Patent Application
20150040485
Window opening control devices are devices that restrict the size of the open area of a window so that it is too small for a young child (e.g., five years of age or younger) to fall through. Specifically, window opening control devices allow the window opening to be set at a predetermined position.
For instance, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has advised caregivers to open windows less than four inches when a young child is present. Similarly, the American Society of Testing and Materials' (ASTM) Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices With Emergency Escape (Egress) Release Mechanisms (ASTM Designation F2090-10) specifies that “no space shall exist at the lowest opening portion of the window opening, that would permit the passage of a rigid sphere measuring 4.0 in. (102 mm) in diameter (Section 5.1.1, supra). However, the window may be opened further with an additional operation such as an operation performed using a key, a tool, or special knowledge.
Although numerous window opening control devices have been developed for double hung and slider type windows, no such devices have been widely disseminated for use with casement style windows (i.e., windows that are attached to their frames by one or more hinges).
One embodiment of window opening control device that limits the maximum amount by which a window can be opened includes a spool assembly for varying the amount by which the window can be opened and a slider assembly for engaging the spool assembly such that the amount by which the window can be opened does not exceed the maximum amount.
The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
In one embodiment, the invention is a window opening control device. The device is especially useful in controlling the size of the open area of a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges, such as a casement, awning, or hopper style window; however, it could conceivably also be used with other hinged structures. In one embodiment, the device limits the open area of the window to no more than four inches (i.e., such that a rigid sphere having a diameter of greater than four inches cannot pass through the open area); however, a built-in release mechanism allows the window to be open further upon activation.
The window opening control device 100 generally comprises a slider assembly 106 and a spool assembly 108, which cooperate to control the size of the open area of the window. In one embodiment, the slider assembly 106 is installed in the frame 102, while the spool assembly 108 is installed in the pane 104; however, in other embodiments, the slider assembly 106 may be installed in the pane 104, while the spool assembly 108 is installed in the frame 102.
The slider assembly 106 comprises a slider housing 110 and a slider clamp 112. As illustrated, the slider clamp 112 is largely housed within the slider housing 110. The slider clamp 112 comprises a plate, which is broken into at least a first portion 114 and a second portion 116. The first portion 114 and the second portion 116 are positioned in a spaced apart relation such that an aperture 118 is defined therebetween. The first portion 114 is substantially fixed in place, while the second portion 116 is moveable in a direction away from the first portion 114 by means of a lever 120 (which may be manually activated). The second portion 116 is biased toward the first portion 114 (e.g., using a spring or other biasing means) such that when the lever 120 is not engaged, the aperture 118 is open to a first size. When the lever 120 is engaged, the aperture 118 opens by an amount that is variable up to a second size that is greater than the first size. The slider housing 110 may include a slot (not shown) within which the lever 120 is allowed to slide. Alternatively, no housing may be needed to house the slider clamp 112, and the lever 120 may slide along a track.
The spool assembly 108 comprises a spool 122 around which is wound a length of cable 124. The cable 124 has a fixed end that is attached to the spool 122 and a free end that is attached to a rod 126. The rod 126 further includes a button 128 formed in one end.
As illustrated in
As discussed above, the window opening control device 100 includes a built in release mechanism that allows the window to be open further than the controlled amount upon activation. This activation is illustrated in
Thus, the window opening control device 100 controls the amount by which a window may be opened in a manner that is consistent with at least CPSC and ASTM standards for child safety. Specifically, the spool assembly 108 varies the amount by which the window can be opened, while the slider assembly 106 engages the spool assembly 108 to ensure that the window is not opened by an amount that is greater than a defined maximum amount (e.g., four inches, although the maximum amount is variable in other embodiments and may be user defined). Moreover, the built in release mechanism allows the controls enforced by the window opening control device 100 to be overridden by a further operation (e.g., manual activation).
Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.
