The invention relates to a window handling device for lifting a window frame.

Such window handling devices are known and are commonly used, for example, on building sites. Devices are known that clamp the window frames on the outside, so that the paint of the window frame may get damaged. Also, devices are known for lifting the window frame fitted with glass, by fastening magnetic cups or suction cups on the glass. These magnetic cups or suction cups, however, are relatively large and heavy and may be sensitive to errors in fastening. If during lifting a magnetic cup or suction cup proves not to have been properly fastened, this can lead to damage to the window frame and/or be hazardous to the people handling the window frame. Known devices may also be equipped for engagement at a predetermined location on the window frame, for example at the bottom or the top side. These sides are usually difficult to access when the window frames are standing on a support, waiting to be inserted into a window opening of a building. Also, use can be made of nylon or rubber carrying handles or carrying straps. This involves the drawback that a difference in body height between the carriers / window installers makes the window frame difficult to handle. Also, the nylon and/or the rubber may damage the window frame and/or leave stains on it. Also known is a window handling appliance that engages in the four corners of the window frame, viewed in the direction toward the window frame, and hence toward the glass in the window frame. As a consequence, one large window appliance is needed, whose arms extend along the diagonals of the window frame. At the point where the arms cross is a handgrip to handle the window frame. Adjusting the length of the arms to the size of the window frame is complex. Especially in the case of large window frames, this is a large, heavy and difficult-to- handle appliance.

Many known devices are heavy, complex and/or relatively difficult to handle, so that they are not correctly used by the window installers, or not used at all, so that window installers often grasp the window frames with their hands and lift them up. Especially large window frames and window frames that are provided with glass may be heavy and unwieldy, so that damage to people and/or equipment may occur.

There is, therefore, a need for a window handling device for lifting a window frame, that eliminates at least one of the above drawbacks. In particular, there is a need for a window handling device that is relatively simple, compact, and relatively easy to handle.

To this end, the invention provides a window handling device for lifting a window frame, comprising two clamping feet which are provided with an outwardly directed clamping face for contacting a window anchor clamping place, lifting mechanism hingedly connected to the clamping feet, which is adjustable between a clamping position and a release position, wherein in the release position the clamping feet are at a distance from each other to be inserted between the window anchor clamping places, while in the clamping position the clamping feet are at a distance from each other to clamp in the window anchor clamping places, wherein the distance between the clamping feet in the clamping position is greater than in the release position.

By providing a window handling device with clamping feet that are adjustable between a release position and a clamping position in which the clamping feet are at a distance from each other for engagement in an inner side of a window anchor clamping place, a simple and compact mechanism can be deployed in the window anchor clamping place. The window anchor clamping place is mostly situated on the rear side of the window frame and, after assembly of the window frames, is not visible. Most window frames are provided with such a window anchor clamping place, which is usually formed by the strengthening ribs on the non-visible outer side of the window frame. By making use of the window anchor clamping places, which are not visible after assembly, there is no aesthetic drawback to lifting the window frame by means of the window handling device.

Due to the compactness of the window handling device in the release position, the window handling device can be placed at any position in the window anchor clamping place. This provides a great flexibility to the window installers, who can position the window handling device at a position that is agreeably manageable for them. Due to the window handling device being simple to adjust between the clamping position and the release position via the lifting mechanism, the window handling device can be quickly and simply adjusted in height regardless of the body height of the carrier / window installer.

In the clamping position, the clamping feet are brought out so that they abut against an inner side of the window anchor clamping place and proceed to clamp. The window anchor clamping place, formed by strengthening ribs on the outer side of the window frame, is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the window frame. In the release position the clamping feet are at a distance from each other allowing them to be inserted into the window anchor clamping place. Advantageously, the clamping feet are elongate and lie practically against each other or close to each other in the release position. In the clamping position, the clamping feet are further apart so as to abut against an inner side of the window anchor clamping place. This is in contrast to known window handling devices, which, for instance, engage in the four corners of the window frame, viewed in a direction toward the window frame, and hence toward any glass in the window frame. The window anchor clamping place in which the present window handling device engages is on a side of the window frame. Looking at a front side of the window frame, one sees the - usually quadrangular - shape of the window frame in which glass can be placed. It will be clear that window frames can also have shapes different from a quadrangle, or may even be round. When viewed toward the front, a window frame generally has a top frame part, two sideward or lateral frame parts, and a bottom frame part. Also in the case of polygonal or round window frames, parts of the window frame can be regarded as a top, lateral, or bottom part. The window anchor clamping places, in which the present window handling device can engage, are on the lateral parts of the window frame, more particularly on the outer side thereof. Usually, the window anchor clamping place is formed by strengthening ribs on the outer side of the window frame. This is advantageous in that after the window frame has been placed in the window opening, the window anchor clamping places are not visible anymore, since these are then situated against the wall sides of the window opening. After placement of the window frame in the window opening, merely the front side, and the opposite rear side, are still - partly or otherwise - visible. This means that any damages that result from the use of the window handhng devices in the window anchor clamping places are hidden from view once the window frame has been placed in the window opening. During use, accordingly, it is desirable to provide at least two window handhng devices per window frame, viz., a window handling device for a lateral part of the window frame and a window handhng device for the opposite lateral part of the window frame.

