AU2012202839A1 - Improvements in Window Fittings - Google Patents

Abstract

Patent Application Number 2012202839 A window limiting device for a window, wherein the window Includes a movable sash hingedly linked to a frame, the window limiting device including, a sash mounting, and an elongate arm, and a frame mounting, wherein the frame mounting is linked to the sash mounting via the arm and wherein the frame mounting Is provided with an aperture through which the arm may pass, characterised in that the arm is pivotally linked to the sash mounting such that the arm may move in a first plane and at least one other plane. e~1 r w C r C C, r

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN WINDOW FITTINGS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to improvements in window fittings. The invention has particular application to window limiting devices, otherwise known as window restrictors. 5 BACKGROUND ART Windows, as used in the majority of dwellings or other buildings, consist of a fixed frame and a sash which is movable within the frame. The sash may be hinged to one side of the vertical uprights of the frame, much like a door, and this type of window is referred to as a "casement" window. If a sash is hinged 10 from the top horizontal portion of the frame, this is what is referred to as an "awning" window. In both types of windows, it Is important to brace or otherwise secure the sash when it is open in order to limit its extent of travel, The window will also need to be secured once closed. Failure to do so could result in the inadvertent opening, or further movement, of 15 the sash should wind or other forces act upon it. Window limiting devices, also known as window restrictors, are often used in conjunction with a window fastener to limit the opening of the sash relative to the frame of a window, as well as securing the sash while closed. Usually the window fastener, being secured to the sash, engages with the window frame to prevent the sash from moving away from 20 the frame. These window limiting devices are mounted to the bottom horizontal portion of the frame and sash (usually, but not always, awning windows) or the vertical portions of the frame (usually, but not always, casement windows). 2 The window limiting device includes an arm linking the window sash to the window frame, and which limits the extent of travel of the sash relative to the frame. The length of the arm determines how far the windows may be opened. The sash of an awning window (depending on the size of the sash) can drop slightly 5 relative to the frame as the window is opened. This can place stress on the window limiting device, particularly where they are secured to the frame and the drop of the sash is not allowed for. Many window frames are provided with a rubber seal about the perimeter of the frame, against which the sash abuts in a closed position. This helps alleviate any draughts and 10 seals against water ingress. However, the seal also provides some resiliency against which the sash must be biased In order to close the window. This effectively places the window fastener under tension. The window fastener acts against the seal by the fastener being rotated from an open position to a closed position (the closed position being when the fastener engages with the frame). This compresses 15 the seal, an action referred to by persons skilled in the art as "pull in." When the fastener is released, the sash can spring out relatively quickly. This is why window limiting devices are generally used in conjunction with a window fastener, so that they may provide both a window limiting function when open and a pull in function when closed. 20 Conventional surface mounted window limiting devices are often provided with a multitude of positions or stops at which a portion of the arm of the window limiting device may be temporarily fixed. This allows the user to control how far open the window may be according to their preference. However, these conventional window limiting devices can often be difficult to articulate, 25 particularly when two are used on a window frame, one for each side of the sash. These 3 limiting devices use a combination of protrusions and recesses to allow the width of the opening to be set to a predetermined width. As a consequence, the travel of the arm of the window limiting device can be clumsy and disruptive as often it will engage with the recesses which is undesirable if the sash 5 is to be opened to its maximum. Some window limiting devices are concealed within the frame and sash. Such devices can be difficult to install due to the requirement to have them mounted at equal heights when securing each end of the device to the frame and sash. This is because they can only be Installed when the window is open. This makes alignment of the frame portion 10 and the sash portion of the device difficult due to the arc the window can swing through. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. All references, including any patents or patent applications which may be cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any 15 reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge In 20 the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements Integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 25 4 Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present Invention there is provided a window limiting 5 device for a window, wherein the window includes a movable sash hingedly linked to a frame, the window limiting device including, a sash mounting, and an elongate arm, and a frame mounting, wherein the frame mounting is linked to the sash mounting via the 10 arm and wherein the frame mounting is provided with an aperture through which the arm may pass, characterised in that the arm is pivotally linked to the sash mounting such that the arm may move in a first plane and at least one other plane. 