Window sealing device for a ventilation or cooling system
The window sealing device adapts to various window sizes using a flexible, airtight membrane with resilient structures, ensuring secure sealing and air tightness across different window sizes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BOUWSTUDIES GEURTS
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-24
Smart Images
Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a window sealing device for a ventilation or cooling system, an assembly of the window sealing device and a fan or a cooling device, a ventilation or cooling system comprising the window sealing device and a fan or a cooling device, a building comprising the window sealing device and a fan or a cooling device, and a method for ventilating or cooling a building by means of the window sealing device and a fan or a cooling device.Background art
[0002] From the prior art ventilation or cooling systems are known that comprise a window sealing device in combination with a fan or a cooling device, such as for example an air conditioning device. Hereby, the window sealing device comprises a sealing element, such as for example a sealing membrane or a sealing plate, that seals a window opening. The sealing element is provided with an airflow opening. The fan or the cooling device is arranged in a building and an air outlet opening of the fan or the cooling device is connected to the airflow opening of sealing element of the window sealing device by means of a flexible tube.
[0003] The window sealing devices used in the ventilation or cooling systems known from the prior art however have the disadvantage that they are not suitable for being used with windows of different sizes.Disclosure of the invention
[0004] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a window sealing device for a ventilation or cooling system, which is suitable for being used with windows of different sizes.
[0005] This aim is achieved according to the invention with a window sealing device showing the technical characteristics of the first independent claim.
[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a window sealing device for a ventilation or cooling system. The window sealing device comprises a sealing membrane configured for sealing a window opening. Preferably, the sealing membrane is a rectangular membrane. Preferably, the sealing membrane is an airtight membrane. Preferably, the sealing membrane is a flexible membrane. Preferably, the sealing membrane is a non-resilient. The sealing membrane is provided with an airflow opening. The window sealing device comprises a flexible tube connected to the sealing membrane at the airflow opening of the sealing membrane. The flexible tube is configured to be connected to a fan or a cooling device of the ventilation or cooling system. Preferably, the flexible tube is configured to be connected to an air outlet opening of a fan or a cooling device of the ventilation or cooling system. The cooling device may for example be an air conditioning device. The window sealing device comprises at least one resilient or elastic structure configured for contracting the sealing membrane. The window sealing device comprises a plurality of connection elements along the circumference of the sealing membrane. Preferably, the connection elements are arranged at edges of the sealing membrane, more preferably at corners of the sealing membrane, and even more preferably at all corners of the sealing membrane. The connection elements are provided for connecting the window sealing device to a window frame.
[0007] The window sealing device according to the present invention offers the advantage that the sealing membrane can be provided with a predetermined size suitable for sealing off, by means of the sealing membrane when completely extended, a window opening of a window with a maximum size for which the window sealing device is intended to be used. The at least one resilient structure is thereby beneficial for contracting the sealing membrane to a smaller size when the window sealing device is used for sealing a window opening of a window with a smaller size, such that the sealing membrane has a more suitable size to fit within the window opening of the window with the smaller size. The flexible tube being connected to the sealing membrane at the airflow opening thereby offers the advantage that, when the window sealing device is used for sealing a window opening of a window by means of the sealing membrane, the weight of the flexible tube pulls the sealing membrane at least partially out of the plane of the window opening, which effect becomes larger in case of windows with smaller sizes. In this way, the window opening is still sealed off by means of the sealing membrane under tension to provide a good fit against the window frame, but less contraction by the at least one resilient structure is required since the sealing membrane does not have to be contracted fully within the plane of the window opening to be under tension. This allows the window sealing device to be used for sealing the window opening of windows over a wide range of sizes. The inventor has found that in this way the window sealing device is suitable for sealing off the window opening of windows with a size that is three times larger in surface than the smallest size of windows of which the window opening can still be sealed off by means of the window sealing device, and this without requiring large forces from the user to stretch out the sealing membrane to its maximum size to fit in the window opening of the window with the largest size.
[0008] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention the at least one resilient structure comprises a resilient web extending over a central region of the sealing membrane between the airflow opening of the sealing membrane and edges of the sealing membrane. Preferably, the resilient web is configured for contracting the central region of the sealing membrane between the airflow opening of the sealing membrane and the edges of the sealing membrane.
[0009] The resilient web is beneficial for contracting the central region of the sealing membrane in all directions.
[0010] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention the at least one resilient structure comprises at at least one, preferably at each, edge of the sealing membrane at least one resilient edge band extending along the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane. Preferably, the at least one resilient edge band is configured for contracting the sealing membrane along the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane.
[0011] The at least one resilient edge band along the at least one edge of the sealing membrane being configured for contracting the sealing membrane along the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane is beneficial for pushing the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane tightly against the window frame of the window, such that no openings are formed between the sealing membrane and the window frame at said edge of the sealing membrane. This embodiment is thus beneficial for tightly sealing the sealing membrane against the window frame along the edges of the sealing membrane.
[0012] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention the at least one resilient structure comprises at at least one, preferably at each, edge of the sealing membrane a first resilient edge band, a second resilient edge band and a third edge band extending along the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane. Preferably, the first resilient edge band the second resilient edge band are configured for contracting the sealing membrane along the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane. Preferably, the third edge band is a resilient band. The first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band are arranged on top of each other with the third edge band connected to the first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band in a waving or undulating pattern between the first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band.
