An improved closure means

Abstract

 A system to facilitate the opening and closure of an aperture such as a window, door, hatch or sunroof, closure of the aperture producing a weathertight seal, the system comprising: an aperture; a panel (10) for closing the aperture; a guide element (18) fixed proximate to the aperture; the guide element (18) defining a first direction of movement of the panel (10) from a first position in which it is juxtaposed with the aperture to a second position in which it is superposed with the aperture, and a second direction of movement of the panel (10) from the superposed position to a closed position in which the panel (10) seals the aperture; the panel (10) having one or more projections (13a and b) which slidingly engage the guide element (18); a sliding block (17), the sliding block being slidingly engaged with the guide element (18); the sliding block (17) being operably associated with at least one projection (13a) so as to urge the panel (10) from the juxtaposed position to the superposed position when the sliding block (17) is moved through a first range of movement in the first direction, and to urge the panel (10) from the superposed position to the closed position as the sliding block (17) is moved through a second, further range of movement, in the first direction.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure system for a window, hatch, door, sunroof or the like. In particular the systems contemplated are intended for use, although not exclusively, on a boat or ship, and also in respect of land vehicles and architectural constructs.

Background to the Invention

[0002] There is a continuing need within the boat industry to produce improved closure mechanisms to seal windows as well as hatches, doors and the like, to prevent water penetration. Where such windows are on a more expensive vessel there is normally an additional demand that the closure result in the seal between the window and the main structure of the boat be as unobtrusive as possible and not interfere with the lines and general shape of the vessel: usually leaving the edges of the window flush with the supporting window frame, with no visible frame on the outside of the closed window.

[0003] In addition, the operation to open and close the window should be easy to carry out and the mechanism forming and releasing the seal sufficiently robust to remain effective after repeated uses, and under marine conditions.

[0004] A large number of proposed solutions are known in the art, for example, US2009/126279 discloses a door mounted to rollers on a track, the track having two blocks to divert the rollers and the door inwardly as the door closes. In US2006/225357 a two door assembly is disclosed, which doors are coplanar when closed and opened by one of the doors sliding over the other. A complex arrangement of hinges and tracks provides the necessary movement of the doors away from each other.

[0005] In GB1334171 a guide path for a door is used comprising elements which engage a dowel on the floor. To move the door towards and or away from the opening, a rotatable cam is provided engaging a profiled end plate on the door.

[0006] The prior art solutions are however, relatively complex and in the use situations contemplated for the present invention, in which a boat may be pitching and yawing, have a number of features which could easily go wrong or be damaged.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an aperture closure means which addresses the above problems.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window-closure means which addresses the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to the invention there is provided a system to facilitate the opening and closure of an aperture such as a window, door, hatch, sunroof in, for example a boat or yacht, closure of the aperture producing a weathertight seal, the system comprising:

a panel to seal an aperture in a surface, the panel having around a periphery of its aperture facing surface a sealing means:

the panel having, extending from an edge, one or more guide means, the guide means being housed within a guide element and capable of sliding therealong to enable movement of the panel from an open position to a closed aperture-sealing position and vice versa;

the guide element being so profiled to guide the panel towards the aperture to the closed position;

urging means to urge the panel against the aperture and seal the aperture.

[0010] In one embodiment the panel is a window. The system thus provides a simple means of guiding the opening and closure of a window. In a further embodiment the guide element comprises a channel.

[0011] Advantageously, the guide means consists of a projection, extending from an edge of the panel. Further advantageously, the panel has a second projection extending from the opposing edge of the panel, which edges are yet further advantageously the upper and lower edges. Still yet further advantageously the number of projections extending from an edge is two to provide good stability for the panel. Conveniently, the or each projection passes through the centre of a wheel, the wheel serving to guide the or each projection within the guide element.

