GB2310888A - Canopy window:remote operation - Google Patents

Description

WINDOWS This invention relates to windows and to windows incorporating an opening light, in particular a fully reversible opening light, as are frequently found in high rise buildings and termed canopy windows.

Whilst operation of the opening light is traditionally effected manually - typically involving the use of catches, stays etc., - powered operation, usually involving an electric motor, is also known, particularly if the opening light is at a relatively inaccessible location.

Furthermore, even when an opening light is powered, its operation may be difficult or impossible for disabled persons.

A basic object of the present invention is to provide an improved canopy window, particularly for use by disabled persons.

According to the present invention there is provided a canopy window comprising a frame and at least one opening light, with power means incorporating an electric motor to effect displacement of the light between fully open and fully closed positions, with a control system for the motor incorporating a sensor responsive to actuation signals emitted by a signal emitter manually operable by the user.

The emitter may be an infra-red, acoustic, or light emitter which is preferably battery powered. Thus, with an infra-red emitter the sensor is responsive to the infra-red wavelength and a user, typically a disabled person, may open or close the window from a remote e.g. sitting, position. The emitter may be a hand-held unit suitable for carrying in a pocket etc.

Alternatively, such an emitter may be attached to, or incorporated in, a wheelchair, typically on or at the arm rest of a wheelchair. It is also possible for the emitter to be a conventional torch, in which case the control system sensor would be a suitable light sensor.

Preferably, the opening light is of a fully reversible kind to provide the possibility for ready cleaning of the external glass, particularly if a high rise building is involved, whilst the control system is preferably such that opening of the light can be halted, and fixed, at any userselected position between fully open and fully closed, e.g. upon cessation of emission of signals by the emitter.

Preferably, the control system provides for a night vent facility, whereby the opening light may be partially open, with an automatically engaged locking or latching mechanism, whereby such night vent facility is such that not only is an external intruder denied entry, but a child cannot climb out and risk injury.

Clearly, with the locking or latching arrangement as described above, a potential escape hazard is presented in a fire or other emergency situation, and consequently in accordance with another preferred feature, the control system is connectable to a fire and/or smoke alarm system whereby any locking or latching mechanism is de-activated upon a fire or smoke alarm being initiated.

It is also preferred for the window to incorporate pressure sensitive means whereby opening or closing movement of the opening light is halted should a predetermined pressure threshold, e.g. by the presence of a child, be sensed.

Preferably, the control system also incorporates an auto-stop facility, preferably with a time delay, whereby an "open" signal requires continuous activation of the emitter to override the auto-stop facility to re-commence opening from the partially open, or night vent position, to a fully open position, i.e. when the opening light is at 90" to the window frame.

A further preferred safety feature is the provision of an infra-red detector, connected to the control system, to sense the approach of, e.g. a child, with the opening light fully open or virtually so, whereupon the opening light is automatically displaced to safe opening in which no gap sufficient for a child to pass through, exists, preferably with associated acoustic and/or light signal alerts, whilst should infra-red detectors sense an adult, the control system preferably incorporates a time delay, whereby the adult can re-open the light by re- activation of the emitter.

The sensor is preferably mounted on the head rail of a rectangular window frame of a window in accordance with the invention.

An electric drive motor is also preferably mounted on the head rail.

With a canopy window arrangement, parallel drive screws may extend vertically down each side rail of a rectangular frame, with a displaceable nut on each screw operable on a slider movable along an upright guide rod, with one end of a canopy support lever pivotally attached to the slider and the other end to a pivot point intermediate the ends of a main support lever, pivotally attached at one end to the head rail, and at the other end to one side member of the canopy. Furthermore, a pivoting cantilever hinge mechanism is preferably provided between the opening light, sash or canopy and main support levers, to assist with sash rotation.

The control system may also be connected to a fire and/or alarm system of a building whereby automatic opening of the window is effected upon a fire and/or smoke alarm signal being received by the control system. In addition, apart from the fire or smoke alarm system common to a public building or residential building such as a block of flats, an individual dwellings alarm system may be connected to the control system. Furthermore, a low- level push button may be provided to cause opening of the window.

It is also preferred for opening or closing of the light to be confirmed by incorporation into the control system of an acoustic signal generating means for blind persons, and/or a light signal generating means for deaf persons.

Instead of, or in addition to electric motor drive, pneumatic motor drive may be employed.

Furthermore, the window in accordance with the invention preferably also incorporates a battery/solar or manual crank back-up system for displacement of the opening light to obviate the potential problem of component failure precluding displacement.

In addition, the window may be provided with a subsidiary,side hung fire escape sash within the canopy sash, preferably on tensioned thrust hinges and/or under the control of a gas thrust cylinder. Closure fittings consisting of an electro-magnetic latch device with battery or manual cord may provide an override facility in the event of failure.

