GB2256392A

GB2256392A - Tool for opening and closing windows.

Info

Publication number: GB2256392A
Application number: GB9115853A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Robert Holt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-05-15
Filing date: 1991-07-23
Publication date: 1992-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2011-07-23
Also published as: GB9110485D0; GB9115853D0; GB2256392B

Abstract

A tool (10) suitable for use in opening and closing a window, comprises an engaging collar (12) pivotally connected to an elongate and curved handle (14). A grip (26) is provided at the end of the handle (14) remote from the collar (12). In use, the collar (12) is located over a window latch (M) which is located on the opening part of a window, the tool (10) is then manipulated by a user, by means of the grip (26), to operate the latch (M) and open and close the window. The length and shape of the handle (14) compensates for the increase in distance between the latch (M) and the fixed part of the window frame (F2), to allow the user to retain satisfactory control of the latch (M) by means of the tool (10), even when the latch (M) is otherwise out of reach. <IMAGE>

Description

Device for Opening and Closing Windows The present invention relates to a device for use in opening and closing windows.

Traditional window designs incorporate a stay bar attached at one end to the opening frame of the window, and which engage the fixed frame when the window is open, to hold the opening frame in position. The window can be closed by pulling the stay bar. Modern window mechanisms such as uPVC double glazed windows, often comprise opening windows having a latch mechanism mounted on the opening frame, but no stay bar. Consequently, as the window is opened the latch mechanism becomes increasingly difficult to reach. This presents difficulties in opening and closing such windows, particularly for persons of small stature or with disabilities, who may be unable to reach the latch once the window is partly open. It may be necessary to stand on a stool, for instance, to reach the latch.This is inconvenient and hazardous, particularly for elderly persons and when obstacles such as kitchen units or furniture further obstruct access to the window.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for use in opening and closing a window frame which may open to one side of a window, the device comprising engagement means so formed as to releasably engage latch means on an opening frame, and handle means attached to the engagement means, the handle means being sufficiently long and so shaped as to extend from a latch means through the open window, to remain accessible to a u 5 e r on the other side of the window, whereby the latch means can be operated and the window opened or closed by manipulation of the device by the user.

Preferably the engagement means comprises a collar locatable around an actuating lever of a latch means.

The engagement means preferably includes a surface which engages a surface of the lever, to cause friction to assist in retaining the engagement means in engagement with the lever. The friction surface may be an inner surface of a sleeve located within the collar. The sleeve may be of rubber or plastics material.

Alternatively, the engagement means may be resilient such that when the engagement means is located around an actuating lever of a latch means, the resilience of the engagement means assists in retaining the engagement means in engagement with the lever.

Preferably the handle means is generally elongate, and has a portion along its length in which the handle means is curved or angled. Preferably the handle means is pivotally connected to the engagement means. The pivotal connection may comprise a pivot pin located through one or more lugs provided on the collar and one end of the handle means. Alternatively, the pivotal connection may comprise a ball joint. Preferably the pivotal connection is so formed as to permit movement about the pivot arising from manually induced forces, but to prevent free movement otherwise.

The device may further comprise key engaging means to releasably engage a key. The key engaging means may comprise a slot formed in the collar into which part of a key is locatable such that the key can be turned by manipulation of the device.

The handle means may comprise a grip to facilitate gripping of the device by a user. The grip is preferably at the end of the handle remote from the end at which the engagement means is located. The grip may comprise a sleeve locatable over the handle, for instance a rubber sleeve. Alternatively the grip may be an integral part of the handle, and may comprise a profiled portion of the handle suitably formed to accomodate the fingers of the hand. The handle means may also provide a formation suitable to allow twisting pressure to be applied to the device during use, by the thumb of a hand gripping the grip.

Preferably the grip incorporates a bar which at least partially covers the fingers of a hand gripping the grip and facilitates manipulation of the device by a user.

The device may also comprise an arm member attached to the handle means, to facilitate use of the device. The arm member is preferably pivotally attached to the handle means, and movable between a first position in which it is substantially adjacent the handle means, and a second position in which it extends away from the handle means. The arm member is preferably located near the grip. The arm member is preferably generally U-shaped, with two mutually facing lugs extending from the free ends thereof and locatable within corresponding recesses formed in the handle means. The arm member is shaped to conform, to the outer surface of the handle when in the first position.

The device may comprise at least two pieces of strong plastic or similar material which will not easily break.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention, located in use on a window latch; Fig. 2 is an exploded plan view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an exploded side view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention; Fig. 5 is a side view of the device of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a device according to the present invention; Fig. 7 is a side view of the device of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is an alternative form of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is an alternative form of the embodiment of Fig. 6; Fig. 10a is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the present invention; and Figs 10b and 10c are partial views of an arm of the device of Fig. 1ova.

