GB2483923A

GB2483923A - Window with a magnetically biased retractable parting bead

Info

Publication number: GB2483923A
Application number: GB1016180.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harold Keith Braid
Original assignee: Clearview Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Clearview Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-27
Filing date: 2010-09-27
Publication date: 2012-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-27
Also published as: GB2483923B; GB201016180D0

Abstract

A window, preferable a sash window, (10 Fig 1) comprising a window frame (1 Fig 1), a window sash 2â ,4 and a moveable elongate bead member 20 moveable from an extended position (Fig 4a) to a retracted position (Fig 4b) and a magnetic biasing arrangement to bias the moveable elongate bead member 20 towards the extended position. The moveable elongate bead member 20 in the extended position projects and extends from the frame into the window opening (5 Fig 1) to overlap an edge portion of the window element 2 , 4 . The magnetic biasing arrangement comprises first and second magnets 42, 44 mounted to the bead 20 and window frame to provide a magnetic repulsive force therebetween when the elongate bead member 20 is in the extended position. A magnetic locking arrangement may be provided to selectively lock the bead 20 in the retracted position. Preferably the locking arrangement uses the first and second magnets with the bead 20 being longitudinally moved so that adjacent magnets attract each other rather than repel.

Description

A SASH WINDOW WITH A MAGNETICALLY BIASSED RETRACTABLE PARTING

BEAD

The present invention relates to sash windows, and in particular to sash windows incorporating a window sash which as well as sliding can also tilt, and which includes a retractable parting bead to allow for such tilting. The invention whilst particularly suited to such sash windows may however also be applicable to other, non-sash, types of windows.

Sash windows typically comprise a pair of window sashes located and supported within vertical channels in side jambs of a window frame. The window sashes are arranged to slide vertically within the window frame to allow for opening of the window. In more modem sash windows the window sashes can also be tilted out of the window frame about a horizontal axis, typically along or towards the boRon edge of the window sashes. Such tilting of the window sashes is a particularly desirable feature in that it allows easier maintenance access, in particular for cleaning of the windows, with the window sashes generally being arranged to tilt inwards. In addition such tilting and opening of both windows provides an enlarged opening for access in the event of an emergency and/or otherwise.

In order to improve the appearance, making modem tilting sash windows more similar to traditional sash windows, as well as to provide improved security and draught exclusion, while still allowing tilting, it has been proposed in W02006/085093 to provide a tilting sash window with a retractable parting bead. The parting bead is moveable from an extended position in which the bead projects and extends from the frame into the window opening to in use overlap an edge portion of the sash, to a retracted position in which the sash can then be tilted over the retracted distal end of the bead. A biasing spring is provided to bias the parting bead toward the extend position, and a selective locking arrangement is provided to selectively lock the parting bead in the retracted position.

While this arrangement provides a significant improvement over previous arrangements it can still be further improved, in particular in relation to the biasing and selective locking of the retractable parting bead.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved window arrangement which provides and improved or alternative to the existing arrangements.

According to the present invention there is provided an improved window S arrangement, and a window frame, as described in the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a window comprising a window frame defining a window opening; a window element mounted to the window frame, a moveable elongate bead member moveable from an extended position to a retracted position and a magnetic biasing arrangement biasing the moveable elongate bead member towards the extended position. The moveable elongate bead member in the extended position projects and extends from the frame into the window opening to, in use, overlap an edge portion of the window element. The magnetic biasing arrangement comprises first and second magnets mounted and oriented on the bead and window frame respectively to provide a magnetic repulsive force therebetween when the elongate bead member is in the extended position.

Such a magnetic biasing arrangement provides and improved biasing of the moveable parting bead. In particular magnetic biasing of the parting bead avoids the need to provide and fit separate biasing springs as used on the previous arrangements, which can be difficult to fit in place, and may in use become dislodged.

The first and second magnets are preferably aligned and oppositely face each other when the elongate bead is in the extended position. The first and second magnets may be staggered and unaligned when the elongate bead is in the retracted position.

