The present invention relates to a hideable bay window. More so, a retractable window system is introduced herein.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
In indoor areas, there is a need for facilities or ways to communicate between the indoors and the outdoors, and windows are one of them. There are different types of windows, such as sliding windows, casement windows, fixed windows, and bay windows. The invention is a special window that can switch between a fixed window and a bay window.
Traditional windows have the following characteristics: fixed shape and cannot be changed or adjusted according to the user's preference after installation.
Hence, in order to offer a transformable and easily movable bay window, the present invention is proposed. The invention has the following characteristics: 1. it can shorten the contact distance with the outdoor environment 2. it can change its shape according to the user's mood or preference to improve the quality of life 3, it has a unique and beautiful design 4, when it is closed, it reduces the contact area with the surrounding environment and keeps it clean 5, it is fully enclosed during the process of changing its shape to isolate the indoor environment from the outdoors.
The invention can be used in villas, apartments, office buildings, exhibition halls, mobile homes, RVs, and other indoor areas.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a foldable solar panel system.
A hideable bay window may be provided. The hideable bay window may have a window frame, a first horizontal turning plate, a second horizontal turning plate, a vertical translation plate, a first vertical sliding assembly, and a second vertical sliding assembly.
The window frame may have a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge. The first end of the first horizontal turning plate may be hinged to the first horizontal edge. The second end of the first horizontal turning plate may be slidingly pivoted to the vertical translation plate.
The first end of the second horizontal turning plate may be hinged to the second horizontal edge. The second end of the second horizontal turning plate may be slidingly pivoted to the vertical translation plate.
The window frame may have the first vertical edge and the second vertical edge. The vertical translation plate may have a top protruding portion with a top exterior sliding rail and a bottom protruding portion with a bottom exterior sliding rail.
The top exterior sliding rail and the bottom exterior sliding rail may be set opposite each other to form a pair of exterior sliding rails.
One end of the first vertical sliding assembly may be fixed on the first vertical edge. Another end of the first vertical sliding assembly may be the first sliding end slides in the exterior sliding rails.
One end of the second vertical sliding assembly may be fixed on the second vertical edge. Another end of the second vertical sliding assembly may be the second sliding end slides in the exterior sliding rails.
The first vertical sliding assembly and the second vertical sliding assembly each may consist of a plurality of vertical sliders hinged successively along the sliding direction.
Each vertical slider may have a pair of arcuate protruding portions at one end and a pair of arcuate recessed portions matching the shape and size of the pair of arcuate protruding portions at another end.
Each arcuate recessed portion may have a removable rotation connecting rod. Each arcuate protruding portion may have a rod hole to accommodate the removable rotation connecting rod of another vertical slider.
The removable rotation connecting rod may have a non-threaded portion and a threaded portion. The length of the non-threaded portion may be larger than the length of the rod hole. The arcuate recessed portion may have a threaded hole for the threaded portion of the removable rotation connecting rod.
The vertical translation plate may have a pair of sliding slots. A pair of first horizontal turning plate sliders slide along the sliding slots. A pair of second horizontal turning plate sliders slide along the sliding slots.
The second end of the first horizontal turning plate may be pivoted to the pair of first horizontal turning plate sliders. The second end of the second horizontal turning plate may be pivoted to the pair of second horizontal turning plate sliders.
The vertical translation plate may have a bottom portion having a bottom portion sliding rail. The second horizontal edge may have an edge sliding rail.
A pair of bottom support mechanisms may be mounted between the bottom portion and the second horizontal edge. Each bottom support mechanism may have the first supporting rod, the second supporting rod, and a pivot. The first supporting rod and the second supporting rod cross at the pivot.
One end of the first supporting rod may be rotatably mounted on one end of the second horizontal edge, and another end of the first supporting rod may be slidingly pivoted to the bottom portion sliding rail.
One end of the second supporting rod may be rotatably mounted on one end of the bottom portion. Another end of the second supporting rod may be slidingly pivoted to the edge sliding rail.
The top protruding portion may have the first retraction mechanism and the second retraction mechanism.
