Opening and closing device and methods for window or door

Abstract

A window / door operating mechanism has a rotatable member having a first engagement surface engageable with a cut-out on a frame and a second engagement surface configured to slide along the frame, an arm extending radially from the rotatable member with a distal end that moves along a wing of the window / door, and an actuator assembly coupled to the rotatable member, the actuator assembly movable along an opening path. During movement along the opening path, the actuator assembly sequentially rotates the rotatable member to disengage the first engagement surface from the cut-out and slides the second engagement surface along the frame.

Description

OPENING AND CLOSING DEVICE AND METHODS FOR WINDOW OR DOORTechnical Field

[0001] Some embodiments relate to windows. In particular, some embodiments relate to apparatus or methods for opening and closing windows.Background of the Invention

[0002] There are many mechanisms available for opening and closing windows. However, the majority of these mechanisms present challenges to differently-abled persons. By way of one example, some mechanisms may be placed in relation to the window such that they are difficult to access by wheelchair-users. By way of another example, some mechanisms may require complex or compound motions to open or close the window, which may present challenges to users with neuromuscular disorders.

[0003] In many jurisdictions globally, legislation has been or will be passed that imposes requirements on the functioning of windows or doors, especially in public places, to prevent discrimination against the differently-abled. For example, in the United States, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and the regulations thereto place limits on the force required to open or close windows and doors. Many of the aforementioned mechanisms may not comply with these types of legislation.

[0004] Thus, there is a general desire for improved apparatus for opening and closing windows to address one or more of the above problems.

[0005] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

[0007] One aspect of the invention provides a device for opening and closing a window. The device comprises a frame track mounted to a frame of the window, the frame track including an opening end disposed proximate to an opening side of the frame, the opening side including one or more hinges connecting the frame to a sash, a closing end spaced apart in a closing direction from the opening end, and a cut-out formed in the frame track proximate the closing end, a sash track mounted to the sash, a carrier coupled to the frame track and configured to traverse along the frame track, a rotatable member retained by the carrier, the rotatable member rotatable about a central axis thereof and including a first engagement surface one or more of shaped and located to engage with a surface of the frame track when the rotatable member is in a sliding rotational position so as to prevent rotation of the rotatable member and allow longitudinal movement of the carrier, and a second engagement surface one or more of shaped and located to engage with the cut-out when the carrier is aligned with the cutout and the rotatable member is not in the sliding rotational position, so as to prevent longitudinal movement of the carrier, and an arm extending radially from the rotatable member, the arm including a distal end coupled to the sash track and configured to traverse along the sash track, and a handle assembly disposed on the frame track, the handle assembly configured to, in response to manipulation by a user, rotate the rotatable member to the sliding rotational position in an initiation phase wherein the second engagement surface is engaged with the cut-out and subsequently move the carrier longitudinally along the frame track in an adjustment phase wherein the first engagement surface is engaged with the surface of the frame track.

[0008] The arm may be substantially orthogonal to the frame track when the rotatable member is in the sliding rotational position.

[0009] The handle assembly may be movable relative to the carrier during the initiation phase to an opening position wherein the rotatable member is in the sliding rotational position.

[0010] The rotatable member may comprise a spur gear segment and the handle assembly may comprise a handle member configured to be slidably movable relative to the carrier, a handle extending from the handle member, and a rack gear meshed with the spur gear segment, and wherein in use, sliding movement of the handle memberrelative to the carrier during the initiation phase may rotate the rotatable member via meshing between the spur gear segment and the rack gear.

[0011] The handle member may include an abutment surface disposed adjacent the rack gear and selectively engageable with the rotatable member via sliding movement of the handle member relative to the carrier, and wherein in use when the abutment surface is engaged with the rotatable member movement of the handle member may move the carrier along the frame track in the adjustment phase.

[0012] The handle member may include a slot extending in an opening direction from the rack gear, and wherein in use during the initiation phase movement of the handle member in the closing direction may align the slot with the rotatable member and disengage the spur gear segment from the rack gear.

[0013] The sash track may include a frusto-cylindrical channel and the distal end of the arm may include a frusto-spherical knob engaged in the channel.

[0014] The one or more hinges may be disposed along a vertical jamb of the frame and and the frame track may be mounted to a sill of the frame. The one or more hinges may be disposed along a head frame or a sill of the frame and the frame track may be mounted to a vertical jamb of the frame.

