This invention was not developed in conjunction with any Federally sponsored contract.
Not applicable.
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60,541,106, and Non-Provisional patent Ser. No. 11/047,978 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, including figures.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to window opening assistance devices for anyone needing assistance opening a window, especially in emergency situations.
2. Background of the Invention
Windows in dwellings can become difficult to open. This is due to post construction changes in a structure. Changes that frequently occur are shrinking and swelling of the window unit due to exposure of extreme elements of weather such as heat, cold, dry or moist atmospheres. Over time many structures may experience shifting due to ground movement and gravity. Dirt deposits collect due to poor maintenance. These post construction changes can cause the window to become difficult to open.
Many windows integrate a dedicated lift area. However, many times this area is not sufficient regarding the size and strength of the occupant desiring to open the window.
This clearly puts occupants at a great disadvantage when needing to make an emergency exit. This is evident by the fact that there are two ways out of a home in the event of fires. Yet 800 children under the age of nine die each year in home fires. The problem of window egress is clear and can be addressed properly by the use of my invention. Proper education and encouragement by professional and volunteer fire-fighters is only available after engineering process is complete. Our invention must be first available.
It is estimated by the firefighting profession that 60-90% of home dwellers do not practice fire drills. To highlight the importance of our invention could save many lives. After Sep. 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security cited that terrorists could threaten soft targets. This included family dwellings. As fire-fighters, we have a response obligation of duty to protect America from harm at every level concerning safety. The most important problem our invention will solve is allowing us as firefighters to give children a solid answer to their most common question, which is, “What do I do if the window won't open during a fire and that is my only way out?” Today, firefighters across the country answer “Do whatever it takes.” This is not a good plan.
Window lift areas are usually integrated into the framework of the window by manufacturers. Historically, these are small and present a challenge to the finger-tip strength of many users, especially the young and others who have dexterity deficits. Additional handles may be obtained when minimal or no integrated lift design exists. These additional handles require skill to ensure proper mounting. These handles are usually screwed into the framework and the margin for error by the untrained installer can range from crooked handles to non-repairable holes in the framework of the window. Placement errors can cause the handle to become less effective. Placement issues are of great importance to the end user. Other handles do not allow movement or adjustment to meet the optimum position for the user whose needs may change, without leaving unsightly holes when adjusting. Optimum leverage is required during the lifting, pushing, or pulling action during sliding operation due to the physical changes of the user. If people of different sizes change living quarters, it requires possible different position placement in order to optimize leverage. Additionally, when one moves form one dwelling to another, to remove other handles again leaves unsightly holes in the window framework.
My invention is a handle, which applies force to an existing window leverage point. The handle provides greater surface area for grasping, therefore allowing the user to leverage any additional available strength for the purpose of assistance in the opening and closing operation of the window.
The present embodiment should be more fully understood when the written description is considered in conjunction with the drawings contained herein, wherein:
As shown in
To use our window operation assistance handle invention, locate the subject window leverage points for windows. The device is mounted by placing the hollow groove (5) into position as to envelop a leverage point (8) such that urging may be accomplished without the use of a fastener by urging angular tilt to bind and capture the leverage point or which can be held securely in place temporarily by use of setscrews (7) that are disposed in the multiple offset orifice fixation ports (6).
The handle (1) assists the user in opening the window after the window is unlocked. The user grasps the handle (1) and lifts, pushes or pulls. The handle (1) provides greater surface area for grasping, allowing the user to leverage any additional available strength for the purpose of assistance in the opening and closing operation of the window, especially in emergency situations.
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/047,978, filed Feb. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,302,736 which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/541,106, filed Feb. 2, 2004 by Gregory Lawler.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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145132 | Smith | Dec 1873 | A |
1491045 | Johnson | Apr 1924 | A |
2450193 | Galliano | Sep 1948 | A |
2642581 | Loe | Jun 1953 | A |
2777729 | Nieratko | Jan 1957 | A |
3263267 | Ahlberg | Aug 1966 | A |
4829976 | Pourtau et al. | May 1989 | A |
6711784 | Walker | Mar 2004 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20080060164 A1 | Mar 2008 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60541106 | Feb 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11047978 | Feb 2005 | US |
Child | 11983586 | US |