CN111119621B

CN111119621B - Window stay

Info

Publication number: CN111119621B
Application number: CN201911040178.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 布赖斯·艾伦·莫洛伊; 达蒙·彼得·斯滕豪斯
Original assignee: Assa Abloy New Zealand Ltd
Current assignee: Assa Abloy New Zealand Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-30
Filing date: 2019-10-29
Publication date: 2023-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-29
Also published as: CN111119621A; JP7461731B2; AU2019257383A1; JP2020070716A

Abstract

A window stay, comprising: a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame; a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate; an adjustment member configured such that rotation of the adjustment member causes the sliding frame plate to move relative to the fixed frame plate; and a selector having an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member is rotatable and a locking mode in which the adjustment member is locked in place. A window stay, comprising: a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame; a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate; a screw engaged with the sliding frame plate; a screw chamber configured to receive a screw; and wherein rotating the screw within the screw chamber causes the sliding frame plate to move relative to the fixed frame plate.

Description

Window stay

Technical Field

The invention relates to a window stay.

Background

The window may have a sash that moves relative to the window frame to allow the window to open.

In some cases, the sash is supported by one or more window supports. The window stay may have a frame plate for attachment to a window frame, a sash plate for attachment to a window sash, and one or more arms coupling the frame plate and the sash plate. The sash is movable relative to the frame by movement of the arm.

Sometimes the position of the sash relative to the frame may need to be adjusted. For example, the sash of a window may sag over time. This may prevent the window from being completely closed, as the sash may undesirably abut the outer surface of the frame.

Achieving this adjustment may require repositioning the window stay, which may be inconvenient, and fine-grained adjustment may be difficult to achieve with such adjustment.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first example embodiment, there is provided a window stay comprising: a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame; a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate; an adjustment member configured such that rotation of the adjustment member causes the sliding frame plate to move relative to the fixed frame plate; and a selector having an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member is rotatable and a locking mode in which the adjustment member is locked in place.

In a second example embodiment, there is provided a window stay comprising: a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame; a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate; a screw engaged with the sliding frame plate; a screw chamber configured to receive a screw; and wherein rotating the screw within the screw chamber causes the sliding frame plate to move relative to the fixed frame plate.

Drawings

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various preferred embodiments of the invention. However, these are provided for illustration only and the invention is not limited to the specific details of the drawings and the corresponding description.

Fig. 1 shows a window stay according to a first embodiment in a fully closed position.

Fig. 2 shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fully open position.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section through the window stay of the first embodiment of line B.

Fig. 4A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a first state.

Fig. 4B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a first state.

Fig. 5A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a second state.

Fig. 5B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a second state.

Fig. 6A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a third state.

Fig. 6B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a third state.

Fig. 7A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fourth state.

Fig. 7B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a fourth state.

Fig. 8A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fifth state.

Fig. 8B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a fifth state.

Fig. 9A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a sixth state.

Fig. 9B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a sixth state.

Fig. 10 shows a partially transparent view of a window stay according to a second embodiment in a first state.

Fig. 11 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the second embodiment in a second state.

Fig. 12 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the second embodiment in a third state.

Fig. 13 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the second embodiment in a fourth state.

Fig. 14 shows a window stay according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of the third embodiment with the selector in the locked mode.

Fig. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of the third embodiment with the selector in the adjustment mode.

Fig. 17 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the third embodiment in a first state.

Fig. 18 shows a partially transparent view of the third embodiment window stay in a second state.

Fig. 19 shows a partially transparent view of a third embodiment window stay in a third state.

Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a window stay according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 21 shows an end view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 22 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a first state.

Fig. 23 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in the second state.

Fig. 24 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a third state.

Detailed Description

In some embodiments, the window stay has a fixed frame plate for attachment to the window frame and a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate. The adjustment member is rotatable to move the sliding frame plate relative to the fixed frame plate. The window stay may have a selector having an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member is rotatable and a locking mode in which the adjustment member is locked in place. This provides a window stay in which the position of the sash relative to the frame can be adjusted without removing the window stay, and then locking the adjustment in place using a selector.

First embodiment

Fig. 1 and 2 show an example of a window stay according to a first embodiment.

The window stay has a fixed frame plate 100, and the fixed frame plate 100 is attached to the window frame through a fixing hole 102, for example, using a fastener (e.g., a screw or a rivet). Countersinks 104 and 106 may be provided around the fixation hole 102. The sliding frame plate 200 is connected to the fixed frame plate. The fixed and sliding frame plates 100, 200 are movable relative to each other at least in the longitudinal direction (i.e. in a direction parallel to the axis a). The channel 202 of the sliding frame plate 200 may be disposed proximate to the fixed aperture 102.

