TECHNICAL FIELD
An outswinging window assembly having an operational mode and a wash mode.
BACKGROUND
During operation of a casement window, the casement window is movable between a closed position and an egress position. In the egress position, the window sash extends generally perpendicular to the window frame and is disposed adjacent to one side of the window jamb. As the window rotates to the egress position, it is common for the hinge stile of the sash to slide horizontally into the window opening. The more the sash slides over into the opening, the less opening is available through which to egress from the building, for example, in the case of an emergency.
In the closed position, the inside of the casement window can be easily cleaned from the interior of the building. However, the outside of the window is not readily accessible in the egress position since the sash is too close to the window jamb to allow a person to easily reach out and wash the outside of the window. Alternatively, the hinge stile of the sash can move over to allow for a person to reach through the opening, however, this interferes with the egress opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window assembly with the sash in a closed position, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a top view of a portion of a drive mechanism for the window assembly, as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 19 is an exterior view of the sash as constructed in accordance with one embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
A window assembly 100, such as, but not limited to, a casement window, is shown in FIG. 1. The window assembly 100 includes a frame 102 and a sash 104 rotatably coupled relative to a frame 102. For example, the sash 104 rotates about a vertical axis. In one example, at least one pane of glass 106 is retained within the sash 104. The frame 102 is defined by an interior portion 114 and an exterior portion 115, and the sash 104 is defined by a sash interior portion 116 and a sash exterior portion 117 (FIG. 3). In an option, insulating material 180 (FIG. 9) is provided along an outer portion of the sash 104, such as at a lower rail of the sash 104. For example, weather strip material 182 (FIG. 9) is provided along a lower portion of the sash 104.
The window assembly 100 includes an operating mode in which the window assembly 100 can be moved from the closed position, where the sash interior portion 116 faces in a similar direction as the frame interior portion 114, to an open position at which the sash 104 is about perpendicular with the frame 102 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 7, the window assembly 100 further includes a wash mode in which the sash 104 can be moved from a position perpendicular to the frame, to a position where the sash exterior portion 117 (FIG. 3) faces toward the frame interior portion, allowing for a person within the interior of a building to reach and clean an exterior portion of the sash 104, such as the exterior glass.
Referring to FIG. 3, the window drive mechanism includes a hinge assembly 120 that is coupled between the frame 102 and the sash 104. In an option, the hinge assembly 120 is coupled with the sash via an actuator arm 111, as shown in FIGS. 10-12. The actuator arm 111 moves along a sash track 113, where a pin 109 of the actuator arm 111 glides along the track 113. In an option, the user switches the window from the operational mode to the wash mode by uncoupling the actuator arm 111 from the sash track 113. For example, the actuator arm 111 is moved away from the sash track 113, for example by depressing the actuator arm 111, and the pin 109 is disengaged from the sash track 113. Once disengaged, the sash 104 can move independently of the actuator arm 111 using the hinge assembly 120, as can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12. In a further option, the sash can change from a wash mode to the operational mode without requiring the window drive mechanism to be switched.
In an option, the hinge assembly 120 is located near a lower rail 103 (FIG. 19) of the sash 104. In another option, the hinge assembly 120 is located near an upper rail of the sash 104. In yet another option, the hinge assembly 120 is located both on upper and lower rails of the sash 104, or on opposite sides of the sash 104. The hinge assembly 120 is coupled with the frame 102 and operated to move the sash 104 between a closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and an open position (FIGS. 3-4), and further to a wash position (FIGS. 5-6). Optionally, the window drive mechanism includes a crank that allows for an operator to drive the window drive mechanism. A worm gear assembly, in an option, is coupled with the crank and bottom rail and the links, such as a first link 130 (FIGS. 2-6) or an actuator arm 111 (FIGS. 10-12). In an option, the worm gear assembly includes a worm gear movably coupled with a drive gear and the drive gear is in turn coupled with a driven gear. Optionally, the window drive mechanism includes a base cover adapted to couple with a base plate. The base cover and the base plate cooperate to retain the worm gear, drive gear and the driven gear in position within the window drive mechanism.
In a further option, the window assembly 100 includes a locking mechanism that retains the sash 104 along the frame 102 and prevents opening of the window assembly 100. It should be noted the window assembly 100 can be a casement window, which operates with a rotatable sash that rotates around a vertical axis. In another option, the window assembly 100 includes an awning window, where a sash rotates about a horizontal axis. In yet another option, the window assembly 100 can include a push-out window, where a worm gear assembly may not be necessary.