[0015] The cut-out may be a first cut-out, and the frame track may comprise a second cut-out spaced apart in the opening direction. The device may further include a fire restrictor, the fire restrictor comprising an abutment member slidably coupled to the frame track, a camming member retained to the abutment member, the camming member including a camming surface configured to be engageable with the second cutout and a sliding surface configured to be engageable with the frame track surface for sliding movement along the frame track via rotation of the camming member, and a lever connected to the camming member and configured to be selectively moveable to rotate the camming member; and wherein in use when the camming surface is engaged with the second cut-out, the abutment member prevents movement of the carrier in the opening direction during the adjustment phase.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of opening a window, the window including a frame track disposed along a frame of the window and a sash track disposed along a sash of the window. The method comprises actuating a handleassembly along an opening path so as to rotate a rotatable member coupled to the frame track about a central axis thereof via a rack-and-pinion coupling between the handle assembly and the rotatable member, pivot an arm extending radially outward from the rotatable member about the central axis via rotation of the rotatable member, a distal end of the arm coupled to the sash track for sliding movement along the sash track, thereby pivoting the sash away from the frame via one or more hinges coupling the sash to the frame along a side of the frame via the distal end of the arm pushing on the sash.

[0017] The method may further comprise continuing to actuate the handle assembly in the opening direction so as to move the rotatable member in the opening direction via a carrier slidably coupled to the frame track, further pivoting the sash on the one or more hinges via the distal end of the arm pushing on the sash.

[0018] Rotation of the rotatable member during the step of continuing to actuate the handle assembly may be prevented by a sliding engagement surface of the rotatable member abutting against the frame track.

[0019] Translating motion of the rotatable member in the opening direction may be prevented by a rotating engagement surface of the rotatable member engaging with a cut-out formed in the frame track.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention provides a window / door operating mechanism. The mechanism comprises a rotatable member including a first engagement surface configured to engage with a cut-out on a window / door frame, and a second engagement surface spaced apart angularly from the first engagement surface and configured to slide along the window / door frame, an arm extending radially from the rotatable member, the arm including a distal end configured to contact and move along a wing of the window / door, and an actuator assembly coupled to the rotatable member, the actuator assembly configured to move along an opening path and, during moving along the opening path, sequentially rotate the rotatable member to disengage the first engagement surface from the cut-out, and slide the second engagement surface along the window / door frame away from the cut-out.

[0021] The actuator assembly may be configured to move along a closing path and, during moving along the closing path, sequentially move the rotating member to align with the cut-out, the rotatable member prevented from rotating by sliding contactbetween the second engagement surface and the window / door frame, and rotate the rotatable member to engage the first engagement surface with the cut-out.

[0022] The mechanism may include a carrier mountable to be slidably movable along the window / door frame, the carrier supporting the rotatable member when in use. The mechanism may include a frame track for mounting to the frame, the carrier slidably movable along the frame track when in use.

[0023] The mechanism may include a wing track for mounting to the wing, the distal end of the arm being coupled to the wing track for sliding movement along the wing when in use.

[0024] The opening path may be a straight line in an opening direction. The closing path may be a straight line in a closing direction, the closing direction opposing the opening direction.

[0025] The actuator assembly may comprise a spur gear segment mounted on the rotatable member, and an actuator member disposed on the frame, the actuator member including a rack gear meshing with or selectively engageable with the spur gear segment.

[0026] The actuator assembly may further include a handle mounted to the actuator member, the handle configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0027] The mechanism may comprise a fire restrictor configured for selective positioning along the opening path so as to prevent motion of the actuator assembly along the opening path. The fire restrictor may comprise an abutment member slidably coupled to the window / door frame, a camming member rotatably coupled to the abutment member, wherein the camming member is selectively rotatable from a first rotational position wherein a locking surface of the camming member engages with a second cut-out formed in the window / door frame to a second rotational position wherein a sliding surface of the camming member abuts the window / door frame.

[0028] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a front plan view of a window including an embodiment of a window opening mechanism according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a top sectional view of the Fig. 1 window and opening mechanism taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 .

[0032] Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a section view of the Fig. 1 window and opening mechanism taken along line U-U of Fig. 1.

[0034] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism.

[0035] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a frame track of the Fig. 1 window and opening mechanism.

[0036] Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the Fig. 6A frame track isolated from the window.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a top section view of a portion of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a carrier of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the Fig. 8 carrier.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a rotatable member of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a detail rear perspective view of Fig. 10 rotatable member engaged with a cut-out of the Fig. 6 frame track.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a detail perspective view of the Fig. 10 rotatable member with a first engagement surface of the rotatable member engaged with a frame track surface of the Fig. 6 frame track.

[0043] Fig. 13 is a detail top section view of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism in an open configuration.

[0045] Fig. 15 is a detail perspective view of the Fig. 10 rotatable member and a handle assembly of the Fig. 1 opening mechanism.

[0046] Fig. 16 is an exploded view of the Fig. 15 rotatable member and handle assembly.