The elongate bead member is preferably also moveable longitudinally with respect to the window frame from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position, the first and second magnets in the first longitudinal position being aligned and oppositely facing each other to provide the magnetic repulsive biasing force therebetween.

The window preferably ftirther comprises a selective locking arrangement to selectively lock the moveable elongate bead member in the retracted position. Preferably the selective locking arrangement comprises a magnetic locking arrangement comprising a locking magnet mounted on one of the bead or window frame and a corresponding magnetic element on the other of the window frame or bead, so as to be attracted to the locking magnet when the bead is in the retracted position. The locking magnet and/or magnetic element are longitudinally spaced from the first or second magnets.

One of the first or second magnets may also preferably comprise said locking magnet. The magnetic element may be a ferrous magnetic plate. Alternatively one of the first or second magnets may also comprise said magnetic element locking magnet.

The magnetic locking provides a simple means to lock the parting bead in a retracted position with such magnetic locking being easier and simpler than mechanical locking and catch arrangements. In addition the combined use of magnets to provide both the biasing force and locking in the retracted positions is particularly advantageous and synergistic providing both the biasing and locking functionality.

The first magnet may comprise a plurality of first magnets spaced apart along the window frame, and the second magnet may comprise a plurality of second magnets spaced apart along the bead. The magnetic orientation of the plurality of first magnets preferably alternates along the window frame and/or the magnetic orientation of the plurality of second magnets alternates along the bead.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective representation of a sash window incorporating an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic rear perspective representation of the sash window shown in figure 1, but with the window sashes in their tilted positions; Figures 3a and 3b are a more detailed perspective part sectional cutaway views of the window frame of the sash window shown in figures 1 and 2, showing the retractable window beads in an extended position (Figure 3a) and in a retracted position (Figure 3b); Figures 4a and 4b are a lateral cross sectional views through the window frame shown in figures 3a and 3b with the retractable window beads in an extended position (Figure 4a) and in a retracted position (Figure 4b); Figure 5a and 5b are more detailed longitudinal part cross sectional views through the window frame section shown in figure 4a and 4b on line X-X with the retractable window beads in an extended position (Figure 5a) and in a retracted position (Figure 5b); Figures 6a and 6b are longitudinal part cross sectional views similar to figures 5a and Sb, but of an alternative embodiment; Figures 7a and 7b are longitudinal part cross sectional views similar to figures 5a and Sb, but of a yet further alternative embodiment; s Figures 8a and 8b are a lateral cross sectional views similar to those of Figure 4a and 4b with the retractable window beads in an extended position (Figure 8a) and in a retracted position (Figure 8b) but of a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 9a and 9b are more detailed longitudinal part cross sectional views through the window frame section shown in figure 8a and 8b on line X-X with the retractable window beads in an extended position (Figure 9a) and in a retracted position (Figure 9b); and Figure 10 is a schematic more detailed part view of the top of the retractable parting bead abutting a header portion of the window frame.

Referring to Figure 1, a sash window 10 comprises a window frame 1 and a pair of sashes 2,4 vertically slidably located within the window frame 1. The window frame defining a window opening 5 comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart vertical side frame jamb members 6,8, a top header frame portion 3 and window sill frame 7 portion. The sashes 2,4 are disposed generally vertically in an overlapping arrangement with the sashes 2,4 disposed closely adjacent to each other and in operation sliding one behind the other, generally within andlor parallel to the plane of the window frame 1. The vertical window jamb members 6,8 each define double vertically extending main window jamb channels 12,14, as shown more clearly in Figures 3a to 4b, for the respective sashes 2,4. The window jamb channels 12,14 in each window jamb 6,8 are disposed side by side adjacent to and along the length of the window side jambs 6,8 adjacent to the lateral side of the respective sashes 2,4+ The window frame 1, and window side jambs 6,8 are typically fabricated from extruded UPVC sections which are joined together. Other materials for example metal, Aluminium, wood or GRP may however alternatively be used.