15 The present invention is a window limiting device, which may also be known as a window rostriotor. The window limiting device acts to limit the travel of the sash of a window relative to the frame of the window, as well as providing "pull in" when the sash is being closed. This is achieved without requiring a separate fastener for the desired pull in effect. 20 However, the use of the present invention with a window is not meant to be limiting, and the present Invention could be used for doors or the like with minimal modifications. A window should be understood to consist of a window frame into which a movable sash is located. 5 The window frame consists of two vertical members (jambs) joined at their ends by two horizontal members to form an open rectangle or square. The bottom horizontal member Is referred to as a sill, while the top horizontal member is the head. The sash carries the glazing of the window, and like the frame, the sash is formed from 5 two pairs of vertical and horizontal members. The vertical members are known as stiles and the horizontal members as rails. The window frame is provided with a seal against which the sash bears when the window is closed and secured. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the window Is an awning window. 10 This should be understood to mean a window in which the sash is hinged from the head of the window frame. However, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention that the invention be used with a casement window, in which the sash is hinged from one of the jambs of the window frame. The sash mounting should be understood to mean the portion of the window limiting 15 device that is secured to the bottom rail of the window sash. The sash mounting is configured to receive one end of the arm of the window limiting device such that the arm is able to move in at least two planes. The term plane should be understood to mean a direction of travel. For example, a conventional door hinge has a single direction of travel (back and forth In a horizontal 20 plane or direction). In some embodiments of the present invention, the arm is mounted such that it has two planes of travel; a first in a substantially vertIcal plane and a second in a substantially horizontal plane. 6 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the arm is mounted such that it can move in a variety of planes or directions between vertical and horizontal planes. Preferably, the sash mounting includes a socket or similar structure which engages with one end of the arm to allow for the pivotal mounting of the arm relative to the sash 5 mounting. The socket should be understood to mean a structure which traps the end of the arm between the socket and the window sash, while still allowing movement of the arm. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the arm and sash mounting engage as a bell-joint. The inventor has found that this bell-joint arrangement provides the arm 10 wlth sufficient articulation relative to the sash mounting to allow for a wide range of movements. However, this is not meant to be limiting and other ways of providing a range of movements for the arm relative to the sash mounting. In preferred embodiments of the present Invention, the interior of the socket Is a substantially spherical recess. 15 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the sash mounting Includes an aperture through which the arm of the invention may pass. In some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the socket opens into the recess, This assists with the installation of the present invention. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aperture is situated at the base 20 of the socket recess, It should be understood that the socket tapers inwardly from the base of the socket in a configuration similar to that of a cone. Thus, during installation of the invention, the arm Is passed through the aperture from the rear side of the sash mounting (the side facing the sash). The socket traps the ball joint end of the arm. 7 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aperture of the sash mounting is dimensioned to be slightly larger than the height and width of a major portion of the arm, when viewed from its (the arm) end. However, the ball joint end of the arm is specifically dimensioned to be unable to pass through the aperture. 5 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the sash mounting is provided with a handle to allow a person to open, close and pull in the window with which the present invention is to be used. However, it should be appreciated that this is not essential to the functioning of the present invention. In preferred embodiments of the present Invention, the sash mounting is formed as a 10 substantially unitary member (aside from the fastenings required to fix the sash mounting to the bottom rail of the sash). This simplifies manufacture of this component. In some embodiments of the present invention, the socket may be formed as two or move components for ease of manufacture. However, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention that the sash mounting be 15 formed from a plurality of components, fitted around a sash mounting chassis. In particular, the outer faces of the sash mounting, which are the most visible parts of the sash mounting once fitted, may be provided as separate components to be fixed to the chassis of the sash mounting. This allows the external appearance of the sash mounting to be changed to cater for different styles. 