GB2553081B

GB2553081B - Window unit

Info

Publication number: GB2553081B
Application number: GB1609976.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harrison Richard; Barsby Philip
Original assignee: Intastop Ltd
Current assignee: Intastop Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-06
Filing date: 2016-06-06
Publication date: 2019-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-06
Also published as: GB201609976D0; GB2553081A

Description

Window Unit

The present invention relates to a window unit, a method of manufacturing a window unit and a door comprising a window unit.

In hospitals, prisons or similar, doors are often utilised which include windows which have a mechanism which allows vision through the window to be temporarily obscured so as to provide privacy to patients, prisoners or similar. Windows of this type typically comprise a pair of outer panels of glass and a centre panel of glass sandwiched between the outer pair of panels, with the centre panel being slidable between the two panes. The centre panel and one of the outer panels are each provided with a series of non-transparent regions, typically horizontal opaque stripes, and a series of transparent regions, consequently being horizontal transparent stripes. Movement of the centre panel leads to alignment of the non-transparent regions of the outer panel and transparent regions of the centre panel so as to prevent viewing through the window.

On windows of this type, movement of the centre panel is achieved by means of a rotating cam mechanism which is positioned at the bottom of the centre panel and partially located within holes formed in the outer panels. The cam mechanism, which operates the centre panel, includes a handle or similar which is positioned close to the cam mechanism and which is turned to operate the cam directly thereby sliding the centre panel.

One problem of this prior art arrangement is that the holes formed in the outer panels provide a weakness in the panels. As these outer panels tend to be made from glass, they are therefore prone to breakage during use due to the weakened holes. This is also problematic when transporting the window units, as the handle can be easily knocked around, again leading to breakage of the glass.

Thus, it is not always desirable to have the handle positioned in a set position in close proximity to the glass panels and it would be preferable to have the handle positioned on a different part of the door or window to assist with access.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a window unit according to claim 1.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a window unit according to claim 12.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an example embodiment of a window unit in a door whereby the window unit is in an open configuration;

Figure 2 shows the example embodiment of Figure 1 whereby the window unit is in a closed configuration; and

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of an alternative window unit to that of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 shows a side cross sectional view of a portion of a window unit in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a control mechanism;

Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view through the centre of the control mechanism of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows an alternative cross-sectional view of the control mechanism of Figure 5;

Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of a top left portion of a window unit with the window unit in a first position; and

Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of a top left portion of a window unit with the window unit in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1

An example of a door 101 which utilises the window unit of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. Door 101 is substantially similar to a conventional door of the type typically found in hospitals and prisons and includes a window unit 102 which comprises a glass window. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the window comprises alternative materials other than glass, such as Perspex (RTM) or other suitably transparent materials.

As is known in the art, window unit 102 comprises a plurality of transparent regions 103 and a plurality of non-transparent regions 104. Window unit 102 further includes a handle 105 which can be used to move the window of window unit 102 from an open configuration (in which viewing is permitted through the window) to a closed configuration (in which viewing is prevented through the window).

In the embodiment of Figure 1, window unit 102 is held in an open configuration in which the plurality of transparent regions 103 and the plurality of non-transparent regions 104 are positioned such that visibility through window unit 102 is permitted and the interior of the room on the opposite side of the door can be seen without having to enter the room.

Figure 2

In a further embodiment, shown in Figure 2, window unit 102 has been moved to a closed configuration by an operative by utilising handle 105.

In this embodiment, the plurality of transparent regions 103 have been covered by some of the plurality of non-transparent regions 104 such that visibility through the window of window unit 102 has been obscured and the interior of the room on the opposite side of the door can no longer be seen. In this way, patients or prisoners are able to maintain their privacy at certain times.

It is noted that, in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, handle 105 of window unit 102 is positioned remotely from the window part of window unit 102. This aspect will be described further in Figures 3, 4, 8 and 9.

Figure 3 A further embodiment of an alternative window unit 301 in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 3. Window unit 301 is substantially similar to window unit 101 in operation in that it can be moved from an open configuration (in which viewing is permitted through the window) to a closed configuration (in which viewing is prevented through the window) by means of a handle or similar. However, window unit 301 differs in that it takes up a larger proportion of door 302.

Thus, as it will be appreciated, this means that, in previously known prior art systems which utilise rotating cam mechanisms, the handle for moving the window from an open configuration to a closed configuration must be positioned at the lower end 303 of window unit 301. However, the present invention allows handle 304 to be positioned in a more suitable position on door 302 such that it is easily within reach for an operative without necessitating the operative to bend or crouch to move the window from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Thus, the invention described herein allows the handle to be placed in any suitable or convenient position for opening or closing the window while not restricting the design of the window itself.

Figure 4 A side cross sectional view of a portion of a window unit 401 is shown in Figure 4. Window unit 401 comprises an outer frame 402 which houses a first panel 403, a second panel 404 and a centre panel 405.

