GB2542381A

GB2542381A - Window unit

Info

Publication number: GB2542381A
Application number: GB1516477.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harrison Richard; Barsby Philip
Original assignee: Intastop Ltd
Current assignee: Intastop Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-17
Filing date: 2015-09-17
Publication date: 2017-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-17
Also published as: GB2542381B; GB201516477D0

Abstract

A window unit 801 for a door comprising a first pane 802 and a second, substantially parallel, windowpane 803. A central pane 804 is situated between the first and second panes. A first cam 805 rotates and moves the centre pane with respect to the first pane while a second cam 806 revolves and moves the middle pane with respect to the first pane. The first and second cams operate independently of each other and can be used to move the centre pane from opposite sides of the door. The first and centre panes may both comprise a number of transparent (304, Fig. 3) and non-transparent (303, Fig. 3) regions. The window unit may comprise spindles 809 and 810, which are configured to rotate the cams. Each spindle may include a boss 811, 812, in contact with the outer panes 802, 803 respectively. The spindles may include thumb turns and locks. A method of manufacturing the window unit is also disclosed.

Description

Window Unit

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a window unit and a method of manufacturing a window unit. 2. Description of the Related Art

In hospitals, prisons or similar, doors which include windows often have a mechanism by which allow vision through the window to be temporarily obscured so as to provide privacy to patients, prisoners or similar. These windows typically comprise a pair of outer panes and a centre pane sandwiched between the outer pair of panes whereby the centre pane is slidable between the two panes by means of a single cam. The centre pane and one of the outer panes are each provided with a series of horizontal opaque stripes and the single cam acts on the centre pane so as to move the centre pane such that the opaque stripes of the centre pane align with the opaque stripes of the outer pane to prevent viewing through the window.

The single cam generally includes interconnected handles on both sides of the window such that the occupant of the room to which the door leads can move the panes to an open position (in which a viewing is permitted through the window) or a closed position (in which viewing is prevented through the window). Similarly, a nurse or similar on the opposite side can move the other handle in a substantially similar manner.

However, because handles of this type are connected to each other by a single cam, a problem arises if a patient does not wish to allow the nurses to view the patient or the contents of the room. In this case, patients have been known to tightly grip the handle on the room-side such that the nurses on the opposite side are unable to turn the handle on the opposite side to view the contents of the room. This is particularly problematic in such environments where windows are used in hospitals or mental institutions where patients are prone to self-harm.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a window unit for a door, comprising: a first pane; a second pane positioned substantially parallel to said first pane; a centre pane positioned between said first pane and said second pane; a first cam configured to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane on rotation of said first cam; a second cam configured to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane on rotation of said second cam; wherein said first cam is configured to operate independently of said second cam.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a window unit for a door, comprising the steps of: providing a first pane and positioning a second pane substantially parallel to said first pane; positioning a centre pane between said first pane and said second pane; fitting a first cam such that said first cam is rotatable such that, on rotation, said first cam is able to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane; fitting a second cam such that said second cam is rotatable such that, on rotation, said second cam is able to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane; wherein said first cam is configured to operate independently of said second cam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a typical scenario including a door having a window unit;

Figure 2 shows the window unit having been moved to a closed position;

Figure 3 shows a window unit in accordance with the present invention in isolation when not fitted to door;

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional side view of a portion of the window unit in an open position;

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional side view of a portion of the window unit in a closed position;

Figure 6 shows a further cross sectional side view of a portion of the window unit with a first cam in a closed position and a second cam in an open position;

Figure 7 shows a further cross sectional side view of a portion of the window unit with a first cam in an open position and a second cam in a closed position; and

Figure 8 shows a cross sectional side view of a portion of a window unit in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 A typical scenario in a hospital or mental institution is shown in Figure 1. Door 101 includes a window unit 102 which provides a window which can be in an open position (in which viewing is permitted through the window) or a closed position (in which viewing is prevented through the window). In the embodiment of Figure 1, the window is in the open position so that a patient 103, in a room on a first side of the door, can look through the window to the opposite (second) side of the door. Window unit 102 includes a handle 104 which is configured to operate the window from the open position to the closed position as required. Handle 104 is shown on the opposite side of door 101 to patient 103 in this illustrated embodiment, however, it is appreciated that a second handle is present on the patient’s side of door 101 such that the window can be opened or closed by patient 103.

