GB2630685A

GB2630685A - Window restrictor

Info

Publication number: GB2630685A
Application number: GB2407185.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hedley Fletcher Peter
Original assignee: J Banks and Co Ltd
Current assignee: J Banks and Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-05-22
Filing date: 2024-05-21
Publication date: 2024-12-04
Also published as: GB202407185D0; GB202307630D0

Abstract

A window restrictor 10 has a first arm 20 pivoted to a frame mount 12 and a second arm 24 pivoted to window mount 14; first and second arms pivotally coupled 28 to rotate between folded (closed) position and an unfolded position approximately 180 degrees and pivoting further preferably beyond 180 to 190 degrees providing an over-centre hold open position. The restrictor permits limited opening of the window, providing child safe window opening. The first arm may include a wall element 32 as an upstanding lip against which the second arm 24 may abut providing a stop surface to limit rotation; the wall 32 may include an angled stop (30) with and end 38 abutting edge 36 of the second arm. A releasable locking mechanism may permit un-coupling/release of the first arm permitting unrestricted complete opening of a window. The first arm may include a peg received in recess and secured by the locking mechanism release by a key. One of the arms may include a projection to be received by a recess in the other arm providing a detent retaining means.

Description

WINDOW RESTRICTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a window restrictor, and in particular to a releasable window restrictor suited for the windows of multi-storey buildings such as high-rise flats. The restrictor can, however, be useful for windows at or below ground level. The restrictor can also be used for opening panels other than windows, but for simplicity this description refers only to windows (and for which the invention is io expected to have the greatest utility).

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

is The safety concerns arising because of openable windows in high-rise buildings have long been recognised, and have been highlighted by reports of children opening such windows and falling from considerable heights. It has, however, proved unacceptable to the occupants to have all windows permanently sealed and unopenable.

Window restrictors have therefore been developed which can restrict or limit the distance by which the window may be opened, such as the restrictors disclosed in GB 2 263 934 and GB 2 391 901 for example. Both of these prior art restrictors allow normal opening and closing movement of the window by way of the operating handle, but with the opening movement restricted to a distance determined by the restrictor (which distance may be around 10 cm for example). It is thereby arranged that the window cannot be opened sufficiently far for a child to fall out of the opened window.

Both of these prior art restrictors are designed to be located in the gap between the window and frame and are not normally visible when the window is closed. Both of these restrictors can also be disabled or released in order to allow the window to be fully opened when desired, for example to escape the building in the event of a fire or to allow the periodic cleaning of the outside of the window from inside the building. GB 2 391 901 requires a key to be inserted in order to release the restrictor and it can be arranged that the key is kept in a location which is not accessible to children. GB 2 263 934 requires manual dexterity to release the restrictor and it is intended that the manual dexterity is such that very young children are unable, or at least not likely to be able, to release the restrictor.

A further development of a window restrictor is to utilise the restrictor also to hold a window open. If the window is hinged along its top edge the weight of the window io can act to close an open window and regardless of the location of the hinges the wind can act to close an open window. A restrictor which has been modified to hold a window open is shown in Fig.1.

The restrictor 1 of Fig.1 is generally similar to that disclosed in GB 2 263 934. As disclosed in that document, the restrictor includes a base plate 3 which is typically secured to the frame surrounding the window. An arm 5 is pivotably mounted to the base plate and a spring (not shown) biases the arm in the clockwise direction as drawn. The window carries a peg (not shown) which can be located in a slot 7 in the arm, and can slide along the slot as the window is moved. When the window is in its closed position the arm 5 is aligned substantially parallel with the base plate 3 and the peg is located close to the proximal end of the slot 5. As the window is opened the spring biases the arm clockwise so that the edge 9 of the slot is pressed against the peg of the window.

Fig.1 shows the limit position of the restrictor 1; further clockwise movement beyond that position is prevented by the engagement of the arm 5 with a stop 11. Accordingly, when the peg reaches the distal end of the slot 7 and the arm 5 engages the stop 11, further opening movement of the window is prevented. The gap 13 in the arm allows the peg to be released for full opening movement of the window when desired.