The first retraction mechanism may have the first coil spring, the first fixed pulley, and the first steel wire.
The first coil spring may have a first fixed end and a first pull-out end. The first fixed end may be mounted at one end of the top protruding portion. The first fixed pulley may be rotatably mounted near the middle of the top protruding portion. The first steel wire may be wound around the first fixed pulley and connects the first pull-out end and the first sliding end.
The second coil spring may have a second fixed end and a second pull-out end. The second fixed end may be mounted at one end of the top protruding portion. The second fixed pulley may be rotatably mounted near the middle of the top protruding portion. The second steel wire may be wound around the second fixed pulley and connects the second pull-out end and the second sliding end.
Each vertical slider may have the first sealing pad where the vertical slider contacts the first horizontal turning plate. each vertical slider may have a second sealing pad where the vertical slider contacts the second horizontal turning plate.
Each first sealing pad and each second sealing pad may be elastic.
The vertical translation plate may be transparent.
The middle part of the vertical translation plate may have a mounting frame, a transparent panel may be mounted at the mounting frame.
The vertical sliders may be transparent.
The first horizontal turning plate and the second horizontal turning plate may be symmetric. When being rotated, the first horizontal turning plate and the second horizontal turning plate maintain the same angles with the horizontal plane, opposite rotation direction, and same rotation speed.
These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed descriptions. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.
The drawings illustrate examples. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps that are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in the drawings. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The hideable bay window comprises a window frame 10, a first horizontal turning plate 210, a second horizontal turning plate 220, a vertical translation plate 300, a first vertical sliding assembly 410, and a second vertical sliding assembly 420.
The window frame 10 comprises a first horizontal edge 110 and a second horizontal edge 120; a first end of the first horizontal turning plate 210 is hinged to the first horizontal edge 110; a second end of the first horizontal turning plate 210 is slidingly pivoted to the vertical translation plate 300; a first end 222 of the second horizontal turning plate 220 is hinged to the second horizontal edge 120; a second end 224 of the second horizontal turning plate 220 is slidingly pivoted to the vertical translation plate 300 (Also shown in
The window frame 10 comprises a first vertical edge 130 and a second vertical edge 140.
The vertical translation plate 300 comprises a top protruding portion 310 with a top exterior sliding rail 312 and a bottom protruding portion 320 with a bottom exterior sliding rail 322. The top exterior sliding rail 312 and the bottom exterior sliding rail 322 are set opposite each other to form a pair of exterior sliding rails 330. The exterior sliding rails 330 are located on the outdoor protruding portion of the vertical translation plate 300. One end 412 of the first vertical sliding assembly 410 is fixed on the first vertical edge 130; another end 414 of the first vertical sliding assembly 410 is a first sliding end 414 slides in the exterior sliding rails 330; one end 422 of the second vertical sliding assembly 420 is fixed on the second vertical edge 140; another end 424 of the second vertical sliding assembly 420 is a second sliding end 424 slides in the exterior sliding rails 330.
The first vertical sliding assembly 410 and the second vertical sliding assembly 420 each consist of a plurality of vertical sliders 400 hinged successively along the sliding direction.
The first vertical sliding assembly 410 and the second vertical sliding assembly 420 are multi-segment structures with symmetry on the left and right sides.
Each vertical slider 400 comprises a pair of arcuate protruding portions 402 at one end and a pair of arcuate recessed portions 404 matching the shape and size of the pair of arcuate protruding portions 402 at another end; each arcuate recessed portion 404 comprises a removable rotation connecting rod 406; each arcuate protruding portion 402 comprises a rod hole 4022 to accommodate the removable rotation connecting rod 406 of another vertical slider.
The curved structure is designed to achieve a sealing effect even when the two vertical sliders 400 can be rotated relative to each other and to isolate the interior from the exterior.
As shown in
The sealing pads 4002, and 4004 are in contact with the first horizontal turning plate 210 and the second horizontal turning plate 220 to prevent outdoor rain or air from entering the interior.
