detail view showing the drive coupling to the drive band and the anti-mishandling device;; FIGURES 21,22,23 and 24 are illustrative views depicting the anti-mishandling detent plate in operative position relative to the operating handle respectively as in the released mode, turn, tilt and closed modes; and FIGURE 25 is a sectional view of the operating handle mechanism including a cylinder lock and rack drive arrangement.

With reference first to Figures 1 to 5 of the Drawings, the window shown comprises an outer frame 1 which would be mounted and secured in known manner to a structure 2. A casement 3 is mounted on the frame 1 by a first leaf hinge 4, and by a second leaf hinge 5 associated with a stay 6. An operating handle 7 is mounted on the casement 3.

The casement 3 is fabricated from members which are of similar uniform section to define a glazing channel 8 in which a glazing unit 9 is mounted and retained by a glazing bead 10 in known manner.

Such frame members would be cut and assembled with suitable corner cleats or couplings or welding depending on the material and type of window. The materials commonly used are aluminium extrusions or UPVC extrusions or co-extruded profiles of aluminium with UPVC. Similar materials and extruded or uniform profiles are used for the outer frame 1 according to the design of the window. The particular design and detail configuration of these members is outside the scope of this invention and only a typical exemplary configuration is depicted in Figure 5.

For convenience herein, the frame members of the casement 3 are called side members of which there are four. The first side member 11 is that lying adjacent to the first and second leaf hinges 4,5 respectively, and the second side member 12 is connected to the stay 6 and defines the free edge of the casement 3 when the window is in the tilt mode as depicted in Figure 2.

The third side member 13 is that which mounts the handle 7 and which defines the free edge of the casement 3 when the window is in the turn mode as depicted in Figure 3. The fourth side member 14 defines that edge of the casement 3 supported for the tilt mode whilst the first side member 11 defines that edge of the casement 3 supported for the turn mode.

In the closed position of the window as depicted in Figures 1 and 5, the casement 3 is closed on the outer frame 1 with a peripheral flange 3a lying over the inward marginal edge la of the frame 1. A seal 15 is supported on the flange 3a engaging the edge la of the frame 1. The frame 1 has an outer inward facing flange 1b against which the outer face 3b of the casement 3 seats with a seal 16 being interposed and supported on the flange lb.

In known manner, the outer frame 1 and the casement 3 are designed to provide a rebate 17 that extends around the window and which provides a clearance space between the outer frame 1 and the casement 3 for various purposes including receiving components for the selected window system. In known manner, the casement 3 has a peripheral groove 18 that extends all round the casement and which is known as the "Euro-groove" in the trade.

The groove 18 is defined by an undercut channel portion of the side member section and this provides a base wall 19, two opposed side walls 20 and opposed inward ribs 21 which define the entry to the groove 18.

As is later described, the invention system is designed to utilise this groove 18 in a particular manner.

In this installation of the exemplary window, the casement 3 is arranged to be tilted inwards and to be turned inwards relative to the structure 2 into the room or interior of the building. The operation of the window system by the user is controlled by the handle 7, and there are three respective positions of the handle 7 for the closed, tilt and turn modes as shown in Figures 1,2 and 3.

As shown best in Figures 4 and 5, a drive band 22 extends around the casement frame in the entry to the groove 18. At each corner of the casement, there is one of four guide and support blocks 23 that are seated and located within the adjacent ends of the groove 18 to present a face at each corner over which the drive band 22 is guided and supported for relative movement.

The block face is preferably curved for a smooth transition of change of direction of the band 22 and the blocks 23 may be made of a strong low-friction plastics material.

The drive band 22 is a flat strip of high tensile austenitic stainless steel. One end of the drive band 22 is secured to a location block 24 and the other free end 22a of the drive band 22 is looped around the casement 3 and threaded through the location block 24 and held captive thereto after adjustment. The assembly and arrangement of the location block 24 is described in detail later herein.

The operating handle 7 is arranged to transmit drive to the drive band 22 to operate and control component parts of the tilt and turn system as now to be described.

