GB2142367A

GB2142367A - Double glazed window unit with vertical slat blind

Info

Publication number: GB2142367A
Application number: GB08314702A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Alfred Ellis Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-05-27
Filing date: 1983-05-27
Publication date: 1985-01-16
Also published as: GB8314702D0

Abstract

A double glazed unit 1 has a slatted blind mounted between the panes 2, 3, the slats 6 being arranged vertically. Means 13, e.g. rack and pinion, are provided to effect rotation in unison of the slats 6 about a vertical axis between open and closed conditions of the blind. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Window units This invention relates to double glazed window units.

The improved thermal insulation provided by double glazed windows as compared with single panes is such that they are inherently suitable for use in hot climates where the room temperature within a building is generally maintained well below the temperature outdoors. In order that a cool indoor temperature may be maintained, it is of course essential that means be provided to prevent sunlight directly entering the room and warming the air. For example tinted glass may be used, or alternatively an inner or outer blind. In many instances blinds are preferable, although their installation can be time consuming.

According to the invention there is provided a double glazed window unit having mounted there within a slatted blind, the slats whereof extend vertically in use of the unit and which are each rotatable about a vertical axis, means being provided for effecting rotation in unison of the slats between open and closed conditions of the blind.

With a window unit in accordance with the invention no separate blind and associated fixing and/or actuating means need be provided, and this simplifies installation. Furthermore, the unit is compact, and neater in appearance as compared with traditional arrangements of window and blind.

The slats may be mounted within the unit in various ways although the vertical disposition of the slats is such that they may convieniently be supported at their end portions only, there being no tendency for the slats to sag under their own weight as is the case with, for example, a traditional venetian blind where the slats are horizontal and, in order to prevent sagging, are generally supported at several points along their lengths.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the window unit includes upper and lower horizontal frame or spacer members which are secured between the spaced-apart glass panes of the unit, and between which the slats of the blind extend. The slats may conveniently be connected to the frame members by means of rotatable mounting elements, the rotatable elements preferably having shafts which project through respective apertures in the frame members and which are secured to the end portions of the slats.

The means for effecting movement of the slats may take various forms. In one preferred embodiment, rotatable elements which mount the slats include wholly or partially toothed cogs adapted for engagement with a toothed shaft in a rack and pinion manner such that lateral displacement of the shaft causes simultaneous rotation of the elements and of the slats about vertical axes. Alternatively, the cogs may be drivingly connected to an elongate worm gear or an elongate open wound coil of wire such that rotation or lateral displacement of the gear or coil causes rotation of the slats.The use of an open wound coil of wire engaging with toothed cogs of the slat mounting elements such that rotation or lateral displacement of the coil causes simultaneous rotation of the cogs is advantageous in that such a coil forms a flexible coupling and may extend to a convenient point on the glazing frame for connection to a manually operable actuating device of the unit.

Any suitable actuating device for opening and closing the blind may be provided. In embodiments including a laterally displaceable toothed shafted or wire coil as the means for effecting rotation of the slats, the actuating means may for example comprise a lever member pivotally mounted to a frame of the unit and coupled to the shaft or coil. Where a rotatable worm gear or rotatable wire coil is effective to rotate the slats, the actuating means therefor may take the form of a rotatable knob or handle member mounted at a convenient point on the frame. Alternatively the slats may be opened and closed by means of a motorised drive mechanism.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 includes front, side and plan views of a blind slat mounting element; Figure 2 illustrates the manner of engagement of the element shown in Fig. 1 with a blind slat; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the upper part of a unit in accordance with the invention with the glass panes removed; Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figs. 3, and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the upper part of a unit in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings, a double glazed window unit 1 includes spaced glass panes 2, 3 secured by suitable means either side of horizontal and vertical spacer or frame members 4, 5. As with traditional double glazed windows, the interior space between the panes may if desired be substantially completely sealed from the atmosphere, or alternatively less effective sealing may be provided since this does not significantly impair the thermal insulation provided by the unit. Preferably, the seal is at least effective to prevent dust or sand entering the interior space.

Mounted within the unit is a blind comprising a plurality of slats 6 extending between the upper 4 and lower (not shown) frame members of the unit. Each slat is secured at its upper end to a rotatable mounting element 7 located within the frame member 4 each of which includes a shaft 8 projecting through a respective aperture in the member 4. Each shaft 8 is partially flattened and includes a lateral projection 9 adapted for engagement in an aperture 10 formed in the upper part of the respective slat 6, and is fixedly secured thereto by means of a retaining member 11.

The slats may be connected at their lower ends to the lower frame member (not shown) in a similar manner.

The rotatable elements 7 mounted to the upper frame member 4 include toothed cogs 12, and located within the upper frame member 4 adjacent the cogs is an elongate toothed shaft 13. The shaft 13 is laterally displaceable and cooperates with the cogs in a rack and pinion manner such that displacement of the shaft causes rotation in unison of the slats about a vertical axis through approximately 90 between the open and closed conditions of the blind.

Any suitable actuating mechanism may be provided for effecting lateral movement of the shaft 13; for example the shaft may be coupled to a manually operable lever member mounted on a side frame of the unit.

Claims

1. A double glazed window unit having mounted therewithin a slatted blind, the slats whereof extend vertically in use of the unit and which are each rotatable about a vertical axis, means being provided for effecting rotation in unison of the slats between open and closed conditions of the blind.

2. A double glazed window unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the slats are coupled at one end thereof to respective wholly or partially toothed rotatable elements, said means for effecting movement of said slats including a member which is arranged to mesh with said elements and is actuable to effect rotation in unison thereof.

3. A double glazed window unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein said member comprises a toothed shaft which engages with said elements in a rack and pinion manner such that lateral displacement of the shaft causes rotation of the elements in unison.

4. A double glazed window unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein said member comprising an elongate worm gear or open wound coil which drivingly engages said elements.

5. A double glazed window unit as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the unit includes upper and lower frame or spacer members which are secured between the spaced-apart glass panes of the unit, and between which the slats of the blind extend, said rotatable members being carried by one of said frame or spacer members and including shafts which project through respective apertures formed therein, such shafts being connected to respective slats of the unit.

6. A double glazed window unit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.