GB2625139A

GB2625139A - Window opening and closing device

Info

Publication number: GB2625139A
Application number: GB2218483.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Benson Jeremy
Original assignee: Blue Jay Openers Ltd
Current assignee: Blue Jay Openers Ltd
Priority date: 2022-12-08
Filing date: 2022-12-08
Publication date: 2024-06-12
Also published as: GB202218483D0; EP4382700A1

Abstract

A window opening and closing device 30 for opening and closing a window, the window comprising a window handle 34 having a button 36 being pressable to permit actuation of the window handle 34 to open or close the window, wherein the window opening and closing device 30 comprises a hand-operable member 40 and a handle actuator lever 38, the handle actuator lever pivotally connected to the hand-operable member 40, the handle actuator lever including a handle holder 48 for holding the window handle and a push element 50 for pressing the button 36. Preferably the handle holder can pivot around to be flush with the lever. Preferably there is a key retention element for holding a key for operating a lock or latch of the button, the key retention element is preferably a slot (54 Fig 8) in the handle holder. The key retention element may be integral or detachable from the handle holder.

Description

The invention relates to a window opening and closing device for opening and closing a window, and a method of operating the window opening and closing device.

It is known to use a pole to open or close a window that is out of hand's reach. However, the pole itself does not ensure that the window can be opened or closed in a reliable and safe manner.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a window opening and closing device for opening and closing a window, the window comprising a window handle having a button being pressable to permit actuation of the window handle to open or close the window, wherein the window opening and closing device comprises a hand-operable member and a handle actuator lever, the handle actuator lever pivotally connected to the hand-operable member, the handle actuator lever including: a handle holder for holding the window handle; and a push element for pressing the button.

The configuration of the hand-operable member and handle actuator lever enables a user to reliably and safely open or close a window that is out of hand's reach. In particular, the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member not only enables the pression of the button and the holding and actuation of the window handle using a minimal number of actions and preferably using one hand, but also helps the user to open or close the window even when the window is in an awkward or hard-to-access location.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle actuator lever may be pivotally connected to an end of the hand-operable member. This provides more accurate control over the positioning and movement of the handle actuator lever when operating the hand-operable member.

In embodiments of the invention, the handle holder may be formed at a distal end of the handle actuator lever relative to the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member. This allows the handle holder to be easily positioned to accommodate window handles of different types and in different positions.

In further embodiments of the invention, the handle actuator lever may be pivotable relative to the hand-operable member so as to change an angle of extension between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member. This not only helps the user to open or close the window even when the window is in an awkward or hard-to-access location but also enables the user to adjust the position of the handle actuator lever to obtain additional leverage for opening or closing the window.

In still further embodiments of the invention, the handle actuator lever may be pivotable relative to the hand-operable member so as to fold the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member together. Preferably the handle actuator lever is arranged to be flush with the hand-operable member when the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member are folded together. This makes it easier to store the window opening and closing device when it is not in use.

The configuration of the push element may vary as long as it is capable of pressing the button in use.

In embodiments of the invention, the push element may be formed at a proximal end of the handle actuator lever relative to the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member. In such embodiments, the push element may be located at the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member. In further such embodiments, the push element may be located at the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member at the end of the hand-operable member.

Such configurations of the push element make it easier to operate the hand-operable member so that the push element applies sufficient force to press the button. This is particularly advantageous when the window is in an awkward or hard-to-access location.

In further embodiments of the invention, the push element may include a protruding end and/or a pointed end for pressing the button, and/or the push element may be shaped as a cone or pyramid. Such configurations of the push element make it easier to positively locate the push element against the button so as to aid pression of the button.

The push element may be configured so that an axis of the push element extends radially from a pivot axis of the pivotal connection. Alternatively the push element may be configured so that an axis of the push element is offset from a pivot axis of the pivotal connection.

Optionally the handle holder includes a tubular portion for holding the window handle.

This helps to ensure that the window handle is securely held by the handle holder, especially during movement of the handle holder to actuate the window handle to open or close the window.

Alternatively the handle holder may include an open-sectioned portion for holding the window handle. For example, the handle holder may have a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section. The open-sectioned portion may be configured to hold the window handle so that it can rotate the window handle sideways, e.g. clockwise or anticlockwise but does not allow the handle holder to pull the window handle in order to close the window. In such embodiments, the window opening and closing device may include a window handle pulling device (such as a loop), which may be attached to the hand-operable member (e.g. to one end of the hand-operable member).

Further optionally the handle holder may include a grip portion for holding the window handle. This reduces the risk of the window handle slipping out of the handle holder.

The grip portion may include, but is not limited to, a rubber-based material. One or more other types of grip materials may be used in place of the rubber-based material. The grip portion may include one or more grip structures, such as dimples, grooves, contours or bumps.