The restrictor 1 has an extension 15 at the distal end of the slot 7. It will be understood that when the peg is located in the extension 15 the arm 5 will resist closing movement of the window, whereas without the extension the peg would slide along the slot 16 as the window is closed.

Restrictors of the type shown in Fig.1 are commonly identified as having a "hold-open" facility. Manufacturing standards apply to window restrictors of this type in the UK and elsewhere, both in terms of the opening force they must withstand when the window is in its restricted position, and also in terms of the closing force they must withstand when the window is in the hold-open position.

io As above explained, the arm 5 of the window restrictor 1 is spring biased in the clockwise direction as drawn. The arm is therefore biased so that the peg automatically enters the extension 15 as the window is opened to its restricted position. The hold-open facility is therefore engaged automatically. Most homeowners will be aware of the automatic engagement of the hold-open facility is and will know to push the arm anticlockwise as viewed in order to release the peg from the extension 15 before the window is closed.

However, in buildings with shared occupancy such as commercial premises and student accommodation (for example), the person seeking to close the window may not be aware of the hold-open facility (and may not even be aware of the window restrictor). It is known in such situations for the person to seek to force the window closed without releasing the hold-open feature, perhaps believing that the window has simply become stuck in the partially opened position. Such attempted forced closure can result in damage to the restrictor and/or to the window. The typical location of the window restrictor in the gap between the window and the frame make it less obtrusive and therefore less likely to be noticed during attempts to close the window, which increases the likelihood that the attempts to force the window closed will continue (or escalate).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a window restrictor with a hold-open facility which avoids or at least reduces the likelihood of forced closure of the 5 window without first releasing the hold-open feature.

It is another object of the invention to provide a window restrictor which can be disabled or released to permit full opening of the window when desired. It is a further object to require a key to disable the window restrictor.

It is another object of the invention to provide a window restrictor which can fit into the gap between the window and frame. Such a window restrictor can be substantially hidden from view when the window is closed, and can be unobtrusive when the window is open.

According to the invention there is provided a window restrictor having a first part and a second part configured for securing to a window and to a frame for the window respectively, a first arm pivotably mounted to the first part, a second arm pivotably mounted to the second part, the first and second arms being interconnected at a pivot joint, the arms being relatively movable through an angle of approx. 180° between a folded condition and an unfolded condition, in which the arms can pivot to a relative position beyond the unfolded condition.

Preferably the first and second arms are substantially parallel and overlapping in 25 the folded condition. Preferably also the first and second arms are substantially parallel and aligned end-to-end in the unfolded condition.

Desirably, the first and second arms are relatively movable through an angle greater than 180° between the folded condition and a hold-open condition. Preferably, the first and second arms are relatively movable through an angle of approx. 190° between the folded condition and the hold-open condition. Accordingly, the arms can be pivoted by around 10° beyond the unfolded (aligned end-to-end) condition.

Alternatively stated, the arms can articulate relative to one another through an angle which is larger than 180° and during that articulation the arms move from a folded condition through an unfolded condition to a hold-open condition.

Larger or smaller angles than approx. 10° between the unfolded condition and the hold-open position can be provided if desired. The angle should be large enough that there is a clear additional pivoting movement to the hold-open condition so that the user is made aware that the restrictor has been moved to that condition. The angle should not, however, be so large than the window opening is significantly o reduced from the unfolded condition to the hold-open condition. An angle of additional pivoting movement of between approx. 8° and approx. 15° is believed to be suitable, with angles between approx. 10° and approx. 12° being preferred.

The window restrictor preferably has a stop to limit the relative pivoting movement is of the first and second arms, and thereby define the hold-open condition. Desirably the stop is mounted on the first arm or the second arm, and preferably on the first arm.

Preferably, the stop is provided by a wall element of one of the arms, which wall element can be engaged by a part of the other arm. Desirably, the wall element lies adjacent to the pivot joint. Preferably, the wall element extends past (i.e. to both sides of) the pivot joint. It can be arranged that the other arm engages the side of the wall element in the hold-open condition. Alternatively or additionally it can be arranged that the other arm has an edge which engages an end of the wall element in the hold-open condition.

