[0001] The present invention relates to a roof window comprising a frame with a top member,
a bottom member and two side members defining a frame plane, and a sash having a top
member, a bottom member and two side members defining a sash plane, the sash having
an opening for a pane and an outer surface opposite said opening, the window further
comprising in connection with the sash top member a top sash module with a first side,
a second side opposite to and extending substantially parallel with the first side,
a third side and a fourth side opposite to and extending substantially parallel with
the third side, the third and fourth sides extending substantially perpendicular to
and connecting the first and second sides, the top sash module comprising one or more
ventilation openings adapted for providing ventilation of a building in which the
window is mounted.
[0002] Roof windows of this kind are known in a number of different configurations and have
proven to function very well in a number of different uses. However, in the known
windows the top sash module restricts the space available for the pane of the window,
and thereby restricts the amount of light entering a building in which the window
is mounted.
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a roof window, which
provides for an increased light admitting area without compromising the provision
of ventilation openings.
[0004] This is achieved with a roof window of the above kind, where the top sash module
is connected to the top sash member and/or the side sash members in such a way that
the top sash module is arranged at the outer surface of the sash.
[0005] Thereby a roof window is provided with which the top sash module does not interfere
with the space available for the pane of the window. Consequently the pane area is
maximized and the amount of light entering a building in which the window is mounted
is correspondingly increased.
[0006] Preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the following
detailed description and the appended dependent claims.
[0007] The invention will be described in more detail below by means of a non-limiting example
of an embodiment and with reference to the schematic drawing, in which
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a window according to the invention in the assembled
state seen from below or inside,
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a window according to the invention in the assembled
state seen from above or outside,
Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the top of a window according to the invention featuring
a top sash module according to the invention.
Figs 4 and 5 show views corresponding to Figs 1 and 2 showing a slightly different
embodiment of the window according to the invention; and
Fig. 6 shows a partial perspective view of the window shown in Figs 4 and 5.
[0008] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show one embodiment of a window 1 according to the invention comprising
a pane 4 defining plane 16, a frame 2 having a top member 5, a bottom member 6 and
two side members 7, 8 defining a frame plane, and a sash 3 having a top member 9,
a bottom member 10 and two side members 11, 12 defining a sash plane. In the embodiment
shown, the window is centre-hung in that the sash 3 is connected to the frame 2 by
a pivot hinge (not shown) provided between side members 7, 11; 8, 12 of the frame
2 and sash 3, respectively, to be openable by tilting the sash 3 of the window 1 about
the pivot hinge axis 21 defined by the pivot hinge. The pivot hinge comprises two
parts, namely a sash part and a frame part.
[0009] The hinges used are preferably of the type described in the applicant's earlier patent
applications
WO9928581 and
GB1028251, where a curved member and a tap on one hinge part travels in a curved guide track
in the other during opening and closing of the window. The radius of curvature entails
that when using such hinges, the hinge axis lies at a small distance above the actual
hinge parts and as the sash frame is turned first the curved member and then the tap
comes out of the track. In combination this provides a pattern of movement which allows
easy operation of a centre-hung window and allows the sash frame to be turned substantially
entirely around.
[0010] As used in this description, a closed position of the window 1 means a position in
which the frame plane and the sash plane coincide, that is form an angle of 0 degrees
with each other. Similarly an open position of the window 1 as used herein generally
means a position in which the sash 3 is tilted about the pivot hinge axis 21 such
that the frame plane and the sash plane no longer coincide.
[0011] As seen in Fig. 1 a longitudinal axis 13 of the window 1 is defined as extending
perpendicular to and between the frame top member 5 and the frame bottom member 6,
a transversal axis 14 of the window is defined as extending perpendicular to and between
the respective frame side members 7 and 8 and thereby perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis 13 and a depth axis 15 of the window 1 is defined as extending perpendicular
to both the longitudinal axis 13 and the transversal axis 14. The pivot hinge axis
21 and the transversal axis 14 are parallel, and are shown as coinciding in the figures.
