AU2020213349A1

AU2020213349A1 - A window assembly and method for attaching a window assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2020213349A1
Application number: AU2020213349A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Xiang Lun Mai
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-06
Filing date: 2020-08-06
Publication date: 2021-02-25

Abstract

In an aspect, there is provided a window assembly for a wall with a window opening, the wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the window assembly comprising; an outer frame including a first plurality of attachment devices, the first plurality of attachment devices being arranged to pass through the window opening and be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position such that the outer frame is connected to the wall when the first plurality of attachment devices are in the engaged position; an inner frame including a second plurality of attachment devices; wherein the second plurality of attachment devices are arranged to engage with the first plurality of attachment devices in the engaged position so that the inner frame is connected to the outer frame. 1/49 100 102 114 108 Fig. 1

Description

1/49

100

102

114 108

Fig. 1

A WINDOW ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING A WINDOW ASSEMBLY

Technical Field

[001] The present invention generally relates to a window assembly and method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a window assembly and a method for attaching a window assembly to a wall.

Background

[002] Current technologies for window assemblies and the methods for attaching such window assemblies have not undergone significant change in recent years. For example, installing a window assembly to a window opening in a wall of a mobile vehicle, such as caravan, includes attaching two frames to each other by means of screwing them together within the window opening.

[003] Attaching a window assembly to the wall in this manner is not a complex task, yet it is very time consuming and is often achieved with poor levels of precision. The current method includes a plurality of screws being passed through the edges of one frame and into receiving apertures provided in the edges of the other frame. Misalignment of a single screw can have the effect of misaligning the remaining screws within their respective apertures. Further, as the frames are usually constructed of a rigid material, there is little to no flexibility provided by the frame to accommodate such misalignment. This usually results in the installer of the window assembly having to repeat the process until all the screws align perfectly to attach the frames together.

[004] As such, it is common for window assemblies to have misaligned frames stemming from poor installation practices. Misaligned window assemblies may suffer a number of issues. Firstly, misalignment of the frames with respect to one another or the wall may lead to failure of the window seal. This may result in water leaking through the window assembly and into the mobile vehicle, which increases the risk of rust, corrosion or moulding of the mobile vehicle walls and/or damage to the internal soft furnishings or electrical components held within the mobile vehicle.

[005] Further, if the window assembly is not sufficiently aligned, the window assembly may not appropriately support a window pane within the frame. This may result in the window pane cracking prematurely warping or failing. The risk of such failure is increased where the window assembly is provided to a mobile vehicle subject to periods of strong vibrations and impacts during travel.

[006] Further, these deficiencies are not constrained to caravans alone, as such deficiencies are experienced by caravans, trailers, camper trailer tents, motorhomes, buses and other mobile recreational vehicles. Further, such issues may also be experienced by detachable houses, kit homes or water craft such as boats and house boats.

[007] The preferred embodiments of the present invention seeks to address one or more of these disadvantages.

[008] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), 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 the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms liner of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Summary

[009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[010] In a first aspect, there is provided a window assembly for a wall with a window opening, the wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the window assembly comprising; an outer frame including a first plurality of attachment devices, the first plurality of attachment devices being arranged to pass through the window opening and be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position such that the outer frame is connected to the wall when the first plurality of attachment devices are in the engaged position; an inner frame including a second plurality of attachment devices; wherein the second plurality of attachment devices are arranged to engage with the first plurality of attachment devices in the engaged position so that the inner frame is connected to the outer frame.

[011] In an embodiment, the outer frame abuts the outer surface of the wall and the first plurality of attachment devices in the engaged position abuts the inner surface of the wall.

[012] In an embodiment, the inner frame includes a jamb mounting frame provided to at least one jamb side of the inner frame.

[013] In an embodiment, the inner frame includes a lintel mounting frame provided to a lintel side of the inner frame.

[014] In an embodiment, the inner frame includes a sill mounting frame provided to a sill side of the inner frame.

[015] In an embodiment, the sill mounting frame, lintel mounting frame and at least one jamb mounting frame each include the second plurality of attachment devices.

[016] In an embodiment, the first plurality of attachment devices each include a rotatable fixture provided to an inner face of the outer frame, where the rotatable fixture rotates around an axis arranged perpendicular to the window opening.

[017] In an embodiment, the rotatable fixture is arranged to be moveable between the stowed and engaged position.

[018] In an embodiment, the rotatable fixture includes a bias mechanism to bias the rotatable fixture to the stowed position.

[019] In an embodiment, the first plurality of attachment devices includes a jamb female retainer provided to the rotatable fixture.

[020] In an embodiment, the jamb female retainer includes a jamb engagement surface that is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the wall when the rotatable fixture is moved to the engaged position.

[021] In an embodiment, the second plurality of attachment devices provided to the at least one jamb mounting frame includes a jamb male catch arranged to be retained by the jamb female retainer.

[022] In an embodiment, the jamb male catch is retained within the jamb female retainer by means of a snap fit arrangement.

[023] In an embodiment, the first plurality of attachment devices includes a lintel female retainer provided to the rotatable fixture.

[024] In an embodiment, the lintel female retainer includes a lintel engagement surface that is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the wall when the rotatable fixture is moved to the engaged position.

[025] In an embodiment, the lintel mounting frame includes a lintel hook arranged to be retained by lintel female retainer.

[026] In an embodiment, the first plurality of attachment devices includes a sill female retainer provided to the rotatable fixture.

[027] In an embodiment, the sill female retainer includes a sill engagement surface that is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the wall when the rotatable fixture is moved to the engaged position.

[028] In an embodiment, the second plurality of attachment devices provided to the sill mounting frame includes a sill male catch arranged to be retained by the sill female retainer.

[029] In an embodiment, the sill male catch is retained within the sill female retainer by means of a snap fit arrangement.

[030] In an embodiment, an inner face of the outer frame includes a plurality of reinforcement struts.

[031] In an embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism is housed between the inner frame and the outer frame.

[032] In an embodiment, the at least one roller mechanism operates a blind arranged to selectively cover the window opening.

[033] In an embodiment, the window assembly further includes an articulated arm arrangement for opening and closing a window pane provided to the window assembly.

[034] In a second aspect, there is provided a method for attaching a window assembly to a wall with an opening, the wall including an inner surface and an outer surface, the method comprising the steps of: arranging an outer frame to abut the outer surface, the outer frame including a first plurality of attachment devices, the first plurality of attachment devices being arranged to be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position; moving each of the first plurality of attachment devices to the engaged position such that when the first plurality of attachment devices are in the engaged position, the first plurality of attachment devices abut the inner surface of the wall; arranging an inner frame to align with the outer frame, the inner frame including a second plurality of attachment devices; sliding the inner frame relative to the outer frame such that each of the second plurality of attachment devices is engaged with a respective one of the first plurality of attachment devices so that the inner frame is connected to the outer frame.

[035] In an embodiment, the step of moving each of the first plurality of attachment devices to the engaged position further includes the steps of: rotating each of the first plurality of attachment devices around an axis perpendicular to the window opening; pushing each of the first plurality of attachment devices towards the wall; and fixing each of the first plurality of attachment devices in the engaged position.

Brief Description of Figures

[036] Example embodiments are apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[037] Fig. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[038] Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment.

[039] Fig. 3 illustrates a plan view of an example embodiment.

[040] Fig. 4 illustrates a plan section view of an example embodiment along section B-B shown in Fig. 2.

[041] Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of an example embodiment.

[042] Fig. 6 illustrates a side section view of an example embodiment along section C-C shown in Fig. 2.

[043] Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment showing a stowed position.

[044] Fig. 8 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment showing an engaged position.

[045] Fig. 9 illustrates a side section view of an example embodiment.