[0047] Figs. 17A-17C (including Fig. 17AA) are a sequence of bottom section views showing the Fig. 15 rotatable member and handle assembly moving from a closed position to a partially open position.

[0048] Figs. 18A-18C are a sequence of bottom perspective views showing the Fig. 15 rotatable member and handle assembly moving from a closed position to a partially open position.

[0049] Figs. 19A-19C are a sequence of bottom views showing the Fig. 1 opening mechanism moving from a closed position to a partially open position.

[0050] Figs. 20A-20C are a sequence of top section views showing the Fig. 1 window and opening mechanism moving from a closed position to a partially open position.

[0051] Figs. 21A-21C are a sequence of perspective views showing the Fig. 1 window and opening mechanism moving from a closed position to a partially open position.

[0052] Fig. 22 is a detail perspective view of the Fig. 1 window and opening mechanism in a fully open position.

[0053] Fig. 23 is a detail perspective view of an embodiment of a window opening mechanism including a moveable fire restrictor.

[0054] Fig. 24 is a bottom view of the Fig. 23 opening mechanism.

[0055] Fig. 25 is a detail perspective view of the Fig. 23 fire restrictor.

[0056] Fig. 26 is a rear perspective view of the Fig. 23 fire restrictor.

[0057] Fig. 27 is an exploded view of the Fig. 23 fire restrictor.

[0058] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the Fig. 23 fire restrictor in a moveable configuration.Description of the Invention

[0059] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than restrictive, sense.

[0060] The invention provides a mechanism for opening and closing wings of fenestrations (e.g. windows and doors) that allow a user to open or close the wing by exerting force on a handle of the mechanism in a single or limited range of directions. The mechanism divides the opening motion of the wing (e.g. sash) into two stages: a pivoting motion of an arm that acts upon the sash to push the sash to pivot on its hinges, and a translational motion of the handle and arm to push the sash open further. In some embodiments, the handle is pivoted to provide the pivoting motion of the arm. In some embodiments, the handle is translationally moved relative to the arm and a mechanism is used to convert the translational movement into rotational movement to provide the pivoting motion of the arm.

[0061] One embodiment provides hardware for opening and closing a window. A handle is positioned to slide a carrier. The carrier is provided with a plurality of teeth that are engageable with a spur gear provided on a pin rotatably supported in a movable housing. The housing can move along a track. The track is provided with at least one recess at the closed position for receiving the pin. The pin can rotate when positioned within the recess, but otherwise has an abutment face which is in sliding engagement with the track when the pin is moved out of the recess.

[0062] Translational movement of the handle causes the spur gear on the pin to rotate the pin as the spur gear moves across a plurality of teeth. In alternative embodiments, the handle could be rotatable, and the rotatable handle could be used to directly rotate the pin rather than using the spur gear and plurality of teeth as illustrated. Once the carrier has moved so that a tailing edge of the carrier contacts the pin and the abutment face of the pin has been placed in sliding engagement with the track, the carrier can slide longitudinally along the track. As the carrier slides, an arm that is pivotally engaged with a track on the sash forces the window open.

[0063] Figures 1-24 show an example embodiment of a window opening apparatus 100 according to the invention, mounted to a window 50. Window 50 comprises a frame52. Frame 52 is generally rectangular and comprises a substantially horizontal sill 54, first and second vertical jambs 56, 58 extending upwards from sill 54, and a head frame 60 spaced apart from sill 54 and extending between first vertical jamb 56 and second vertical jamb 58. Window 50 includes a sash 62 pivotably coupled to frame 54 by one or more hinges 64 disposed on second vertical jamb 58 in the embodiment shown, such that sash 62 swings in an outward direction A (i.e. away from first vertical jamb 56, shown in Fig. 2) or in an inward direction B (i.e. towards first vertical jamb 56, also shown in Fig. 2). Movement of sash 62 in outward direction A “opens” window 50, while movement of sash 62 in inward direction B closes window 50. In other embodiments, hinge(s) 64 may be disposed on any of sill 54, head frame 60 and first vertical jamb 54.

[0064] Throughout this specification, a horizontal direction from first vertical jamb 56 towards second vertical jamb 58 is defined as an opening direction C, shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A horizontal direction from second vertical jamb 48 towards first vertical jamb 56 is defined as a closing direction D.