In some cases, the fixed frame plate 100 and/or the sliding frame plate 200 have a stop mechanism. This may be used to limit the relative movement between the fixed and sliding frame plates 100, 200.

The fan plate 300 is attached to the window sash. The sector plate 300 is connected to the sliding frame plate 200 by a short arm 400 and a long arm 500. The short arm 400 is fixed to the sliding frame plate 200 by a fixing means 402 and to the fan plate 300 by a fixing means 404. The fixtures 402 and 404 are pivot points in that the shorter arm 400 pivots relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and the fan plate 300 by rotating about the fixtures 402 and 404, respectively. The long arm 500 is fixed to the sliding frame plate 200 by a fixing means 502 and to the fan plate 300 by a fixing means 504. The fixtures 502 and 504 are pivot points in that the long arm 500 pivots relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and the fan plate 300 by rotating about the fixtures 502 and 504, respectively.

The fan plate 300 is thus movable relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This allows the sash to move relative to the frame.

Fig. 1 shows the window stay in a fully closed position, wherein the sector plate 300 is aligned with the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This corresponds to the window being closed. Fig. 2 shows the window stay in a fully open position, wherein the sector plate 300 is perpendicular to the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This corresponds to a window being fully opened. Intermediate positions between the fully closed and fully open positions are possible.

The adjuster 600 is accessible from the outside of the sliding frame plate 200 (i.e., from the side of the sliding frame plate 200 facing away from the fixed frame plate 100) through the adjuster aperture 204. By rotating the adjustment member 600, the sliding frame plate 200 is moved longitudinally with respect to the fixed frame plate 100.

The selector 650 is accessible from the outside of the sliding frame plate 200. The selector 650 has a locking mode in which the adjuster 600 is locked in place, thereby preventing rotation, and an adjustment mode in which the adjuster 600 is unlocked in place.

In use, a user may move the selector 650 into the adjustment mode. The adjustment member 600 may then be rotated to adjust the position of the sliding frame plate 200 relative to the fixed frame plate 100. After the proper level of adjustment has been performed, the selector 650 may be moved into the locked mode, fixing the position of the sliding frame plate 200 relative to the fixed frame plate 100.

This allows the position of the leaf 300 (and thus the sash) to be adjusted relative to the position of the fixed frame plate 100 (and thus the window frame). This may mean that the sash is better engaged with the frame when the window is in the fully closed position.

For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that adjusting the position of the window frame relative to the sash in this context does not mean adjusting the position by opening the window (i.e. by moving the window stay between the closed and open positions).

Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the window stay through line B.

The sliding frame plate 200 may have a bead 216 that forms a channel 218. The fixed frame plate 100 may have a lip 112 that fits in a channel 218. In this way, the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 can be coupled. In addition, this helps to reduce lateral movement between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200.

In alternative embodiments, this coupling may be inverted. For example, the sliding frame plate 200 may have a lip that fits in a channel formed by the curled edge of the fixed frame plate.

The support surface 114 may be located in the recess 116 of the fixed frame plate 100 and may be sandwiched between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. The support surface 114 may provide reinforcement for the components of the window stay. For example, the support surface 114 may be located adjacent the short arm 400 of the window stay to reduce the risk of the window stay bending in use. The support surface 114 may be formed of a wear resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

Adjusting piece

The adjustment member 600 has a head 602, which head 602 may be disposed substantially flush with the outer surface of the slider when assembled. The head may have recesses or protrusions to form a screw head (e.g., a cross screw head). Thus, the adjustment member 600 may be rotated using a suitable tool (e.g., a screwdriver). The tip of the screwdriver is inserted into the screw head and the screwdriver is rotated to affect the rotation of the adjustment member 600.

Teeth 604 are distributed around at least a portion of the perimeter of head 602, and may be distributed around the entire perimeter of head 602. The teeth 604 may be regularly distributed. The teeth may be on only a lower portion of the head 602 such that when the head 602 is engaged in the regulator aperture 204 of the sliding frame plate 200, the teeth 604 do not pass through the regulator aperture 204. The teeth 604 may abut the bottom surface of the sliding frame plate 200 or may be spaced apart. Pairs of adjacent teeth 604 form recesses 606. The recess 606 may have a size and shape to receive a portion of the selector 650.