[046] Fig. 10 illustrates a detailed side section view of the example embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

[047] Fig. 11 illustrates a detailed side section view of the example embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

[048] Fig. 12 illustrates a front perspective exploded view of an example embodiment.

[049] Fig. 13 illustrates a back perspective view of an example embodiment.

[050] Fig. 14A illustrates a front perspective exploded view of an example embodiment.

[051] Fig. 14B illustrates a front perspective exploded view of another example embodiment.

[052] Fig. 14C illustrates a back perspective assembled view of another example embodiment.

[053] Fig. 15 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[054] Fig. 16 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment.

[055] Fig. 17 illustrates a side view of an example embodiment.

[056] Fig. 18 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[057] Fig. 19 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment.

[058] Fig. 20A illustrates a top view of an example embodiment.

[059] Fig. 20B illustrates a front perspective view of another example embodiment.

[060] Fig. 21 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment.

[061] Fig. 22 illustrates a front detailed view of section B in an example embodiment.

[062] Fig. 23 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[063] Fig. 24 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment.

[064] Fig. 25A illustrates a side view of an example embodiment.

[065] Fig. 25B illustrates a front perspective view of another example embodiment.

[066] Fig. 26 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[067] Fig. 27 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment.

[068] Fig. 28A illustrates a side view of an example embodiment.

[069] Fig. 28B illustrates a front perspective view of another example embodiment.

[070] Fig. 28C illustrates a front perspective explode view of another example embodiment.

[071] Fig. 29 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[072] Fig. 30A illustrates a plan section view of an example embodiment.

[073] Fig. 30B illustrates a plan section view of another example embodiment.

[074] Fig. 31 illustrates a back perspective view of an example embodiment.

[075] Fig. 32A illustrates a side section view of an example embodiment.

[076] Fig. 32B illustrates a side section view of another example embodiment.

[077] Fig. 33 illustrates a back perspective view of an example embodiment.

[078] Fig. 34A illustrates a side section view of an example embodiment.

[079] Fig. 34B illustrates a side section view of another example embodiment.

[080] Fig. 35 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[081] Fig. 36A illustrates a side view of an example embodiment.

[082] Fig. 36B illustrates a side view of another example embodiment.

[083] Fig. 37 illustrates a front low angle perspective view of an example embodiment.

[084] Fig. 38 illustrates a side perspective view of an example embodiment.

[085] Fig. 39 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[086] Fig. 40A illustrates a side view of an example embodiment.

[087] Fig. 40B illustrates a side perspective view of another example embodiment.

[088] Fig. 41A illustrates a front low angle perspective view of an example embodiment.

[089] Fig. 41B illustrates a side section view of another example embodiment.

[090] Fig. 42 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[091] Fig. 43 illustrates a front perspective view of an example embodiment.

[092] Fig. 44 illustrates a front section view of an example embodiment.

[093] Fig. 45 illustrates a side section view of an example embodiment

Detailed Description

[094] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of one or more embodiments. In the figures, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[095] Referring to Figs. 1 to 14A, there is provided an example of a window assembly 100 for wall 102 with a window opening 104, the wall 102 having an outer surface 106 and an inner surface 108. The window assembly 100 comprises an outer frame 110 including a first plurality of attachment devices 112, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 being arranged to pass through the window opening 104 and be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position. The window assembly 100 further comprises an inner frame 114 including a second plurality of attachment devices 116. The second plurality of attachment devices 116 are arranged to engage with the first plurality of attachment devices 112 in the engaged position so that the inner frame 114 is connected to the outer frame 110.

[096] In the following description, reference is made to the locations of various parts, elements and features that comprise the embodiments of the invention. These locations are made with reference to the conventional names of window assembly components. For example, for an installed window assembly, the top section of the window assembly between two vertical sections is referred to as a lintel 120, where each of the two vertical sections are referred to as the jamb 122. The bottom section of the window assembly located between the two jambs 122 and opposite the lintel 120 is referred to as the sill 124.

[097] In other words, the following description describes some features of the embodiments with respect to their location relative to the lintel 120, jambs 122 and sill 124. The descriptions are made in this manner to merely to demonstrate the workings of the invention. However, as would be appreciated and understood by the skilled addressee, the description of features with reference to locations of a window are not considered to be limited to the location they are described with reference to.

[098] Within the description, reference is made to an inner surface 108 of the wall 102 and an outer surface 106 of the wall 102. As would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, such labels are arbitrary and are merely made to assist the understanding of the workings of the invention and are not considered to be limiting. However, the person skilled in the art would also understand that such references are applied consistently between features. For example, the feature of an outer frame 110 would be understood to be a frame provided to the outer surface 106 of the wall 102. Further, where the outer frame 110 may have two faces, the outer face of the outer frame 110 is the face facing the outer surface 106 of the wall 102 and etc.

[099] Referring specifically to Figs. 7 and 8, the stowed position and the engaged position of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 is described in further detail. In Fig. 7, each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are shown in a first rotational state, this first state being the stowed position. In the stowed position, the entirety of each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 is located within the boundary of the outer frame 110. This enables the outer frame 110 to be slideably inserted into the window opening 104 in a direction moving from the outer surface 106 toward the inner surface 108. When each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are in the stowed position, the outer frame 110 easily sides into position such that the outer frame 110 is arranged to abut the outer surface 106 of the wall 102. When so arranged, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 pass through the window opening 104 and the first plurality of attachment devices 112 and are then located proximate to the inner surface 108 of the wall 102.

[0100] In Fig. 8, each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are shown in a second rotational state, this second state being the engaged position. In the engaged position, part of each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 is located outside the boundary of the outer frame 110. When each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 have been rotated to the engaged position, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 abut the inner surface 108 of the wall 102. Therefore, whilst the outer frame 110 abuts the outer surface 106 of the wall 102, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are in the engaged position against the inner surface 108 of the wall 102. In other words, the wall 102 is retained between the outer frame 110 and the first plurality of attachment devices 112. This arrangement is best shown by the cross sectional views provided in Figs. 4 and 6, which show the wall 102 being retained between the outer frame 110 and the first plurality of attachment devices 112. When the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are in the engaged position, the outer frame 110 is prevented from being slideably removed from the window opening 104.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 12, there is provided an embodiment of the outer frame 110, the wall 102 with window opening 104, and the first plurality of attachment devices 112 shown in an exploded view. Each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 is shown in the engaged position, wherein in the engaged position, they are arranged to connect or abut with the inner surface 108 of the wall 102. The first plurality of attachment devices 112 are described in further detail later in the specification.

[0102] Referring specifically to Figs. 13 and 14A, the inner frame 108 includes a first face 126 and a second face 128. That is, the first face 126 faces away from the inner surface 108 of the wall 102 and the second face 128 faces the inner surface 108 of the wall 102. In an embodiment, the second face 128 of the inner frame 114 includes the second plurality of attachment devices 116. The second plurality of attachment devices 116 may be mounted to the inner frame 114 by means of a number of mounting frames, which may include at least one jamb mounting frame 130 provided to at least one jamb 122 side of the inner frame 114, a lintel mounting frame 132 provided to the lintel 120 side of the inner frame 114, and a sill mounting frame 134. Each of the mounting frames 130, 122, 132, 134 may be provided to the second face 128 of the inner frame 114. That is, the mounting frames 130, 122, 132, 134 are connected to the second face 128 of the inner frame 114 and the second plurality of attachment devices 116 are connected to the mounting frames 130, 122,132,134.