[0012] The window 1 furthermore comprises at least one lock 17 of a type known per se for
locking the frame 2 and sash 3 together as well as a generally circumferentially extending
sealing 18 provided on the sash 3 for sealing the gap between the sash 3 and the frame
2 in the closed position of the window 1. The sealing 18 comprises at least one, preferably
at least two sealing strips.
[0013] Notwithstanding the centre-hung window 1 shown in Fig. 1 the window according to
the invention may in other embodiments be top-hung, with or without an intermediate
frame structure, have the hinge axis somewhere between the top and the centre, be
side-hung or for that matter even be bottom-hung.
[0014] The sash 3 and frame 2 of the window according to the invention may be made of wooden
members or members made of cast or extruded polyurethane (PUR).
[0015] Referring now to Fig. 3 the window 1 comprises in connection with the top member
9 of the sash 3 a top sash module 411 having a substantially rectangular cross section
with a first side 412, a second side 415 opposite to and extending parallel with said
first side 411, a third side 413 and a fourth side 414 opposite to and extending parallel
with said third side 413. The third and fourth sides 413 and 414 extend substantially
perpendicular to and connecting said first and second sides 412 and 415.
[0016] The first side 412 of the top sash module 411 is adapted to be attached to or abutting
a surface of the top sash member 9 opposite the pane 4 of the window 1.
[0017] The side sash members 11 and 12 of the window 1 each comprise an extension 417, respectively
416, extending in the longitudinal direction 13 of the window 1 beyond the top sash
member 9. The third and fourth sides 413 and 414 are connected to the extensions 416,
respectively 417, of the side sash members 12, respectively 11. In this way the top
sash module 411 is placed essentially outside the space defined by the sash 3, i.e.
essentially outside the sash plane.
[0018] The connection between the third side 413 and the extension 416, respectively the
fourth side 414 and the extension 417, may be achieved in any suitable way, such as
by a friction-locking or snap-locking mechanism or even by means of an adhesive or
an attachment means such as a screw or a nail.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the third and fourth side 413 and 414
are each provided with an attachment member 435, respectively 438, while the extensions
416 and 417 are each provided with a corresponding receiving member 437, respectively
439. In the embodiment shown, the attachment members 435 and 438 are protrusions provided
with a slot 436, respectively 440, while the receiving members 437 and 439 are corresponding
slots in the extensions 416 and 417. The slots 436, 440 provide the attachment members
435 and 438 with a spring-effect such that the attachment members 435 and 438 are
retained in the receiving members 437 and 439 by means of friction. Such an arrangement
provides for a particularly secure and strong attachment of the top sash module 411.
[0020] In another embodiment, being particularly suitable for roof windows in which the
sash 3 and the frame 2 are made of plastic, preferably of PUR, the top sash module
411 is provided as an integral or separate part of the top sash member 9 and/or of
the side sash members 11 and/or 12. In this embodiment the top sash module is preferably
placed substantially inside the space defined by the sash. Furthermore, in this embodiment
the top sash module 411 is preferably made of a plastic, such as PUR. In case the
top sash module 411 is provided as a separate element it is preferably attached by
means of a snap locking connection somewhat resembling the attachment members 435,
438 and the slots 436, 440 described above and shown in fig. 3, but where the slot
is relatively wide, while the attachment members are provided as thin, flexible tongues.
[0021] As likewise shown on Fig. 3, the window 1 furthermore comprises a ventilation flap
400 in connection with the top sash member 9. The ventilation flap 400 is an elongate
element, which is connected to the top sash member 9 by means of at least one pivot
connection 401 such as a hinge and to the lock 17 by means of another pivot connection
406. The pivot connection 406, which may be a hinge, and the lock 17 are preferably
adapted to enable the ventilation flap 400 to be placed in at least two, and preferably
at least three, different positions including a closed and at least one open position.
To this end the lock 17 may for instance be a spring biased locking mechanism. Although
two locks 17 are shown in Fig. 3, only one lock or for that matter more than two locks
may also be provided.
[0022] The ventilation flap 400 extends substantially in the total longitudinal extension
of the top sash member 9. The ventilation flap 400 comprises a first profile 402,
a second profile 403, two third profiles 404 and at least one fourth profile 404'.