The ends of the teeth 604 may be shaped to guide a portion of the selector 650 into the recess 606 even if the selector 650 is misaligned with the recess 606.

The adjusting member may be restrained between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. For example, the teeth 604 may prevent the adjuster 600 from being removed via the adjuster aperture 204, and the size of the adjuster 600 may be too large to remove from between the fixed and sliding frame plates 100, 200, which couple the fixed and sliding frame plates 100, 200.

The post 608 extends from the bottom of the head 602 and may be integrally formed with the head 602. The post 608 is offset from the rotational axis of the adjuster 600. The post 608 fits into the slot 108 of the fixed frame plate 100. The slot 108 is oriented transversely through the fixed frame plate 100 (i.e., perpendicular to axis a). The post 608 may have a circular cross-section to match the circular end of the capsule-shaped cross-section of the slot 108. The diameter of the post 608 may be equal to or only slightly less than the width of the slot 108 (i.e., the distance along axis a) to minimize longitudinal movement of the post 608 in the slot 108.

In use, as the adjustment member 600 is rotated, the post 608 moves laterally through the slot 108. This forces the adjustment member 600 and thus the sliding frame plate 200 to move longitudinally relative to the fixed frame plate 100.

Selector

The selector 650 has a pin 652, and the pin 652 is movable in the passage 110 of the fixed frame plate 100 between a lock position corresponding to the lock mode of the selector 650 and an adjustment position corresponding to the adjustment mode of the selector 650.

In the locked position, pin 652 is disposed relatively close to adjuster 600. In use, the end 654 of the pin 652 may rest in the recess 606 and may abut one or more teeth 604 on either side of the recess 606. This prevents rotation of the adjuster 600.

In the adjustment position, the end 654 of the pin 652 is not in the recess 606, and thus does not prevent rotation of the adjuster 600.

Pin 652 is biased toward the locked position. This may be accomplished by a spring 656 located about portion 658 of pin 652. Spring 656 pushes against the end of channel 110 opposite end 654 of pin 652.

Selector 650 has a handle 660, which handle 660 may be used to move pin 652 and may be integral with pin 652. Handle 660 is constrained by L-shaped channel 206 in sliding frame plate 200. The ridge (spine) 208 of the channel 206 is oriented in the direction of the urging of the spring 656 and the branches (limb) 210 of the channel advance perpendicular to the ridge 208. When pin 652 is in the locked position, handle 660 abuts or is at least located near end 212 of ridge 208 that is relatively close to adjuster 600. When pin 652 is in the adjusted position, handle 660 moves into branch 210. Wall 214 of branch 210 maintains pin 652 in the adjusted position against the bias of spring 656. Movement of pin 652 between the locked and adjusted positions may include longitudinal movement along ridge 208, as well as rotation to move handle 660 into branch 210.

The selector 650 may be disposed in the housing 662. The housing 662 may ensure that the components of the selector 650 may be secured to the window stay in a single assembly. The housing 662 may also assist in positioning the selector 650, for example, by causing the pin 652 to align with the recess 606 of the adjuster 600.

Using

Fig. 4A to 9B show the window stay in various states corresponding to use. Fig. 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B and 9B show partially transparent forms of the window struts of fig. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A and 9A, respectively, to illustrate operation of the internal components.

Fig. 4A and 4B show the window stay in a first state.

The selector 650 is in the locked mode. Thus, the end 654 of the pin 652 is located in the recess 606 of the adjuster 600. This prevents rotation of the adjustment member 600, thereby locking the sliding frame plate 200 in place relative to the fixed frame plate 100.

The post 608 is located at one end of the slot 108. This corresponds to the post 608 being oriented generally in line with the central axis of the head 602 (which is parallel to the lateral extension of the slot 108).

Fig. 5A and 5B show the window stay in a second state. The window stay is moved from the first state to the second state by user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the locked position to the adjustment position. This moves the selector 650 from the locked mode to the adjustment mode. Thus, the end 654 of the pin 652 has now been removed from the recess 606 of the adjuster 600 and, thus, does not prevent the adjuster 600 from rotating.

Fig. 6A and 6B show the window stay in a third state. The window stay is moved from the second state to the third state by user action. The user rotates the adjustment member 600, for example, by using a screwdriver. In this case, the regulator 600 is rotated counterclockwise by 90 °.

This rotation moves the post 608 laterally through the slot 108 and is now generally centered in the slot 108. Thus, the sliding frame plate 200 has been moved longitudinally in a first direction relative to the fixed frame plate 100. In use, this adjusts the position of the sash relative to the frame.