Figure 2

In the embodiment of Figure 2, by utilising handle 104, nurse 201 has turned handle 104 so as to move the window unit 102 to a closed position. In this embodiment, the room on the opposite (second) side of the door is no longer visible through window unit 102. It is appreciated that, while in this illustrated embodiment, the window has been closed by nurse 201, the window could have been moved from the open position of Figure 1 to the closed position of Figure 2 by patient 103 illustrated previously.

Figure 3

Window unit 102 is shown in isolation when not fitted to door 101 in Figure 3.

Window unit 102 comprises a first pane 301 and a second pane 302. Second pane 302 is positioned substantially parallel to first pane 301 as more clearly described in Figures 5 to 8. First pane 301 defines a plurality of transparent regions, such as transparent region 303 and a plurality of nontransparent regions, such as non-transparent region 304. In this embodiment, the transparent and non-transparent regions of first pane 301 are aligned with corresponding transparent and non-transparent regions of second pane 302 so that the window unit is in the open position and viewing is permitted through the window. Each of the panes, 301 and 302 are manufactured from glass, however, it is appreciated that the panes could be manufactured from any alternative material which presents a transparent surface through which viewing could be permitted. In the embodiment, the non-transparent regions are glazed with a non-transparent material which prevents viewing through the panes.

In the embodiment, the first pane 301 includes a cut out 305 in which a mechanism 306 is positioned. Mechanism 306 allows panes 301 and 302 to move in response to an action on handle 104 such that the window unit can be changed from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

Mechanism 306 includes a first cam 307 and a second cam 308. Cam 307 and cam 308 are configured to operate independently of each other such that, each cam 307, 308, is able to move a centre pane of the window unit 102 on rotation of each cam 307, 308. This method of operation is described in further detail in Figures 5 to 8.

In this illustrated example, cams can be seen, however, it is appreciated that, in an embodiment, the window unit is supplied with mechanism 306, including cams 307, 308 substantially obscured.

Figure 4 A cross sectional side view of a portion of window unit 102 is shown in Figure 4, whereby window unit 102 is in an open position such that viewing is permitted through window unit 102. The cross sectional side view shows first pane 301 and second pane 302. From this cross sectional side view, it can be seen that the first pane 301 is positioned substantially parallel to second pane 302. Centre pane 401 is also visible in this cross section, and is positioned between first pane 301 and second pane 302.

As explained previously, first pane 301 defines a plurality of transparent regions, such as transparent region 303, and a plurality of nontransparent regions, for example, non-transparent region 304. Similarly, centre pane 401 also defines its own plurality of transparent regions, such as transparent region 402 and also defines its own plurality of non-transparent regions, such as non-transparent region 403. The transparent and nontransparent regions of first pane 301 and centre pane 401 are of corresponding dimensions, such that, when in the fully open position of Figure 4, the transparent regions 303 and 402 mutually co-operate to allow viewing through the window unit 102. Second pane 302 is substantially transparent as shown such that viewing is permitted through the second pane 302 throughout. Thus, when in the closed position however, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, viewing is still permitted through second pane 302 but not through centre pane 401 or first pane 301.

Window unit 102 also includes first cam 307 and second cam 308. First cam 307 is positioned in close proximity to first pane 301 and is configured to move centre pane 401 with respect to first pane 301 when cam 307 is rotated. Similarly, second cam 308 is also configured to move centre pane 401 with respect to first pane 301 when cam 307 is rotated. Cam 308 is positioned in close proximity to cam 307, however, operation of either cam 307 or cam 308 is independent of each other. Thus, cam 307 may be rotated to move centre pane 401 without any movement of cam 308 occurring and vice versa. This is shown further in following Figures 5 to 7. While the present embodiment shows cams 307, 308 being spaced apart, it is appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the cams 307, 308 can be touching so long as the cams are still able to function independently.