Referring to FIGS. 2-7, one example of the window drive mechanism 120 is shown. The window drive mechanism includes a number of links, including, but not limited to, a first link 130, a second link 140, a third link 150, and a fourth link 160. The window drive mechanism 120 further includes a track 122 that is disposed along one of the frame members 108 (FIG. 1) of the frame 102 (FIG. 1), where the track 122 is defined in part by a track length 123 (FIG. 7). A first shoe 124 is slidably coupled with the track 122. In an option, the first shoe 124 is a single shoe, and is the only shoe used for the window assembly 100. Optionally, additional shoes can be used for the assembly, as further discussed below.
The first link 130 extends from a first link end 132 to a second link end 134, and has an intermediate link portion 136 therebetween. The first link 130 is coupled along an edge portion 112 of the sash 104, and the first link 130 remains substantially parallel with the plane defined by the sash 104 during movement of the sash 104. The first link 130 is rotatably coupled with the first shoe 124 at or near the first end 132 of the first link 130 and moves with the first shoe 124 along the track 122.
The second link 140 extends from a first link end 142 to a second link end 144, and has an intermediate link portion 146 therebetween. The third link 150 extends from a first link end 152 to a second link end 154, and has an intermediate link portion 156 therebetween.
The second link 140 is hingedly coupled with the first link 130 and the third link 150. The first link end 142 of the second link 140 is hingedly coupled with the second end 134 of the first link 130, and the second link end 144 of the second link 140 is hingedly coupled with the second link end 154 of the third link 150. The third link 150 is hingedly coupled with the second link 140 and the track 122, where the first link end 152 of the third link 150 is hingedly coupled with the track 122, in an option, at a fixed point. In an option, the third link 150 does not travel along the track 122 while the sash 104 (FIG. 7) rotates, but rotates relative to the track 122. Optionally, the third link 150 includes a recessed portion 151 (FIG. 7), in an option near the first link end 152. The recessed portion 151 (FIG. 7) allows for the link to be non-planar along a portion of the link, and allows for the hinge assembly 120 to be folded upon itself in the closed position, allowing for end 134 and end 142 to be disposed over the recessed portion 151 of link. It should be noted the recessed portion is optional, allowing for further options for the hinge stacking height.
The fourth link 160 extends from a first link end 162 to a second link end 164, and has an intermediate portion 166 therebetween. In an option, the fourth link 160 includes a raised portion 161 (FIG. 7). The raised portion 161 (FIG. 7) allows for the link 160 to be rotated to a closed position over the first shoe 124. In a further option, as shown in FIG. 8, link 160 is slightly curved to allow for the second link 140 to set along side it in the closed position.
Referring again to FIG. 3, the fourth link 160 is coupled between the shoe 124 and the third link 150, in one option. The second end 164 of the fourth link 160 is hingedly coupled with the first shoe 124, and the second end 164 slides along the track 122 via the first shoe 124. The first end 162 of the fourth link is hingedly coupled with the third link 150 at the intermediate portion 156 of the third link 150. The fourth link 160 can be coupled with the shoe 124 and/or the first link 130 at a number of different locations. For example, the second end 164 of the fourth link 160 can be coupled with the shoe 124 at a location other than the hinge point of the first link 130 and the shoe 124. In another option, the second end 164 of the fourth link 160 could be coupled along the first link 130 other than the hinge point of the first link 130 and the shoe 124. For example, the second end 164 of the fourth link 160 could be coupled with an intermediate portion 136 of the first link 130 (FIG. 8), or near the ends of the first link 130. Notably the links can be adjusted so that the links are coupled near the ends of the links.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a sash 104 and/or the window drive mechanism 120 disposed in a closed position. As a user operates the crank to open the sash, the first link 130 and the sash 104 rotates relative to 190 (FIG. 3), or a first end 125 (FIG. 3) of the track 122. As the first link 130 rotates, a first end 132 of the first link 130 begins to slide along the track 122 via the first shoe 124, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this position, the window assembly is in the operating mode. In an option, the sash 104 is placed in an open position, where the sash is substantially transverse to the frame. The sash 104 moves via the shoe 124, and in an option, the shoe 124 moves a distance of about 4-21% of the frame width 107 (FIG. 1) when moved to the open position. In another option, the sash 104 moves via the shoe 12, and the shoe 124 moves a distance of no greater than 12% of the frame width 107 (FIG. 1) when moved to the open position. In an option, the frame width can be 20 inches to about 56 inches. Additional examples of shoe 124 movement when the sash is placed in the open position include: shoe 124 moves a distance of 2.68 inches for a frame having a width of 13 inches, 27.125 inches, or 40 inches.