[0013] The third edge band being connected to the first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band in a waving or undulating pattern between the first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band is beneficial in case the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane is contracted to shorter lengths. In this case, in which the tension in the first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band becomes smaller, the third edge band is pushed together between the first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band in a waving or undulating pattern. Being pushed together in this way the third edge band pushes against the first resilient edge band and the second resilient edge band, which pushes the corresponding edge of the sealing membrane tightly against the window frame of the window, such that no openings are formed between the sealing membrane and the window frame at said edge of the sealing membrane. This embodiment is thus beneficial for tightly sealing the sealing membrane against the window frame along the edges of the sealing membrane.
[0014] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention the window sealing device further comprises at least one retractable cord going around the sealing membrane in a transition region between the edges of the sealing membrane and a central region of the sealing membrane comprising the airflow opening, i.e. a central region of the sealing membrane between the airflow opening of the sealing membrane and edges of the sealing membrane. Preferably, the at least one retractable cord is a non-resilient cord. The window sealing device further comprises a retractor mechanism configured for retracting the at least one retractable cord. Thereby, the at least one retractable cord is retracted for contracting the sealing membrane in the transition region.
[0015] The at least one retractable cord in the transition region that is retractable by means of the retractor mechanism is beneficial for contracting the sealing membrane in the transition region to within the plane of the window opening of the window that is sealed by means of the window sealing device. On the one hand, the contraction of the sealing membrane in the transition region by means of the at least one retractable cord also keeps the edges of the sealing membrane in the plane of the window opening, such that the edges of the sealing membrane are pushed tightly against the window frame at the edges of the sealing membrane. On the other hand, the contraction of the sealing membrane in the transition region by means of the at least one retractable cord still allows the flexible tube to pull the sealing membrane out of the plane of the window opening in the central region of the sealing membrane, which is, as already explained above, beneficial for being able to seal the window opening of windows over a wide range of sizes by means of the sealing device.
[0016] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention along, i.e. parallel to, a bottom edge of the sealing membrane at least one of the at least one retractable cord is located at a predetermined distance above the bottom edge of the sealing membrane.
[0017] At least one retractable cord also being located at the predetermined distance above the bottom edge of the sealing membrane is beneficial for keeping a certain portion of the sealing membrane between the bottom edge and said at least one retractable cord along the bottom edge of the sealing membrane in the plane of the window opening of the window that is sealed by means of the window sealing device. This is beneficial for preventing the flexible tube from resting on the bottom edge of the sealing membrane against the window frame of the window, which may result in gaps between the sealing membrane and the window frame. This embodiment is thus beneficial for tightly sealing the sealing membrane against the window frame along the edges of the sealing membrane, and specifically along the bottom edge of the sealing membrane.
[0018] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention the window sealing device further comprises a first attachment piece and a second attachment piece. Each attachment piece comprises a base opening and a top opening. Each attachment piece is arranged on the sealing membrane. The window sealing device comprises a resilient connection band attached at each end to the sealing membrane at the base opening of each attachment piece and extending through the top opening of each attachment piece between both attachment pieces.
[0019] The resilient connection band connected to the sealing membrane at the base opening of the attachment pieces and extending between the attachment pieces through the top opening of the attachment pieces is beneficial for pulling any surplus of sealing membrane that is not sufficiently tensioned by the at least one resilient structure and the flexible tube pulling on the sealing membrane, through the attachment pieces. This is beneficial for keeping the sealing membrane sufficiently tensioned, certainly in case the window sealing device is used for sealing off the window opening of windows with smaller sizes.
[0020] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention the attachment pieces and the resilient connection band arranged on a side of the sealing membrane opposite of a side of the sealing membrane where the flexible tube is connected to the sealing membrane.
[0021] When a window opening of a window in a room is sealed off by means of the window sealing device the side of the sealing membrane where the flexible tube is connected to the sealing membrane is preferably facing inwards into the room, such that the flexible tube can be connected to a fan or a cooling device in the room. In such an arrangement this embodiment is beneficial for keeping the portions of the sealing membrane that are pulled through the attachment pieces by means of the resilient connection band out of sight of people in the room.
[0022] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention at least one, preferably each, connection element comprises a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are moveable towards each other for clamping a window frame between the first clamping member and the second clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are moveable away from each other for releasing the window frame from between the first clamping member and the second clamping member. The sealing membrane is connected to one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member.
[0023] This embodiment is beneficial for quickly connecting the window sealing device, and more specifically the sealing membrane of the window sealing device, to the window frame of a window by moving each connection element over the window frame with the window frame arranged between the first clamping member and the second clamping member and then clamping the window frame between the first clamping member and the second clamping member by moving the first clamping member and the second clamping member towards each other.
[0024] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention the first clamping member and the second clamping member are moveable by means of an actuating mechanism. Preferably, the actuating mechanism is a quick release actuating mechanism. More preferably, the actuating mechanism is a quick release actuating mechanism comprising an eccentric cam clamping lever.
[0025] This embodiment is beneficial for quickly connecting the window sealing device, and more specifically the sealing membrane of the window sealing device, to the window frame of a window.
[0026] In an embodiment of the window sealing device according to the present invention at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member is provided on a side for contacting the window frame with a protective material for preventing damage to the window frame. Preferably, the protective material is a compressible material, such as for example rubber.
[0027] This embodiment is beneficial for preventing damage to the window frame when the window frame is clamped between the first clamping member and the second clamping member of the connection element.
