NZ299591A - Stowable window assembly which can be tilted upwards and retracted into a building - Google Patents

Description

1 New Zealand No. 299591 International No. PCT/ TO BE ENTERED AFTER ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION Priority dates: 16.11.1996 Complete Specification Filed: 16.02.1998 Classification:^) E06B5/11; E06B7/32; E06B3/50.42 Publication date: 27 April 1998 Journal No.: 1427 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Title of Invention: Stowable window system Name, address and nationality of applicant(s) as in international application form: KEBAB KID PARNELL LIMITED, 363 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand STOWABLE WINDOW SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a stowable window system. More particularly the invention relates to a stowable window system for use as both a front window and entrance to a shop or 5 restaurant, which faces onto a footpath.

Stowing in relation to a window as used herein has the meaning of moving the window, for example by moving its mounting points, into a location where it is not used.

BACKGROUND ART Conventional stowable windows such as sliding windows used for entrances to buildings and 10 the like, are stowed by sliding to one side, thereby providing an opening into the building. With such sideways sliding windows, the window area is not fully opened, as in general it is not possible to slide the window panel into the wall, but only across another window panel. In the case of a shop or restaurant, this can be a disadvantage as the front of the shop or restaurant cannot be fully opened up to give an open and inviting effect.

Furthermore with some shops and restaurant arrangements where it is desired to have a footpath counter along the front window for footpath customers, the window area cannot be fully opened up with a standard type sliding window, even in the case where only the top half of the window above the counter needs to be opened.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a stowable window system which addresses the above problems, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to a first aspeci of the present invention there is provided a stowable window system for a building comprising: a window assembly having a frame with a transparent D294VCS.198 « t * * panel mounted therein, and a support device, adapted to be attached to a structure of a building, for supporting the window assembly relative to the building structure in a vertical position wherein the window assembly lies in a substantially vertical plane, and an inclined or horizontal position wherein the window assembly lies at an inclined or substantially 5 horizontal plane, with a top edge portion thereof retracted into the building from the vertical plane.

Any suitable device may be used for the support device. For example this may comprise: a first mounting device having top mounting members attached to opposite top portions of the window assembly, and support members attached to the building structure for cooperating 10 with the mounting members, so that in moving the window assembly to the inclined or horizontal position, the top mounting members move into the building while remaining substantially in a horizontal plane; and a second mounting device for supporting the window assembly in conjunction with the first mounting device.

With such a construction the window assembly can be moved from a vertical position, where 15 for example a shop front is closed off, to an inclined or horizontal position where the shop front is partially or fully opened, with the top of the window assembly retracted into the shop, for example close to the ceiling. In the inclined position, the window assembly is partially retracted from the shop front, and thus enables the shop front to be opened up without causing an obstruction to passers by. Moreover in the inclined position, the window 20 assembly may also serve as an inclined roof, for protecting the shop entrance from the elements, and in the case for example where a pedestrian counter is provided along the shop front, for protecting customers at the counter from the elements.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stowable window system for a building substantially as described above, wherein the support members 25 comprise tracks mounted on the building structure so as to lie substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane, and the top mounting members comprise a sliding support device such as pads or wheels for sliding or rolling on the tracks; and the second mounting device comprises: at least two lower mounting members attached to opposite intermediate or bottom side portions of the window assembly; and at least two pivot members each having at least a D294VCS.198 s^s9l first attachment device provided an end thereof, and a pivot device provided at a predetermined distance from the first attachment device for mounting the pivot member to the building so as to be pivotal in a vertical plane, each of the first attachment devices being connected to each of the lower mounting members.

With such a construction, the window assembly can be positively supported relative to an opening of a building while being moved between the vertical position and the horizontal or inclined position. Moreover, when left in the inclined position, the window assembly is positively supported against movement due to wind and rain, thus providing protection for the shop front, and for customers in the case of a counter window. Furthermore, since the 10 tracks are mounted substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane, that is, lie in a horizontal plane, then the window assembly can be conveniently stowed close to a ceiling.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stowable whidow system for a building substantially as described above, wherein at least one of the pivot members has a second attachment device provided at a predetermined distance from the 15 pivot device, and there is provided a biasing device adapted to be connected between the building structure and the second attachment device, so as to provide a biasing force on the pivot member in a direction to assist in tilting the window assembly towards a horizontal plane.

By providing a biasing device, the window assembly can be easily moved between the 20 vertical and inclined or horizontal position.

Preferably both of the pivot members have second attachment devices provided at predetermined distances from the pivot device, and the biasing device comprises springs such as tension springs.

According to even yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a 25 stowable window system for a building substantially as described above wherem the pivot members comprise a linkage device whereby the predetermined distance can be varied.