20 In some cases, these separate components may be configured to engage with the sash mounting frame in a "snap-lock" arrangement, not requiring fastening members. These could then be used to hide the fasteners, such as screws, which are necessary to secure the sash mounting or the frame of the sash mounting to the sash. The arm should be understood to mean an elongate member, having a first and second 25 end. When the window is opened, the length of the arm approximates the limit of travel of the sash, assuming the arm is engaged at both ends. 8 The arm can be of any suitable elongate shape and profile, Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that so long as the essential features of the arm remain, the main body of the arm can be shaped to cater for current and future styling trends. The first end of the arm should be understood to engage with the sash mounting such s that the arm can be articulated in at least two directions. Preferably, the first end of the arm Is provided with a curved structure which engages with the socket on the sash mounting to form a ball-joint to allow for the pivotal mounting of the arm. Preferably, the first end of the arm is provided with a substantially spherical ball, 10 complementary to the spherical recess in the interior of the socket of the sash mounting. The ball engages with the socket of the sash mounting, allowing the arm to be articulated in a number of planes. However, it should be appreciated that only a portion of the surface of the ball is spherical due to the need to link the ball to the arm. The ball may be provided integrally with the arm as a single component, or as a 15 separate component which is connected or otherwise linked to the first end of the arm. It should be appreciated that the linking element between the ball and the arm must be configured to allow some hinging movement. In preferred embodiments of the present Invention, the ball is provided with a peg like protrusion arising from a portion of its surface. This peg engages with a complementary 20 fitting provided on the first end of the arm. Preferably, the peg is configured to allow a hinging movement of the ball and peg relative to the arm. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this may be achieved in a number of ways. For example, in preferred embodiments of the present Invention, the end of the peg is provided with an aperture through which a pin passes. The ends of 25 the pin are held in loops on the end of the arm. 9 This allows the ball to move relative to the arm from an offset position, when the window is closed to an orientation where the peg is substantially in the same plane as the centreline of the arm. It should be appreciated that the peg must be long enough to ensure sufficient 5 clearance between the sash mounting and the arm as the ball-joint moves. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, pivotal mounting of the arm may be achieved through the use of a "universal joint". Persons skilled in the art will understand a universal joint to mean a pair of hinges, orientated at 90' to each other and linked via a cross-shaft. It will be appreciated that 10 one end of the arm is formed with one hinge, with a cross-member linking it to a hinge rotatably connected to the sash. This alternative arrangement also allows for the pivotal mounting of the arm. It should be understood that this allows the second end of the arm to be articulated in a variety of planes relative to the first end of the arm, depending on the relative movement 15 of the window sash. In the context of the present invention, planes should be understood to mean direction of travel. This is an important feature of the present invention, as it should be appreciated that the vertical distance of the sash mounting, and therefore the first end of the arm, changes relative to the sill mounting as the window opens and closes. Thus not only is the sash 20 moving In a horizontal plane as the window opens and closes, it is moving in a vertical plane while allowing the arm to rotate relative to the sash mounting. This same feature compensates for the drop that may occur as the sash moves away from the frame, and also allows the present invention to be used with windows of varying sizes without any modifications. 25 10 Configuring the arm to allow for pivotal movement of the arm in at least two or more planes compensates for this. The use of a ball socket, as in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, allows the second end of the arm to move in a multitude of directions. 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, the ball is mounted to the arm such that it is permanently slightly offset from the centreline of the arm. Such an arrangement favours the use of a ball which is integral to the arm. An offset ball limits the direction In which the arm can pivot, as the arm cannot pivot in a direction away from the ball. The arm can only pivot In a direction favouring the ball, 10 and thus in this respect the ball acts as a hinge, although a hinge also allowing movement in a substantially vertical plane (up and down) as well as horizontal (to the side). In preferred embodiments of the present invention, when the window is open, the ball is mounted to the arm via a peg or similar structure such that it may temporarily be in 15 substantially the same orientation of the centreline of the arm. This is preferred for packaging reasons, as in the initial movement of opening the window, an offset ball will require more depth in which to pivot. Furthermore, an offset ball may also compromise the extent to which the socket encapsulates the ball. When an offset ball is provided, a portion of the socket must be 20 removed in order to ensure the portion of the bell connecting to the arm has sufficient space for movement of the end of the arm. This can affect the structural integrity of the ball-joint. Having the ball linked to the arm via the peg, the peg allowing pivotal movement, means the socket can more completely surround the ball. This provides a more robust ball-joint 25 between the arm and the sash mounting. 