In yet another option, the first shoe 124 moves a distance of more than 30% of the frame width, for example, when the sash 104 is moved to the wash position. For example, the shoe 124 can travel about 17⅜ inches when placed in the wash position for windows having a frame width 107 of about 24 inches to 56 inches. In another example, the shoe will travel about 13⅜ inches when placed in the wash position for windows having a frame width 107 of about 20-44 inches. In an option, the sash exterior is at 135 degrees relative to the frame when the sash 104 is in the wash position. In an option, as the sash 104 moves toward the open position and/or the wash position, the hinge assembly 120 and the links 130, 140, 150, 160 of the of the hinge assembly 120 do not pass through the plane 118 defined by the exterior portion 117 of the sash 104 (FIGS. 2-6). In another option, as the sash 104 moves toward the open position, the hinge assembly 120 remains between a sash plane 118 defined by the sash exterior portion and a frame 188 plane defined by the frame interior portion 114. In a further option, the hinge assembly does not pass over insulating material 180 (FIG. 9), such as a weather strip 182 (FIG. 9), surrounding at least a portion of the sash 104, when the sash moves to the wash position.
In yet another option, the sash 104 rotates at a first rate relative to shoe travel as the sash 140 moves from the closed position to a position where the sash 104 is substantially transverse to the frame, and the sash 104 rotates at a second rate relative to shoe travel as the sash 140 moves from the transverse position to the wash position. For example, the sash 104 rotates at about 33 degrees per inch in the first rate, and at about 3 degrees per inch in the second rate.
As the first link 130 rotates, and as the first shoe 124 slides along the track 122, fourth link 160 also rotates. In an option, when the sash 104 has been opened to about the position shown in FIG. 11, the actuator arm 111 is uncoupled from the sash 104, and the user uses the sash 104 to further open the sash 104. In another option, as the first link 130 rotates, the second link 140 and the third link 150 rotate and become almost parallel with one another, as shown in FIG. 4, and the sash 104 is in an open position, where the egress and clear opening is maximized. For example, the sash 104 is generally perpendicular to the frame 102, as shown in FIG. 4. Link 140 and link 150 open to an angle 184 relative to one another. In an option, the link 140 and link 150 open to an angle 184 of less than about 180 degrees prior to entering the wash mode.
The sash 104 continues to rotate relative to 190, and the shoe 124 continues to slide along the track 122, and the sash 104 is disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the frame, and the window assembly is entering the wash mode. When entering the wash mode, link 140 and link 150 continue to rotate relative to one another such that angle 184 becomes greater than 180 degrees, resulting in an over center configuration in the hinge assembly 120 in the wash position. As a user applies force on the glass, the resulting force on the shoe 124 is directed more in a normal direction to the track 122 than in a tangential direction, and the frictional force between the track and the shoe 124 is greater than the tangentially directed force applied by the user. For instance, in an example shown in FIG. 8, a user places a wash force Fw 196 on the sash 104, for example near an outer portion of the glass when the sash 104 having a width 189 is at a wash angle 192, resulting in normal forces F3y, 187 and F2y, 188, wherein the F3y, 187 and F2y, 188 are a normal pin force for link 150 and a normal force for the shoe 124, respectively. In an example, the wash force Fw, 196 is about 17 lbs, the wash angle 192 is about 45 degrees, the sash width 189 is about 30 inches, the pin force F2y is about 102 lbs, and the normal force for the shoe 124 F3y is about 109 lbs. While this examples does not account for sash weight, the example illustrates how the hinge assembly 120 provides for increased stability of the window when in the wash mode or in the wash position as the force placed on the glass by the user results in a great normal force placed on the shoe 124, thereby resisting lateral movement in the wash position. If a user placed a greater amount of Fw, a Fw of 34 lbs, using the same variables as above, the resultant normal force for the shoe 124 F3y would be about 220 lbs. The normal force for the shoe 124 F3y increases the frictional force between the shoe 124 and the track 122, thereby resisting lateral motion of the sash 104 along the track 122 when the sash 104 is in the wash position.