First panel 403 defines first transparent regions, such as transparent region 406, and first non-transparent regions, such as non-transparent region 407. Second panel 404 comprises a transparent material and is arranged substantially parallel to first panel 403 as illustrated.

Positioned between first panel 403 and second panel 404 is centre panel 405. Centre panel 405 defines second transparent regions, such as transparent region 408 and second non-transparent regions, such as nontransparent region 409. As will be further described, centre panel 405 is arranged to move with respect to the first panel, such that the nontransparent regions of centre panel 405 and the non-transparent regions of panel 403 align to provide visibility through the window unit.

In the embodiment shown, non-transparent region 407 of first panel 403 is aligned with transparent region 408 of centre panel 405 and represents a closed configuration in line with the embodiment of Figure 2. In an open configuration, non-transparent region 409 is moved so that it aligns with non-transparent region 407 such that a view through the window can be see through transparent regions 406 and 408, which also align. It is appreciated therefore that centre panel 405 is configured to move up or down in the directions of arrows 410 and 411 respectively to open and close the window as required.

In order to enable this movement, centre panel 405 is attached to a cable 412 which is configured to move centre panel 405 in the direction of arrow 410 and further configured to move centre panel 405 in the direction of arrow 411. This is achieved by the control mechanism described in Figures 5 to 7.

In the embodiment, the non-transparent regions are formed as a plurality of equally spaced, equal thickness opaque stripes. However, it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the non-transparent regions are not equally spaced nor of equal thickness. Further, in some embodiments, translucent materials may also form the regions and the arrangement may take an alternative form to stripes. It is appreciated that alternative combinations of these features may be used to provide open viewable configurations and closed reduced visibility configurations.

In the embodiment, cable 412 comprises stainless steel which is chosen due to its stable properties in damp conditions. Preferably the stainless steel is nylon-coated. However, in alternative embodiments, cable 412 comprises stainless steel with other suitable coatings and in still further embodiments, cable 412 comprises an alternative metallic material of a suitable strength for supporting panels manufactured substantially from glass or Perspex (RTM).

In the embodiment, panel 403, panel 404 and centre panel 405 are substantially manufactured from glass. In a further embodiment, panel 403, panel 404 and centre panel 405 are substantially manufactured from a transparent plastic such as that sold under the trademark Perspex (RTM). It is appreciated that alternative substantially transparent materials may be used.

Cable 412 is supported by bearings, such as bearings 413 and 414 which typically comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to reduce the friction of cable 412 as cable 412 moves. It is appreciated that bearings 413 and 414 may be manufactured from any other suitable material known by one skilled in the art.

Figure 5

An exploded perspective view of a control mechanism 501 which is configured to tension or release cable 412 when the control mechanism has been activated is described with respect to Figure 5.

Control mechanism 501 comprises a housing 502 which houses a drive shaft 503 and a spool 504. Housing 502 is, in the embodiment, substantially cuboid shaped having a rectangular cross-section and six sides. On one side 505 is an aperture 506 through which a cable, such as cable 412 as previously described is able to pass therethrough.

Drive shaft 503 is substantially square in cross section and connects to spool 504 through housing 502 so as to enable rotation of spool 504. Spool 504 is configured to receive a cable in use such that the cable can be wound on and wound off the spool as required. In use, drive shaft 503 drives spool 504 to rotate.

Spool 504 further comprises a pin 507 which is attached to spool 504 and which fits into a slot 508 on a circular end 509 of the drive shaft 503. Housing 502 also comprises a bore 510 which includes an inner profile 511. When constructed, spool 504 is configured to rotate between a first angle and a second angle by means of the combination of pin 507 and inner profile 511 to form a stop. Thus, as spool 504 rotates, pin 507 rotates until it abuts wall 512 or wall 513 of inner profile 511. In this way, in use, the cable is restricted between two points so as prevent the handle from being turned too far and prevent undue stress on the control mechanism and system as a whole. The positioning of the inner profile 511 is determined by the requirements of the window unit as a whole, such as by the total length of the panels used in the window unit. It is therefore appreciated that the inner profile is suitably adjusted in various embodiments depending on the requirements of the stop.

Control mechanism 501 further includes a washer 514. In the embodiment, washer 514 is a polymer disc spring such as those sold under the trade name Polysorb (RTM). It is appreciated that other types of washers or disc spring washers are used in alternative embodiments.

Control mechanism 501 also comprises a housing plate 515 which, when fully constructed, is placed in contact with surface 516 of housing 502 and holds spool 504 into cavity 517 of housing 502. Housing plate 515 includes a hole 518 through which end 509 can be accessed. Thus, when constructed, a handle or lock is connected to drive shaft 503 through hole 518 to enable rotation of spool 504 from one side of the control mechanism 501. Similarly, a handle or lock is also attached to end 519 of drive shaft 503 to enable rotation of spool 504 from the opposite side of control mechanism 501. Thus, when fitted to a door, for example, as described in Figures 1 to 3, nurses can operate the window unit from outside a room, while patients inside the room are able to operate the window unit from inside the room.