[0012] Movement of the panel is preferably by means of a handle connected to a sliding block, movement of the sliding block urging the projection or projections in the desired direction. The sliding block further preferably includes a guide slot in which the projection or projections are seated to urge the panel from a sealing to an open position and vice versa. The slot yet further preferably includes stop means preventing unwanted movement out of the sealed position. The stop means still yet further preferably comprises a circular recess in the guide slot, forming a retaining lip in the slot, the lip holding a projection in position. Optionally movement of the panel is achieved through the use of an electric motor, mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically engaged with the panel.

[0013] Thus, in a further embodiment there is provided a system to facilitate the opening and closure of an aperture such as a window, door, hatch or sunroof in, for example a boat or yacht, closure of the aperture producing a weathertight seal, the system comprising:

an aperture;

a panel for closing the aperture;

a guide element fixed proximate to the aperture;

the guide element defining a first direction of movement of the panel from a first position in which it is juxtaposed with the aperture to a second position in which it is superposed with the aperture, and a second direction of movement of the panel from the superposed position to a closed position in which the panel seals the aperture;

the panel having one or more projections which slidingly engage the guide element;

a sliding block, the sliding block being slidingly engaged with the guide element;

the sliding block being operably associated with at least one projection so as to urge the panel from the juxtaposed position to the superposed position when the sliding block is moved through a first range of movement in the first direction, and to urge the panel from the superposed position to the closed position as the sliding block is moved through a second, further range of movement, in the first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment the panel is a window.

[0015] In a further embodiment the guide element comprises a channel to guide the direction of movement of the panel. It will be understood that a channel may be a slot passing through the entire thickness of a planar element, or alternatively may be a recess cut through part of a thickness of a solid element.

[0016] In a further embodiment the sliding block is connected to a handle. The handle facilitates the two ranges of movement of the sliding block along the guide element and hence the two directions of movement of the panel. In an alternative embodiment a motor is provided for movement of the panel in the two directions of movement.

[0017] In a yet further embodiment the sliding block includes one or more guide slots orientated diagonally along the sliding block. In one aspect the sliding block includes two guide slots orientated diagonally along the sliding block. In a further aspect one or more of the guide slots is equipped with a circular recess at its inner end. In a yet further aspect this circular recess is of slightly greater diameter than the width of the guide slot to afford a lip between the recess and the remainder of the guide slot. In another aspect the sliding block has two guide slots which are operably associated with two projections.

[0018] In a further embodiment the system comprises a pair of guide elements on opposite sides of the aperture, a pair of sliding blocks slidingly engaged with the guide elements and pairs of projections on opposing edges of the panel, slidingly engaging the guide elements and operably associated with the sliding blocks.

[0019] In a further embodiment the guide means consists of a pin or a rolling bearing element.

[0020] In a further embodiment there is provided a system to facilitate the opening and closure of an aperture such as a window, door, hatch, sunroof in, for example a boat or yacht, closure of the aperture producing a weathertight seal, the system comprising:

a window to seal an aperture in a panel or other surface, the window having around a periphery of its panel facing surface a sealing means:

the window having, extending from an edge, one or more guide means, the guide means being housed within a guide channel and capable of sliding therealong to enable movement of the window from a closed aperture-sealing position to an open position;

the guide channel being so profiled to guide the window towards the aperture to the closed position;

urging means to urge the window against the panel and seal the aperture.

[0021] The system provides a simple means of guiding the opening and closure of the window.

[0022] Advantageously, the guide means consists of a pin, extending from an edge of the window. Further advantageously, the window has a second pin extending from the opposing edge of the window, which edges are yet further advantageously the upper and lower edges. Still yet further advantageously the number of pins extending from an edge is two to provide good stability for the window. Conveniently, the or each pin passes through the centre of a wheel, the wheel serving to guide the or each pin within the channel.