In an option, in order to move the sash from the wash mode to the normal open or closed position, the sash must actually translate in a direction opposite of a force applied when washing a window (i.e. normal to the glass). Notwithstanding that the sash is stable for a user to wash the exterior glass, the sash 104 can be easily moved from the wash mode or position to a closed position by sliding the stile 194 near the hinge (FIG. 5).
In the wash mode, the sash 104 can be further rotated relative to the frame 102, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The first link 130 and the sash 102 continue to rotate relative to the frame 102, and the first shoe 124 continues to slide along the track 122. In the wash mode, as the first shoe 124 slides along the track 122, the second link 140 and the third link 150 rotate relative to one another. The first end 132 of the first link 130 continues to rotate, and travels along the track 122 such that the first end 132 of the first link 130 has traveled more than 30% along the length of the length of the window width. The sash 104 is rotated, via the first link 130, such that an exterior portion of the sash is directed toward the exterior portion of the frame, as shown in FIG. 7. In this position, a user can easily clean the sash 104, such as the exterior glass portion of the sash.
In the wash position, the fourth link 160, in an option, is disposed substantially transverse to the track 122, and assists in stabilizing the sash 104 in the wash position. Other angles for the fourth link 160 relative to the track 122 can be used. For example, the angle 181 (FIG. 6) between link 160 and track 122 can be about 70-90 degrees. In another option, the angle 181 can be 60-90 degrees. In yet another option, the angle 181 can be 50-90 degrees. In still yet another option, the angle 181 can be 45-90 degrees. When a user places force on the glass of the sash 104, the force is driven into the first shoe 124 in a substantially normal direction, assisting in stabilizing the sash 104 from movement along the track 122.
The window assembly allows for the egress to be maximized when the window sash is in the open position, and further allows for a person to easily clean an exterior portion of the sash and glass when the sash is in the wash position. The window assembly allows for a person to manipulate the window from the interior to place the sash in the closed position, to an open position, and further to a wash position.
Further options for the hinge assembly are as follows, and additional embodiments can be seen in FIGS. 13-19. For instance, the second link 140 is hingedly coupled with the first link 130 and the third link 150. The first link end 142 of the second link 140 is hingedly coupled with an intermediate link portion 136, and the second link end 144 is hingedly coupled with the second link end 154. The third link 150 is hingedly coupled with the second link 140 and the track 122, where the first third link end 152 is hingedly coupled with the track 122, in an option, at a fixed point. In an option, the third link does not travel along the track 122, but rotates relative to the track 122.
The forth link 160 extends from a first link end 162 to a second link end 164, and has an intermediate fourth link portion 166 therebetween. The fourth link 160 is coupled between the track 122 and end portions of the second link 140 and the third link 150. The second link end 164 of the fourth link 160 is hingedly coupled with the second shoe 126, and the second link end 164 slides along the track 122 via the second shoe 126. The first link end 162 of the fourth link 160 is hingedly coupled with the second link 140 and the third link 150 at their respective second ends.
As the first link 130 rotates, and as the first shoe 124 slides along the track 122, the second shoe 126 remains fixed and does not move, in an option. In another option, as the first link 130 rotates, and as the first shoe 124 slides along the track 122, the second shoe 126 moves along the track 122 at a slower rate than the first shoe 124. In another option, as the first link 130 rotates, the second link 140 and the third link 150 remain fixed together and do not rotate relative to one another. In another, the second link 140 and the third link 150 remain fixed until the sash 104 reaches a position where the sash 104 is perpendicular to the frame 102, as shown in FIG. 5. At this point, when the sash 104 interior portion is at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the frame, the window assembly is entering the wash mode. The hinge assembly 120 and the links 130, 140, 150, 160 do not pass through the plane 118 (FIG. 9) as the sash 104 moves to and through this position.
