GB2633654A

GB2633654A - Securing formation on a window stay

Info

Publication number: GB2633654A
Application number: GB2401670.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lewis Steve
Original assignee: Cotswold Architectural Products Ltd
Current assignee: Cotswold Architectural Products Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-07
Filing date: 2024-02-07
Publication date: 2025-03-19
Also published as: GB202401670D0

Abstract

A window stay 10 providing a track 12 on which a first support 22 and a second support 24 are slideably moveable, an arm 14 for connection to a window unit, a linkage assembly 16 connecting the arm to the first and second supports, and a pivotal connection being provided between the linkage assembly and the first support, and a securing formation 46. The first support 22 is moveable relative to the track from a first position, in a first direction towards the second support, the securing formation is configured to be placed in a secured state in which the first support is secured in its first position relative to the track, and the securing formation can be disengaged by a user to release the securing formation from its secured state to enable the first support to be moved from the first position in the first direction permitting fully opening of the window. Preferably the securing formation includes an engagement surface to abut and end of the track when in secured state, the user engageable portion may be a tab to be lifted by finger of user.

Description

SECURING FORMATION ON A WINDOW STAY

FIELD

The invention relates to a window stay. In particular the invention relates to a sliding friction stay mechanism which can limit the opening of a window, and can be released to allow a window to be opened fully.

Sliding window stays of this type may provide restrictors, to lock the window at a certain position, or to provide the option to lock the window in multiple different positions. This enables a window to be opened, and locked at a desired angle, for cleaning purposes for example. Given that such sliding stays may be used to support heavy window panes, the sliding mechanisms can be difficult to operate since a large amount of friction may be generated. It may be particularly important to be able to lock a window stay at, or adjacent to, its 'closed' position to avoid a window accidentally being opened while being cleaned, for example.

The present invention aims to overcome or reduce one or more of the problems associated with the state of the art.

According to an aspect of the invention, we provide a window stay providing: a track on which a first support and a second support are slideably moveable, an arm for connection to a window unit, a linkage assembly connecting the arm to the first and second supports, and a pivotal connection being provided between the linkage assembly and the first support, and and a securing formation; wherein the first support is moveable relative to the track from a first position, in a first direction towards the second support, the securing formation is configured to be placed in a secured state in which the first support is secured in its first position relative to the track, and the securing formation provides a user-engageable portion configured to enable a user to release the securing formation from its secured state to enable the first support to be moved from the first position in the first direction.

The securing formation may secure the pivotal connection relative to a fixed position on the track.

The securing formation may secure the pivotal connection relative to an end of the track.

The user-engageable portion may be located in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the pivotal connection.

The securing formation may be aligned with the track.

The user-engageable portion may be aligned with the track.

The securing formation may provide an engagement surface in a plane transverse to the first direction, the engagement surface being configured to abut an end of the track when in its secured state.

The engagement surface may lie in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

The user-engageable portion may lie beyond the end of the track when the securing formation is in its secured state.

The securing formation may provide an engagement part for engaging an end of the track, or a part fixed rigidly to the track.

The user-engageable portion may provide a tab configured to be lifted by a finger, in a direction away from a plane in which lies a support surface of the track.

The tab may provide a recess configured to receive a fingertip.

The pivotal connection may be provided on a body of the first support, the securing formation being connected to the body.

The securing formation may be formed integrally with the body.

A hinge may be formed between the body and the securing formation.

The hinge may be a living hinge.

The securing formation may be connected to a rivet of the pivotal connection.

The securing formation may be connected to a linking arm of the linkage assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of window stay of embodiments of the technology; FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a restrictor of the window stay FIGURE 1; FIGURE 4 is a top view of a window stay according to another embodiment of the technology, in its open configuration; FIGURE 5a is a sectional view of a restrictor, located in a track of the window stay, of the window stay of FIGURE 4; FIGURE 5b is a sectional view of a restrictor, located in a track of the window stay, of the window stay of FIGURE 4; FIGURE 6 is a top view of the window stay in its egress configuration, of the window stay of FIGURE 4; FIGURE 7 is a sectional view through B-B of FIGURE 4; and FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the window stay of FIGURE 4 in its egress configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

With reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, a window stay 10 is described, having a track 12 for connection to a portion of a portion of a building (i.e., where the window is to be installed) such as a window frame, an arm 14 for connection to a portion of a window unit, and a linkage arrangement 16 connecting the arm 14 to the track 12.

