Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a folding window assembly and a method for the operation of such a folding window assembly. The present invention has particular, but not necessarily exclusive, application to marine applications such as for pleasure craft.

Background

Marine pleasure craft such as sailing yachts and motor yachts provide open deck and interior living space for their users. Increasingly, it is desirable for the user to configure the living space on the craft to suit the weather, while permitting the maximum amount of ambient light to penetrate into the living space from the exterior.

Accordingly, it is of interest to have large parts of the superstructure (and indeed of the hull in some circumstances) of the craft formed of light-transmissive material, typically laminated toughened glass. Furthermore, to allow configuration to suit the weather, it is of interest to allow the glass to be movable in order to open up the living space to the exterior.

It is therefore known to provide windows in the superstructure of the craft, in which the glass is movable from a closed configuration, in which the glass provides protection from the external weather, to an open configuration, in which the living space is opened up to the exterior.

In some cases, it is possible for the open configuration to allow the glass to be hidden, or substantially hidden, from view. However, for large panels of glass, this causes a difficulty in overall design of the craft, because it is necessary to design in a large space to house the glass in the open configuration.

The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present inventors have devised the present invention seeking to provide a folding window assembly that has comparatively simple and yet robust operation.

The present invention has been devised in order to address at least one of the problems identified above. Preferably, the present invention reduces, ameliorates, avoids or overcomes at least one of the above problems.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a folding window assembly comprising: a frame defining an aperture; a first panel comprising glass, the first panel having a first side and a second side; a second panel comprising glass, the second panel having a first side and a second side; wherein the first and second panels are connected to each other via a panel hinge arrangement so as to be foldable relative to each other along the panel hinge arrangement, the folding window assembly having a closed configuration in which the first and second panels substantially cover the aperture and an open configuration in which the aperture is at least partially uncovered and the first and second panels are folded relative to each other, wherein the first panel is attached to the frame at the first side of the first panel and is pivotable with respect to the frame via a frame hinge, the panel hinge arrangement being provided at the second side of the first panel, opposed to the first side of the first panel, wherein the second panel is attached to the first panel via said panel hinge arrangement at the first side of the second panel and wherein the second side of the second panel, opposed to the first side of the second panel, is attached to a carriage, wherein the frame comprises a guide track along the frame, the carriage being configured to be driven along the guide track, thereby to move the second panel and the first panel between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a folding window assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the folding window assembly is moved between its closed configuration to its open configuration by driving the carriage along the guide track, to cause the second panel and the first panel to fold outwardly from the frame, hinged at the panel hinge arrangement.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a marine pleasure craft comprising a folding window assembly according to the first aspect.

Optional features of the invention will now be set out. These can be applied singly or in any combination with any aspect of the invention, unless the context demands otherwise.

The first panel typically comprises toughened laminated glass held in a sub-frame. The sub-frame enables suitable sealing elements, movable with the first panel, to be attached and also enables the frame hinge and the panel hinge assembly to be attached. It is preferred to use toughened laminated glass in view of the possibility of wave impact on the superstructure of the vessel, and also in view of the possibility of impact between the glass and the users of the craft.

Similarly, the second panel typically comprises toughened laminated glass held in a sub-frame. The sub- frame enables suitable sealing elements, movable with the second panel, to be attached and also enables the panel hinge assembly and the guide pin (see below) to be attached.

In a typical arrangement of the folding window assembly, the glass panels fold upwardly and outwardly from the frame when being moved to the open configuration from the closed configuration. This type of window is referred to herein sometimes as a gullwing-type folding window. The assembly may include a drive mechanism for opening and closing of the window. This may include a motor such as an electrical motor. The drive mechanism may include a lead screw, the lead screw being in screw thread connection with the carriage so as to drive the carriage along the guide track by rotation of the lead screw. The lead screw may be disposed behind a part of the frame, such as for example behind an upright portion of the frame. There may be provided a corresponding drive mechanism on the opposing side of the frame. The two drive mechanisms may be driven by the same motor, for example via a drive belt arrangement. Alternatively, the two drive mechanisms may be driven by respective motors, for example via respective belt drive arrangements.

The carriage may carry a guide pin. The guide pin may be shaped to fit in and to slide along a guide track slot formed in the guide track. The guide pin may provide a pivotable attachment for the second end of the second panel. This may be provided via an arm connected to the second end of the second panel and configured to pivotably receive the guide pin. The interaction of the guide pin in the guide track slot may prevent rotation of the carriage on rotation of the lead screw.