11 Another advantage of having the ball and peg as a separate structure from the arm is the simplification of assembly. It is not necessary to pass the arm of the invention through the aperture of the sash mounting, just the peg and ball. Reference has been made in this specification to the first end of the arm being formed 5 or otherwise linked to a ball which engages with a socket on the sash mounting. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention that this arrangement be reversed; the end of the arm may be provided with a socket with which a ball mates. A portion of the ball Is provided with the peg which is linked to the sash mounting via a hinge like structure. In preferred embodiments the present invention, the ball is formed from one or more 10 parts to simplify the Installation of the invention. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the arm and ball is formed as a unitary member with the ball being either in-line with the arm or offset. Preferably, the arm includes one or more elongate recesses along the top and bottom sides of the arm, running along the length of the arm. These recesses engage with 15 guides provided in the frame mounting, which is discussed later in this specification. However, this is not strictly required and other means for guiding the arm such that It travels smoothly will be readily envisaged by persons skilled in the art. For example, the aperture through which the arm travels may be provided with protrusions forming a channel through the arm moves, 20 Preferably the arm includes a stop at its end of the elongate recesses to halt movement of the arm. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the recesses are provided with a series of detents or depressions. These engage with a corresponding protrusion on the frame mounting. This feature acts to slow the travel of the arm in the event the person 25 operating the window loses grip of the sash mounting. 12 On a particularly heavy window, the sudden stop that may be experienced when the arm reaches the limit of its travel may damage the components of the present invention if no speed retarding means is provided. It also allows the user to set the extent to which the window is open according to their particular preference, 5 The frame mounting should be understood to mean the portion of the window limiting device that is secured to the window frame. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the frame mounting is fixed to the sill of the window frame. However, this is not meant to be limiting, as the frame mounting may be secured to the jambs of the window frame, or in some cases, the head of the 10 window frame. For ease of reference, the frame mounting shall now be referred to throughout the remainder of the specification as a sill mounting. The arm, connected to the sash mounting via the ball-joint, is configured to engage with the frame mounting thereby linking the frame mounting to the sash mounting. The sill mounting includes an aperture through which the arm may pass. The aperture 15 extends to the side of the sill mounting. This is an important feature of the invention. As the window closes, the second end of the arm gradually moves through an arc such that once closed, the arm is parallel with the sash and provides pull in against the seal. This is why, in preferred embodiments of the present invention the ball of the arm is linked to the arm by a peg, which itself is able to slightly hinge. This allows the arm to 20 pivot around such that the arm is parallel with the sash, without being limited by the main length of the arm. The same effect can be achieved by having the ball slightly offset from the centrellne of the arm. However, this means that the depth of the sill and sash mounting is greater and may compromise the overall packaging of the invention. 13 Configuring the aperture of the sill mounting so that it extends to the side of the sill mounting further ensures a tidy appearance of the window limiting device when it is Installed. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the recesses of the arm engage with 5 guides provided from the top and bottom sides of the aperture of the frame mounting. These guides help ensure that the movement of the arm is relatively controlled as the sash opens and closes. They may also engage with detents provided in the recesses of the arm, or a dedicated protrusion may be provided for this. The sill mounting of the present invention may Include a locking mechanism to prevent 10 the arm being moved from a closed position (against the sash) to an open position (perpendicular to the sash). This also ensures the sash remains pulled in against the seal of the window. Integrating the locking mechanism with the sill mounting does away with the need for a separate fastener or the Ilke to keep the sash pulled in. The locking mechanism may be a detent, bolt or the like which engages with a recess or 15 protrusion in the arm to lock the arm in position relative to the sill mounting when the window is closed. The detent or bolt must be activated or otherwise withdrawn by the user before the window may be opened. In embodiments of the present invention in which It Is present, the locking mechanism is preferably provided on the opposite side of the sill mounting to the aperture. This 20 means the locking mechanism engages wlth the first end of the arm when the window is closed. In other embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism may be a tab or a bolt biased by an expansion spring or the like that the user may grip in order to release the arm. However, this is not meant to be limiting and other locking mechanisms will be 25 readily envisaged by persons skilled in the art. In some instances, using a spring loaded tab or bolt is preferable, as this automates the locking process when the sash is 14 being closed. The user does not need to manually engage the mechanism when pulling In the sash. Instead, as the end of the arm moves