Fig. 7A and 7B show the window stay in a fourth state. The window stay is moved from the third state to the fourth state by a user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the adjustment position to the locking position. This moves the selector 650 from the adjustment mode to the locking mode. Thus, the end 654 of the pin 652 is now engaged in the recess 606 of the adjuster 600. The adjuster 600 is therefore not rotatable due to the abutment between the pin 652 and the teeth 604 on either side of the recess.

Thus, by moving from the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state, the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 (and thus the relative positions between the window frame and the window sash) may be adjusted.

Fig. 8A and 8B show the window stay in a fifth state. The window stay is moved from the second state to the fifth state by a user action. The user rotates the adjustment member 600, for example, by using a screwdriver. In this case, the regulator 600 is rotated clockwise by 90 °. Thus, this is different from fig. 6A and 6B in the rotation direction of the regulator 600.

This rotation moves the post 608 laterally through the slot 108 and is now generally centered in the slot 108. Thus, the sliding frame plate 200 has been moved longitudinally in the second direction relative to the fixed frame plate 100. In use, this adjusts the position of the sash relative to the frame.

Fig. 9A and 9B show the window stay in a sixth state. The window stay is moved from the fifth state to the sixth state by a user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the adjustment position to the locking position. This moves the selector 650 from the adjustment mode to the locking mode. Thus, the end 654 of the pin 652 is now engaged in the recess 606 of the adjuster 600. The adjuster 600 is therefore not rotatable due to the abutment between the pin 652 and the teeth 604 on either side of the recess.

The sixth state is different from the fourth state in the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200.

Thus, by moving from the first state, the second state, the third state and the fourth state, or alternatively between the first state, the second state, the fifth state and the sixth state, the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 (and thus the relative positions between the window frame and the window sash) may be adjusted.

Rotation of the adjustment member 600 causes the plurality of recesses 606 to pass through alignment with the channels 110 and thus through potential engagement with the selector 650. Movement between two adjacent recesses may result in a relative longitudinal movement between the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100 of less than about 3mm. This allows fine tuning of the relative position of the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100 and thus the relative position between the frame and the sash.

Second embodiment

Fig. 10 shows a window stay according to a second embodiment.

The second embodiment has a fixed frame plate 1100 and a sliding frame plate 1200. These may be the same as the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 of the first embodiment.

One difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the configuration of the adjustment member 1600 and the selector 1650. These may be used in place of the adjustor 600 and the selector 650. The second embodiment may be otherwise identical to the first embodiment.

Adjusting piece

The adjuster 1600 includes a head 1602 that is located in a recess 1218 of the sliding frame plate 1200. The head 1602 may have a boss 1610 defining a recess that forms a screw head 1612 (e.g., a hex-key screw head). Thus, an appropriate tool, such as a hex key, may be used to rotate the adjustment member 1600. The boss 1610 fits into the aperture 1204 of the sliding frame plate 1200. This allows access to the screw head 1612 from the outer surface of the sliding frame plate 1200.

Teeth 1604 are distributed around at least a portion of the perimeter of head 1602, for example, around about half of the perimeter. Teeth 1604 may be regularly distributed around this portion. The teeth 1604 may abut the bottom surface of the sliding frame plate 1200 or may be spaced apart. Pairs of adjacent teeth 1604 form recesses 1606. Recess 1606 may have a size and shape to receive a portion of selector 1650.

The adjuster 1600 may be trapped between the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200. For example, the teeth 1604 may prevent the adjustment member 1600 from being removed via the aperture 1204.

Post 1608 extends from the bottom of head 1602 and may be integrally formed with head 1602. Post 1608 is offset from the axis of rotation of adjustment member 1600. The post 1608 fits into the slot 1108 of the fixed frame plate 1100. Slots 1108 are oriented transversely through fixed frame plate 1100 (i.e., perpendicular to axis C). The post 1608 may have a circular cross-section to match the circular end of the capsule-shaped cross-section of the slot 1108. The diameter of post 1608 may be equal to or only slightly less than the width of slot 1108 (i.e., the distance along axis C) to minimize longitudinal movement of post 1608 in slot 1108.

In use, as the adjustment member 1600 is rotated, the post 1608 moves laterally through the slot 1108. This forces the adjuster 1600 and thus the sliding frame plate 1200 to move laterally relative to the fixed frame plate 1100.

