NZ725915A - Window for a building - Google Patents

Abstract

window for a building, including a frame for fitting into an opening of a building; a top sash and a bottom sash each being coupled between left and right jambs of the frame; a first pair of lugs extending from opposed right and left sides of a top end of the bottom sash; a second pair of lugs extending from opposed right and left sides of a bottom end of the bottom sash; and control apparatus for controlling relative movement between the top sash and the bottom sash, wherein the first pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective top tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed position towards an open position, and the second pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective bottom tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed position towards an open position. ending from opposed right and left sides of a bottom end of the bottom sash; and control apparatus for controlling relative movement between the top sash and the bottom sash, wherein the first pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective top tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed position towards an open position, and the second pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective bottom tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed position towards an open position.

Description

WINDOW FOR A BUILDING Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a window for a building.

Background of the Invention Single and double hung windows have been used for buildings for a long time. Many different types and configurations exist. However, existing double and single hung windows may not flush close to single plane. Further, existing double and single hung windows may not have compression sealing. Further still, it may generally be desirable to control relative movement between such double hung and single hung windows.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention, there is provided a window for a building, including: (a) a frame for fitting into an opening of a building; (b) a top sash and a bottom sash each being coupled between left and right jambs of the frame; (c) a first pair of lugs extending from opposed right and left sides of a top end of the bottom sash; (d) a second pair of lugs extending from opposed right and left sides of a bottom end of the bottom sash; and (e) control apparatus for controlling relative movement between the top sash and the bottom sash, wherein the first pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective top tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed position towards an open position, and the second pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective bottom tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed position towards an open position.

Preferably, the control apparatus includes: (a) a pulley with a grooved rim, the pulley being coupled to the window frame superiorly over one of said jams; and (b) a transmission extending along said one of said jams between the top sash and the bottom sash via the grooved rim of the pulley, wherein movement of the top sash from the closed position towards the open position is controlled by movement of the bottom sash from the closed position towards the open position via the transmission.

Preferably, the transmission is coupled to a bottom end of the bottom sash. Preferably, the controlling apparatus further includes a lug coupled to a bottom section of one of said jams, the lug being interposed between the transmission and the bottom end of the sash such that transmission bends around the lug when the bottom sash is in the closed position.

Preferably, movement of the top sash from the closed position towards the open position causes the transmission to, at least in part, pull the bottom end of the bottom sash toward the lug so as to effect transverse movement of the second pair of lugs as the travel along respective bottom tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame.

Preferably, the control apparatus includes: (a) first and second pulleys, each with a grooved rim, the pulleys being coupled to the window frame superiorly over respective ones of said jams; and (b) first and second transmissions extending along respective ones of said jams between the top sash and the bottom sash via grooved rims of respective pulleys, wherein movement of the top sash from the closed position towards the open position is controlled by movement of the bottom sash from the closed position towards the open position via the transmissions.

Preferably, the transmissions are coupled to respective bottom ends of the bottom sash.

Preferably, the control apparatus further includes first and second lugs coupled to respective bottom sections of said jams, the lugs being interposed between the transmissions and the respective bottom end of the sash such that each transmission bends around a respective lug when the bottom sash is in the closed position. Preferably, movement of the top sash from the closed position towards the open position causes the transmissions to, at least in part, pull the bottom end of the bottom sash toward the lugs so as to effect transverse movement of the second pair of lugs as the travel along respective bottom tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is an inside view of a window; Figure 2 is an exploded outside perspective view of the window shown in Figure 1; Figures 3a to 3d are section views along the line A-A of the window shown in Figure 1, each showing the window arranged in different condition of use; Figure 4 is an inside view of the window shown in Figure 1 with the top and bottom sashes removed; Figure 5 is a section view along the line B-B of the window shown in Figure 4; Figures 6a and 6b are plan views of routers of the window shown in Figure 1 arranged in different conditions of use; Figures 6c and 6d are side views showing the router shown in Figures 6a and 6b passing along a first section of a bottom track of the window shown in Figure 1; Figures 7a to 7c show alternative first sections of the bottom track of the window shown in Figure 1; Figures 8a and 8b show hardware of the window shown in Figure 1; Figures 9a to 9c show alternate hardware of the window shown in Figure 1; Figures 10a and 10b are further section views along the line A-A of the window shown in Figure 1; Figure 11 is view of an alternate embodiment of the pulley of the window shown in Figure Figure 12 is an inside view of another window; Figures 13a to 13c are section views along the line C-C of the window shown in Figure 12, each showing the window arranged in different condition of use; Figures 14a and 14b are close up views of the section view shown in Figures 13a and another condition of use; and Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the section view shown in Figure 13b.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Window 10 The window 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is suitable for fitting to houses (not shown) and any other type of building. The window 10 includes a frame 12 for fitting into an opening (not shown) of a building. The frame 12 includes left and right jambs 14a, 14b respectively separated at the top and bottom by a head 14c and a sill 14c. The window 10 includes a top sash 16 and a bottom sash 18 each being coupled between left and right jambs 14a, 14b of the frame 12. Each sash 16, 18 includes a pane of glass 20 supported in a frame 22. Alternatively, one or both of the sashes 16, 18 could include a pane of plastic, Perspex , metal panel or other suitable material.