[0023] The first profile 402 is an elongate profile extending substantially in the total
longitudinal extension of the top sash member 9 and being adapted for functioning
as a handle for operating the ventilation flap 400. The first profile 402 may in principle
have any cross-sectional shape, although a rounded, triangular shape is preferred.
[0024] The second profile 403 is likewise an elongate profile extending substantially in
the total longitudinal extension of the top sash member 9. The second profile 403
is adapted for abutment against a top sash module 411, which will be described in
closer detail further below, as well as optionally against the top sash member 9.
To this end the second profile 403 may comprise a layer 405 of a durable and flexible
material suitable for sealing the transition between the second profile 403 on one
side and the top sash member 9 and top sash module 411, respectively, on the other
side. The layer 405 of flexible material may for instance be made of a suitable foam
or felt and may comprise a reinforcing surface layer for added durability. The second
profile 403 may in principle have any suitable cross-sectional shape, although a shape
of which at least the surface comprising the layer 405 is substantially plane is preferred.
[0025] The second profile 403 furthermore comprises the pivot connection(s) 401, of which
three are shown in Fig. 3 although any number may in principle be provided, connecting
the ventilation flap 400 and the top sash member 9 as well as the pivot connection
406 connecting the ventilation flap to the lock 17.
[0026] The first and second profiles 402 and 403 are connected by means of the third and
fourth profiles 404, 404' in such a way that they extend substantially parallel to
each other and that the handle, i.e. the first profile 402, for operating the ventilation
flap is displaced in relation to the second profile 403 in a direction away from the
top sash member 9 and towards the pane 4 in the longitudinal direction 13 of the window
1.
[0027] More specifically, the third profiles 404 are located connecting end sections of
the first and second profiles 402 and 403, while the at least one fourth profile 404'
is located connecting the first and second profiles 402 and 403 at a location between
the end sections for supporting purposes.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment that may be seen on Fig. 3, the third and fourth profiles
404 and 404' are curved in such a way that, when the first and second profiles 402
and 403 are connected by means of the third and fourth profiles 404 and 404', the
first profile 402 is arranged staggered with respect to the second profile 403, particularly
staggered in the longitudinal direction 13 of the window 1.
[0029] In further detail, the third profiles 404 each comprise a first surface 409, a second
surface 410, a third surface 407 and a fourth surface 408. The first surface 409 is
adapted for abutting and connection with an end section of the second profile 403,
particularly the outermost 5 mm or less of the second profile 403 seen in the longitudinal
direction thereof. The second surface 410 is arranged opposite said first surface
409 and is adapted for connection with an end section of the first profile 402, particularly
the outermost 5 mm or less of the first profile 402 seen in the longitudinal direction
thereof. The mutually opposite third and fourth surfaces 407 and 408 are connecting
the first and second surfaces 409 and 410. The third and fourth surfaces 407 and 408
are both curved, the third surface 407 having a smaller radius of curvature than the
fourth surface 408. In this way the general shape of the third profiles 404 may be
described as similar to that of e.g. a comma.
[0030] Similarly, the fourth profiles 404' each comprise a first surface (409', but not
visible on Fig. 3) adapted for connection with an intermediate section of the second
profile 403, a second surface 410' opposite said first surface 409 adapted for connection
with an intermediate section of the first profile 402 and mutually opposite third
and fourth surfaces 407' and 408' connecting said first and second surfaces 409' and
410'. The third and fourth surfaces 407' and 408' are both curved, preferably in the
same way as the third and fourth surfaces 407 and 408 of the third profiles 404, the
third surface 407 having a smaller radius of curvature than the fourth surface 408.
[0031] The third and fourth profiles 404 and 404' are preferably less than 5 mm, most preferred
less than 3 mm, in thickness.
[0032] Providing the ventilation flap 400, and particularly the third and fourth profiles
404 and 404', with a shape as that described in general terms above has the effect
of providing more room for the hands of a user desiring to grip and operate the handle
thus facilitating gripping and operating the ventilation flap 400. A further advantage
of such a displacement will become obvious from the below description of the associated
top sash module 411.