Selector

The selector 1650 is movable in the recess 1110 of the stationary frame plate 1100 between a locked position corresponding to a locked mode of the selector 1650 and an adjusted position corresponding to an adjusted mode of the selector 1650.

In the locked position, pin 1652 of selector 1650 is disposed relatively close to adjustment member 1600. In use, pin 1652 may rest in recess 1606 and may abut one or more teeth 1604 on either side of recess 1606. This may prevent rotation of the adjustment member 1600.

In the adjustment position, pin 1652 is not in recess 1606, and thus adjustment member 1600 is not prevented from rotating.

Selector 1650 has a handle 1660 that can be used to move pin 1652 and can be integral with pin 1652. The handle 1660 is constrained by a longitudinal channel 1206 in the sliding frame plate 1200. Another protrusion on the bottom of selector 1650 may be located in another longitudinal channel in fixed frame plate 1100.

Selector 1650 is biased toward a locked or adjustment position. This occurs by means of a biasing means in the form of two pawls 1664 on either side of the selector 1650. Pawl 1664 has teeth 1666 that are aligned with lugs 1668 on each side of the selector 1650. The pawl 1664 can be configured to require application of a force to the handle 1660 that is above a predetermined threshold to allow each tab 1668 to move past a corresponding tooth 1666 and thus allow the selector 1650 to move between the locked and adjusted positions. If the selector 1650 is stopped halfway between the locked and adjusted positions, the pawl 1664 urges the selector 1650 toward one of the positions.

The arrangement of the second embodiment provides a mechanism that enables the window stay to be moved between a locked mode and an adjustment mode.

Using

Fig. 10 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in the first state. Selector 1650 is in a locked position. This means that pin 1652 of selector 1650 is located in recess 1606 between two teeth 1604 of adjustment member 1600. Pin 1652 prevents rotation of adjuster 1600.

Fig. 11 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in the second state. Selector 1650 has been moved into the adjustment position. This occurs by the user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the pawl 1664. This causes pin 1652 of selector 1650 to withdraw from recess 1606. The pin 1652 does not interfere with rotation of the adjustment member 1600.

Fig. 12 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a third state. The window stay is moved from the second state to the third state by the user rotating the adjustment member 1600 in a counter-clockwise direction using a suitable tool. This causes the post 1608 to move laterally in the slot 1108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 1200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 1100, the selector 1650 then having been placed in the locked position. This may occur by the user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the pawl 1664. This causes pin 1652 of selector 1650 to be inserted into recess 1606 of adjustment member 1600. This prevents further rotation of the adjustment member 1600, thereby locking the relative positions of the fixed 1100 and sliding 1200 frame plates.

Fig. 13 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a fourth state. Selector 1650 remains in the adjust mode. The window stay is moved from the second state to the fourth state by the user rotating the adjustment member 1600 in a clockwise direction using a suitable tool. This causes the post 1608 to move laterally in the slot 1108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 1200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 1100. Selector 1650 has then been placed in the locked position. This may occur by the user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the pawl 1664. This causes pin 1652 of selector 1650 to be inserted into recess 1606 of adjustment member 1600. This prevents further rotation of the adjustment member 1600, thereby locking the relative positions of the fixed 1100 and sliding 1200 frame plates.

This allows fine tuning of the relative position of the sliding frame plate 1200 and the fixed frame plate 1100, and thus the relative position between the frame and the sash.

Third embodiment

Fig. 14 shows an external view of a window stay according to a third embodiment. Fig. 15 and 16 show partial cross-sectional views of the window stay through axis D.

The third embodiment has a fixed frame plate 2100 and a sliding frame plate 2200. These may be the same as the fixed and sliding frame plates 100 and 200 of the first embodiment or the fixed and sliding frame plates 1100 and 1200 of the second embodiment.

One difference between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments is the configuration of the adjuster 1600 and the selector 1650. These may be used in place of the first embodiment adjuster 600 and selector 650, or the second embodiment adjuster 1600 and selector 1650. The third embodiment may be otherwise identical to the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

The middle plate 2150 may be disposed between the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200. The middle plate 2150 may fit into a recess formed in the sliding frame plate 2200.

Adjusting piece

The adjustment 2600 includes a head 2602 that is positioned in a recess 2218 of the sliding frame plate 2200. The central aperture 2614 of the head 2602 is shaped to receive a selector 2650. The regulator 2600 may be confined between the middle plate 2150 and the sliding frame plate 2200.

