GB2227279A - Device for locking an open window - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for locking a pivotable window (3) in at least one opening position comprises a first locking element (11) displaying a first catch and a second locking element (12) displaying a second catch. The first locking element (11) is arranged in a channel in the fixed frame (2) and the second locking element (12) is arranged on a stay arm (5) or link, which is arranged to extend between the fixed frame and the movable frame. The two said locking elements (11 and 12) are arranged to connect with each other, when the window is opened to define e.g. a ventilation position. The element (11) is suitably in the form of a spring strip and is displaceable into the channel to allow the second element to move past it so that the window can be opened further e.g. to a cleaning position. The window can be locked in its fully opened position by a further locking device formed as a pivotable element (10). <IMAGE>

Description

A DEVICE FOR WINDOWS The present invention relates to an arrangement for such windows where a movable window-frame is connected with a fixed window-frame by means of a guidance in channels shown by the fixed frame and also by means of arms arranged on each side of the movable frame which arms shall be arranged to extend between the fixed frame and the movable frame. The arrangement comprises at least one stop device, arranged when the window is open to stop the window and the movable frame from an uncontrolled and involuntary opening beyond the intended opening position, and in applicable cases also from an uncontrolled or involuntary closing of the window from, for example, a so-called cleaning position.The stop device or stop devices are thus shaped to be able to limit the window's or the movable frame's opening angle both during normal use and when the window is turned to a cleaning position. A stop device can be arranged to hold the movable frame in an open emergency exit position.

There is a need for a stop mechanism and improved fittings to ensure a reliable and functional securing of windows, and which in a better way can absorb stresses from the movable frame when the window is ope. Further, there is a need for such stop devices and arrangements which are simple in their design, with no or only a few movable parts, which are easy to repair if necessary, and which function as intended. It is also desirable to be able to achieve stop devices for securing of a window in different opening positions, and which are absolutely safe for children.If such stop devices also could be shaped so that they cannot be reached or influenced from outside of a window, such as for example in the event of an attempt to an impermissible entry or damage to the stop devices, this would be an additional progress as these then would be able to have the function of preventing impermissible entry via the window when the window is in an open position. There is also a need for improvements of the fittings in the respect that windows or movable windowframes attain improved balance, are more rigid when open, and are easier to handle, not least with respect to lower friction between component parts in windows. A lower friction should be able to achieve by, inter alia, fewer movable parts in the window of the kind inquestion.

A known stop device, arranged so as to restrict the opening angle of a window, essentially comprises a long sliding element which is arranged in one end of a link or lower arm and which shall slide in a channel in a way in a fixed window-frame. Furthermore, the stop device is shaped as a stop element of a pre-tightened spring provided with a stop which when in a stop position shall engage with recesses in the said way. As the sliding element, during the opening and closing of the window, shall be displaced into a channel and the sliding element forms a pre-tightened plate spring which shall thus be tighten against parts of the channel walls and which moreover is long the utilization of the stop device will imply that the window is heavier to handle as a result of the additional friction which arises during the displacement of the stop device into the channel.In addition, this stop device has often proved to misfunction, occasionally after a short period of use. Since the stop device is difficult to repair it is often the case that there is no stop device in use in the window. A further disadvantage is that it is difficult or impossible to attain a cleaning position for a window if a stop device is shaped in such a way.