Each sash 2,4 is engaged and supported in the window frame 1 by a pair of pivot bars (not shown) located towards the lower part of the sashes 2,4. The pivot bars extend and project laterally from the sides of the sashes 2,4. Pairs of tilt latches (not shown) for each sash 2,4 are located towards the upper part of the sashes 2,4 and similarly project laterally from the sides of the sashes 2,4. The distal ends of the tilt latches and pivot bars are engaged within the respective window jamb channels 12,14 thereby slidably locating the sashes 2,4 within the window frame 1. Counterbalance arrangements (not shown) to counterbalance the weight of the sashes 2,4 and make vertical sliding of the sashes 2,4 easier are mounted and located within the jamb channels 12,14 and attach to the sashes 2,4, and typically to the pivot bars. Specifically the pivot bars may be engaged in brake shoes slidably mounted in the window jamb channels 12,14 and connected to the counterbalance arrangements and specifically one end of the counter balance springs. The tilt latches (not shown) are laterally retractable with respect to the sashes 2,4 such that the distal ends of the tilt latches can be withdrawn from the window frame jamb channels 12,14, allowing the upper part of the sashes 2,4 to be disengaged from the window frame 1 allowing the sashes 2,4 to be tilted and pivoted about the pivot bars and a horizontal axis through the lower edge of the sashes 2,4 as illustrated in Figure 2, and out of the vertical plane of the window frame 1. Specifically, and as show the window sashes 2,4 tilt inwards into the building within which the window 10 is fitted. An optional pair of tilt restrictor arm assemblies 16 for each sash 2,4 connect and extend between the window frame janibs 6,8 and side frames 3,5 of the sashes 2,4 to restrict and prevent excessive tilting of the sashes 2,4 and support the sashes 2,4 in a tilted position. With the sashes 2,4 in such a tilted position, typically tilted inwardly into a building, the outer surface of the sashes 2,4 and window 10 can be easily cleaned and/or other maintenance of the sashes 2,4 and sash window 10 can more easily be carried out.

Referring now to figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b, these show the window frame 1, and in particular vertical side window jambs 6,8 in more detail. In these figures the outline position 2t,4t of the respective sashes 2,4 is however shown in phantom. The window jamb 6,8 includes a projecting front flange portion defining a fixed front outer flange 30 extending laterally inwardly from the window jamb 6,8 into the window opening 5 such that it overlaps the front lateral edges of the sashes 2,4 vertically located within the window 10. Each of the window jamb members 6,8 also includes at least one elongate retractable bead member 20 disposed vertically along the length of the window jambs 6,8.

In this embodiment the retractable bead member 20 comprises a single central bead member 20, disposed vertically between the vertical in use positions 2',4' of the sashes 2,4.

A retractable inner rear bead member may also optionally be disposed vertically adjacent to and behind the inside face of the inner sash 2. It will be appreciated that the terms tfront', rear', outer/exterior' and inne? refer to the respective intended positions of the beads and flanges when the window 10 is installed in a building, but are simply used to define the relative positions of these beads.

The retractable bead member 20 is moveably mounted with respect to the window jamb members 6,8 such that its moveable laterally into the window jamb 6,8 from an extended position, as shown in figures 3a, 4a and 5a to a retracted position as shown in figures 3b,4b and Sb, as indicated by arrow A. In addition the bead member 20 is also moveable longitudinally, in this ease vertically, within the window jamb 6,8.

More specifically the retractable bead member 20 is elongated and extends along substantially the entire length of the window jamb 6,8. The bead 20 has a T shaped cross section and comprises a base portion 22 from the centre of which projects a rib portion 26 having a distal end and edge 28. The retractable bead 20, and in particular base portion 22 is located and retained within vertical bead channels 24 defined within the window jambs is 6,8, with the rib portion 26 projecting through an opening side of the bead channel 24 between small lip flanges 32 along the edges of the bead channel opening. The base portion 22 abuts against the rear of small lip flanges 32 to retain the bead members within the bead channels 24. The bead channel 24 is dimensioned and as a depth such that the bead 20 can be retracted and moved laterally into the channel with the bead 20 and rib portion 26 substantially located within the channel 24 and window jamb, and the distal edge 28 of the bead 20 behind the front lip flanges 32, as shown in figures 3b,4b and Sb.