The post 2608 protrudes from the bottom of the head 2602 and may be integrally formed with the head 2602. The post 2608 is offset from the rotational axis of the adjustment member 2600. The posts 2608 pass through the apertures 2152 of the intermediate plate 2150 and fit into the slots 2108 of the stationary frame plate 2100. The slots 2108 are oriented transversely through the fixed frame plate 2100 (i.e., perpendicular to axis D). The post 2608 may have a circular cross-section to match the circular end of the capsule-shaped cross-section of the slot 2108. The diameter of the post 2608 may be equal to or only slightly less than the width of the slot 2108 (i.e., the distance along axis D) to minimize longitudinal movement of the post 2608 in the slot 2108.

In use, as the adjustment member 2600 is rotated, the post 2608 moves laterally through the slot 2108. This forces the adjustment 2600 and thus the sliding frame plate 2200 and the intermediate plate 2150 to move laterally relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

Selector

The selector 2650 has a shoulder 2652 shaped and sized to fit within the central aperture 2614 of the head 2602 of the adjustment member 2600. This engagement prevents the shoulder 2652 from freely rotating within the central aperture 2614. That is, to rotate the shoulder 2652 relative to the window stay, the adjustment 2600 will also need to be rotated relative to the window stay. Both the shoulder 2652 and the central aperture 2614 may have polygonal cross-sections, such as hexagonal.

Neck 2654 extends from shoulder 2652 and is substantially smaller in diameter than shoulder 2652. Neck 2654 defines a recess that forms a screw head (e.g., a hex key screw head). Thus, the adjustment 2600 can be rotated using a suitable tool 2700, such as a hex key.

Neck 2654 is shaped and sized to fit within selector aperture 2204 in sliding frame plate 2200. The selector aperture 2204 allows access to the screw head.

This fit prevents the neck 2654 from freely rotating within the selector aperture 2204. Thus, when the neck 2654 is within the selector 2650, the neck 2654 cannot rotate relative to the window stay. Both neck 2654 and selector aperture 2204 may have a polygonal cross-section, such as a hexagon. The number of sides of the polygonal cross-section may be adjusted based on the desired adjustment increment. A greater number of edges may allow finer adjustment.

Fig. 15 shows the window stay in a locked mode, wherein the neck 2654 is in the selector aperture 2204. This is the locked position of selector 2650. The selector 2650 cannot rotate relative to the window stay due to the fit between the neck 2654 and the selector aperture 2204. This in turn prevents rotation of the adjustment member 2600 due to the tight fit between the shoulder 2652 and the central aperture 2614.

Fig. 16 shows the window stay in the adjustment mode, wherein the neck 2654 is below the selector aperture 2204. This is the adjusted position of selector 2650. Neck 2654 may be located entirely within central aperture 2614. Because the central aperture 2614 is substantially larger than the neck 2654, the neck 2654 cannot be prevented from rotating. Accordingly, the user may rotate the selector 2650. This translates into rotation of the adjustment 2600, which in turn causes the sliding frame plate 2200 to move laterally relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

The selector 2650 is biased toward the locked position by a biasing device such as a spring 2656. Spring 2656 urges selector 2650 such that neck 2654 is located within selector aperture 2204. To move the selector 2650 into the adjustment position, a user is required to apply a force to the selector 2650 to resist the urging of the spring 2656. When this force is released, the spring 2656 causes the selector 2650 to move back into the locked position.

In this way, the user can press down on the selector 2650 using a tool to adjust the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200. Selector 2650 then enters the adjustment position. This causes rotation of the adjustment 2600 by the user rotating the selector 2650. Rotation of the adjustment 2600 translates into lateral movement of the post 2608 through the slot 2108. This in turn results in relative longitudinal movement between the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200.

Using

Fig. 17 shows the window stay of the third embodiment in the first state. In the first state, the post 2608 is in a first position in the slot 2108.

Fig. 18 shows the window stay of the third embodiment in the second state. The window stay is moved from the first state to the second state by the user rotating the push selector 2650 to move it into the adjustment position, and by rotating the selector 2650 in the clockwise direction. This in turn causes the adjustment 2600 to rotate clockwise, which causes the post 2608 to move laterally in the slot 2108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 2200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

Fig. 19 shows the window stay of the third embodiment in the third state. The window stay is moved from the first state to the third state by the user rotating the push selector 2650 to move it into the adjustment position, and by rotating the selector 2650 in the counterclockwise direction. This in turn causes the adjustment 2600 to rotate clockwise, which causes the post 2608 to move laterally in the slot 2108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 2200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

The selector 2650 is movable from the second state or the third state back into the locked position. This may be accomplished by the user releasing pressure on selector 2650. The spring 2656 then forces the selector 2650 into a locked position in which the neck 2654 of the selector 2650 is engaged in the selector aperture 2204. This prevents further rotation of the selector 2650 and thus the adjustment 2600, thereby locking the relative positions of the fixed and sliding frame plates 2100 and 2200.

