AU2016202024B2 - Window winder - Google Patents

Abstract

A window winder including: a casing; a mover and a drive means, the drive means being arranged to drive the mover into and out of the casing; a stopper member 5 coupled to the mover, the stopper member including an abutment element; and an abutment surface, wherein, in use, movement of the mover out of the casing is inhibited by the abutment element bearing against the abutment surface. H:\avI&Inrenove\NRPorrb\DCC\AVK\7674658-I.dox- 13/04/2015 o 0 "o¾ oc % Q ....... k0 it '. ...... ... .. 0.. \ , ..... .. ............. Fiue

Description

H:\avI&Inrenove\NRPorrb\DCC\AVK\7674658-I.dox- 13/04/2015

0 o

"o¾

oc % Q

....... k0

it '. ...... ... ..

0.. \ ,

. . . .. .............

Fiue

WINDOW WINDER FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to window winders used for moving windows, window panels, window frames, and the like, between and including closed and open positions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lockable chained window winder having a mechanism for limiting the extension of its chain so as to limit the opening of such window fixtures.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Window winders are commonly used for opening and closing windows, window panels, window frames, awnings and the like ("window(s)"), and controlling the extent to which they open. Such window winders conventionally have a chain connected to a window, the chain being moveable so as to affect movement of the window. For reasons such as safety, it may be necessary to limit the extent to which certain windows can open. However, window winders utilised for this end are often disadvantageous. On the one hand, the activation or implementation of their window limiting features may be labour-intensive, requiring the removal of some or all of a window installation and/or a dismantling of the window winder itself. On the other hand, window winders whose window-limiting features are relatively easy to access can be detrimental. For instance, if it is a safety requirement to limit the opening extent of certain windows, it would be undesirable if a layperson could easily access such window-limiting features and override them.

[0004] Window winders typically have a winding element which users can manipulate so as to wind and unwind the chain to adjust the position of the window. However, in handling such a winding element, a user mainly relies on feel to estimate how wound up the chain is. As such, in ensuring that a window is securely closed, a user may handle the winding element with excessive force and such forceful handling can damage the chain winder and limit its useful life.

[0005] Common window winders are also lockable such that in the locked state, the window cannot be opened further. However, the locking mechanisms of such window winders are potentially unreliable or insecure, and may be undermined by applying relatively low amounts of force to the "locked" window and/or "locked" chain winder. This is particularly undesirable if intruders are able to pry a window open, or if forceful operation of the winding element compromises the integrity of the locking mechanism 5 or window winder itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a window winder including: a casing; a mover and a drive means, the drive means being arranged to drive the mover into and out of the casing; a stopper member coupled to the mover, the stopper member including an abutment element; and an abutment surface, wherein the abutment element is movable between an active position and a passive position, such that when the abutment element is in the active position, movement of the mover out of the casing is inhibited by the abutment element bearing against the abutment surface, and when the abutment element is in the passive position movement of the mover out of the casing is not inhibited by the abutment element bearing against the abutment surface, and wherein the stopper member includes positioning means configured for maintaining the abutment element in the active position or the passive position.

[0007] Preferably, the window winder includes a locking mechanism, the actuation of which inhibits the drive means from driving the mover out of the casing.

[0008] Preferably, the abutment member is removably coupled to the stopper with a fastener.

[0009] Preferably, the abutment element is moveable between an active position and a passive position, such that when the abutment element is in the active position, movement of the mover out of the casing is inhibited by the abutment element bearing against the abutment surface.

[0010] Preferably, the stopper member includes positioning means for maintaining the abutment element in the active position and the passive position, alternatingly.

[0011] In accordance with the invention, there is also provided a window winder including: a casing; a mover and a drive means, the drive means being arranged to drive the mover into and out of the casing; and a locking mechanism arranged to lock and unlock the window winder, the locking mechanism including: a locking member in mechanical communication with the drive means; a locker moveable between an engaged position in which it mechanically engages with the locking member, and a disengaged position in which it mechanically disengages from the locking member; a locker positioner moveable between a first position in which the locker assumes the engaged position, and a second position in which the locker assumes the disengaged position; and a lock operator, wherein movement of the lock operator towards a locked position moves the locker positioner towards the first position such that the locker engages the locking member and inhibits movement of the mover out of the casing, and wherein movement of the lock operator towards an unlocked position moves the locker positioner towards the second position such that the locker disengages from the locking member and does not inhibit movement of the mover.