The arm 14 and associated linkages 16 are for supporting the load of a window as it moved between its closed and its open state, and supporting it when in its open position. The arm 12 is typically manufactured of a metal such as steel or aluminium.

The arm 14 provides one a connection arrangement to secure the arm 14 to a portion of a window.

As shown in Figure 1, this may provide multiple apertures 44 for receiving fasteners such as screws or the like. The arm 14 is connected at one or more pivoting connections 32, 42 to one or more linking arms 26, 28, 30, forming the linkage assembly 16, as is known in the art, the pivoting connections being formed about rivets, or the like. In the example shown, a first linkage 26 is connected at a first end to the arm 14 about a rivet providing a pivot 32, and at a second end to a first support 22 located on the track 12. A second linkage 28 connects at one end to the first linkage 26 at another rivet providing a pivot connection 34, midway along the length of the first linkage 26. The second linkage 28 is pivotally connected at a further pivotal connection 38, by a rivet, to a second support 24, also located on the track 12. The second support 24 provides a yet further pivotal connection 40 to a third linkage 30 about a rivet, connected to the arm 14 about a rivet forming another pivot point 42.

The track 12 is typically manufactured of a metal such as steel or aluminium. The track 12 provides an elongate channel that is designed to be fixed to a window frame. The track 12 is of the sort typically referred to as a 'T-track' forming a 'T-slot' profile. In other words, as shown in the figures (and noting Figures 5a and 5b which illustrate a cross-section, for example) the track 12 provides a support surface 18, a first side wall a second side wall 20, the side walls 20 extending from either edge of the support surface 18 opposite one another and spaced apart to form a channel. The track 12 also provides a pair of rails 21 extending inwardly from the side walls 20 (i.e., across the channel). The rails 21 are offset from the support surface 18 and substantially parallel to it, forming a mouth of the channel. The first side wall 20 is preferably substantially parallel to the second sidewall 20.

The first support 22 is located on the track 12, at or towards a first end of the track. The first support 22 is held in the channel of the track 12. A second support 24 is also located on the track.

A linkage 16 assembly connects the arm 14, and therefore the window, to the track 12. The first and second support 22, 24 are slidably moveable along the track 12, allowing the stay to move between a closed position, an open position, an egress position and a cleaning position.

A securing formation 46 is also provided, illustrated in more detail in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings. The securing formation 46 provides a user-engageable portion 50 configured to enable a user to release the securing formation 46 from a secured state. When the window stay 10 is in a first configuration -the position illustrated in Figure 1 -the first support 22 is at or adjacent to the first end of the track 12, and the securing formation 46 secures first support 22 against movement away from that position. In this way, the window stay 10 is held in a position with the window substantially closed.

The securing formation 46 effectively secures the pivotal connection 36 point between the first support 22 and the linkage assembly 16 (i.e., the first linkage 26 of the linkage assembly 16) relative to a fixed position on the track 12. In the illustrated example, the fixed position is an end of the track 12, as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the fixed position is a structure rigidly connected to the track 12 (such as a part bolted, glued, screwed or otherwise fixed to the track 12) at a position near or adjacent its end.

When the securing formation 46 is released by the user operating the window stay 10, the first support 22 may be slide along the track in a direction towards the second support 24, and away from the first end of the track 12. We refer to that direction as the "first direction". Movement in that direction results in the arm 14 being moved outwardly away from the track 12, so as to move the window towards an open or egress position.

When the window is subsequently moved back towards its closed position, the first support 22 moves in the opposite direction, the "second direction", away from the second support 24 and back towards the first end of the track 12.