A device 10 suitable for use in opening and closing a window comprises an engaging collar 12 pivotally connected to an elongate handle 14. In the -first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the engaging collar 12 is of a generally triangular cross-section which is locatable on a latch lever L of a window latch mechanism M. The mechanism M is carried on an opening frame F, hinged to a fixed frame F2. Two mutually parallel lugs 16 extend from one corner of the collar 12. Each lug 16 has an aperture 18 therein. The apertures 18 are aligned. The handle 14 is formed at one end to locate between the lugs 16, such that an aperture 20 formed in the handle 14 aligns with the apertures 18 in the lugs 16. A pivot pin 22 is located through the aligned apertures 18, 20 to provide pivotal attachment of the collar 12 to the handle 14. The pivotal connection has a degree of friction to prevent the collar 12 from swivelling uncontrollably at the end of the handle 14.

A slot (not shown) may be provided in the remote end of the collar 12 to receive the tab end of a key.

An insert 24 is provided and shaped to fit in the collar 12. This is of material with high friction characteristics, such as rubber, to provide a secure but releasable grip between the collar and the lever L.

The handle 14 is elongate and is curved in its length. In the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 7, the curve is near the end remote from the collar, whereas in the embodiments of Figs. 8 to 10c, the curve is near the end of the handle at which the collar is provided. When the collar 12 is located over a latch, in use, (as will be described) the length and curvature of the handle compensates for the increase in distance between the latch mechanism M and the fixed part of the frame F2, to allow the user to retain satisfactory control of the latch by means of the device, even when the latch is otherwise out of reach.

A grip 26 is provided at the end of the handle 14 remote from the collar 12. With reference to Figs. 1 to 3 the grip comprises a profiled surface 28 to accommodate the user's fingers, a push bar or finger guard 30 and a thumb pressure surface 32 on which the thumb of the user may apply pressure during any twisting action.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the collar 112 of the second embodiment is oval in cross-section, and is attached to a handle 114 by a pivot pin 122 as described above in relation to Figs. 1 to 3. The handle 14 is of the same general shape as described above with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 but is generally planar, having grips 126 on either side of the handle 114.

Figs. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment, in which the collar 212 is generally of round cross-section, again pivotally connected to the handle 214 by means of a pivot pin 222. The rubber insert 224 is cylindrical.

The handle 214 is tubular and is pinched at the end at which the collar 212 is attached, to permit location of the said end between the lugs 216. A sleeve 226 is provided at the other end of the handle 214 to form a grip. The grip sleeve 226 is of rubber or plastics material.

Figs. 8 and 9, show devices similar to the devices hereinbefore described with particular reference to Figs. 1 to 3 and Fig. 6 respectively. Corresponding features have been allocated corresponding reference numerals. The devices are provided with the curve in the handle generally located towards the end of the handle at which the collar is located. The provision of the curve at this portion is expected to facilitate use of the device.

Referring to Figs. 10a,b,c, a device similar to the device of Figs. 6, 7 and 9, is shown having an arm 336 pivotally attached to the handle 314. The arm 336 is generally U-shaped, the base or end of which is generally arcuate. Mutually facing lugs 338 located at the free ends of the arm 336, are locatable in two corresponding holes 340 provided in the handle 314, to provide the pivotal connection between the arm 336 and the handle 314. The arm 336 is resilient to urge the lugs 338 together and thereby retain the lugs 338 in the holes.

The arm 336 is pivotal about the lugs 338 between a first position in which it lies adjacent the handle 314 (rigs. 10b,c and dotted lines in Fig. 10a) and a second position (Fig. 10a) in which it extends generally perpendicular to the handle 314, for use (see later).

It is to be appreciated that the cross-section of the collars may be of any suitable cross-section to permit location of the collar over window latches having various different lever designs, or may be chosen to provide "universal" fitting over a wide range of levers.

The insert may be of any high friction material, or may be replaced by a suitable coating or marking on the inside surface or surfaces of the collar that would provide sufficient friction. Alternatively, the collar may be made suitably resilient to grasp the levers once located thereon. It is to be further appreciated that the pivot connection between the collar and handle may be of any suitable type, for example a ball and socket joint.

In use, a person wishing to open a closed window takes the device by the grip on the handle and locates the collar over the latch of the window mechanism. The insert helps to secure the collar over the lever while still allowing the collar to be manually removed from around the lever or handle after use. The user can then manipulate the lever and latch mechanism with the device to disengage the latch mechanism. If the latch mechanism is particularly stiff, or the user otherwise encounters difficulty in disengaging the mechanism, the arm 336 may be employed.To this end, the user pivots the arm 336 about the lugs 338 from the first, rest position adjacent the handle until the arm 336 is generally perpendicular to the handle (second position, Fig. 10a). The user may then employ the arm 336 to facilitate twisting and general manipulation of the device, using their free hand on the arm 336. It is to be appreciated that an arm as hereinbefore described may be provided on any design of device according to the present invention. The arm may further be of any suitable design. Normally, the device will be twisted either anti-clockwise or clockwise to disengage the latch on the opening mechanism. The thumb pressure surface 32 assists this as does use of the arm. When the latch has been disengaged the device can be pushed to open window frame F.The curvature of the handle allows the device to pass over the lower fixed frame F2 without the user having to significantly raise the handle as the window is opened, or reach out through the window. In other words, the latch mechanism and window can be operated and opened without reaching through the open window, even though the latch lever L moves out with the frame F. Once the window has been opened to the desired position the device is disengaged from the latch, and brought back inside.