[0103] Referring to Figure 14B and 14C, an alternate embodiment may be provided, wherein the inner frame 114 is provided in four portions, where each of the portions of the inner frame 114 are integrally formed with the respective mounting portion. That is, the at least one jamb mounting frame 130 is arranged to be the at least one jamb 122 portion of the inner frame 114, the lintel mounting frame 132 is arranged to be the lintel 120 portion of the inner frame 114, and the sill mounting frame 134 is arranged to be the sill 124 portion of the inner frame 114. Each of these four portions may be joined together by cornice portions 135 to form the inner frame 114. As described above, the second plurality of attachment devices 116 are connected to the mounting frames 130, 122, 132, 134. The alternate embodiment may be provided such that the mounting frames 130, 122, 132, 134 are formed from extruded aluminium and the cornice portions 135 are made from moulded or 3D printed plastic material, where examples of such plastics materials are described more fully later in the specification.

[0104] Referring to Figs. 15, to 17, there is provided an embodiment of the outer frame 110. The outer frame 110 includes and inner face 136 and an outer face 138. The inner face 136 of the outer frame 110 is arranged to engage with the wall 102 and the window opening 104. The periphery of the inner face 136 of the outer frame 110 is formed to include a sealing lip 140. The sealing lip 140 may be formed to retain at least one edge seal 182, such as but not limited to a high density foam seal. An example of a foam seal is described in later the specification.

[0105] The sealing lip 140 connects and seals with the outer surface 106 of the wall 102 to prevent the ingress of water. The inner face 136 of the outer frame 110 also may include a protruding rim 142, which protrudes perpendicularly from the outer frame 110 toward the inner surface 108 of the wall 102 and is spaced apart from the sealing lip 140 by a first frame portion 144.

[0106] The protruding rim 142 may include a plurality of retaining portions 146 for engagement with the first plurality of engagement devices 112 and fixing device provided to each of the first plurality of engagement devices 112. Each of the plurality of retaining portions 146 may include an aperture that is arranged to receive a fixing device, such as a screw or a pin. In an example provided, the protruding rim 142 includes three retaining portions 146, where each group of three retaining portions 146 corresponds to one of the first plurality of engagement devices 112. The group of three retaining portions 146 may include a rotation portion 148, a positioning portion 150 and an intermediate portion 152.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 17, the rotation portion 148, the positioning portion 150 and the intennediate portion 152 may be provided to extend from the outer frame 110 at different lengths to one another. For example, the rotation portion 148 may be the longest, followed by the positioning portion 150, with the intermediate portion 152 being the shortest. The rotation portion 148, the positioning portion 150 and the intermediate portion 152 may be integrally formed with the protruding rim 142. Further, rotation portion 148 and the protruding rim 142 may be formed to include a gap 154 of free space between them. The different lengths enable improved movement between the engaged and stowed position by the first plurality of engagement devices 112. The engagement of the rotation portion 148, the positioning portion 150 and the intermediate portion 152 with each of the first plurality of engagement devices 112 is described later in the specification.

[0108] The inner face 136 of the outer frame 110 may further include an inner lip 156. The inner lip 156 may be spaced apart from the protruding rim 142 by a second frame portion 162. The inner lip 156 may include at least one lock member 166, the function of which is described more fully below.

[0109] Referring again to Figs. 7 to 11, there is provided an embodiment including a window pane 118 that is connected to the outer frame 110 by means of at least one articulated arm 158. The inner lip 156 of the outer frame 110 may include a handle pivot mechanism 160 which is arranged to connect the at least one articulated arm 158 to the outer frame 110. For example, the pivot mechanism 160 may include a pin and stopper passing through the inner lip 156. The pivot mechanism 160 enables the window pane 118 to be pivoted so that the window assembly 100 may be closed or opened to allow the passage of air. 100. Another example of an alternate handle is provided later in the specification.

[0110] The at least one articulated arm 158 may be a telescopic pneumatic arm, which internally comprises an inner arm receivable within an outer arm and a ball locator receivable within a plurality of apertures formed within one of the inner or outer arms that enables the at least one articulated arm 158 to be extendable and held in various positions such that the window pane 118 may be arranged to open to a plurality of different open positions. That is, the at least one articulated arm 158 may be arranged to enable the window pane 118 to have a range of positions between fully retracted (i.e. closed) and fully extended (i.e. open).

[0111] A bracket 164 may be provided to connect the window pane 118 to the at least one articulated arm 158, wherein the bracket 164 may pass at least partially through the window pane 118. The at least one articulated arm 158 may be arranged to include a handle 168 in connection with the bracket 164, wherein the handle 168 may be provided to rotate with respect to the window pane. The inner lip 156 may include at least one lock member 166, wherein the handle 168 and the lock member 166 may be arranged to selectively engage with at least one lock member 166. The handle 168 may include a locking end 170 which is arranged to engage with the at least one lock member 166 when the handle is rotated to a vertical position, which prevents the window pane 118 from being opened. When the handle 168 is rotated to a horizontal position (not shown) the locking end 170 disengages with the lock member 166 and enables the window pane 118 to be opened using the at least one articulated arm 158. Such an arrangement enables a user to open or close the window assembly 100. An alternate handle arrangement is described in further detail below.

[0112] In an embodiment as shown in Figure 10 and 11, the window pane 118 may include multiple layers. For example, the window pane 118 may include an inner pane 172 and an outer pane 174. The inner pane 172 and the outer pane 174 may be formed to be joined together at the edges of the window pane 118, but be formed so that a void 176 is located between the inner pane 172 and the outer pane 174. The bracket 164 may be arranged such that the bracket passes through the inner pane 172 and part of the bracket 164 is located in the void 176.

[0113] In an embodiment, the outer frame 110 may include a pane hinge recess 178 that is shaped to retain a pane hook 180 provided to the lintel 120 side of the window pane 118. The pane hinge recess 178 may be adhered to the outer face 138 of the outer frame 110, by means of a chemical adhesive. The pane hinge recess 178 and the pane hook 180 cooperative engage with one another to provide a sealing action when the window pane 118 is closed. Further, when the window pane 118 is being opened, the pane hinge recess 178 and the pane hook 180 function similar to a hinge in supporting the pivotal movement of the window pane 118 as it is being opened.

[0114] In an embodiment, there is provided an edge seal 182, which may be arranged to be retained by the sealing lip 140 of the outer frame 110. The edge seal 182 may include an anchor portion 184 integrally formed with a sealing portion 186, where the anchor portion 184 is retained within the sealing lip 140 and the sealing portion 186 is arranged to press up against the outer surface 106 of the wall 102 to create a watertight seal that prevents an ingress of water through the window assembly 100.

[0115] Further, an embodiment may include an O-ring seal 188. The O-ring seal 188 may include an anchor portion 190 that is retained within a sealing recess 192 formed in a pane flange 194. The pane flange 194 is a portion of the outer frame 110 that is formed on the outer face 138 of the outer frame 110 proximate to the inner lip 156. When the window pane 118 is in a closed position, the window pane 118 abuts against the pane flange 194 and against the O-ring seal 188, forming a watertight seal that prevents an ingress of water through the window assembly 100.

[0116] Referring generally to Figs. 12 and 15 to 28C, there is provided an embodiment, wherein each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 firstly include a rotatable fixture 196 that is attachable to an inner face 136 of the outer frame 110. The rotatable fixture 196 is rotated between the aforementioned stowed and engaged position. Further, each of the rotatable fixtures 196 may be connected to or include other features that enable the connection of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 to the second plurality of attachment devices 116, which is discussed later in the following paragraphs.

[0117] In an embodiment, the rotatable fixture 196 includes a first end 198 and a second end 200. The rotatable fixture 196 is arranged to rotate around an axis arranged perpendicular to the window opening 104. That is, the second end 200 may be rotated about the first end 198, where the first end 198 is pivotally attached to the outer frame 110. Further, the rotatable fixture 196 may be formed to include a rotation aperture 202, a positioning recess 204 and a locking aperture. The locking aperture is not clearly shown, but is located between the rotation aperture 202 and the positioning recess 204, such that a locking fastener 209 is passed through the locking aperture. The positioning recess 204 is shaped to form an open mouth, for example as a crescent shape. The interior of the surface defining the rotation aperture 202 may include a rim 206 that is formed to engage with a bias mechanism which is described more fully below.

