WO2002093084A9

WO2002093084A9 - Ventilation assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2002093084A9
Application number: PCT/GB2002/002344
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Anderson; Colin Eade; Paul William Gager
Original assignee: Titon Hardware; John Anderson; Colin Eade; Paul William Gager
Priority date: 2001-05-16
Filing date: 2002-05-16
Publication date: 2002-12-19
Also published as: EP1387990A1; WO2002093084A1; GB0112019D0

Abstract

A ventilation assembly (10, 100, 200, 500) includes an external closure member (54, 114, 204, 510) operation by a control system. An interior closure member (120, 520) may be provided. The control system may be located in an end cap (520) of the assembly.

Description

VENTILATION ASSEMBLIES

The present invention relates to ventilation assemblies. In particular, the invention relates to ventilation assemblies which incorporate slot vents which ventilate slots formed through or adjacent window frames or window frames or sashes in order to provide ventilation to rooms in buildings when windows and/or doors for such rooms are closed. The invention also relates to ventilation assemblies incorporating glazed-in ventilators, such as of the type comprising an elongate ventilator housing located between a peripherally exterior edge of a glazed unit such as a double-glazed unit and a peripherally interior edge of a window sash. The invention is particularly applicable to ventilation assemblies for providing ventilation between the exterior atmosphere and the interior of rooms. The invention also relates to window or door assemblies incorporating ventilation assemblies and buildings incorporating the same.

GB 1417751 discloses a known ventilation assembly. A closure member located on the room side of the assembly is movable for controlling ventilation through a ventilation slot.

There are increasing demands for improved ventilator performance. In a window application, it is known to use a double-glazing unit, as opposed to a single-glazing unit, in order to attempt to minimise heat loss from a room to a relatively cold atmosphere on the outside of the window assembly. The present invention aims to improve upon prior ventilation assemblies and aims to address heat loss issues relating to ventilation assemblies. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a ventilation assembly for a window or door assembly (having interior and exterior sides) the ventilation assembly comprising a ventilation path extending between interior and exterior sides of the assembly and a closure member for operatively controlling ventilation through the ventilation path at an exterior entrance to the ventilation path on the exterior side of the ventilation assembly. It will be understood that the terms "interior" and "extend" refer to parts adapted or arranged to be "interior" or "exterior", respectively, when the assembly is in use.

The use of a closure member for operatively controlling ventilation through the ventilation path at an exterior entrance to the ventilation path is considered highly advantageous. For example, in most preferred embodiments, the closure member may be adapted to close the ventilation path at the exterior entrance thereof. This may minimise the existence of a cold bridge through the ventilation path. Additionally, the ingress of precipitation and other undesirable objects such as dust or insects into the ventilation path may be minimised.

In preferred embodiments, the closure member is adapted to be selectively locatable in a configuration in which it closes the exterior entrance to the ventilation path.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a ventilation assembly for a window or door assembly comprising a ventilation path extending between interior and exterior sides of the assembly and a closure member which is adapted to close an exterior entrance to the ventilation path.

Various preferred features applicable optionally to each of the above aspects will now be discussed.

The exterior entrance may, more specifically, define a point (once installed) in a flow path (through the ventilation assembly or a window or door assembly) to one side of which or past one end of which is the exterior atmosphere which is unenclosed (and/or uncovered) by the ventilation assembly. Thus there may be no canopy to the exterior of the flap which might form a cold enclosed region.

The closure member preferably comprises a substantially elongate flap. Preferably, the closure member or flap serves, in at least one an open configuration thereof, as a weather canopy of the ventilation assembly. The closures member, however, may or may not serve as a canopy. Preferably, the flap is hinged at an upper edge thereof. Preferably, the flap is movable to a position in which it is, in use, located in an open configuration, angled at about 30° to 45° to the vertical.

The ventilation path may be formed as a slot through a frame member, of a doorframe or window frame or sash, and the frame member may have a generally flat surface against which the flap is adapted to sealingly engage.

Alternatively, the ventilation assembly may be of the glazed-in type, preferably having a channel for receiving one edge of a wing member such as window glazing. Alternatively, the ventilation assembly may be adapted for location peripherally between a frame member as surrounding building elements, such as between the head section of a window or door frame and a lintel, brickwork or other material above.

Preferably, a control system is provided for positively controlling movement of the closure member and/or for positively holding the closure member in one or more held positions. The closure member may be selectable, for example, to a closed held position where it is held shut and is not susceptible to movement in response to air pressure forces. Likewise, in some embodiments the closure member may be selectable to one or more open held positions in which it is not susceptible to movement in response to air pressure forces. The control system may comprise various suitable forms, such as a manually operable or motorised control mechanism or linkage, or a Bowden cable control device system.