This allows fine tuning of the relative position of the sliding frame plate 2200 and the fixed frame plate 2100, and thus the relative position between the frame and the sash.

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 20 and 21 show a window stay according to a fourth embodiment.

The window stay of the fourth embodiment has a fixed frame plate 3100 attached to a window frame and a sliding frame plate 3200 coupled with the fixed frame plate. The fixed frame plate 3100 and the sliding frame plate 3200 may replace the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 in the window stay shown in fig. 1 and 2, respectively.

The fixed frame plate 3100 has a bead 3102 defining a channel 3104. The lip 3202 of the sliding frame plate 3200 fits in the channel 3104. The fit between the lip 3202 of the sliding frame plate 3200 and the channel 3104 of the fixed frame plate 3100 may have sufficient tolerance to allow the lip 3202 to slide along the channel 3104 without excessive resistance.

The screw chamber 3300 is installed in the fixed frame plate 3100. The mount includes one or more fins 3106 extending from a fixed frame plate 3100, the fins having apertures 3108 configured to retain screw chambers 3300. The screw chamber 3300 may be relatively firmly coupled to the fixed frame plate 3100. Screw chamber 3300 has internal threads that mate with screw 3210. The fit between the screw chamber 3300 and the screw 3210 may be configured to require a threshold level of torque to turn the screw 3210 in the screw chamber 3300. This may prevent the screw 3210 from rotating in the screw chamber 3300 without user intervention.

The sliding frame plate 3200 has a cavity 3204 defined by an outer wall extending from an outer surface of the sliding frame plate 3200. The cavity 3204 is sized to receive the one or more fins 3106 and the screw chamber 3300 when the sliding frame plate 3200 and the fixed frame plate 3100 are coupled.

An aperture 3206 is provided in the sliding frame plate 3200 into the cavity 3204. The aperture 3206 is sized to allow the screw 3210 to pass through. A bushing 3208, disposed adjacent to the aperture 3206, retains the screw constrained to the sliding frame plate 3200. The bushings 3208 may hold the screws in place relative to the sliding frame plate 3200.

In use, the aperture 3206 and the bushing 3208 are aligned with the screw chamber 3300. The screw may be positioned in the aperture 3206 such that the shaft of the screw engages with the screw chamber 3300. The user may actuate the screw 3210 by using a suitable tool, such as a hex key. By rotating the screw 3210 in a first angular direction (e.g., clockwise), the screw 3210 moves further into the screw chamber 3300. This results in the sliding frame plate 3200 moving in a first linear direction (i.e., along axis E) relative to the fixed frame plate 3100 due to the coupling between the bushing 3208 and the sliding frame plate 3200, and the coupling between the screw chamber 3300 and the fixed frame plate 3100. Conversely, when the screw 3210 is actuated in a second angular direction (e.g., counter-clockwise), the screw 3210 moves out of the screw chamber 3300. This causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move in a second opposite linear direction (along axis E) relative to the fixed frame plate 3100.

Using

Fig. 22 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in the first state. In the first state, the screw 3210 is in a first position within the screw chamber 3300.

Fig. 23 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in the second state. In the second state, the screw 3210 is at a second, deeper position within the screw chamber 3300. The window stay is moved from the first state to the second state by the user rotating the screw 3210 in a clockwise direction using a suitable tool. This causes the shaft of screw 3210 to enter further into screw chamber 3300. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 3100.

Fig. 24 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in the third state. In a third state, screw 3210 is located at a third, shallower position within screw chamber 3300. The window stay is moved from the first state to the third state by the user rotating the screw 3210 in a counter-clockwise direction using a suitable tool. This causes the shaft portion of screw 3210 to be partially withdrawn from screw chamber 3300. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 3100.

This allows fine tuning of the relative position of the sliding frame plate 3200 and the fixed frame plate 3100 and thus the relative position between the frame and the sash.

Interpretation of the drawings

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

In particular, it is to be understood that features from different embodiments may be combined, except where the context makes this impossible. That is, while various features are described and illustrated in different embodiments, this is for the sake of brevity only and should not be construed as limited to only those combinations of features explicitly described or illustrated.