With reference to Figure 6 this shows the detail of the first leaf hinge 4. The hinge 4 comprises a frame plate 25 having fixing holes 26 for securing the hinge 4 to the outer frame 1. The frame plate 25 includes a pivot boss 27 that has a central bore 28 of special opposed cone form. The hinge 4 further comprises a casement plate 29 having a hinge boss 30 on one side with the boss 30 having a right-cylindrical bore 31. On the other side of the plate 29 there is an offset flange 32 with fixing holes 33. A hinge pin 34 has a right cylindrical portion 34a and a taper portion 34b separated from each other by a collar portion 34c. A bush spacer 35 for mounting on the cylindrical portion 34a of the hinge pin is provided.

The cylindrical portion 34a of the hinge pin 34 is to be received within the bore 31 of the casement plate 29 with the spacer 35 interposed between the collar portion 34c as necessary to permit adjustment of the position of the casement plate 29 relative to the frame plate 25. The taper portion 34b of the hinge pin 34 is to be received within the opposed double cone shaped bore 28 of the pivot boss 26 so as to permit tilting of the hinge pin 34 relative to the frame plate 25 whilst the cylindrical portion 34a permits axial turning movement of the casement plate 29 relative to the frame plate 25.

A special adaptor 36 is provided to seat in the groove 18 of the side member 11 of the casement 3 to provide a path for the drive band 22 and to provide a fixing for the offset flange 32 of the casement plate 29. The adaptor 36 is a hollow block having a throughway 37 with a side opening 38 through which the band 22 may pass as required. The block also has two opposed outward ribs 39. for locating engagement with the ribs 21 at the entry to the groove 18. The block is secured to the side member 11 by screws or like fixings (not shown) extending through fixing holes 40 which are accessible through aligned clearance holes on the other side of the body (not shown). The adaptor also includes tapped holes (not shown) on the said other side of the body which are aligned with the fixing holes 33 in the offset flange 32 and by screws (not shown) the casement plate is secured to the side member 11 of the casement whilst avoiding interference with the drive band 22.

With reference to Figure 7 this shows the arrangement for the second leaf hinge 5 and the stay 6.

The hinge 5 comprises a frame plate 41 having pivot knuckle bosses 42 with aligned through bores 43.

The hinge 5 further comprises a hinge plate 44 having pivot knuckle bosses 45 with aligned through bores 46.

A hinge pin 47 is arranged to extend through the respective bores 43 and 46 when the knuckles 42 and 43 are inter-nested with the bores aligned. The hinge pin 47 has a head 48 on one end and a circlip 49 is.

arranged to be fitted to a groove 50 in the other end of the hinge pin to maintain the hinge pin 47 captive in the assembly.

The frame plate 41 has fixing holes 51 for use in mounting the frame plate on the outer frame 1 by screws (not shown).

This hinge 5 is arranged to support the casement 3 for turning movement and the axis of the hinge pin 47 is aligned with the axis of the hinge pin 34 of the lower hinge 4 when the system is in the turn mode.

The frame plate 41 of the hinge 5 includes an offset flange 52 having fixing holes 53 aligned in the centre of the flange 52 between edge ribs 54.

The stay 6 comprises an arm 55 having a mounting leg 56 at one end that is arranged to seat between the edge ribs 54 and to be secured to the offset flange 52 by screws or rivets (not shown). The other end of the arm 55 has a cranked portion 57 with a pivot hole 58 for receiving a pivot stud 59. A link pivot hole 60 is provided in the arm adjacent to the cranked portion 57 to receive a link pivot stud 61 that pivotally connects one end of a short link arm 62 to the arm 55.

A bridge mount 63 is of elongate form arranged to seat over the groove 18 in the side member 12 of the casement 3 and to be adjustably secured by an adjuster bracket 64 having an adjuster screw 65 and a threaded block 66 secured to the upper end part of the mount 63.

The bridge mount has a slot 67 through which the pivot stud 59 extends connecting the free end of the arm to the mount 63 and casement 3 whilst permitting limited pivotal and sliding movement of the end of the arm 55 relative to the casement 3. The other end of the link arm 62 is pivotally connected to the bridge mount 63 by another link pivot stud 68 extending through pivot holes 69 and 70 respectively provided in the link arm and the bridge mount 63. The end of the link arm 62 adjacent to the bridge mount 63 is cranked so as to provide clearances for the relative folding and pivotal movement of the stay assembly as later explained.