Preferably, the closure member is movable between a plurality of configurations and a control system (or control mechanism) such as a control linkage is provided for controlling movement of the closure member. The control system may be manually operable by a control member located on the interior side of the ventilation assembly, preferably being manually accessible in use from a room ventilated by the ventilator. The control system may be motorised, for operation by a motor in response to control signals, for example generated by one or more control buttons or environment (e.g. temperature and/or humidity) sensors. The control system may include a connecting device or arrangement, such as at least one rod, extending from an interior side of the ventilation path to the closure member or flap at an exterior side of the ventilation path. The rod or connecting arrangement may be hingedly coupled to one end of a crank member, the other end of the crank member forming a pivot for the crank member, an operating member being provided for rotating the crank member to move the control rod or connecting arrangement in a generally longitudinal direction thereof for operatively moving the closure member. The control system may additionally or alternatively include at least one Bowden cable for operating the closure member.

The ventilation path may be defined by a duct member, the duct member being insertable into or next to a window or door assembly for providing ventilation therethrough or in the region thereof. The closure member may be hinged to one end of the duct, for example, to a longitudinal edge thereof. A second closure member may be provided for operatively controlling ventilation at an interior side of the ventilation path. The second closure member may be operatively movable to a position for closing an interior entrance to the ventilation path at an interior side of the ventilation assembly. The closure member and second closure member may be (but are not necessarily) connected by a control system (or mechanism, such as a linkage) such that movement of the second closure member causes, or is synchronised with movement of the closure member. The control system may be adapted such that the closure member and second closure member are maintained substantially parallel to one another during movement thereof. The closure member and second closure member may be movable to positions in which both simultaneously adopt closed configurations, each thereby respectively closing one of two ends of the ventilation path such that both ends thereof are closed. Accordingly, when both the closure member and second closure member are closed, heat loss through the ventilation path and any cold bridge effects thereof may be minimised. Any control system as specified above may be adjustable in width (the exterior to interior direction) such that, when the ventilation assembly is assembled, the control system may be adjusted suitably for correct operation of the assembly. For example, an adjustable length control mechanism or rod as mentioned above) may be employed. Preferably one or more or all of the closure member, second closure member, control system and duct, where provided, are made of material with low thermal conductivity, so as to minimise heat transfer/heat loss along the ventilation path, for example, being of material having a thermal conductivity of less than 60 or 50 or 30 W/m/K, for example being a plastics material, but not necessarily.

A mesh such as an insect mesh may be attached to and movable with the closure member. The insect mesh may be slidingly engageable with an edge of an exterior entrance to the ventilation path. The insect mesh may have a curved, for example a part-circularly cylindrical, cross-section, or it may have a straight or other section. The insect mesh may be located towards an interior side of the ventilation assembly to allow easy cleaning thereof. The insect mesh may be removable.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a ventilated window or door assembly having a ventilating path formed therethrough and a flap located in an external position for shutting an external entrance to the path. The path may consist of an elongate slot. The path or slot may have (but need not necessarily have) a minimum airflow cross- section of about 2000, 4000, 6000 or 8000mm.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a window or door assembly including a ventilation assembly as set out in the first and/or second above-mentioned aspect of the invention mounted thereon. A plurality of said ventilation assemblies may be provided in parallel in the window or door assembly. In this case, the ventilation assemblies may have a common control linkage for operating respective closure members thereof in unison. The window or door assembly may comprise a window assembly. In this case, the ventilation passage may comprise a slot in a window frame or in a window sash, e.g. in a head section thereof, or alternatively in a side or bottom section thereof. The ventilation passage may alternatively comprise a slot formed peripherally outside a window frame, adjacent a frame member thereof, e.g. being located on top of a head section of a window or door frame. Alternatively, the ventilation assembly may be glazed-in, for example, between an edge of a wing such as a glazing panel and a surrounding frame, such as a sash frame, the assembly preferably incorporating a channel for receiving the edge of the wing.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly as in claim 37. Various optional features are set out in claims 38 to 55. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a building on which a ventilation assembly as set out above is located.

The present invention may be carried out in various ways and various examples of ventilation assemblies, window assemblies and buildings incorporating the same in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic part-section or side view of a preferred embodiment of a ventilation assembly in accordance with the present invention, located as part of a preferred window assembly of a preferred building in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2A shows part of the components shown in Fig. 1, with a preferred illustrative example of a closure member of the ventilation assembly depicted in an open configuration; Fig. 2B is a view in the direction "2B" to be shown in Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of a ventilation assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic part-side view of the ventilation assembly of Fig. 3, having closure members thereof depicted in a closed configuration thereof; Fig. 5 is a schematic part-side view equivalent to Fig. 4, but showing the preferred closure members in open configurations thereof;

Fig. 6 is a part-sectional side view of a third preferred embodiment of a ventilation assembly in accordance with the present invention, being a modification of the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 5; Fig. 7 is a schematic part-view showing how a plurality of ventilators, such as that shown in Fig. 3, may be installed in parallel and operated in unison by a preferred control knob;

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred further embodiment of a ventilation assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 9a is a schematic part side elevation of an end cap showing a control linkage for the Fig. 8 embodiment;

Fig. 9b is a schematic part side section through the Fig. 8 embodiment without showing the control linkage.