[0033] The profiles 402, 403, 404 and 404' of the ventilation flap may be made of a metal,
preferably aluminium, wood, plastic or polyurethane. In case of a wooden window 1,
the first profile 402 is preferably made of aluminium, the second profile 403 of wood
and the third and fourth profiles 404 and 404' of plastic. The profiles 402, 403,
404 and 404' are preferably assembled using an adhesive. In case of a window 1 made
of extruded or cast PUR, all of the profiles are preferably likewise made of PUR,
and may be cast separately or partially or fully integral.
[0034] When operating the handle, i.e. the first profile 402, the ventilation flap 400 is
pivoted about the pivot connection 401 from an open position to a closed position
in abutment against the top sash module 411 or vice versa. One or more intermediate
positions, in which the ventilation flap 400 may be temporarily locked, may be defined
between the open and closed position.
[0035] The top sash module 411 is furthermore provided with one or more ventilation openings
418. For ventilation purposes air is allowed to pass through the ventilation openings
418 when the ventilation flap 400 is in its open position, while the ventilation openings
418 are closed when the ventilation flap 400 is in its closed position abutting the
top sash module 411. The amount of air passing the ventilation openings 418 may be
regulated by means of the intermediate positions of the ventilation flap 400. In the
closed position of the ventilation flap 400, the sash module 411 forms a sealing stop
for the ventilation flap 400.
[0036] The top sash module 411 may furthermore be provided with at least one, preferably
two, protrusions 434, which are arranged in connection with a ventilation opening
418. The protrusion(s) 434 is intended for acting as a guide means for an element
406' connecting the pivot connection 406 and the lock 17. Although Fig. 3 shows an
embodiment of a window 1 comprising two locks 17, another preferred embodiment of
a window features only one lock 17, which is preferably placed centrally on the top
sash member 9, and correspondingly the top sash module 411 features only one, likewise
centrally arranged, protrusion 434.
[0037] This arrangement has the advantage compared with the known solutions, that the ventilation
arrangement provided by the top sash module 411 and the ventilation flap 400 in combination
is positioned essentially outside the space defined by the sash members 9, 10, 11,
12. In other words, the top sash module 411 and the ventilation flap 400 are positioned
in such a way as to enable the area available for the pane 4 to be increased, which
in turn allows for a larger amount of light to be transmitted through the window into
a building in which it is installed. Particularly, measurements have shown that this
arrangement may increase the pane area by 8 to 9 %, particularly about 8 %. Another
advantage provided with this arrangement lies in that the top casing 500 may be made
smaller, which in turn saves material and thus provides for a window 1 which is cheaper
to manufacture.
[0038] Preferably, the top sash module 411 is made of a plastic, such as PUR, and it may
be cast or extruded. This has the further advantage of improved insulation characteristics
compared with existing solutions. Preferably, the thickness of the top sash module
411 is between 1 and 2 centimetres. For windows 1 with a sash 3 and a frame 2 made
of polyurethane, the top sash module 411 may be cast in one piece with the sash 3,
but it may also be cast as a separate module such as that described above.
[0039] Furthermore, the top sash module 411 may be adapted to function as a holder for receiving
a gasket or sealing strip for sealing the gap between the top sash module 411 and
the top frame member 5 in the closed position of the window 1. To this end the second
side 415 of the top sash module may be provided with receiving means, such as a recess
or groove 419 extending substantially in the total longitudinal extension of the top
sash module 411 as shown on Fig. 3.
[0040] Preferably, the recess 419 is arranged such as to be flush with a corresponding recess
or groove in the respective adjacent extensions 416 and 417 of the side sash members
11 and 12 in the mounted position of the top sash module 411, such as to enable providing
the window 1 with a preferably circumferentially extending sealing 18 for sealing
the gap between the sash 3 and the frame 2 in the closed position of the window 1.
[0041] The top sash module is normally intended to be provided in a length corresponding
to the width of the window in question. It is also conceivable to provide the respective
end parts of the top sash module as standard units for all window sizes in a range.