In the embodiment, each cam 307, 308 is attached to a corresponding spindle 404, 405 each of which are configured to rotate the respective cams 307, 308 independently of the other cam. Thus, the use of an individual spindle 404, 405 for each cam 307, 308 allows each cam 307, 308 to act independently of the other cam 307, 308. In this embodiment, each cam 307, 308 is fixed to its respective spindle 404, 405 by means of a fastening 406, 407. In this illustrated example, the fastening 406, 407 is a screw which is screwed into a thread 408, 409 of the spindle 404, 405. In an embodiment, fastening 406, 407 includes a washer.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, spindles 404 and 405 each include a boss 410, 411 attached thereto. In the embodiment, the bosses 410, 411 are positioned in contact with the first pane 301 and second pane 302 respectively. Boss 410 and boss 411 further include at least one cavity, such as cavities 412 and 413. In an embodiment, cavities 412 and 413 are used for enclosing an intumescent material which provides fire protection.

In the embodiment, first pane 301 and centre pane 401 are positioned in close proximity such that, as window unit 102 moves from a closed position to an open position (or vice versa), the transparent and nontransparent regions are able to align so as to permit or prevent viewing therethrough. In the embodiment, second pane 302 is positioned a larger distance away from centre pane 401 compared to first pane 301 as the lack of non-transparent regions on second pane 302 means it is not necessary. However, in order to retain the boss 411 in position against second pane 302, window unit 102 comprises a retaining ring 414 positioned between second pane 302 and centre pane 401. In an embodiment, the retaining ring is a circlip, although in alternative embodiments any other suitable retainer may be used.

In use, centre pane 401 is configured to move in a direction indicated by arrow 415 following rotation of either cam 307 or cam 308. In contrast, first pane 301 and second pane 302 remain in a fixed position relative to the centre pane 401.

Figure 4 shows the window unit 102 in an open position, whereby centre pane 401 has been moved by cam 307 and/or cam 308 following rotation of spindles 404 and 405 by a user. Centre pane 401 is moved in the direction of arrow 415 by cam 307, for example, when an edge 416 of cam 307 contacts an end surface 417 of centre pane 401. Similarly, when an edge 418 of cam 308 contacts end surface 417 of centre pane 401, centre pane 401 is moved in the direction of arrow 415 following rotation of cam 308 by spindle 405.

In a similar way, the window unit 102 can be moved to a closed position as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5

In the embodiment of Figure 5, a portion of window unit 102 is shown as a cross section in a similar manner to that as previously shown in Figure 4. However, in this embodiment, window unit 102 is in a closed position such that viewing is prevented through window unit 102.

In this illustrated embodiment, centre pane 401 has moved in the direction of arrow 501 relative to first pane 301 following rotation of cam 307 and cam 308. Thus, non-transparent region 304 is aligned with transparent region 402 so as to prevent viewing through first pane 301 and centre pane 401. Consequently, viewing through the window unit 102 as a whole is prevented.

Figure 6

From the fully closed position of Figure 5, in use, a nurse, for example, positioned in a room on the right hand side of second pane 302, is able to move spindle 405, thereby rotating cam 308. Rotation of cam 308 by means of spindle 405 means that edge 601 of cam 308 contacts end surface 417 of centre pane 401 so as to push centre pane 401 in the direction of arrow 415 such that the window unit 102 is in the open position. Thus, in this configuration, transparent region 402 of centre pane 401 is aligned with transparent region 303 of first pane 301 such that viewing is permitted through window unit 102.