Fig.10a is a schematic part side elevation of the Fig. 8 embodiment showing a closure member and second closure member in closed positions;

Fig. 10b is a schematic part side elevation of the Fig. 8 embodiment showing the closure member in an open position and the second closure member in a partially open position;

Fig. 10c is a schematic part side elevation of the Fig. 8 embodiment showing the closure member in a closed position and the second closure member in a fully open position; Figs.11a and lib are schematic of a link retaining plate in the Fig. 8 embodiment;

Fig. 12a is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a body of the Fig. 8 embodiment with insect grille integrally formed;

Fig.12b is a schematic perspective of a portion of the body of the Fig. 8 embodiment with gas regulations insect grille integrally formed;

Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of a ventilation assembly of Fig. 8 incorporated into a window assembly;

Fig. 14 is an isometric of an end cap housing in the Fig. 8 embodiment; and Fig. 15a and 15b show schematic end views of the Fig. 8 embodiment with standard retainer clip and fme mesh grille with retainer clip, respectively; and

Fig. 16 shows a revision to storm flap/canopy support arrangement.

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a ventilation assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention, when installed as part of a preferred window assembly 12 which itself forms part of a building 14.

The building 14 includes a wall 16 having a rectangular aperture 18 formed therethrough. A rectangular window frame 20 is located inside the aperture 18, the head section 22 of the frame 20 being located under a lintel 24. A rectangular window sash 26 is hingedly coupled by hinges (not shown) to the window frame 20. The window sash 26 has a rectangular aperture 28 in which a double-glazing unit 30 is sealingly located by beads 32 and gaskets 34 in a conventional manner. Conventional seals 36 are provided for sealingly locating the window sash 26 against the window frame 20 when the sash is in a closed position thereof. Layers 38 of mastic, mortar or similar sealing material are provided above the lintel 24 and around the peripherally exterior surface 40 of the window frame 20. The window sash 26 has a head section 42 with a substantially straight, horizontal ventilation slot (or path) 44 extending from an interior side 46 to an exterior side 48 of the head section 42. However, the slot need not be straight and may, for example have a dog-legged, L-shaped or other section, such as when a control system for the assembly 10 incorporates a Bowden cable for operation of a closure member 54. The slot 44 has an interior entrance thereto 50 formed in a surface of the head section 42 at the interior side 46 thereof and an exterior entrance 52 thereto formed as an aperture in an exterior surface of the head section 42 at the exterior side 48 thereof.