The guide track slot may include a terminal detour portion at the end of the guide track slot corresponding to the closed configuration of the folding window assembly. The terminal detour portion may be angled inwardly into the frame with respect to the remainder of the guide slot. In operation, as the window is moved from the open configuration into the closed configuration, the guide pin moves along the guide slot and the guide pin is driven down the terminal detour portion of the guide track slot. The effect of this on the panels is that the second panel is driven deeper into the frame in the closed configuration. This assists with the form of a reliable seal between the panels and the frame.

The guide pin may be permitted to move relative to the carriage by virtue of a carriage slot. The carriage slot may extend in the carriage in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the carriage along the lead screw. In use, this permits the movement of the carriage to be limited by its travel along the lead screw but permits the guide pin to follow the guide track slot into the terminal detour portion to ensure a good seal of the panels with the frame.

As will be understood, when moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the guide pin will then first move along the terminal detour portion of the guide track slot. This has the effect of lifting the second panel out of engagement with sealing elements on the frame. This is advantageous because it avoids sliding movement of the frame on the sealing elements, and so reduces the risk of abrasion and wear of the sealing elements.

Preferably, in the closed configuration, the first panel and the second panel are substantially coplanar. In the open configuration, the first panel and the second panel are preferably folded upwardly and outwardly with respect to the frame. As has been discussed already, the first panel is rotatably attached with respect to the frame via frame hinge. The frame hinge may rotate with respect to the frame about a frame hinge axis. The first and second panels are rotatably attached with respect to each other via a panel hinge. The panel hinge may allow rotation of the first and second panels about a panel hinge axis. Typically, during operation of the window, the panel hinge axis remains parallel to the frame hinge axis. At its second side, the second panel is rotatably guided along the guide slot, for example via an arm and a guide pin. Accordingly, the rotation of the second panel can be defined with respect to a guide pin axis. Typically, during operation of the window, the guide pin axis remains parallel to the panel hinge axis and the frame hinge axis.

In order to provide smooth movement of the window assembly out of the closed configuration, it is considered beneficial for the frame hinge axis, the panel hinge axis and the guide pin axis to be offset from each other in a depth direction. The depth direction can be considered to be a direction orthogonal to the aperture defined by the frame. Preferably, in the closed configuration, the panel hinge axis is offset from the frame hinge axis, the panel hinge axis being inwardly (in a direction opposed to the outward movement direction of the first and second panels as they fold towards the open configuration) from the frame hinge axis. Preferably, in the closed configuration, the guide pin axis is offset from the panel hinge axis, the guide pin axis being inwardly from the panel hinge axis. This offset may be larger than the offset between the panel hinge axis and the frame hinge axis.

The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

Summary of the Figures

Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 shows a window assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, the window assembly being in the closed configuration.

Figs. 2 shows the window assembly of Fig. 1 in a configuration part way between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Fig. 3 shows the window assembly of Fig. 1 in the open configuration.

Figs. 4-6 show views corresponding to the views of Figs. 1-3, but with parts of the frame removed.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross sectional perspective view through the window assembly of Fig. 1 , in which the assembly is between the open and closed configurations.

Fig. 8 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 7, showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel. Fig. 9 shows a view corresponding to the view of Fig. 7 but with the guide track member removed.

Fig. 10 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 9, showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic cross sectional perspective view through the window assembly of Fig. 1 , in which the assembly is between the open and closed configurations, closer to the closed configuration than Fig. 7.

Fig. 12 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 11 , showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel.

Fig. 13 shows a view corresponding to the view of Fig. 11 but with the guide track member removed.

Fig. 14 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 13, showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic cross sectional perspective view through the window assembly of Fig. 1 , in which the assembly is between the open and closed configurations, closer to the closed configuration than Fig. 11 .

Fig. 16 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 15, showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel.

Fig. 17 shows a view corresponding to the view of Fig. 15 but with the guide track member removed.

Fig. 18 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 17, showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel.

Fig. 19 shows a schematic cross sectional perspective view through the window assembly of Fig. 1 , in which the assembly is in the closed configuration.

Fig. 20 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 19, showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel.

Fig. 21 shows a view corresponding to the view of Fig. 19 but with the guide track member removed.

Fig. 22 shows an enlarged partial view of Fig. 21 showing further detail of the disposition of the second side of the second panel. Fig. 23 shows a front elevational view of the window assembly.