[0028] The present invention also provides an assembly for a ventilation or cooling system. The assembly comprises the window sealing device according to the present invention. The assembly comprises a fan or a cooling device. The cooling device may for example be an air conditioning device.
[0029] The present invention also provides a ventilation or cooling system. The ventilation or cooling system comprises the window sealing device according to the present invention. The ventilation or cooling system comprises a fan or a cooling device. The cooling device may for example be an air conditioning device. The flexible tube of the window sealing device is connected to an air outlet opening of the fan or the cooling device. In case of the cooling device, the flexible tube of the window sealing device is preferably connected to an air outlet opening for heated air of the cooling device.
[0030] The present invention also provides a building. The building comprises the window sealing device according to the present invention. The window sealing device is arranged in a window opening of a first window in a first room of the building. The window sealing device is connected to a window frame of the first window by means of the connection elements of the window sealing device. The building comprises a fan or a cooling device in the first room. The cooling device may for example be an air conditioning device. The flexible tube of the window sealing device is connected to an air outlet opening of the fan or the cooling device. In case of the cooling device, the flexible tube of the window sealing device is preferably connected to an air outlet opening for heated air of the cooling device. In case of the fan, preferably at least one further window of the building is opened. In case of the fan, preferably an airflow path in the building between the at least one further window and the fan is opened.
[0031] The building according to the present invention, in case of the fan, offers the advantage that, when the fan is activated, the building is ventilated along the airflow path between the opened at least one further window and the fan. Thereby, the window opening of the first window in the first room being sealed off by means of the window sealing device according to the present invention is beneficial for creating an underpressure in the first room by means of the fan drawing the air out of the first room through the flexible tube and the airflow opening of the sealing membrane of the window sealing device, which underpressure draws air from the opened at least one further window along the airflow path into the first room.
[0032] The building according to the present invention, in case of the cooling device, such as for example an air conditioning device, offers the advantage that, when the cooling device is activated, the first room, and optionally adjacent rooms of the building, can be cooled by means of the cooling device and that air heated by the cooling device can be evacuated out of the first room via the flexible tube and the airflow opening of the sealing membrane of the window sealing device. Thereby, the window opening of the first window in the first room being sealed off by means of the window sealing device according to the present invention is beneficial for preventing outside air from entering the first room through the first window when the first room, and optionally adjacent rooms of the building, are being cooled by means of the cooling device.
[0033] The present invention also provides a method for ventilating or cooling a building. The method comprises the step of arranging the window sealing device according to the present invention in a window opening of a first window in a first room of the building. The method comprises the step of connecting the window sealing device to a window frame of the first window by means of the connection elements of the window sealing device. The method comprises the step of arranging a fan or a cooling device in the first room. The cooling device may for example be an air conditioning device. The method comprises the step of connecting the flexible tube of the window sealing device to an air outlet opening of the fan or the cooling device. In case of the cooling device, the flexible tube of the window sealing device is preferably connected to an air outlet opening for heated air of the cooling device. In case of the fan, the method comprises the step of opening at least one further window of the building. In case of the fan, the method comprises the step of opening an airflow path in the building between the at least one further window and the fan. The airflow path may for example be opened by opening any doors of the building on the airflow path between the at least one further window and the fan. The method comprises the step of activating the fan or the cooling device.
[0034] The method according to the present invention, in case of the fan, offers the advantage that the building is ventilated along the airflow path between the opened at least one further window and the fan. Thereby, the window opening of the first window in the first room being sealed off by means of the window sealing device according to the present invention is beneficial for creating an underpressure in the first room by means of the fan drawing the air out of the first room through the flexible tube and the airflow opening of the sealing membrane of the window sealing device, which underpressure draws air from the opened at least one further window along the airflow path into the first room.
[0035] The method according to the present invention, in case of the cooling device, such as for example an air conditioning device, offers the advantage that the first room, and optionally adjacent rooms of the building, can be cooled by means of the cooling device and that air heated by the cooling device can be evacuated out of the first room via the flexible tube and the airflow opening of the sealing membrane of the window sealing device. Thereby, the window opening of the first window in the first room being sealed off by means of the window sealing device according to the present invention is beneficial for preventing outside air from entering the first room through the first window when the first room, and optionally adjacent rooms of the building, are being cooled by means of the cooling device.Brief description of the drawings
[0036] The invention will be further elucidated by means of the following description and the appended figures. Figure 1A shows a window sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention without the flexible tube. Figure 1B-C show a cross section through the window sealing device of Figure 1. Figures 2A-B show a window sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention stretched out to a larger size. Figures 3A-B show a window sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention contracted to a smaller size. Figures 4A-B illustrate the connection of a connection element of a window sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention to a window frame. Figures 5A-C show a first clamping member of the connection element of Figures 4A-B. Figures 6A-6C show a second clamping member of the connection element of Figures 4A-B. Figure 7 show a screw and eccentric cam clamping lever of the connection element of Figures 4A-B. Figure 8 shows a ventilation or cooling system according to an embodiment of present invention. Figure 9 shows building according to an embodiment of the present invention provided with the ventilation or cooling system of Figure 8. Modes for carrying out the invention
[0037] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.
[0038] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
[0039] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.
[0040] The term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.
[0041] Figures 1A-C show a window sealing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for a ventilation or cooling system 200, such as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Figures 2A-B and Figures 3A-B show the window sealing device 100 stretched or contracted to different sizes. Connection elements 150 of the window sealing device 100 for connecting the window sealing device 100 to the window frame 322 of a window 320.