In a simple manner, the lifting mechanism is configured to adjust the clamping feet between the release position and the clamping position. For instance, a longitudinal force can be converted into a lateral clamping force. In a simple implementation of the window handhng device, the longitudinal force is provided by gravity, which is converted via the lifting mechanism into a lateral clamping force.

Advantageously, the clamping feet comprise a clamping part on which the clamping face is provided. The clamping part is preferably configured to engage behind the strengthening ribs of the window anchor clamping place. Advantageously, to that end, the clamping part is of

L-shaped design, while the clamping face may be provided on an end of the L-shaped clamping part.

Advantageously, the window handling device comprises a grip element for exerting the lifting force. The lifting element can be a handle for manually exerting the lifting force, or can also be a hook or a loop to be connected to a crane whereupon the crane can exert the lifting force. By providing a lifting element, for example in the case of manual lifting, the window installer can exert the lifting force with one hand and guide the window frame with the other hand. This manner of working is experienced by window installers as relatively comfortable because they can control the movement of the window frame better this way. Alternatively and/or in addition to the manual operation of the lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism may also be driven electrically, hydrauhcally, pneumatically or otherwise. To this end, for example, a preferably compact electric motor may be provided. Possibly, the lifting mechanism may also be operated via a crane or other lifting instrument to which it may be coupled.

For the purpose of lifting up a window frame, on both upright sides a window handling device according to the invention may be placed in the window anchor clamping places. Each window handling device is handled by a window fitter, in the case of manual lifting, so that in this way the two of them can relatively simply set an even large or heavy window frame relatively safely into a window opening. Usually, first the underside of the window frame is set in the window opening and, once it is properly placed, the window handling devices can be uncoupled, by removing the lifting force, and be detached from the window anchor clamping places, whereupon the window fitters can push the window frame further into the window opening. Further advantageous embodiments are set forth in the

depending claims.

The invention further relates to a method for moving a window frame.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment device that is shown in a drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a window handling device in the clamping position;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the window handling device of Fig. 1 in the release position;

Fig. 2a shows a detail of a tooth of a clamping face of the window handling device;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a window handling device in the clamping position;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the window handling device of Fig. 3 in the release position;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of a third embodiment of a window handling device;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic top plan view of the window handling device of Fig. 5 in the clamping position;

Fig. 7 shows a cross section of a window frame, with the window anchor clamping place;

Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a window handling device; and

Fig. 9 shows a schematic top plan view of the window handling device of Fig. 8 in the clamping position.

In the figures, like or corresponding parts are designated with the same reference numerals. It is noted that the figures are only shown by way of exemplary embodiment and should not be construed as limiting in any way. For clarity and conciseness of the description, features are described as a part of the same or of different embodiments. However, it will be clear that the invention can also comprise embodiments that have a combination of any or all of the features described.

Fig. 1 shows a window handling device 1 for handling a window frame. The window handling device 1 comprises two clamping feet 2a, 2b each respectively provided with an outwardly directed clamping face 3a, 3b for contacting a window anchor clamping place. The clamping faces 3a, 3b are here designed as teeth 30 which are upwardly directed, but other embodiments are also possible, for example, pins or fingers or cramps, etc., or possibly even a flat clamping face provided with a friction-generating coating. Many variants are possible. The clamping force of the teeth should be sufficient lest the window frame slide down during handling and/or lifting of the window frame. The geometry of the teeth may depend on the weight of the window frame 9 to be lifted. For instance, the teeth 30 may be provided with two tooth faces 31, 32, of which a first tooth face 31 extends downwards and inwards at a first angle a, and the second tooth face 32 extends inwards at a second angle β, with the first angle a being smaller than the second angle β. Fig. 2a shows a detail of a tooth 30. Clearly, many variants in geometry and dimensions are possible for the teeth 30, as well as for the clamping faces 3a, 3b.

