GB2616079A

GB2616079A - Sash panel retainer

Info

Publication number: GB2616079A
Application number: GB2202770.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rabett Ramon
Original assignee: DUCHY INVEST Ltd
Current assignee: DUCHY INVEST Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-28
Filing date: 2022-02-28
Publication date: 2023-08-30
Also published as: GB202202770D0

Abstract

An apparatus for retaining a vertically slidable sash window in a vertical position. The apparatus comprises a sash member 23, which engages or is fixed to a sash panel of a sash window, and a frame member 22, which engages with or is fixed to a window frame. The sash member may be fixed to the sash panel and the frame member may be slidably attached to a window frame. Protrusions or rail 36 of the frame member 22 may be slid into a recess or channel 32 of the sash member 23, which prevents a tilting movement of the sash. There may be a disengagement means, such as a loop 37 or hook to enable the two members to be detached from one another. The invention also provides a sash window assembly having a window frame, a lower sash panel, an upper sash panel and the retaining apparatus.

Description

SASH PANEL RETAINER

The present invention relates to sash windows and in particular to apparatus for use in retaining sash panels of a sash window in a normal (often but not always vertical) orientation. A normal orientation is when the sash panel is sitting in the plane of the window. As used herein refence to a vertical orientation is to the normal orientation of a window, which may be vertical or angled from the vertical as suited to the structure in which it is mounted.

Sash windows typically comprise an outer frame for fitting to the window aperture and at least one sash panel slidably mounted within the outer frame. The sash panel comprises a glazing frame, which is slidably mounted in the outer 10 frame, and one or more glazing panes mounted within the glazing frame.

There are many different designs of sash panel windows. Traditional rectangular sliding sash windows have rectangular or square shaped upper and lower sash panels. Many of these are double hung sash panels, where both the upper and lower sash panels are able to slide in the frame, usually up and down, one in front of the other. The panels of modern rectangular sliding sash windows are able to tilt in and out for easy cleaning. This is achieved by a spring-loaded catch or like mechanism which is located in the horizontal top rail of the sash panel and which extends into the recess in the window frame to retain the panel in a vertical (normal) orientation. The catch can be released manually to allow the upper panel to tilt Sash windows with shaped upper sash panels are also available. The term "shaped" is used herein to refer to an upper sash panel having a non-rectangular or non-square top rail. As a result of the non-rectangular/square shape, existing panel retaining means are unsuitable and thus shaped sash windows tend to comprise single hung sash panels, where the upper sash panel is fixed. Conventional shaped sash window assemblies do not permit tilting nor sliding movement of the upper sash panel The bottom sash panel may be configured to slide vertically, and possibly arranged to tilt but the upper sash panel will remain fixed to the frame. Shaped sash windows are always therefore single hung.

Whilst aesthetically pleasing the configuration of such windows makes them functionally restricted.

It is a principle aim of the present invention to provide apparatus which addresses at least some of the problems discussed above and facilitates selective tilting movement of the upper panel of a shaped sash window. According to this invention there is provided apparatus for retaining a vertically slidable sash window in a vertical orientation, the apparatus comprising: 15 a sash member configured to engage a sash panel of a sash window and a frame member configured to engage a window frame of a sash window, the sash member and frame member being selectively engageable with each other and being axially slidable relative to each other to permit selective disengagement of the members wherein, when engaged, lateral movement of the members relative to the axially slidable direction is prevented.

It will be appreciated that the term "members" as used herein is a reference to both the sash member and the frame member. Similarly, the term "sash window" as used herein is a reference to the entire window assembly, including the outer frame and sash panel. References to these terms should thus be interpreted accordingly.

Preferably at least one of the members is configured fixedly to engage the sash window. In this arrangement, the other one of the members may be configured to engage the sash window in a slidable manner, i.e. unfixed, to allow relative motion between the members. In one embodiment the sash member may be configured fixedly to engage a sash panel. In this embodiment, the frame member may be configured slidably to engage the window frame of a sash window.