[0023] Movement of the window is preferably by means of a handle connected to a sliding block, movement of the sliding block urging the pin or pins in the desired direction. The sliding block further preferably includes a guide slot in which the pin or pins are seated to urge the window from a sealing to an open position and vice versa. The slot yet further preferably includes stop means preventing unwanted movement out of the sealed position. The stop means still yet further preferably comprises a circular recess in the guide slot, forming a retaining lip in the slot, the lip holding a pin in position. Optionally movement of the window is achieved through the use of an electric motor, hydraulically or pneumatically engaged with the window. Optionally movement of the window is achieved through the use of an electric motor, mechanically engaged with the window.

[0024] Conveniently the seal is formed of a resilient material to allow repeated formation and breaking of the sealing engagement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only, two examples of an opening and closing system for an aperture such as a window or door.

Example 1

[0026] In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a window system;

Figures 2a, 2b are, respectively a side elevation and perspective view of a pin;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a support block;

Figures 4a, 4b show the ends of a guide channel; and

Figures 5a-c, show the upper surface of a sliding block and enlarged views of slots therein

Example 2

[0027] In the drawings:

Figures 6a and b are respectively a perspective view of a window system with the window in the open juxtaposed position and a section at A-A of the same;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a window system with the window in the superposed position; and

Figures 8a and b are respectively a perspective view of a window system with the window in the closed sealed position and a section B-B of the same.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] For the avoidance of doubt reference herein to a closure system for a window should also be interpreted as pertaining to similar apertures such as a door, hatchway or sunroof. Said closure systems will typically involve the window opening inwardly, but the system is also suitable for outward opening of the window.

[0029] When designing an outside window of, for example, a boat it is important that when in the closed position, the seal between the window and the main structure of the boat be weathertight. In addition, as many windows open out onto a communicating walkway which the crew of the boat use to go from one end of the boat to the other, it is important that when in the open position, the window does not block, either partially or completely, the walkway.

[0030] In addition to the above, on many vessels, particularly in relation to a luxury leisure boat or yacht, the design and lines of the boat need to be aesthetically pleasing and this often dictates the use of a sliding window. Such windows can be operated by hand, but motorized movement of the window is also known in the art. A further condition often imposed, again for aesthetic reasons, is that the window which moves should be, when in the closed position flush with any other windows to either side or with the surface of the vessel in which it sits, and that there be only a small gap therebetween.

[0031] In the following description of examples of the invention (Examples 1 and 2) a window system is described which, on opening, initially moves the window inwardly from the surrounding surface and then parallel to said surface to open the aperture. In its broadest aspect, the window is constrained to move within channels cut into the framework, which channels guide the window between the closed and the open position. The channels are so profiled that in the closed position the window is urged against the frame forming a weathertight seal.

[0032] In more detail and considering a first embodiment of the invention (Example 1), referring to the exploded views of a window system shown in Figure 1, the window 10 is of conventional construction and has an inner, internal frame 11, a transparent glass (or other polymeric material such as a Polymethylmethacrylate, commonly marketed under the trade name Perspex ^™ ) sheet and a sealing element around the inner periphery of the window 10 to seal against a further glass or Perspex ^™ sheet 12 or the side section of the boat. It will be recognised that the construction and form of the window used can be such that it fulfils the aesthetic requirement of the window without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0033] Extending from the lower and upper edges of the window 10 are, typically, pins 13a, b of which two are shown in Figure 1, which extend from the lower edge. The pins 13a, b allow the window 10 to be guided to the correct position when moving between the open and closed position. The motion of the pins 13a, b, and hence the window 10 is guided by a channel 14 in a frame piece 15 located beneath the window 10. Where pins are extended from the upper edge of the window 10 a corresponding channel is included above the window 10. The width of the channel 14 is sufficient to enable the base of the pins 13a, b to move along the channel 14, but without allowing too much lateral movement in a direction away from or towards the sheet 12. Such lateral movement would allow the window to rattle which is obviously undesirable. It will be recognised that the principles by which the herein described invention functions apply to a system in which the window opens vertically rather than horizontally and in which the pins extend from the side edges engaging vertically orientated channels. In addition the same principles apply to a window which itself lies in the horizontal plane or in a plane between the horizontal and the vertical.