In the case of another known stop device one link or upper arm is extended beyond its pivot in a second link or lower arm with a free end section which is shaped so as to connect with a locking hook, pivotally attached on the lower arm. When the locking hook is to achieve its operational position the locking hook is moved out of position and under the influence of gravity achieves its operational position thus connecting with a part of the extended, free-end section of the upper arm. In the case of yet another known stop device, one of the window's links or lower arms is extended beyond its pivot with an attachment in a fixed window-frame and with a free end section which is also shaped to connect with a locking hook pivotally attached on the fixed frame's attachment. The locking hook is shaped to assume its operational position under the influence of gravity.Both these stop devices require a high degree of precision in the window by virtue of their fittings to function and to facilitate a stop position and the intended stop engagement. Such a degree of precision is virtually impossible to achieve with the shape of links, arms and the like to be found in these windows. On the contrary, and particularly in the case of larger windows, the stop devices catch on other parts of the window or its mechanism by virtue of the unstable arms which also result in an unstable window. This instability is caused of the shape of the arms and the like but is also increased by the weight and loading of the movable frame. Moreover, the locking hooks of these stop devices display a relatively complicated design and work mode and also have an unnecessarily large number of movable parts which, in addition, are often required to operate in unison.These stop mechanisms are also difficult to repair. Neither is there a manifest balancing of the window or the movable frame in such windows which utilize these known fittings and their stop devices.

In the case of an arrangement according to the present invention, however, such disadvantages in the fittings and stop mechanisms can be eliminated as well as the disadvantages in the windows when using the arrangement in accordance with this invention. At the same time, the set requirements are met. Thus, the strive to attain the opening positions can be achieved and a window can simultaneously be secured in these opening or ventilation positions and in a so-called cleaning position but also in an emergency exit position by the arrangement in the shape of stop devices which, moreover, are simple in their shape, can be adequately dimensioned to ensure high strength, have few movable parts, are easy to install, can be produced at low cost and are easy to repair, if it contrary to expectation should be necessary. The shape of the fittings and stop devices result in that the precision in the window and its mechanism is not critical for an optimal function for the window and its stop devices. A stop device as per the invention provides a simple and functional safety for children and is so shaped that it in a reliable way and automatically enters into operation.

Furthermore, the stop positions can be guaranteed and maintained during the securing of the window or the movable frame in ventilation positions and cleaning position by virtue of that fact that the stop device can be locked by means of a lock device. The stop device is so shaped that it cannot be handled by a child when in an operational or stop position, or opened, it is ensured by the locking device that the stop device remains in the operating position, irrespective of determined and heavy handling of the stop device, that is, a genuine child-proof stop of a window is achieved.

Parts in the stop device, which in the case of known stop devices are of the movable kind or shall be shifted, are in the arrangement as per the invention stationary or fixed which in turn imply less friction during the handling of the window. The stop device can also be arranged in such a manner in the window that it is difficult to reach or handle from outside the window. The said locking device can be, or is, so shaped and arrangeable in the window or stop device that it is impossible to reach or handle from outside the window, whereby the stop device also can have the function of preventing impermissible entry into a building via an open window or a window in a ventilation position. At the same time a window with an arrangement as per the invention is easy to service.When utilisation of the arrangement as per the invention, the fittings and hanging of the window will be such that another balancing of the window is obtained which results in the fact that the window is enabled to stop in any opening position whatsoever. Thus, there is in addition a new and superior balancing of the window.

Moreover, whenvthe window or the movable frame is in the turned position, it is possible for the movable frame to move towards the fixed frame under the upper horizontal member of the fixed frame which ensures that a window can be turned to an upside down position and the movable frame moved to a cleaning position irrespective of embrasures and the like. An arrangement according to the invention is thus characterised in that a first stop device comprises a first stop element which is shaped to be arranged on the fixed frame and shows a first catch, and a second stop element, which is shaped to be arranged on a first arm and shows a second catch.The said first and second stop elements are arranged to engage with each other with their catches when the movable frame from a closed window position is moved to an open window position, ventilation position or first ventilation position and also that the first stop element is arranged so that when influenced it can be moved in the direction towards the fixed frame so that the said second catch on the second stop element can pass the said first catch on the first stop element when the window is to be moved to a further opening position or in applicable cases a turned position, a so-called cleaning position or a second ventilation position.In the case of an assumed cleaning position or second ventilation position the said first and second stop elements are arranged so that they engage with each other with their said catches when the movable frame in the turned position is moved to a closed window position, cleaning position, second ventilation position or first ventilation position.