The bead channel 24 also extends slightly beyond the longitudinal end of the bead 20 to allow the bead member 20 to also be moved longitudinally within the bead channel 24.

Preferably the top of the bead channel 24 extends beyond the bead 20 so that the bead 20 can be moved vertically from a first longitudinal position in which a bottom of the bead 20 rests on a bottom of the channel 24, to a second longitudinal position as shown by arrow B in figures 5b.

In the extended projecting position the bead member 20 projects and extends laterally inwardly from the window jamb 6,8 into the window opening 5 such that the overlap the lateral edges of the sashes 2,4 vertically located within the window 10. In particular in the extended position the edges of outer window sash 4 are vertically slidably located and retained between the fixed outer flange 30 and one side of the central retractable bead 20. The lateral edge of the iimer rear sash 2 are similarly vertically slidably located and retained between the other side of the central retractable bead 20. The beads 20 in the extended position, and fixed flange 30 cover the edges of the sashes 2,4, and more closely resemble a traditional, non-titling, sash window construction and detail, providing neater and more aesthetically pleasing appearance more in keeping and including the detail of a traditional sash window. In addition the sash 4 is more securely retained within the window frame 1 between and by the beads 20 and fixed flange 30. This improves the security of the window 10, making it more difficult to remove the sashes 2,4 from the frame 1, and also more effectively covers and seals the lateral edges of the sashes 2,4 reducing draughts between the lateral edges of the sashes 2,4 and window jambs 6,8.

The retractable bead 20 also selectively retains the sash 4 when extended, whilst allowing tilting of the sashes 2,4 when retracted.

In the retracted position, the retractable bead 20 is moved into the window frame 1 and jambs 6,8 such that they no longer overlap, and are clear of the lateral edge of the Js sash 4. This then allows the sashes 2,4 to be tilted, if required, out of the plane of the window frame 1 as shown in figure 2, with edge of the sash 4, and optional tilt arm assemblies passing over the retracted beads 20,22.

The retractable bead 20 preferably extends along the length of the window jamb 6.

Alternatively it may however be provided only part way along the window jamb 6,8, and only in sections of the jamb 6,8 and window frame 1 where the bead 20 needs to be retracted to allow tilting. Other sections along the window jamb 6,8 may then incorporate fixed flanges. This would further improve the security, appearance and draft exclusion whilst allowing tilting of the sashes, albeit only when positioned in the region of the retractable beads 20.

As such the sash window 10 described above is generally as described in more detail in WO2006/085093 which is incorporated herein by reference.

The retractable bead 20 also includes at least one, and preferably a plurality, of biasing magnets 40 disposed at spaced apart positions along the length of the base portion 22 of the bead 20. Correspondingly at least one, and preferably a plurality, of biasing magnets 42 are disposed along the length of a rear wall 44 of the bead channel 24. The biasing magnets 42,40 are spaced along the length of the bead 20 and channel 24 such that in the extended and first longitudinal position of the bead 20 the biasing magnets 40,42 are

S

opposite and face each other as shown in figure 5a. The biasing magnets 40,42 are oriented such that in this position facing each other they repel and generate a magnetic repulsive force beveen them. For example the biasing magnets 40, 42 are arranged with similar poles facing each other, eg North poles facing north poles or south poles facing south poles, or their north (or south) pole ends facing each other. This magnetic repulsion between the biasing magnets biases and urges the retractable bead members 20,22 out of the channel 24 and towards the extended projecting position. To retract the retractable bead member 20 it may be simply pressed and urged into the respective bead channels 24 and window jamb 6,8 against the magnetic biasing to retract the bead. Preferably however the beads 20 are also lifted and moved longitudinally and vertically. This results, due to the spacing of the magnets 40,42 in the biasing magnets 40,40 becoming unaligned and staggered such that they no longer face each other and as a result a reduced magnetic biasing force is provided making retracting of the bead 20 easier. A small aperture 50 may be provided in the bead 22 and bead edge 28 into which a tool, for example a screwdriver or small key may then be inserted to facilitate easier vertical movement of the bead 20.