To ensure the safety of the user operating the securing formation 46 through contact with the userengageable portion 50, it is important that the user-engageable portion is held away from the linkage assembly 16. In use, with the load of a window on the window stay 10, significant force may need to be applied to the movable parts of the stay in order to cause the window to move between its open and closed positions. The subsequent movement may not be smooth, and particularly when affected by strong winds applying additional forces to the window, the movement may be unpredictable. If the user is required to place fingers within or adjacent the moving components of the window stay 10, there may be a risk of injury occurring as the parts move.

To achieve this, the embodiments of the technology provide a securing formation 46 that is spaced from the linkage assembly 16. Further, the securing formation 46 is positioned away from the moving components in or around the track 12. The user-engageable portion 50 of the securing formation 46 is located in the second direction relative to the pivotal connection 36 formed between the linkage formation 16 and the first support 22. The user-engageable portion 50 is spaced away from the pivotal connection 36. That pivotal connection 36 is the closest pivoting part of the linkage assembly 16, to the first end of the track 12. This means that by providing the securing formation 46, and user-engageable portion 50, further from the linkage assembly 16 in that direction, the user will not need to place a digit (i.e., a finger or thumb) close to those parts which will move then the window stay 10 is released from its secured state and moves.

As can be seen in Figure 2, in embodiments of the technology, the securing formation 46 is aligned with the track 12 (i.e., axially aligned lengthwise of the track). Further, the user-engageable portion 50 is also aligned with the track 12, at the first end of the track.

The securing formation 46 provides a formation body 48 overlying a portion of the track 12, and an engagement surface 58 in a plane transverse to the length of the track 12 (i.e., transverse to the first direction of movement along the track 12), the engagement surface 58 configured to abut the end of the track 56 when in its secured state. This is illustrated in Figure 2, where an end surface of the first end of the track is indicated at 56, in the plane of engagement with the securing formation 46. The securing formation 46 is shown to provide a protrusion 54 (for example a wall, hook, lip or ridge), overhanging the end of the track 12, so that movement of the securing formation 46 and attached first support 22 is inhibited (preferably prevented) by contact between the engagement surface 58 and the end of the track 12.

The engagement surface 58 preferably extends at right-angles to the formation body 48 (i.e. in the plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the track 12 in the first direction).

A user may disengage the engagement surface 58 of the securing formation 46 from the end 56 of the track 12 by moving the engagement surface 58 out of alignment with the end 56 of the track 12.

In embodiments of the technology, and as shown in Figure 2, the user-engageable 50 portion lies beyond the end of the track 12 (when the securing formation 46 is its secured state). A tab configured to be lifted by a finger is provided, having a recess configured to receive a fingertip. In this way the user can place a finger below the tab, and lift it away from the track 12 (i.e., away from the support surface 18), out of alignment with the end 56 of the track. The first support 12 may then slide in the first direction, away from the first end of the track 12, allowing the window to be moved.

The pivotal connection 36 between the linkage assembly 16 and the first support 22 is formed on a body 60 of the first support 22. In embodiments of the technology and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the securing formation 46 is connected to the body 60 of the first support 22 by a hinge 52, allowing the securing formation 46 to be pivoted relative to the body 60 of the first support 22. This enables the user-engageable portion 50 to be lifted from the track 12, while the body 60 of the first support 22 remains in position with respect to the track 12. In embodiments, the hinge 52 is a living hinge.

By living hinge, we mean that the hinge 52 is formed of a thinned portion of the material of the body and securing formation 64, allowing a degree of flexibility. In embodiments, the body 60 of the first support 12 is formed integrally with the securing formation 46 (i.e., they are formed together a single piece).

The body 60 of the first support 22 is formed similarly to corresponding components of the second support 24. The second support 24 is not described in the same level of detail here, but the general construction is the same. The body 60 provides an upper surface and a lower portion, each of which has a width greater than the width of the mouth of the channel of the track 12, defined between the two rails 21. A recessed channel 64 is formed along each side of the body 60 and configured to receive the rails 21, so that the body 60 is held relative to the track 12, and able to slide lengthwise of the track.