Fig. 24 shows a sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 23.

Fig. 25 shows an enlarged partial view of area A indicated on Fig. 24.

Fig. 26 shows an enlarged partial view of area B indicated on Fig. 24.

Fig. 27 shows an enlarged partial view of area C indicated on Fig. 24.

Fig. 28 shows a sectional view taken along line Y-Y in Fig. 23.

Fig. 29 shows an enlarged partial view of area D indicated on Fig. 28.

Fig. 30 shows an enlarged partial view of area E indicated on Fig. 28.

Fig. 31 shows an enlarged partial perspective view of the drive mechanism of the window assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 32 shows a view corresponding to Fig. 31 but with parts of the frame removed.

Fig. 33 shows a view corresponding to Fig. 32 but with the window assembly being closer towards the closed configuration.

Fig. 34 shows a view corresponding to Fig. 32 but from a different viewing point.

Fig. 35 shows a sectional view of the window assembly, similar to Fig. 24 in that the sectional view is taken along a line parallel to X-X in Fig. 23.

Fig. 36 shows a schematic perspective view of a motor yacht incorporating a window assembly in the closed configuration.

Fig. 37 shows a schematic perspective view of the motor yacht of Fig. 36 with the window assembly in the open configuration.

Fig. 38 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention, the window assembly being part way between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Fig. 39 shows an enlarged partial perspective view of the drive mechanism of the window assembly of Fig. 38. Fig. 40 shows a view corresponding to the view of Fig. 38, but with parts of the frame removed.

Fig. 41 shows a view corresponding to Fig. 39 but with parts of the frame removed.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiment of the invention now described, a folding window assembly is set out, suitable for fitting to a marine pleasure craft such as a sailing yacht or a motor yacht. On such craft, it is increasingly of interest to allow the user to configure the living space on the craft to suit the weather, while permitting the maximum amount of ambient light to penetrate into the living space from the exterior. Accordingly, it is of interest to have large parts of the superstructure (and indeed of the hull in some circumstances) of the craft formed of light-transmissive material, typically laminated toughened glass. Furthermore, to allow configuration to suit the weather, it is of interest to allow the glass to be movable in order to open up the living space to the exterior. Accordingly, the glass may be movable from a closed configuration, in which the glass provides protection from the external weather, to an open configuration, in which the living space is opened up to the exterior.

In some cases, it is possible for the open configuration to allow the glass to be hidden, or substantially hidden, from view. However, for large panels of glass, this causes a difficulty in overall design of the craft, because it is necessary to design in a large space to house the glass in the open configuration.

The embodiment of the invention has two glass panels arranged in a frame, the glass panels folding upwardly and outwardly from the frame when being moved to the open configuration from the closed configuration. This type of window is referred to herein sometimes as a gullwing-type folding window.

In the drawings, similar features are given similar reference numbers, and may not be described in relation to every drawing in which they appear.

Window assembly 100 comprises a frame 102 defining an aperture 104. Frame 102 has upright portions 106, 108 and lateral portions 110, 112 connected together to define a generally rectangular shape for the frame 102. Attachment brackets 114, 116 are provided for fixing the window assembly with respect to a superstructure of a marine pleasure craft (not shown).

The window assembly 100 further comprises a first panel 200 comprising glass, the first panel 200 having a first side 202 and a second side 204. The window assembly 100 further comprises a second panel 206 comprising glass, the second panel 206 having a first side 208 and a second side 210. In Fig. 1 , the window assembly is shown in the closed configuration, in which the first and second panels fit within the frame 102 to close the aperture 104.

In Fig. 2, the window assembly is shown in a configuration part way between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

In Fig. 3, the window assembly is shown in the open configuration.

As best shown in Fig. 3, the first panel 200 and the second panel 206 are connected to each other via a panel hinge arrangement comprising a series of three hinges 212 connected between the second side 204 of the first panel 200 and the first side 208 of the second panel 206. The first and second panels are thereby foldable relative to each other along the panel hinge arrangement.

At its first side 202, the first panel is attached to the upper lateral portion 112 of the frame at the first side 202 of the first panel, and is pivotable with respect to the frame, via frame hinge 214.

Figs. 4-6 show views corresponding to the views of Figs. 1-3, but with parts of the frame removed.