[0034] A pin 13a, 13b is shown in more detail in Figures 2a, 2b. The pin 13a can be formed of stainless steel or other suitable material. The head 20 of the pin 13a has a profiled recess 21 to enable easy fitment into position. The shank of the pin 13a is in three, integral, sections each section, moving away from the head 20, being thinner than the previous one. The pin 13a in use is passed through the support block 30, shown in Figure 3, which block 30 is secured to the window 10 or the frame surrounding the window 10. Furthermore, the pin 13a supports the weight of the window 10. The pin 13a passes through a wheel 13c which guides the pin 13a as it moves within the channel 14. A small plastic washer beneath the wheel 13c allows the wheel 13c to slide over a sliding block 17.

[0035] As can be seen the channel 14 opens inwardly towards the frame 12 at two locations 16a, b to enable the pins 13a, 13b and the window 10 to move towards a sealing engagement with the frame 12. The profiles of the inwardly opening portions 40, 41 of the channel 14 are shown more clearly in Figures 4a, 4b. In order to prevent the window 10 from falling completely from the frame the ends 42, 43 of the channel are closed.

[0036] To enable an operator to open and close the window 10, a handle 25 is connected to a sliding block 17. The sliding block 17 is housed within the support tube 18 and able to move lengthwise, under the control of the force on the handle 25, along the tube 18. As can be seen, the tube 18 has a cut out in its upper surface corresponding to the shape and location of the channel 14. The sliding block 17 itself has two slots 19a, 19b through which and in which the pins 13a, 13b are housed. Each of the slots 19a, 19b is orientated diagonally along the sliding block 17 and, in the embodiment shown is, at the inner end of circular profile and slightly larger to accommodate and retain a pin 13a, 13b.

[0037] The upper cover or surface of the block 17 is shown in Figures 5a-c. Here, Figure 5a, shows the upper surface 51 of the slider block 17, and Figures 5b, c are enlarged views of the slots 19a, 19b. It should be stressed that in Figures 5b, 5c, the end lines across the width of the block 17 are artefacts of the drawings only and do not indicate a physical edge in that location. As can be seen clearly in Figure 5b, the recess 50 at the end of one of the slots 19a, is slightly larger in width than the rest of the slot. When in the closed position the pin 13a fits into this larger recess 50 and the lip formed between the recess 50 and the rest of the slot 19a prevents the pin 13a (and hence the window 10) from sliding back along the slot 19a and opening or loosening the window when it is not desired to do so. The other slot 19b can also be provided with a similar recess.

[0038] It is advantageous to the functioning of this aspect if either the pin or the material around the edge of the slot be resilient, sufficient to allow movement between the slot and the recess, when required, but not when it is not required.

[0039] In use therefore, and with the window in the open position (juxtaposed with the aperture), the user grips the handle 25 and slides the window 10 towards its closed position. Exertion of force on the handle 25 causes the sliding block 17 to move in the direction shown by Arrow A. As it so moves, the pins 13a, 13b are retained in the leading profiled ends of the slots 19a, 19b and travel with the sliding block 17, being restrained also by the sides of the channel 14.

[0040] When the pin 13a reaches the point of the channel 14, where the channel 14 curves inwardly, the window is superposed with the aperture. As pressure on the handle 25 and sliding block 17 continues to be applied in the direction A the sliding block moves through its second range of movement in the first direction and the force on the pins 13a, b causes them to be pushed out of the profiled end. The diagonally sloping edge of the slots 19a, 19b forces the pins 13a, 13b to be pushed inwardly along the channel ends of the channel 14. Eventually, the pins 13a, b reach the second profiled ends 20a, 20b of the slots 19a, 19b. Further movement of the sliding block is now prevented. Moreover, the movement of the pins along the channel ends causes the window 10 to move inwardly through a second direction of movement and to be urged into sealing engagement with the frame 12. The integrity of the seal is aided by the window 10 being brought into the closed position along a straight line perpendicular to the frame 12, as the wear on the seal is thereby reduced.