[0042] The window sealing device 100 comprises a flexible sealing membrane 110 that is configured for sealing a window opening 321 of a window 320 to substantially prevent air from flowing through the window opening 321 in a ventilation or cooling system 200. Therefore, the sealing membrane 110 is preferably an airtight membrane. Preferably, the sealing membrane 110 in itself is also a non-resilient membrane. In the shown embodiment the sealing membrane 110 has a rectangular shape adapted for being used in windows 320 which have a rectangular shaped window opening 321. In alternative embodiments the sealing membrane 110 may however also be provided in other shapes, such as for example a circular shape or a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape, for being used in windows 320 which have a correspondingly shaped window opening 321. The sealing membrane 110 has a predetermined size that is chosen for the sealing membrane 110, when completely extended, to be able to seal off the window opening 321 of a window 320 with a maximum size that is to be sealed off by means of the sealing device 100.
[0043] The sealing membrane 110 has a central region 116 in which the sealing membrane 110 is provided with an airflow opening 118 through the sealing membrane 110, as can be seen in Figure 1A. The window sealing device 100 further comprises a flexible tube 120, as can be seen in Figures 2A-B and 3A-B. At a first end 121 the flexible tube 120 is connected to the sealing membrane 110 at the airflow opening 118 on a first side 111 of the sealing membrane 110. The first end 121 of the flexible tube 120 surrounds the airflow opening 118. At the first end 121 the flexible tube 120 is provided in a rigid manner such that the airflow opening 118 surrounded by the flexible tube 120 at the first end 121 of the flexible tube 120 maintains it shape during use of the window sealing device 100, as will be explained in further detail below. At a second end 122, opposite of the first end 121, the flexible tube 120 is provided for being connected to an air outlet opening 211 of a fan 210 or of a cooling device of the ventilation or cooling system 200, for passing air coming out of the air outlet opening 211 of the fan 210 or the cooling device through the airflow opening 118 of the sealing membrane 110 via the flexible tube 120. In the case of a cooling device, such as for example an air conditioning device, the air outlet opening of the cooling device to which the flexible tube 120 is to be connected at the second end 122 is an air outlet opening for heated air.
[0044] At each of the corners 114 the sealing membrane 110 is connected to a connection element 150, which are shown in detail in Figures 4A-B, 5A-C, 6A-C and 7. These connection elements 150 are provided for connecting the sealing membrane 110 of the window sealing device 100 to a window frame 322 of a window 320, as illustrated in Figures 4A-B, for the purpose of sealing off the window opening 110 of the window 320 with the sealing membrane 110. In alternative embodiments the connection elements 150 may however also be provided at other positions along the circumference of the sealing membrane 110, such as for example along the edges 113 of the sealing membrane 110.
[0045] Each connection element 150 comprises a first clamping member 151, shown in detail in Figures 5A-C, and a second clamping member 152, shown in detail in Figures 6A-C, which are moveable towards each other for clamping the window frame 322 of a window 320 between the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 in order to connect the connection element 150 and thereby the sealing membrane 110 to the window frame 322, and which are moveable away from each other for releasing the window frame 322 of the window 320 from between the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 in order to release the connecting element 150 and thereby the sealing membrane 110 from the window frame 322. The first clamping member 151 is arranged on the first side 111 of the sealing membrane, at which side 111 the flexible tube 120 is connected to the sealing membrane 110. The second clamping member 152 is arranged on a second side 112 of the sealing membrane 111 opposite of the first side 111 of the sealing membrane 110. Preferably, the sealing membrane 110 is connected to the first clamping member 151 of the connection element 150, but it is not excluded that in alternative embodiments the sealing membrane110 is connected to the second clamping member 152 of the connection element 150.
[0046] The first clamping member 151 is provided at an outer side 151 ", i.e. a side 151" facing away from the second clamping member 152, with a hollow upstanding protrusion 156 that is open at the top and open at an inner side 151' of the first clamping member 151, i.e. a side 151' of the first clamping member 151 that is facing towards the second clamping member 152. The second clamping member 152 is provided at an inner side 152', i.e. a side 152' facing towards the first clamping member 151, with a hollow upstanding protrusion 157 that is open at the top but not necessarily open at an outer side 152" of the second clamping member 152, i.e. a side 152" of the second clamping member 152 facing away from the first clamping member 151. The hollow upstanding protrusion 157 on the second clamping member 152 is received in the hollow upstanding protrusion 156 on the first clamping member 151 via the opening on the inner side 151' of the first clamping member 151. The inside of the hollow upstanding protrusion 156 on the first clamping member 151 and the outside of the hollow upstanding protrusion 157 on the second clamping member 152 have a conforming shape such that the hollow upstanding protrusion 157 on the second clamping member 152 is slideable in the hollow upstanding protrusion 156 on the first clamping member 151 but not rotatable.
[0047] The connection element 150 further comprises a screw 158, shown in detail in Figure 7, that is arranged through the opening at the top of the hollow upstanding protrusion 156 on the first clamping member 151 and received in the hollow upstanding protrusion 157 on the second clamping member 152, which is provided with an internal screw thread. At the opposite end the screw 158 is provided with an eccentric cam clamping lever 159, as shown in in Figure 7, via which the screw 158 can be rotated in the internal screw thread of the hollow upstanding protrusion 157 on the second clamping member 152 for moving the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 with respect to each other.