In embodiments of the technology, where a hinge is formed between the securing formation 46 and the first support 22, the securing formation 46 may be biased towards its secured state. As the first support 22 is moved in the second direction, back towards the end of the track and into the position in which it is securable by the securing formation 46, the securing formation 46 overlies the end of the track 12, such that the protrusion 54 moves beyond the end of the track 12. At this position, the securing formation 46 where biased downwardly, moves into its secured state under its bias, such that any movement of the first support 22 in the first direction is subsequently resisted.

While it has been described above that the securing formation 46 is formed with the first support 22 and is connected to it, in other embodiments the securing formation may be formed as a separate component. For example, the functionality of the securing formation may be obtained by a connection of a separate component between the rivet of the pivotal connection 36.

In another alternative embodiment, the securing formation may be formed as a separate component connected to a portion of the linkage assembly 16. For example, the securing formation may be pivotally connected to a portion of the first linkage 26, near or adjacent the pivotal connection 36 between the first linkage 26 and the first support 22.

In either of these embodiments, the securing formation may provide an engagement part configured to engage an end of the track, or a part fixed relative to the track 12. This engagement part may be formed as a hook, for example.

While in these embodiments the securing formation is not spaced from the linkage assembly 16, or moving components of the track 12, necessarily, the parts of the securing formation engaged by the user may be safely spaced away, and towards the end of the track (i.e., preferably lying in the second direction relative to the pivotal connection 36).

In alternative embodiments of a window stay 110, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, we describe a similar layout of stay -with an arm and track, connected via a linkage assembly, as before. In this embodiment outlined the following description, a restrictor 112 is located on the track and used to limit the movement of the first and second supports. The restrictor 112 may be locked in place at one or more positions along the track. Where it is locked, the restrictor 112 is configured to prevent the first support or second support from moving along the track past its position by abutting those supports. Each locking position provides a cut-out portion from the rails, providing a break in the rails.

The restrictor includes a body may further include a spring. In embodiments, and as illustrated in Figures 6 and 8, the spring 124 may be provided as a leaf spring (i.e. a thin arc-shaped piece of metal such as steel) disposed within the channel of the track at positions aligned with the cut-out portions of the rails.

As with the body 60 of the first support 22, discussed above, the body here provides a base that extends between the sidewalls and is wider than the gap between the rails. As the body moves over the position of the spring 124, the spring is located between the body and the support surface of the track. The spring 124 biases the body away from the support surface of the track, the body being held relative to the track by the overhanging rails by a portion of the body abutting the underside of the rails.

The body further includes a push button, enabling the user to operate the restrictor 112 so that it can be moved along the track.

As illustrated in the simplified diagrams of Figures 5a and 5b, the body further includes one or more locking projections (illustrated as 126) that extend above the base 113, and have a complementary shape to the cut-out portions. When the restrictor 112 is aligned with the cut-out portions in a first configuration (a 'locked' configuration), the spring 124 biases the restrictor 112 away from the support surface 118 and the base 113 contacts the underside of the rails 121. It should be noted here that the springs are illustrated here as compression springs 124, for simplicity; other types of spring may be used and specifically leaf springs as mentioned are envisaged. The springs 124 are preferably deployed on the track itself, for contact with body of the restrictor 112 as it is moved into position over the springs 124.

In that position, the locking projections 126 are aligned with the cut-out portions and the spring 124 is relatively extended so that the restrictor base 113 sits away from the support surface 118. In this configuration, the restrictor 112 cannot slide lengthways of the track since the locking projections 126 are each in line with a respective rail 121, and cannot be moved from the locked position. This is represented in Figure 5a. Movement lengthways in either direction is prevented by contact between the locking projection(s) 126 and the rails 121 at either side of the cut-out portions.

The restrictor 112 is preferably monolithic component, and is moulded or cast as a single piece such that the push button is integral with the body and locking projection(s) of the restrictor.