[0041] In a second embodiment of the invention (Example 2), referring to Figures 6 to 8, Figure 6 shows two views of a window system with the window 10 in the open juxtaposed position. For clarity the aperture, window frame and seal are not illustrated. The hollow guide element 56 contains two channels 57 and 58. The sliding block 59 sits within the guide element 56. The window 10 has a projection 54 extending from its lower edge. This projection 54 engages with the sliding block 59 via a link 55 which is attached to a pin 52. Pin 52 attaches both the fixed link 55 and the handle bracket 51 to the sliding block 59. The handle bracket 51 connects the handle to the sliding block 59. The handle bracket 51 is further connected to the sliding block 59 by a second pin 53. Pins 52 and 53 engage with and move along channel 58, whilst projection 54 moves along channel 57. Applying force on the handle 25 in the direction X moves the window in the first direction of movement from the open juxtaposed position to a superposed position with respect to the aperture. Figure 7 shows a window system with the window in the superposed position. For clarity the aperture, window frame and seal are not illustrated. In this position projection 54 meets an inwardly opening portion of the channel 57. If further force is applied in the direction X to the handle 25 so that it moves through its second range of movement in the first direction, projection 54 advances up the inwardly opening portion of the channel 57, whilst pin 52 continues along channel 58 until it reaches the end of the channel as can be seen in Figure 8. The link 55 pivotally mounted between projection 54 and pin 52 urges the window 10 in a second direction of movement into sealing engagement with the aperture. For clarity the aperture, window frame and seal are not illustrated in Figure 8. The rotation of the link 55 causes the window to be held firmly in place.

[0042] It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system to facilitate the opening and closure of an aperture such as a window, door, hatch or sunroof, closure of the aperture producing a weathertight seal, the system comprising:

an aperture;

a panel (10) for closing the aperture;

a guide element (18) fixed proximate to the aperture;

the guide element (18) defining a first direction of movement of the panel (10) from a first position in which it is juxtaposed with the aperture to a second position in which it is superposed with the aperture, and a second direction of movement of the panel (10) from the superposed position to a closed position in which the panel (10) seals the aperture;

the panel (10) having one or more projections (13a and b) which slidingly engage the guide element (18);

a sliding block (17), the sliding block being slidingly engaged with the guide element (18);

the sliding block (17) being operably associated with at least one projection (13a) so as to urge the panel (10) from the juxtaposed position to the superposed position when the sliding block (17) is moved through a first range of movement in the first direction, and to urge the panel (10) from the superposed position to the closed position as the sliding block (17) is moved through a second, further range of movement, in the first direction.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the guide element comprises a channel to guide the directions of movement of the panel.

3. A system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the sliding block is connected to a handle (25).

4. A system according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sliding block includes one or more guide slots (19a and b) orientated diagonally along the sliding block.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the sliding block includes two guide slots orientated diagonally along the sliding block.

6. A system according to claims 4 or 5 wherein one or more of the guide slots is equipped with a circular recess (50) at its inner end.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the circular recess (50) is of slightly greater diameter than the width of the guide slot to afford a lip between the recess and the remainder of the guide slot.

8. A system according to any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the sliding block has two guide slots which are operably associated with two projections.

9. A system according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the system comprises a pair of guide elements on opposite sides of the aperture, a pair of sliding blocks slidingly engaged with the guide elements and pairs of projections on opposing edges of the panel, slidingly engaging the guide elements and operably associated with the sliding blocks.

10. A system according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the panel is a window.

11. A system according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the one or more projections are pins or rolling bearing elements.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein the or each pin passes through the centre of a wheel (13c), the wheel (13c) serving to guide the or each pin within the guide element.

13. A system according to any of claims 1 to 12 wherein a motor is provided for movement of the panel in the two directions of movement.

Drawing