[0048] For connecting the connection element 150 to the window frame 322 of a window 320 the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 are arranged on opposing sides of the window frame 322 and the screw 158 is rotated in an inwards moving direction in the internal screw thread of the hollow upstanding protrusion 157 on the second clamping member 152 by means of the eccentric cam clamping lever 159. This moves the second clamping member 152 towards the eccentric cam clamping lever 159 and moves the first clamping member 151 towards the second clamping member 152 by the eccentric cam clamping lever 159 pushing on the first clamping member 151. Once, the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 are then positioned against the window frame 322 from opposing sides, the eccentric cam clamping lever 159 is pulled downwards for a final movement of the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 towards each other, which tightly clamps the window frame 322 between the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152.
[0049] For releasing the connection element 150 from the window frame 322, the eccentric cam clamping lever 159 is pushed upwards to undo the tight clamping of the window frame 322 between the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152. Then, the screw 158 is rotated in an outwards moving direction in the internal screw thread of the hollow upstanding protrusion 157 on the second clamping member 152 by means of the eccentric cam clamping lever 159. This moves the second clamping member 152 away from the eccentric cam clamping lever 159, such that the first clamping member 151 and the second cam clamping member 152 can be moved away from each other manually to take the connection element 150 off the window frame 322.
[0050] Both the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 are provided at their respective inner sides 151', 152' with a protective material 154, as can be seen in Figures 5B and 6A, for preventing damage to the window frame 322 when the first clamping member 151 and the second clamping member 152 are clamped with their respective inner sides 151', 152' against the window frame 322. Preferably, the protective material 154 is a compressible material, such as for example rubber, but any other suitable protective material 154 known to the skilled person can be used.
[0051] The window sealing device 100 further comprises several resilient or elastic structures 130, 140 that are configured for contracting the sealing membrane 110, such that when the window sealing device 100 is used for sealing off the window opening 321 of a window 320 with a size smaller than the maximum size the sealing membrane 110 is contracted to a more suitable size to fit within the window opening 321.
[0052] A first resilient structure 130, as can be seen in Figure 1A, is a resilient web 130 that extends over a central region 116 of the sealing membrane 110 between the airflow opening 118 of the sealing membrane 110 and the edges 113 of the sealing membrane 110. The resilient web 130 comprises a plurality of resilient bands or cords that are arranged in a web like structure in the central region 116 of the sealing membrane 110. In the shown embodiment three types of resilient bands or cords can be distinguished in the resilient web 130. A first type of resilient bands or cords of the resilient web 130 extends from the airflow opening 118 in the direction of the corners 114 of the sealing membrane 110. A second type of resilient bands or cords of the resilient web 130 extends from the airflow opening 118 in the direction of the edges 113 of the sealing membrane 110. A third type of resilient bands or cords of the resilient web 130 extends from a resilient band or cord of the second type in the direction of the corners 114 of the sealing membrane 110. It should however be clear that in alternative embodiments also other arrangements of the resilient bands or cords of the resilient web 130 may be used to form a web-like structure. The resilient web 130 may be arranged on and connected to the sealing membrane 110, but may also be integrated into the sealing membrane 110.
[0053] The resiliency of the resilient web 130 is provided such that when the window sealing device 100 is used for sealing off the window opening 321 of a window 320 with a size smaller than the maximum size, the flexible tube 120 connected to the sealing membrane 110 is able to, due to its weight, pull the sealing membrane 110 at least partially out of the plane of the window opening 321, which effect becomes larger in case of windows 320 with smaller sizes, as can be seen in Figures 2B and 3B. In this way, the window opening 321 is still sealed off by means of the sealing membrane 110 under tension to provide a good fit against the window frame 322, but less contraction by the resilient web 130 is required since in the central region 116 the sealing membrane 110 does not have to be contracted completely to within the plane of the window opening 321 to be under tension. This allows the window sealing device 100 to be used for sealing the window opening 321 of windows 320 over a wider range of sizes than would be possible if the resiliency of the resilient web 130 would be provided stronger to always pull the sealing membrane 110 within the plane of the window opening 321 of the window 320 independent of the size of the window 320. The inventor has found that in this way the window sealing device 100 is suitable for sealing off the window opening 321 of windows 320 with a maximum size that is three times larger than the smallest size of window 320 of which the window opening 321 can still be sealed off by means of the window sealing device 100, and this without requiring large forces from the user to stretch out the sealing membrane 110 to the predetermined size to fit in the window opening 321 of the window 320 with the maximum size.
[0054] In a second resilient structure 140 the window sealing device 100 is provided at each edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110, as can be seen in Figure 1C, with a first resilient edge band 141, a second resilient edge band 142 and a third edge band 143, which edge bands 141, 142, 143 extend along the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110.
[0055] The first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 are arranged on top of each other with the third edge band 143 connected to the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 in a waving or undulating pattern between the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142. Hence, the third edge band 143 is arranged between the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 and is alternatingly fixed at discrete or equally spaced positions along its length to the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142. The first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 are configured for contracting the sealing membrane 110 along the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110. Preferably, the third edge band 143 is a resilient band.
[0056] The first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 are provided such that the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 have a contracted length approximately equal or smaller than a minimum length of the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 required to fit the sealing membrane 110 in a window opening 321 of a window 320 with the minimum size for which the window sealing device 100 is intended to be used. The first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 are provided such that the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 can be stretched out to a length approximately equal or larger than a maximum length of the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 required to fit the sealing membrane 110 in a window opening 321 of a window 320 with the maximum size for which the window sealing device 100 is intended to be used, i.e. the length of the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 when the sealing membrane 110 is completely extended. The third edge band 143 has a length that is approximately equal or larger than the maximum length of the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110, such that the third edge band 143 can be unfolded to said maximum length between the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 when the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 are stretched out to said maximum length.