[0012] Preferably, the lock operator is rotatable about an axis between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0013] Preferably, the locker positioner is linearly translatable between the first position and the second position; and the locker is linearly translatable between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

[0014] Preferably, the linear translation of the locker is transverse to the linear translation of the locker positioner.

[0015] According to the invention, there is also provided a window winder including: a flexible elongate element engageable at one end thereof with a pivotal window for pivoting the window between relatively open and relatively closed positions, by lengthwise movement of the flexible element; a winder having a rotatable part and coupling means operable to effect said lengthwise movement of the flexible elongate element, pursuant to rotation of the winder; and stopper means coupled to the flexible elongate element, wherein the stopper means include an abutment element actable to a first condition at which it obstructs the lengthwise movement of the elongate member to move the one end thereof in a window opening direction, and to a second condition at which that movement is not inhibited; and wherein the stopper means includes positioning means configured for maintaining the abutment element in the first condition or the second condition.

[0016] Preferably, when the stopper means is in said first condition, the movement of the elongate member to move the one end thereof in a window closing direction is not obstructed.

[0017] According to the invention, there is also provided a window winder including: a flexible elongate element engageable at one end thereof with a pivotal window for pivoting the window between relatively open and relatively closed positions, by lengthwise movement of the flexible element; a winder having a rotatable part and coupling means operable to effect said lengthwise movement of the flexible elongate element, pursuant to rotation of the winder; and a releasable locking mechanism for realisably locking the flexible element at a position such that the one end thereof is locked at said retracted location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a top view of a window winder;

[0020] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the window winder shown in Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a bottom front side exploded perspective view of the window winder shown in Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 4 is a bottom back side exploded perspective view of the window winder shown in Figure 1;

[0023] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the window winder shown in Figure 1 with a cover plate removed;

[0024] Figure 6 is a top view of the window winder shown in Figure 1 with a casing removed;

[0025] Figure 7 is a back left side perspective view of the window winder shown in Figure 1 with the mover in a condition of use;

[0026] Figure 8 is a back left side perspective view of the window winder shown in Figure 1 with the mover in another condition of use;

[0027] Figure 9 is a plan view of an alternative mover of the window winder shown in Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the mover shown in Figure 9 shown positioned on a track containing an abutment surface thereon;

[0029] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a stopper member of the mover shown in Figure 9 with an abutment element in a passive position;

[0030] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the stopper member shown in Figure 11 having the abutment element in an active position;

[0031] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the abutment element shown in Figure 11 in the active position;

[0032] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the stopper member shown in Figure 11;

[0033] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the window winder shown in Figure 1 with an access panel in a different condition of use;

[0034] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism of the window winder shown in Figure 1;

[0035] Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of a locking member of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 16;

[0036] Figure 18 is top left side perspective view of a locker of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 16;

[0037] Figure 19 is a bottom left side perspective view of a locker positioner of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 16;

[0038] Figure 20 is a top left side perspective view of a locker actuator of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 16;

[0039] Figure 21 is a front perspective view of a sprocket-wheel of the window winder shown in Figure 1; and

[0040] Figure 22 is a front perspective view of a worm of the window winder shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The window winder 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6 includes a casing 2, a mover 3 and a drive means 4. The drive means 4 is arranged to drive the mover 3 into and out of the casing 2 in the manner shown in Figures 7 and 8. The window winder 1 may include a driver 5 operable to drive the drive means 4. The window winder may include a cover plate 40 attachable to a bottom of the casing 2.

[0042] The window winder 1 also includes a stopper member 6 coupled to the mover 3, the stopper member 6 including an abutment element 7. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the abutment member 7 is coupled to the stopper member 6 with a fastener and is fixed in this position for engagement with an abutment surface 8. Movement of the mover 3 out of the casing 2 is inhibited by the abutment element 7 bearing against the abutment surface 8.