The ventilation assembly 10 comprises a closure member 54 in the form of a generally flat elongate plate or flap 56. The flap 56 is hingedly coupled by a hinge 58 located on an upper edge 60 thereof to a support 62 which is secured by adhesive, screws (not shown) or another form of fastening, to a generally flat and vertical exterior surface of the head section 42. An inner surface 66 of the flap 56 is covered with a rubber gasket 68. The gasket may be of other material, such as a closed or substantially closed cell foam. As shown in Fig. 1, the gasket 68 seals against the exterior aperture 52 of the ventilation slot 44. The gasket also has a low thermal conductivity. In the closed position of the flap 56 shown in Fig. 1, the flap closes the ventilation slot 44 at the exterior entrance 52. Accordingly, if the exterior ^' atmosphere is cold, the formation of a cold bridge along the ventilation slot 44 is minimised and the possibility of precipitation or other undesirable materials such as dust or insects entering the slot 44 is minimised. This contrasts substantially with prior ventilation arrangements in which closure members have closed the ventilation path at an interior location. As shown in Fig. 2A, the flap 56 may be moved to an open configuration thereof by a control linkage 70. The control linkage includes an operating crank 72 which is manually rotatable about a pivot 74 mounted with an axle 76 thereof engaging in apertures 78 formed through end faces 80 of an interior flow deflector 82 of the ventilation assembly 10 located on the interior side 46 of the head section 42. The operating crank 72 operates and rotates with a slave crank 84 which in turn is hingedly coupled at a hinge 86 to one end of a control rod 88, the other end of which is hingedly coupled at a hinge 90 to the flap. The hinge 90 is hingedly located in a socket 92 formed on the inner surface 66 of the flap 56, half ay between the upper edge 60 and a lower edge 94 of the flap 56. In the fully open position of the flap 56 shown in Fig. 2A, the flap is generally located at an angle of about 45° to the vertical, thus having up a similar configuration to that of a weather canopy of the type found in various prior art ventilation systems. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the single movable flap 56 serves to function not only as a controllable closure member for controlling ventilation through the ventilation path or slot 44, but it also serves to deflect precipitation from entry into the ventilation slot when in the open position, and closes off the exterior entrance 52 to the ventilation slot 44 when in the closed configuration shown in Fig. 1. The support 62, flap 56, control rod 88, slave crank 84 and operating crank 72, as well as the flow deflector 82, are formed of low thermal conductivity plastics material. Other suitable materials are also envisaged. The window frame 20 and window sash 26, including the head section 42 are made of timber, but may in other embodiments be made of plastics, e.g. PVC or metal, e.g. aluminium alloy. However, aluminium alloy has a relatively large thermal conductivity and wood or plastics are preferred materials for these components in order to minimise heat loss through the assembly.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show an alternative form of ventilation assembly 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation assembly 100 comprises a hollow duct 102 having upper 104 and lower surfaces joined by curved side faces 108. The duct 102 has an interior entrance 110 and an exterior entrance 112. The interior entrance is sealingly closable by a flap 114 which is hinged at a lower edge 116 thereof to an edge 118 of the duct 102. The exterior entrance 102 is operatively closable by an exterior flap 120 which is hingedly coupled by a hinge 122 at an upper edge 124 thereof to an upper edge 126 of the duct 102. The interior flap 114 incorporates a snibl28 formed therein for the manual operation of the flap 114 by the movement of the same between the closed configuration shown in Fig. 4 and the open configuration shown in Fig. 5. The two flaps (or closure members) 114,120 are connected by a control linkage 130. The control linkage 130 comprises a first control rod 132 connected to the interior flap 114 and a second control rod 134 connected to the exterior flap 120. At respective hinges 136 the two control rods are connected by cross-rods 138, each control rod being coupled by a respective hinge 140 at each end thereof to one of the control rods 132,130. The cross-rods being fixed by central axles 142 thereof to the side walls 108 of the duct 102. Accordingly, the control linkage 130, which is sometimes known as a trammel principle linkage permits the two flaps 114,120 to operate in unison. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that both ends of the ventilation path or slot may be closed by the flaps 114,120, as shown in Fig. 4, such that there is the minimum potential for a cold bridge to form, across the ventilation assembly. A particular advantage of the use of one flap hinged at a lower edge thereof the other hinged at an upper edge thereof to the duct is that one may take the form of a weather canopy when in the open configuration thereof, i.e. the exterior flap 120 as shown in Fig. 5, and the other may take the form of an interior deflector, i.e. interior flap 114 as shown on the right in Fig. 5. Accordingly, the exterior flap 120 may act as a canopy for minimising the ingress of precipitation or other material into the duct 102 when in an open configuration thereof and the interior flap 114 may act as a ventilation deflector for reflecting incoming ventilation upwards, so as to minimise draft effects felt in the room ventilated by the ventilation assembly 100. A curved insect mesh 150 (this may have a straight or other section in other embodiments) is mounted near a lower edge 152 of the exterior flap 120. The insect mesh 150 moves with the exterior flap 120. The mesh has a part-circularly cylindrical section whose axis is coincident with the hinge 122 at the upper edge 124 of the flap 120, such that the inset mesh 150 may be maintained close to or engaging against (in some embodiments) the lower edge 160 of the exterior entrance 112 to the duct 102. Fig. 6 shows a ventilation assembly 200, which is a slightly modified form of the ventilation assembly 100 shown in Figs. 3 to 5, having a duct 202 with interior 204 and exterior 206 flaps having all hinges and control linkage components as in the embodiment of Figs. 3 to 5, apart from the absence of one of the cross-rods 142. The duct 202 incorporates steps 210 at the exterior side 212 thereof for maintaining an interior surface 216 of the duct flush with an interior surface 218 of the window sash or frame member 220 of a ventilation assembly. At the exterior side 222 of the duct, a fastener 224 is provided having a central aperture 226 and upper 228 and lower 230 legs having serrations 232 and lock tabs 234, the serations frictionally engaging upper and lower surfaces 236,238 of the duct 202, and the tabs 234 being adapted to snap engage in recesses 240 formed in the surfaces 236,238. The fastener 224 is therefore shown in an intermediate installation configuration in Fig. 6 where it is being pushed in the direction of the insertion arrow A, as shown in Fig. 6. The exterior flap 206, once the fastener 224 is fully installed, is adapted to be located generally flush with an exterior side 246 of the fastener 224.

Fig. 7 schematically shows how two ventilation assemblies 100 as described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5 may be connected in parallel and operable by a single control knob 302, the control knob being adapted to operate a spindle, the spindle having a worm gear 306 for rotating extended modified versions 142' of the axles 142 described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Accordingly, when the ventilation assembly 100 of Fig. 3 is formed with a minimum ventilation cross-section area of 2000 sq.mm or 4000 sq.mm, similar vents may be paralleled to provide 4000 or 8000 sq.mm of airflow cross-section, or more. It is therefore envisaged that more than two said ventilators may be parallel in other embodiments.

A preferred window assembly incorporating a ventilation assembly as depicted in Fig. 1 or Figs. 3 to 5 or Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 may have a heat loss U value of less than 3 /m.sq/K. The preferred embodiments of ventilators in accordance with this invention have an advantage that weathering is improved and the ingress of water at source is stopped, due to the presence of the external flap/closure member.