In an embodiment, control mechanism 501 is configured to include an auto-drop function. An auto-drop function is known by one skilled in the art to be a feature which allows the window unit to automatically return to a closed position. Thus, if the window unit is left in an open position, the window unit would still return to a closed position as a default setting. In other embodiments, the auto-drop function works the opposite way around such that the default position is one in which the window unit automatically returns to an open position when left.

Previously known auto-drop functions utilise the cam mechanism in known window units, however, the present invention does not utilise a cam and comprises a clutch system configured to allow the centre panel to move to a closed position. In an alternative embodiment, the clutch system is set to allow the centre panel to move to an open position. In this way, the clutch system relies on the weight of the centre panel and is set so as to take account of the weight to give a consistent drop-rate for different sizes of window unit.

Figure 6 A cross sectional view through the centre of control mechanism 501 is shown in Figure 6. Spool 504 is shown in use having cable 412 partially wound around it. As previously explained, cable 412 is configured to be wound onto and off spool 504 which enables movement of the centre pane 405 in opposite longitudinal directions depending on whether cable 412 is wound on or off spool 504.

Cable 412 passes through aperture 506 which extends through housing 502 towards spool 504. In this way, cable 412 is able to reach spool 504 for winding/unwinding. Drive shaft 503 is positioned through the centre of spool 504 and through cavity 517 such that turning of drive shaft 503 allows spool 504 to rotate in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction about the centre point of drive shaft 503.

On rotation of spool 504 in a clockwise direction (if looking into the page), cable 412 is wound out from spool 504 and releases the cable.

Conversely, on rotation of spool 504 in an anti-clockwise direction (if looking into the page) cable 412 is wound onto the spool 504 and tensioned. The effects of this on the movement of the centre pane will be described in Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 7

An alternative cross-sectional view of control mechanism 501 is shown in Figure 7. The cross section is taken lengthways along the centre of the longest side of control mechanism 501.

Figure 7 illustrates housing 502 with drive shaft 503 protruding through cavity 517 and alignment means 701. Alignment means 701 receives drive shaft 503 into the spool 504. Alignment means 701 is substantially square in cross section to enable shaft 503 to slot into position.

In particular, the inclusion of alignment means 701 enables the window unit to be supplied with control mechanism 501 supplied separately and unattached. Thus, housing 502 and shaft 503 can be dismantled for transport purposes so that shaft 503 does not protrude from housing 502. As will be appreciated, when the window unit is being transported, drive shaft 503 can become knocked and potentially damage parts of the control mechanism 501. Thus, drive shaft 503 is designed to be removed for transit, and, once transported, a customer is able to refit drive shaft 503 with use of alignment means such that the window unit can be operated effectively as the drive shaft 503 can be fitted without need for professional training. Thus, once removed, drive shaft 503 can be pushed into place and is guided by alignment means 701. Drive shaft 503 is initially pushed through aperture 702 which partially aligns shaft 503 and guide it towards alignment means 701 which provides accurate relocation of shaft 503 following removal.

This feature means that doors including the window unit of the present invention can be easily supplied to customers without shaft 503 or handles, such as 105 or 304 attached to the doors. Thus, the doors can be transported flat without protruding handles or shafts, and these can be retrofitted by the customer once the doors have been received.

Figure 8

The operation of a window unit in accordance with the present invention will be described with respect to Figures 8 and 9. A cross sectional view of a top left portion of a window unit 401 is shown in Figure 8. Window unit 401 comprises centre panel 405, which includes connection means 801 which attaches centre panel 405 to cable 412. In the embodiment, cable 412 is fitted to run along the top of centre panel 405 and down the side of centre panel 405. Cable 412 engages with bearings 802, 803 and 804 which guide cable 412 from centre panel 405 to control mechanism 501.

Cable 412 comprises stainless steel, and in an embodiment, the stainless steel is nylon coated. Each of the bearings 802, 803 and 804 comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which provides positive engagement with a nylon coated stainless steel cable.

As will be noted from Figure 8, control mechanism 501 is positioned remotely to centre panel 405 (and consequently remotely to first and second panels previously described with reference to Figure 4). It is appreciated that, by increasing the total length of cable 412, control mechanism 501 could be positioned a further distance from the panels should be position of the control mechanism be more suitably placed elsewhere. Thus, the operation of the control mechanism and the use of a cable instead of the cam of prior art systems allows for greater flexibility in terms of operation of the window units.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, centre panel 405 is being held in a raised position in which the top edge 805 is held close to the top edge 806 of housing 402. In this position, cable 412 is held in tension and wound onto spool 504. It is appreciated that, depending on the requirements of the window unit in question, this may represent an open configuration or a closed configuration of window unit 401.