[0065] Window opening apparatus 100 is typically mounted to frame 50 on a frame element that is perpendicular to the jamb on which hinge(s) 64 are disposed. In the embodiment shown, window opening apparatus 100 is mounted to sill 54. It is preferable that window opening apparatus 100 be mounted to sill 54, since sill 54 is typically at a more accessible height than head frame 60, and since mounting to either of the vertical jambs 56, 58 requires a user to counteract gravity during at least one of the opening and closing operations. However, the skilled person will recognize that in other embodiments, window opening apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively be mounted to any one or more of head frame 60, first vertical jamb 54, and second vertical jamb 58 as required by where hinge(s) 64 are disposed, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0066] Window opening apparatus 100 comprises a frame track 102 mounted to sill 54 and a sash track 110 mounted to sash 62. In some embodiments, sash track 110 is disposed on sash 62 such that sash track 110 is substantially parallel to frame track 102 when the window is in a closed configuration (i.e. when sash 62 has contacted and is substantially co-planar with frame 50).

[0067] Figs 6A and 6B show an example embodiment of frame track 102. Frame track 102 comprises a closing frame track end 104 generally spaced apart from hinge(s) 64 (i.e. proximate to first vertical jamb 56 in the embodiment shown) and an opening frametrack end 106 generally proximate hinge(s) 64 (i.e. proximate to second vertical jamb 58 in the embodiment shown). Frame track 102 includes a track surface 108 extending substantially along a length of frame track 102. Frame track 102 includes a cut-out 112 formed through frame track 102 and intersecting track surface 108 generally proximate closing frame track end 104. Cut-out 112 may be frusto-cylindrical as shown, but this is not strictly required and other shapes are possible. Frame track 102 may be a prismatic rectangular bar as shown, but this is not strictly required and other shapes are possible.

[0068] Window opening assembly 100 includes a carrier 114 coupled to first track 102 for traversing movement along first track 102, i.e. in either of opening direction C and closing direction D. In some embodiments, carrier 114 is slidably movable along first track 102 between first track end 104 and second track end 106, but this is not strictly necessary and in other embodiments carrier 114 may be provided with wheels contacting first track 102 or other mechanisms allowing carrier 114 to traverse back and forth along first track 102. Carrier 114 includes a rotatable member 116 coupled to carrier 114 so as to be able to be selectively rotated relative to carrier 114. Carrier 114 may be selectively positioned along frame track 102 so that rotatable member 116 is aligned with cut-out 112 when window 50 is in the closed position as described below.

[0069] Figure 10 shows an example embodiment of rotatable member 116. Rotatable member 116 is rotatable about an axis 116A. Axis 116A may be substantially perpendicular to frame track 102 as shown. Rotatable member 116 may be generally cylindrical as shown and axis 116A may be central to cylindrical rotatable member 116 as shown, although this is not strictly necessary. Rotatable member 116 includes a first engagement surface 118 that can be rotated into contact with track surface 108. When first engagement surface 118 is in contact with track surface 108 (e.g. as best seen in FIG. 15), rotatable member 116 cannot be rotated and carrier 114 can freely traverse longitudinally along first track 102. Rotatable member 116 includes a second engagement surface 120 that, when carrier 114 aligns rotatable member 116 with cutout 112, can be rotated into engagement with cut-out 112. With second engagement surface 120 engaging cut-out 112, carrier 114 is prevented from traversing longitudinally along first track 102 (i.e. moved in opening direction C), but is permitted to rotate within cut-out 112 about axis 116A. In some embodiments, second engagement surface 120 is an outer surface of generally cylindrical rotatable member 116 as shown. In some embodiments, first engagement surface 118 may be formed by cutting away a semi- cylindrical segment from generally cylindrical rotatable member 116 as shown.

[0070] Rotatable member 116 includes an arm 122 attached thereto and extending radially outward therefrom, that is in a direction generally perpendicular to axis 116A. Arm 122 is pivotable relative to carrier 114 and first track 102 on rotatable member 116. That is, rotation of rotatable member 116 causes arm 122 to move angularly relative to first track 102 and carrier 114. Arm 122 includes a distal end 124 that is coupled to second track 110 for traversing motion along second track 110. In some embodiments, second track includes an undercut channel 126 (e.g. as seen in FIGs. 5 and 14). Channel 126 may be generally frusto-cylindrical in shape as shown. In some embodiments, distal end 124 includes a generally frusto-spherical knob 128 retained in channel 126.

[0071] Window opening assembly 100 includes a handle assembly 130 a user can manipulate to operate window opening assembly 100, thereby opening and closing window 50. Handle assembly 130 comprises a handle member 132 that is selectively engageable with rotatable member 116, and a handle 134 attached to handle member 132 which can be grasped and manipulated by a user.