In detail, once the fire escape sash latch is released, by use of either a hand held remote control or low level push release pad/button (preferably of the type incorporating a break glass inertia switch) an acoustic alarm and light signal will begin to function. The side hung fire escape sash may then begin to open through 90 , at a constant rate, by the thrust devices, preferably with a wall/sash mounted rubber stop block and hook plate, which will assist with the holding or buffer effect of the sash and prevent damage to the glass when fully open.

In the event of the canopy sash itself being in an open position, when opening of the fire escape sash is bout to occur, the activation of the push release pad/button preferably automatically releases the side hung fire escape sash closure mechanism and also activates the reversal of the open canopy sash back to a closed position. The tensioning device fitted to the side hung fire escape sash will come into operation as the canopy sash begins to rest in an upright position. This will allow for unobstructed exit of persons in the event of any emergency.

The activation of the canopy sash can also be triggered by the infra-red detector as described previously, activation of the side hung fire escape sash will still have to be carried out as described in the preceding paragraph.

As regulated clear opening for safe egress at present is 500 x 850 high, the window size will be determined by this factor.

The thrust hinges of the fire escape sash may be spring loaded barrel hinges with adjustable tension. Altematively, conventional hinges with a head mounted gas filled thrust cylinder may be used, giving an automatic outward thrust on the fire escape sash once the latch mechanisms are released. As indicated previously, the side hung fire escape sash may be held closed by an electro-magnetic latch device, releasable on depression of a wall mounted push button or by the use of a hand operable remote control, preferably with radio frequency activation with override facilities in the form of battery back up, or by the use of a pull cord attached to a manual thumb tum. The local fire alarm, of whatever form(s) is preferably connected to the main fire alarm system on public buildings, possibly enabling automatic release of the or each fire escape sash for exit of persons. A safety time delay preferably prevents release of the latch device unless the release button or remote control is kept depressed for approximately 5-10 seconds, but no delay provision is provided upon cord operation.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D are diagrammatic perspective views of various positions of a first embodiment of canopy sash in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through the window of Figues 1A to 1D; Figure 3 shows further details of the first embodiment of window; Figure 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are diagrammatic perspective views of a second embodiment of canopy sash in accordance with the invention; Figures 5 and 6 are respectively vertical and horizontal sectional views through the window of Figures 4A to 4D; and Figures 7A and 7B shows opposite ends and further details of the second embodiment of window.

In both embodiments, like components carry like reference numerals.

A canopy window 1 comprises a rectangular frame 2 and a rectangular, fully reversible opening light 3. The frame 2 comprises a head rail 4, a pair of parallel side rails 5 and a bottom rail 6, whilst the opening light 3 comprises a head rail 7, a pair of parallel side rails 8, and a bottom rail 9. The opening light 3 is attached to the frame 2 by a main support lever 10 pivotally attached at one end to the side rails 8 and at the other end to the head rail 4. Each side rail 5 is provided with an upright guide rod 11 along which a slider 12 is movable. To the slider 12 is pivotally attached one end of a canopy support lever 13, the other end of which is pivotally attached to the adjacent main lever 10, intermediate its ends. Operatively associated with each slider 12 is a nut 14 threaded onto an upright drive screw 15 (as best seen in Figure 3), the upper end of which is subjected to a geared drive within a box 16 located within a channel 17 above the head rail 4, the box 16 also housing an electric drive motor, and from which box 16 extends a horizontal drive shaft 26 to provide torque at the other drive screw at the other side of the frame 2 via another box 16 (Figure 7B) housing either a right-angle gearbox or a second electric motor depending on the overall size of the window 1 and hence the torque requirements to displace the opening light 3. In a two motor arrangement, the shaft 26 can be omitted with each motor driving its adjacent screw 15. For a window 1 of relatively narrow width a single screw 15 at one side of the window would suffice, with a linear shaft at the other side for balance and control of the opening light.

Mounted towards the upper end of one side rail 5 of the frame 2 is an infra-red sensor 18 connected by a lead 27 to a control system and circuit within the box 16.

Thus, to open or close the light 3, the user operates an infra-red emitter (not shown) e.g.

of the well-known, hand held type. The control system is such that, when an infra-red signal is no longer emitted and received by the sensor 18, the drive motor is stopped so that rotation of the drive screws 15 is stopped, so that the light 3 may be retained in any open position desired.

The second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A to 7B depicts a window in accordance with the first embodiment, but with a subsidiary, side hung fire escape sash 19.

The fire escape sash 19 is side hung to the opening light 3 of the canopy window 1 on spring loaded barrel hinges 20, with adjustable tension so that upon release of an electromagnetic or other latch 21 securing between the side rail of the fire escape sash 19 distal from the hinge 20, the sash 19 is automatically swung through approximately 900 to an open position, as illustrated in Figures 4C, 5 and Figure 6.

Also illustrated in Figure 7A is the possibility of providing a low-level push pad or button, and/or an alarm device 22 which is also connected by a lead 23 to the control system, whilst Figure 7B also illustrates the presence of a pull-cord 24 to activate the latch 21.