In accordance with another characteristic of the arrangement according to the invention a second stop device comprises a third stop element, pivotally attached to a journal or the like, the third stop element is shaped to be arranged on the fixed frame and arranged to be able to be turned from an inactive position to an active position in which one end part of the stop element is arranged to be located in or oppposite to a first channel which can be shaped in a guide way or similar comprised by the arrangement. The guide way is shaped to be arranged in the fixed frame and is arranged for slide members shown by the movable frame. The movable frame is connected to the fixed frame by said slide members.

In accordance with yet another characteristic of the arrangement according to the invention the first stop element is shaped as a pre-tightened plate spring which is equipped with a catch. The stop element is further shaped to be in fixed arrangement with respect to displacement in the movable frame's vertical extension and thus arranged in a second channel. Said channel can be shaped in a guide way or similar comprised by the arrangement. The guide way is shaped to be arranged in the fixed frame.

Additional characterisitcs and advantages of the arrangement insaccordance with the invention will in the following description of the invention be apparent by an embodiment, whereby a simultaneous reference will be made to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which Fig. 1 shows a section of a fixed windowframe with an arranged guide way, Fig. 2 shows in the same section of a fixed frame in Fig. 1 with a second stop device, Fig.

3 shows from one side a first stop element, Fig. 4 shows from above in enlarged scale the stop element in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows from one end a guide way or profile, Fig. 6 shows a part of a guide way or profile from one side, Fig. 7 shows from one side a second stop element arranged on a partially displayed first arm or link, Fig. 8 shows from above the stop element in Fig. 7, Fig.

9 shows from one side a window in a first ventilation position, Fig. 10 shows from one side a window in an emergency exit position and Figs. 11-13 show schematically a window in a first, second and third position and in the third position or a cleaning position, the movable frame is turned upside down.

The reference designation 1 in Figs. 9 and 10 shows a window. The window is in first hand of such a kind in which a movable frame 3, usually of rectangular shape, is adapted to close into a correspondingly shaped fixed frame 2 which, throughout this specification, is assumed to be mounted with its two sides 26 vertical, and to be opened by being pivoted about an axis which is coincident or substantially coincident with the upper horizontal edge of the movable frame. The movable frame 3 is connected with the fixed frame 2 by means of slide elements 4 or first slide elements which with appropriate fittings are arranged at the upper edge or at the top of the sides of the movable frame 3 or at each end of the upper horizontal member of the movable frame.The movable frame can be or is according to embodiments arranged turnable in the fixed frame to a position upside down and also lockable or securable in different positions by means of first and second stop devices 9 and 10.

Not only by means of the slide elements 4 the movable frame 3 is also connected with the fixed frame 2 by means of first arms 5 which are arranged to extend between the fixed frame and movable frame. Said first arm 5 is in form of a first or main stay. The movable frame 3 shows attachments 7 for the first arms 5 attachment to the movable frame. A first end part 43 of the first arms 5 is pivotally attached to the movable frame 3 and to its attachments 7 and second end part 44 to the fixed frame 2. Moreover, the movable frame 3 is connected with the fixed frame 2 in such a way that it is guided, whereby the upper edge or horizontal member of the movable frame 3 and the first slide elements 4 and also the said second end part 44 of the first arms 5 are arranged so as to move vertically in the fixed frame 2 during opening and closing of the window 1, that is, when the movable frame is moved to and from a closed position in the fixed frame and to assume different opening positions. The said second end part 44 of the first arms 5 are therefore provided or shaped with second slide elements 8 or similar.

A first end part 41 of second arms 6 is pivotally attached to the fixed frame 2 and a second end part 42 to a first arm 5, whereby the movable frame 3 hangs in the fixed frame via the first arms 5.