D294VCS.198 By having an arrangement whereby the predetermined distance can be varied, then the support system can be designed for example to accommodate different size window assemblies. For example, a larger size widow assembly may be supported so as to provide greater protection in the inclined position, and yet still be fully stowable in a horizontal 5 position if desired.

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents these are deemed to be 10 incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description given in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of a stowable window system for a building according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a window assembly shown in a vertical position; FIG. 2 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of the stowable window system of FIG. 1, with the window assembly shown in an inclined and partially stowed position; FIG. 3 is a schematic end cross-sectional view of the stowable window system of FIG. 1, with the window assembly shown in a horizontal and fully stowed position; and FIG 4. is a schematic end cross-sectional view of a stowable window system for a building according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with a window assembly shown in an inclined and partially stowed position.

D294VCS.198 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a stowable window system for a building according to a first embodiment of the present invention generally indicated by arrow 1, with a window assembly thereof generally indicated by arrow 2, in respective vertical, inclined and partially 5 stowed, and horizontal and fully stowed positions.

The stowable window system 1 is provided for a restaurant wall opening, defined by structural uprights 3, and located adjacent to a footpath 4. The restaurant has a counter 5 fitted into the opening, and the bottom portion of the opening is closed off with a fixed glass panel 6 designed so as to match with the window assembly 2 when in the vertical position.

The stowable window system 1 comprises the above mentioned window assembly 2 having a substantially rectangular frame 7 with a substantially rectangular glass panel 8 such as tri-glass mounted therein, and a support device generally indicated by arrow 10 adapted to be attached to the building structure, for supporting the window assembly 2 relative to the building structure in the vertical position shown in FIG. 1, the inclined position shown in 15 FIG. 2 where a top edge portion 11 of the window assembly 2 is partially retracted into the building, and the horizontal position shown in FIG. 3, where the top edge portion 11 is fully retracted into the building parallel with a ceiling 12.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the support device 10 comprises: a first mounting device generally indicated by arrow 15 having mounting brackets 16 with wheels 17 ^ 20 rotatably mounted thereon, attached to opposite top portions of the window assembly 2, and tracks 18 attached to the building structure so as to lie in a horizontal position, for providing a track on which the wheels 17 can roll so that in moving the window assembly 2 to the inclined or horizontal position, the wheels 17 can move horizontally along the tracks 18, thus supporting the top portion 11 of the window assembly 2 and guiding it into the building.

The support device 10 also comprises a second mounting device generally indicated by arrow 20 for providing support to the bottom portion of the window assembly 2. The second mounting device 20 comprises two mounting brackets 21 attached to opposite bottom side portions of the window assembly 2 and two pivot arms 22 each having first and second D294VCS.19S S99"9j respective attachment apertures 25 and 26, provided at opposite ends thereof and pivot apertures 27 provided at a predetermined distance from the first attachment apertures 25. The pivot arms 22 are mounted on the building uprights 3 by pivot pins 28 so as to be pivotal thereabout in the vertical plane. The pivot arms 22 are connected to each of the mounting 5 brackets 21 by pins 30 through the attachment apertures 25 so as to be pivotable thereabout. The pivot arms 22 are also provided with tension springs 31 connected between brackets 32 attached to the uprights 3, and the second attachment apertures 26, so as to provide a biasing force on the pivot arms 22 in a direction to assist in tilting the window assembly 2 towards a horizontal plane (in the anti-clockwise direction in the figures).

To open and stow the window assembly 2, from the vertical position shown in FIG. 1, where the spring 31 has minimal biasing effect, a force is applied to the window assembly 2 for example by pushing on the bottom edge portion from the inside, so as to tilt the window assembly 2 outwards. As a result the top portion 11 of the window assembly 2 moves inwards, guided by the track 18. As the window assembly 2 is tilted from the vertical 15 position (FIG. 1), the biasing effect of the spring increases (see FIG. 2), thus assisting in tilting the window assembly 2 over the range where resistance to tilting due to the weight of the window assembly 2 is greatest.