The operation of the stay 6 is controlled to so that the arm 55 is not free to move relative to the casement 3 except under certain permitted conditions of operation in the tilt mode of the window system. This control is achieved by a catch plate 71 that is fixed to the underside of the arm 55 near to the mounting leg 56. A catch block 72 is mounted for driven movement by the drive band 22 and to engage or be released from the catch plate 71.

With reference also to Figures 8,9 and 10, and Figures 11,12 and 13, the catch plate 71 has a special shaped recess providing a central gate 73 and opposed side pockets 74,75. The catch block 72 has a catch boss 76 upstanding from the base of the block, and this boss 76 has opposed tapered ends with the overall length of the boss 76 being slightly less than the width of the gate 73 so that the boss can be entered into the recess through the gate 73 and on relative movement the boss 76 is received and located in one of the side pockets 74,75 to hold the arm 55 in position overlying the casement side member 11 and precluding folding pivotal movement of the stay 6.

The catch block 72 is mounted for frictional drive by the drive band 22. There is a reaction block 77 received within the groove 18 and this reaction block is a channel shaped for seating in the groove 18 with a clear way for the drive band 22. A pressure pad 78 is located on the underside of the catch block 72 through which extends two threaded studs 79 having recess-drive ends for adjusting them relative to the block 72 so that their underside ends bear on the pressure pad 78 to urge it into pressure frictional drive engagement with the drive band 22.

When the catch block 72 is in one position located in the central gate 73 of the catch plate 71, the stay 5 can fold and pivot relative to the casement as shown in Figures 9 and 12 which depict the tilt mode position. When the catch block 72 is located in pocket 74 or the opposed pocket 75, the stay 5 is precluded from folding or pivotal movement and is constrained to overlie the casement 3. When the catch block 72 is within the pocket 74 as shown in Figures 8 and 11, the window is in the closed mode, and when the catch block 72 is within the pocket 75 as shown in Figures 10 and 13, the window is in the turn mode.

Thus, the operation of the stay 6 is controlled by the driven movement of the catch block 72 by the drive band 22.

Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, these depict the location block 24 for the drive band 22 and the associated arrangement for additional support for the side member 14 of the casement 3 for the tilting mode.

The location block 24 comprises a rigid outer housing 80 arranged to be partially received within the groove 18 in the side member 14. The housing 80 has elongate opposed pairs of ribs 81,82 that are arranged to extend on either side of the ribs 21 at the entry to the groove 18. The housing 80 encloses a coupling plate 83 arranged to engage the end 22a of the drive band 22 on assembly and to be tightened onto the band by screws 84 which are located in threaded bores 85 through the bottom of the housing. The leading end of the drive band 22 is secured to the location block 24 by rivets 86 extending through the upper portion of the housing 80 and piercings in the band 22.

The housing 80 includes a dependent leg 87 which terminates in a tilt foot 88 having curved faces arranged to engage with a hook plate 89 mounted on the outer frame 1. The hook plate 89 is located at a position on the outer frame 1 so that when the casement 3 is in the tilt mode, the foot 88 is confined within the hook plate 89 supporting the casement for tilting movement with such support being spaced from the lower hinge 4 to distribute the mass load of the casement on the bottom member of the frame 1.

The hook plate 89 is also located at a position and is of a selected length so that when the location block 24 is moved by the drive band 22 into the relative position for the closed mode, the tilt foot 88 is still confined within the hook plate 89. However, when the drive band 22 is advanced for the turn mode, the tilt foot 88 is moved beyond the confinement of the hook plate 89 and the casement is free to turn about the vertical hinge axes of the leaf hinges 4 and 5.

In Figure 14 the relative positions of the location block 24 and the hook plate 89 are depicted for the closed mode. In the tilt mode the location block 24 would be to the right hand side of the hook plate 89, and in the turn mode the block 24 is in a further right removed position clear of the hook plate 89.

With reference now to Figure 16 and Figures 17,18 and 19, these depict a bolting and striker arrangement for securing the casement 3 in the closed mode. Such bolting and striker arrangement may be disposed at any suitable position on the window and more than one such arrangement may be provided. For the purposes of this description of an exemplary window according to this invention, only one such arrangement is described.