The button may include a lock or latch which is configurable in a first state to prevent the button from being pressed and in a second state to allow the button to be pressed.

In still further embodiments of the invention, the handle actuator lever may include a key retention element (e.g. a recess or a slot) for holding a key for operating the lock or latch of the button. Preferably the key retention element is spaced apart from the push element. In some embodiments of the invention, the key retention element may be formed in or on the handle holder. In other embodiments of the invention, the key retention element may be detachably insertable into the handle holder. For example, the key retention element may include a block that can be inserted into or removed from the handle holder.

This allows the window opening and closing device to be additionally used to operate the lock or latch, without having to use a separate device. Furthermore, since the key retention element is part of or inserted into the handle actuator lever, the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member that helps the user to use the key to operate the lock or latch even when the window is in an awkward or hard-to-access location.

Optionally the key retention element may be configured for removably holding the key or permanently holding the key. It will be understood that configuration of the key retention element to removably hold the key means that the key can be removed from the key retention element without damaging or breaking the key retention element, and that configuration of the key retention element to permanently hold the key means that the key can be removed from the key retention element only by damaging or breaking the key retention element.

Preferably the hand-operable member includes an elongate member, such as a pole, a rod or a bar. This helps a user open or close a window that would normally be out of hand's reach.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a window opening and closing device according to any one of the first aspect of the invention and its embodiments, the method including the steps of: operating the hand-operable member to position the handle holder so as to hold the window handle; and operating the hand-operable member to actuate the window handle so as to open or close the window.

The method may include: the step of operating the hand-operable member to position the push element so as to press the button while the handle holder holds the window handle; and/or the step of operating the hand-operable member to position the push element so as to stop pressing the button while the handle holder holds the window handle.

When the handle actuator lever includes a key retention element for holding a key for operating the lock or latch of the button, the method may include the step of operating the hand-operable member to position the key retention element so as to use the key to operate the lock or latch.

The features and advantages of the device of the first aspect of the invention and its embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the features and advantages of the method of the second aspect of the invention and its embodiments.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, and the claims and/or the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 to 3 respectively show perspective views of a handle actuator lever of a window opening and closing device; Figures 4 to 7 respectively show top, side, front and rear views of a handle actuator lever of a window opening and closing device; Figure 8 to 11 show an exemplary operation of a window opening and closing device; and Figures 12 and 13 respectively show front and rear views of another handle actuator lever of a window opening and closing device.

The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interests of clarity and conciseness.

Windows that are hard to reach encourage people to stand on elevated surfaces in order to open and close the windows, thereby risking injuries or falls. Also, such windows tend to be left unlocked due to the difficulty in using a key to reach the window, which puts the house at risk from burglars and compromises the homeowner's insurance.

A window opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 and is designated generally by the reference numeral 30. The window opening and closing device 30 is for opening and closing a window. The window has a window handle 34 which when turned allows the window to be opened or closed. The window handle 34 includes a button 36 that can be pressed to allow the window handle 34 to be turned. The button 36 includes a lock which when locked prevents the button 36 from being pressed and when unlocked allows the button 36 to be pressed.

The invention enables the user to easily and safely unlock or lock the lock, press the button 36, turn the window handle 34 and open and close the window without having to climb onto an elevated surface or stretch to reach the window. Thus, the window can be opened or closed from a normal standing position with both feet on the floor. This applies, but is not limited to, windows that are physically out of reach of the user.

The window opening and closing device 30 comprises a hand-operable member and a handle actuator lever 38.

The hand-operable member includes an elongate member in the form of a pole 40. The pole 40 may be made out of a lightweight material, such as carbon fibre, plastic, polymer or aluminium. A first end of the pole 40 includes a grip handle, preferably a rubber grip handle, that is held by a user when operating the pole 40. The length of the pole 40 is configured to allow the user to position the handle actuator lever 38 to reach the window handle 34. The length of the pole 40 may have a fixed length. To increase the length of the pole 40, the pole 40 may be configured to be telescopic or may be attached to a pole extender. In the embodiment shown the pole 40 is straight, but in other embodiments the pole 40 may be angled or curved.

The handle actuator lever 38 is pivotally connected to an opposite, second end 42 of the pole 40. Exemplarily the handle actuator lever 38 may include two pivot blocks 44 that flank the second end 42 of the pole 40, with a longitudinal member (e.g. a bolt) securing the pivot blocks 44 to the second end 42. Other pivotal connections are envisaged.

The handle actuator lever 38 includes a handle holder 48 and a push element 50. The handle actuator lever 38 may be made out of a lightweight material, such as carbon fibre, plastic, polymer or aluminium. The handle holder 48 and the push element 50 are preferably formed as an integral piece.