[0118] The interaction of the rotatable fixture 196 and the outer frame 110 is described in further detail with reference to Figs. 7, 8, 13 to 22. In an embodiment, the rotatable fixture 196 is arranged to be moveable between the aforementioned stowed and engaged position. In other words, the rotation of the rotatable fixture 196 provided to each the first plurality of attachment devices 112 enables each the first plurality of attachment devices 112 to be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position with respect to the wall 102. In an embodiment, a rotation fastener 208 is arranged to pass through the rotation aperture 202 and be retained within the rotation portion 148 such that the rotatable fixture 196 is rotationally attached to the outer frame 110. The rotation fastener 208 may be a screw that is sized to enable rotation of the rotation portion 148.

[0119] In an example, the rotatable fixture 196 may include a bias mechanism to bias the rotatable fixture 196 towards the stowed position. The rim 206 is provided to engage with the head of the rotation fastener 208 so that the bias mechanism does not separate the rotatable fixture 196 from the outer frame 110. For example, the bias mechanism may include a spring 210, as shown in Fig. 12, where the spring 210 is arranged to have a first and second end, where the first end of the spring 210 engages with a spring recess 212 and the second end of the spring 210 engages with the protruding rim 142 of the outer frame 110, such that the rotatable fixture 196 is biased to the stowed position and resists rotation to the engaged position. Biasing the rotatable fixture 196 in this manner enables the first plurality of attachment devices 112 to remain within the boundaries of the outer frame 110 as the outer frame 110 is being installed to the wall 102. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the first plurality of attachment devices 112 and prevents the first plurality of attachment devices 112, particularly those that are provided to the lintel and jamb sides of the outer frame 110, from moving into the engaged position before the outer frame 110 is appropriately arranged with respect to the wall 102.

[0120] The rotatable fixture 196 (and hence each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112) may be rotated until the positioning portion 150 is received within the positioning recess 204, which indicates the engaged position. That is, when the rotatable fixture 196 has been rotated to the correct position around rotation fastener 208, the positioning portion 150 is retained within the positioning recess 204. The gap 154 is provided to enable the rotation of the rotatable fixture 196 such that the edges of the positioning recess 204 do not impact the rotatable fixture 196. Once in the correct position, the rotatable fixture 196 is then pressed towards the outer frame 110, which has the effect of compressing the spring 210. During this pressing motion, the positioning portion 150 is slideably received within the positioning recess 204 and the rotatable fixture 196 is arranged flush against the fixing portion 152. Once so arranged, the rotatable fixture 196 may be fixed in the engaged position by tightening locking fastener 209 to extend through the rotatable fixture 196 and into the aperture formed in the fixing portion 152.

[0121] In an embodiment, the rotatable fixture 196 may include various features that enable it to be retained in the engaged position. For example an additional fixing device such as a screw or pin (not shown), may be inserted and retained within the aperture of the positioning portion 150 when the rotatable fixture 196 is in the engaged position. A further embodiment may include a positioning notch. In an example shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the positioning notch may be formed within the rotation aperture 202 of the rotatable fixture 196 which is arranged to receive a within a corresponding lug 214 on the rotation portion 148 of the outer frame 110. The positioning notch and corresponding lug 214 are arranged to resist the bias from the bias mechanism and maintain the rotation aperture 202 in the engaged position. The positioning notch and corresponding lug 214 are located to enable proper alignment of the rotation portion 148 and the rotation aperture 202 and proper installation of the window assembly 100. In other words, the bias mechanism maintains the rotatable fixture 196 in the stowed position, until the rotatable fixture 196 is rotated to the engaged position. The positioning notch and corresponding lug 214 lightly hold the rotatable fixture 196 in the engaged position until the engaged position is maintained by the above described arrangements.

[0122] In an embodiment, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 may include different device arrangements for different parts of the window opening 104. In other words, a first plurality of attachment device 112 for a lintel may be different from a first plurality of attachment device 112 provided to the jambs or the sill. For example, a first arrangement of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 may be attached to the at least one jamb mounting frame 130, a second arrangement of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 may be provided to the lintel mounting frame 132 and a third arrangement of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 may be provided to the sill mounting frame 134. Moreover, it would be understood that whist the following arrangements are described in the singular, the person skilled in the art would understand that multiple of each arrangement may be provided to each side of the frame. For example, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the lintel 120 side of the outer frame 110 may include three of the second arrangements, the sill 124 side of the outer frame 110 may include three of the third arrangements and each of the two jamb 122 sides of the outer frame 110 may include two first arrangements.

[0123] In an embodiment, a first arrangement may be provided for the two jambs 122 of the window opening 104. Referring again to Figs. 18 to 20A, an example of a first arrangement is provided where the first plurality of attachment devices 112 includes a jamb female retainer 216 provided to the rotatable fixture 196. The jamb female retainer 216 includes an arm 218 that is arranged to be retained within a slot 220 provided in the rotatable fixture 196. The arm 218 may be formed in an "L" shape and be arranged to appropriately align the jamb female retainer 216 with respect to the rotatable fixture 196. The jamb female retainer 216 may also include an aperture (not shown), through which the locking fastener 209 passes, such that the locking fastener 209 holds the jamb female retainer 216 in connection with the rotatable fixture 196.

[0124] The jamb female retainer 216 may further include a retaining frame 222 arranged to locate proximate to the rotatable fixture 196. The retaining frame 222 may include four integrally formed sides that are shaped to define a hollow portion 224 extending through the middle of the retaining frame 222, which is shaped and sized to engage with one of the second plurality of attachment devices 116. The retaining frame 222 of the jamb female retainer 216 may be formed such that one of the sides of the retaining frame 222 form a jamb engagement surface 226 that is arranged to engage with the inner surface 108 of the wall 102 surrounding the window opening 104 when the rotatable fixture 196 is moved to the engaged position. In other words, only when the rotatable fixture 196 is rotated into the engaged position, the jamb engagement surface 226 engages the inner surface 104 of the jambs 122 of the wall 102. This results in the outer frame 110 being attached to the wall 102 along the two jambs 122 of the window opening 104.

[0125] Referring to Fig. 20B, there is provided an alternate embodiment where each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 provided to the jamb 122 sides are integrally formed with the jamb female retainer 216. For example, the jamb female retainer 216 may be arranged to be integrally formed on the underside of the rotatable fixture 196. In such an embodiment, the jamb engagement surface 226 engages the inner surface 104 of the jambs 122 of the wall 102.

[0126] In another embodiment, the second arrangement maybe provided for the lintel 120 of the window opening 104. Referring to Figs. 23 to 25A, an example of a second arrangement is provided wherein, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 includes a lintel female retainer 228 provided to the rotatable fixture 196. The lintel female retainer 228 includes an arm 230 that is arranged to be retained within the slot 220 provided in the rotatable fixture 196. The arm 230 may be formed in an "L" shape and be arranged to appropriately align the lintel female retainer 228 with respect to the rotatable fixture 196. The lintel female retainer 228 may also include an aperture (not shown), through which the locking fastener 209 passes, such that the locking fastener 209 holds the lintel female retainer 228 in connection with the rotatable fixture 196.

[0127] The lintel female retainer 228 may further include a retaining frame 232 arranged to locate proximate to the rotatable fixture 196. The retaining frame 232 may include a hooking flange 234 and a lintel engagement surface 236. The hooking flange 234 may be formed in a curved shape and the lintel engagement surface 236 may be substantially straight. Further, the hooking flange 234 and the lintel engagement surface 236 may define a channel 238. The lintel engagement surface 236 may be arranged to engage with the inner surface 108 of the wall 102 surrounding the window opening 104 when the rotatable fixture 196 is moved to the engaged position. In other words, only when the rotatable fixture 196 is rotated into the engaged position, the lintel engagement surface 236 engages the inner surface 104 of the lintel 120 of the wall 102. This results in the outer frame 110 being attached to the wall 102 along the lintel 120 of the window opening 104.