A striker plate 90 is secured to the outer frame 1 at the desired position by a screw (not shown) extending through a central fixing hole 91. The striker plate 90 is a rigid body having a central stop boss 92 from which extend opposed wings 93,94. Each wing 93,94 provides respective guide faces with leading taper ends 93a,94a and flat abutment faces 93b,94b leading to the stop boss 92. The shape of the two wings 93,94 are slightly different to enable tolerances in fitting or the frames to be accommodated by securing the striker plate 90 in either the position as depicted or in an upside down inverted position.

The drive band 22 is arranged to move a bolting member 95 to engage the striker plate 90.

The bolting member 95 comprises a base plate 96 with an upstanding bolt boss 97 having opposed tapered ends. Threaded bores 98 extend through the boss 97 to receive recess-drive screws 99 of which the ends are arranged to engage a pressure plate 100 located on the underside of the base plate 96. A reaction member 101 of channel shape is seated within the groove 18 in the side member of the casement with the drive band 22 extending through the channel.

The pressure plate 100 is arranged for pressure friction engagement with the drive band 22 by adjustment of the screws 99, and by this pressure friction engagement the bolting member 95 is moved relative to the striker plate 90 on controlled movement of the drive band 22.

As shown in Figure 17, for securing the casement in the closed mode, the bolt boss 97 is advanced to abut the stop boss 92 with the side of the bolt boss 97 lying on the flat abutment face 93b of the striker wing 93. On lead in movement of the bolting member 95 to engage the striker plate 90, the tapered end of the bolt boss 97 first engages the taper end face 93a of the wing 93, and on further movement the bolt boss 97 advances relative to the wing 93 until abutting the stop boss 92, and during this relative movement the casement is pulled in relative to the outer frame to ensure sealing and a close fit.

In Figures 18 and 19, the bolting member 95 is in positions clear of the striker plate 90 permitting opening movement of the casement relative to the frame for the tilt and turn modes respectively with the bolting member 95 being moved into these respective positions on controlled movement of the drive band 22.

As will now be appreciated, the drive band 22 is driven into the respective closed, tilt and turn modes by the operating handle 7. The operating handle with the associated anti-mishandling device will now be described with reference to Figure 20, Figures 21,22,23 and 24, and Figure 25.

The operating handle 7 is of lever form as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and has one end 7a is mounted on a base plate 102 secured to the side frame member 13 of the casement. The handle 7 is arranged to rotate a spindle 103 supported within a bore 104 in the base plate 102. A key operated cylinder barrel lock 105 is mounted in the handle end 7a and is arranged to engage with a lock pin 106 which can be displaced into a locking position (as shown in Figure 25) engaging in one of two opposed locking recesses 107 extending radially from the bore 104 in the base plate 102. When the lock pin 106 is so engaged as shown, the spindle 103 is prevented from rotating in the bore 104.

When the cylinder barrel lock 105 is in the unlocked position, the lock pin 106 is clear of the locking recesses 107 and the spindle 103 can be rotated by the handle 7. The provision of this cylinder barrel lock 105 is optional or alternative handle locking arrangements could be used.

The lower end of the spindle 103 extends within a clearance housing 108 formed in the underside of the base plate 102 and into which there protrudes one end of a fork drive plate 109. A gear pinion 110 is mounted on the inner end of the spindle 103 for rotation therewith and the pinion 110 engages a short rack 111 that is fixed to a flange end 112 of the drive plate 109. The fork drive plate 109 is arranged to move linearly on rotation of the spindle by translated movement through the pinion 110 and rack 111. The clearance housing 108 in the base plate 102 is sized for this movement and the fork plate has a cover flange 113 to extend over the housing clearance and to support the fork plate 109 during sliding movement relative to the base plate 102.

The fork drive plate 109 extends through a clearance slot in the side frame member 14 (not shown) and terminates in a bifurcated forked end portion 109a.

A central gap 114 of the forked end receives a drive boss 115 on a drive plate 116 through which the drive band 22 is coupled for drive transmitting movement.

Aligned with the drive plate 116 there is a reaction member 117 of channel shape seated in the groove 18 of the side member 13. This reaction member 117 is located by opposed ribs engaging the ribs of the side member in a manner similar to that described previously for the reaction block 77. The drive band 22 extends through the central channel of the member 117 for engagement by a pressure plate 118 located on the underside of the drive plate 116. The drive plate 116 has three threaded bores 119 which receive respective recess-head drive screws 120. The pressure plate 118 is arranged to be brought into pressure friction engagement with the drive band 22 by adjustment of the screws 120.