The window handling device 1 furthermore comprises a lifting mechanism 4 movably connected to the clamping feet 2a, 2b. The lifting mechanism 4 is adjustable between a release position and a clamping position. In the clamping position, as shown in Fig. 1, the clamping feet 2a, 2b are at a distance Dl from each other in order to clamp in a window anchor clamping place (not shown here). In the release position, as shown in Fig. 2, the clamping feet 2a, 2b are at a distance D2 from each other in order to be inserted into a window anchor clamping place (not shown here). The distance D2 is smaller than the distance Dl.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the lifting mechanism 4 is hingedly connected to the clamping feet 2a, 2b. The lifting mechanism 4 here comprises two arms 4a, 4b which on a side 5a, 5b are hingedly connected to the respective clamping foot 2a, 2b and furthermore are movably connected to each other. Here, the arms 4a, 4b are hingedly connected to each other on the opposite side 6a, 6b. At the location of the hinge joint between the sides 6a, 6b of the arms 4a, 4b, a grip element 7 may be arranged. The grip element 7 may be implemented as a handgrip, but may also be configured as a grip in which a lifting element of, for example, a crane can be fastened. By upward movement of the grip element 7, the lifting mechanism 4 can be adjusted from the release position (in Fig. 2) to the clamping position (in Fig. 1). By lifting the grip element 7, the window frame (not shown here) will seek to move downwards under the influence of gravity, in consequence of which the clamping feet 2a, 2b will clamp tightly in the window anchor clamping place. Thus, a reliable clamping can come about. By adjusting the lifting mechanism 4 between the clamping position and the release position, the clamping faces 3a, 3b make, as it were, a translation movement from and to the window anchor clamping place. A vertical movement of the handgrip 7 is converted via the lifting mechanism 4 into a horizontal movement of the clamping faces 3a, 3b.

The position of the window handling device 1 relative to the window frame can be set in a simple manner by operating the grip element 7. By moving the grip element 7 downwards for a moment, an adjustment from the clamping position towards the release position can take place, so that the clamping faces 3a, 3b come off the window anchor clamping place for a moment. Thus, the window handling device 1 can then be moved upwards or downwards in the window anchor clamping place until the desired position has been reached. At the desired position, the window handling device 1 can then be adjusted to the clamping position again by moving the grip element 7 upwards, and clamping in the window frame can be achieved. Thus, the window handling device 1 can be utilized,

independently of the height of the persons handling the window frame.

Figs. 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of a window handling device 1 in the clamping position (Fig. 3) and in the release position (Fig. 4). The window handling device 1 comprises two clamping feet 2a, 2b which are adjustable via the lifting mechanism 4 between the release position, in which they are at a distance D2 from each other, and the clamping position, in which they are at a mutual distance Dl greater than D2.

The lifting mechanism 4 is here implemented as a telescopic mechanism. The lifting mechanism comprises two arms 4a, 4b which on a side 5a, 5b are connected to the respective clamping feet 2a, 2b and on the opposite side 6a, 6b are translatably connected to each other. In this example, the arms 4a, 4b are telescopically translatably connected to each other. In this exemplary embodiment the end 6b of the arm 4b slides in the end 6a of the arm 4a. Other translatable implementations are also possible, whereby, for example, the end 6b slides over the end 6a, or the ends 6a, 6b slide along each other.

In this exemplary embodiment, the lifting element 7 is connected to the end 6a of the arm 4a. To that end, the end 6a is provided with an element 6c of curved or hook-shaped design. In this exemplary embodiment, use is thus made of an eccentric system, whereby a turning movement of a cam, element 6c, moves the clamping feet 2a, 2b between the clamping position and the release position. The shape of the cam and the magnitude of the angular displacement co-determine the clamping force of the clamping faces 3a, 3b in the window anchor clamping place.