[0043] Figures 9 to 14 show an alternative embodiment of the stopper member 6 where the abutment member 7 is moveable between an active position, as shown in Figure 12, and a passive position, as shown in Figure 11. When the abutment element 7 is in the active position, movement of the mover 3 out of the casing 2 is inhibited by the abutment element 7 bearing against the abutment surface 8.

[0044] The mover 3 is preferably a chain, cable, belt, cord, flexible element, and the like. For ease of description, the mover 3 is below described with reference to a chain.

[0045] As shown, the drive means 4 includes a sprocket-wheel 4a which, in turn, includes a worm gear 4b. As also shown, the drive means 4 also includes a worm 4c that meshes with the worm gear 4b. Alternatively, or in addition to, the drive means 4 includes a rack and pinions, motor, and the like, in mechanical communication with one another.

[0046] The chain 3 is meshed with the sprocket wheel 4a, such that rotational motion of the sprocket-wheel 4a moves the chain 3 in to and out of the casing 2.

[0047] The abutment surface 8 can be any surface of the window winder 1 which the abutment element 7 can abut. Preferably, the abutment surface 8 is formed on a component 9 which defines a track 10 along which the mover 3 moves. Preferably, the abutment element 7 is at least partially housed in a cavity 11 of the stopper member 6.

[0048] The window winder also includes a locking mechanism 12, the actuation of which inhibits the drive means 4 from driving the chain 3 out of the casing 2. Operation of the locking mechanism 12 is described in further detail below.

[0049] Preferably, when the abutment element 7 is in the passive position, it projects less, if at all, from the stopper member 6 than when it is in the active position, such that it will not bear against the abutment surface 8 during translation of the chain 3.

[0050] As particularly shown in Figures 9 to 13, the stopper member 6 includes positioning means 13 for maintaining the abutment element 7 in the active position or the passive position, at a given time. As shown, the positioning means 13 includes means such as keys and corresponding keyholes, springs, magnets and the like.

[0051] The abutment element 7 includes a protrusion 14 shaped to extend at least partially into a first recess 15 of the positioning means 13 when the abutment element 7 is in the active position. Mating of the positioning means 13 and the protrusion 14 in this manner assists in maintaining the abutment element 7 in the active position.

[0052] Advantageously, the abutment element 7 also includes a second recess 16 arranged to receive the protrusion 14 when the abutment element 7 is in the passive position so as to maintain the abutment element 7 in the passive position.

[0053] The stopper member 6 also include biasing means 17 for biasing the abutment element 7 to operate in the active position or the passive position, at a given time. The biasing means 17 affects the abutment element 7 in a manner such that if the abutment element 7 is closer to the first recess 15 than the second recess 16, then the biasing means 17 urges the abutment element 7 towards the active position. Conversely, if the abutment element 7 is closer to the second recess 16 than the first recess 15, then the biasing means 17 urges the abutment element 7 to the passive position.

[0054] Preferably, if the protrusion 14 is closer to the first recess 15 than the second recess 16, then the biasing means 17 urges the protrusion 14 to be received by the first recess 15 such that the abutment element 7 is urged towards the active position. Conversely, if the protrusion 14 is closer to the second recess 16 than the first recess 15, then the biasing means 17 urges the protrusion 14 to be received by the second recess 16 such that the abutment element 7 is urged towards the passive position. As shown, the abutment element 7 is slideable between the active position and the passive position. In order to move the abutment element 7 from the active position to the passive position, and vice versa, the abutment element 7 is moved with a force sufficient to overcome the bias of the biasing means 17.

[0055] As shown, the biasing means 17 includes an elastic portion, preferably in the form of a valley between the first and second recesses 15, 16. As the protrusion 14 moves between the active position and the passive position, it abuts and deforms the elastic valley of the biasing means 17, during which abutment, the tendency of the elastic valley to resume a shape in which it is not deformed by the protrusion 14 urges the protrusion 14 to be received by the first recess 15 or the second recess 16, depending on how proximate the protrusion is to each recess 15, 16, relative to the other recess 16, 15.

[0056] The positioning means 13 preferably includes a deformation limiter 18 arranged to limit the deformation of the elastic valley of the biasing means 17 caused by the protrusion 14 abutting against it. The stopper member 6 preferably includes and/or houses the positioning means 13 and/or the biasing means 17.