One or both of the members may comprise openings for the insertion of screws for retaining the member in a fixed manner. A sliding engagement of one of the members with a sash window may be achieved by ensuring that member is configured to interact with the sash window frame or sash panel frame in a laterally restrictive position. To achieve this the member may be configured partly to sit within a channel of the frame. Preferably, the frame member is configured partly to sit within a channel in a window sash.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises disengagement means to facilitate selective disengagement of the members when required. Disengagement means may be provided on one of the members. Ideally the disengagement means is provided on the member which is configured slidably to engage with the sash window. In a preferred embodiment disengagement means is provided on the frame member. The disengagement means may comprise one or more tabs, openings or recesses. Preferably the disengagement means comprises a hook or loop. The disengagement means may allow access to the member to permit it to be disengaged from the other member.

In an alternative embodiment both the sash member and frame member may be configured fixedly to engage respectively a sash panel and window frame with relative motion between the members as the sash panel moves. In this way disengagement of the members is facilitated by vertical movement of an engaged sash panel with respect to the window frame to a point at which the members have disengaged or at which lateral movement is permitted. In this embodiment, the frame member may be elongate.

Preferably, the sash member and frame member are provided with cooperating engaging means. In this arrangement, one or both of the members may comprise one or more protrusions. The protrusions and/or engaging menas may be rails. A corresponding engaging formation may be provided on one or both of the members to co-operate with the one or more protrusions. In a preferred arrangement, the engaging formation is preferably a recess of complementary size and shape to the one or more protrusion and adapted to receive the one or more protrusion therein when the sash member and frame member are engaged. A plurality of protrusions and complementary recesses may be provided. The provision of the cooperating engaging means serves to maintain engagement of the members and prevent lateral movement while also serving to allow relative sliding movement of the members A benefit of the apparatus of the present invention is that it can be retrofitted to a sash window following assembly thereof. This simplifies the manufacture process as the apparatus may be fitted to the sash window during actual installation in a window. The way that the apparatus interacts with a sash window enables fitting to be carried out at a time that most suits i.e., during manufacture of the sash window, prior to assembly in a window or after the window sash has been assembled.

The present invention finds particular benefit for use with a sash window having a shaped upper sash panel, for example with an arched or rounded top rail, in order to retain the upper panel in a vertical orientation but allow sliding and tilting when required. The apparatus can however be used for sash windows having top rails of other shapes, including basic horizontal shape, peaked shape, gothic shape, etc. According to a closely related embodiment of this invention, there is provided sash window assembly comprising: a window frame, a lower sash panel and an upper sash panel, the upper sash panel being rotationally movable between a vertical position and a tilted position characterised in that the assembly comprises apparatus as previously defined herein for selectively retaining the upper sash panel in a vertical position, the apparatus comprising a sash member arranged to engage the upper sash panel and a frame member arranged to engage the window frame, the sash and frame members being engageable with each other such that lateral movement is prevented so as to retain the upper sash panel in a vertical position, the sash member and frame member being axially slidable relative to each other to permit selective disengagement of the members and permit movement of the upper sash panel to a tilted position.

The ability of the sash member and frame member to be selectively disengagable from each other enables the upper panel of the sash window to be tilted at will from a retained vertical orientation, for example for cleaning, simply by disengaging the sash and frame members. Following disengagement, the sash member and frame member can be selectively engaged to retain the sash panel in a vertical orientation again.

Preferably, the upper sash panel is also vertically movable relative to the lower sash panel. The slidable relationship between the members and their respective engagement with the sash window may serve to facilitate such vertical movement. Ideally at least one of the members is fixed to the sash window.

In a first embodiment, one of the members may engage the sash window in a slidable manner, i.e. unfixed, to permit vertical movement of the upper sash panel with respect to the window frame. This also allows relative motion between the members without movement of the sash panel relative to the frame. The sash member may be fixed to the sash panel with the frame member slidably engaging the window frame of the sash window. In a preferred arrangement, the sash member engages the sash stile and the frame member engages the inner side of the frame or jamb. The inner side of the frame may include a recess formed therealong. This may be where the balances are located. Preferably the frame member is shaped to extend into the recess and is laterally constrained by being engaged with the sash member. Various window mechanisms, such as the balance may be located in the recess. The shape and configuration of at least part of the frame member may be such that it is complementary to that of the recess and any window part located therein thereby preventing lateral movement of the frame member when the frame member is located therein and engaged with the sash member but not obstructing those window parts.