The first arm and/or the second arm can be reinforced adjacent to the pivot joint to provide additional support for the pivot joint.

The first arm and the second arm can alternatively or additionally be reinforced adjacent to the stop to provide additional material defining the stop. Providing additional material defining the stop will reduce the likelihood that the stop will become damaged or distorted by repeated use.

The reinforcement adjacent to the pivot joint and/or adjacent to the stop can be provided by a thickening of the material of one or both of the arms in those locations, or by the addition of a reinforcing wall, flange or the like.

The first arm is preferably substantially planar. The first arm is preferably elongate.

The second arm is preferably substantially planar. The second arm is preferably elongate.

The first and second arms can be of similar lengths.

It is preferably arranged that the first arm and the second arm will substantially overlap or overlie one another in the folded condition. Arms which are substantially 15 planar can be made sufficiently thin that they can be located in the gap between the window and frame in the folded condition.

Preferably, the first arm is releasably mounted to the first part. Desirably, a key is required to release the first arm from the first part. Releasing the first arm from the 20 first part disables or releases the restrictor and enables full opening of the window.

Preferably, the first arm has a peg which can be releasably located in a recess of the first part. Desirably, the peg is circular and the recess is at least part-circular whereby the peg can rotate in the recess.

Desirably, the second arm is permanently connected to the second part. Preferably, the permanent connection enables the second arm to pivot relative to the second part.

Preferably, the first arm is permanently connected to the second arm by the pivot joint.

Preferably, the window restrictor has a detent mechanism to hold the window restrictor in the hold-open condition. A detent mechanism will not be required in all applications but can provide further security to maintain the window restrictor in the hold-open position as against wind buffeting for example.

Desirably, the detent mechanism comprises a projection of one of the arms which can locate into a shallow recess of the other of the arms. Desirably also the projection and recess are located close to the pivot joint. The projection may be a ball bearing for example. Such a detent mechanism can take advantage of local o thickening of the arms adjacent to the pivot joint.

Alternatively, the detent mechanism can comprise a pair of attracting magnets located adjacent to the pivot joint.

is In known fashion, the first part and the second part have openings to receive fastenings by which they can be secured to the window and frame as required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.1 shows a plan view of a prior art window restrictor with a hold-open facility; Fig.2 shows a perspective view of a window restrictor according to the present invention, in the unfolded condition; Fig.3 shows a plan view of the window restrictor in the unfolded condition; Fig.4 shows a plan view of the window restrictor in the hold-open condition; Fig.5 shows a side view of the window restrictor in the hold-open condition; Fig.6 shows a perspective view of the window restrictor in the folded condition; Fig.7 shows a perspective view of the window restrictor in the released or disabled condition; Fig.8 shows a side view of the window restrictor in the released condition; and Fig.9 shows a view of the window restrictor in use, with a part of the window and io a part of the frame to which the restrictor is mounted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

is A detailed description of Fig.1 is provided above and will not be repeated.

The window restrictor according to the present invention is shown in Figs. 2-8, and also in use in Fig.9.

The window restrictor 10 has a first part 12 and a second part 14. In this embodiment the first part 12 is configured for mounting to a window frame 16 (Fig.9) and the second part 14 is configured for mounting to an opening window 18 (Fig.9). It will be understood, however, that the positions of the first and second parts can be reversed, and also that the window restrictor 10 can be used for restricting the opening of panels other than windows.

A first arm 20 is mounted to the first part 12 by a peg 22. The peg 22 can either rotate relative to the first part 12 or the first arm 20 can rotate relative to the peg 22 (or both), whereby the first arm 20 can pivot relative to the first part 12.

A second arm 24 is mounted to the second part 14 by a rivet 26. The rivet 26 can either rotate relative to the second part 14 or the second arm 24 can rotate relative to the rivet 26 (or both), whereby the second arm 24 can pivot relative to the second part 14.

The first arm 20 and the second arm 24 are interconnected at a pivot joint 28. The 5 pivot joint 28 can be provided by a rivet or other connector which allows relative pivoting movement or articulation of the first and second arms.