The top sash module is then made to fit the particular window width in question by
connecting an intermediate section of appropriate length with a standard unit end
part at either end. In this manner, the need for stock-keeping of various sizes is
reduced. The connection between the intermediate section and the standard unit end
parts may be carried out in any suitable manner, for instance by moulding.
[0042] In alternative embodiments the top sash module 411 may alternatively be attached
to the top frame member 5 or the sealing strips may be omitted.
[0043] Referring now to Figs 4 to 7 showing a slightly different embodiment, the window
furthermore comprises at least one barrel bolt 420 described in further detail in
Applicant's co-pending European patent application having the same filing date as
the present application. Here, an aperture 711 intended for receiving a bolt of the
barrel bolt 422 is shown at the bottom of the frame side member 7. This aperture 711
is intended for receiving the barrel bolt in the cleaning position, i.e. when the
sash has been turned past its normal opening angle. Another aperture 712 is positioned
near the top of the frame side member 7. If desirable, this aperture 712 makes it
possible to provide a further ventilating position at a relatively small angle, but
still allows for more air entrance than by the ventilation flap 400 in itself.
[0044] It should be noted that the above description of preferred embodiments serves only
as an example, and that a person skilled in the art will know that numerous variations
are possible without deviating from the scope of the claims.
[0045] The following is an itemized list of embodiments:
Embodiment 1. A roof window (1) comprising a frame (2) with a top member (5), a bottom
member (6) and two side members (7, 8) defining a frame plane, and a sash (3) having
a top member (9), a bottom member (10) and two side members (11, 12) defining a sash
plane, the sash (3) having an opening for a pane (4) and an outer surface opposite
said opening, the window (1) further comprising in connection with said sash top member
(9) a top sash module (411) with a first side (412), a second side (415) opposite
to and extending substantially parallel with said first side (411), a third side (413)
and a fourth side (414) opposite to and extending substantially parallel with said
third side (413), said third and fourth sides (413, 414) extending substantially perpendicular
to and connecting said first and second sides (412, 415) the top sash module (411)
comprising one or more ventilation openings (418) adapted for providing ventilation
of a building in which the roof window is mounted, wherein said top sash module (411)
is connected to said top sash member (9) and/or said side sash members (11, 12) in
such a way that said top sash module (411) is arranged at the outer surface of said
sash (3).
Embodiment 2. A roof window according to embodiment 1, wherein said side sash members
(11, 12) each comprises an extension (417, 416), extending in a longitudinal direction
(13) of the window (1) at least partially beyond the top sash member (9), said third
and fourth sides (413, 414) of said top sash module (411) being connected to said
extensions (416, 417) in such a way that said top sash module (411) is arranged at
the outer surface of said sash (3).
Embodiment 3. A roof window according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein that said top
sash module (411) furthermore comprises at least one, preferably at least two, protrusions
(434) being arranged in connection with a ventilation opening (418).
Embodiment 4. A roof window according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein
said top sash module (411) is made of plastic, preferably polyurethane.
Embodiment 5. A roof window according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein
the thickness of said top sash module (411) is between 1 and 2 cm.
Embodiment 6. A roof window according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein
said top sash module (411) comprises receiving means (419) such as to be adapted to
function as a holder for receiving a gasket or sealing strip for sealing the gap between
the top sash module (411) and the top frame member (5) in the closed position of the
window (1).
Embodiment 7. A roof window according to any one of Embodiments 2-6, wherein said
third side (413) and said extension (416), respectively said fourth side (414) and
said extension (417), are connected by means of a friction-locking mechanism, a snap-locking
mechanism, an adhesive or an attachment means, e.g. a screw or a nail or the like,
or combinations thereof.
Embodiment 8. A roof window according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein
the third and fourth side (413, 414) are each provided with an attachment member (435,
438), preferably being protrusions provided with a slot (436, 440), while the extensions
(416, 417) are each provided with a corresponding receiving member (437, 439) preferably
being corresponding slots.