[0057] The track 10 along which the chain 3 is arranged to move includes locations of curvature 19. As shown, the stopper member 6 is pivotally coupled to the chain 3 such that it may swivel and be manoeuvred through curved locations 19 of the track 10.

[0058] As particularly shown in Figure 15, the casing 2 includes a first opening 20 through which the stopper member 6 can be accessed. In the embodiment of the stopper member shown in Figures 1 to 6, the abutment element 7 can be coupled to and/or decoupled from the chain 3 through the opening 20. Similarly, in the embodiment of the stopper member 6 shown in Figures 9 to 14, the abutment element 7 can be moved between the active position and the passive position through the opening 20. In either case, the chain 3 can be driven to a position such that the stopper member 6 is accessible through the first opening 20.

[0059] The window winder 1 includes an access panel 21 that is removably coupled to the casing 2 so as to cover the first opening 20. The window winder 1 includes securing means 22 for securing the access panel 21 to the casing 2. The securing means 22 preferably includes screws, bolts, adhesives, magnets and the like. Alternatively, as shown, the securing means 22 includes lips 22a extending from the access panel 21 arranged to latch against and underneath an interior surface of the casing 2.

[0060] The window winder 1 may include urging means 23 arranged to urge the access panel 21 into a position in which it is not secured to the casing 2, preferably such that the access panel 21 is removed from the casing 2 and uncovers the first opening 20. Preferably, the urging means 23 is preferably a spring 23 compressed between the access panel 21 and a surface of the casing 2 or a surface within the casing 2. When the access panel 21 is secured to the casing 2, the urging means 23 is inhibited from urging the access panel 21 so as to be not secured to the casing 2.

[0061] The window winder 1 may include an access panel remover 24, the operation of which affects the securing means 22 such that the securing of the access panel 21 to the casing 2 is compromised such that the urging means 23 can urge the access panel 21 into a position in which it is not secured to the casing 2.

[0062] Preferably, the access panel remover 24 includes a moveable flanged component 24a housed within the casing 2. Preferably, when the access panel 21 is secured to the casing 2, a lip 22a of the access panel 21 is arranged to latch against and underneath a flange 24b of the moveable flanged component 24a. Preferably, the access panel remover 24 is spring biased to maintain a position in which the access panel 21 is secured to the casing 2. Preferably, the access panel remover 24 can be moved such that the flange 24b moves below the lip 22a of the access panel 21 arranged to latch against and beneath it, whereupon the access panel 21 is not secured to the casing 2 and the urging means 23 can urge the access panel 21 away from the casing 2.

[0063] The window winder 1 preferably includes a second opening 25 through which the access panel remover 24 can be accessed and can be moved so as to facilitate removal of the access panel 21 from the casing 2, preferably in accordance with the above described process.

[0064] The window winder 1 preferably includes an indicator 30 arranged to indicate to the user that the chain 3 should not be driven further into the casing 2. For example, the chain 3 may be fully wound and/or driven into the casing 2 such that any further driving of the chain 3 into the casing 2 could damage the window winder 1. Preferably, if the chain 3 is driven into the casing 2 more than a predetermined amount, the indicator 30 is activated, whereupon driving of the chain 3 out of the casing 2 by a predetermined amount deactivates the indicator 30. As shown, the indicator 30 includes visual indication means.

[0065] The indicator includes a coloured surface 31, including a first colour 32 and a second colour 33 which is different to the first colour 32. The indicator 30 is at least partially housed within the casing 2, wherein the coloured surface 31 is visible through an indicator opening 34 disposed in the casing 2. In use, only the first colour 32 or the second colour 33 is visible through the indicator opening 34 at a time. Preferably, if the chain 3 should not be moved further into the casing 2, then only the first colour 32 is visible through the indicator opening 34, otherwise, only the second colour 33 is visible through the indicator opening 34.

[0066] As shown, an end 35 of the indicator 30 may project from the casing 2, and may be spring-biased to this position. The indicator 30 may be depressed at least partially into the casing 2, against the bias of the spring, by pressing against the end 35. Such depression of the indicator 30 alters the section of the coloured surface 31 which is visible through the indicator opening 34, preferably such that only the first colour 32 is visible through the indicator opening 34.

