GB2140854A

GB2140854A - Emergency removable double glazed windows

Info

Publication number: GB2140854A
Application number: GB08412011A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Mcniece; Raymond Thomas James Ryan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-05-11
Filing date: 1984-05-10
Publication date: 1984-12-05
Also published as: GB8412011D0

Abstract

A double glazed window removable in an emergency comprises a glazing panel 22 which may be completely removed from the main frame 25 so that persons may escape through the window in the event of a fire; the panel is connected to the frame by a linkage 23 which allows the panel to move to a position parallel to the frame but clear of the opening. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Emergency opener for double glazed windows This invention relates to an opener for double or triple glazed windows adapted to facilitate removal of a glazing panel from the frame in the event of an emergency such as a fire.

Fires create particular hazards in buildings having double glazed windows since the latter are difficult to shatter and may not be openable. A person may not be able to escape from the fire.

According to the present invention there is provided an arrangement wherein a glazing panel of a double glazed window is connected to a window frame by a linkage, the latter allowing complete removal of the panel from the frame to a disposition wherein the panel is in parallel space relation to the frame.

The term "double glazed" used in this specification encompasses triple glazed or any other multiply glazed arrangement.

Removal of the panel into a parallel spaced relation allows a person to escape from a fire through the window frame.

The linkage preferably supports the panel when the latter is removed from the frame.

The panel may therefore be removed from the frame in an emergency, preferably by pushing outwardly without the panel falling and possibly causing injury to persons standing below. The panel is also preferably restrained from breakage against the exterior wall of the building.

The linkage may comprise one or more cords, chains, belts or resilient means such as springs.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the linkage comprises one or more rigid members each pivotally connected to the panel and pivotally connected to a runner disposed in a track situated in the frame.

There are preferably two such linkages, one provided on each side of the glazing panel.

A particularly preferred linkage comprises two members pivotally connected both together and to the panel, each member being also pivotally connected to a respective runner, the runners being disposed in a common track.

The track is preferably vertically oriented.

The members may be generally elongate, and may be disposed at an angle of approximately 180 to each other, with the runners spaced apart when the panel is located in the frame. Urging of the panel from the frame causes the runners to move toward each other and also causes the angle between the members to decrease. When the panel has been pushed clear of the frame, it may be slid upwardly or downwardly by means of the runners to provide clear passage through the aperture in the frame. The runners may be arranged to resist movement in the track to prevent uncontrolled sudden movement of the panel when it has been removed from the frame.

The invention is further described by means of example with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a window in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 is a partial side elevation of the arrangement; Figure 3 illustrates the linkage of Fig. 2; Figure 4 shows the glazing panel partially removed from the frame; and Figure 5 shows the panel completely removed from the frame.

Fig. 1 shows a window constructed in accordance with the invention. The window comprises an outer frame 1 containing two conventional windows 2, lockable to a transome 3 by means of locking handles 4 and catches 5. The lower panel 9 is secured in the frame 1 by beading located on the exterior of the panel.

The lower glazing panel 9 is locked to the frame by means of latches 7 and catches 5.

The lower panel 9 may be opened by means of pivoted linkages upon release of the latches 7. A key operated locking bolt 6 serves to release the panel 9 in the event of a fire.

Fig. 2 is a partial side elevation of the panel showing the linkage to the frame.

The panel 10 is provided with beading 11 which locates the former in the frame.

The linkage comprises two elongate members 12, 13 (shown in dotted lines) secured to wheels 14, 15 located in a vertically orientated track 16 on the interior of the frame adjacent the panel 10. The members 12, 13 are pivotally secured together by a pin 17 which is pivotally secured to the panel 10.

The arrangement of the linkage is also shown in Fig. 3. The wheels 14, 15 may be replaced by sliding blocks if convenient.

Release of the locking bolt 6 and latches 7 allows the panel 10 to be pushed outwardly from the frame. The wheels 14 and 15 slide in the track towards each other as the panel is pushed outwards and the angle between the members 12, 13 decreases from the starting angle of approximately 180 .

The panel 18 is shown partially removed from the frame 19 in Fig. 4, the members being shown at 20 and 21.

When the panel has been completely pushed from the frame it may be slid upwardly or downwardly clear of the window as shown in Fig. 5. The panel 22 is shown hanging from the members 23 below the sill 24 of the frame 25.

In alternative arrangements the members and runners may be replaced by lengths of wires, cords or other flexible linkages. Release of the locking bolt allows the panel to be pushed from the frame, the linkages serving to prevent the panel from falling freely to the ground. The panel would come to rest against the exterior wall as shown in Fig. 5, the members 23 being replaced by the flexible linkages.

Claims

1. An arrangement wherein a glazing panel of a double glazed window is connected to a window frame by a linkage, the latter allowing complete removal of the panel from the frame to a disposition wherein the panel is in parallel spaced relation to the frame.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage supports the panel when the panel is removed from the frame.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the panel may be removed from the frame by pushing the panel outwardly.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the linkage comprises one or more cords, belts or chains.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, comprising a resilient linkage.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the linkage comprises one or more rigid members each pivotally connected to the panel and pivotally connected to a runner disposed in a track situated in the frame.

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6, wherein the linkage comprises two members pivotally connected together.

8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the track is vertically oriented.

9. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the panel when clear of the frame may be slid vertically to provide clear passage through the frame.

10. An arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the runners are arranged to resist movement in the track.

11. An arrangement substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.