Concealed behind the upright portions 106, 108 and lateral portion 110 is a drive mechanism for opening and closing of the window. Electrical motor 300 is configured to drive a worm gear (not shown) which in turn drives a worm wheel (not shown) connected to a toothed gear wheel 302. First drive belt 304 passes around driven gear wheel 306 and extends behind the lateral portion 110 of the frame to transmission box 308 which connects the first drive belt 304 and a second drive belt 310.

Driven gear wheel 306 is attached to lead screw 312 which extends behind the upright portion 106 of the frame to a rotational bearing 314. There is a corresponding arrangement of driven gearwheel 316 and lead screw 318 driven by the second drive belt 310 at the other side of the frame, behind upright portion 108.

Carriage 320 is located on lead screw 312, and guide track member 322 extends in parallel with lead screw. Guide track member 322 has a guide track slot 324 extending along it. Guide track slot 324 is configured to receive a guide pin 326 attached to the carriage, the guide pin 326 providing a pivotable attachment for the second end 210 of the second panel 206, via arm 328.

Accordingly, as the motor 300 is operated to drive the drive belt 304, the lead screw 312 is rotated. Carriage 320 has threaded end portions 330 that cooperate with the thread of the lead screw. The carriage is constrained by the engagement of the guide pin 326 in guide slot 324 not to rotate with the lead screw. However, the elongate shape of the guide slot 324 permits the guide pin 326 to slide along the guide slot 324. Accordingly, rotation of the lead screw 312 causes the carriage 320 to move along the lead screw 312. As best shown in the sequence of drawings Figs. 7-22, the guide pin 326, guide slot 324 and arm 328 ensure that the second side 210 of the second panel is constrained to move along the upright portion of the frame. As the window assembly moves towards the closed configuration from the open configuration, such movement being demonstrated in Figs. 7-22, the second side of the second panel is driven deeper into the frame. This is to ensure adequate sealing of the panels with respect to the frame. This movement is achieved by a terminal detour portion 340 of the guide slot 324, the terminal detour portion 340 being angled inwardly into the frame with respect to the remainder of the guide slot 324, at an angle of about 45° with respect to the remainder of the guide slot 324. As the guide pin 326 moves along the guide slot 324, the guide pin is therefore driven down the terminal detour portion 340 of the guide slot 324. The guide pin 324 is permitted to move relative to the carriage 320 by virtue of carriage slot 342. Carriage slot 342 extends in the carriage in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the carriage along lead screw 312.

The corresponding relative movements of the carriage 320, the guide pin 326, the arm portion 328 and the second panel are illustrated in Figs. 7-22 as the window assembly moves from the open configuration into the closed configuration.

As can be seen, in the closed configuration, the first panel 200 and the second panel 206 are substantially coplanar. In the open configuration, the first panel 200 and the second panel 206 are folded upwardly and outwardly with respect to the frame, but are still secured with respect to the frame by hinges 214 and by guide pin 326, to avoid the first and second panels being caused to flap, for example in windy conditions.

Fig. 23 shows a front elevational view of the window assembly, indicating lines X-X and Y-Y along which sectional views are taken and shown in Figs. 24 and 28, respectively.

In Fig. 24 is can be seen that the window is in the closed configuration, with panels 200 and 206 being substantially coplanar. Figs. 25, 26 and 27 show enlarged partial view of areas A, B and C, respectively, indicated on Fig. 24.

Fig. 25 shows the top seal 400, formed between the first side of the first panel 200 and the upper lateral portion 112 of the frame.

Fig. 26 shows a double mid seal 402, formed between the second side 204 of the first panel 200 and the first side 208 of the second panel 206.

Fig. 27 shows a bottom seal 404, formed between the second side 210 of the second panel 206 and the lower lateral portion 110 of the frame. In Fig. 28 the window is in the closed configuration, showing panel 206 sealed against the lateral portions 106, 108 of the frame. Figs. 29 and 30 show enlarged partial view of areas D and E, respectively, indicated on Fig. 28.

Fig. 29 shows side seal 406, formed between an upright side of the second panel 206 and upright portion 108 of the frame.

Fig. 30 shows side seal 408, formed between an upright side of the second panel 206 and upright portion 106 of the frame.

Figs. 31-34 show further enlarged views of the drive mechanism of the window assembly, and seals, with parts of the frame omitted in Figs. 32-34 to allow greater clarity of understanding.