[0067] Preferably, after the chain 3 is driven into the casing 2 by a predetermined (and adjustable) amount, a window-engageable 36 end of the mover 3 contacts the end 35 of the indicator 30, whereupon the mover 3 should not be driven into the casing 2 any further. Preferably, further driving of the mover 3 into the casing 2 causes the window-engageable end 36 of the mover 3 to depress the end 35 of the indicator 30 such that the first colour 32 becomes visible through the indicator opening 34. By observing the colour that is visible through the indicator opening 34, the user is able to determine whether or not the mover 3 should be driven further into the casing 2.

Locking Mechanism 12

[0068] As shown in Figures 16 to 22, the locking mechanism 12 of the window winder 1 includes a locking member 80 in mechanical communication with the drive means 4. As shown, the drive means 4 includes a sprocket-wheel 4a with the chain 3 meshed there around, such that rotation of the sprocket-wheel 4a moves the chain 3. The sprocket-wheel 4a includes a worm gear 4b. The drive means 4 also includes a worm 4c which meshes with the worm gear 4b. The driver 5 is operable to drive the worm 4c such that driving of the worm 4c rotates the sprocket-wheel 4a so as to move the chain 3.

[0069] The locking mechanism 12 includes a locker 81 moveable in direction "A" between an engaged position shown in Figure 16, in which it mechanically engages with the locking member 80, and a disengaged position in which it mechanically disengages from the locking member 80.

[0070] The worm 4c includes a gear 82 and the locking member 80 includes a gear 83 that meshes with the gear 82 of the worm 4c. The locking member 80 includes a gear 80a of a ratchet, as shown in Figure 17, and the locker 81 includes a complementary pawl 81a of the ratchet, as shown in Figure 18. When the locker 81 engages the locking member 80, the gear 80a of the locking member 80 that meshes with the gear 82 of the worm 4c is inhibited from rotating in one direction and not another direction, so as to inhibit the worm 4c from rotating in the direction which would drive the mover 3 out of the casing 2. Preferably, when the locking member 80 is engaged by the locker 81, the worm 4c is not inhibited from rotating in a direction which would drive the mover 3 into the casing 2.

[0071] The locking mechanism 12 also includes a locker positioner 84 moveable between a first position in which the locker 81 assumes the engaged position, and a second position in which the locker 81 assumes the disengaged position. Preferably, the locker positioner 84 is linearly translatable in direction "B" between the first position and the second position, and the locker 81 is linearly translatable between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

[0072] As shown, the locker positioner 84 includes a linear cam 84a, and the locker 81 includes a follower 81b of the linear cam 84a such that the linear translation of the locker positioner 84 between its first position and its second position causes the linear translation of the locker 81 in a transverse direction towards its engaged position and disengaged position, respectively.

[0073] The locking mechanism 12 also includes a lock operator 85 mechanically coupled to the locker positioner 84 such that movement of the lock operator 85 towards a locked position moves the locker positioner 84 towards the first position whereby the locker 81 engages the locking member 80 and inhibits movement of the mover 3 out of the casing 2. Conversely, movement of the lock operator 85 towards an unlocked position moves the locker positioner 84 towards the second position such that the locker 81 disengages from the locking member 80 and does not inhibit movement of the mover 3.

[0074] As shown, the lock operator 85 is rotatable about an axis "C" 86 between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lock operator 85 preferably includes a key barrel 85a into which a key 85b can be inserted to rotate the lock operator 85 into the locked position and unlocked position, so as to lock and unlock the window winder 1, respectively.

[0075] Preferably, the lock operator 85 includes a rotating cam 85c, and the locker positioner 84 includes a follower 84b of the rotating cam 85c such that the rotational movement of the lock operator 85 between its locked position and its unlocked position causes the linear translation of the locker positioner 84 towards its first position and second position, respectively.

[0076] The locking mechanism 12 also includes first urging means 90, such as a spring, arranged to urge the locker positioner 84 into the first position when the lock operator 85 is in the locked state, whereby movement of the lock operator 85 towards the unlocked position overcomes the urging of the first urging means 90, such that the locker positioner 84 is moved towards the second position.