[0072] In some embodiments, handle member 132 is arranged on frame track 102 around carrier 114. Handle member 132 is capable of a limited range of motion in the opening and closing directions C, D relative to carrier 114. Handle member 132 may be slidably coupled to carrier 114, but as shown in Fig. 14, for example, this is not strictly required. Handle member 132 includes a slot 136 disposed around rotatable member 116. Slot 136 may be formed through handle member 132 (e.g. a through-slot) or may be indented from a side of handle member 132 so as to form a closed slot with frame track 102 as shown (e.g. open-sided). Slot 136 includes an opening slot end 138 and a closing slot end 140. Handle member 132 is moveable (by manipulating handle 134) in opening direction C relative to carrier 114 until rotatable member 116 abuts closing slot end 140. Handle member 132 is moveable (by manipulating handle 134) in closing direction D relative to carrier 114 until rotatable member 116 abuts opening slot end 138. Thus, slot 136 and rotatable member 116 limit the range of motion of handle member 132 relative to carrier 114.

[0073] In some embodiments, slot 136 includes a rack gear 142 (best seen in Figs. 17A-17C) disposed proximate first slot end 138, and rotatable member 116 includes a spur gear segment 144 disposed concentrically with axis 116A. Rack gear 142 may be integral with handle member 130 as shown. Spur gear segment 144 and rack gear 142 form a rack-and-pinion coupling between handle member 132 and rotatable member116 Moving handle member 132 in opening direction C brings rack gear 142 into engagement with spur gear segment 144. Once rack gear 142 meshes with spur gear segment 144, further movement of handle member 132 will cause rack gear 142 to rotate spur gear segment 144 and therefore also rotate rotatable member 116.

[0074] From the closed position of window 50 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, window 50 can be opened by a user exerting force on handle 134 in opening direction C. Exerting force on handle 134 in opening direction C actuates window opening assembly 100 through two phases of motion: an initiation phase wherein rotatable member 116 is rotated, and an adjustment phase wherein carrier 114 moves in opening direction C towards and up to opening frame track end 106. During the initiation phase, relatively small movements of handle assembly 130 in opening direction C result in large changes in a degree of openness of window 50, due to arm 122 pivoting on rotatable member 116 and thereby pushing outward on sash track 110 and sash 62. In the adjustment phase, rotatable member 116 does not rotate and thus the angular orientation of arm 122 does not change. Accordingly, relatively small movements of handle assembly 130 in opening direction C result in small changes in the degree of openness of window 50, and thus finer adjustment of the degree of openness of window 50 is facilitated.

[0075] Figs. 17A-17C, 18A-18C, 19A-19C, 20A-20C, and 21A-21C show the sequence of motion comprising the initiation phase. The initiation phase comprises three subphases: a sliding sub-phase (depicted in Figs. 17A, 18A, 19A, 20A, and 21 A) wherein handle member 132 is moveable in opening direction C without moving or rotating rotatable member 116; an engagement sub-phase (depicted in Figs. 17B, 18B, 19B, 20B, and 21 B) wherein moving handle member 132 in opening direction C rotates rotatable member 116; and an abutment sub-phase (depicted in Figs. 17C, 18C, 19C, 20C, and 21C) wherein rotatable member 116 abuts closing slot end 140 and moving handle member 132 in opening direction C moves rotatable member 116 and carrier 114 in opening direction C. When window 50 is in the closed configuration, sash 62 is in contact with frame 52, sash track 110 is generally parallel to frame track 102, carrier 114 is positioned on frame track 102 proximate to first frame track end 104 such that rotatable member 116 is generally aligned with cut-out 112, rotatable member 116 is oriented so that second engagement surface 120 is engaged with cut-out 112 and arm 122 is generally parallel to frame track 102 and sash track 110, and handle assembly 130 is positioned relative to carrier 114 such that rotatable member 116 is generally proximate second slot end 140 (i.e. the window opening assembly 100 is in the slidingsub-phase of the initiation phase of the opening motion). From this position, a user applies force to handle 134 in opening direction C. Carrier 114 is prevented from movement due to engagement between second engagement surface 120 and cut-out 112. As a result the force applied in second direction B moves handle assembly 130 relative to carrier 114 and slot 136 relative to rotatable member 116 until rack gear 142 begins to mesh with spur gear segment 144 (i.e. the windowing opening assembly 100 is moved from the sliding sub-phase to the engagement sub-phase). Fig. 17AA shows the transition from the sliding sub-phase to the engagement sub-phase, where spur gear segment 144 has just started meshing with rack gear 142 and rotatable member 116 has just started rotating.

[0076] In the engagement sub-phase, application of force to handle 134 in opening direction C moves handle assembly 130 relative to carrier 114 and engagement between rack gear 142 and spur gear segment 144 rotates rotatable member 116. Therefore, arm 122 also pivots away from frame track 102, causing distal end 124 to push sash track 110 and sash 62 to pivot outwards on hinge(s) 64, thereby partially opening window 50. Second engagement surface 120 is also rotating out of engagement with cut-out 112 during the engagement sub-phase. The engagement sub-phase persists until handle member 132 has been moved in opening direction C far enough that rotatable member 116 abuts closing slot end 140 (i.e. the abutment sub-phase is entered). In the abutment sub-phase, second engagement surface 120 has been rotated out of engagement with cut-out 112. In the abutment sub-phase, arm 122 has pivoted away and pushed sash 62 into a partially open configuration, shown best in Fig. 21C.