Once in the horizontal position shown in FIG. 3, the window assembly 2 can be locked in position by a locking pin unit 35 which is also used to lock the window assembly 2 when in 20 the vertical position (see FIG. 1). The window assembly 2 can of course be left in an inclined position, and locked with another locking pin, for example passing through the pivot arm 22 into the upright 3, if desired. In this case the window assembly 2 may also serve as an inclined roof, for protecting customers at the counter 5 from the elements.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a stowable window system 40 for a restaurant 25 entrance. Components similar to those of the first embodiment are indicated by the same numerals. With the second embodiment, a window assembly 2 is made the full height of the opening, and thus extends out further over the footpath 4, providing more protection to customers at the counter 5. With the second embodiment, a pivot arm generally indicated by arrow 41 is formed in two sections, a main section 42, and an end section 43. The end D294VCS.198 section 43 is pivotally connected to the main section 42 by a pin 44, and is provided with a plate 45 so as to allow pivoting in one direction from the extended posificn as shown in FIG. 4. A handle 46 is provided on the plate 45 (shown projecting down in FIG. 4 for clarity, however this may preferably be arranged to project to one side so as to cause a minimum of obstruction to passers by). With such an arrangement, the window assembly 2 can be more fully stowed if desired, by pulling on the handle 46 to pivot the end section 43 relative to the main section 42, so that the window assembly 2 moves into the building.

I believe the advantages of my invention to be as follows, however it should be appreciated that the following list is given by way of example only. 1. The stowable window system enables a window assembly to be tilted upwards and retracted into a building, so that an opening of a building can be fully opened up, to give easy access, and an open and inviting effect. 2. The stowable window system enables an opening window arrangement for a building such as a restaurant, where it is desired to have a footpath counter along a front window for footpath customers. 3. The stowable window system enables a window assembly to be tilted to a partially stowed position so as to also serve as an inclined roof, for protecting a shop entrance from the elements, and to also provide protection to customers. 4. The stowable window system can be used for a variety of buildings, providing scope for innovative design.

Finally it will be appreciated that the present invention has been described by way of example only and that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

D294VCS.198

Claims (12)

-9- What we claim is:

1. A stowable window system for a building comprising: a window assembly having a substantially rectangular frame with a substantially rectangular transparent panel mounted therein, and support means adapted to be attached to a structure of a building, for supporting said window assembly relative to said building structure in a vertical position wherein said window assembly lies in a substantially vertical plane, and an inclined or horizontal position wherein said window assembly lies at an inclined or substantially horizontal plane, with a top edge portion thereof retracted into said building from said vertical plane.

2. A stowable window system according to claim 1, wherein said support means comprises: first mounting means having mounting members attached to opposite top portions of said window assembly and support members mounted on said building structure for cooperating with said mounting members so that in moving said window assembly to said inclined or horizontal position, said top mounting members move out of said vertical plane into said building while remaining substantially in a horizontal plane; and second mounting means for supporting said window assembly in conjunction with said first mounting means.

3. A stowable window system according to claim 2, wherein said support members comprise tracks mounted on said building structure so as to lie substantially perpendicular to said vertical plane, and said mounting members comprise sliding support means for sliding or rolling on said tracks; and D294VCS.198 u9j -10- said second mounting means comprises: at least two mounting members attached to opposite intermediate or bottom side portions of said window assembly; and at least two pivot members each having at least first attachment means provided an end thereof and pivot means provided at a predetermined distance from said first attachment means, for mounting said pivot member to said building so as to be pivotal in a vertical plane, each of said first attachment means being connected to each of said mounting members.

4. A stowable window system according to claim 3, wherein at least one of said pivot members has a second attachment means provided at a predetermined distance from said pivot means, and there is provided biasing means adapted to be connected between said building structure and said second attachment mean, so as to provide a biasing force on said pivot member in a direction to assist in tilting said window assembly towards a horizontal plane.

5. A stowable window system according to claim 4, wherein both of said pivot members have second attachment means provided at a predetermined distances from said pivot means, and said biasing means comprises springs.

6. A stowable window system according to claim 5, wherein said springs are tension springs.

7. A method of stowing a window assembly for a building, said window assembly having a frame with a transparent panel mounted therein, comprising the steps of: supporting said window assembly relative to a building using support means which provides support while allowing said window to be tilted from a vertical position wherein said window assembly lies in a substantially vertical plane, and an inclined or horizontal position wherein said window assembly lies at an inclined or substantially horizontal plane, with a top edge portion thereof retracted into said building from said vertical plane; and applying a force to tilt said window from said D294VCS.198 -11- Ju9j vertical plane to said inclined or horizontal plane, thus causing at top portion of said window assembly to be stowed into said building.

8. A method of stowing a window assembly for a building according to claim 7, wherein said step of applying a force to tilt said window, is continued until said window is fully stowed into said building, and lies substantially horizontal.

9. A method of stowing a window assembly for a building according to either one of claims 7 and 8, wherein said force is applied at least partially using one or more pivot arms and springs.

10. A stowable window system for a building substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11. A method of stowing a window assembly for a building substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12. A building fitted with a stowable window system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. James U Piper & Co Attorneys Fors Kebab Kid Parnell Limited END OF CLAIMS 1 6 FE B 1998 D294VCS.198 of New Zealand