[0057] The first resilient edge band 141, the second resilient edge band 142 and the third edge band 143 may be arranged on and connected to the sealing membrane 110, but may also be integrated into the sealing membrane 110.
[0058] The first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 at each edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 that are configured for contracting the sealing membrane 110 along the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 have the effect of pushing the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 tightly against the window frame 322 of the window 320 in which window opening 321 the window sealing device 100 is arranged, such that no openings are formed between the sealing membrane 110 and the window frame 321 at the edges 113 of the sealing membrane 110.
[0059] The third edge band 143 that is connected to the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 in the waving or undulating pattern between the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 has the effect that the third edge band 143 is pushed together, i.e. folded up, in the waving or undulating pattern between the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 when the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 is contracted by the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142. Hence, this increases the thickness of the second resilient structure 140. Thereby, the third edge band 143 pushes against the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142, which pushes the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 tightly against the window frame 322 of the window 320, such that no openings are formed between the sealing membrane 110 and the window frame 321 at said edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110. Hence, the third edge band 143 aids in pushing the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 tightly against the window frame 322 of the window 320 when the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142, and thereby the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110, have been contracted to shorter lengths, as a consequence of which the tension in the first resilient edge band 141 and the second resilient edge band 142 that pushes the corresponding edge 113 of the sealing membrane against the window frame 322 of the window 320 has decreased.
[0060] The window sealing device 100 further comprises a retractable cord 161 going around the sealing membrane 110 in a transition region 115 between the edges 113 of the sealing membrane 110 and the central region 116 of the sealing membrane 110, as can be seen in Figure 1A. Along the bottom edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110, the window sealing device 100 is provided with a further retractable cord 161, which is located at a predetermined distance D above the bottom edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110, resulting in a wider transition region 115 along the bottom edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110. Preferably, the retractable cords 161 are a non-resilient cords. The window sealing device 100 is further provided with a retractor mechanism 162 for each of the retractable cords 161, which retractor mechanism 162 is configured for retracting the corresponding retractable cord 161 and thereby contracting the sealing membrane 110 in the transition region 115. For the retractable cord 161 the retractor mechanism 162 is beneficially integrated into the connections element 150 via which the retractable cord 161 passes, as can be seen in Figure 6B. For the further retractable cord 161 the retractor mechanism 162 may be provided on the sealing membrane 161, as can be seen in Figure 1A. The retractor mechanism 162 may for example comprise one or more coil springs for retracting the corresponding retractable cord 161.
[0061] The retractable cords 161 in the transition region 115 that are retractable by means of the corresponding retractor mechanism 162 are provided for contracting the sealing membrane 110 in the transition region 115 to within the plane of the window opening 321 of the window 320 that is sealed by means of the window sealing device 100. The contraction of the sealing membrane 110 in the transition region 115 by means of the retractable cords 161 also keeps the edges 113 of the sealing membrane 110 in the plane of the window opening 321, such that the edges 113 of the sealing membrane 110 can be pushed tightly against the window frame 322 at the edges of the sealing membrane 110 by means of the second resilient structure 140 composed of the first resilient edge band 141, the second resilient edge band 142 and the third edge band 143. The contraction of the sealing membrane 110 in the transition region 115 by means of the retractable cords161 does however still allow the flexible tube 120 from pulling the sealing membrane 110 out of the plane of the window opening 321 in the central region 116 of the sealing membrane 110, which is, as already explained above, beneficial for being able to seal the window opening 321 of windows 320 over a wide range of sizes by means of the sealing device 100.
[0062] The further retractable cord 161 being located at the predetermined distance D above the bottom edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 is thereby beneficial for keeping a relatively wide bottom portion of the sealing membrane 110 between the bottom edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 and the further retractable cord 161 in the plane of the window opening 321. This relative wide in-plane bottom portion of the sealing membrane 110 is beneficial for preventing the flexible tube 120, when it is pulling the sealing membrane 110 out of the plane of the window opening 321 in the central region 116 of the sealing membrane 110, from resting on the bottom edge 113 of the sealing membrane 110 against the window frame 322 of the window 320, which may result in gaps between the sealing membrane 110 and the window frame 322.
[0063] The window sealing device 100 further comprises a set of attachment pieces 170, as can be seen in Figures 1A-B. Each attachment piece 170 extends upwards and comprises a base opening 171, a top opening 172 and a passage between the base opening 171 and the top opening 172. A first attachment piece 170 is arranged with the base opening 171 on the sealing membrane 110 at one of the upper corners of the resilient web 130 and a second attachment piece 170 is arranged with the base opening 171 on the sealing membrane 110 at the opposite upper corner of the resilient web 130. The window sealing device 100 further comprises a resilient connection band 175. The resilient connection band 175 is attached at a first end to the sealing membrane 110 at the base opening 171 of the first attachment piece 170. From the first end the resilient connection band 175 extends through the first attachment piece 170 and leaves the first attachment piece 170 via the top opening 172 of the first attachment piece 170. From the top opening 172 of the first attachment piece 170 the resilient connection band 175 extends to the second attachment piece 170 and enters the second attachment piece 170 via the top opening 172 of the second attachment piece 170. Then, the resilient connection band 175 extends through the second attachment piece 170 to the base opening 171 of the second attachment piece 170, where the resilient connection band 175 is attached with its second end to the sealing membrane 110.
