GB2447300A

GB2447300A - Two bar stay with releasably restrictable slider

Info

Publication number: GB2447300A
Application number: GB0704636A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mathew John Smith; Stephen John Moore
Original assignee: Securistyle Ltd
Current assignee: Securistyle Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-09
Filing date: 2007-03-09
Publication date: 2008-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2027-03-09
Also published as: GB2447300B; GB0704636D0

Abstract

A two bar stay 61 comprising a first slider 69 and a second slider 71 within a track 63 the first slider carrying a vent arm 65 and the second slider carrying a link 67 of the stay. A releasable restricting device 91 is provided to enable at least one of the sliders 71 to be held in at least one location along the track 63 and to be released for movement along the track. The track 63 may be substantially L-shaped in cross-section or may comprise two side walls substantially perpendicular to a base, wherein at least one side wall is flanged. One slider 69 may comprise a plastics skin overlying a body to separate the body from the track. An adjustable device such as an eccentric cam 83 may drive the plastics skin 87 away from the body to adjust friction between the slider and the track 63. The releasable restricting device 91 may comprise ears engagable in the track.

Description

TWO BAR STAYS

The present invention relates to two bar stays, and in particular to two bar stays for supporting a sash or a vent between a closed position, in which it lies within a fixed frame, and an open position, in which it extends substantially perpendicularly to the fixed frame. The two bar stays of the present invention may have advantages with regard to ease of manufacture, ease of assembly, ease of use, stability and strength, amongst other benefits.

Commercially available two bar stays generally comprise a vent arm, a link and a track, wherein the link is immovably fastened to the track at a pivot point and the vent arm is mounted on a slider that may move along the track. The link is joined to the vent arm at a point along its length. The tracks of these stays have one side wall which possesses a region flanged to form a U section that is adapted to receive a slider, said slider possessing a lip in order to restrain it within the U section. A disadvantage of these stays is that, as the slider is only restrained upon one side, there is scope for substantial free play of the two bars from the track or frame, causing significant instability when the stay is used to support a vent.

A further disadvantage of these known stays is that they are either right or left handed rather than being universally fittable. The fixing of the link to the track may also be disadvantageous with regard to ease of assembly, particularly when fitting the vent within a fixed frame. Additionally, when the two bar stay is fully open, the vent lies substantially at one side of the fixed frame and therefore the outer surface of the vent, e.g. a window, cannot be easily accessed to allow cleaning. This disadvantage becomes particularly important in situations where access to the exterior of the vent is difficult or impossible, for example in a high rise building.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a two bar stay comprising a first slider and a second slider within a track, the first slider carrying a vent arm and the second slider carrying a link of the stay, wherein r&easable restricting means are provided to enable at least one of the sliders to be held in at least one location along the track and to be released for movement along the track Preferably the releasable restricting means acts on the second slider to restrict the movement of the second slider, and hence the link, along the track.

In one embodiment, the track may be substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

Alternatively, a C-shaped cross-section may be preferred.

if a L-shaped cross-section is used, the track may comprise a base and a side wall, the side wall continuing back on itself to define an inverted U in cross-section.

The present invention further provides a two bar stay comprising a slider within a track, wherein the track comprises a base and two side walls substantially perpendicular to the base and wherein at least one of the side walls is flanged to provide a partially closed channel. Preferably, both side walls are flanged. More preferably the flanges face each other.

The slider preferably includes a friction adjusting device to control the movement of the slider along the support track. In this way, the speed at which the vent arm moves along the support track can be controlled.

The two bar stay preferably includes a second slider, which may support an end of a link. A releasable restricting means may act between the second slider and the track to allow the second slider to be locked into at least one position on the track to form a fixed pivot. Preferably, the releasable restricting means is attached to the second slider and moves along the track therewith. More preferably the releasable restricting means is formed integrally with the second slider. The releasable restricting means may be operated by a push button or by a twisting, screwdriver operated mechanism.

The track may be shaped to receive a releasable restricting means. The releasable restricting means may include ears that engage the track, limiting the motion of the second slider. If the track includes a bottom, two side walls and a pair of inwardly facing flanges. the inwardly facing flanges are preferably shaped to receive the ears of the releasable restricting means. The releasable restricting means may also. or alternatively, comprise a spring clip that may engage with cut out regions of the side walls that are adapted to receive it. At least one of the sliders may be shaped to avoid obstacles in the base of the track. This has the advantage of avoiding a clash between the slider and screw heads holding the track in place in a fixed frame.

Preferably at least one slider possesses a lip shaped to grip the flanged area. This lip restricts any rotational motion of the slider within the track and provides the advantage of preventing friction and wear between the link arid the track when the vent arm is under load. At least one slider may comprise a nylon thermoplastic.