By this pressure friction engagement of the pressure plate 118 with the drive band 22, linear movement of the fork drive plate 109 is transmitted to the band 22 when the drive plate 116 as the drive boss 115 is carried within the gap 114 at the end of the fork plate 109.

The anti-mishandling arrangement is associated with the drive plate 116 and is arranged to prevent linear movement of the drive plate 116 when the casement is in the open tilt or turn modes.

The drive plate 116 has an upstanding detent boss 121 and this is arrranged to be engaged by a detent plate 122 mounted on the side member 13 of the casement, A mounting block 123 is arranged to be secured to overlie the groove 18 in the side member 13 by clamp screws 123a and leaving clearance for the drive band 22. The mounting block 123 supports the detent plate 122 by a pivot stud 124 extending through the detent plate 122 and about which a helical spring 125 is wound to urge the detent plate in the direction indicated by the arrow S in Figure 20 and Figures 21 to 24.

The detent plate 122 is formed with two detent recesses 126 and 127 each for respectively receiving the detent boss 121. The detent recesses 126,127 extend on one side of the pivot axis of the pivot stud 124 so that the direction of the spring force S urges the detent plate 122 towards the detent boss 121.

On the other side of the pivot axis of the detent plate 122 there is a strike lug 128 that provides a strike face 129 on that side of the detent plate 122 that lies adjacent to the outer frame 1.

A strike block 130 is mounted on the outer frame 1 by a screw 130a extending through a bore 131. The strike block 130 has a wedge shaped nose 132 that is arranged to engage with the strike face 129 of the detent plate 122 when the casement is closed to the outer frame.

When the nose 132 engages the strike face as shown in Figure 21, the detent plate is displaced against the spring force S so that the detent recesses 126,127 are clear of the detent boss 121. When the detent plate 122 is so displaced, then the drive block can be moved by the pressure friction drive from the handle 7 to the drive band 22 as just described.

As best seen from the other Figures 22,23 and 24, the detent boss 121 of the drive plate 122 engages with the detent recess 126 when the casement is in the turn mode and engages with the detent recess 127 when the casement is in the tilt mode. Accordingly, this engagement of the detent boss 121 with the respective detent recesses 126 or 127 prevents the drive plate 122 being moved by the operating handle 7 when the casement is'displaced away from the outer frame with the nose 132 being out of engagement with the strike face 129 of the detent plate 122.Thus, for the user, the casement has to be brought into the closed psoition abutting the outer frame in order to change the mode from tilt to turn or vice versa and any risk of an inadvertent change of mode leading to incorrect engagement or disengagement of the catch arrangement for the stay 6 or the tilt foot and hook plate is prevented.

In the closed mode of the window, the position of the detent boss 121 relative to the detent plate 122 is shown in Figure 24, but of course in the closed position, the detent plate would be displaced against the spring force by the engagement of the nose 132 as depicted in Figure 21.

As will now be understood, when the casement is closed on the outer frame, the operating handle, if unlocked, can be moved to the selected tilt or turn mode as there is no interference by the detent plate 122 which is displaced by the nose 132. Once the casement is moved away from the frame, the nose is then disengaged from the detent plate and the detent plate automatically moves to engage the detent boss 121 with the appropriate detent recess 126 or 127. On such engagement, the operating handle cannot be moved unless the casement is brought closed onto the outer frame.

From the foregoing description of the invented window system, it will be appreciated that the drive for operating the hinges and the stay is all done through the operating handle by the drive band which extends around the casement frame and which is safely confined within the groove 18 commonly provided as the Euro-groove in many sections and profiles for existing windows.

The drive band is a continuous drive member that is secured at one end to the location block 24, and this may be positioned on the casement aligned with the hook plate as required. The drive band can be looped around the casement engaging over the corner guide and support blocks 23 with the free end 22a of the drive band then being secured to the location block 24 in the manner as previously described. Thus, the same component parts and method of assembly can be used for a wide range of window sizes, and all that is required is a drive band of suitable length allowing for adjustment.

As will have been noted, there is no mechanical connection or fixing to the drive band, and all of the respective components that are associated with the system are merely in pressure friction engagement with the band, and the pressure for adequate friction can be adjusted.