[0064] The resilient connection band 175 that is connected to the sealing membrane 110 at the base opening 171 of the attachment pieces 170 and extending between the attachment pieces 170 through the top opening 172 of the attachment pieces 170 is beneficial for pulling any surplus of sealing membrane 110 that is not sufficiently tensioned by the resilient structures 130, 140 and the flexible tube 120 pulling on the sealing membrane 110, through the attachment pieces 110. This is beneficial for keeping the sealing membrane 110 sufficiently tensioned, certainly in case the window sealing device 100 is used for sealing off the window opening 321 of windows 320 with smaller sizes.
[0065] Preferably, the attachment pieces 170 and the resilient connection band 175 are arranged on the second side 112 of the sealing membrane 110, since, in use of the window sealing device 100, as can be seen in Figure 9, the first side 111 of the sealing membrane 110 will be facing towards a room 310 of which a window 320 is sealed off by means of the window sealing device 100 and the second side 112 of the sealing membrane 110 will be facing away from the room 310, i.e. towards the exterior of the building 300 in which the room 310 is located. In this way the portions of the sealing membrane 110 that are pulled through the attachment pieces 170 by means of the resilient connection band 175 are kept out of sight of people in the room 310.
[0066] It should be noted that in further embodiments the window sealing device 100 may be provided with further attachment pieces 170 arranged on the sealing membrane 110 and with further resilient connection bands 175 extending between the further attachment pieces 170 and / or between the further attachment pieces 170 and any one of the first attachment piece 170 and the second attachment piece 170.
[0067] Figure 8 now shows a ventilation or cooling system 200 for use in a building 300, as shown in Figure 9, in which a window sealing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in combination with a fan 210.
[0068] In this ventilation or cooling system 200 the window sealing device 100 is arranged in a window opening 312 of a first window 320-A in a first room 310-A of the building 300 with the first side 111 of the sealing membrane 110, to which the flexible tube 120 is connected, facing towards the interior of the first room 310-A and the second side 112 of the sealing membrane facing towards the exterior of the building 300. The window sealing device 100 is connected to a window frame 322 of the first window 320-A by means of the connections elements 150 of the window sealing device 100. Hereby, the window sealing device 100 seals off the window opening 321 of the first window 320-A of the first room 310-A of the building 300, due the contraction of the sealing membrane 100 by the first resilient structure 130 and the second resilient structure 140.
[0069] The fan 210 is arranged in the first room 310-A of the building 300 and the flexible tube 120 of the window sealing device 100 is connected at the second end 122 to an air outlet opening 211 of the fan 210. Other windows 320-X of the building 300 are opened, and an airflow path in the building 300 between these open other windows 320-X and the fan 210 is opened. This can for example be done by opening any doors 330 along a path through the building 330 between the open other windows 320-X and the fan 210, as shown in Figure 9, but can also be done by opening any other obstacles in the building 300 along such a path, such as for example internal windows.
[0070] When the fan 210 is activated the air in the first room 310-A of the building 300 is evacuated out of the first room 310-A to the exterior of the building 300 via the flexible tube 120 of the window sealing device 100 and the airflow opening 118 in the window sealing membrane 110 of the window sealing device 100. Since the air is drawn out of the first room 310-A by means of the fan 210 and no fresh air can enter the first room 310 through the first window 320-A of the first room 310-A that is sealed off by means of the window sealing device 100, an underpressure is created in the first room 310-A. This underpressure causes fresh air to be drawn into the first room 310-A via the open other windows 320-X along the airflow path between the open other windows 320-X and the fan 210. As such, an airflow is created through the building 300 along said airflow path to beneficially ventilate the building 300.
[0071] Alternatively, a ventilation or cooling system 200 for a building 300 may be provided in which a window sealing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in combination with a cooling device, such as for example an air conditioning device. The set-up of this ventilation or cooling system 200 is the same as shown in Figure 9, but now the flexible tube 120 of the window sealing device 100 is connected at the second end 122 to an air outlet opening for heated air of the cooling device, and the first room 310-A and other rooms 310 to be cooled are closed off by closing any doors 330 to further rooms 310 not to be cooled and by closing any other windows 320 of the first room 310-A and the other rooms 310 to be cooled. Any doors 330 between the first room 310-A and the other rooms 310 to be cooled are left open. In this way, the cooling device, when activated, will blow cool air into the first room 310-A and further into the other rooms 310 to be cooled via an air outlet opening for cooled air of the cooling device, and air heated by the cooling device is removed to the exterior of the building 300 via the flexible tube 120 of the window sealing device 100 and the airflow opening 118 in the window sealing membrane 110 of the window sealing device 100. Since the first window 320-A of the first room 310-A is sealed off by means of the window sealing device 100 and the first room 310-A and the other rooms 310 to be cooled are closed off from the exterior of the building 300 and the further rooms 310 not to be cooled, no warm air coming from the exterior of the building 300 and the further rooms 310 not to be cooled can enter the first room 310-A and the other rooms 310 to be cooled. As such, the first room 310-A and the other rooms 310 to be cooled are beneficially cooled.