The first arm 20 and the second arm 24 are thereby able to articulate between a folded condition as shown in Fig.6 and an unfolded condition as shown in Figs. 2 io and 3. The arms 20, 24 move through a relative angle of approx. 180° between the folded and unfolded conditions and it will be seen that the arms are substantially parallel and overlapping in the folded condition of Fig.6 and are substantially parallel and aligned end-to-end in the unfolded condition of Figs. 2 and 3.

is Figs. 4 and 5 show the window restrictor in its hold-open condition. It will be appreciated that the arms 20, 24 have moved beyond the unfolded condition of Figs. 2 and 3, i.e. they have moved through a larger relative angle, to reach the hold-open condition. In this embodiment the arms have moved through a further angle a beyond the parallel unfolded condition. In this embodiment the angle a is approx. 12° so that in total the arms articulate through a relative angle of approx. 192° between the folded condition and the hold-open condition. An angle a of 12° is sufficient to ensure that the user must make a positive effort to push the arms to the hold-open condition, and is also sufficient to ensure that the user is made aware that the window restrictor has been moved to the hold-open condition. The angle is, however, not so large that the accompanying closing movement of the window as the restrictor moves from the unfolded condition to the hold-open condition is significant.

The window restrictor 10 has a stop 30 to limit the relative pivoting movement of 30 the arms 20, 24, which stop defines the hold-open condition. In this embodiment the stop 30 is mounted on the first arm 20 and is engaged by the second arm 24, but this could be reversed if desired.

The first arm 20 has a wall element 32. In this embodiment it is optionally arranged that the height of the wall element 32 closely matches the thickness of the second arm 24 so that in the folded condition of Fig.6 the second arm 24 lies snugly against the wall element 32.

As seen in Figs. 2-4 the wall element 32 extends past the pivot joint 28 and the extension provides the stop 30. The second arm 24 has a cut-out 34 of a size and shape to accommodate and engage the stop 30. As seen in Fig.4, in the hold-open position the stop 30 engages the cut-out 34 of the second arm 24. In addition, the o edge 36 of the cut-out 34 engages the end 38 of the wall element 32 and stop 30.

Arrangements in which a part of the second arm 24 can engage the end 38 of the wall element 32 are preferred since that provides a reliable and repeatable stop for the articulation of the arms. Thus, it will be understood that repeated use of the is hold-open facility will cause repeated engagements of the stop 30 and cut-out 34. Over time those repeated engagements may cause a part of the stop to distort sideways and result in the articulation angle a increasing unintentionally. Also, attempts to forcibly close the window without releasing the hold-open facility will act to cause over-articulation of the pivot joint 28 which might also distort a part of the stop 30. The engagement of the edge 36 with the end 38 is expected to be more resistant to distortion and damage.

In addition, it will be seen from Fig.5 in particular that the first arm 20 and the second arm 24 are reinforced adjacent to the pivot joint 28 to further reduce the likelihood of distortion and damage to the stop 30 and/or to the cut-out 34. In this embodiment additional material is added to the underside of the first arm 20 and to the underside of the second arm 24, thereby providing further support for the stop 30 and the cutout 34, and directly increasing the contact area between the edge 36 and the end 38 as seen.

It will be seen that the first arm 20 and the second arm 24 are of similar lengths. This minimises the size (length) of the window restrictor in the folded condition of Fig.6. Fig.6 also shows that the first arm 20 and the second arm 24 substantially overlap in the folded condition.

Fig.7 shows the window restrictor in a released or disabled condition. The peg 22 5 of the first arm 20 can be releasably secured in a recess 40 of the first part 12. The peg 22 is of circular cross-section and as seen in Fig.8 is mushroom-headed. The recess 40 is also of circular cross-section and has an opening which is sized to accommodate the enlarged head 42 of the peg 22. The first part 12 has a lock 44 which with the correct key (not shown) can retract a lock plate (not seen) which io slides across the recess 40. In known fashion it is arranged that the lock plate can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position the lock plate overlies a part of the enlarged head 42 and retains the peg 22 in engagement with the first part 12. In the unlocked position the lock plate does not overlie the enlarged head 42 and the peg 22 can be removed from the recess 40.