Altematively a button element by which a user can hold and move the beads 20 directly without the use of a tool could be provided.

A locking arrangement to selectively retain the retractable bead 20 in the retracted position pressed back into the bead channel 24 may also be provided. Preferably a magnetic locking arrangement is provided although in other embodiments other, mechanical locking arrangements (as described in WO 2006/085093) could be used although this is less desirable. The magnetic locking arrangement of this embodiment comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality, of locking magnets 46 disposed at spaced apart positions along the length of the base portion 22 of the bead 20. Correspondingly at least one, and preferably a plurality, of locking magnets 48 are disposed along the length of a rear wall 44 of the bead channel 24. The locking magnets 40 are spaced along the length of the bead 20 and channel 24 such that in the retracted and second longitudinal position of the bead 20 the locking magnets 46,48 are now opposite and face each other as shown in figure Sb. The locking magnets 46,48 are oriented such that in this position facing each other they attract and generate a magnetic attractive force between them. For example the locking magnets 44,46 are arranged with their opposite poles facing each other. This magnetic attraction between the locking magnets 44,46 holds the bead 20 against the rear wall 44 of the bead channel 24 and in the retracted position, and also holds the bead vertically in the second longitudinal position. By then sliding the bead 20 longitudinally down to the first longitudinal position the locking magnets 40,42 are unaligned and staggered such that they no longer face each other and as a result a reduced magnetic locking force is provided allowing the bead 20 to then move to the extended position under the biasing force provided by the biasing magnets 40,42 which then become aligned.

Gravity also assists in moving the bead 20 vertically downward into the first longitudinal position and hence the bead into the extend position.

While in this embodiments locking magnets 46,48 are provided on both bead 20 and channel wall 44, in other embodiments either of these locking magnets 46,48 could be replaced by a simple ferrous plate or similar to which the locking magnet will be attracted.

This will however result in a reduced locking magnetic force.

It will also be appreciated that the functions and separate locking and biasing could be combined. For example as shown in figures Ga and Gb a single magnet 52 (or set of magnets) could be placed disposed along the bead 20 (or channel rear wall 44) spaced such that they are opposite biasing magnets 42 on the channel wall 44 in the first and extended position and then opposite locking magnets 48 (or metal plates) in the second and retracted position. The biasing magnets 42 and locking magnets 48 are oppositely magnetically oriented so as to generate the biasing force when the bead magnets 52 are opposite the biasing magnets 42, and generate an attractive locking force when the bead magnets 52 are opposite the locking magnets 48. Alternatively the locking magnets 48 could comprise as simple ferrous (steel) plate to which the magnets 52 would be attracted.

In a yet further variant shown in figure 7a and 7b, a first set of magnets 54a, 54b, 54e, 54d are disposed spaced apart along the channel wall 44 with the magnetic orientation of the magnets 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d alternating. A second set of magnets 56a, 5Gb, 56e is disposed spaced apart along the bead 20 at the same spacing and with at least some facing the first set of magnets 54a, 54b, 54e, 54d when the bead 20 is in the first longitudinal position as shown in figure 7a. These magnets 56a, 5Gb, 56c are alternately magnetically oriented such that in the first longitudinal position they oppose and generate a magnetic repulsive force with the facing magnets 54b, 54e, 54d on the bead channel 24. The spacing 1 of the magnets 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, 56a,56b,56c along the bead 20 and bead channel 24 is the same and corresponds and is set such that when the bead 20 is longitudinally slid to the second longitudinal position, as shown in figure 7b, the respective magnets 56a, 5Gb, 56c on the bead 20 then face the adjacent magnets 54a,54b, 54c on the bead channel wall 44.

For example the bead 20 is arranged to move longitudinally the same distance d as the spacing 1 between the magnets 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, 56a, 56b, and 56c. Since the magnetic orientation of the magnets 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, 56a,56b,56c alternates, as a result the now facing magnets 54a156a, 54b/56b, 54c,56e will now attract and providing a magnetic locking of the bead 20 into the retracted position. To unlock and extend the bead 20, it can then simply be slide longitudinally downwards and back into the first longitudinal position such that the first and second sets of magnets facing each other now repel and bias the bead to 20 outward and into the extend position.

