GB2496615A

GB2496615A - A hinged window sash seal mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2496615A
Application number: GB1119735.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Charles Taylor
Original assignee: G T WINDOWS Ltd
Current assignee: G T WINDOWS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-11-15
Filing date: 2011-11-15
Publication date: 2013-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2031-11-15
Also published as: GB2496615B; GB201220113D0; GB201119735D0

Abstract

A seal mechanism for a window comprising a seal 200, 202 disposed between a window sash 120 and frame 110, the seal being effected upon shutting the window by leverage of a hinge and a handle lock. The seal mechanism comprises first and second constrictors 150 located on opposite free sides of the window frame, each constrictor comprises a resilient member 260, preferably a leaf spring and a corresponding protrusion 280, preferably a wedge shaped member, respectively mounted on one or other of the window frame 110 and the sash 120. When the window sash is closed the resilient member rides over the wedge shaped member and pulls the window into a more positively sealed position. Preferably the spring 260 has a concave holding portion and a convex guiding portion and the wedge member has a ramp facing the opening direction.

Description

Window Seat

Technical Field

The present invention relates to seals for windows. In particular, the present invention relates to a sealing mechanism for assisting or maintaining a tight seal between a sash and a window frame.

Background Art

Among those windows that can be opened fully or in part, there are two predominant types of windows. These are commonly referred to as "sash windows" and "casement windows". A distinction between these two window types can be made because of their different opening mechanism. This means the distinction can be made in the way the sashes can be moved. In each case, movable sashes are typically equipped with a handle and an optional locking mechanism that facilitates operation.

Typically, windows are referred to as "sash window" when they comprise two more partially overlapping sashes held in a frame. In orderto open a sash window, at least one of the sashes is slid over another sash. Not all of the sashes may be movable. A sash window is closed when all movable sashes are slid into a position where they fully cover the window opening.

"Casement windows" consist of one or more sashes that are hinge-mounted in their window frame, A window is opened by pushing or pulling the handle and rotating the window sash about the hinge axis. The handle is normally positioned in the side of the ....: 25 sash that is opposite the hinge to obtain a favourable leverage effect. The window is * S : closed when all movable sashes are pivoted into a position where they fully cover the window opening.

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* A typical expectation from a window is a temporary separation of two chambers, such as the inside of a living area from the outer environment. In recent decades, much S. * attention was dedicated to improving the insulating qualities of the window glass and ** .: the window sash. An important factor contributing to the quality of the insulation is the seal between the sash and the frame of a closed window.

Typical casement windows comprise a seal lining the frame and any operable sash where the frame and the sash are in contact. Such seals are, for practical purposes, chosen from materials that exhibit some elasticity. The elasticity of the seal assists in ensuring a tight fit over the full circumference of the window when it is shut.

The efficiency of a seal is compromised if the seal is not tight over the full circumference of the window sash. In order to ensure or improve the seal quality, mechanisms are known that direct the force of a closing window against the seal, thereby avoiding any lose or non-contact areas along the seal. In the prior art, the pressure against a seal is achieved by forces exerted against the frame on the one side, and against pressure points of the frame on the other side. The pressure points of the frame are the hinges and the closing or locking mechanism of the handle.

Existing sealing mechanisms therefore, typically, exert a force on the window seal by levering the window sash against the frame. The applicants have found that this seal may not be sufficient in certain circumstances.

Windows with elongated geometry, much like ordinary casement windows, achieve a seal by relying on forces from the hinge and handle lock on opposite window sides.

Because of the elongated geometry, the free sides, i.e., the sides of the window sash that are not fixed by a hinge or a handle lock, are prone to bowing or warping. For instance, in many implementations window sashes are taller than wide and the hinge connection and handle are located on the upper and lower side, respectively. In such implementations, the free sides are the vertical sides of the window sash. There are several factors influencing the likelihood of such bowing or warping. Amongst these factors are environmental forces such as wind, temperature differences leading to material distortion, or manufacturing tolerances. The applicants have found that windows with long free sides are particularly prone to bowing. In this respect, it is not * necessary that the window is rectangular. In the context of this specification, long should be therefore interpreted as meaning that the free sides are long enough to bow, :: but not as meaning that the free sides must be the longer sides of a rectangular shape.