[0128] Referring to Fig. 25B, there is provided an alternate embodiment where each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 provided to the lintel 120 are integrally formed with the lintel female retainer 228. For example, the lintel female retainer 228 may be arranged to be integrally formed on the underside of the rotatable fixture 196. In such an embodiment, the lintel engagement surface 236 engages the inner surface 104 of the lintel 120 of the wall 102.

[0129] In a further embodiment, the third arrangement may be provided for the sill 124 of the window opening 104. Referring to Figs. 26 to 28A, an example of a third arrangement is provided wherein, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 includes a sill female retainer 240 provided to the rotatable fixture 196. The sill female retainer 240 includes an arm 242 that is arranged to be retained within the slot 220 provided in the rotatable fixture 196. The arm 242 may be formed in an "L" shape and be arranged to appropriately align the sill female retainer 240 with respect to the rotatable fixture 196. The sill female retainer 240 may also include an aperture (not shown), through which the locking fastener 209 passes, such that the locking fastener 209 holds the sill female retainer 240 in connection with the rotatable fixture 196.

[0130] The sill female retainer 240 may further include a retaining frame 244 arranged to locate proximate to the rotatable fixture 196. The retaining frame 244, may include four integrally formed sides that are shaped to define a hollow portion 246 extending through the retaining frame 244. The retaining frame 244 for the sill differs from the jamb female retainer 216, as the sill female retainer 240 includes the retaining frame 244 in an alternative arrangement as shown. In such an arrangement, the sill female retainer 240 may include a square or rectangular hollow portion 246 (similarly shaped to retaining frame 222). However, this hollow portion 246 feature merely forms part of the reinforcement for a sill engagement surface 248 and supports the retaining frame 244. Alternately, as shown in Fig. 11, sill engagement surface 248 may be supported by a triangular hollow portion 246. The sill female retainer 240 may include the sill engagement surface 248 that is arranged to engage with the inner surface 108 of the wall 102 surrounding the window opening 104 when the rotatable fixture 196 is moved to the engaged position. In other words, only when the rotatable fixture 196 is rotated into the engaged position, the sill engagement surface 248 engages the inner surface 104 of the sill 124 of the wall 102. This results in the outer frame 110 being attached to the wall 102 along the sill 124 of the window opening 104.

[0131] Referring to Figs. 28B and 28C, there is provided an alternate embodiment where each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 provided to the sill 124 are integrally formed with an alternate sill female retainer 241. For example, the alternate sill female retainer 241 may be arranged to be integrally formed on the underside of the rotatable fixture 196. In such an example arrangement, the square or rectangular hollow portion 246 may be a solid portion 245 which may be configured to engage with the sill 124 of the inner surface 108 of the wall 120. Further, the retaining frame 244 may be arranged to provide a spring biased arrangement for locking purposes. More particularly, the solid portion 245 includes a recess 247, in which at least one spring mechanism 249 is retained. The at least one spring mechanism 249 is arranged to contact the interior surface of the recess 247 at a first end, and contact a sliding portion 251 at a second end.

[0132] The sliding portion 251 is slideable between the solid section 245 and an end portion 253, where the sliding portion 251 is biased towards the end portion 253 by means of the at least one spring mechanism 249. The end portion 253 is attached to the solid portion 245 by means of fixtures 255 and thus remains in a fixed position relative to the solid portion 245.Further, the sliding portion 251 may include a sloped recess 257 and a stepped recess 259 provided to the end portion 253, wherein the sloped recess 257 and the stepped recess 259 are arranged to cooperatively engage and disengage with a sill male catch 308, which is described in further detail below.

[0133] Referring now to Figs. 4, 29 and 30A, the at least one jamb mounting frame 130 is described in further detail. The at least one jamb mounting frame 130 is provided to attach the second plurality of attachment devices 116 to the jamb sides of the inner frame 114. The at least one jamb mounting frame 130 includes an elongate body 250. In an embodiment, the elongate body 250 is a hollow frame which may include a substantially diagonal portion 252 connected to both of a horizontal portion 254 and a vertical portion 256 in a substantially triangular arrangement. The term "substantially triangular arrangement" is taken to mean that the shape gives the overall impression of a triangle. As such, the person skilled in the art would understand that a substantially triangular arrangement may include any polygons, irregular or otherwise, that gives the overall impression of a triangle.

[0134] The vertical portion 256 may extended vertically past the horizontal portion 254 and include a first finger 258, a second finger 260 and a third finger 262, each extending from the vertical portion 256 along the same axis of the horizontal portion 254. The first, second and third fingers 258, 260, 262 may be formed to be at least substantially straight.

The first finger 258 may be longer relative to the second finger 260 and shorter relative to the third finger 262. The third finger 262 may also include a channel 264 along its length and further include a catch 266 provided at the tip. The elongate body 250 is shaped to connect to the first face 126 along the diagonal portion 252. In an embodiment, the substantially diagonal portion 252 is adhered to the outer face 136 of the inner frame 114, for example by means of a chemical adhesive.

[0135] As described above, an alternate embodiment may be provided where the at least one jamb mounting frame 130 may be integrally formed with the inner frame 114. In such an embodiment, an alternate design may be provided where the variation of the at least one jamb mounting frame 130 shown in Figure 30B further includes a fourth finger 267 arranged to protrude upwards relative to the location at which the substantially diagonal portion 252 and the horizontal portion 254 intersect.

[0136] Referring now to Figs. 6, 31 and 32A, the lintel mounting frame 132 is described in further detail. The lintel mounting frame 132 includes an elongate body 268. In an embodiment, the elongate body 268 is a hollow frame which may include a substantially diagonal portion 270 connected to both of a vertical portion 272 and a horizontal portion 274 in a substantially triangular arrangement. At the junction between the diagonal portion 270 and the horizontal portion 274, a first boss 276 protrudes along the same axis of the vertical portion 272. At the junction of the diagonal portion 270 and the vertical portion 272, a first end of an arm 278 is provided. The arm 278 extends along the same axis as the horizontal portion 274, and a second end of the arm 278 includes a finger 280 that extends from the arm 278 along the same axis of the vertical portion 272. Together, the arm 278 and the finger 280 form a lintel hook. Along the length of the finger 280, a second boss 282 is provided, which protrudes outwards along the same axis as the horizontal portion 274. The elongate body 268 is shaped to connect to the first face 126 by means of the diagonal portion 270. In an embodiment, the substantially diagonal portion 270 is adhered to the outer face 136 of the inner frame 114, for example by means of a chemical adhesive.

[0137] As described above, an alternate embodiment may be provided where the lintel mounting frame 132 may be integrally formed with the inner frame 114. In such an embodiment, an alternate design may be provided where the variation of the lintel mounting frame 132 shown in Figure 32B further includes a second finger 279 that replaces the first boss 276. The second finger 279 protrudes downwards and includes a finger portion 277 at a distal end. Further the variation of the lintel mounting frame 132 may also be arranged to include an extended a first end of an arm 278 that is arranged to protrude outwards past the second boss 282.

[0138] Referring now to Figs. 6, 33 and 34A, the sill mounting frame 134 is described in further detail. The sill mounting frame 134 is provided to attach the second plurality of attachment devices 116 to the sill side of the inner frame 114. The sill mounting frame 134 includes an elongate body 284. In an embodiment, the elongate body 284 is a hollow frame which may include a substantially diagonal portion 286 connected to both of a vertical portion 288 and a horizontal portion 290 in a substantially triangular arrangement. Along the length of the horizontal portion 290, the horizontal portion 290 may include a finger 292, the finger 292 including a catch 294. The horizontal portion 290 may extended horizontally past its junction with the vertical portion 288. The elongate body 284 is shaped to connect to the first face 126 along the diagonal portion 286. In an embodiment, the substantially diagonal portion 286 is adhered to the outer face 136 of the inner frame 114, for example by means of a chemical adhesive.