The relative movement of the drive band with respect to the groove 18 ensures that there is a selfcleaning action during use, and as the drive band is located to close over the groove 18 behind the entry thereto, the ingress of dirt, detritus and the like is avoided to ensure that there is no interference for smooth movement of the band.

The drive band is used to drive bolting members, and these can be located at positions as required. As such bolting members need not be mechanically connected to the drive band, the options for the arrangement of the bolting members are several for the installer.

The exemplary window as described is of the conventional design of casement and frame in which the casement open inwards of the structure. However, the invented window system can be applied to other designs of windows which are arranged to open outwardly. With an outward opening window, the arrangement of the leaf hinges and the stay may be changed so that the casement opens as an awning window in the tilt mode being supported from the top of the outer frame.

Alternatively, the casement can open as a hopper style window still being supported for tilting movement from the bottom member of the outer frame.

For these alternative optional applications of the window system, there can be modifications to the form of the hook plate and tilt foot, the stay can be modified or changed to secure the casement in one of several outward opening positions.

The materials and method of construction of the invented window system are particularly selected to be resistant to corrosion and to the effects of weathering. The components of the system are made of stainless steel, die cast zinc-based alloys, brass, aluminium and plastics. Many of the existing and known systems with drive rods or plates are not corrosion or weather resistant, and in certain adverse conditions significant corrosion adversely affects operation and maintenance or adjustment in service.

These changes and modifications as envisaged do not detract from the concept of this invention, and these alternatives, modifications and changes are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims (43)

Claims:

1. A tilt and turn window system in a window having an outer frame and a casement with a continuous peripheral rebate groove extending around four casement side members, a first leaf hinge mounted on the outer frame and connected to a first side member of the casement which is opposed to a third side member of the casement, a second leaf hinge mounted on the outer frame axially aligned with said first leaf hinge, the first and second leaf hinges supporting the casement for turning movement of the casement in the turn mode in which the third side member of the casement defines the free edge of the casement to be displaced away from the outer frame, a stay mounted at one end to said second leaf hinge and pivotally connected to a second side member of the casement extending between said first and third side members remote from said first leaf hinge, and a tilt support mounted on the outer frame adjacent to the fourth side member of the casement and remote from said first leaf hinge, the tilt support and first leaf hinge supporting the casement for tilting movement in the tilt mode in which the second side member of the casement defines the free edge of the casement to be displaced away from the outer frame on release of the stay for pivotal movement to limit the extent of tilting displacement, the system comprising a drive mechanism including an elongate drive band extending within the rebate groove around 'the casement and guide support members at each corner of the casement engaged by the drive band for guiding and supporting the band during drive transmitting movement, a drive coupling between the drive band and an operating handle arranged for actuating movement of the band to selected tilt, turn and closed positions, an anti-mishandling device arranged to prevent operation of the handle when the casement is displaced away f ron the outer frame in either the tilt or turn mode, the outer frame mounting at least one striker for engagement by a bolting member mounted on the drive band when the casement is closed and the operating handle is in the closed position, the drive band mounting a catch for holding and releasing the stay respectively in turn and tilt modes, and the drive band mounting a tilt block for engagement with and release from the tilt support respectively in the tilt and turn modes.

2. A system according to Claim 1 wherein the drive band is a flat strip.

3. A system according to Claim 2 wherein the strip is made of high tensile austenitic steel.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein opposed ends of the drive band are secured to a location block.

5. A system according to Claim 4 wherein the location block includes a coupling plate arranged for pressure friction engagement with one end of the drive band and the other end of the drive band is fixed to the location block.

6. A system according to Claim 5 wherein the location block includes a housing seated in the groove and the coupling plate is adjustable relative to the housing to clamp the band therebetween.

7. A system according to any one of Claims 4 to 6 wherein the location block includes the tilt block.

8. A system according to Claim 7 wherein the tilt block comprises a dependent leg terminating in a tilt foot arranged to engage the tilt support when the casement is in the tilt mode.

9. A system according to Claim 8 wherein the tilt support comprises a hook plate mounted on the outer frame spaced from the first leaf hinge.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the drive coupling includes a pressure plate arranged for pressure friction engagement with the drive band.

11. A system according to Claim 10 wherein the drive coupling includes means for adjusting the pressure applied to the band by the pressure plate.