* " It is desirable to provide a seal mechanism that ensures, maintains, or facilitates the seal of casement windows, especially those having relatively elongate free sides. It is further desirable to provide a seal mechanism that does not impede the conventional operation of a window on the one hand while improving the effectiveness of the seal particularly along elongate free sides of the window.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a seal mechanism for a sash window comprising a seal disposed between at least part of a sash window and frame of the window, the seal being effected upon shutting the window by leverage of a hinge connecting the sash to a first side of the window frame by way of a handle lock on the second side opposite said first side. The seal mechanism further comprises first and second constrictors located on opposite free sides of the window frame with respect to one another. Each constrictor comprises a resilient member and a corresponding protrusion respectively mounted on one or other of the window frame and the sash.

Upon shutting the window, the constrictors cooperate to assist the seal.

It is an advantage of the seal mechanism that the constrictors cooperate reversibly to facilitate repeated opening and closing of the window. It is a further advantage that the constrictors may be located on the free sides of the window in order to assist effectiveness of the seal, wherein free sides are understood to be those sides that are not latched or joined by way of hinges to the frame. This may be in addition to the seal provided by the pressure forces from the hinge and the handle lock.

In a preferred embodiment either one or both of the resilient member and the protrusion comprise a guiding and holding portion.

The guiding and holding portion are advantageous for directing and holding the forces that are necessary to ensure a tight seal over the circumference of the sash through a biasing force exerted on the protrusion by the resilient member.

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* In some embodiments, either one or both of the resilient member and the protrusion * **** * 30 comprise a base for attachment to the frame or the window. The base may comprise a spacer. * * * * 0* t. *

In some embodiments, the constrictors may be fitted at the time of production of the window, and therefore form an integral part of the sash and frame. In other embodiments, the constrictors may be fitted post-production. A base may be provided to facilitate attachment to the sash or window frame. In post-production scenarios, such a base may include one or more spacers to allow alignment of the corresponding components of the constrictor.

In a preferred embodiment, the resilient member comprises a concave or sigmoid holding portion and its guiding portion has a convex aquiline-shaped end. In the preferred embodiment, the resilient member is a leaf spring formed to have a concave holding portion and a concave guiding portion.

In a preferred embodiment, an opening direction is defined by the direction in which the sash window opens. With reference to this opening direction, the guiding portion of the protrusion comprises a ramp facing the opening direction and further comprises a rearward profile facing away from the opening direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the convex end of the leaf spring engages, upon shutting the window, with the ramp of the corresponding protrusion to overcome a point of maximum pressure on the leaf spring. After overcoming the point of maximum pressure the leaf spring relaxes to glide over the rearward portion of the protrusion to further assist the seal.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a window comprising a seat mechanism according to any of the preceding claims.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a conventional window; Fig. 2a shows the cross-section of a window sash in the window frame when closed; Figs. 2b -2c show isometric views of elements forming the constrictor; Fig. 2d shows an isometric view of an exemplary optional spacer element; and Figs. 3a -3c show the operational relationship between the constrictor elements upon closing the window.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a conventional window 100 of elongated proportion. The window comprises a frame 110 and a sash 120. The conventional window 100 has four sides.

The connection between window sash 120 and frame 110 is provided by hinges or friction stays 130. The hinges 130 are located at the inside of the window, between sash and frame, and are therefore not visible in frontal view. Symbols 130 should therefore be understood as indicating the location of hinges 130 in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the hinge mechanism 130 serves a second purpose which is to ensure the window stays in an open position.

The opening and closing of the window is achieved by operation of handle 140.

Element 140 should be understood as being indicative of any suitable window handle.

When window 100 is closed, hinges 130 and handle 140 cooperate to assist in providing a seal between the window sash 120 and the frame 110. The seal is not visible in Fig. 1. However, for the purpose of Fig. 1, the hinges 130 pivot around an * axis that is near the end 130a of the hinges. Further visible in Fig. 1 are two constrictors 150. Constrictors 150 are positioned at the free sides of the window. a *0.*.

* Without constrictors 150, window 100 would be representative of a window that is * 30 susceptible to bowing when closed. It can be seen from Fig. 1 that hinge pivoting axis 130a and handle 140 are located on or near the opposite short sides of the window, and that constrictors 150 are positioned near the centre of the opposite free long sides * a: of the window. The position of the constrictors has to be understood as a schematic indication. It is believed that the strong seal support is achieved by a symmetrical, pair-wise arrangement near the centre of the free sides. However, in any embodiment the constrictors may be applied at any other position of the free side.