[0077] From the abutment sub-phase, continuing to apply force to handle 134 in opening direction C initiates the adjustment phase. Rotatable member 116 abuts closing slot end 140 and handle assembly 130, carrier 114, rotatable member 116 and arm 122 move as a unit in opening direction C. Arm 122 pushes on sash track 110 and sash 62, pivoting sash 62 further outwards on hinge(s) 64. When carrier 114 has been moved proximate to opening frame track end 104, arm 122 has pushed sash 62 outwards into a fully open configuration, shown best in Fig. 22.

[0078] In the adjustment phase, if the user applies force to handle 134 in closing direction D, rack gear 142 is meshed with spur gear segment 144 and will attempt to rotate rotatable member 116. However, during the adjustment phase first engagement surface 118 is in contact with track surface 108, and accordingly rotation of rotatable member 116 is prevented. Therefore rack gear 142 locks with spur gear segment 144,causing handle assembly 130, rotatable member 116, carrier 114, and arm 122 to move as a unit longitudinally in closing direction D until rotatable member 116 is aligned with cut-out 112. Distal end 124 traverses correspondingly along sash track 110 and pulls on sash track 110 and sash 62 to pivot sash 62 on hinges 64 closer to frame 52, thereby partially closing window 50. Once carrier 114 aligns rotatable member 116 with cut-out 112, engagement surface 118 no longer contacts track surface 108 and rotatable member 116 is able to rotate again (i.e. abutment sub-phase of the initiation phase of motion is re-entered). Therefore, further force applied to handle 134 in closing direction D will cause relative motion between slot 136 and rotatable member 116, and more particularly relative motion between rack gear 142 and spur gear segment 144, thereby rotating rotatable member 116 and pivoting arm 122 to be substantially parallel with first track 102 again, closing window 50 (i.e. the engagement sub-phase). Once second engagement surface 120 is re-engaged with cut-out 112, any additional force applied to handle 134 in closing direction D will move handle assembly 130 relative to carrier 114 until second slot end 140 contacts rotatable member 116 (i.e. the sliding sub-phase).

[0079] In some embodiments, window assembly 100 includes a movable fire restrictor device 150 coupled to frame track 102. Figs. 25-28 show an example embodiment of fire restrictor device 150. Fire restrictor device 150 comprises an abutment member 152 coupled to and slidably moveable along frame track 102, and a camming member 154 coupled to abutment member 152 for rotatable movement relative to abutment member 152. In some embodiments, frame track 102 includes a second cut-out 146 disposed proximate open frame track end 106. Camming member 154 includes a sliding surface 156 and an angularly spaced apart camming surface 158. Camming member 154 is selectively rotatable between a first position wherein camming surface 158 engages with second cut-out 146 (see Fig. 25), and a second position wherein sliding surface 156 contacts track surface 108 (see Fig. 28). When camming surface 158 engages with second cut-out 146, abutment member 152 is prevented from sliding along frame track 102. When sliding surface 156 contacts track surface 108, abutment member 152 can freely slide along frame track 102. In some embodiments, camming member 154 includes a radially extending lever 160 operable to move camming member 154 between the first and second positions.

[0080] With camming member 154 in the second position, fire restrictor device 150 can be freely moved along frame track 102 and positioned to be aligned with second cut-out 146. Lever 160 can then be operated to move camming surface 158 into engagementwith second cut-out 146, thereby locking abutment member 152 in place. Abutment member 152 now limits the traversing motion of carrier 114, thereby limiting an extent to which sash 62 may be opened during the adjustment phase so as to, for example, prevent people or animals from falling through the open window. In the event of an emergency where egress through window 50 becomes desirable, for example during a fire, lever 160 can be operated to move sliding surface 156 into contact with track surface 108 and abutment member 152 can be moved proximate to second track end 106. Carrier 114 can now traverse the full length of frame track 102 (i.e. to second frame track end 106, thereby allowing window 50 to be opened to its greatest extent so as to allow egress.

[0081] In some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a handle directly coupled to the rotatable member (similar to 116) via a short pivot arm. The pivot arm extends generally radially from the rotatable member and in opposing directions to the arm coupled to the sash track. In the closed position, the handle lays flush against the frame track. To open the window, the user grasps the handle and pulls the handle outward from the frame so as to pivot the handle on the pivot arm, thereby rotating the rotatable member and causing the arm to push the sash track outward and partially open the window. When the handle is pivoted to a certain extent, for example through a 90 degree angle, the rotatable member may be rotated such that the second engagement surface is rotated out of engagement with the cut-out. From this position, the handle can then be pushed or pulled in the second direction (i.e. towards the hinges of the window) to fully open the window.