A drive nut 25 may be provided at the box 16 for manual displacement of the opening light, e.g. via a flexible cable and crank handle, in the event of a component or power failure.

Claims (33)

1. A canopy window comprising a frame and at least one opening light, with power means incorporating an electric motor to effect displacement of the light between fully open and fully closed positions, with a control system for the motor incorporating a sensor responsive to actuation signals emitted by a signal emitter manually operable by the user.

2. A window as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sensor is responsive to infra-red, acoustic, or light signals.

3. A window as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the opening light is of a fully reversible kind.

4. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the control system is such that opening of the light can be halted, and fixed, at any user-selected position between fully open and fully closed.

5. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the control system provides for a night vent facility, whereby the opening light may be partially open, with an automatically engaged locking or latching mechanism.

6. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the control system is connectable to a fire and/or smoke alarm system.

7. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, comprising pressure sensitive means whereby opening or closing movement of the opening light is halted should a predetermined pressure threshold be sensed.

8. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the control system also incorporates an auto-stop facility whereby an "open" signal requires continuous activation of the emitter to override the auto-stop facility to re-commence opening from the partially open, or night vent position, to a fully open position.

9. A window as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the auto-stop facility incorporates a time delay.

10. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, provided with an infra-red detector, connected to the control system, to sense the approach of, e.g. a child, with the opening light fully open or virtually so, whereupon the opening light is automatically displaced to safe opening in which no gap sufficient for a child to pass through, exists.

11. A window as claimed in Claim 10, provided with associated acoustic and/or light signal alerts.

12. A window as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the control system incorporates a time delay, whereby the adult can re-open the light by reactivation of the emitter.

13. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the sensor is mounted on the head rail of a rectangular window frame of the window.

14. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein an electric drive motor is also mounted on the head rail.

15. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein parallel drive screws extend vertically down each side rail of a rectangular frame, with a displaceable nut on each screw operable on a slider movable along an upright guide rod, with one end of a canopy support lever pivotally attached to the slider and the other end to a pivot point intermediate the ends of a main support lever, pivotally attached at one end of the head rail, and at the other end to one side member of the canopy.

16. A window as calimed in Claim 15, wherein a pivoting cantilever hinge mechanism is provided between the opening light, sash or canopy and main support levers, to assist with sash rotation.

17. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the control system is also connected to a fire and/or alarm system of a building whereby automatic opening of the window is effected upon a fire and/or smoke alarm signal being received by the control system.

18. A window as claimed in Claim 17, wherein an individual dwellings alarm system is also connected to the control system.

19. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein a low-level pushbutton is provided to cause opening of the window.

20. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein opening or closing of the light is confirmed by incorporation into the control system of an acoustic signal generating means for blind persons, and/or a light signal generating means for deaf persons.

21. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein instead of, or in addition to electric motor drive, pneumatic motor drive is employed.

22. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, incorporating a battery/solar or manual crank back-up system for displacement of the opening light to obviate the potential problem of component failure precluding displacement.

23. A window as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the window is provided with a subsidiary, side hung fire escape sash within the canopy sash.

24. A window as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the fire escape sash is hung on tensioned thrust hinges and/or under the control of a gas thrust cylinder.

25. A window as claimed in Claim 23 or 24, comprising closure fittings consisting of an electro-magnetic latch device with battery or manual cord.

26. A window as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the latch device is releasable by use of either a hand held remote control or low level push release pad/button.

27. A window as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 26, wherein a wall/sash mounted rubber stop block and hook plate are provided.

28. A window as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 27, wherein the control system is such that, in the event of the canopy sash itself being in an open position, when opening of the fire escape sash is about to occur, the activation of the push release pad/button automatically releases the side hung fire escape sash closure mechanism and also activates the reversal of the open canopy sash back to a closed position.

29. A window as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 28, wherein the thrust hinges of the fire escape sash may be spring loaded barrel hinges with adjustable tension.

30. A window as claimed in any one of Claims 23 ro 28, wherein conventional hinges with a head mounted gas filled thrust cylinder are used, giving an automatic outward thrust on the fire escape sash once the latch mechanisms are released.

31. A window as claimed in Claim 25, and any Claim appended thereto, wherein the electro-magnetic latch device is releasable on depression of a wall mounted push button or by the use of a hand operable, remote control, preferably with radio frequency activation with override facilities in the form of battery back up, or by the use of a pull cord attached to a manual thumb turn.

32. A window as claimed in Claim 17 and any Claim appended thereto, wherein the local fire alarm, of whatever form(s) is connected to the main fire alarm system on public buildings.

33. A window as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the control system incorporates a safety time delay which prevents release of the latch device unless the release button or remote control is kept depressed for approximately 5 - 10 seconds, but no delay provision is provided upon cord operation.