The window 10 is preferably double hung. Alternatively, the window 10 is single hung whereby the top sash 16 is fixed and the bottom sash 18 is free to move between open and closed positions.

The window 10 also includes a first pair of lugs 24a, 24b extending from opposed left and right sides 26a, 26b of a top end 28 of the bottom sash 16. The window 10 also includes second pair of lugs 30a, 30b extending from the opposed right and left sides 26a, 26b of a bottom end 32 of the bottom sash 18. The first pair of lugs 24a, 24b are positioned to travel along respective top tracks 34a, 34b formed in the left and right jambs 14a, 14b of the frame 12 as the bottom sash 18 moves from the closed position towards the open position, in the manner shown in Figures 3a to 3d, and the second pair of lugs 30a, 30b are positioned to travel along respective bottom tracks 36a, 36b formed in the left and right jambs 14a, 14b of the frame 12 as the bottom sash 18 moves from the closed position towards the open position.

First sections 38a, 38b of the top tracks 34a, 34b laterally displace a top end 28 of the bottom sash 18 as the first pair of lugs 24a, 24b travel therealong. Second sections 40a, 40b of the top tracks 34a, 34b vertically displace a top 28 end of the bottom sash 18 as the first pair of lugs 24a, 24b travel therealong. The first sections 38a, 38b laterally displace the top end 28 of the bottom sash 18 by a distance which is, for example, 5 centimetres.

Of course, the distance could be any other suitable distance.

First sections 42a, 42b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b laterally displace a bottom end 32 of the bottom sash 18 as the second pair of lugs 30a, 30b travel therealong. Second sections 44a, 44b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b vertically displace a bottom end 32 of the bottom sash 18 as the second pair of lugs 30a, 30b travel therealong.

As shown, the second sections 40a, 40b, 44a, 44b of the top 34a, 34b and bottom 36a, 36b tracks are parallel. Further, second sections 40a, 44a of the top 34a and bottom 36a tracks of the left jamb 14a are collinear and second sections 40b, 44b of the top 34b and bottom 36b tracks of the right jamb 14b are collinear.

As particularly shown in Figures 2 and 3a to 3d, the window 10 also includes controlling apparatus 100 for controlling relative movement between the top sash 16 and the bottom sash 18. The control apparatus 100 includes: (a) first and second pulleys 102a, 102b, each with a grooved rim, the pulleys 102a, 102b being coupled to the window frame 12 superiorly over respective ones of the jams 14a, 14b; and (b) first and second transmissions 104a, 104b extending along respective ones of the 14a, 14b jams between the top sash 16 and the bottom sash 18 via grooved rims of respective pulleys 102a, 102b.

Movement of the top sash 16 from the closed position towards the open position is controlled by movement of the bottom sash 18 from the closed position towards the open position via the transmissions 104a, 104b.

The transmissions 104a, 104b are coupled to respective bottom ends 32 of the bottom sash The window also includes first and second lugs 106a, 106b coupled to respective bottom sections of the jams 14a, 14b. The lugs 106a, 106b are interposed between the transmissions 104a, 104b and the respective bottom end 32 of the bottom sash 18 such that each transmission 104a, 104b bends around a respective lug 106a, 106b when the bottom sash 18 is in the closed position.