Ventilators as described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5, 6 and 7 may be installed in slots formed through window sashes or window or door frames or may be installed adjacent to window frames, such as on top of the head section of a window frame or door frame. It is envisaged that, in other similar embodiment incorporating a duct and/or two flaps (one at an interior location and one at an exterior location) that the ventilation may comprise a glazed-in unit, for example, having a channel for engaging an edge of a wing of a window or door such as window glazing. An advantage of embodiments described above with reference to Figs. 3 to 7 is that the ventilation assembly may be installed to be flush to the surface of a PVCU profile, e.g. of a window frame or sash, i.e. that when closed the inner and outer flaps are flush with the profile. Accordingly, this provides advantages in transport since there are no protruding parts which might otherwise be easily damaged. Furthermore, all working parts are hidden or substantially hidden inside the profile section of the duct, providing aesthetic advantages. Furthermore, the substantially completed unit including control linkage and flaps once assembled may be offered up to the slot during assembly, making assembly relatively easy. Furthermore, the external lip/fastener member shown in Fig. 6 acts as a push- together/lock which also keeps the ventilation assembly/slotvent in place, such that in preferred embodiments no screws are required during assembly. Furthermore, the ventilator is fully controllable, having closure members/flaps which may be selected in various positions including fully closed and fully open position. Furthermore, the ventilation assembly should be completely draughtproof when closed and is aesthetically not very prominent when closed. Furthermore, the ventilation assembly is internally controllable from a room and is upwardly venting for minimising draughts felt in the room. The use of a sleeve/duct principle means that airflow is not caused to disperse around the sash frame but is more direct.

Fig.8 shows a preferred embodiment of a ventilation assembly 500 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation assembly comprises an exterior side 501, an interior side 502, a body 505, closure member 510, second closure member 520, an end cap 530, an inset grille section 540 and canopy 550. The closure member 510 is of second closure member 520 via a linkage 570.

The body 505 is an elongate aluminium extrusion extending the length of the ventilation assembly as required. The body 505 comprises two portions 508,509 each having a complex cross-sectional profile, one profile substantially a mirror image of the other, such that when assembled the two portions form a substantially symmetric cross-section and both may be extruded from the same die. The body 505 as assembled forms a channel section 507 at a lower end thereof, the channel section 507 having a substantially upturned U-shaped section. In use, the channel section preferably receives a top edge of a glazing panel or panels 610 of a window assembly 600.

In a preferred embodiment, an intermediate section of the body 505 comprises an insect grille section 540, a grille section being formed integrally with each portion 508,509 of the body 505. The grille sections 540 extend upwards, preferably vertically above the channel section 507, forming a gap between them at the body centre plane (the plane 'A' symmetrically between portions 508,509 see Fig. 10c).

The upper part of the body 505 adjacent the grille sections 540 comprises a generally U-shaped cross-section facing the opposite direction to channel section 507. The U-section is preferably formed with squared corners to produce flat portions 517 and vertical portions 519. The flat portions 517 of the U-shaped section of the body 505 also form the roofs of housing niches 521 and 523. Housing niche 521 at the exterior side of the ventilation assembly 500 houses exterior weather canopy 550. Canopy 550 is preferably manufactured from PVCU or aluminium and comprises an elongate extrusion of curved cross-section forming a canopy skirt 555. The canopy 550 also includes at one end thereof a T-section 557. The T-section 557 is slidable into and fits closely inside the housing niche 521, thereby retaining the canopy 550 in a fixed position relative to body portion 508. Canopy skirt 555 thus hangs such that the profile extends away from the body centre plane. The canopy skirt 555 preferably reaches the lowermost point of the lower channel section 507. The T-section 557 incorporates a socket 557A therein for receiving an end of closure member 510.

The closure member 510 consists of an elongate flap hinged at upper hinge 521 A at the exterior side 501 of the ventilation assembly 500 exterior to both body portion grille sections 540. The closure member 510 has a cross- sectional profile that is preferably straight at its hinged end and 510A curved at the open end 510B thereof. The closure member 510 hinges at the socket of T-section 527 of body 505 and hangs downwards towards the channel section 507. Member 510 may be relatively rigid throughout, or may be formed of several materials with ends 510A and 510B being of flexible/resilient material and centre portion 510C relatively rigid for efficient sealing of end 510B and to provide for hinging rotation at end 510A in applications in which end 510A is rigidly (non-rotationally) secured in niche 521.

Second closure member 520 consists of an elongate flap having a gently curved cross-section. The second closure member 520 is hinged at lower hinge 520A at the interior side 502 of the ventilation assembly 500. The second closure member 520 thus opens away from the ventilation assembly housing in a downwards arc towards the direction of the channel section 504.

At each end of the ventilation assembly is attached one end cap 530. The attachment may be via a screw (not shown) or other means of attachment. One end cap 530 comprises an end cap housing 532 and a link retaining plate 534. End cap housings 532 for the two end caps are mirror images of one another. The end cap housing 532 comprises a substantially rectangular section having the same proportions as a rectangle that would closely envelope the body 505, and a curved section 532A at the exterior side 501 of the ventilation assembly, the curve closely following the curve of the canopy skirt 555. A curved section 532B at the interior side 502 of the end cap housing 532 closely follows the curve of second closure member 520. The end cap housing 532 has a thickness along the length of the ventilation assembly. An inside face 536 of the end cap housing is substantially cut away to form a recess 536A in the end cap 530. (See Figs. 9a and 14. In place of the cutaway portion of inside face 536 is the link retaining plate 534, the plate having a generally lower thickness than the thickness of the recess. The link retaining plate when assembled, clips on to and lies flush with the remainder 536E of end cap inside face 536 such that a cavity 536C is formed therein between the link retaining plate 534 and back face 536B in the end cap housing 532. Retaining plate, whilst supporting and retaining link mechanism also provides a means to stop ingress of dirt and grit which might otherwise damage the linkage.