adjacent to the locking mechanism, the biasing force of the spring acts to move the tab or bolt into the recess provided in the first and of 5 the arm. In some embodiments of the present invention, the looking mechanism may be operable using a key or special tool. Alternatively, in addition to the locking mechanism described above, the invention may provide a second looking mechanism which is operable using a key or special tool. 10 In such embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a rotatable plate or tab that engages with a complementary recess in the arm when rotated in a certain direction. Other means of locking the arm relative to the sill mounting will be readily envisaged by a person skilled in the art. A locking mechanism that is only operable with a key or special tool is useful as it allows 15 control of access to the window, thus preventing young children or other persons without access to the key for the locking mechanism from tampering with the window. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism is simply a protrusion from one side of the first end of the arm. The protrusion engages with a co operating structure on the sill mounting when the window is closed. To disengage the 20 locking mechanism, the user slightly pushes the arm towards the sash. Because in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ball is hinged to the arm, the first end of the arm has sufficient play in which to move such that the protrusion disengages from the sill mounting. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the arm is 25 provided with a retainer or similar member that engages with the sill mounting when the 15 arm reaches the extent of its travel. This retainer prevents the second end of the arm from disengaging entirely from the sill mounting. If the retainer Is not present, the present invention cannot limit the travel of the window. 5 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the retainer is in the form of a protrusion on the second end of the arm, the protrusion being at right angles to the main body of the arm. The inner face of this protrusion bears against or otherwise engages with a tab or similar protrusion extending into the aperture of the sill mounting. Other ways of preventing the arm from disengaging from the sill mounting will be readily 1o envisaged by a person skilled in the art. For example, the arm may be provided with a second locking bolt that is activated when the sash is open to prevent disengagement of the arm. To prevent inadvertent closure of the window, either through gravity, wind or a person pushing against the exterior of the window, in the embodiments of the invention that 15 utilise the looking mechanism to prevent undesired opening of the window, the locking mechanism may engage with a suitably configured recess or protrusion in the second end of the arm. Alternatively, the hinges allowing movement of the sash relative to the frame may provide sufficient frictional resistance or rely on gravity to generally prevent casual 20 closure of the window. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the arm may be configured to pivot, via a pin or the like, relative to the main body of the arm. To prevent accidental pivoting of the second end of the arm, the pivoting mechanism may only be operable via a biasing device such as a spring, lock or the like that supports the second 25 end of the arm when in a perpendicular position. This feature also allows the arm to be 16 disengaged from the sill mounting, if necessary, For example, the window may be required to be opened greater than the window limiting device would ordinarily allow. In other embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the arm may be provided with a structure to function as a handle with which the user can operate the 5 invention, In some embodiments, the structure may be a protrusion or peg. In other embodiments, it may be a recess approximating the size of the user's fingers. Ultimately, the structure may be configured to complement the overall styling of the invention. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the sill mounting is provided with a 10 chassis to which the various components may be fastened, The sill mounting can then be provided with a separate housing for a tidy and stylish finish. This allows the appearance of the sill mounting to be changed according to the styling trends at the time of Installation, The housing may also carry indicia, such as trade marks or the like, reflecting the source or manufacturer of the window limiting device. 15 To Install the invention, the user locates and secures the sash mounting to the bottom rail of the sash. Prior to fixing the sash mounting, the arm is passed through the sash mounting, ensuring the ball engages with the socket. Once the sash mounting is secured to the appropriate portion of the sash (the bottom rail or the jamb as the case may be), it substantially or completely captures the ball in 20 the socket and only allows movement of the ball, and therefore arm, in predetermined planes. The sill mounting can then be secured to the sill of the window frame after the sash mounting. In some instances, placement of the sill mounting can be achieved prior to installation of the window or during replacement of existing window fittings. 