Clearview Midlands September 2014 - Issue 154 | Page 15

INDUSTRYNEWS Handles: the user interface of your windows The manufacturer’s last consideration – but the first point of contact for end users. From the manufacturer’s point of view, fitting the handle is usually the last step in the window manufacturing process. In fact, it might not even be done at the factory: the handle might be fitted on site, after the window has been installed in the building. That means within the industry, we are seeing the handle from a completely different viewpoint. Most window manufacturers are proud of their windows: they will tell you about the materials used for the frames and glazing, the security, thermal characteristics etc. The chances are, the handle will be mentioned last – if it gets mentioned at all. But what about the customer’s viewpoint? When the end user operates the window, where is their attention focused first? On the handle, of course. You could say that the handle is the user interface of your window. People choose their smartphone because the user interface works for them. They may prefer to type on screen, or to have a physical keyboard. They may find one operating system more attractive and easier to use than others. Steve Jobs was obsessed with getting the user interface right. And manufacturers who have paid less attention to this area haven’t usually sold as many phones and tablets as Apple. To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com So what can Roto offer you to enhance the user interface of your window? For Tilt&Turn windows and balcony doors, there are four distinctive collections, each with its own style, and all designed with the end user in mind and to comply with all relevant European standards for quality, security and safety. Made from aluminium rather than die-cast materials, they are available in a range of finishes and locking options. At Roto a handle is much more than just a means of opening and closing. It is also an aesthetic feature and an enhancement to the security and usefulness of the window. An important security consideration is preventing the handle from moving if the window is manipulated from outside. For example, an attack on a window frame may make part of the hardware accessible. If the intruder is able to move the hardware mechanism, it might be possible to disengage the locking points and open the window. A handle with a locking mechanism prevents this. Roto offers three different ways to secure a handle. There is the traditional pushbutton locking option. The handle cannot be moved until the button is pressed. This can work well in many situations. You might not, however, want a pushbutton – perhaps for aesthetic reasons. In this case, the Roto Secustik® option is worth considering. Handles with this function give “invisible protection” against outside manipulation which is achieved by a specially-designed clutch mechanism. The handle has no visible button or lock. Any person inside the building can operate it, but movement via the hardware mechanism is blocked. There may be times when you want to lock the handle completely, or perhaps restrict who is able to open the window. A key locking mechanism is ideal for this. Standard Roto handles with key locking cylinders resist a torque of 40 Nm. Higher security versions are, however, also available and these have been tested to resist a turning force of 100 Nm. There is also another, very useful variation on the standard key-locking handle. It enables you to transform a Tilt&Turn window into a Tilt-Only unit when required. This is especially important for child safety, or indeed for protecting hotel guests. The tilt-first lockable version of a handle works in conjunction with a tilt-first hardware system. It looks like any other key-locking handle. The first 90 degrees of movement is available to all users – allowing them to tilt the window and ventilate the room. But only key holders are able to move the handle to the 180 degree ‘turn’ position and open the window fully. In the home, parents can retain the key, allowing children to tilt the window but never open it far enough to create a safety risk. In a hotel, the key can be held by maintenance staff. Try the Roto Handle Configurator Which handle design would be best for your customers? What do the various functions look like in the different colours? No guesswork – just check out Roto’s Handle Configurator. To view it, visit www.roto-frank.com/uk/ where you will also find information on all the latest products. SEP 2014 15