The reference designations 31-35 show the joints in window 1 of the movable frame 3, first arms 5 and the second arms 6 and also the positions for their pivots or pivotal attachments when the window or the movable frame has assumed certain positions. Thus, a joint 31 for the housing of the arms 6 in fixed frame 2 is shown, a joint 32 for the housing of the arms 6 in the first arms 5, a joint 33 for the housing of the first arms 5 in the movable frame 3, a joint 34 for the housing of the fixed arms 5 in the fixed frame 2, and joints 35 for the movable frame 3 in fixed frame 2. The guide and sliding elements 4, 8 for the movable frame and first arms move or are guided in guide devices in the fixed frame 2, that is, the movable frame 3 is guided in the window 1 or fixed frame 2.The guide devices comprise a channel or groove arrangement in the sides 26 or vertical members in the fixed frame 2.

In accordance with the embodiments there are thus guide ways 20 which can be shaped of an extruded or pressed material, such as plastic or preferably metal in the form of a profile, and which may display attachment elements 45 by means of which the guide ways are intended to be arranged to the sides 26 of the fixed frame 2, see Fig. 1. Further reference to Figs. 5 and 6 shows a guide way 20 in the form of a profile which is shaped with two adjacent, in parallel extension guide channels or grooves 21 and 22, whereby the second channel 22 is restricted by flanges 30 in form of short side walls, the outer edges of which are inturned, see reference designation 25. Moreover, the guide way 20 can display an attachment portion 23 in form of a protruding shank or flange from the profile which shank can be provided with attachment devices 24, for example in the form of attachment holes.The said inturned edges 25 of the flanges 30, which restrict the said second channel 22, can in sections along the profile be removed to achieve an opening 29 and recess 29 and/or 37 in the guide way 20.

Such an examplified window can be provided with an arangement according to the invention to secure the window in one or several opening positions in order to prevent an uncontrolled opening of the window beyond the intended open position, and stop the movable frame from further and involuntary opening and/or closing of the window. Such positions may comprise different ventilation positions, a so-called cleaning position, and in applicable cases an emergency exit position.

Figs. 3 and 4 show a part 11 in a first stop device 9 in the form of a first stop element which is shaped to connect with a second part 12 in the stop device 9 and in the form of a second stop element which is intended to be arranged on an arm, see Figs. 7, 8 and 9. As shown in Fig. 2 the first stop element 11 is intended to be arranged on a fixed frame 2 and as per the embodiment to be arranged in the second channel 22.

The first stop element 11 shows in one end section an anchoring device 39, such as a hole, for the anchoring of the stop element in the channel which displays an appropriate width. Moreover, the stop element 11 is shaped as a plate spring, thereby as a relatively long element of slight thickness and of an appropriate metal.

The plate spring is arranged pre-tightened in the channel 22 in the direction of the inturned edges 25 in the channel and the said opening 29 and the said recess 37. In the other end section or end of the plate spring there is a first catch 15 arranged or shaped in the stop device 9 which in the form of a latch, hook device or similar gripping element is arranged to be able to protrude outside the channel 22 and in applicable cases via the recess 37. By virtue of the presence of the recess 37 in the inturned edge 25 the catch 15 can be shaped with a greater length. The pre-tightened part of the plate spring or stop element rests in the channel 22 against the inturned edges 25 and also in the remaining part essentially against the bottom of the channel 22.

The stop element 11 or the plate spring shall be securely anchored against displacement in the vertical direction of the fixed frame 2 or the channel 22 and can be anchored by means of an anchoring element 38 such as a rivet, screw or perhaps a spot weld, etc. The stop element 11 or its pre-tightened part shall be accessible, by means of the arrangement, in a secured position for the window in order to be able to be manual activated by means of pressure in the stop element in the direction towards the bottom of the channel 22 and to such an extent that the catch can be moved out from an engagement position with the second part 12 in the stop device 9 or a second catch 16 shown by the second stop element 12 or other catches and thus so that the second stop element 12 and second catch 16 can pass the first catch 15 on the first stop element 11.In order to facilitate and/or enable a sufficient removal or down pressing of the stop element's 11 or plate spring's pre-tightened part into the channel 22 there will as per the embodiment be no inturned edges 25 on the flanges 30 along a piece of the guide way 20 or the profile and in applicable cases also parts of or the entire flange 30 in the said piece will be lacked. Thus, the said opening 29 is arranged in the guide way 20 and in Fig. 2 is shown a press portion or pressing surface on the first stop element 11 or plate spring.