[0082] In some embodiments, the frame track may include one or more third cut-outs disposed along the frame track between the first cut-out and the second end of the frame track. A radius of the third cut-outs may be less than the radius of the first cut-out. The rotatable member may be generally tubular (i.e. having a central opening generally concentric with the central axis) and the second engagement surface has a first radius generally corresponding to a radius of the first cut-out. The pivot arm includes a pin that inserts into the central opening. The central opening may include an annular frictional clutch element to allow rotation of the pin to also rotate the rotatable member. The pin may include a generally flat third engagement surface that engages against the frame track surface, and a fourth curved engagement surface having a radius corresponding to the radius of the third cut-outs. When the carrier is aligned with the first cut-out, pivoting of the handle rotates the pin and the rotatable member together until the firstengagement surface and the third engagement surface engage with the frame track surface. The carrier can then slidably move along the frame track by pushing on the handle in the second direction. When the carrier is not aligned with the first cut-out or one of the third cut-outs, the first and third engagement surfaces of the rotatable member and the pin, respectively, abut the frame track surface, preventing pivoting of the handle. When the carrier is aligned with one of the third cut-outs, the first engagement surface of the rotatable member remains abutting the frame track surface, and rotation of the rotatable member is prevented. However, the pin is able to rotate within the third cut-out. Accordingly, the handle can be pivoted until the fourth engagement surface engages with the third cut-out, thereby preventing sliding movement of the carrier. Therefore, the window can be locked in a partially open position and will resist, for example, wind loading tending to close the window. Multiple third cut-outs can be provided to provide locking positions for progressively more open positions.Additional Embodiments

[0083] According to another embodiment of the invention, a fire restrictor comprises: a blocking member slidably moveable along a frame of a window, a camming member retained by the blocking member, the camming member including a camming surface and an opposing sliding surface, and a lever arm coupled to the camming member, the lever arm configured to rotate the camming member between a first position wherein the camming surface engages with a cut-out formed in the frame and a second position wherein the sliding surface contacts the frame, and wherein when the camming member is in the first position the blocking member prevents movement of an opening mechanism of the window.

[0084] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are consistent with the broadest interpretation of the specification as a whole.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 14 November 2024 (14.11.2024)Claims1. A device for opening and closing a window, the device comprising: a frame track mounted to a frame of the window, the frame track including: an opening end disposed proximate to an opening side of the frame, the opening side including one or more hinges connecting the frame to a sash; a closing end spaced apart in a closing direction from the opening end; and a cut-out formed in the frame track proximate the closing end; a sash track mounted to the sash; a carrier coupled to the frame track and configured to traverse along the frame track; a rotatable member retained by the carrier, the rotatable member rotatable about a central axis thereof and including: a first engagement surface one or more of shaped and located to engage with a surface of the frame track when the rotatable member is in a sliding rotational position so as to prevent rotation of the rotatable member and allow longitudinal movement of the carrier; and a second engagement surface one or more of shaped and located to engage with the cut-out when the carrier is aligned with the cut-out and the rotatable member is not in the sliding rotational position, so as to prevent longitudinal movement of the carrier; and an arm extending radially from the rotatable member, the arm including a distal end coupled to the sash track and configured to traverse along the sash track; and a handle assembly disposed on the frame track, the handle assembly configured to, in response to manipulation by a user, rotate the rotatable member to the sliding rotational position in an initiation phase wherein the second engagement surface is engaged with the cut-out and subsequently move the carrier longitudinally along the frame track in an adjustment phase wherein the first engagement surface is engaged with the surface of the frame track.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the arm is substantially orthogonal to the frame track when the rotatable member is in the sliding rotational position.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle assembly is movable relative to the carrier during the initiation phase to an opening position wherein the rotatable member is in the sliding rotational position.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the rotatable member comprises a spur gear segment; the handle assembly comprises: a handle member configured to be slidably movable relative to the carrier; a handle extending from the handle member; and a rack gear meshed with the spur gear segment; and wherein in use, sliding movement of the handle member relative to the carrier during the initiation phase rotates the rotatable member via meshing between the spur gear segment and the rack gear.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the handle member includes an abutment surface disposed adjacent the rack gear and selectively engageable with the rotatable member via sliding movement of the handle member relative to the carrier, and wherein in use when the abutment surface is engaged with the rotatable member movement of the handle member moves the carrier along the frame track in the adjustment phase.