The handle holder 48 includes a tubular portion in the form of a loop 52 for holding the window handle. A grip portion, preferably a rubber grip portion, may be formed on an inner surface of the loop 52 to reduce slippage and thereby improve the holding of the window handle. The handle holder 48 is formed at a distal end of the handle actuator lever 38 relative to the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever 38 and the pole 40. The pivotal connection is such that the handle actuator lever 38 is pivotable relative to the pole 40 so as to change an angle of extension between the handle actuator lever 38 and the pole 40. The angle of extension may be adjusted to fold the handle actuator lever 38 and the pole 40 together. Preferably the handle actuator lever 38 is arranged to be flush with the pole 40 when the handle actuator lever 38 and the pole 40 are folded together.

The push element 50 is shaped as a pyramid that is formed at a proximal end of the handle actuator lever 38 relative to the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever 38 and the pole 40. In particular, the push element 50 is located at the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever 38 and the pole 40 at the end of the pole 40. In other embodiments, the push element 50 may be shaped as a cone or otherwise may include a protruding or pointed end (e.g. a beak) for pressing the button.

In the embodiment shown, the push element 50 is configured so that an axis of the protruding or pointed end of the push element 50 extends radially from a pivot axis of the pivotal connection. Preferably this allows the handle actuator lever 38 to be pivoted so that the axis of the protruding or pointed end of the push element 50 may be coaxially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the pole 40.

In other embodiments, the push element 50 may be configured so that an axis of the protruding or pointed end of the push element 50 may be offset from a pivot axis of the pivotal connection so the tubular portion and the protruding or pointed end of the push element 50 are located on opposite sides of the pivotal connection. Preferably this allows the handle actuator lever 38 to be pivoted so that an axis of the protruding or pointed end of the push element 50 may be parallel with but offset from a longitudinal axis of the pole 40. This reduces the risk of slippage of the handle actuator lever 38 through positive engagement when the window opening and closing device 30 is being used.

The handle actuator lever 38 includes a key retention element in the form of a slot 54 that is formed in the handle holder 48. A key 56 may be inserted into the slot 54 when it is required to operate the lock, and the key 56 can be removed from the slot 54 when it is not required to operate the lock. The slot 54 has an opening 58 at a side of the handle holder 48 that permits the key 56 to be inserted into or removed from the slot 54. The slot 54 has another opening 60 formed at an end of the handle holder 48, where the opening 60 is sized to permit a blade of the key 56 to pass therethrough but restrict a bow or head of the key 56 from passing therethrough. In this way the key 56 does not come loose from the slot 54 when used to operate the lock.

In other embodiments of the invention, the slot 54 may be configured to prevent removal of the key 56 so that the key 56 is permanently installed in the slot 54. In still other embodiments of the invention, the key retention element may include a block that can be inserted into or removed from the loop 52, where the key 56 is insertable into or removable from a slot 54 formed in the block.

A method of operating the window opening and closing device 30 to open and close the window is described as follows, with reference to Figures 8 to 11.

Initially the window is closed and the lock is locked.

The user inserts a key 56 into the slot 54. Alternatively the key 56 may already be inserted into the slot 54.

Figure 8 shows the window opening and closing device 30 before it engages the window handle 34.

The handle actuator lever 38 is unfolded to be at a non-zero angle relative to the pole 40, e.g. at a right angle to the pole 40. The user operates the pole 40 to move the handle actuator lever 38 towards the window handle 34 and thereby insert the key 56 into a keyhole of the lock, as shown in Figure 9. By rotating the pole 40, the user uses the key 56 to unlock the lock and thereby release the button 36. After unlocking, the pole 40 is pulled to withdraw the key 56 from the keyhole. The key 56 can then be removed from or left in the slot 54.

Next, the user operates the pole 40 to position the loop 52 around the window handle 34 so as to hold the window handle 34, as shown in Figure 10. Once the loop 52 is holding the window handle 34, the user positions the pole 40 so that the pointed end of the push element 50 positively engages the keyhole. The user then pushes the pole 40 so that the push element 50 presses the button 36. The location of the push element 50 at the pivotal connection at the end of the pole 40 makes it easier for the user to apply the necessary force to push the button 36.

As shown in Figure 11, the user then rotates the pole 40 to turn the window handle 34 held by the loop 52, which in turn allows the window to be opened by further pushing the pole 40. The pointed end of the push element 50 positively located in the keyhole creates a pivot point for the turning of the window handle 34, thus providing better control over the window handle turning which can be beneficial for weaker people.

To close the window, the user first pulls on the pole 40. When the window is fully closed, the user then rotates the pole 40 to turn the window handle 34 held by the loop 52. Again, the pointed end of the push element 50 positively located in the keyhole creates a pivot point for the turning of the window handle 34.