The second stop element 12 is shaped as a latch, hook device or similar and displays in one end of a body 46 or plate shaped material the said second catch 16 which as per the embodiment is in the form of a bent end section, in which the first catch 15 can hook secure.

In addition, the catch, which protrudes from the extension of the stop element, displays a guide surface 47, by means of which the first catch 15 or first gripping device arranged on the first stop element 11 can connect and the first stop element be pressed into the channel 22 when the movable frame 3 and this second stop element 12 pass the first catch 15 from an open window position to a closed position. The second stop element 12 is as per the embodiment arranged to a first arm 5 by means of holding devices 48 in form, for example, of taps protruding from the first arm and with holding or guiding elements which can be in form of a head or the like. Further, the second stop element 12 also displays a slot 49, the length of which is greater than the distance between the taps or the length which the taps assume on the stop element, whereby the stop element is arranged movable and can be displaced a sufficient length so that the stop element into a stop position with the first stop element 11 can secure the movable frame 3 in the intended position and also in a closed window position not obstruct or complicate the closing of the movable frame 3 in the fixed frame 2, that is, so that the second stop element 12 will not make contact with the fixed frame 2 in the movable frame's 3 of first arms' 5 movement towards the fixed frame.In order that the second stop element 12 can be adequately dimensioned and ensure an optimal stop device it is possible to permit the second stop element to be movably arranged so that it is displaced to a second position or storage position comparable with a first operational position during the closing of the window.

When the window 1 is closed and is to be secured in the stop position the stop mechanism in form of the first stop device 9 will function automatically when the movable frame 3 and the first arms 5 in a closed window position are moved to an opening position or to a first ventilation position 50 for the window, see Fig. 9a.

Thus, the first stop element 11 and its catch 15, which have been fully or partially pressed into the channel 22, will by means of the spring tension swing out and the second stop element's 12 catch 16 will grasp or hook in the first catch 15 so that further opening of the window 1 or movement of the movable frame 3 is prevented. This type of stop position for the window is often called ventilation position which in this case is a child-proof ventilation position.In the event of a further opening of the window the stop device 9 or the child-proof unit must be moved out of their operational and securing position, that is, the first stop element 11 or the plate spring is pressed into the channel 22 via pressure on the plate spring, preferably at its pressure point 29 or pressure surface, whereby the first catch 15 is moved in the direction towards the bottom of the channel 22 so that the second stop element 12 and its catch 16 can pass the first stop element and its catch. The engagement between the two catches 15 and 16 must be solved first, however, which can be carried out by means of the movable frame 3 making a turn in the direction towards the fixed frame 2 or closed window position, whereby the co-operating gripping parts of the catches move away from each other.The window or the movable frame can now be opened further, whereby the movable frame's 3 slide element 4 and the first arms' 5 sliding element 8 will be moved downwards or continue downwards or upwards respectively in their respective channels 21 and 22 due to the mutual engagement of the slide members and the guide way or its channels. If the window or movable frame is moved to a turned position or a cleaning position, that is, a position where the movable frame is upside-down, the movable frames 3 slide element 4 and the movable frame's upper edge will be located in the lower part of the fixed frame or in connection with its lower horizontal member 28 and the slide element 4 in the channel's 21 lower part, while the first arms' 5 sliding element 8 will have returned to its initial or essentially initial position in the channel's 22 lower part.A part of the movement schedule is shown schematically in Figs. 11-13. When the window assumes the cleaning position or the turned, upside-down position, which can also be utilised as a second ventilation position or with respect to impermissible entry a safer ventilation position, the first stop device 9 will again function and stop the movable frame 3 for a return to a closed position for the window 1.

In order to move the stop device 9 out from its securing and working position the same procedure is employed as has been described in connection with the stop position in the first ventilation position.

It would be difficult for a child to release the stop device 9 or the child-proof unit in the windpw's ventilation positions, but in order to ensure that neither children nor unauthorised persons attempting to gain access to a building via a window which is in a ventilation position , it is possible for the stop device 9 to be locked by means of a security device.