12. A system according to Claim 11 wherein the drive coupling includes a reaction plate seated in the groove and the pressure plate is adjustable relative to the reaction plate for clamping the drive band therebweteen.

13. A system according to any one of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the movement of the handle is transmitted to the drive coupling through a forked link.

14. A system according to Claim 13 wherein the handle is arranged for rotation between the selected positions, and the rotary movement of the handle is translated to linear movement of the forked link by engagement of a pinion rotatable by the handle with a rack connected to the link.

15. A system according to Claim 13 or Claim 14 wherein the forked link engages an abutment boss on the drive - coupling.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the anti-mishandling device comprises a detent arrangement which automatically engages when the casement is displaced away from the outer frame so that the operating handle cannot be moved, and is automatically released when the casement is closed onto the outer frame to permit movement of the handle and thus enabling drive to the drive band.

17. A system according to Claim 16 wherein the device comprises a spring loaded detent plate which is spring biassed into engagement with an abutment fixed to the drive coupling with the spring bias being overcome by engagement of a nose block mounted on the outer frame which engages with the plate when the casement closes to the frame to displace the plate from the abutment.

18. A system according to Claim 17 wherein the detent plate is pivotally mounted on the casement and is formed with two recesses for selective engagement with the abutment in the tilt and turn modes respectively.

19. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the bolting member is adjustable longitudinally of the drive band.

20. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the bolting member includes a pressure plate arranged for pressure friction engagement with the drive band.

21. A system according to Claim 20 wherein the bolting member includes a reaction member seated in the groove and the pressure plate is adjustable relative to the reaction member for clamping the drive band therebetween.

22. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the striker plate has two abutment wings and is reversible to present a selected wing for engagement by the bolting member.

23. A system according to Claim 22 wherein the wings are of different shape.

24. A system according to Claim 22 or Claim 23 wherein each wing has a guide face with leading taper and flat abutment surfaces leading to a stop boss.

25. A system according to Claim 24 wherein the bolting member has an upstanding boss having opposed taper ends.

26. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims including a plurality of spaced apart bolting members mounted on the drive band for engagement with strikers mounted on the outer frame when the casement is in the closed position.

27. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the catch includes a pressure pad arranged for pressure friction engagement with the drive band and a catch boss for driven movement by the drive band for co-operating with a catch plate mounted on the stay to control operation of the stay.

28. A system according to Claim 27 wherein the catch plate has a central gate aligned with the catch boss releasing the stay in the tilt position and opposed side pockets engaged by the boss securing the stay in the closed and turn positions respectively.

29. A system according to Claim 27 or Claim 28 wherein the catch includes a reaction block seated in the groove and the pressure pad is adjustable relative to the reaction block for clamping the drive band therebetween.

30. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the first leaf hinge comprises a frame plate including a pivot boss mounted on the outer frame and a casement plate mounted on the casement and connected to the pivot boss by a hinge pin permitting turning movement of the casement in the turn mode and tilting movement of the casement in the tilt mode.

31. A system according to Claim 30 wherein the hinge pin has a cylindrical portion received in a cylindrical bore of the casement plate for the turning movement and a tapered end seated in a double cone shaped bore of the pivot boss for the tilting movement.

32. A system according to Claim 30 or Claim 31 wherein the casement plate is mounted on the casement by an adaptor seated in the groove and providing a leadthrough for the drive band.

33. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the second leaf hinge comprises a frame plate and a hinge plate connected by a hinge pin permitting turning movement of the casement in the turn mode.

34. A system according to Claim 33 wherein the stay includes an arm connected at one end to the hinge plate and pivotally and slidably connected at the other end to a bridge member seated in the groove.

35. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the operating handle includes means for securing the handle against operating movement when the casement is in the closed position.

36. A system according to Claim 35 wherein the securing means comprises a key-operated lock.

37. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein at each corner of the casement, the guide support member is seated and located in the adjacent ends of the groove and provides a curved guide face for the drive band.

38. A system according to Claim 37 wherein the guide support members are made of plastics material.

39. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the casement is arranged for tilting movement about a horizontal axis.

40. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the casement is arranged for turning movement about a vertical axis.

41. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the casement is arranged for opening movement inwards of the outer frame.

42. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 40 wherein the casement is arranged for opening movement outwards of the outer frame.

43. A tilt and turn window system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.