Preferably, at least one slider comprises a body, the body being shaped to fit within the track, and a plastics skin overlaying the body, to separate the body from the track.

The present invention further provides a two bar stay comprising a slider within a track, wherein the slider comprises a body, the body being shaped to fit within the track, and a plastics skin overlying the body to separate the body from the track.

Preferably the slider further includes adjustable means cooperating with the body for driving the plastics skin away from the body to adjust friction between the slider and the track.

In one embodiment the body of the slider includes a recess into which a bulge of the plastics skin extends. Other arrangements may alternatively be applicable.

The plastics skin is preferably manufactured by extrusion and cut to length, and the body is slid into the plastics skin during assembly.

Ideally, the body has a cross-section in its transverse direction shaped to be received in the track. Such an arrangement improves the overall strength of the slider.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable means is a grub screw threadedly engaging the body and bearing against the inside of the plastics skin.

The body is preferably made of a strong material such as metal, more preferably steel.

The plastics skin is preferably manufactured from acetal, nylon or polypropylene.

Preferably, at least one of the track and bars (i.e. the link or vent arm) comprises austenitic stainless steel. Additionally, at least one of the sliders may also include some austenitic stainless steel. The track may be adapted for mounting to a larger structure and at least one of the bars, e.g. the vent arm, is preferably adapted for supporting a sash.

The two bar stay is preferably universally fittable (i.e. not handed).

The present invention further provides a method of assembling a two bar stay which may comprise the steps of: attaching a vent arm to a vent; locating a first slider 1 5 attached to the vent arm in a track; moving the first slider until a second slider attached to a link can be located in the track; and moving the second slider until a releasable restricting mechanism locates within an area of the track shaped to receive it. When a C-sectioned track is used, the track preferably has at least one cut out region on its uppermost surface for receiving the sliders and thereby facilitating assembly.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is a perspective from above of a first embodiment.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view in the direction of arrow A in figure 2.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a first embodiment in an alternative configuration.

Figure 5 is a perspective from above of a first embodiment in an alternative configuration.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are plan views of a first embodiment during assembly.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view from below of a friction slider of the first embodiment.

S

Figure 10 is a fragmentary perspective view from below of a pivot slider of the first embodiment.

Figure 11 is a perspective from above of a second embodiment.

Figure 12 is a perspective from above of a second embodiment in an alternative configuration.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the pivot slider of the second embodiment.

Figure 14 is a view on arrow B in figure 13.

Figure 15 is a perspective view from below of the friction slider of the second embodiment.

Figure 16 is a perspective view from above of the friction slider of the second embodiment; Figure 17 is a view on arrow C in figure 16; Figure 18 is a perspective view from above of a third embodiment of two bar stay; Figure 19 is an enlarged view of a first slider carrying a vent arm of a stay; Figure 20 is an enlarged view of a second slider carrying a link of a stay; Figure 21 is a plan view showing a sash carried by the third embodiment of stay in an open position; Figure 22 is a similar view to figure 21, but wherein the sash is in a cleaning position; Figure 23 is a perspective view of a vent prior to assembly of a two bar stay; Figure 24 is perspective view of a vent with the two bar stay partially assembled; and Figure 25 is a perspective view of the vent with the two bar stay fully assembled.

With reference to figures 1-10 of the drawings, a first embodiment of a two bar stay 1 of the present invention comprises a support track 3, a vent arm 5, a link 7, a first slider 9 and a second slider 11. The vent arm 5 is pivotally attached to the slider 9 by a rivel 13 The link 7 is attached to the slider 11 by a rivet 15 at one end and its other end is pivotally attached by a rivet I 7 to a midpoint of the vent arm 5. The first and second sliders 9, 11 are positioned within the support track 3.

The support track 3 comprises a base 19 and two side walls 21 which possess a pair of flanges 23 that face each other to form a C-shape in cross-section. The first and second sliders 9, I I are shaped to be received in the support track 3 and to be held therein by means of the flanges 23. The sides of the first and second sliders 9, 1 1 are lipped to give a U shape that grips the flanges 23, preventing the vertical displacement (i.e. free play) seen in sliders of the prior art and constraining the sliders to moving in one dimension along the track. Additionally, the tops of the first and second sliders 9, 11 are positioned such that they prevent friction and wear between the link 7 and the flanges 23.