Preferably, the apparatus of the window assembly comprises disengagement means to ease selective disengagement of the members when required. Disengagement means may be provided on one or both of the members. In the first embodiment, disengagement means may be provided on one of the members which is configured to slidably engage with the sash window.

The frame member may comprise disengagement means Preferably the disengagement means is configured to be accessible between the window frame and the sash panel. This would facilitate selective disengagement of the frame member from the sash member. The disengagement means may comprise one or more tabs, openings or recesses or other engageable feature. Preferably the disengagement means comprises a hook or loop.

In a second embodiment both members may be arranged to fixedly engage the sash window. In this way, the frame member and sash member may be engaged with the different parts of the sash window such that movement of the sash panel to a specific vertical position disengages the sash member from the frame member. That movement may be to a specific point within a movement range or it may be to beyond a normal operating range of movement.

In either embodiment, the sash member and/or frame member may be removably secured respectively to the upper sash panel and window frame, for 20 example by screws, or may be more permanently secured thereto or integrated therewith.

The present invention allows the upper sash panel to have a top rail of any shape. The upper sash panel top rail may be horizontal (sometimes referred to as rectangular or square) or shaped (i.e. non-rectangular/square). The apparatus is of particular benefit for use on a window assembly having an upper sash panel with a shaped top rail. The upper sash panel top rail may be arched or rounded and the apparatus defined herein able to retain the upper panel in a vertical orientation but allow tilting when required. The apparatus can also be used for sash windows having top rails of other shapes, including basic horizontal shape, peaked shape, gothic shape, etc. The apparatus of the present invention may be concealed in normal operation of the window so as not to adversely effect the aesthetic appearance. By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be 10 described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 to 3 show various views of a prior art catch mechanism of a rectangular sash window assembly; Figures 4 to 6 shows a first embodiment of apparatus of the present invention for retaining the sash panel of a sash window in a vertical orientation; Figure 7 shows a sash window assembly of the present invention incorporating the first embodiment of apparatus of Figures 4 to 6; Figure 8 shows a sash member fixed to the upper sash panel of the sash window assembly of Figure 7; Figure 9 shows a frame member of the first embodiment of the apparatus engaged with the frame of a sash window assembly of the present invention; Figure 10 shows a person accessing the first embodiment of apparatus by placing a tool between the window frame and the sash panels of the sash window of Figure 7; Figure 11 shows the frame member of the first embodiment of apparatus being disengaged from the sash member using the tool of Figure 10; and Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of apparatus of the present invention for retaining the sash panel of a sash window in a vertical orientation.

Figures 1 to 3 show part of a prior art traditional rectangular sliding sash window assembly 10 comprising an outer frame 11 for fitting to a window aperture (not shown). The rectangular sash window assembly 10 comprises a lower sash panel 12 (partly visible only in Figure 2) and an upper sash panel 13, both of which are slidably mounted within the outer frame 11. Attached to the top rail 14 of the upper sash panel 13 is a spring-loaded catch 15. The catch 15 includes a triangular shaped stop 16 which is biased by a spring (not visible) in a restraining position where it extends from the edge 17 of the top rail 14 of the upper sash panel 13. As best seen in Figure 3 the triangular stop 16 is configured to engage in the recess 18 in the outer frame 11 to maintain the upper sash panel 13 in a vertical orientation. The recess 18 of the outer frame 11 has a cylindrical casing 19 to house various window mechanisms. The upper sash panel 13 of this traditional sash window assembly 10 can be rotated into a tilted orientation, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 by pulling the knob 20 against the bias of the spring, thereby moving the triangular stop 16 out of the recess 18.