A link mechanism 570 is housed in the cavity 536C between link retaining plate 534 and end cap housing back face 536B. The link mechanism 570 connects second closure member 520 at the interior side 502 of the ventilation assembly 500 with the closure member 510 at the exterior side 501 of the ventilation assembly 500.

Closure member 510 is linked to second closure member 520 as follows (see Fig. 10a). Second closure member 520 is hingedly attached to the end cap housing 532. Second closure member shuts with a snap-fit into a notch 586 in end cap housing 532, notch 586 being located adjacent housing niche 523 on the interior side of the ventilation assembly 500.

Inner link 572 of link mechanism 570 preferably comprises a flat elongate bar that is hingedly attached at one end 572A thereof to second closure member 520, the hinge point being preferably partway along the curved profile of second closure member 520. The other end 572B of inner link 572 is hingedly connected to central link 574. Central link 574 preferably comprises a flat elongate bar of a substantially similar length to that of the inner link 572, however central link 574 is arrowhead-shaped, preferably with an included angle of between 140° and 170°. The central link 574 is pivotally attached to the end cap housing 532 and/or plate aperture 534A via pivot pin 578 at its midpoint, which is also the arrowhead tip. At the other end 574A thereof, central link 574 is hingedly connected to outer link 576. Outer link 576 preferably comprises a flat elongate bar of half the length of inner link 572 and is straight. The unhinged end 576A of outer link 576 has a round protuberance 579 extending from a face thereof, the protuberance extending in a direction facing away from the end cap 530. Link retaining plate 534 incorporates a curved slot 537, the slot being located on the exterior side 501 A of the link retaining plate 534 and extending from the canopy skirt 555 towards the body centre plane. When assembled, protuberance 579 of outer link 576 extends through the slot 537 in link retaining plate 534 and is fixedly received in a notch 513 formed in the curved portion of closure member 510. Thus, closure member 510 is connected to second closure member 520 via the linkage 570 housed in the end cap 530. Closure member 510 may be fixedly hinged to the end cap housing 532 via a pin (not shown) extending from the closure member 510 through the link retaining plate 534 to the end cap housing 532.

Linkage mechanism 570 and snib 525 may be present at both ends of the ventilator, or may be absent from one end if desired. A choke plate 588 may be provided with the ventilation assembly, the choke plate 588 consisting of an elongate plate which may be fitted at the centre plane of body 505 in the gap between grille sections 540. The optional choke plate extends only partly along the ventilator such that the ventilation path is not fully blocked. The choke plate may be employed when the length of the ventilator provides more flow area than needed by gas or other regulations, so that over-ventilation does not occur. A 500mm length ventilator may provide 8000 square mm of flow area and a choke plate may be used for longer vents.

The closure members 510 and 520, linkage 570, end cap 530 and link retaining plate 534 are formed of low thermal conductivity plastics material. Other suitable materials are also envisaged. Canopy 550 may be manufactured from aluminium or PVCU and body 505 is manufactured from aluminium.

Second closure member 520 has formed on its outer surface a snib 525 for manual operation thereof. Operation of the ventilator assembly 500 is as follows. When second closure member 520 is in a closed position, the closure member 510 is also shut against body 505, and the protuberance 579 of outer link 576 rests at or near the innermost end 537A of slot 537. Manual operation of the snib 525 on second closure member 520 in order to move second closure member 520 causes simultaneous movement of closure member 510. As second closure member 520 is opened from closed position shown in Fig. 10a (note that Fig. 9b is schematic in showing member 510 open with member 520 since, due to linkage 570, member 510 will be shut when member 520 is shut) with snib 525, the inner link 572 is pulled downwards and sideways causing central link 574 to pivot about pivot pin 578. This rotation causes the hinged end of outer link 576 to move upwards and towards the exterior side 501 of the ventilation assembly, pushing protuberance 579 towards the exterior end of slot 537 and consequently closure member 510 to open. As the protuberance 579 reaches the external end of the slot, the closure member 510 reaches a stopped fully open position as shown in Fig. 10b. The second closure member 520 however has partially opened. Further opening (by application of a little more pressure) of second closure member 520 from Fig. 10b position to its fully opened position (Fig. 10c) overcoming or after disengaging the stop (not shown) pulls the inner link 572 downwards further, causing central link 574 to again rotate anticlockwise about pivot pin 578 which in turns lifts the hinged end of the outer link 576 and forces the protuberance 579 downwards through slot 537, consequently returning closure member 510 to its closed position, shutting against body 505, with the components having the configuration as Fig. 10c. This enables cleaning of the inside of the assembly, with member 510 closed - this may be desirable when cleaning over sustained periods in windy conditions in order to avoid draughts.