[0139] As described above, an alternate embodiment may be provided where the sill mounting frame 134 may be integrally formed with the inner frame 114. In such an embodiment, an alternate design may be provided where the variation of the sill mounting frame 134 shown in Figure 34B further includes a first finger 287 that protrudes upwards from the intersection of the horizontal portion 290 and the substantially diagonal portion 286. The first finger 287 may include a catch 289 provided at a distal end. Further, the vertical portion 288 may include a lip recess 291 and the sill mounting frame 134 may further include a second finger 293 that protrudes sideways from the intersection of the vertical portion 288 and the substantially diagonal portion 286.

[0140] In an embodiment, the second plurality of attachment devices 116 may be provided to engage with the first plurality of attachment devices 112 when the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are in the engaged position. The second plurality of attachment devices 116 may include multiple different arrangements of the devices and be connected to the inner frame 114 in a variety of ways.

[0141] For example, referring to Figs. 35, 36A and37, a corresponding first arrangement may be provided for the two jambs 122 of the window opening 104. The corresponding first arrangement may include a jamb male catch 296 arranged to be retained by the jamb female retainer 216. The jamb male catch 296 may include a pad 298 that is arranged to be attached to the jamb mounting frame 130. For example, the pad 298 may be connected to the horizontal portion 254 by a chemical adhesive.

[0142] The jamb male catch 296 may be arranged to be retained within the jamb female retainer 216 by means of a snap fit arrangement, when the jamb female retainer 216 is in the engaged position and abuts wall 102. For example, the jamb male catch 296 may include a head portion 300 and a pad 298. The head portion 300 may be shaped to be retained within the retaining frame 224 of the retaining frame 222. The head portion 300 may be shaped to include a valley 302 that is formed to enable the head portion 300 to engage with the sides of the retaining frame 222. As can be seen in Fig. 37, the head portion 300 may be formed in an arrowhead shape with an inner body 304 and an outer surface 306, where the outer surface 306 is arranged to flex or move relative to the inner body 304 to enable a snap fit arrangement with the retaining frame 222. It is noted that Fig 37 does not show the jamb mounting frame 130 being connected with pad 298. However, it understood by a person skilled in the art that the absence of the jamb mounting frame 130 is merely to demonstrate the workings of the invention.

[0143] Referring to Fig. 36B, an alternate arrangement of the jamb male catch 296 may be provided, wherein the alternate jamb male catch 296 may include a more rectangular shaped head portion 300 including at least one chamfered edge 301 distally arranged from the pad. However, the jamb male catch 296 shown in either example embodiment is tightly received and retained within the retaining frame 222.

[0144] In another example, referring to Fig. 38, a corresponding second arrangement may be provided for the lintel 120 of the window opening 104. The corresponding second arrangement may include wherein the lintel mounting frame 132 includes a lintel hook arranged to be retained by lintel female retainer 228. As described above, the lintel hook may be formed by the arm 278 and the finger 280 of the lintel mounting frame 132. For example, as can be seen in Fig. 38, when the rotatable fixture 196, and thus the lintel female retainer 228, is in the engaged position and abuts wall 102, the finger 280 of the lintel mounting frame 132 may engage with the hooking flange 234 such that the finger 280 is arranged to be received within the channel 238. The curve of the hooking flange 234 enables the finger 280 to be slid into the channel 238.

[0145] In yet another example, referring to Figs. 39 to 41B, a corresponding third arrangement may be provided for the sill 124 of the window opening 104. The corresponding third arrangement may include a sill male catch 308 arranged to be retained by the sill female retainer 240. The sill male catch 308 may include a pad 310 that is arranged to be connected to the sill mounting frame 134 along the length of the horizontal portion 290. For example the pad 310 is arranged to be attached to the sill retaining frame 244 by means of a chemical adhesive.

[0146] Referring to Figs. 39, 40A and 41A, the sill male catch 308 may be arranged to be retained within the sill female retainer 240 by means of a snap fit arrangement, when the sill female retainer 240 is in the engaged position and abuts wall 102. For example, the sill male catch 308 may include a head portion 312. The head portion 312 may be shaped to be retained within the hollow portion 246 of the retaining frame 244. The head portion 312 may be shaped to include a valley 314 that is formed to enable the head portion 312 to engage with the sides of the retaining frame 244. As can be seen in Fig. 41A, the head portion 312 is formed with a generally triangular shape with an inner body 316 and an outer surface 318, where the outer surface 318 is arranged to flex or move relative to the inner body 316 to enable a snap fit arrangement. It is noted that Fig 41A does not show the sill mounting frame 134 being connected with pad 282. However, it understood by a person skilled in the art that the absence of the sill mounting frame 134 is merely to demonstrate the workings of the invention.

[0147] Referring to Figs. 40B and 41B, an alternate arrangement of the sill male catch 308 to be received within the aforementioned alternate sill female retainer 241 is provided. The alternate sill male catch 308 may include a hook-shaped head portion 312 that is arranged to be removably engageable with the stepped recess 259 provided to the sliding portion 251 of the sill female retainer 241 as shown in Fig. 41B. Further, the alternate sill male catch 308 may also include the pad 310 that is connected to the base 311 of the head portion 312. Further, the sill male catch 308 may also include a strut portion 309 that is arranged to connect between the pad 310 and the base 311. Moreover, the base 311 may include a lip portion 313, which is arranged to engage with hook 291 provided to sill mounting frame 134. Such an arrangement is provided to enable a locking arrangement. Further the inner frame 114 may include a small aperture at 315 to enable access to the sliding portion 251 to enable the sliding portion 251 to be moved backwards to enable disengagement with the hooked head portion 312 so that the inner frame 114 may be disengaged from the outer frame 110.

[0148] Referring again to Figs. 7 and 8, an embodiment is provided wherein the inner face 136 of the outer frame 110 includes a plurality of reinforcement struts 320. The reinforcement struts 320 are provided to span between the inner lip 156 and the protruding rim 142 to reinforce the structure of the window assembly to prevent buckling of the structure under vibration, force or pressure.

[0149] In a further example, with reference to Figs. 6, 9 to 11 and 13, there is provided at least one roller mechanism that is housed between the inner frame 114 and the outer frame 110. For example, the at least one roller mechanism may include a first pair of roller mechanisms 322 arranged to be connected to the first face 126 of the inner frame 114 on each jamb side of the inner frame 114. The first pair of roller mechanisms 322 may include a shaft 324 that extends between the first pair of roller mechanisms 322. The first pair of roller mechanisms 322 may include a ring of ball bearings that support and house the ends of the shaft 324 and enable the rotation of the shaft 324. The shaft 324 may include a blind that is wrapped around the shaft 324. The blind is arranged to be wound around or unwound from the shaft 324 as the first pair of roller mechanisms 322 are turned by the user, using a cable or pull device. When fully unwound, the blind is attached to the shaft 324 and at least partially obscures the window pane 118 and when fully would, the blind does not obscure the window pane 118. As such, the first pair of roller mechanisms 322 is arranged to operate a blind arranged to selectively cover the window pane 118.

[0150] In an embodiment, the window assembly 100 may include two pairs of roller mechanisms, wherein each pair is provided in a similar manner to the first pair of roller mechanisms 322. For example, referring to Figs. 9 to 11 and 14C, the first pair of roller mechanisms 322 is provided at the lintel 120 end of the frame assembly 100, and a second pair of roller mechanisms 326 is provided at the sill end of the frame assembly 100 as shown best in Figs. 9 to 11. One of the pair of roller mechanisms may include a first blind. For example, the first blind may include a blackout blind for blocking out light, sound and/or to provide an insulating effect. Further, the other of the two pairs of roller mechanisms may include a second blind, the for example, the second blind may be a partially opaque blind for opaquing the window pane 118, whilst still allowing the ingress of light.