The present invention has been designed primarily for use with sash windows having shaped upper sash panels, i.e. having a shaped (nonrectangular/square) top rail where the catch mechanism illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 would be wholly unsuitable. In respect of these it has not feasible to provide sliding and/or tilting functionality. The apparatus of this invention could however -to -be used as an alternative to the catch 15 of the rectangular sliding sash window assembly 10 of Figures 1 to 3. Apart from the catch 15, the operating mechanisms of the prior art sash window assembly 10 discussed above remain unchanged in the present invention.

A first embodiment of apparatus of the present invention comprises a frame member 22 and a sash member 23, as best seen in Figure 4. The sash member 23 is of a generally rectangular profile when viewed from the side and has at one end 31 a generally C-shaped cross-section 24. The sash member includes a back wall 25 configured to engage the stile 26 of an upper sash panel 13 as shown in Figure 8. As best seen in Figures 8 and 11 the stile 26 of the upper sash panel 13 includes a recess 27 and the back wall 25 of the sash member 23 is appropriately sized to be received within that recess 27 with a flange 28 extending along each side edge of the sash member 23 so as to conform to the shape of the stile 26. The back wall 25 comprises two openings 29 to enable it to be fixed to the stile 26, using screws 30, as shown in Figures 8 and 11. The C-shaped cross-section 24 at one end 31 of the sash member 23 is defined by a longitudinal channel 32 which extends partly along the length of the sash panel 23. The channel 32 is appropriately sized to receive part of the frame member 22 slidably therein.

The frame member 22 is appropriately sized and designed to be partly received in the recess 18 of the outer frame 11 and thereby slidably to engage with the outer frame 11 of the sash window. The frame member 22 has a curved profile 35 corresponding to the shape of the cylindrical spring balance casing 19 in the recess 18 of the outer frame 11.

-11 -The frame member 22 includes an engaging formation in the form of a T-shaped rail 36 of complementary size and shape to the channel 32 formed in the sash member 23. The rail 36 of the frame member 22 can be slidably engaged within the channel 32 of the sash member. The channel 32 in the sash member 23 does not extend through the entire length of the sash member 23 so that the relative movement of the sash member 23 and frame member 22 is limited in that direction.

The frame member 22 includes a loop 37 which extends from the upper end 38 thereof. The loop 37 is provided to facilitate operative interengagement 10 with the frame member to facilitate its disengagement from the sash member 23 to allow the upper sash panel 13 of a sash window assembly to be tilted.

The apparatus of the present invention serves to retain the upper sash panel 13 of a sash window in a vertical orientation, as shown in Figure 7. Rotation of the upper sash panel 13 to a tilted position is achieved by disengaging the frame member 22 from the sash member 23. As best seen in Figures 10 and 11, this is accomplished by inserting a tool 40 between the outer frame 11 and the upper sash panel 13 and using the tool 40 to hook the loop 37 of the frame member 22. Once hooked, the frame member 22 can be lifted away from the sash member 23 to disengage the members 22, 23 from each other. With the members 22, 23 disengaged the upper sash panel 13 is free to rotate to a tilted position.

Although the frame member will stay engaged with the sash member by gravity, it is also possible to lock it in place with one or more screw extending laterally through both parts. This would prevent relative sliding until the one or more screw is removed. The or each screw can be inserted and removed by inserting a tool between the outer frame 11 and the upper sash panel 13, to engage the screw head.

A second embodiment of apparatus of the present invention is shown in Figure 12. In this embodiment the sash member 23 is largely the same as the first embodiment and is fixed to the upper sash panel 13 in the same way as previously described. The only difference with the sash member 23 in this embodiment is that the channel 32 defined therein is not blocked at one end and instead extends through the entire length of the sash member 23.

The frame member 42 in this embodiment differs in that it is elongate and is designed also to fixedly engage to the sash window assembly; as such there is no disengaging loop. The frame member 42 may include openings (not visible) for fixings such as screws to enable it to be fixed in the recess 18 of the outer frame 11 or may be secured in the recess 18 by some other means, such as adhesive.