Fig. 35 shows a sectional view of the window assembly, similar to Fig. 24 in that the sectional view is taken along a line parallel to X-X in Fig. 23. The window is in the closed configuration and first panel 200 and second panel 206 are substantially coplanar. As has been discussed already, the first panel is rotatably attached with respect to the frame via frame hinge 214. Frame hinge 214 rotates with respect to the frame about frame hinge axis 215. First and second panels are rotatably attached with respect to each other via panel hinge 212. Panel hinge 212 allows rotation of the first and second panels about panel hinge axis 213. As will be understood, frame hinge axis 215 is positionally fixed with respect to the frame whereas panel hinge axis 213 is permitted to move with respect to the frame, in a range of movement defined by the movement of the panels between the closed and open configuration. The panel hinge axis remains parallel to the frame hinge axis.

At its second side, the second panel 206 is rotatably guided along guide slot 324 via arm 328 and guide pin 326. Accordingly, the rotation of the second panel is defined with respect to guide pin axis 327.

In order to provide smooth movement of the window assembly out of the closed configuration, it is considered beneficial for the frame hinge axis 215, the panel hinge axis 217 and the guide pin axis 327 to be offset from each other in a depth direction. The depth direction is the up and down direction in Fig. 35 in the plane of the page. Put another way, the depth direction is a direction orthogonal to the aperture defined by the frame. Preferably, in the closed configuration, the panel hinge axis 213 is offset from the frame hinge axis 215, the panel hinge axis being inwardly (in a direction opposed to the outward movement direction of the first and second panels as they fold towards the open configuration) from the frame hinge axis. As shown in Fig. 35, this offset may be relatively small, such as 1-10mm, and shown here as 2.8mm for example.

Preferably, in the closed configuration, the guide pin axis 327 is offset from the panel hinge axis 213, the guide pin axis being inwardly from the panel hinge axis. As shown in Fig. 35, this offset may be larger than the offset between the panel hinge axis and the frame hinge axis. This offset may be 10-30mm, and shown here as 15.4mm for example. Fig. 36 shows a schematic side view of a motor yacht incorporating a window assembly in the closed configuration. Fig. 37 shows a schematic side view of the motor yacht of Fig. 36 with the window assembly in the open configuration.

In Figs. 36 and 37, the motor yacht 500 has a hull 502 and a superstructure 504. For the purposes of illustration, one window assembly 100 is shown mounted flush in the superstructure 504 of the motor yacht. It is of course possible to mount a series of such window assemblies in the superstructure of suitable length, in order to further enhance the configurability of the living space on the yacht.

In the embodiment described above, there is a single motor 300 operable to drive the lead screws on opposing sides of the frame. In a modified embodiment, shown in Figs. 38-41 , there can be separate motors provided which drive the respective lead screws.

In Figs. 38-41 , various features are identical to features already described with respect to Figs. 1-35, and are not labelled or described again here. The differences concern differences in the drive mechanism for opening and closing the window.

Electrical motors 300a and 301a are configured to drive respective worm gears (not shown) which in turn drive respective worm wheels (not shown) connected to respective toothed gearwheels 302a, 303a. For toothed gearwheel 302a, drive belt 304a passes around driven gearwheel 306a and back to toothed gearwheel 302a. Accordingly, operation of motor 300a drives rotation of driven gearwheel 306a. Similarly, for toothed gearwheel 303a, drive belt 305a passes around driven gearwheel 316a and back to toothed gearwheel 303a. Accordingly, operation of motor 301a drives rotation of driven gear wheel 316a.

Driven gear wheel 306a is attached to lead screw 312a which extends behind the upright portion 106a of the frame to a rotational bearing 314a. There is a corresponding arrangement of driven gearwheel 316a and lead screw 318a driven by drive belt 305a at the other side of the frame, behind upright portion 108a.

The carriages 320a and 321a located respectively on lead screws 312a, 318a operate as for the embodiment described with respect to Figs. 1-35.

As will be understood, a significant different between the embodiment described with respect to Figs. 1- 35 and the embodiment described with respect to Figs. 38-41 is that there are two motors, operable respectively to drive the drive mechanism along each upright side of the frame. In practice, the two motors are controlled via a unitary control, in order to ensure synchronous operation. This embodiment is particularly well-suited to larger-sized windows, in which the weight of the glass panels may be significant. This embodiment does not require transmission box 308 (seen in the first embodiment) which connects the first drive belt 304 and a second drive belt 310 of the first embodiment. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” 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.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/- 10%.