Accordingly it may be seen that when the ventilation assembly 500 is glazed-in to a window or door assembly 600, the exterior side 501 of the ventilation assembly 500 is situated at the external side 501 A of the window or door assembly, in contact with atmospheric conditions, whilst the interior side 502 of the ventilation assembly 500 is situated in a room or other internal part 650A of a building 650. Thus a ventilation path is formed between the external entrance 595 to the ventilation assembly 500 and the internal entrance 590 to the ventilation assembly 500. Manual operation of snib 525 on second closure member 520 from the inside of the building 650 therefore allows positive selection of the position of the closure member 510 at the exterior of the building, at least between fully open and fully closed positions and preferably positions inbetween. The advantage of this feature is that the operator of the ventilation assembly 500 has full control of the closure member 510 at the external side of the building from his or her position on the inside of the building. Opening second closure member 520 to its fully open position enables easy access to the components of the ventilation assembly 500 for cleaning thereof whilst the closure member 510 is closed to external drafts, thereby improving the conditions in which cleaning of the ventilation assembly 500 is undertaken.

It will be seen that in the closed position, closure member 510 forms an extension of exterior lower channel member 570A of body portion 508. Furthermore, end 510A of member 510 is hinged in the region of notch 521 of exterior body member 508. Thus, with closure member 510 closed and located in this position at the exterior body member 508, a barrier against cold exterior weather is formed. Components 560,565, which connect outer member 508 and inner member 509 are preferably of material of low heat conductivity, e.g. plastics. Optionally, a storm flap 581 is hingedly attached to the interior face of the canopy skirt 555. The storm flap 581 preferably comprises an elongate flap extending the length of the canopy 550. A canopy support member 582 may also be included. The canopy support member 582 is preferably a substantially horizontal clip protruding from the exterior body portion 508 at the channel section 507. One or more such clips may be provided, located longitudinally between two or more discrete spaced sections of storm flap 581.

Grille section 540 comprises an elongate aluminium sheet perforated with slots 542 that extend across the shorter dimension of the grille 540.

When member 508,509 is extruded, slots 542 may be stamped As shown in Fig! 12a the grille 540 is preferably integral to the body portions 508 and 509, however it may be removable via sliding or clipping or other engagement into a slot (not shown) formed between the upper and lower portions of the body 505. Fig. 15a shows a standard clip 700 for latching second closure member 520 shut. In Fig. 15b, the clip 700 has been replaced by an optional removable/washable fine mesh grille 702 which extends along the length of the body between the two end caps, one or more clips 704 being provided for latching second closure member shut and for assisting in removal of grille 702 when second closure member 520 is in the fully open position of Fig. 10c. The slots 542 are, according to one aspect of the invention, narrow to avoid ingress of insects and other debris, but may in an alternative aspect of the invention be much wider as shown in Fig. 12b in order to comply with gas regulations for example. The upper portion of body 505 comprises a substantially box-sectioned chamber with a wing 584 extending from the top face thereof at each side of the ventilation assembly 500. The wings 584 extend the length of the ventilation assembly 500 and house an upper thermal break 560 which may be slidably fitted over the wings 584. The thermal break 560 comprises a PVCU extrusion which provides a cover over the body 505 in order to minimise heat transfer from the body 505 to the adjacent window assembly 600. A lower thermal break 565 may be similarly fitted at the opposite end of the body 505 at the roof of channel section 507. As indicated above, position of member 510 on exterior member 508 assists is preventing thermal loss when member 510 is closed.

It is envisaged that canopy 550 may be removed, with member 510 being located in the same configuration thereof as described above, but hinged to member 508 with modified niche (not shown) such that closure member 510 also acts as a weather canopy. Use of two closure members/flaps 510,520 provides better characteristics than other vents in relation to draughts, leakages and water exclusion. The exterior flap 510 may be omitted in basic designs or in the case of gas regulations specification vents.

The link mechanism may be cord operated, such as by a cord operation arrangement (not shown) for the snib 525.

Fig. 16 shows a revised canopy support 702 allowing for an airflow operated storm flap 704 which extends all of the way along the body 505.

Claims

1. A ventilation assembly for a window or door assembly comprising a ventilation path extending between interior and exterior sides of the assembly and a closure member for operatively controlling ventilation through the ventilation path at an exterior entrance to the ventilation path on the exterior side of the ventilation assembly.

2. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 1 in which the closure member is adapted to close the ventilation path at the exterior entrance thereof.

3. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the closure member is adapted to be selectively locatable in a configuration in which it closes the exterior entrance to the ventilation path.

4. A ventilation assembly for a window or door assembly comprising a ventilation path extending between interior and exterior sides of the assembly and a closure member which is adapted to close an exterior entrance to the ventilation path.

5. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 4 in which the exterior entrance defines a point in a ventilation path through the ventilation assembly to one side of which or past one end of which is the exterior atmosphere which is unenclosed by the ventilation assembly.

6. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the closure member comprises a substantially elongate flap

7. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 6 in which the flap is movable to a position in which it is, in use, located in an open configuration, angled at about 30° to 45° to the vertical.

8. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a control system is provided for positively controlling movement of the closure member and/or for positively holding the closure member in one or more held positions.

9. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 8 in which the control system is manually operable.

10. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9 in which the control system is a Bowden cable control device system.

11. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 8 or in which the control system is a motorised control mechanism or linkage.

12. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9 in which the control system is a linkage.

13. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 12 in which the control system is operable by a control member located on the interior side of the ventilation assembly.

14. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 13 in which the control system includes a connecting arrangement extending from an interior side of the ventilation path to the closure member at an exterior side of the ventilation path.

15. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the ventilation path is defined by a duct member being insertable into or next to a window or door assembly for providing ventilation therethrough or in the region thereof.

16. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 15 in which the closure member is hinged to an end of the duct.

17. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a second closure member is provided for operatively controlling ventilation at an interior side of the ventilation path.

18. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 17 in which the second closure member is operatively movable to a position for closing an interior entrance to the ventilation path at an interior side of the ventilation assembly.

19. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 18 in which the closure , member and second closure member are connected by a control system or linkage such that movement of the second closure member causes, or is synchronised with movement of the closure member.

20. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 17, Claim 18 or Claim 19- in which the control system is adapted such that the closure member and second closure member are maintained substantially parallel to one another during movement thereof.

21. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 20 in which the closure member and second closure member are movable to positions in which both simultaneously adopt closed configurations, each thereby respectively closing one of two ends of the ventilation path such that both ends thereof are closed.

22. A ventilation system as claimed in Claim 8 or any claim when dependent thereon in which the control system is adapted to be adjustable in width as defined by the interior to exterior direction.

23. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 15 when dependent upon claim 8 in which the closure member, second closure member, control system and duct are made of material with low thermal conductivity.

24. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any preceding Claim having an insect mesh attached to and movable with the closure member.

25. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 24 in which the insect is slidingly engageable with an edge of an exterior entrance to the ventilation path.

26. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 25 in which the insect mesh is located towards an interior side of the ventilation assembly.

27. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 26 in which the insect mesh is removable.

28. A window or door assembly having a ventilating path formed therethrough and a ventilation assembly as claimed in any preceding claim including a flap located in an external position for shutting an external entrance to the path.

29. A window or door assembly as claimed in Claim 28 in which the path consists of an elongate slot in a window or door frame.

30. A window or door assembly as claimed in Claim 28 or Claim 29 in which the window or door assembly comprises a window assembly.

31. A window or door assembly as claimed in Claim 30 in which the slot is formed in a window sash.

32. A window or door assembly as claimed in Claim 28 or Claim 30 in which the ventilation assembly is glazed-in between an edge of a wing such as a glazing panel and a surrounding frame.

33. A window or door assembly as claimed in Claim 32 in which the ventilation assembly incorporates a channel for receiving the edge of the wing.

34. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 27 which includes an elongate channel for receiving an edge of a wing such as a glazing panel.

35. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 34 in which the closure member is adapted to close to a position aligned with an exterior wall of the channel which defines an exterior side of the channel.

36. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 4 which includes a control drive system for positively driving the closure member to a closed position thereof in response to movement of an operating member.

37. A ventilation assembly for a window (or door) assembly comprising a ventilation path extending between two sides of the assembly and a closure member for operatively controlling ventilation through the ventilation path, whereby a control system for the closure member is housed in an end cap of the ventilation assembly.

38. An assembly as claimed in Claim 37 which includes an elongate body and two end caps.

39. An assembly as claimed in Claim 37 or Claim 38 in which the control system is operable by movement of a second closure member which is preferably located at an interior entrance to the ventilation path.

40. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 37 to 39 in which the closure member is located towards an exterior side of the assembly.

41. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 37 to 40 in which the end cap comprises a housing and a retaining plate.

42. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 41 in which the control system is substantially contained in a cavity formed between the end cap housing and the retaining plate.

43. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 39 or any other claim when dependent thereon in which the second closure member is moveable to define at least two open positions.

44. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 39 or any other claim when dependent thereon in which movement of the second closure member to a first open position causes the closure member to move to an open position.

45. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 39 or any other claim when dependent thereon in which movement of the second closure member to a fully open position causes the closure flap to move to a closed position.

46. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 37 to 45 in which the control system is a linkage.

47. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 46 in which the linkage is manually operable.

48. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 46 or Claim 47 in which the linkage comprises an inner link, a central link and an outer link.

49. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 48 in which an end of the central link connects to the second closure member via the inner link and the other end thereof connects to the closure member via the outer link.

50. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 46 to 49 when dependent upon Claim 41 in which the linkage has at least one link located between the retaining plate and a back face of the end cap housing.

51. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 46 to 50 when dependent on Claim 41 in which the central link is adapted to be pivotable about a pivot pin extending between the central link and the end cap housing and/or the retaining plate.

52. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 48 when dependent upon Claim 41 in which the retaining plate includes a slot through which a member extends for driving the closure member from the outer link.

53. A ventilation assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 37 to 52 having a canopy at the external side thereof.

54. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 53 having an airflow operated storm flap hinged from the canopy interior.

55. A ventilation assembly as claimed in Claim 45 or any preceding claim when dependent thereon in which an insect grille is provided, the grille being removable when the second closure member is in the fully open position.