Whilst it is not visible in the drawings, the window restrictor 10 has a detent mechanism. In this embodiment the detent mechanism comprises a ball bearing mounted to the first arm 20 adjacent to the pivot joint 28. The ball bearing projects by a small distance from the top surface of the first arm in the direction towards the second arm 24. The second arm 24 has a shallow recess facing the first arm and which can accommodate the projecting ball bearing when the arms 20, 24 are in the hold over condition. It will be understood that the detent mechanism provides additional security to maintain the window restrictor in its hold-open condition.

In other embodiments the ball bearing is mounted to the second arm and the shallow depression is in the first arm; in further embodiments the ball bearing is replaced by a projection formed in the material of the arm; in yet further embodiments the detent mechanism is provided by a pair of attracting magnets mounted to the respective arms.

Notwithstanding that the specific description, and much of the general description, refer to a window restrictor, it will be understood that the invention can be utilised with panels other than windows. The term "window" herein should therefore not be interpreted as limiting the invention to particular applications.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A window restrictor having a first part and a second part configured for securing to a window and to a frame for the window respectively, a first arm pivotably mounted to the first part, a second arm pivotably mounted to the second part, the first and second arms being interconnected at a pivot joint, the arms being relatively movable through an angle of approx. 180° between a folded condition and an unfolded condition, in which the arms can pivot to a relative position beyond the unfolded condition.
2. The window restrictor according to claim 1 in which the relative position beyond the unfolded condition is a hold-open condition.
3. The window restrictor according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the first and second arms are substantially parallel and overlapping in the folded condition.
4. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-3 in which the first and second arms are substantially parallel and aligned end-to-end in the unfolded condition.
5. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 2-4 in which the first and second arms are relatively movable through an angle greater than 180° between the folded condition and the hold-open condition.
6. The window restrictor according to claim 5 in which the first and second arms are relatively movable through an angle of approx. 190° between the folded condition and the hold-open condition.
7. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 2-6 having a stop to limit the relative pivoting movement of the first and second arms, the stop defining the hold-open condition.
8. The window restrictor according to claim 7 in which the stop is mounted on the first arm.
9. The window restrictor according to claim 7 or claim 8 in which the stop is provided by a wall element.
10. The window restrictor according to claim 9 in which the wall element lies adjacent to the pivot joint.in
11. The window restrictor according to claim 9 or claim 10 in which the wall element extends to both sides of the pivot joint.
12. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 7-11 in which the stop has an end which is engageable with an edge of another part of the restrictor is in the hold-open condition.
13. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 7-12 in which the stop is reinforced.
14. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-13 in which the first arm and/or the second arm is reinforced adjacent to the pivot joint.
15. The window restrictor according to claim 13 or claim 14 in which the reinforcement is provided by localised thickening.
16. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-15 in which the first arm is substantially planar.
17. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-16 in which the first arm is elongate.
18. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-17 in which the second arm is substantially planar.
19. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-18 in which the second arm is elongate.
20. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-19 in which the first and second arms are of similar lengths.
21. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-20 in which the first arm and the second arm substantially overlap in the folded condition.
22. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-21 in which the first arm is releasably mounted to the first part.
23. The window restrictor according to claim 22 having locking means to secure the first arm to the first part.
24. The window restrictor according to claim 23 in which the first arm has a peg which can be releasably located in a recess of the first part.
25. The window restrictor according to claim 24 in which the peg can rotate in the recess.
26. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-25 in which the second arm is permanently connected to the second part.
27. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-26 in which the first arm is permanently connected to the second arm at the pivot joint.
28. The window restrictor according to any one of claims 1-27 having a detent mechanism.
29. The window restrictor according to claim 28 in which the detent mechanism comprises a projection of one of the arms which can locate into a recess of the other of the arms.
30. The window restrictor according to claim 29 in which the projection and recess are located adjacent to the pivot joint.