In this configuration, movement of the top sash 16 from the closed position towards the open position causes the transmissions 104a, 104b to, at least in part, pull the bottom end 32 of the bottom sash 18 in direction F toward the lugs 106a, 106b so as to effect transverse movement of the second pair of lugs 30a, 30b as the travel along respective bottom tracks 36a, 36b formed in the left and right jambs 14a, 14b of the frame 12.

The pulleys 102a, 102b are preferably are wheels. Alternatively, the pulleys 102a, 102b are any suitable means for facilitating a change of direction of the transmission The transmissions 104a, 104b are preferably cords, strings, ropes, belts, or any other suitable means for transmitting forces between the top and bottom sashes 16, 18.

In an alternative embodiment, the controlling apparatus 100 includes only one of the two pulleys 102a, 102b and corresponding transmission 104a,104b. Movement of the top sash 16 from the closed position towards the open position is controlled by movement of the bottom sash 18 from the closed position towards the open position via the transmission 104a, 104b.

Further, although the pulleys 102a, 102b have been described as being located in the head 14c, the pulleys 102a, 102b can alternatively be located in respective jambs 14a, 14b.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, the pulleys 102a, 102b sit in respective sub assembled blocks. The pulleys 102a, 102b feature a quick adjust to align both sashes during assembly. This is effected by the laterally movable members 106a, 106b.

As particularly shown in Figure 5, first sections 38a, 38b of the top tracks 34a, 34b are generally perpendicular to respective second sections 40a, 40b of the top tracks 34a, 34b.

First sections 42a, 42b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b extend between 30 degrees and 60 degrees to respective second sections 44a, 44b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b.

As particularly shown in Figure 6a to 6d, the second pair of lugs 30a, 30b include coupled thereto routing blocks 46 adapted to retard movement of the lugs 30a, 30b along respective bottom tracks 36a, 36b. The routing blocks 46 are Schlegel routing blocks. As sliding block 46 turns through profile the internal lock springs 48 will engage.

In an alternative embodiment, the spring from the Schlegel block is removed.

The Schlegel system assists in allowing the sash 18 to be removed, for example. Each sash 16, 18 has four points. The bottom two point/lugs are located in the blocks 46. The top two can be disengaged from the jambs. This allows the sash 18 to rotate toward the user allowing the lugs to rotate and engage the lock springs in the block. The sash 18 can be lifted off the blocks and removed. As the blocks are locked in position, the relocation of the sash 18 is a simple reversal of this operation. This can only be done in a vertical axis.

As particularly shown in Figure 3a, a bottom section 50 of the top sash 16 overlies and abuts the top section 28 of the bottom sash 18 when arranged in a closed position. An inner edge 28a of the top section 28 of the bottom sash 18 is superior to an outer edge 28b of the top section 28 of the bottom sash 18. As shown, the bottom end section 50 of the top sash 16 has a complementary shape. To this end, an inner edge 50a of the bottom section 50 of the top sash 16 is inferior to an outer edge 50b of the bottom section 50 of the top sash 16. The angled face of the top end section 28 of the bottom sash 18 inhibits ingress of dust and moisture into the building through the window.

Weight of the bottom sash 18 creates a force in a direction "D" defined by a direction of extent of the first sections 42a, 42b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b. The force causes the top section 28 of the bottom sash 18 to flush close against the bottom section 50 of the top sash 16. The top sash 16 and the bottom sash 18 flush close to single plane.

The window 10 also includes a first pair of lugs 52a, 52b extending from opposed left and right sides 54a, 54b of a top end 56 of the top sash 16; and a second pair of lugs 58a, 58b extending from opposed right and left sides 54a, 54b of the bottom end 50 of the top sash 16. The first and second pair of lugs 52a, 52b, 58a, 58b are positioned to travel along respective sections of additional tracks 60a, 60b formed in the left and right jambs 14a, 14b of the frame 12 as the top sash 16 moves from the closed position shown in Figure 3a towards an open position shown in Figure 3d.

As shown in Figures 3a to 3d, the top sash 16 is adapted to move from the closed position to an open position after the bottom sash 18 has moved from the closed position towards the open position. The top sash 16 and the bottom sash 18 are coplanar when arranged in the closed position.