The security device may comprise a spacer element which holds the first stop element 11 or the plate spring in the stop position, that is, with the first catch 15 in a protruded, locked position from the channel 22 so that the stop element or the plate spring cannot be pressed into the groove. As per one embodiment the security device or the spacer element comprises a screw which is arranged in an attachment/engagement device 40 in the form of a thread. Since the security device can be arranged in the first stop element 11 behind the second stop element 12 and unaccessible from the outside of the window in both ventilation positions, that is, in the cleaning position also or second ventilation position, it would be possible for the window to be in a ventilation position without impermissible entry in a building being possible through the open window.The security device could also be provided with a lock and thus be locked with a key.

The second stop device 10 displays a third stop element 13 in form of a turnable element pivotably attached around a tap 14 or axis which where necessary can be turned into or in a position opposite the first channel 21 so that its one end portion 17 will be located in or opposite to the channel. The end portion 17 which can display a design appropriate for the slide element 4 of the movable frame 3, thus comprises a stop for the movable frame's stop slide element and holds the window or the movable frame in an open position, see Fig. 10.

This position may comprise an emergency exit position 51 for the window and the stop device 10 is therefore a safety emergency exit device, that is the window or movable frame can be held in such an open position that it is possible to escape through the window when necessary. The stop element 13 displays a stop face 18 for stop and counterstay to the fixed frame 2 or a designed part of the guide way 20. Diametrically opposite the stop elements 13 said end portion 17 it is possible for a gripping part 19 to be designed as to facilitate easier handling of the stop device 10.

With respect to the fittings, as per an arrangement as per the invention, the suspension point and the attachment 7 on the movable frame are arranged at a place otherwise than what is normal, whereby the window or the movable frame achieve improved balancing. Thus, it is possible for the movable frame to stop in any opening position whatsoever. Moreover, a shorter part of the arms is obtained between the joint 32 for the second arms 6 to the first arms 5 and the joint 33 in the attachment 7 for the movable frame, which implies that the movable frame receives a lower or smaller turning radius with respect to the upper horizontal member 27 of the fixed frame 2.

Without exceeding the scope of the concept of the invention, modifications of the invention should be possible. Thus, the stop devices could be arranged on other types of windows than the window shown. More stop devices could also be arranged in the window or two stop devices of the first or second kind. The arrangement is thus not restricted to what has been shown and described in connection with the embodiments but solely by the following claims.

Claims (6)

CLAIMS:

1. An arrangement for windows where a movable window-frame is connected with a fixed window-frame by means of a guidance in channels of a fixed frame and also by means of first arms arranged to each side of the movable frame which arms are arranged to extend between the fixed frame and the movable frame, including at least one locking device to secure the window and the movable frame from an uncontrolled and involuntary opening beyond the intended opening position, and in applicable cases also from an uncontrolled or involuntary closing of the window or cleaning position, in which a first locking device comprises a first locking element which is shaped to fit on the fixed frame and has a first catch and a second locking element which is shaped to fit on the first arm and has a second catch, whereby the said first and second locking elements are arranged to lock together when the movable frame is moved from a closed position for the window to an open position, ventilation position or first ventilation position, the first locking element being arranged so that it can be moved in the direction towards the fixed frame and the said second catch on the second locking element can pass the said first catch on the first locking element when the window is to be moved to a further opening position or a turned position, a cleaning position, or a second ventilation position.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first locking element is shaped as a pre-stressed plate spring having a catch.

3. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first locking element is shaped to be in fixed arrangement with respect to displacement in the movable frame's vertical extension, whereby the first locking element is arranged in a second channel.

4. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sides of the fixed frame are provided with guide ways having one or more channels.

5. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a second locking device comprises a pivitable third stop element, which can be turned between an active and an inactive position, in which one end part of the stop element locates in or opposite to a first channel.

6. Arrangements for windows substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of Figs. 1 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.