Claims
1. A window sealing device (100) for a ventilation or cooling system (200), wherein the window sealing device (100) comprises: a sealing membrane (110) configured for sealing a window opening (321), wherein the sealing membrane (110) is provided with an airflow opening (118); a flexible tube (120) connected to the sealing membrane (110) at the airflow opening (118) of the sealing membrane (110), wherein the flexible tube (120) is configured to be connected to a fan (210) or a cooling device of the ventilation or cooling system (200); at least one resilient structure (130, 140) configured for contracting the sealing membrane (110); and a plurality of connection elements (150) along the circumference of the sealing membrane (110), wherein the connection elements (150) are provided for connecting the window sealing device (100) to a window frame (322).
2. The window sealing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one resilient structure (130, 140) comprises a resilient web (130) extending over a central region (116) of the sealing membrane (110) between the airflow opening (118) of the sealing membrane (110) and edges (113) of the sealing membrane (110).
3. The window sealing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one resilient structure (130, 140) comprises at at least one edge (113) of the sealing membrane (110) at least one resilient edge band (141, 142) extending along the corresponding edge (113) of the sealing membrane (110).
4. The window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the at least one resilient structure (130, 140) comprises at at least one edge (113) of the sealing membrane (110) a first resilient edge band (141), a second resilient edge band (142) and a third edge band (143) extending along the corresponding edge (113) of the sealing membrane (110), wherein the first resilient edge band (141) and the second resilient edge band (142) are arranged on top of each other with the third edge band (143) connected to the first resilient edge band (141) and the second resilient edge band (142) in a waving or undulating pattern between the first resilient edge band (141) and the second resilient edge band (142).
5. The window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the window sealing device (100) further comprises at least one retractable cord (161) going around the sealing membrane (110) in a transition region (115) between edges (113) of the sealing membrane (110) and a central region (116) of the sealing membrane (110) comprising the airflow opening (118), wherein the window sealing device (100) further comprises a retractor mechanism (162) configured for retracting the at least one retractable cord (161).
6. The window sealing device (100) according to claim 5, wherein along a bottom edge (113) of the sealing membrane (110) at least one of the at least one retractable cord (161) is located at a predetermined distance (D) above the bottom edge (113) of the sealing membrane (110).
7. The window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the window sealing device (100) further comprises a first attachment piece (170) and a second attachment piece (170), wherein each attachment piece (170) comprises a base opening (171) and a top opening (172), wherein each attachment piece (170) is arranged on the sealing membrane (110), wherein the window sealing device (100) comprises a resilient connection band (175) attached at each end to the sealing membrane (110) at the base opening (171) of each attachment piece (170) and extending through the top opening (172) of each attachment piece (170) between both attachment pieces (170).
8. The window sealing device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the attachment pieces (170) and the resilient connection band (175) arranged on a side (112) of the sealing membrane (110) opposite of a side (111) of the sealing membrane (110) where the flexible tube (120) is connected to the sealing membrane (110).
9. The window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-8, wherein at least one connection elements (150) comprises a first clamping member (151) and a second clamping member (152), which are moveable towards each other for clamping a window frame (322) between the first clamping member (151) and the second clamping member (152), and which are moveable away from each other for releasing the window frame (322) from between the first clamping member (151) and the second clamping member (152), wherein the sealing membrane (110) is connected to one of the first clamping member (151) and the second clamping member (152).
10. The window sealing device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the first clamping member (151) and the second clamping member (152) are moveable by means of an actuating mechanism, preferably a quick release actuating mechanism, more preferably a quick release actuating mechanism comprising an eccentric cam clamping lever (159).
11. The window sealing device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the first clamping member (151) and the second clamping member (152) is provided on a side (151', 152') for contacting the window frame (322) with a protective material (154) for preventing damage to the window frame (322).
12. An assembly for a ventilation or cooling system (200), wherein the assembly comprises: the window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-11; and a fan (210) or a cooling device.
13. A ventilation or cooling system (200), wherein the ventilation or cooling system (200) comprises: the window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-11; and a fan (210) or a cooling device, wherein the flexible tube (120) of the window sealing device (100) is connected to an air outlet opening (211) of the fan (210) or the cooling device.
14. A building (300), wherein the building (300) comprises: the window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-11, wherein the window sealing device (100) is arranged in a window opening (321) of a first window (320-A) in a first room (310-A) of the building (300), wherein the window sealing device (100) is connected to a window frame (322) of the first window (320-A) by means of the connection elements (150) of the window sealing device (100); and a fan (210) or a cooling device in the first room (310-A), wherein the flexible tube (120) of the window sealing device (100) is connected to an air outlet opening (211) of the fan (210) or the cooling device, wherein, in case of the fan (210), at least one further window (320-X) of the building (300) is opened, and wherein, in case of the fan (210), an airflow path in the building (300) between the at least one further window (320-X) and the fan (210) is opened.
15. A method for ventilating or cooling a building (300), wherein the method comprises the steps of: arranging the window sealing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-11 in a window opening (321) of a first window (320-A) in a first room (310-A) of the building (300); connecting the window sealing device (100) to a window frame (322) of the first window (320-A) by means of the connection elements (150) of the window sealing device (100); arranging a fan (210) or a cooling device in the first room (310-A); connecting the flexible tube (120) of the window sealing device (100) to an air outlet opening (211) of the fan (210) or the cooling device; opening, in case of the fan (210), at least one further window (320-X) of the building (300); opening, in case of the fan (210), an airflow path in the building (300) between the at least one further window (320-X) and the fan (210); and activating the fan (210) or the cooling device.