It will be appreciated that the term "comprising" may have an exclusive or inclusive meaning under varying jurisdictions. For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise indicated, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning-i.e., they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components it directly references, and possibly further inclusion of other unspecified components or elements.

Claims

1. A window stay, comprising:

a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame;

a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate;

an adjustment member configured such that rotation of the adjustment member causes the sliding frame plate to move relative to the fixed frame plate; and

a selector comprising a tab, the selector having an adjustment mode in which the tab is disengaged from a recess and the adjustment member is rotatable, and a locking mode in which the tab engages the recess and the adjustment member is locked in place.

2. The window stay of claim 1 wherein the selector is biased toward the locked mode.

3. A window stay as claimed in claim 2, wherein the selector comprises a spring to bias the selector towards the locking mode.

4. The window stay of claim 1 wherein the selector comprises a pin.

5. The window stay of claim 4, wherein the pin moves in a channel of the sliding frame plate.

6. The window stay of claim 5 wherein the channel is L-shaped.

7. A window stay according to claim 6 wherein the pin is retainable in the adjustment mode by locating the pin in a branch of the channel.

8. The window stay of claim 1, further comprising a pawl configured to bias the selector toward the locking mode or the adjustment mode.

9. A window stay according to claim 4 wherein in the locking mode the pin is located in a recess of the adjustment member.

10. A window stay as claimed in claim 9, wherein the adjustment member has a recess around a periphery of the adjustment member.

11. The window stay of claim 1, wherein rotation of the adjustment member between the first and second adjustment positions causes the sliding frame plate to move about 3mm relative to the fixed frame plate.

12. The window stay of claim 11, wherein the first adjustment position corresponds to a first recess of the adjustment member and the second adjustment position corresponds to a second recess of the adjustment member, the first recess and the second recess being adjacent.

13. The window stay of claim 1, wherein the selector includes a neck configured to be positioned in a selector aperture of the sliding frame plate, wherein the selector is prevented from rotating when the selector aperture is configured to abut the neck.

14. The window stay of claim 13, wherein in the adjustment mode the neck is not in the selector aperture of the sliding frame plate, and in the locking mode the neck is in the selector aperture of the sliding frame plate.

15. The window stay of claim 13, wherein the selector is coupled to the adjustment member.

16. The window stay of claim 15, wherein the selector is coupled to the adjustment member by locating the selector in a central aperture of the adjustment member.

17. A window stay according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment member comprises a post offset from the rotational axis of the adjustment member.

18. The window stay of claim 17, wherein the fixed frame plate includes a channel extending transversely through a portion of the fixed frame plate, the channel configured to receive the post.

19. A window stay as defined in claim 18, wherein the adjustment member is configured such that when the adjustment member is rotated, the post moves laterally in the channel of the fixed frame plate.

20. A window stay as claimed in claim 18, wherein lateral movement of the post in the channel of the fixed frame panel causes longitudinal movement of the sliding frame panel relative to the fixed frame panel.

21. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the adjustment member comprises a screw head.

22. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the fixed frame panel comprises a lip configured to locate in a channel of the sliding frame panel.

23. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the sliding frame plate comprises a lip configured to locate in a channel of the fixed frame plate.

24. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the sliding frame plate is configured to be attached to a short arm and/or a long arm of the window stay.

25. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a support surface between the fixed and sliding frame plates.

26. The window stay of claim 25, wherein the support surface is configured to be positioned adjacent a short arm of the window stay.

27. A window stay as defined in claim 25, wherein the support surface is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene.

28. A window stay, comprising:

a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame;

a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate, the sliding frame plate having a longitudinal axis;

a screw engaged with the sliding bezel, the screw having an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sliding bezel;

a screw chamber configured to receive the screw; and is also provided with

Wherein rotating the screw relative to the rotational axis within the screw chamber causes the sliding bezel to move relative to the fixed bezel in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the sliding bezel.

29. A window stay as defined in claim 28, wherein the screw chamber is mounted to the fixed frame plate.

30. A window stay as claimed in claim 29, wherein the screw chamber is mounted to the fixed frame plate by one or more fins.

31. A window stay as claimed in claim 28, wherein the screw is limited to the sliding frame plate.

32. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the channel of the fixed frame plate is configured to receive a lip of the sliding frame plate.

33. A window stay as defined in claim 32, wherein the lip is configured to slidably engage the channel of the fixed frame plate.