In order to shut an open window, the user may grip the device and pass the collar out through the open window, to engage the lever. The device then allows the opening frame F to be pulled shut, whereupon the device can be twisted to re-engage the latch mechanism. At no stage is it necessary for the user to reach out through the open window.

The recess provided for locating a key may be used if a locking mechanism is incorporated into the latch or elsewhere on the window frame. If the window is locked, then before placing the collar over the latch or handle the user may place the slot over the key and then use the device to turn the key to unlock the window. The arm may assist this. The reverse procedure enables locking of the window. This is particularly useful when the locking mechanism is in a high position and cannot easily be reached.

It is apparent from the above that the device of the present invention is both simple to manufacture and to use.

The device is preferably made from a strong, unbreakable material with no sharp corners or edges.

Aluminium, steel, plastics materials or wood could be used, for instance.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A device for use in opening and closing a window frame which may open to one side of a window, the device comprising engagement means so formed as to releasably engage latch means on an opening frame, and handle means attached to the engagement means, the handle means being sufficiently long and so shaped as to extend from a latch means through the open window, to remain accessible to a user on the other side of the window, whereby the latch means can be operated and the window opened or closed by manipulation of the device by the user.

2. A device according to claim 1, in which the engagement means comprises a collar locatable around an actuating lever of a latch means.

3. A device according to claim 2, in which the engagement means includes a surface which engages a surface of the lever, to cause friction to assist in retaining the engagement means in engagement with the lever.

4. A device according to claim 3, in which the friction surface is an inner surface of a sleeve located within the collar.

5. A device according to claim 4, in which the sleeve is of rubber or plastics material.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the engagement means is resilient such that when the engagement means is located around an actuating lever of a latch means, the resilience of the engagement means assists in retaining the engagement means in engagement with the lever.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the handle means is generally elongate, and has a portion along its length in which the handle means is curved or angled.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the handle means is pivotally connected to the engagement means.

9. A device according to claim 8, in which the pivotal connection comprises a pivot pin located through one or more lugs provided on the collar and one end of the handle means.

10. A device according to claim 8, in which the pivotal connection comprises a ball joint.

11. A device according to any of claims 8 to 10, in which the pivotal connection is so formed as to permit movement about the pivot arising from manually induced forces, but to prevent free movement otherwise.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the device further comprises key engaging means to releasably engage a key.

13. A device according to claim 12, in which the key engaging means comprises a slot formed in the collar into which part of a key is locatable such that the key can be turned by manipulation of the device.

14. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the handle means comprises a grip to facilitate gripping of the device by a user.

15. A device according to claim 14, in which the grip is at the end of the handle remote from the end at which the engagement means is located.

16. A device according to claim 14 or claim 15, in which the grip comprises a sleeve locatable over the handle.

17. A device acccording to claim 16, in which the sleeve comprises a rubber or plastic sleeve.

18. A device according to claim 14 or claim 15, in which the grip is an integral part of the handle.

19. A device according to claim 18, in which the grip comprises a profiled portion of the handle suitably formed to accommodate the fingers of the hand.

20. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the handle means provides a formation suitable to allow twisting pressure to be applied to the device during use, by the thumb of a hand gripping the grip.

21. A device according to any of claims 14 to 20, in which the grip incorporates a bar which at least partially covers the fingers of a hand gripping the grip and facilitates manipulation of the device by a user.

22. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the device also comprises an arm member attached to the handle means, to facilitate use of the device.

23. A device according to claim 22, in which the arm member is pivotally attached to the handle means, and movable between a first position in which it is substantially adjacent the handle means, and a second position in which it extends away from the handle means.

24. A device according to claim 22 or claim 23, in which the arm member is located near the grip.

25. A device according to any of claims 22 to 24, in which the arm member is generally U-shaped, with two mutually facing lugs extending from the free ends thereof and locatable within corresponding recesses formed in the handle means.

26. A device according to any of claims 23 to 25, in which the arm member is shaped to conform, to the outer surface of the handle when in the first position.

27. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the device comprises at least two pieces of strong plastic or similar material which will not easily break.

28. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

29. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

30. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.

31. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 8 of the accompanying drawings.

32. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 9 of the accompanying drawings.

33. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 10a, 10b and 10c of the accompanying drawings.

34. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.