In this illustrated embodiment, the patient, as previously described, is positioned on the opposite side of window unit and has access to spindle 404, which, in turn, operates cam 307. However, because cam 307 operates independently of cam 308, while ever cam 308 supports centre pane 401 to remain open, the rotation of cam 307 does not have any effect. Thus, if a patient wishes to close the window so as to self-harm or cause damage inside the room, this is prevented as the opposite cam will always be permitted to open the window unit 102 such that staff members can always look inside the room to monitor patients.

Figure 7

However, this arrangement does not preclude the patient the opportunity to open the window unit 102 if the nurses for example have closed the window. Figure 7 shows a similar cross sectional portion of window unit 102 as those in Figures 4, 5 and 6. In this embodiment, spindle 405 has been rotated such that cam 308 is in the closed position, such that a nurse, for example, has left the window unit 102 to automatically return to the closed position. However, if the patient decides that they wish to open the window to view the other side of the door, spindle 404 can be turned so as to rotate cam 307. In a similar way to that previously described, on rotation of cam 307, edge 416 of cam 307 pushes against end surface 417 of centre pane 401 to move centre pane 401 in the direction of arrow 415. Thus, in this way, transparent region 402 is aligned with transparent region 303 so as to permit viewing through window unit 102. The patient is free to rotate spindle 404 in an opposite direction so as to rotate cam 307 such that centre pane 401 moves in the opposite direction to arrow 415 (that is, in the direction of arrow 501), thereby closing the window unit and returning the mechanism to the arrangement in Figure 5.

Thus, the present invention provides an override mechanism for a nurse or similar over a patient such that, even when a patient or prisoner wishes to close the window unit, the nurses have the option to open the unit to monitor the patient.

While in the example described the patient is positioned on the left hand side of the window unit (so as to enable activation of spindle 404) with the nurse positioned on the opposite side (so as to enable operation of spindle 405), it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the patient and nurse may be positioned at opposite sides of the window unit 102.

Cams 307, 308 are suitably shaped so as to allow movement of centre pane 401 between the open and closed positions, incorporating a flattened edge on which the centre pane 401 rests to hold the centre pane 401 in position.

In an alternative embodiment to that described, the cam includes an auto-drop function whereby the cam includes a rounded edge replacing the flattened edge thereby allowing the window unit to automatically return to the closed position. Thus, if a member of staff left the window unit in the open position, the window unit would still return to the closed position so that the patient could have privacy.

Figure 8

An alternative embodiment for a window unit 801 in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of window unit 801 in a similar manner to the previous embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7.

Window unit 801 comprises a first pane 802, a second pane 803 and a centre pane 804. As in the previous embodiment, second pane 803 is positioned substantially parallel to first pane 802. Similarly, centre pane 804 is positioned between pane 802 and pane 803 and is configured to move relative to first and second panes 802, 803.

Window unit 801 further comprises a first cam 805 and a second cam 806 with each cam 805, 806 being configured to move the centre pane 804 on their respective rotations. In accordance with the invention, each of the cams 805, 806 operate independently of the other cam such that the centre pane 804 can be moved between an open position of window unit 801 and a closed position by either of the cams 805,806 in isolation.

In this embodiment, first pane 802 includes a plurality of transparent regions and a plurality of non-transparent regions and centre pane 804 also includes a plurality of transparent regions and a plurality of non-transparent regions thus enabling the window unit suitable to allow viewing therethrough when in the open position and prevent viewing therethrough when in the closed position. This operation is substantially similar to that as previously described in Figures 4 to 7.

In this alternative embodiment, however, window unit 801 further comprises an end piece 807, which is fitted so as to cover an end surface 808 of centre pane 804. Thus, in this embodiment, instead of each cam 805, 806 contacting end surface 808 directly when window unit 801 is opened and closed, cams 805, 806, contact end piece 807. In use, centre pane 804 is sometimes supplied with a rounded end which does not always provide a clean contact with cams 805, 806. Thus, end piece 807 allows for a clean contact with the end of centre pane 804 so as to provide an accurate response when a user operates each cam 805, 806. In the embodiment, end piece 807 is manufactured from a suitable durable plastic; however, it is appreciated that any other suitable material may be used.