The window 10 has a unique close action. To this end, as shown in Figure 3a, the window has a flush close to single plane. The window 10 also has a compression sealing on meeting tracks 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b. The window 10 has continuous face sealing.

Alternative configurations for the first sections 42a, 42b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b are shown in Figures 7a to 7d. As shown, the first sections 42a, 42b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b are formed as rectangular profiles 43. The profiles 43 are preferably removeably fitted to respective left and right jams 14a, 14b.

The window 10 also includes integral sash locks and sash release hardware 62 arranged in the manner shown in Figures 8a and 8b. The hardware 62 is arranged to move laterally with respect to the jambs 14a, 14b so as to retract or insert the lugs 24a, 24b from or into respective tracks 34a, 34b. The hardware 62 preferably includes a spring bias so that the lugs 24a, 24b are resiliently located in the tracks 34a, 34b.

Alternatively, the window 10 also includes integral sash locks and sash release hardware 62 arranged in the manner shown in Figures 9a to 9c on the bottom sash. As particularly shown in Figures 9b and 9c, each hardware set includes a lever 64 mechanically coupled to a respective lug 24a, 24b such that rotation of the lever 64 causes rotation of the lug in the same direction. For example, rotation of the lever 64 shown in Figure 9bin a clockwise direction, causes the lug 24a to rotate from an extended position towards the recessed position shown in Figure 9c. In this recessed position, the lug 24a is seated in a slot 66 and is removed from engagement with the corresponding jam 14a.

In this configuration, the bottom sash 18can be removed from the window frame 12 in the manner shown in Figures 10a and 10b.

The first sections 38a, 38b of the top tracks 34a, 34b and the first sections 42a, 42b of the bottom tacks 36a, 36b are preferably formed separately to the respective jambs 14a, 14b and can be swapped and interchanged for maintenance and/or to provide different closing patterns. In such an arrangement, the first sections 38a, 38b of the top tracks form a pair of left and right inserts for location in respective mid sections of jambs 14a, 14b of the frame 12. As particularly shown in Figure 2, the left and right inserts 38a, 38b respectively include mirrored left and right tracks 500a, 500b, each being shaped to at least partially receive a lug 24a, 24b extending from an upper section 28 of the bottom sash 18. The left and right tracks 500a, 500b extend from terminal positions 502a, 502b located on left and right sides of respective inserts 38a, 38b towards exit points 504a, 504b located on opposite right and left sides of respective inserts 38a, 38b.

The tracks 500a, 500b laterally displace the upper section 28 of the bottom sash 18 of the window 10 as the lugs 24a, 24b travel from the terminal positions 502a, 502b towards the exit points 504a, 504b. As shown, the tracks 500a, 500b include lateral sections and vertical sections. However, any other suitable combination of tracks 500a, 500b can be used to laterally displace the upper section 28 bottom sash 18.

The bottom sash 18 is coplanar with the corresponding upper sash 16 when the lugs 24a, 24b are seated in the terminal positions 502a, 502b.

In the above described arrangement, the first sections 42a, 42b of the bottom tracks 36a, 36b form a pair of left and right inserts 42a, 42b shaped for location in respective lower sections of jambs 14a, 14b of the frame 12. The left and right inserts 42a, 42b respectively include mirrored left and right tracks 600a, 600b, each being shaped to at least partially receive a lug 30a, 30b extending from a lower section 32 of the bottom sash 18. The left and right tracks 600a, 600b extend from inferior terminal positions 602a, 602b located on left and right sides of respective inserts 42a, 42b towards superior exit points 604a, 604b located on opposite right and left sides of respective inserts 42a, 42b.

The tracks 600a, 600b laterally displace the lower section 32 of the bottom sash 18 as the lugs 30a, 30b travel from the terminal positions 602a, 603b towards the exit points 604a, 604b. The tracks 600a, 600b include diagonal sections and vertical sections.

The bottom sash 18 is coplanar with a corresponding upper sash when the lugs 30a, 30b are seated in the terminal positions 602a, 602b.