[0151] In an embodiment, the shape of the at least one jamb mounting frame 130 and the sill mounting frame 134 may be formed to support the movement of the blinds provided to the one or more pairs of roller mechanism 322, 326. For example, referring to the at least one jamb mounting frame 130, the space provided between the first finger 258 and the second finger 260 may be arranged to retain a side edge of the second blind and guide the movement of the second blind as it is wound and unwound. Further, the space between the second finger 260 and the third finger 134 may also be arranged to retain another side edge of the first blind and guide the movement of the first blind as it is wound and unwound. The catch 266 may be provided to maintain the first blind within the second finger 260 and the third finger 262. The arrangement of the at least one jamb mounting frame 130 is such that the first and second blinds are wound and unwound in a direction parallel to the window opening 104. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, the first and second blinds may be provided in an alternate arrangement where the first blind is the opaque blind and the second blind is the blackout blind.

[0152] Further, the sill mounting frame 134 may also include features to guide the movement of the blinds. For example, the finger 292 and catch 294 may be provided to engage with the bottom edge of the second blind, the bottom edge of the second blind may include a blind weight or bar to pull the bottom edge of the blind towards the ground to aid in the winding and unwinding of the blind. The catch 294 may be provided to stop the second blind from flailing around inside the cabin when fully unwound. For example, if the window pane 118 is open or when the vehicle is moving.

[0153] Referring to Figs. 42 to 45, there is provided an embodiment wherein the window assembly 100 further includes an alternate articulated arm arrangement used to open and close the window pane 118. The alternate articulated arm arrangement 328 includes a first arm 330, the first arm 330 being connected to a pivot handle 332 at a first end 334. The second end 336 of the first arm 330 is also connected by at a pivot joint to a first end 338 of a second arm 340. The second arm 340 further includes a slot-shaped aperture 342 that is arranged to extend at least partially along the length of the second arm 340. The alternate articulated arm arrangement 328 further includes a linking arm 344, the first end 346 of the linking arm 344 being pivotally connected to the first arm 330, and the second end 348 of the linking arm 344 being pivotally connected to a sliding portion 350, which is arranged to be slide along the slot-shaped aperture 342.

[0154] Referring to Figure 45, the second arm 344 is attached to the inner lip 156 of the outer frame 110 and may be arranged to attach to the outer frame 110 by means of an attachment portion 352. The attachment portion 352 may include a raised area or raised boundary that is arranged to receive and engage with the second arm 340. The attachment portion 352 may also include one or more fixture receiving portions 354 that are arranged to receive fixtures, such as but not limited to fixtures like screw 356, where the fixtures pass through fixture apertures 360 that are provided along the second arm 340. When so arranged, the second arm 340 is secured in a fixed arrangement relative to the outer frame 110.

[0155] The above described arrangement enables for the alternate articulated arm arrangement 328 to be moved between a deployed arrangement as shown in Fig. 42 and a stowed arrangement as shown in Fig. 43, where the deployed arrangement is used to open the window pane 118. The stowed arrangement is provided wherein the first arm 330 and the linking arm 344 are arranged to locate within the profile of the outer frame 110, as shown in Fig. 43, such that the alternate articulated arm arrangement 328 is hidden from view when it is not being used.

[0156] In an embodiment, shown best in Fig. 44, the sliding portion 350 may be arranged to provide a means of friction adjustment of the window pane 118. For example, the sliding portion 350 may include a first portion 358 and a second portion 360, wherein the first portion 358 and the second portion 360 are provided on either side of the second arm 340. The boundaries of the first portion 358 and the second portion 360 are arranged to contact the second arm 340 on either side of the slot-shaped aperture 342. The first portion 358 and the second portion 360 are arranged to be joined together by adjustable screws 362, wherein upon the tightening (or loosening) of the screws 362 increases (or decreases) the tightness of the fit of the sliding portion 350 against the second arm 340, where tightening the fit, increases the amount of friction experienced between the two parts. That is, the Therefore, the first portion 358 and the second portion 360 act similar to a clamp on the second arm 340. As such, when tightened appropriately, the sliding portion 350 provides sufficient friction to maintain any position along the slot-shaped aperture 342.

That is, the window may be opened to and maintained at any position between the open and closed positions.

[0157] With reference to the above described embodiments, an embodiment of a method for attaching a window assembly 100 to a wall 102 with a window opening 104 is provided. The wall 102 may include an outer surface 106 and an inner surface 108. In an embodiment, the method for attaching a window assembly 100 to a wall 102 may include one or more embodiments of the window assembly 100 as described above.

[0158] The method may comprise a number of steps. Firstly, the method may include the step of arranging an outer frame 110 to abut the outer surface 106 of the window 102. This may involve aligning the outer frame 110 with the window opening 104 and moving the outer frame 110 into contact with the outer surface 106 such that the protruding rim 142 is slideably received within the window opening 104.

[0159] The outer frame 110 may include a first plurality of attachment devices 112, where the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are arranged to be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position. Each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 may include a rotatable fixture 196 provided to the protruding rim 142 that enables each of first plurality of attachment devices 112 to be moved between a stowed position and an engaged position.

[0160] Further, each of the rotatable fixtures 162 may be arranged on the lintel 120, sill 124 and the two jamb 122 sides of the outer frame 110. That is, the two jamb sides of the outer frame 110 may include a plurality of jamb female retainers 216, the lintel side of the outer frame 110 may include a plurality of lintel female retainers 230 and the sill side of the outer frame 110 may include a plurality of sill female retainers 240, all respectively provided to the plurality of rotatable fixtures 162. Each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 is initially biased towards the stowed position such that the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are arranged to locate within the boundary defined by the outer frame 110. This enables the protruding rim 142 to be slideably received within the window opening 104.

[0161] Once the outer frame 110 is arranged to abut the outer surface 106 of the window 102, each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 may be moved to the engaged position such that the first plurality of attachment devices 112 abuts the inner surface 108 of the wall 102. Moving each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 into the engaged position involved the following sub-steps. First, rotating each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 around an axis perpendicular to the window opening 104. That is, each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 is rotated by means of the rotating fixture 162 so that one of the jamb female retainer 216, lintel female retainer 228 or sill female retainer 240 abuts and is engaged with the wall 102.

[0162] Once rotated, each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are pushed towards the wall 102. This means each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are pushed against the spring 210 so that the spring 210 is under compression.

[0163] Finally, each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 is fixed in the engaged position, for example, by means of a fixing device as described above. In the engaged position, a jamb engagement surface 226 of the jamb female retainer 216, a lintel engagement surface 236 of the lintel female retainer 228, and a sill engagement surface 248 of the sill female retainer 240 are each arranged to engage the inner surface 108 of the jambs, lintel and sill respectively. In the engaged position, the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are arranged to locate at least partially outside the boundary defined by the outer frame 110. Finally, each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 are fixed in the engaged position. When so engaged, the wall is retained between the outer frame and the first plurality of attachment devices 112 resulting in the outer frame 110 being attached to the wall 102.

[0164] Once the outer frame 110 is attached to the wall 102, an inner frame 114 is then arranged proximate to the inner surface 108 of the wall 102, the inner frame 114 including a second plurality of attachment devices 116. Each of the second plurality of attachment devices 116 is arranged to engage with a respective one of the first plurality of attachment devices 112. That is, the two jamb sides of the inner frame 114 may include the plurality of jamb male catches 296, the lintel side of the inner frame 114 may include a lintel mounting frame 132 including the aforementioned lintel hook, and the sill side of the inner frame 114 may include the plurality of sill male catches 308.