Fig. 2a shows a cross-section of the window sash and frame, seen from above, along the line X-X of Fig. 1. In the view of Fig. 2a, the window is closed by way of sash 120 abutting against frame 110, The window of Fig. 2a has a first inner seal 200 and a first outer seal 202. Seals 200, 202 become effective upon shutting window 100. In the present embodiment, two seals 200, 202 are provided for insulation. However, it is understood that any number of seals or seal portions may be used. The hinges and the handle mechanism are not visible in this cross-section, but it is understood that they contribute to the force exerted onto seals 200, 202. However, in certain scenarios the effectiveness of the hinge and handle forces alone is not sufficient to prevent bowing of the window which, in turn, reduces the seal efficacy.

In accordance with the present invention, Fig. 2a shows a pair of constrictors 150 comprising a resilient member 260 and a protrusion 280 in cooperative engagement.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2a, each resilient member 260 is mounted on window sash 120, and each protrusion 260 is mounted on window frame 110. For practical purposes, the description of this embodiment will throughout refer to the resilient member as being positioned on the sash. However, it is understood that this arrangement could be reversed for part or all of the constrictors. Fig. 2a further shows spacers 292 located between the base of protrusion 280 and frame 110.

Fig. 2b shows an isometric view of resilient member 260 and Fig. 2c shows an isometric view of the protrusion 280. Resilient member 260 may be integral to the window or at may be provided as an optional fitting. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, the resilient member 260 is adapted for post-production fitting with fastening means 270. Resilient member 260 further comprises a guiding portion 264 .. ..

* and a holding portion 266. In the embodiment of Fig. 2b, resilient member 260 is provided in the form of a leaf spring and the guiding portion 266 is provided in the form ** * of a, when facing the corresponding protrusion, convex or aquiline-shaped bend and the holding portion 264 is provided in the form of a concave ramp.

Fig. 2c shows an isometric view of protrusion 280, which may be integral to the window or adapted for post-production filling. Protrusion 280 of Fig. 2c is suitable for post-production fitting and comprises a base 282 with fastening means 290. Whether or not the protrusion is integral to the window or fitted post-production, the protrusion is characterised by a guiding portion 284 and by a holding portion 286. In the present embodiment, the portions 284 and 286 are provided in the form of forward and rearward facing ramps. In one embodiment, the resilient member 260 and the corresponding protrusion 280 are of essentially the same length. Resilient member 260 and a corresponding protrusion 280 form a constrictor 150.

It is important for the function of the seal mechanism that resilient member 260 and protrusion 280 engage in such manner that the protrusion can exert a force on the resilient member during the closing of the window. It is therefore important that the protrusion has a specific height, or distance. However, specifically in the case of embodiments intended for post-production filling, there may be considerable variation of the height, or thickness, required by the spacer. On the other hand, it is advantageous for various reasons if the number of different elements can be kept low.

In order to accommodate for the need of different protrusion heights, one or more spacers 292 are preferably provided at the time of fitting protrusion 280, in the form of a modular system. An exemplary embodiment of such a spacer 292 is shown in Fig. 2d.

The modular system comprises several spacer types, each spacer type having a specific thickness, e.g., 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm, or any other suitable thickness. Preferably, the length and width of each spacer type corresponds to the dimensions of the base 282. In a typical production environment, it may not be easy to distinguish components that differ only in thickness by a fraction of a millimetre. Each type of spacer may therefore comprise an additional marking, such as an engraving or code. In a preferred embodiment, each spacer type carries a colour code that facilitates visual distinction in a production environment.

* By stacking a combination of such spacers, an optimal height or thickness of the *..*..

* 30 protrusion can be selected. For instance, if the 1.0 mm spacer type is marked red, and * the 1.5 mm spacer type is marked yellow, then two red 1.0 mm spacer elements could be combined to provide a 2 mm spacer stack, or one red 1.0mm spacer element could be combined with a yellow 1.5 mm spacer element to provide a 2.5 mm spacer stack.

The spacer may comprise further elements that facilitate installation. These may be holes 296 whose diameter and position corresponds to the size and position of fastening means 290 of the protrusion 280. In order to facilitate alignment of the one or more spacers 292 and the protrusion 280, notches (not shown in the Figures) may be provided at the base 282 of protrusion 280 which correspond in size and position to pins 294 which may be provided on spacer 292. Likewise, to assist alignment of stacked spacers, pins and notches may be provided on the top and base sides of the modular spacer types.

The interaction between each resilient member 260 and the corresponding protrusion 280 of a window assists in improving the efficacy of seals 200, 202 over the full circumference of window 100. The interaction is a reversible cooperative engagement and explained in Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c.