Once the window handle 34 returns to its original position, the user pulls the pole 40 to disengage the push element 50 from the button 36 and positions the pole 40 to remove the loop 52 from around the window handle 34.

Finally the user operates the pole 40 to insert the key 56 into the keyhole before rotating the pole 40 to re-lock the lock. The key 56 is then withdrawn from the keyhole by withdrawing the pole 40.

In other embodiments of the invention, the handle holder 48 may include an open-sectioned portion 62 for holding the window handle 34. The handle holder may have a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. In use, the open-sectioned portion 62 remains capable of holding the window handle 34 so that it can rotate the window handle sideways, e.g. clockwise or anti-clockwise. However, the U-shaped cross-section of the open-sectioned portion 62 does not allow the handle holder 48 to pull the window handle 34 in order to close the window. In order to close the window, the window opening and closing device 30 may include a window handle pulling device (such as a loop), which may be attached to the pole 40 (e.g. to the opposite end of the pole 40). In use, the loop can be placed around the window handle 34 so that the user may use the loop to close the window by pulling. The loop may be made out of any material such as plastic, fabric, leather or rubber. The loop may be attached to the pole 40 by designing the rubber grip handle to be hollow, inserting the loop into and through the rubber grip handle so that it sticks out of the rubber grip handle, and fixing the rubber grip handle to the first end of the pole 40 so that the loop is secured to the first end of the pole 40.

In further embodiments of the invention, the window opening and closing device 30 may include a support handle at an intermediate position between the first and second ends of the pole 40. The support handle may be a lever that is pivotally attached to the pole 40 at the intermediate position so that the support handle can be rotated between a use position and a storage position. In the use position, the support handle extends away from the pole 40. In the storage position, the support handle lies adjacent to the pole, preferably lying flush with the pole 40. The purpose of the support handle is to enable the user to hold the pole 40 in one hand and hold the support handle in the other hand in order to make it easier to rotate the pole 40.

The listing or discussion of an apparently prior-published document or apparently prior-published information in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or information is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features and parameters of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A window opening and closing device for opening and closing a window, the window comprising a window handle having a button being pressable to permit actuation of the window handle to open or close the window, wherein the window opening and closing device comprises a hand-operable member and a handle actuator lever, the handle actuator lever pivotally connected to the hand-operable member, the handle actuator lever including: a handle holder for holding the window handle; and a push element for pressing the button.
2. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 1 wherein the handle actuator lever is pivotally connected to an end of the hand-operable member.
3. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle holder is formed at a distal end of the handle actuator lever relative to the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member.
4. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle actuator lever is pivotable relative to the hand-operable member so as to change an angle of extension between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member.
5. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 4 wherein the handle actuator lever is pivotable relative to the hand-operable member so as to fold the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member together.
6. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 5 wherein the handle actuator lever is arranged to be flush with the hand-operable member when the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member are folded together.
7. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the push element is formed at a proximal end of the handle actuator lever relative to the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member.
8. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 7 wherein the push element is located at the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member.
9. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 7 or Claim 8 when dependent from Claim 2 wherein the push element is located at the pivotal connection between the handle actuator lever and the hand-operable member at the end of the hand-operable member.
10. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the push element is configured so that an axis of the push element extends radially from a pivot axis of the pivotal connection.
11. A window opening and closing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the push element is configured so that an axis of the push element is offset from a pivot axis of the pivotal connection.
12. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the push element includes a protruding end for pressing the button.
13. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the push element includes a pointed end for pressing the button.
14. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the push element is shaped as a cone or pyramid.
15. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle holder includes a tubular portion for holding the window handle.
16. A window opening and closing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14 wherein the handle holder includes an open-sectioned portion for holding the window handle.
17. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle actuator lever includes a key retention element for holding a key for operating a lock or latch of the button.
18. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 17 wherein the key retention element is spaced apart from the push element.
19. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 wherein the key retention element is formed in or on the handle holder.
20. A window opening and closing device according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 wherein the key retention element is detachably insertable into the handle holder.
21. A window opening and closing device according to any one of Claims 17 to 20 wherein the key retention element is configured for removably holding the key.
22. A window opening and closing device according to any one of Claims 17 to 20 wherein the key retention element is configured for permanently holding the key.
23. A window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the hand-operable member includes an elongate member.
24. A method of operating a window opening and closing device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method including the steps of: operating the hand-operable member to position the handle holder so as to hold the window handle; and operating the hand-operable member to actuate the window handle so as to open or close the window.
25. A method according to Claim 24 including: the step of operating the hand-operable member to position the push element so as to press the button while the handle holder holds the window handle; and/or the step of operating the hand-operable member to position the push element so as to stop pressing the button while the handle holder holds the window handle.