Window unit 801 includes a first spindle 809 which operates cam 805 in a similar manner to the previous embodiment described in Figures 4 to 7. Similarly, a second spindle 810 operates second cam 806. In this embodiment, each spindle 809, 810 includes an alternative boss 811, 812 attached thereto, each boss 811, 812 being positioned in contact with the respective outer panes 802, 803. In this embodiment, bosses 811 and 812 have a flat face 813, 814 which forms a close contact with each of the panes 802, 803 rather than providing a gap between the boss and the pane. In this way, this alternative design provides an anti-ligature option in which patients are unable to use the boss for self-harming activities while also providing an easy shape to manufacture.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, spindles 809, 810 are fitted with a thumb turn 815, 816 to assist a user with turning each of the spindles 809, 810 so as to operate the cams 805, 806. In an alternative embodiment, however, at least one of the spindles 809, 810 includes a lock. The lock would typically be positioned on the side of the window unit where the staff are to allow the staff to activate the window unit for operation or nonoperation. In one embodiment, the lock is operated by means of a key. However, in an alternative embodiment, the lock is keyless and may be operated by a combination lock, a coded lock or similar.

Claims

Claims What we claim is:

1. A window unit for a door, comprising: a first pane; a second pane positioned substantially parallel to said first pane; a centre pane positioned between said first pane and said second pane; a first cam configured to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane on rotation of said first cam; a second cam configured to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane on rotation of said second cam; wherein said first cam is configured to operate independently of said second cam.

2. A window unit according to claim 1, wherein said first pane defines a plurality of transparent regions and a plurality of non-transparent regions, and said centre pane defines a second plurality of transparent regions and second plurality of non-transparent regions.

3. A window unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a first spindle attached to said first cam, said first spindle being configured to rotate said first cam.

4. A window unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second spindle attached to said second cam, said second spindle being configured to rotate said second cam.

5. A window unit according to claim 3, wherein said first spindle includes a first boss attached thereto, said first boss positioned in contact with an outer surface of said first pane.

6. A window unit according to claim 4, wherein said second spindle includes a second boss attached thereto, said second boss positioned in contact with an outer surface of said second pane.

7. A window unit according to claim 3, wherein said first spindle includes a thumb turn.

8. A window unit according to claim 4, wherein said second spindle includes a thumb turn.

9. A window unit according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein at least one of said spindles includes a lock.

10. A window unit according to claim 9, wherein said lock is locked and unlocked by means of a key.

11. A window unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising an intumescent material.

12. A window unit according to any preceding claim, wherein each said cam is configured to move said centre pane when an edge of each said cam contacts an end surface of said centre pane.

13. A window unit according to claim 12, further comprising an end piece, said end piece being fitted to said end surface of said centre pane.

14. A window unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a retaining ring positioned between said second pane and said centre pane.

15. A door comprising the window unit of any preceding claim.

16. A method of manufacturing a window unit for a door, comprising the steps of: providing a first pane and positioning a second pane substantially parallel to said first pane; positioning a centre pane between said first pane and said second pane; fitting a first cam such that said first cam is rotatable such that, on rotation, said first cam is able to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane; fitting a second cam such that said second cam is rotatable such that, on rotation, said second cam is able to move said centre pane with respect to said first pane; wherein said first cam is configured to operate independently of said second cam.

17. A method of manufacture according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: attaching a first spindle to said first cam such that said spindle is able to rotate said first cam.

18. A method of manufacture according to claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising the step of: attaching a second spindle to said second cam such that said spindle is able to rotate said second cam.

19. A method of manufacture according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: fitting an end piece to an end surface of said centre pane.

20. A method of manufacture according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein at least one of said spindles includes a lock.

21. A window unit for a door as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.

22. A method of manufacturing a window unit as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.