17 It is only necessary to align the sill mounting with the sash mounting to ensure the arm, being pivotally attached to the sash mounting, passes correctly through the sill mounting to enable the proper functioning of the locking mechanism and pull in function. Because the sash mounting is already secured in place, the alignment is straightforward 5 and can be achieved by aligning the vertical and top edges of both the sash and sill mountings. When closed such that the sill and sash mounting abut each other and the sash bears against the window seal, the arm extends to one side of the window limiting device. To open the window, the user operates the locking mechanism. io In preferred embodiments, this disengages a protrusion or tab at the first end of the arm out of a recess or away from a protrusion in the sill mounting. In most cases, the window will then "pop" open slightly as the energy within the rubber seal bounding the frame, and against which the sash bears, is released from compression. The user can then grab the handle of either the sash mounting or the arm to move the 15 sash away from the frame. The arm, being mounted at one end to the sash via the sash mounting, will then move through the sill mounting. The guides of the sill mounting ensures that the movement of the arm through the sill mounting is smooth and controlled. The arm is prevent from disengaging from the sill mounting via the protrusions of the sill 20 mounting engaging with the retainer at the second end of the arm. A further protrusion on the sill mounting prevents the arm from moving back into a closed position, The present invention offers a number of advantages over the prior art. In particular, the present invention: * is easy to assemble and install; 18 f compensates for the slight drop that can occur when the sash is initially opened relative to the frame; * compensates for windows of varying sizes: * does away with the need to use an additional device or devices to provide pull in 5 of the sash against the seal when moving the window from an open position to a securely closed position; & provides a tidy solution to the overall appearance of the window limiting device; * is easy to adapt for changes in styling trends by replacing the housing of the sill and sash mountings; 10 0 provides a straightforward means for the easy disengagement, if desired, of the arm of the window limiting device from the sill mounting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the 15 accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention in a fully extended position; 20 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention in a fully extended position; Figure 4 shows a perspective exploded view of the sash mounting of the present Invention; 19 Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the present 5 invention; Figure 8 shows a front view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;. Figure 9 shows a cross-section along line A-A of the fourth embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 8; 10 Figure 10 shows a top view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A number of embodiments of the Invention are described in the following figures. Parts common to each embodiment retain the number with which they were originally 15 identified. Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention (generally indicated by arrow 1) in an exploded view. The window limiting device (1) Includes a sash mounting (2), which when installed on a sash of a window (not shown), would be held in place by fasteners such as screws (3) or 20 the like, A sill mounting (4) is similarly fixed to the sill of the window frame (not shown) with which the invention (1) is to be used, using suitable fasteners such as screws (3). 20 The sill mounting (4) is provided with a housing (5), which can be used to alter the appearance of the invention (1) if necessary as a result of changes in styling trends. The sash mounting (2) is linked to the sill mounting (4) by an arm (6), the first and (7) of which engages with a socket (8) in the sash mounting via a ball (9 - shown here 5 separate from the arm (6), together with the fastener (10) that fixes the ball (9) to the arm). The arm (6) is provided with an elongate recess (11) along its upper side (12), which engages with guides (13) provided on the inner faces (14) defining an aperture (15) in the sill mounting (4). The arm (6) Is slideably moveable through this aperture (15). 10 The second end (16) of the arm (6) is configured with a retainer (17) that abuts an interior face (18) of the sill mounting (4) when it reaches the limit of its travel, linking the arm (6) to the sash mounting (2). The retainer (17) is biased by a spring (19), such that the retainer (17) can pivot about an axle (20) against the arm (6), reducing its footprint such that the arm is now able to 15 move entirely through the aperture (15) and disconnecting It from the sill mounting (4) if necessary (for example, during installation or disassembly). The sill mounting (4) Includes a locking mechanism (21) which is biased by a spring (22). This mechanism (21) is provided with a tab (23) that engages with a recess (not shown) in the end of the first end (7) of the arm (6) when the window sash (not shown) 20 abuts against the sill of the window (not shown), as would happen when the window is pulled in. Turning now to Figure 2, the present invention (1) Is illustrated with the arm (6) at its fullest extent of travel. At its first end (7), the arm (6) is secured to the sash mounting (2) via the ball (9) and socket (8) to form a ball joint (24), This allows the arm (6) to 25 articulate in a number of different directions, but particularly in both horizontal and 21 vertical directions at the same time. In particular, the ball joint (24) compensates for the difference in projected movement that may occur in small or larger awning windows when the sash (a representative depiction is Indicated by dashed lines 25) is initially opened. 