In another embodiment, each first sealing pad 4002 and each second sealing pad 4004 are elastic and can be squeezed by the first and second horizontal turning plates 210, and 220 to have a better sealing effect.
As shown in
The vertical translation plate 300 comprises a bottom portion 350 having a bottom portion sliding rail 352; the second horizontal edge 120 comprises an edge sliding rail 122; a pair of bottom support mechanisms 500 are mounted between the bottom portion 350 and the second horizontal edge 120.
The bottom support mechanisms 500 are symmetrical on the left and right sides, supporting the entire window mechanism from the bottom and allowing the vertical translation plate 300 to remain upright and not tilted as it is pushed outward or pulled back inward.
Each bottom support mechanism 500 comprises a first supporting rod 510, a second supporting rod 520, and a pivot 530; the first supporting rod 510 and the second supporting rod 520 cross at the pivot 530; one end 512 of the first supporting rod 510 is rotatably mounted on one end of the second horizontal edge 120, another end 514 of the first supporting rod 510 is slidingly pivoted to the bottom portion sliding rail 352; one end 522 of the second supporting rod 520 is rotatably mounted on one end of the bottom portion 350; another end 524 of the second supporting rod 520 is slidingly pivoted to the edge sliding rail 122.
The bottom support mechanisms 500 and the vertical translation plate 300 restrain and control all other structures of the present invention to ensure the movement of each structure.
The top protruding portion 310 comprises a first retraction mechanism 610 and a second retraction mechanism 620. The first and second retraction mechanisms are symmetry on the right side and left side. The first and second retraction mechanisms are to pull the vertical sliding assemblies 410, and 420 back when the hideable window is going to close.
The first retraction mechanism 610 comprises a first coil spring 612, a first fixed pulley 614, and a first steel wire 616; the first coil spring 612 comprises a first fixed end and a first pull-out end; the first fixed end is mounted at one end of the top protruding portion 310; the first fixed pulley 614 is rotatably mounted near the middle of the top protruding portion 310; the first steel wire 616 is wound around the first fixed pulley 614 and connects the first pull-out end and the first sliding end 414.
The second retraction mechanism 620 comprises a second coil spring 622, a second fixed pulley 624, and a second steel wire 626; the second coil spring 622 comprises a second fixed end 6220 and a second pull-out end 6222; the second fixed end 6220 is mounted at one end of the top protruding portion 310; the second fixed pulley 624 is rotatably mounted near middle of the top protruding portion 310; the second steel wire 626 is wound around the second fixed pulley 624 and connects the second pull-out end 6222 and the second sliding end 424.
In another embodiment, the vertical translation plate 300 is transparent.
In another embodiment shown in
In another embodiment, the vertical sliders 400 are transparent.
The user can choose which part is transparent or opaque as desired.
In another embodiment, the first horizontal turning plate 210 and the second horizontal turning plate 220 are symmetric; since the vertical translation plate 300 is always kept vertical and the position of vertical direction is unchanged during the opening/closing process when being rotated, the first horizontal turning plate 210 and the second horizontal turning plate 220 maintain the same angles with the horizontal plane, opposite rotation direction, and same rotation speed during the rotation process.
In order to better illustrate the working process of the hideable window, the following figures are provided.
In
In
In addition, when the user chooses transparent material for the horizontal turning plates, the vertical sliding assembly, and the vertical translation plate/window, the user can use the hidable bay window as a fixed window in closed status and use it as a bay window in open status.
The components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages that have been discussed are merely illustrative. None of them, nor the discussions relating to them, are intended to limit the scope of protection in any way. Numerous other embodiments are also contemplated. These include embodiments that have fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages. These also include embodiments in which the components and/or steps are arranged and/or ordered differently.
Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.
All articles, patents, patent applications, and other publications that have been cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference.
Except as otherwise stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is recited in the claims.
The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning accorded to such terms and expressions in their respective areas, except where specific meanings have been set forth. Relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between them. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and any other variation thereof when used in connection with a list of elements in the specification or claims are intended to indicate that the list is not exclusive and that other elements may be included. Similarly, an element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional elements of the identical type.
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