[0165] Once the inner frame 114 is so arranged, the inner frame 114 is slideably moved relative to the outer frame 110 such that each of the second plurality of attachment devices 116 are engaged with the respective first plurality of attachment devices 112 so that the inner frame 114 is connected to the outer frame 110. For example, the lintel mounting frame 132 may be arranged such that the lintel hook is just received within the channel 238. The inner frame 114 may be pushed to slide down the wall 102 relative to the outer frame 110 such that each of the first plurality of attachment devices 112 on the jambs 122 and sill 124 is engaged with one of the respective second plurality of attachment devices 116 on the jambs 122 and sill 124. When so engaged, the lintel hook is fully received within the channel 238.

[0166] The above embodiments may be made from a variety of materials including metals such as aluminium or steel, or plastics such as but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), acrylic plastics such as polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, high density or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Further, different combinations of such materials may be used for various different parts. For example, the outer frame may be made from aluminium, the rotating fixture may be made from ABS and the window pane may be made from polymethyl methacrylate (i.e. acrylic glass).

[0167] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "inner", "outer", "vertical", "diagonal", "horizontal" "front", "rear", "above" and "below" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0168] Optional embodiments may also be said to broadly include the parts, elements, steps and/or features referred to or indicated herein, individually or in any combination of two or more of the parts, elements, steps and/or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0169] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that modifications, changes, substitutions or alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0170] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprised", "comprises" or "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.

[0171] As used herein, a, an, the, at least one, and one or more are used interchangeably, and refer to one or to more than one (i.e. at least one) of the grammatical object. By way of example, "an element" means one element, at least one element, or one or more elements.

[0172] In the context of this specification, the term "about" is understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result.

Advantages

[0173] The embodiments described herein provide a novel means of attaching a window assembly to a wall with an opening.

[0174] In particular, the embodiments described overcome the issues faced by the prior art as the above embodiments provide a window assembly that is self-aligning in at least two ways. Firstly, by moving the first plurality of attachment devices into the engaged position, the outer frame is aligned with and directly attached to the window opening of the wall. For example, the positioning recess enables a user installing the window assembly to easily determine the ideal engagement position of the first plurality of attachment devices and the positioning notch maintains the ideal position whilst the user continues with the installation.

[0175] The second self-aligning means is between the inner frame and the outer frame which together retain the window pane. The self-alignment provided by the window assembly and the installation of the same using the method described above removes the risk of window misalignment during installation and the associated issues that arise from misalignment such as water ingress and premature failure.

[0176] Further, the window assembly and the installation of the same using the method described above is advantageous in the speed of is installation on a wall. Past methods of window assembly installation involves fixing the various components of a window together using screws at various locations around the window assembly. However, the method described enables attachment of the inner frame to the window opening by easily twisting the rotating fixture to the engaged position and locking it in that position. Further, installing the inner frame to the outer frame involves a single sliding motion.

[0177] Moreover, the modularity of the various components of the window assembly lend themselves to mass production whilst enabling the installation of a large variety of window opening shapes and sizes with the variation of only a few key dimensions. For example, the lintel mounting frame, jamb mounting frames and sill mounting frames may be extruded and easily adjustable in length. Further, the rotating fixture is designed to be suitable for any size or shape window opening and a variety of wall thicknesses may be accommodated by varying the depth of the protruding rim on the outer frame. Further, many or all of the components of the window assembly may be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A window assembly for a wall with a window opening, the wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the window assembly comprising; an outer frame including a first plurality of attachment devices, the first plurality of attachment devices being arranged to pass through the window opening and be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position such that the outer frame is connected to the wall when the first plurality of attachment devices are in the engaged position; an inner frame including a second plurality of attachment devices; wherein the second plurality of attachment devices are arranged to engage with the first plurality of attachment devices in the engaged position so that the inner frame is connected to the outer frame.

2. The window assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein outer frame abuts the outer surface of the wall and the first plurality of attachment devices in the engaged position abuts the inner surface of the wall.

3. The window assembly in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner frame includes a jamb mounting frame provided to at least one jamb side of the inner frame.

4. The window assembly in accordance with claim 3, wherein the inner frame includes a lintel mounting frame provided to a lintel side of the inner frame.

5. The window assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein the inner frame includes a sill mounting frame provided to a sill side of the inner frame.

6. The window assembly in accordance with claim 5, wherein the sill mounting frame, lintel mounting frame and at least one jamb mounting frame each include the second plurality of attachment devices.

7. The window assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the first plurality of attachment devices each include a rotatable fixture provided to an inner face of the outer frame, where the rotatable fixture rotates around an axis arranged perpendicular to the window opening.

8. The window assembly in accordance with claim 7, wherein the rotatable fixture is arranged to be moveable between the stowed and engaged position.

9. The window assembly in accordance with claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotatable fixture includes a bias mechanism to bias the rotatable fixture to the stowed position.

10. The window assembly in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first plurality of attachment devices includes a jamb female retainer provided to the rotatable fixture.

11. The window assembly in accordance with claim 10, wherein the jamb female retainer includes a jamb engagement surface that is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the wall when the rotatable fixture is moved to the engaged position.

12. The window assembly in accordance with claim 11, wherein the second plurality of attachment devices provided to the at least one jamb mounting frame includes a jamb male catch arranged to be retained by the jamb female retainer.

13. The window assembly in accordance with claim 12, wherein the jamb male catch is retained within the jamb female retainer by means of a snap fit arrangement.

14. The window assembly in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the first plurality of attachment devices includes a lintel female retainer provided to the rotatable fixture.

15. The window assembly in accordance with claim 14, wherein the lintel female retainer includes a lintel engagement surface that is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the wall when the rotatable fixture is moved to the engaged position.

16. The window assembly in accordance with claim 15, wherein the lintel mounting frame includes a lintel hook arranged to be retained by lintel female retainer.

17. The window assembly in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 16, wherein the first plurality of attachment devices includes a sill female retainer provided to the rotatable fixture.

18. The window assembly in accordance with claim 17, wherein the sill female retainer includes a sill engagement surface that is arranged to engage with the inner surface of the wall when the rotatable fixture is moved to the engaged position.

19. The window assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein the second plurality of attachment devices provided to the sill mounting frame includes a sill male catch arranged to be retained by the sill female retainer.

20. The window assembly in accordance with claim 19, wherein the sill male catch is retained within the sill female retainer by means of a snap fit arrangement.

21. The window assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner face of the outer frame includes a plurality of reinforcement struts.

22. The window assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one roller mechanism is housed between the inner frame and the outer frame.

23. The window assembly in accordance with claim 22, wherein the at least one roller mechanism operates a blind arranged to selectively cover the window opening.

24. The window assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window assembly further includes an articulated arm arrangement for opening and closing a window pane provided to the window assembly.

25. A method for attaching a window assembly to a wall with an opening, the wall including an inner surface and an outer surface, the method comprising the steps of: arranging an outer frame to abut the outer surface, the outer frame including a first plurality of attachment devices, the first plurality of attachment devices being arranged to be moveable between a stowed position and an engaged position; moving each of the first plurality of attachment devices to the engaged position such that when the first plurality of attachment devices are in the engaged position, the first plurality of attachment devices abut the inner surface of the wall; arranging an inner frame to align with the outer frame, the inner frame including a second plurality of attachment devices; sliding the inner frame relative to the outer frame such that each of the second plurality of attachment devices is engaged with a respective one of the first plurality of attachment devices so that the inner frame is connected to the outer frame.

26. The method for attaching a window assembly to a wall, wherein the step of moving each of the first plurality of attachment devices to the engaged position further includes the steps of: rotating each of the first plurality of attachment devices around an axis perpendicular to the window opening; pushing each of the first plurality of attachment devices towards the wall; and fixing each of the first plurality of attachment devices in the engaged position.