5 It will be appreciated in this view that the arm (6) includes a recess (26) along its side face (27). This recess (26) engages with the protrusion (28) of the sill mounting (4 shown fitted to a representative sill indicated by dashed lines 29) as the window sash (25) is being closed. When opening, the arm (6) gradually pivots away from the protrusion (28) of the sill 10 mounting (4) such by the time it reaches the end of the recess (26) it is no longer engaged with the protrusion (28). The present Invention Is better appreciated in Figure 3, which shows a perspective view of the present invention (1) when fully extended. In this view it can appreciated that the guides (13) of the sill mounting (4) engage with 15 the elongate recesses (11) provided along the top and bottom sides of the arm (6). Also visible in this view is the tab (23) of the locking mechanism (21) which, when the arm (6) is positioned flat against the window sash (not shown - which occurs when the window sash is closed), engages with a suitable recess (not shown) at the first end (7) of the arm (6) - proximate to the ball joint (24). 20 One of the key advantages of the present invention is derived from the ball joint linkage (24) between the arm (6) and the sash mounting (2), as depicted in Figure 4, which allows the arm (6) to be articulated in a number of directions. Here, it will be appreciated that the ball (9) of the arm (6) is fastened to the arm (6) via a fastener (10) passing through the ball (9) to secure it to the arm (6). A snap lock fitting 22 (30) completes the substantially spherical shape of the ball (9). The socket (8) of the sash mounting (2) Is configured with a narrow neck (31) to ensure that once the sash mounting (2) is fitted to the sash (not shown), the ball (9) is substantially encompassed and cannot become disengaged from the sash mounting 5 (not shown). However, being shaped as a ball-joint (24), this allows the arm (6) to pivot relative the sash mounting (2), and therefore the sash, In a number of different directions. The sash mounting (2) includes a user gripping portion (32), that allows the sash mounting (2) to easily be gripped by persons (not shown) opening and closing the 10 window (not shown). Additionally, it will be seen that the first end (7) of the arm (6) is provided with a protrusion (33) with which the locking mechanism (21) of the sill mounting (not shown) engages. When the locking mechanism (not shown) engages with the protrusion (33), this prevents pivotal movement of the arm (6) from a closed position to an open position. 15 Figure 5 shows a variant of the present invention (1), in which it can be appreciated how easily the housing (5) of the sill mounting (hidden by the housing 5) can be adapted to cater for varying styling trends. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that sills can come in a variety of cross sections, and the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figures 1 to 4 Is positioned on 20 a vertical component of the sill. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the housing (5) is provided with a ledge (34) to better position the invention to a horizontal portion of the sill of a window frame (not shown). Figure 6 shows a further variant on the present invention (1). In addition to the locking 25 mechanism (21), the sill mounting (4) includes a key lock (35). Rotation of the key (not 23 shown) causes the lock's tumbler (not shown) to withdraw from a suitable recess within the arm (6) of the window limiting device (1). Figures 7 and 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention (1) in which the sash mounting (2), sill mounting (4) and arm (6) have variations from what has 5 previously been described, In this embodiment, the arm (6) is provided with a detent insert (36) as a separate component, although it will be recognised that the arm could be provided with integral detents if so desired. The detents of the insert (36) engage with protrusions (not shown) on the sill mounting (4). 10 The arm (6) also Includes at Its first end (7) a tab (37). This engages with a recess (38) in the sill mounting (4), and in use, provides a looking mechanism. The arm (6) Includes a ball (9). The ball Is provided with a peg like protrusion (39) with an aperture (40). The peg (39) is inserted in a hinge like fitting (41) on the arm (6) and is secured in place with a pin (42) passing through the hinge (41) and aperture (40). 15 The pin (42) allows the ball (9) to pivot relative to the arm (6). In this embodiment, the hinge (41) is separate to the arm (6), but it will be recognised by a person skilled In the art that the hinge could be Integral with the arm (6). The ball (9) is dimensioned to fit into the two halves (8a, 8b) of the socket, which in turn passes through the aperture (43) In the sash mounting (2). The socket halves (8a, 8b) 20 are slightly tapered to ensure the ball (9) is trapped within once the sash mounting (2) and arm (6) has been mated. It should be appreciated that in contrast to the embodiments of the Invention previously described, the socket (8a, 8b) fully encompasses the ball (9). This makes for a more robust joint between the ball (9) and socket (8a, 8b). 25 24 Figure 9 is a cross-section view of the invention along line A-A of Figure 8. Here it will be seen that this view represents the invention (1) in a closed state. The ball (9) is trapped by the halves of the socket (only Ba visible in this view). However, the peg (39) is not perpendicular to the socket (8a) but at an oblique angle. 5 This is due to the use of the hinge (41) and pin (42) which allows pivotal movement of the peg (39) relative to the arm. Also visible in this view is the tab (37) of the arm (6) engaging with the recess (38) of the sill mounting (4). Figure 10 shows a top view of the embodiment of the invention described in Figures 7 to 10 9 In an open state. It can be sent that the peg (39) of the ball (9) is substantially in line with the centreline of the arm (6). Furthermore, the ball (9) has rotated within the socket (8a, 8b) due to the movement of the sash mounting (2) relative to the sill mounting (4). The second end (16) of the arm (6) is provided with a recess (43) for the user's fingers (not shown) to operate the arm. 15 Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 25