A yet further variant is shown in figures 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b, and again like reference numerals are used for like elements. In this embodiment a first set of magnets 42 are disposed spaced apart along the channel wall 44. As shown these magnets 42 in this case each comprise a pair of magnets disposed onto of and joined together in series so as to is provide a combined increased magnetic force. Such combining and ganging of the magnets 42 may be applied to the other embodiments. A second set of magnets 60 is disposed spaced apart along the bead 20 at the same spacing and facing the first set of magnets 42 when the bead 20 is in the first longitudinal position as shown in figure 9a. These magnets are magnetically oriented such that in the first longitudinal position of the bead 20 and when they face the other magnets 42 they oppose and generate a magnetic repulsive force with the facing magnets 42 on the bead channel 24, and bias the bead 20 towards the extended position (figure 8a and 9a). To retract the bead 20 it is simply pushed inwards against the biasing force and slid longitudinally, preferably upwards. This results, in the magnets 42,60 becoming unaligned and staggered such that they no longer face each other.

In addition to then providing a reduce magnetic biasing force, a magnetic attractive force is generated between the staggered longitudinal ends of the magnets 42,60, with the magnets 42,60 then attracted to the reverse polarity found at each end as opposed there being a repulsive magnetic force from the lateral facing sides of the magnets 42,60. This attractive force generated between the staggered magnets 42,60 then locks the bead 20 in the retracted position with the longitudinal ends of the magnets 42,60 held against each other and aligned in a staggered configuration as shown in figure 9b. To unlock and extend the bead 20, it can then simply be slide longitudinally downwards and back into the first 1I longitudinal position such that the first and second sets of magnets 42,60 are aligned and face each other and now repel and bias the bead 20 outward and into the extend position.

The top of the bead channel 24, window jambs 6,8 and header portion 3 of the window frame 1, and retractable beads 20 are preferably configured to hold and locate the bead 20 in the first longitudinal position when the bead 20 is in the extended position. This ensures that the biasing magnets 42, 40, 52, 54b, 56b, 42, 60 face each other and generate the biasing force. For example, as shown in figure 10 the top header 3 (and/or a separate fixed top bead) of the window frame 1 is arranged such that a top end 11 of the retractable bead 20 abut against a lower inner edge 13 of the top header 3 when the bead 20 is in the first longitudinal and extend position. Similarly although not shown bottom end of the bead abuts against the bottom sill 7 of the window frame. As mentioned above the top of the bead channel 24, window jambs 6,8 and header portion 3 of the window frame 1, and the retractable bead 20 are however also configured to allow for such upward movement of the retractable bead 20. Accordingly the top header 3 (and/or top bead) however terminates at is the front walls 32 of bead channel 24 such that the bead channel 24 extends vertically beyond the lower edge 13 of the header 3 and into the top header 3 and the side frame 6,8.

The bead 20 and more specifically end of the bead 11 can then be pushed back into the channel and slid and moved longitudinally vertically upwards with the end 11 of the bead going into this extended portion of the channel 24, allowing the bead 20 to be moved in to the second longitudinal position and to be retracted. The retracted position of the bead within the channel 24 is shown in phantom 20' in figure 10. To assist in this and allow the end 11 of the bead 20 to pass over the end of the top edge 13 of the header 3 the corner of the top edge of the bead 20 may include a chamfer and/or slight radius (not shown). Due to the repulsive and attractive forces provided by the magnets the bead may advantageously automatically move longitudinally and so retract when the top end 11 of the bead is pushed into the channel 24 and released from abutment with the edge of the top header 13. The bead 20 is then extended by moving it longitudinally back downwards into the first position and with the bottom abutting the bottom of the sill 7 and the magnets then biasing the bead 20 back into the extended position and the end 11 of the bead 11 sliding back into abutment with the edge 13 of the header 3.