Window 1000 The alternative embodiment of the window 1000 shown in Figure 12a to 12c includes similar features and operates in an analogous manner to that of the window 10. Like parts are identified with like reference numbers. The window 1000 includes improved sealing apparatus, including: (a) sash sealing members 1002 located on left and right sides 54a, 54b of the top sash 16; (b) jam sealing members 1004 coupled to respective jams 14a, 14b of the window frame 12 in positions for engagement with respective sash sealing members 1002 when the top sash 16 is arranged in a closed condition of use shown in Figure 13a.

As particularly shown in Figure 13a and 13b, the sash sealing members 1002 and the jam sealing members 1004 include convex articular outer surfaces 1006, 1008. As the top sash 16 transitions from the position shown in Figure 13b to the position shown in Figure 13a, convex articular outer surfaces 1006, 1008 of corresponding sash and jam sealing members 1002, 1004 are brought into contact with each other which has the effect of urging the sash in direction D towards the seal 1010. The seal 1010 preferably includes a resilient material which at least partially compresses in response to the sash bearing against it when moved in direction D .

A maximum extent of movement of the sash 16 in direction D occurs when apexes of pairs of the convex articular outer surfaces of the sash and jam sealing members 1002, 1004 overlie and abut one another. Preferably this is achieved when the sash 16 is located in the closed position shown in Figure 13a. A maximum sealing effect is achieved in this position.

As particularly shown in Figure 14, the window 1000 also includes transmission cord guides 1012 located in jams 14a, 14b around which the transmission cord 104a, 104b translates. As the lower sash 18 moves towards the closed position shown in Figure 12a, the transmission cord 104a, 104b is guided by the guides 1012 away from the lugs 24a, 24b to avoid interference.

Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

List of Parts , 1000 Window 12 Frame 14a, 14b Left and right jambs of the frame 14c Head 14d Sill 16 Top sash 18 Bottom sash 20 Pane of glass 22 Frame for sash 24a, 24b First pair of lugs 26a, 26b Left and right sides of the bottom sash 28 Top end of bottom sash 28a Internal edge of top end section of the bottom sash 28b External edge of top end section of the bottom sash 30a, 30b Second pair of lugs 32 Bottom end of bottom sash 34a, 34b Top tracks 36a, 36b Bottom tracks 38a, 38b First sections of top tracks 40a, 40b Second sections of top tracks 42a, 42b First sections of bottom tracks 44a, 44b Second sections of bottom tracks 46 Routing block 48 Spring 50 Bottom end section of top sash 50a Internal edge of bottom end section of the top sash 50b External edge of bottom end section of the top sash 52a, 52b First pair of lugs 54a, 54b Left and right sides of the top sash 56 Top end of the top sash 58a, 58b Second pair of lugs 60a, 60b Additional tracks 62 Hardware 100 Control apparatus 102a,102b Pulley 104a, 104b Transmission 106a, 106b Lug 500a, 500b left and right inserts 502a, 502b Terminal positions 504a, 504b Exit points 600a, 600b left and right inserts 602a, 602b Terminal positions 604a, 604b Exit points 1002 Sash sealing member 1004 Jam sealing member 1006 Convex articular surface 1008 Convex articular surface 1010 Seal 1012 Guide

Claims (5)

Claims Defining the Invention

1. A window for a building, including: (a) a frame for fitting into an opening of a building; 5 (b) a top sash and a bottom sash each being coupled between left and right jambs of the frame; (c) a first pair of lugs extending from opposed right and left sides of a top end of the bottom sash; (d) a second pair of lugs extending from opposed right and left sides of a 10 bottom end of the bottom sash; and (e) control apparatus for controlling relative movement between the top sash and the bottom sash, wherein the first pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective top tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed 15 position towards an open position, and the second pair of lugs are positioned to travel along respective bottom tracks formed in the left and right jambs of the frame as the bottom sash moves from a closed position towards an open position.

2. The window claimed in claim 1, wherein first sections of the top tracks laterally 20 displace a top end of the bottom sash as the first pair of lugs travel therealong.

3. The window claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein second sections of the top tracks vertically displace a top end of the bottom sash as the first pair of lugs travel therealong.

4. The window claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein first sections of the bottom tracks laterally displace a bottom end of the bottom sash as the second pair of lugs travel therealong. 30

5. The window claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein second sections of the bottom tracks vertically displace a bottom end of the bottom sash as the second pair of lugs H:\tld\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\11887210_1.doc-