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