[0077] The locking mechanism 12 also includes second urging means 91, such as a spring, arranged to urge the locker 81 into the engaged position when the locker positioner 84 is in the first position. Preferably, movement of the lock operator 85 towards the unlocked state moves the locker positioner 84 into the second position so as to overcome the urging of the second urging means 91, such that the locker 81 is moved towards the disengaged state.

[0078] The locker positioner 84 may include two elongate arms 50 between which the locker 81 translates in a direction transverse to a length of the arms 50. Preferably, the linear cam 84a of the locker positioner 84 is defined by a first ramped surface 51 formed at an underside of each arm 50, each ramped surface 51 levelling off at one end to form a first level surface 52.

[0079] The follower 81b of the locker may include two protrusions 53, each having a second ramped surface 54 which levels off at one end to form a second level surface 55.

[0080] When the locker positioner 84 is in the first position, each first ramped surface 51 abuts and/or overlies a corresponding second ramped surface 55. As the locker positioner 84 moves towards the second position, each first ramped surface 51 of the locker positioner 84 abuts and travels along a corresponding second ramped surface 54 of the locker, and, in doing so, each first ramped surface 51 bears downwardly on the corresponding second ramped surface 54 so as to move the locker 81 downwardly against the urging of the second urging means 91 towards the disengaged position. The locker 81 assumes the disengaged position after each first ramped surface 51 has finished travelling along and abutting a corresponding second ramped surface 54, such that each first level surface 52 of the locker positioner 84 abuts against and bears downwardly against a corresponding second level surface 55 of the locker 81, so as to maintain the locker 81 in the disengaged position.

[0081] As above-described, rotational movement of the lock operator 85 into the locked position moves the locker positioner 84 into the first position, which in turn enables the locker 81 to move into the engaged position so as to inhibit the gear 83 of the locking member 80 from rotating in one direction, such that the drive means 4 is inhibited from driving the mover 3 out of the casing 2. Alternatively, rotational movement of the lock operator 85 into the unlocked position moves the locker positioner 84 into the second position, which in turn enables the locker 81 to move into the disengaged position so as not to inhibit the gear 83 of the locking member 80 from rotating, such that the drive means 4 is not inhibited by the locking mechanism from driving the mover 3 out of the casing 2.

[0082] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0083] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0084] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF PARTS

1 Window winder 2 Casing 3 Mover 4 Drive means 4a Sprocket-wheel 4b Worm gear 4c Worm Driver 6 Stopper member 7 Abutment member 8 Abutment surface 9 Component Track 11 Cavity 12 Locking mechanism 13 Positioning means 14 Protrusion First recess 16 Second recess 17 Biasing means 18 Deformation limiter 19 Curvature First opening 21 Access panel 22 Securing means 23 Urging means 24 Access panel remover Second opening Indicator 31 Coloured surface 32 First colour 33 Second colour 34 Indicator opening End 36 Window-engageable end

Cover plate Elongate arm 51 First ramped surface 52 First level surface 53 Protrusion 54 Second ramped surface Second levelsurface Locking member 80a Gear 81 Locker 81a Pawl 81b Follower 82 Gear 83 Gear 84 Locker positioner 84a Linear cam Lock operator 85a Key barrel 85b Key 85c Rotating cam First urging means 91 Second urging means

Claims (37)

1. A window winder including: a casing; a mover and a drive means, the drive means being arranged to drive the mover into and out of the casing; a stopper member coupled to the mover, the stopper member including an abutment element; and an abutment surface, wherein the abutment element is movable between an active position and a passive position, such that when the abutment element is in the active position, movement of the mover out of the casing is inhibited by the abutment element bearing against the abutment surface, and when the abutment element is in the passive position, movement of the mover out of the casing is not inhibited by the abutment element bearing against the abutment surface, and wherein the stopper member includes positioning means configured for maintaining the abutment element in the active position or the passive position.

2. The window winder according to claim 1, including a locking mechanism, the actuation of which inhibits the drive means from driving the mover out of the casing.

3. The window winder claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the abutment element is removably coupled to the stopper member with a fastener.

4. A window winder according to claims 1 to 3, including biasing means for biasing the abutment element to operate in the active position and the passive position, alternatingly.

5. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stopper member includes the positioning means for locating the abutment element to operate in the active position and the passive position, alternatingly.