The first slider 9 (see figure 9) possesses an eccentric friction cam 25 that can be operated by slot/screw slot 27 using a standard screwdriver (not shown) to flex the sides of the first slider 9 outwards thus increasing their friction with the side walls 21 of the support track 3. The second slider 11 (see figure 10) possesses a releasable restricting 1 5 means in the form of a spring clip 29 that engages with cut out regions 31 & 33 in the side walls 21. The spring clip 29 can be retracted from the cut out regions 31 & 33 by operation of a release button 35. When the spring clip 29 is received in the cut out regions 31 & 33, the second slider 11 is held in position in the support track 3 and acts as a pivot. The first slider 9 is, however, still free to move along the support track 3, thereby moving the vent arm 5 between its open and closed positions.

In the closed position, the vent arm 5 lies above the link 7, which in turn lies above the support track 3 and the three components lie substantially in parallel. On opening the vent, the first slider 9 moves towards the second slider II and the vent arm 5 moves outwardly until it is substantially perpendicular to the support track 3 and the vent (not shown) is in its fully open position.

When the two bar stay I is fully open (as shown in figures 1 and 2), the vent mounted on the vent arm 5 allows egress as it is supported at one side of the fixed frame (not shown) to which the support track 3 is attached and therefore does not hinder entry or exit through the frame. In order to allow the outside surface of the vent, such as a window, to be cleaned, the release button 35 can be depressed to disengage the spring clip 29 from the cut out regions 31 in the side walls 21. The vent arm 5, the link 7 and the first and second sliders 9, 11 can then be moved, along with the vent itself, relative to the support track 3 until the spring clip 29 locates in a second set of cut out regions 33 (shown in figure 3). The vent arm 5 is now positioned somewhere near to the middle of the support track 3 (as shown in figures 4 and 5) and access is readily available to both sides of the vent.

Once the cleaning of the vent has been achieved, the release button 35 can be depressed again to disengage the spring clip 29 from the second cut out regions 33 and the whole assembly can be slid back along the support track 3 to its original position.

When the spring clip 29 has relocated in the cut out regions 31, the vent can be returned to standard operation.

The two bar stay I is advantageous with regard to ease of assembly (shown in figures 6 to 8). The first slider 9 can be placed in the support track 3 at the cut out regions 37 in the flanges 23. The first slider 9 is then slid along the support track 3 to allow the second slider 11 to be aligned with the cut out regions 37 and then placed in the support track 3. The chamfered edges of the spring clip 29 enable the second slider 1110 locate in the support track 3 without the release button 35 needing to be depressed.

The assembly is then moved along the track until the spring clip 29 self locates in the cut out regions 31 in the side walls 21.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, shown in figures 11-17, the two bar stay 2 comprises a support track 4, vent arm 6, a link 8, an alternative first slider and an alternative second slider 12 (shown in figure 11). The first slider 10 includes a spring clip 39 (shown in figures 15 and 17) that forces the flexible legs 41 against the side walls 22 of the support track 4 (figure 15). The screw 43 allows an adjustable amount of force to be placed on the spring clip 39 thus providing adjustable friction (figure 16).

The second slider 12 is formed integrally with a releasable restricting means 45 that comprises a neck region 47 and two ears 49 extending perpendicular thereto (figure 13). The neck 47 extends from a region of the second slider 12 and is coplanar with it.

The ears 49 of the restricting means 45 can engage with cut out regions 51 in the flanges 28, thereby holding the second slider 12 in position and causing it to act as a pivot. The First slider 10 is, however, still free to move along the support track 4, thereby moving the vent arm 6 between its open and closed positions. In a similar fashion to the first embodiment, there is also a mechanism to allow the outer surface of the vent to become accessible for cleaning. When the two bar stay 2 is fully open, with the vent arm 6 substantially perpendicular to the support track 4, the restricting means 45 can be depressed into the support track 4. The ears 49 then disengage from the cut out regions 51 and the second slider 12 is free to move along the support track 4 with the ears 49 of the restricting means 45 continuously biased against the undersides of the flanges 24. The vent arm 6, the link 8 and the first and second sliders 10, 12 can then be moved, along with the vent itself, relative to the support track 4 until the ears 49 locate in a second set of cut out regions 53 (figures 11 and 12). Access is thereby facilitated to both sides of the vent.

The first and second sliders 10, 12 comprise a composite stainless steel insert covered by a durable nylon thermoplastic moulding. They are channelled at 55 and 57 respectively so that they can pass freely over the fixing screws (not shown) holding the support track 4 in place (figures 14 and 17).