In use, control mechanism 501 includes a handle on one or both sides of the control mechanism 501. As previously described, the handle connects to drive shaft 503 to enable movement of the handle to turn drive shaft 503 and therefore move spool 504. Thus, activation of control mechanism 501 in Figure 8, has brought the cable into tension, in that activation of the handle rotates the spool 504 in an anti-clockwise direction (looking into the page) which pulls cable 412 to move centre panel 405 in the direction of arrow 807 (i.e. relatively upwards). In a similar manner, the control mechanism 501 can be activated to release cable 412 as described in Figure 9.

Figure 9 A cross sectional view of a top left portion of a window unit 401 is shown in Figure 9 whereby centre panel 405 has been moved relatively downwards in the direction of arrow 901.

Thus, in operation, the handle of control mechanism 501 has been activated so as to move drive shaft 503 to rotate spool 504 in a clockwise direction (looking into the page). This has released and effectively lengthened cable 412 which has allowed centre panel 405 to move in the direction of arrow 901 to change the window to an open configuration or a closed configuration of the opposite of that in Figure 8.

In order to return to the configuration of Figure 8, the spool needs only to be rotated in reverse (i.e. anti-clockwise) so as to tension the cable and pull the centre panel in the opposite direction to arrow 901. It is appreciated that, for practical purposes, this process is repeated several times a day in the case of hospital window units.

Tests have been conducted on the window unit of the present invention which have indicated that the control mechanism is able to operate up to one hundred and twenty thousand (120,000) cycles (opening and closing). This equates to approximately 20 years of general service use and proven reliability.

Claims

1. A window unit, comprising: a first panel defining first transparent regions and first non-transparent regions; a second panel comprising a transparent material arranged substantially parallel to said first panel; a centre panel positioned between said first panel and said second panel, said centre panel defining second transparent regions and second non-transparent regions, and said centre panel being arranged to move with respect to said first panel; a cable attached to said centre panel; and a control mechanism configured to tension or release said cable on activation of said control mechanism, said control mechanism comprising a spool and said cable being configured to be wound onto and off said spool; wherein said cable is configured to move said centre panel in a first direction on activation of said control mechanism to tension said cable; said cable is further configured to move said centre panel in a second direction on activation of said control mechanism to release said cable; and said first panel, said second panel and said centre panel are housed in an outer frame and said control mechanism is positioned external to said outer frame.

2. A window unit according to claim 1, wherein, in use, said spool is driven to rotate by means of a drive shaft so as to wind said cable onto and off said spool.

3. A window unit according to claim 2, wherein said control mechanism further comprises a handle configured to drive said drive shaft.

4. A window unit according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said control mechanism further comprises an alignment means for receiving said drive shaft into said spool.

5. A window unit according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said control mechanism further comprises a stop such that said spool is configured to rotate between a first angle and a second angle.

6. A window unit according to any preceding claim, wherein said control mechanism comprises a clutch system configured to allow the centre panel to move to a closed position.

7. A window unit according to any preceding claim, wherein said cable comprises nylon coated stainless steel.

8. A window unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of bearings which engage with said cable.

9. A window unit according to claim 8, wherein said bearings comprise PTFE.

10. A door comprising a window unit according to any preceding claim.

11. A door according to claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said control mechanism is removable from said window unit for transportation.

12. A method of manufacturing a window unit, comprising the steps of: obtaining a first panel defining first transparent regions and first nontransparent regions; arranging a second panel comprising a transparent material substantially parallel to said first panel; obtaining a centre panel defining second transparent regions and second non-transparent regions; positioning said centre panel between said first panel and said second panel and arranging said centre panel to be able move with respect to said first panel; positioning said first panel, said second panel and said centre panel in an outer frame; attaching a cable to said centre panel; and connecting a control mechanism, said control mechanism comprising a spool and said cable being configured to be wound onto and off said spool, said control mechanism being configured to tension or release said cable on activation of said control mechanism to said cable, such that when said control mechanism is activated to tension said cable, said centre panel moves in a first direction, and when said control mechanism is activated to release said cable, said centre panel moves in a second direction; and positioning said control mechanism external to said outer frame.

13. A method of manufacturing a window unit according to claim 12, said control mechanism comprising a drive shaft and further comprising the step of: receiving said drive shaft into said spool and aligning said drive shaft by an alignment means.

14. A method of manufacturing a window unit according to any of claims 12 to 13, further comprising the step of fitting said window unit to a door.

15. A method of manufacturing a window unit according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: removing at a least a portion of said control mechanism from said window unit; and transporting said door and said control mechanism.