6. A window winder according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein to move the abutment element between the active position and the passive position, the abutment element is moved with a force sufficient to overcome the bias of the biasing means.

7. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the abutment element and the positioning means includes a protrusion, and the other includes a recess arranged to receive the protrusion.

8. A window winder according to claim 7, wherein the abutment element includes the protrusion and the positioning means includes the recess arranged to receive the protrusion.

9. A window winder according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the positioning means includes a first recess arranged to receive the protrusion when the abutment element is in the active position, and a second recess arranged to receive the protrusion when the abutment element is in the passive position.

10. A window winder according to claim 9, wherein if the protrusion is closer to the first recess than the second recess, then the biasing means urges the protrusion to be received by the first recess, and if the protrusion is closer to the second recess than the first recess, then the biasing means urges the protrusion to be received by the second recess.

11. A window winder according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the biasing means includes an elastic portion.

12. A window winder according to claim 11, as appended to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein when the protrusion moves between the active position and the passive position, it abuts and deforms the elastic portion of the biasing means, during which abutment, the tendency of the elastic portion to resume a state in which it is not deformed by the protrusion inclines the protrusion to be received by the first recess or the second recess.

13. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning means includes a deformation limiter means arranged to limit the deformation of the elastic portion caused by the protrusion.

14. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment element is slideable between the active position and the passive position.

15. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the abutment element is in the active position, it projects from the stopper member so as to engage the abutment element during movement of the mover.

16. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when in the passive position, the abutment element is at least partially housed within the stopper member.

17. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, including a track along which the mover can move into and out of the casing.

18. A window winder according to claim 17, wherein the stopper member is pivotally coupled to the mover such that it may swivel through curved portions of the track.

19. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, the casing including a first opening through which the stopper member can be accessed.

20. A window winder according to claim 19, including an access panel that is removably coupled to the casing so as to cover the first opening.

21. A window winder according to claim 20, including securing means for securing the access panel to the casing.

22. A window winder according to claim 20 or 21, including urging means for urging the access panel into a position in which it is not secured to the casing.

23. A window winder according to claim 22, wherein when the access panel is secured to the casing, the urging means is inhibited from urging the access panel so as to be not secured to the casing.

24. A window winder according to claim 22 or 23, including an access panel remover, the operation of which affects the securing means such that the securing of the access panel to the casing is compromised such that the urging means can urge the access panel into a position in which it is not secured to the casing.

25. A window winder according to claim 24, wherein the access panel remover is contained within the casing and is operable from outside the casing.

26. A window winder according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the access panel remover is operable via a second opening in the casing.

27. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, including an indicator arranged to indicate to the user that the mover should not be driven further into the casing.

28. A window winder according to claim 27, wherein if the mover is driven into the casing more than a predetermined amount, the indicator is activated.

29. A window winder according to 27 or 28, wherein driving of the mover out of the casing by a predetermined amount deactivates the indicator.

30. A window winder according any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the indicator includes visual indication means.

31. A window according to any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein the stopper member can be accessed through the opening so as to move the abutment element between the active position and the passive position.

32. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, including a driver arranged to drive the drive means.

33. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mover is a chain meshed around a sprocket-wheel of the drive means such that rotation of the sprocket wheel moves the chain.

34. A window winder according to claim 33, wherein the drive means includes a worm and wherein the sprocket-wheel includes a worm gear arranged to mesh with the worm.

35. A window winder according to claim 34, wherein the driver is operable to rotate the worm.

36. A window winder including: a flexible elongate element engageable at one end thereof with a pivotal window for pivoting the window between relatively open and relatively closed positions, by lengthwise movement of the flexible element; a winder having a rotatable part and coupling means operable to effect said lengthwise movement of the flexible elongate element, pursuant to rotation of the winder; and stopper means coupled to the flexible elongate element, wherein the stopper means includes an abutment element actable to a first condition at which it obstructs the lengthwise movement of the elongate member to move the one end thereof in a window opening direction, and to a second condition at which that movement is not inhibited, and wherein the stopper means includes positioning means configured for maintaining the abutment element in the first condition or the second condition.

37. A window winder according to claim 36, wherein when said stopper means is in said first condition, the movement of the elongate member to move the one end thereof in a window closing direction is not obstructed.