In a third embodiment of the present invention, shown in figure 18-25, the two bar stay 61 comprises a support track 63, a vent arm 65, a link 67, a first slider 69 and a second slider 71. As will be seen in figure 18, the track 63 includes a base 73 having a number of fixing holes 74 and an upstanding side wall 75. Hence, in cross section, the track is essentially L-shaped. Continuous to the side wall 75 is a return flange 77 which runs back parallel to the side wall 75 to define essentially a channel or an inverted U shape in cross-section. The flange 77 extends back parallel with the side wall 75, but does 1101 reach the base 73 of track 63, thereby defining an opening between the flange 77 and the base 73 for receiving the first and second sliders 69, 71.

The flange 77 incorporates a number of cut outs 79 for receiving a releasable restricting means (described later) associated with the second slider 71.

As wlI be seen in figure 18, the vent arm 65 is pivotally mounted to the first slider 69, the link 67 is pivotally mounted to the second slider 71, and both the first and second sliders are shaped with a respective lip received in the channel between the flange 77 and the side wall 75 of the track 63 for sliding engagement. As a result, due to the extent of the flange 77 towards the base 73 of the track 63, the sliders 69, 71 are held firmly with little free play and can only be disengaged from the track 63 by sliding out of the end of the channel between the flange 77 and the side wall 75.

Turning now to figure 19, the first slider 69 carries a pivot 81 for mounting the vent arm 65. The slider 69 has a metal (preferably steel) body (not shown) covered to at least a significant extent by a plastics skin. An eccentric cam 83 is exposed at the top of the slider 69 and rotates about a shaft (not shown) located in the metal body within the slider 69. Upon rotation of the cam 83 by engagement of a screwdriver (not shown) in a slot 85 in the cam 83, a thin web 87 of the plastics skin can be flexed outwardly from the first slider 69 to engage the flange 77 of the track 63. As a result, a degree of friction will result between the slider 69 and the track 63, thereby controlling the motion of the first slider 69 along the track 63. The amount of the friction between the slider 69 and the track 63 is determined by the position of the eccentric cam 83, and can be adjusted by a user either during installation or subsequently.

Turning now to figure 20, the second slider 71 is shown. The slider 71 carries a pivot 89 for mounting the link 67. Once again, the slider is block shaped, but this time a releasable engaging device 91 is carried by the slider 71. The releasable engagement device 91 comprises a spring steel metal extension or neck 93 which carries a head portion 95 The head portion includes a first horizontal ear 97 for engagement in the cut outs 79 in the flange 77 of the track 63. A second vertical ear 98 is provided to define the distance that the head portion 95 can be depressed before the second ear 98 abuts the base 73 of the track 63. As will be appreciated, if a first ear 97 of the releasable restricting device 91 is engaged in a cut out 79 of the track 63, the second slider 71 is held in position. Upon depression of the head portion 95 of the releasable restricting device 91, the first ear 97 will disengage from the cut out 79 and can travel along the track between ihe flange 77 and the base 73 as the slider 71 moves along the track 63.

When the first ear 97 reaches another cut out 79 in the flange 77, due to the resilient nature of the neck 93 the first ear 97 will automatically enter the cut Out 79 and prevent further motion of the second slider 71 along the track 63. Subsequent depressing of the head 95 will allow the slider to move again.

With reference to figures 21 and 22, a vent 99 mounted on the vent arm (not shown in figure 21 and 22) can be opened to a position substantially perpendicular to a fixed frame 101 of a building or the like. The second slider 71 is fixed in position in the track 63 by means of the releasable restricting device 91. The first slider 69 can move back and forth along the track 63 and can be held in any desired location by virtue of the friction between the slider 69 and the track 63. Easy access out of the vent can be readily achieved, because the sash 99 is positioned to one side of the vent opening.

If the outside of the sash 99 is to be cleaned, the sash 99 can be moved along the track 63 simply by depressing the head portion 95 to disengage the first ear 97 from the cut out 79, thereby allowing both the first slider and the second slider to move along the track 63 as shown in figure 22 until the releasable restricting device 91 engages another cut out 79. When the sash has been cleaned, simply sliding the sash back along the track 63 will result in the releasable restricting means 91 re-engaging with the cut out 79 in the track to relocate the two bar stay.

As will be seen from figures 23-25, a vent can be easily assembled using a two bar stay according to the present invention. Firstly, the track 63 is fixed to the frame 101 of the vent. The vent arm 65 is fixed to the sash 99 and the link 67 is already pivoted off the vent arm 65 during manufacture. The first and second sliders 69, 71 are also pivotally attached to their respective vent arm 65 and link 67 during manufacture.

As shown in figure 24, the first slider 69 is slid into and along track 63 as shown.