In the release position shown in Fig. 4, the curved element 6c abuts against an inner side of the clamping foot 2b; upon upward movement of the grip element 7, the curved element 6c will move along the inner side of the clamping foot 2b, thereby pushing the arms 4a, 4b apart into the clamping position, as shown in Fig. 3. In this manner, via the curved element 6c, an upward movement, or lifting movement, of the handgrip 7 can be converted into a translation movement of the arms 4a, 4b and hence of the clamping feet 2a, 2b connected thereto.

Alternatively, for instance, use can be made of a key or a wedge, whereby a vertical translation movement of the key or wedge can be converted into a horizontal translation movement of the clamping feet 2a, 2b between the clamping position and the release position. Alternatively, for example, use can be made of a conical or oval wheel. By turning the wheel, the clamping feet 2a, 2b can be moved apart or towards each other.

Fig. 5 shows a next embodiment of a window handling device 1. The window handling device 1 here comprises a lifting mechanism 4 which comprises triple pairs of arms 4al, 4a2, 4a3, 4b 1, 4b2, 4b3. The lifting element 7 is here connected to the arms 4a2, 4b2, but obviously can also be connected to another arm pair. Each of the arms 4al, 4a2, 4a3, 4b 1, 4b2, 4b3 is hingedly connected on one side to a clamping foot 2a, 2b, respectively. On the opposite side, the arms 4al, 4a2, 4a3, 4bl, 4b2, 4b3 are hingedly connected to each other. For the rest, the window handling device 1 works similarly to the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

In Fig. 6 a top plan view is shown of the window handling device 1 of Fig. 5 placed in a window anchor clamping place 8 of a window frame 9.

Fig. 7 shows a cross section of an example of a window frame 9. This is merely an example, and there are many variants on window frames, which are not shown here. What nearly all window frames have in common is a front side 10 and a rear side 11, which are both visible faces, that is, after placement of the window frame 9 in a window opening, the sides 10 and 11 remain visible. Furthermore, the window frame comprises a wall side 12 and a window side 13. The glass (not shown here) is placed in the window frame 9 on the window side 13. Here, the window side 13 is provided with a flange 14 against which the glass can be supported, but this depends on the specific design and implementation of the window frame 9. The wall side 12, upon placement of the window frame 9, is placed against the inner side of the window opening, for instance against the wall, which is to say that after placement of the window frame 9 in the window opening, the wall side 12 is not visible anymore.

On the wall side 12 of the window frame 9, nearly all window frames 9 are provided with strengthening ribs 15a, 15b. These

strengthening ribs 15a, 15b form a window anchor clamping place 8. In this space, any window anchors may be placed. Due to its geometry, this space 8 is pre-eminently suitable to receive the clamping faces 3a, 3b. The length L of the cross part 16a, 16b of the ribs 15a, 15b, respectively, in effect determines the minimum stroke that the clamping faces 3a, 3b require to adjust between the release position and the clamping position. The adjustment stroke of the clamping faces 3a, 3b between the release position and the clamping position is brought about by a translation movement in a direction R substantially transverse to the ribs 15a, 15b, substantially parallel to the wall side 12 of the window frame 9. Inner sides 17a, 17b of the ribs 15a, 15b respectively form suitable surfaces against which clamping faces 3a, 3b can abut. Any damages of the inner sides 17a, 17b by the teeth 30 of the clamping faces 3a, 3b are of minor relevance since they are on the non-visible side 12 of the window frame 9.

Fig. 6 shows the window handling device 1 in the clamping position in the window anchor clamping place 8. The clamping faces 3a, 3b abut against the inner sides 17a, 17b of the window anchor clamping place 8. If the clamping faces 3a, 3b are provided with teeth 30, the teeth 30 can engage in the inner sides 17a, 17b to provide for sufficient clamping force.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6 the clamping feet 2a, 2b each comprise a clamping part 20a, 20b on which the clamping faces 3a, 3b are provided. The clamping parts 20a, 20b are of L-shaped configuration here to be able to engage behind the ribs 15a, 15b of the window anchor clamping place 8. Cross parts 16a, 16b can thus be received in a recess 22a, 22b formed by the clamping part 20a, 20b. The clamping feet 2a, 2b furthermore comprise a main part 21a, 21b to which the lifting mechanism 4 is attachable. The lifting element 7 is attached to the lifting mechanism 4.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show a further embodiment of the window handling device 1. The window frame 9 is schematically represented with the window anchor clamping place 8 provided therein. Here, the window anchor clamping place 8 is formed as a recess in the schematically

represented window frame 9. The clamping foot 2a, 2b comprises a main part 21a, 21b and a clamping part 20a, 20b. The clamping parts 20a, 20b are provided with the clamping faces 3a, 3b which in the clamping position shown in Fig. 9 abut against the inner sides 17a, 17b of the window anchor clamping place 8. The lifting mechanism 4 is connected to the main parts 21a, 21b and the handgrip or lifting element 7 is connected to the lifting mechanism 4.