In this embodiment, the frame member 42 again includes an engaging formation in the form of a shaped rail 44 of complementary size and shape to the channel 32 formed in the sash member 23. The rail 44 of the frame member 42 can be slidably engaged within the channel 32 of the sash member. Sliding is possible in in one axial direction only.

The frame member 42 may be a single elongate member (as illustrated in Figure 12) or may be formed from one or more elongate parts fixed in the recess 18 of the outer frame 11 at specific points. In the arrangement illustrated the frame member 42 is configured to extend only partly along the recess 18 of the outer frame 11, thereby leaving part of the recess 43 exposed. Where the rail 44 is formed from two or more discrete parts (either by forming from separate fame members or by having a single frame member with a discontinuous rail), the size of any gap in the rail 44 may be configured to correspond to the size of the sash 5 member 23 so that the sash member 23 can be disengaged from the frame member 42 by moving the upper sash panel 13 to a specific vertical position where the sash member 23 is positioned in the gap. When the sash member 23 is no longer engaged with the rail, the upper sash panel 13 is no longer restrained in a vertical orientation and can be tilted appropriately. The disengagement of 10 the sash member from the rail can also be achieved by movement of the sash panel to a point where the sash member has slid of the end of the rail.

In all embodiments, engagement of the frame member 22, 42 with the sash member 23 following disengagement thereof can be easily achieved. With the first embodiment of apparatus the frame member 22 can be located back in the recess 18 of the outer frame 11 and, once the upper sash panel 13 is in a vertical orientation, the rail 36 of the frame member 22 can be slidably engaged into the channel 32 of the sash member. In the second embodiment of apparatus, to reengage the members 42, 23 the upper sash panel 13 needs to be rotated back into a vertical position and then vertically slid to enable the sash member 23 to engage the frame member 42.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for retaining a vertically slidable sash window in a vertical orientation, the apparatus comprising: a sash member configured to engage a sash panel of a sash window and a frame member configured to engage a window frame of a sash window, the sash member and frame member being selectively engageable with each other and being axially slidable relative to each other to permit selective disengagement of the members wherein, when engaged, lateral movement of the members relative to the axially slidable direction is prevented.
-no 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sash member is configured fixedly to engage a sash panel.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame member is configured slidably to engage the window frame of a sash window.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the frame member includes 15 disengagement means.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the disengagement means comprises one or more holes, recesses, loop or hook.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame member is configured fixedly to engage the frame of a sash window.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the frame member is elongate.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein one of the sash member and frame member comprises a protrusion and the other of the sash member and frame member comprises a corresponding engaging formation.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the engaging formation has a recess of complementary size and shape to the protrusion and adapted to receive the protrusion therein when the sash member and frame member are engaged.
10. A sash window assembly comprising: a window frame, a lower sash panel and an upper sash panel, the upper sash panel being rotationally movable between a vertical position and a tilted position, characterised in that the assembly comprises apparatus for selectively retaining the upper sash panel in a vertical position, the apparatus comprising a sash member arranged to engage the upper sash panel and a frame member arranged to engage the window frame, 10 the sash member and frame member being engageable with each other such that lateral movement is prevented so as to retain the upper sash panel in a vertical position, the sash member and frame member being axially slidable relative to each other to permit selective disengagement of the members and permit movement of the upper sash panel to a tilted position.
11. A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the upper sash panel is vertically movable relative to the lower sash panel.
12. A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the sash member is fixed to the sash panel.
13. A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the frame member is slidably engaged with the window frame.
14 A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the frame member comprises disengagement means.
15. A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the disengagement means are configured to be accessible between the window frame and the sash panels to facilitate selective disengagement of the frame member from the sash member.
16 A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the frame member is configured fixedly to engage the frame of a sash window.
17. A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 16, when dependent upon claim 11, wherein the frame member and sash member are configured such that movement of the upper sash panel to a specific vertical position disengages the sash member from the frame member.
18. A sash window assembly as claimed in any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the 10 upper sash panel is shaped.
19. A sash window assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the upper sash panel is arched.