As the sash 99 moves along the track 63, the second slider 71 follows and enters the track 63. The two sliders 69, 71 are then retained in the track 63 by virtue of the releasable restricting device 91 engaging a cut out 79 in the flange 77 of the track 63. To locate the vent in its normal operating position, the releasable restricting device 91 is disengaged from the first cut out 79 and allowed to re-engage in the second cut out 79 in the track 63 as shown in figure 18. The sash 99 can then be closed into the opening in its correct location.

If it is necessary to remove a sash 99 from a window frame, it is a simple matter to deactivate the releasable restricting device 91 and slide the first and second sliders 69, 71 out of the end of the track 63 so that the sash can be separated from the vent. This may be useful during decorating, for example.

Although not specifically shown in figures 18-25, the metal body of the first slider 69 is preferably shaped to accommodate the pivot 81, the eccentric cam 83 and also to extend into the channel between the side wall 75 and the flange 77. As a result, significantly improved strength is provided to the two bar stay which is not available in any known prior art two bar stay. This is particularly important since it is the first slider 69 which carries vent arm 65, and hence the weight of the sash 99.

The embodiments described above are advantageous in terms of being universally fittable, providing access to the exterior surface of a vent for washing and providing stable support for a vent.

It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described purely by way of example and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention that is defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims: 1. A two bar stay comprising a first slider and a second slider

within a track, the first slider carrying a vent arm and the second slider carrying a link of the stay, wherein releasable restricting means are provided to enable at least one of the sliders to be held in at least one location along the track and to be released for movement along the track.
2. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 1, wherein the releasable restricting means acts on the second slider to restrict the movement of the second slider, and hence the 1 0 link, along the track.
3. A two bar stay as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the track is substantially L-shaped in cross-section.
4. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 3, wherein the track comprises a base and a side wall, the side wall continuing back on itself to define an inverted U in cross-section.
5. A two bar stay comprising a first slider within a track, wherein the track comprises a base and two side walls substantially perpendicular to the base and wherein at least one of the side walls is flanged to provide a partially closed channel.
6. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 5, wherein both side walls are flanged.
7. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flanges face each other.
8. A two bar stay as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a second slider.
9. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 8, wherein a releasable restricting means acts between the second slider and the track to allow the second slider to be locked into at least one position in the track to form a fixed pivot.
JO. A two bar stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 or claim 9, wherein the releasable restricting means is attached to the second slider and moves along the track therewith.
ii. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 10, wherein the releasable restricting means is formed integrally with the second slider.
12. A two bar stay as claimed in any of claims 9to 11, wherein the track is shaped to receive the releasable restricting means.
13. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each side wall of the track is shaped to receive the releasable restricting means.
14. A two bar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first slider further comprises a friction adjusting device.
15. A two bar stay as claimed in any of preceding claim, wherein at least one slider is shaped to avoid obstacles on the base of the track.
16. A two bar stay as claimed in any of preceding claim, wherein at least one slider possesses a lip adapted to engage or grip a flanged area.
17. A two bar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one slider comprises a nylon thermoplastic.
18. A two bar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one slider comprises a body, the body being shaped to fit within the track, and a plastics skin overlying the body to separate the body from the track.
19. A two bar stay comprising a slider within a track, wherein the slider comprises a body, the body being shaped to fit within the track. and a plastics skin overlying the body to separate the body from the track.
20. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the slider further includes adjustable means cooperating with the body for driving the plastics skin away from the body to adjust friction between the slider and the track.
21. A two bar stay as claimed in claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the body of the slider includes a recess into which a bulge of the plastics skin extends.
22. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 1 8 to 21, wherein the plastics skin is manufactured by extrusion and cut to length, and the body is slid into the plastics skin during assembly.
23. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 18-22, wherein the body has a cross-section in its transverse direction shaped to be received in the track.
24. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 1 8-23, wherein the adjustable means is a grub screw threadedly engaging the body and bearing against the inside of the plastics skin.
25. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 18-24, wherein the body is made of metal, preferably steel.
26. A slider as claimed in any one of claims 1 8-26, wherein the plastics skin is manufactured from acetal, nylon or polypropylene.
27. A two bar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the track and bars comprises austenitic stainless steel.
28. A two bar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the track is adapted for mounting to a larger structure.
29. A two bar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the bars is adapted for supporting a sash.
30. A two bar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, that is universally fittable.
31. A method of assembling a two bar hinge comprising the steps of: attaching a vent arm to a vent; locating a first slider attached to the vent arm in a track; moving the first slider until a second slider attached to a link can be located in the track; and moving the second slider until a releasable restricting means locates within an area of the track shaped to receive it.
32. A method as claimed in claim 3 1, wherein the track has at least one cut out region in a flange for receiving the sliders.
33. A two bar stay substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.