The clamping parts 20a, 20b in this exemplary embodiment are detachably connected to the main parts 21a, 21b. To that end, here, screws 25 are provided as detachable fastening means, but other implementations are also possible, such as a click mechanism, or pin-and-hole joints, etc. Many variants are possible. By providing detachable clamping parts, these can be easily replaced, for example, depending on the geometry of the window anchor clamping place 8 and/or the ribs 15a, 15b. After all, the shape and dimensions of the window anchor clamping place and/or the ribs can differ widely, depending on the brand and/or type of window frame. By providing detachable clamping parts, these can be exchanged, depending on the brand and/or type of window frame. Also in case of wear of the clamping parts, these can be replaced with new clamping parts relatively quickly and easily by virtue of the detachable connection. As can be seen in Fig. 8, the lifting mechanism 4 is here

implemented as a scissor mechanism comprising two arms 4a, 4b which are each on one side connected to the clamping feet 2a, 2b and furthermore are movably connected to each other. The arms 4a, 4b are each at both their ends movably connected to the clamping feet 2a, 2b. In the center, the arms 4a, 4b are hingedly connected to each other. At that point, also the lifting element 7 is connected to the lifting mechanism 4. For the purpose of the scissor movement of the arms 4a, 4b, one end 5a, 5b of the arms 4a, 4b is provided with a pin 51a, 51b which is movable in a slot 52a, 52b of the clamping feet 2a, 2b. The slot 52a, 52b is here implemented in the main part 21a, 21b of the clamping feet 2a, 2b. Other variants of accommodating the scissor movement of the arms 4a, 4b are also possible, for example, a finger moving over a rail, etc.

In this exemplary embodiment of the lifting mechanism 4, also pretensioning elements 22a, 22b are provided. The pretensioning elements 22a, 22b are here implemented as two spring elements which pretension (bias) the arms 4a, 4b towards each other, and hence to the clamping position. Alternatively, it is also possible to make use of other

implementations of a pretensioning element, such as a torsion spring, or a draw or compression spring, or of a gas spring or hydraulic element. By providing a pretensioning element, the clamping force is not furnished by gravity alone anymore, but the pretensioning element produces additional clamping force. Also adjusting the window handling device 1 from the clamping position to the release position is then done against the pretension (bias) of the pretensioning element, so that a person holding the lifting element 7 can in a more controlled manner adjust the window handling device and secure its position relative to the window frame. By making use of pretensioning force, also less heavy window frames can be simply and reliably handled and/or lifted up. Alternatively, use can be made of a pretensioning element that pretensions the clamping faces 3a, 3b towards the clamping position. Such a pretensioning element may be situated, for example, between the two clamping feet.

The grip element 7 can be implemented in different ways, for example as a handgrip which a single person can hold, or as a grip to which a lifting element of, for example, a crane can be attached, or can be provided with an extension so that two or more persons can hold the window handling device 1.

Due to the relatively simple use of the window handling device 1 it is also possible to place, for example, two window handling devices 1 per wall side of the window frame, for example, one located higher and one lower, for example in the case of a large and/or heavy window frame.

In use, the window handling device 1 is placed in the window anchor clamping place 8, preferably, on both sides of the window frame at least one window handling device 1 is provided. Thus, the window frame can be simply and reliably lifted up, moved, manipulated, by two persons, one person on each side. The window frame can thus be placed into the window opening. Advantageously, first the underside of the window frame is placed in the window opening, so that in any case the underside is already about stable. Then the window handling devices can be detached from the window anchor clamping places by adjusting them to the release position, where applicable against the bias. The person(s) involved can then with both hands tilt the window frame further into the window opening until it fits into it completely. The window anchor clamping places then disappear from view, situated against the wall sides of the window opening.

Many variants are possible and are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.