In the wash mode, the sash 104 can be further rotated relative to the frame 102, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The first link 130 and the sash 102 continue to rotate relative to the frame 102, and the first shoe 124 continues to slide along the track 122. In the wash mode, as the first shoe 124 slides along the track 122, the second shoe 126 also slides along the track 122, where the two shoes 124, 126 slide together. In an option, the first shoe 124 and the second shoe 126 slide along the track at the same rate. In the wash mode, the second link 140 and the third link 150 rotate relative to one another, and the relative distance between the first shoe 124 and the second shoe 126 along the track 122 remains substantially constant. The first end of the first link continues to rotate, and travels along the track 122 such that the first end of the first link 130 has traveled more than 30% along the length of the frame width, or in another option more than 50% along the length of the frame width. The sash 104 is rotated, via the first link 130, such that an exterior portion of the sash is directed toward the exterior portion of the frame. In this position, a user can easily clean the sash 104, such as the exterior glass portion of the sash. As the sash 104 is moved to this position, the hinge assembly 120 and the links 130, 140, 150, 160 do not pass through the plane 118 (FIG. 9).
The window assembly allows for the egress to be maximized when the window sash is in the open position. For example, the hinge assembly 120 minimizes encroachment of the clear opening when the sash is in the open position. Lateral movement of the hinge assembly 120 from a closed position to a normal open position (90 degrees), in an option, is a maximum of 13.5% of the egress width. In another option, the lateral movement is limited to a maximum of 12%.
The window assembly further allows for a person to easily clean an exterior portion of the sash and glass when the sash is in the wash position. The window assembly allows for a person to manipulate the window from the interior to place the sash in the closed position, to an open position, and further to a wash position. Furthermore, the hinge assembly allows for the sash to be opened without altering the vertical alignment of the sash relative to the frame.
During operation and wash mode, the hinge mechanism links 130, 140, 150, 160 do not pass the plane 118 of the sash 104, allowing for insulating material of the sash to conceal the hinge assembly 120 when the sash is in the closed position (FIGS. 8 and 9), and the hinge assembly 120 is disposed behind the cladding covering the lower rail 103 of the sash 104. In addition, the gap around the sash 104, between the sash and the frame, can be minimized because the lower portion 182 of the sash 104, and/or the sash plane 118 defined by the sash exterior portion 117 do not pass over the links 130, 140, 150, 160. Still further, when the sash is placed in the closed position, the hinge assembly is concealed both from the exterior and the interior.
In an example method, a method includes rotating two or more links of a window assembly hinge assembly from a window assembly closed position to a window assembly open position, where the window assembly has a frame including a frame interior portion and a frame exterior portion. The frame is defined in part by a frame width. The window assembly further includes a sash rotatably coupled relative to the frame, and the sash has a sash inner portion and a sash exterior portion, where the sash exterior portion is disposed toward the second direction when the sash is in a closed position. The sash exterior portion defines a sash exterior plane, and the sash has a wash mode and an operational mode.
In the operational mode, the sash is openable to an open position, in the wash mode the sash is openable to a wash position, and in the wash position the sash exterior portion is disposed toward the frame interior portion. The window assembly further includes an optional window drive mechanism coupled between the frame and the sash, and the window drive mechanism includes a hinge assembly having one or more links coupled with one or more shoes, the shoes movably coupled along a first side of the frame. The method further includes rotating two or more links includes rotating the sash, for instance around a vertical axis, and maintaining the rotatable links between a sash plane defined by the sash exterior portion and a frame plane defined by the frame when moved to the open position, and further preventing the rotatable links from crossing the sash plane when moving the sash toward the wash position, or optionally the hinge assembly does not pass over insulating material disposed along a lower rail of the sash when the sash moves to the wash position.
Further options for the method are as follows. For instance, the method further optionally includes moving a first shoe towards a second shoe for the window assembly, and moving the first shoe independent of the second shoe in the operational mode, and/or moving the first shoe and the second shoe together in the wash mode. In another option, rotating two or more links includes rotating second and third links from a relative angle of less than 180 degrees in the open position to greater than 180 degrees in the wash position.
Further options for the method include stabilizing the sash against movement when the sash is in the wash mode. In yet another option, moving the one or more shoes a distance of about 4-21% of the frame width along a track when the sash is moved from the closed position to a position where the sash is substantially transverse to the frame. In yet another option, the method includes moving the one or more shoes a distance of no greater than 12% of the frame width when the sash is moved from the closed position to a position where the sash is substantially transverse to the frame.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. It should be noted that embodiments discussed in different portions of the description or referred to in different drawings can be combined to form additional embodiments of the present application. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Patent Application
20080256874