Figs. 3a -3c show only one cross-section of one side of the window 100 but it is understood that this cross-section is representative of the operation of each constrictor of the seal mechanism. In particular, the cross-section is deemed representative of the seal mechanism at any point within the constrictor. That is to say, any angular dependency due to the fact that the window sash pivots around the hinge is believed to be negligible for the purpose of the seal mechanism of the present invention. The engagement of the resilient member 260 with the protrusion 280 is therefore considered homogenous across the length of the constrictor.

Fig. 3a shows the window 100 ajar, and sash 120 and frame 110 are only just abutting.

For the purposes of the present invention, the closing movement of window sash 120 *:": towards frame 110 is an essentially lateral motion, and any angular contribution is considered negligible. It can be seen that the guiding portion 264 of resilient member 260 is in initial contact with the guiding portion 284 of protrusion 280. It can further be ne. S. * appreciated that the concave bend of the guiding portion 264, away from the protrusion * 30 280, together with inclination of ramp 284 effects a reliable sliding contact and prevents any hooking that may follow from production tolerances. 0t

Fig. 3b shows the same window components of Fig. aa, after the initial contact has been made and the window sash has been pushed further towards the frame. In comparison to Fig. 3a, it can be seen that resilient member 260 of Fig. 3b is in a compressed condition. The compression results from the sliding abutment against ramp 284 of the protrusion 260. It is appreciated that the compression occurs gradually from the point of initial contact shown in Fig. 3a up to an apex point of protrusion 280. The resilient member 260 experiences the maximum compression force when its contact point is at the apex of protrusion 280, as shown in Fig. 3b.

Fig. 3c shows window 100 in a closed condition, and sash 120 abuts against frame 110. Seals 200 and 202 are operating. Resilient member is no longer in its maximum compressed condition. Further, the guiding portion 264 of the resilient member is no longer in contact with the guiding member 284 of the protrusion. However, resilient member 260 and protrusion 280 remain in operational contact via the holding portions 266 and 286. The operational contact is maintained even if there are construction tolerances by way of the concave curvature of portion 266 towards holding portion 286.

This arrangement provides a bias of the forces exerted by resilient members 260 of each constrictor 150. An effect of this bias is a push-force of sash 120 against window frame 110. These forces assist the seal of window 100 in addition to the hinge and handle forces.

The operational engagement of resilient member 260 with protrusion 280 is reversible.

Upon opening the window, the engagement between these two elements 260 and 280 follows the sequence of Figs. 3c, 3b, 3a. The concave curvature of holding portion 266 assists the gliding compression of resilient member 260.

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Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS: 1) A seal mechanism for a window sash comprising a seal disposed between at least part of a window sash and frame of the window, the seal being effected upon shutting the window by leverage of a hinge connecting the sash to a first side of the window frame by way of a handle lock on the second side opposite said first side, wherein the seal mechanism further comprises first and second constrictors located on opposite free sides of the window frame with respect to one another, wherein each constrictor comprises a resilient member and a corresponding protrusion respectively mounted on one or other of the window frame and the sash, and wherein, upon shutting the window, the constrictors cooperate to assist the seal.</claim-text> <claim-text>2) The seal mechanism according to claim 1, wherein either one or both of the resilient member and the protrusion comprise a guiding and holding portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>3) The seal mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the resilient member comprises a concave or sigmoid holding portion and wherein the guiding portion is formed by curved or convex shaped end.</claim-text> <claim-text>4) The seal mechanism according to claim 3, wherein an opening direction is defined by the direction in which the sash window opens and wherein the guiding portion of the protrusion comprises a ramp facing the opening direction and wherein the holding portion of the protrusion comprises a rearward profile facing away from the r 25 opening direction.</claim-text> <claim-text>5) The seal mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, upon shutting the window, the curved or convex shaped end of the resilient member engages with the ramp of the corresponding protrusion to overcome a point of maximum pressure on the resilient member, and wherein after overcoming the point of maximum pressure the resilient member relaxes as the curved or convex aquiline-shaped end glides over the rearward . portion of the protrusion thereby assisting the seal.</claim-text> <claim-text>6) The seal mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein either one or both of the resilient member and the protrusion comprise a base for attachment to the frame or the window.</claim-text> <claim-text>7) The seal mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the base comprises a spacer.</claim-text> <claim-text>8) The seal mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member is a leaf spring.</claim-text> <claim-text>9) A window comprising a seal mechanism according to any of the preceding claims.</claim-text> <claim-text>10) A seal mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2b and 2c or Figures 1, 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c of the accompanying drawings. * * * * * . * *0 * * * * * * * * ** *. * * * * * U</claim-text>