Magnetic biasing of the parting bead 20 avoids the need to provide and fit separate biasing springs as used on the previous arrangements, which can be difficult to fit in place, and may in use become dislodged. In addition the combined use of magnets to provide both the biasing force and locking in the retracted positions is particularly advantageous and synergistic providing both the biasing and locking functionality. Such magnetic locking is also easier and simpler than mechanical locking and catch arrangements.

It will also be appreciated that the arrangement of magnets on the bead and bead channel wall 44 shown in these described embodiments can be reversed with the magnets on the bead 20 swapped to the channel wall 44 and vice a versa. The magnets may be simply attached in any manner to the bead and channel walls 44 using adhesive or any other suitable means.

It will also be appreciated that whilst the invention has been described and illustrated in relation to a window with two sliding sashes in other embodiments there may be further sashes similarly arranged in the window frame. Alternatively the window may comprise a single sliding sash and a fixed sash or window pane fixed within the window Is frame. In addition whilst the retractable beads are shown incorporated in the side window jambs 6,8 of the window frame 1, they may additionally be incorporated in other frame members, for example the upper and lower frame parts. The sashes 2,4 also, whilst typically sliding vertically may alternatively slide horizontally, and tilt about a vertical axis. In such an arrangement the top and bottom frame members would include the retractable beads to allow tilting. Furthermore whilst the invention is particularly suited and directed to a sash type window, and this is the preferred use, the invention, and use of retractable beads projecting from a window frame to overlap the edges of a window element or pane could be used in other types of window. For example such retractable beads could be incorporated in the window frame of a conventional tilting window in which case the beads would be retracted to similarly allow tilting of the window. Indeed retractable beads could also be used in the frame of a fixed window in order to simply and more conveniently secure the actual window pane within the frame. In such a case the retracting of the beads would allow easier installation and replacement as well as allowing for emergency removal of the normally fixed window pane to provide an emergency exit.

Various other modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A window comprising: a window frame defining a window opening; a window element mounted to the window frame; a moveable elongate bead member moveable from an extended position in which the bead projects and extends from the frame into the window opening to, in use, overlap an edge portion of the window element, to a retracted position; and a magnetic biasing arrangement biasing the moveable elongate bead member towards the extended position and comprising first and second magnets mounted and oriented on the bead and window frame respectively to provide a magnetic repulsive force therebetween when the elongate bead member is in the extended position.
2. A window as claimed in claim 1 in which the first and second magnets are aligned and oppositely face each other when the elongate bead is in the extended position.
3. A window as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the first and second magnets are staggered and unaligned when the elongate bead is in the retracted position.
4. A window as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a selective locking arrangement to selectively lock the moveable elongate bead member in the retracted position.
5. A window as claimed in claim 4 in which the selective locking arrangement comprises a magnetic locking arrangement comprising a locking magnet mounted on one of the bead or window frame and a corresponding magnetic element on the other of the window frame or bead, so as to be attracted to the locking magnet when the bead is in the retracted position.
6. A window as claimed in claim 5 wherein one of the first or second magnets also comprises said locking magnet.
7. A window as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein the magnetic element is ferrous magnetic plate.
8. A window as claimed in claim S or 6 wherein one of the first or second magnets also comprises said magnetic element locking magnet.
9. A window as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8 wherein the locking magnet andlor magnetic element is longitudinally spaced from the first or second magnets.
10. A window as claimed in any preceding claim where the first magnet comprises a plurality of first magnets spaced apart along the window frame, and the second magnet comprises a plurality of second magnets spaced apart along the bead.is
11. A window as claimed in claim 10 wherein the magnetic orientation of the plurality of first magnets alternates along the window frame and/or the magnetic orientation of the plurality of second magnets alternates along the bead.
12. A window as claimed in any preceding claim in which the elongate bead member is moveable longitudinally with respect to the window frame from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position, the first and second magnets in the first longitudinal position being aligned and oppositely facing each other to provide the magnetic repulsive biasing force therebetween.
13. A window as claimed in any preceding claim in which the window comprises a sash window and the window element comprises a window sash.
14. A window substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as shown in any one or more of figures 1 to 10.