When the restrictor is positioned in the channel the push button 115 portion of the body overhangs one of the rails of the track, and extends over and beyond the side wall 120 of the track. A surface providing the push button 115 for a user to push against with a finger extends outwardly of the track (i.e. beyond the side wall 120 in a direction parallel with the support surface 118). In Figure 5a this overhang is illustrated as a distance x beyond the side wall 120 of the track. This allows the restrictor 112 to be actuated without the user having to put their fingers in the stay mechanism or over the track itself. Specifically, the user's fingers are positioned away from the linkages and supports, that may otherwise cause injury when operating the window stay restrictor.

When in its first configuration, the restrictor 112 is effectively locked. In order to actuate the restrictor, the user pushes the push button portion 115 of the body in the direction of the support surface 118. The body is moved against the force of the spring 124, towards the support surface of the track into its second configuration, causing the spring 124 to compress. The locking projection(s) 126 disengage from the rail cut-out portions moving into the channel formed between the two sidewalls, and below the level of the rails. The user then slides the restrictor 112 lengthways of the track, since the locking projections 126 are no longer abutted by the rails 121 at the edges of the cut-out portions, as they sit effectively below the rails. As the restrictor moves lengthways, the locking projections are then captured beneath the rails so that the body is held against the biasing force of the spring, close to the support surface.

The push button stands proud of the track, above the rail over which it extends, so that when the body is pushed down by the user, the surface providing the button moves towards the top of the rails. When the restrictor 112 is in its second configuration, the button still overhangs the rail as the restrictor slides lengthways of the channel.

Specifically, the rail cut outs are positioned at locations where the movement of the first and second supports is required to be restricted. For example, the restrictor can be moved to a first cut out, that prevents a first support from moving beyond a given point, in order to limit the amount that the arm of the stay, and therefore the window, can open. The restrictor can then be actuated and repositioned in a further rail cut out in order to allow the supports to move further along the track, for instance to allow the window to open fully.

Similarly, the restrictor can prevent movement of the second support, when the window is in normal use. The restrictor may then be actuated as describe above to allow the second support to move along the rail. This allows the window to be moved to a cleaning position.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A window stay providing: a track on which a first support and a second support are slideably moveable, an arm for connection to a window unit, a linkage assembly connecting the arm to the first and second supports, and a pivotal connection being provided between the linkage assembly and the first support, and and a securing formation; wherein the first support is moveable relative to the track from a first position, in a first direction towards the second support, the securing formation is configured to be placed in a secured state in which the first support is secured in its first position relative to the track, and the securing formation provides a user-engageable portion configured to enable a user to release the securing formation from its secured state to enable the first support to be moved from the first position in the first direction.
2. The window stay of claim 1, wherein the securing formation secures the pivotal connection relative to a fixed position on the track.
3. The window stay of claim 2, wherein the securing formation secures the pivotal connection relative to an end of the track.
4. The window stay of any preceding claim, wherein the user-engageable portion is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the pivotal connection.
5. The window stay of any preceding claim, wherein the securing formation is aligned with the track.
6. The window stay of any preceding claim, wherein the user-engageable portion is aligned with the track.
7. The window stay of any preceding claim, wherein the securing formation provides an engagement surface in a plane transverse to the first direction, the engagement surface configured to abut an end of the track when in its secured state.
8. The window stay of claim 7, wherein the engagement surface lies in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.
9. The window stay of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the user-engageable portion lies beyond the end of the track when the securing formation is in its secured state.
10. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the securing formation provides an engagement part for engaging an end of the track, or a part fixed rigidly to the track.
11. The window stay of any preceding claim, wherein the user-engageable portion provides a tab configured to be lifted by a finger, in a direction away from a plane in which lies a support surface of the track.
12. The window stay of claim 11, wherein the tab provides a recess configured to receive a fingertip.
13. The window stay of any preceding claim, wherein the pivotal connection is provided on a body of the first support, and the securing formation is connected to the body.
14. The window stay of claim 13, wherein the securing formation is formed integrally with the body.
15. The window stay of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein a hinge is formed between the body and the securing formation.
16. The window stay of claim 15, wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
17. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the securing formation is connected to a rivet of the pivotal connection.
18. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the securing formation is connected to a linking arm of the linkage assembly.