Claims (17)

1. A window limiting device for a window, wherein the window Includes a movable sash hingedly linked to a frame, the window limiting device including, a sash mounting, and an elongate arm, and a frame mounting, wherein the frame mounting is linked to the sash mounting via the arm and wherein the frame mounting Is provided with an aperture through which the arm may pass, characterised in that the arm is pivotally linked to the sash mounting such that the arm may move in a first plane and at least one other plane.

2. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm has a first and and a second end.

3. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sash mounting includes a socket configured to engage with the first end of the arm.

4. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 3 wherein a first end of the arm is provided with a curved surface configured to engage with the sash mounting.

5. A window limiting device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein a first end of the arm is provided with a ball configured to engage with the sash mounting. 26 James & Wells Ref:132630/47

6. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ball includes a peg extending from a surface of the ball.

7. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the peg is linked to the arm via a hinge.

8. A window limiting device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the second end of the arm Is configured with a protrusion to engage with a surface of the frame mounting when in use, thereby acting as a stop to prevent further movement of the arm.

9. A window limiting device as claImed In any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the arm includes one or more elongate recesses.

10. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the frame mounting includes a guide configured to engage with the elongate recesses.

11. A window limiting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the arm includes a plurality of detents.

12. A window limiting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the device includes a locking mechanism.

13. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 12 wherein a portion of the first end of the arm is configured with a protrusion or tab.

14. A window limiting device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the frame mounting includes a recess configured to engage with the protrusion when in use, thereby locking the arm relative to the frame mounting.

15. A window Ilmiting device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the locking mechanism is operable with a tool or key. 27 James & Wells Ref:132630/47

16. A window limiting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sash mounting includes a user gripping means.

17. A window limiting device substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying figures. 28