Embodiment 9. A roof window according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein
the sash (3) and a frame (2) of said window (1) are made of plastic, preferably polyurethane,
and that said top sash module (411) is cast or moulded in one piece with the sash
(3), or is cast or moulded as a separate module.
Embodiment 10. A roof window according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein
the respective end parts of the top sash module are provided as standard units, and
wherein the top sash module is made to fit a particular window width by connecting
an intermediate section of appropriate length with a standard unit end part at either
end.
1. A roof window (1) comprising a frame (2) with a top member (5), a bottom member (6)
and two side members (7, 8) defining a frame plane, and a sash (3) having a top member
(9), a bottom member (10) and two side members (11, 12) defining a sash plane, the
sash (3) having an opening for a pane (4) and an outer surface opposite said opening,
the window (1) further comprising in connection with said sash top member (9) a top
sash module (411) with a first side (412), a second side (415) opposite to and extending
substantially parallel with said first side (411), a third side (413) and a fourth
side (414) opposite to and extending substantially parallel with said third side (413),
said third and fourth sides (413, 414) extending substantially perpendicular to and
connecting said first and second sides (412, 415) the top sash module (411) comprising
one or more ventilation openings (418) adapted for providing ventilation of a building
in which the roof window is mounted,
wherein
said top sash module (411) is connected to said top sash member (9) and/or said side
sash members (11, 12) in such a way that said top sash module (411) is arranged at
the outer surface of said sash (3),
and wherein the window is provided with at least one lock (17) for locking the frame
(2) and sash (3) together.
2. A roof window according to claim 1, wherein the lock (17) is operated by a handle
(402).
3. A roof window according to claim 2, wherein the handle (402) is a profile forming
part of a ventilation flap (400).
4. A roof window according to claim 3, wherein the ventilation flap (400) is an elongate
element, which is connected to the lock (17) is connected to the top sash member (9)
by means of at least one pivot connection (401) and to the lock (17) by means of another
pivot connection (406).
5. A roof window according to claim 4, wherein the top sash module (411) is provided
with guide means in the form of at least one protrusion (434) for an element (406')
connecting the pivot connection (406) and the lock (17).
6. A roof window according to claim 1 and 5, wherein said side sash members (11, 12)
each comprises an extension (417, 416), extending in a longitudinal direction (13)
of the window (1) at least partially beyond the top sash member (9), said third and
fourth sides (413, 414) of said top sash module (411) being connected to said extensions
(416, 417) in such a way that said top sash module (411) is arranged at the outer
surface of said sash (3).
7. A roof window according to claim 6, wherein that said top sash module (411) furthermore
comprises said at least one protrusion (434) arranged in connection with said one
or more ventilation openings (418).
8. A roof window according claim 6, wherein said top sash module (411) is made of plastic,
preferably polyurethane.
9. A roof window according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of said top sash module
(411) is between 1 and 2 cm.
10. A roof window according to claim 6, wherein said top sash module (411) comprises receiving
means (419) such as to be adapted to function as a holder for receiving a gasket or
sealing strip for sealing the gap between the top sash module (411) and the top frame
member (5) in the closed position of the window (1).
11. A roof window according to claim 6, wherein said third side (413) and said extension
(416), respectively said fourth side (414) and said extension (417), are connected
by means of a friction-locking mechanism, a snap-locking mechanism, an adhesive or
an attachment means, e.g. a screw or a nail or the like, or combinations thereof.
12. A roof window according to claim 6, wherein the third and fourth side (413, 414) are
each provided with an attachment member (435, 438), preferably being protrusions provided
with a slot (436, 440), while the extensions (416, 417) are each provided with a corresponding
receiving member (437, 439) preferably being corresponding slots.
13. A roof window according to claim 6, wherein the sash (3) and a frame (2) of said window
(1) are made of plastic, preferably polyurethane, and that said top sash module (411)
is cast or moulded in one piece with the sash (3), or is cast or moulded as a separate
module.
14. A roof window according to claim 6, wherein the respective end parts of the top sash
module are provided as standard units, and wherein the top sash module is made to
fit a particular window width by connecting an intermediate section of appropriate
length with a standard unit end part at either end.