6. A device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the handle member includes a slot extending in an opening direction from the rack gear, and wherein in use during the initiation phase movement of the handle member in the closing direction aligns the slot with the rotatable member and disengages the spur gear segment from the rack gear.

7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sash track includes a frusto-cylindrical channel and wherein the distal end of the arm includes a frusto- spherical knob engaged in the channel.

8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more hinges is disposed along a vertical jamb of the frame and wherein the frame track is mounted to a sill of the frame.

9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more hinges is disposed along a head frame or a sill of the frame and wherein the frame track is mounted to a vertical jamb of the frame.

10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cut-out is a first cut-out, and wherein the frame track comprises a second cut-out spaced apart in the opening direction, the device further including a fire restrictor, the fire restrictor comprising: an abutment member slidably coupled to the frame track; a camming member retained to the abutment member, the camming member including a camming surface configured to be engageable with the second cut-out and a sliding surface configured to be engageable with the frame track surface for sliding movement along the frame track via rotation of the camming member; and a lever connected to the camming member and configured to be selectively moveable to rotate the camming member; and wherein in use when the camming surface is engaged with the second cut-out, the abutment member prevents movement of the carrier in the opening direction during the adjustment phase.

11. A method of opening a window, the window including a frame track disposed along a frame of the window and a sash track disposed along a sash of the window, the method comprising: actuating a handle assembly along an opening path so as to: rotate a rotatable member coupled to the frame track about a central axis thereof via a rack-and-pinion coupling between the handle assembly and the rotatable member; pivot an arm extending radially outward from the rotatable member about the central axis via rotation of the rotatable member, a distal end of the arm coupled to the sash track for sliding movement along the sash track, thereby pivoting the sash away from the frame [to a partially open configuration] via one or more hinges coupling the sash to the frame along a side of the frame via the distal end of the arm pushing on the sash.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising: continuing to actuate the handle assembly in the opening direction so as to move the rotatable member in the opening direction via a carrier slidably coupled to the frame track, further pivoting the sash on the one or more hinges via the distal end of the arm pushing on the sash.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein rotation of the rotatable member during the step of continuing to actuate the handle assembly is prevented by a sliding engagement surface of the rotatable member abutting against the frame track.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein translating motion of the rotatable member in the opening direction is prevented by a rotating engagement surface of the rotatable member engaging with a cut-out formed in the frame track.

15. A window / door operating mechanism comprising: a rotatable member including: a first engagement surface configured to engage with a cut-out on a window / door frame; and a second engagement surface spaced apart angularly from the first engagement surface and configured to slide along the window / door frame; an arm extending radially from the rotatable member, the arm including a distal end configured to contact and move along a wing of the window / door; and an actuator assembly coupled to the rotatable member, the actuator assembly configured to move along an opening path and, during moving along the opening path, sequentially: rotate the rotatable member to disengage the first engagement surface from the cut-out; and slide the second engagement surface along the window / door frame away from the cut-out.

16. A window / door operating mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to move along a closing path and, during moving along the closing path, sequentially:move the rotating member to align with the cut-out, the rotatable member prevented from rotating by sliding contact between the second engagement surface and the window / door frame; and rotate the rotatable member to engage the first engagement surface with the cut-out.

17. A window / door operating mechanism according to claim 15 or claim 16, including a carrier mountable to be slidably movable along the window / door frame, the carrier supporting the rotatable member when in use.

18. A window / door operating mechanism according to claim 17, including a frame track for mounting to the frame, the carrier slidably movable along the frame track when in use.

19. A window / door operating mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 18, including a wing track for mounting to the wing, the distal end of the arm being coupled to the wing track for sliding movement along the wing when in use.

20. A window / door operating mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the opening path is a straight line in an opening direction.

21. A window / door operating mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the closing path is a straight line in a closing direction, the closing direction opposing the opening direction.

22. A window / door operating mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 21 , the actuator assembly comprising: a spur gear segment mounted on the rotatable member; and an actuator member disposed on the frame, the actuator member including a rack gear meshing with or selectively engageable with the spur gear segment.

23. A window / door operating mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 22, the actuator assembly further including a handle mounted to the actuator member, the handle configured to be manipulated by a user.

24. A window / door operating mechanism according to any one of claims 15 to 23, the mechanism comprising a fire restrictor configured for selective positioning along the opening path so as to prevent motion of the actuator assembly along the opening path.

25. A window / door operating mechanism according to claim 24, wherein the fire restrictor comprises: an abutment member slidably coupled to the window / door frame; a camming member rotatably coupled to the abutment member, wherein the camming member is selectively rotatable from a first rotational position wherein a locking surface of the camming member engages with a second cut-out formed in the window / door frame to a second rotational position wherein a sliding surface of the camming member abuts the window / door frame.

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