EP2085547A1

EP2085547A1 - Friction stay for side-hung or tilt/turn windows

Info

Publication number: EP2085547A1
Application number: EP08101029A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yiannis Constantinides
Original assignee: Ac Technometal Ltd
Current assignee: Ac Technometal Ltd
Priority date: 2008-01-29
Filing date: 2008-01-29
Publication date: 2009-08-05

Abstract

A window stay having an adjustable friction setting comprises a guide (100) arranged to be secured to a window frame and a friction slider (400) arranged to move freely inside the guide. The friction slider further comprises friction generating means and adjustable control means. The adjustable control means further comprises a friction setting means (704) and a friction adjusting means (700) and controls the amount of friction generated by the friction generating means, thereby controlling the freedom of movement of the friction slider within the guide.

Description

The invention relates to a stay, mainly for use on side-hung or tilt/turn windows of the type with and without Euro-groove, featuring a water drainage system, an installation preset opening/closing friction adjustment and an operator controlled friction stop.
Window stays are common on side-hung or tilt/turn windows and their purpose is to restrain the window from opening or closing while open at any angle as well as restrict the maximum opening angle. Several window stay designs are available in the market, with most of them essentially comprising a preset friction mechanism. However, current window stay designs have many limitations with regards to the restraining effect they have on a window, the fact that they do not fit both types of windows (i.e. with or without Euro-groove), the number of possible stop positions, and mechanical fatigue they cause to the window.
Window stays of the sliding friction type having a preset friction have a variable restraining effect on the window depending on the angle the window is open due to the inherent linkage geometry that affects forces resolution. In addition, over time the friction effect becomes reduced due to fatigue and requires readjustment. Furthermore, in many window stay designs, depending on the window cross-section, the fastening of the stay on the window inhibits the movement of the water to the drainage escape hole, which results in the window frame becoming filled with water, which then leaks through to the inner side of the window. The object of the present invention is, therefore, to address the drawbacks outlined above.
Accordingly, the invention resides in a window stay that fits all types of windows, the window stay featuring a durable sliding friction adjustment, which is preferably set by an installer to create a base sliding friction force that provides a resilient restraining action to the window at angles receiving a high force resolution, and a durable friction stop, which may be adjusted by an operator to compensate for loss of restraining action on the window in positions of low force resolution, or due to fatigue of the pre-set base sliding friction force. This system prevents both the stay and the window from being damaged because the base friction is adjusted to a low setting and is then, if necessary, reinforced by the operator via the friction stop. In addition, the window stay incorporates a drainage system that ensures no water becomes trapped inside the stay or below the stay inside the window frame.
In particular, according to the present invention there is provided a window stay having an adjustable friction setting, the stay comprising a guide, arranged to be secured, in use, to a window frame; and a friction slider, arranged to move freely inside the guide, wherein the friction slider further comprises friction generating means; and adjustable control means comprising a friction setting means and a friction adjusting means, wherein the adjustable control means controls, in use, the amount of friction generated by the friction generating means, thereby controlling, in use, the freedom of movement of the friction slider within the guide.
The closing/opening friction adjustment of the present invention is set by the installer to partially restrain the window from moving while open at any angle. The friction stop can then be set by the window operator mainly to provide a resilient mechanism that will fully restrain the window from moving while open at a preferred angle. Therefore, the friction setting can either be set to low to accommodate positions of high restraining force resolution thus protecting the stay mechanism, or set to high to accommodate positions of low restraining force resolution, which would otherwise not provide enough restraining action to the window.
A further advantage of this invention is the simplicity in terms of its design, construction and assembly, which lowers the cost of investment and production.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A to 1E are top, bottom, side, end and cross-sectional end (along line A-A) views, respectively, of a guide according to the present invention;
Figures 2A to 2F are top, bottom, side, left end, right end and cross-sectional right end (along line A-A) views, respectively, of an end-stop according to the present invention;
Figure 2G and 2H show the end-stop in assembly configuration with the guide and a cross-section of the end stop in assembly configuration with the guide secured to the window frame, respectively, according to the present invention;
Figures 3A to 3E are top, bottom, side, end and cross-sectional end (along line A-A) views, respectively, of a guide adaptor according to the present invention;
Figure 3F shows the guide adaptor in assembly configuration with the window frame according to the present invention;
Figures 4A to 4H are top, bottom, side, cross-sectional side (along line C-C), end, first cross-sectional end (along line A-A), second cross-sectional end (along line B-B) and third cross-sectional (along line D-D) views, respectively, of a friction slider according to the present invention;
Figures 5A to 5G are top, bottom, side, cross-sectional side (along line C-C), left end, right end and cross-sectional right end (along line B-B) views, respectively, of a friction shoe brake, which is part of the friction slider according to the present invention;
Figures 6A to 6C are top, side and end views, respectively, of a friction plate, which is part of the friction slider according to the present invention;
Figures 7A to 7D are top, bottom, side and cross-sectional side (along line A-A) views, respectively, of a rotary knob, which is part of the friction slider according to the present invention;
Figures 8A to 8C are side, side cross-sectional (along line A-A) and top views, respectively, of a slider rivet according to the present invention;
Figure 8D shows the slider rivet in assembly configuration with the friction slider according to the present invention;
Figures 9A to 9C are side, cross-sectional side (along line A-A) and top views, respectively, of a bracket rivet according to the present invention;
Figures 9D and 9E show views of the bracket rivet in assembly configuration with the bracket and as installed on the window, respectively, according to the present invention;
Figures 10A to 10E are top, bottom, front side, cross-sectional side (along line A-A) and end views, respectively, of a bracket according to the present invention;
Figures 11A to 11D are top, side, cross-sectional side (along line A-A) and end views, respectively, of an arm according to the present invention;
Figures 12A to 12F are top, bottom, side, cross-sectional side (along line B-B), end and cross-sectional end (along line A-A) views, respectively, of a friction slider in full assembly configuration according to the present invention; and
Figures 13A to 13D are top, bottom, end and side views, respectively, of a window stay in full assembly configuration according to the present invention.

Figures 1A to 1E show a series of views of a guide 100. In a preferred embodiment, the guide 100 is in the form of a long rectangular channel incorporating a circular opening 101 at each end and also an inverted 'V' shaped block 102 at one end, which is positioned between the circular openings 101. The 'V' shaped block 102 provides the ultimate stop position for a friction slider 1200, which moves inside the guide 100, as will be described in more detail further on. When fitted into the guide 100, the end-stop 200 sits on top of the 'V' shaped block 102. When the friction slider 1200 reaches the ultimate position it hits the end-stop 200 and the block 102 simultaneously so that the stopping force is provided by the block 102, which is more resilient than the end-stop 200. Of course, it will be appreciated that different configurations are possible. When seen from an end, as shown in Figure 1D, the cross-sectional shape of the guide 100 is substantially a 'U' shaped channel 103, which runs along the full length of the guide, although different configurations are also possible. The shape of the 'U' shaped channel 103 is arranged to have an overhanging guide lip 104 on each side, which restricts the movement of the friction slider 1200 to the longitudinal axis of the channel 103.
Figures 2A to 2H show a series of views of an end-stop 200, one of which fits inside and is positioned at each end of the guide 100. In a preferred embodiment, the end-stop 200 is in the form of a substantially rectangular block incorporating a circular opening 201 that is arranged to line up with circular opening 101 on the guide 100. The circular opening 201 on the end-stop is preferably positioned such that, when the openings 101, 201 are aligned, the end of the end-block 200 is flush with the end of the guide 100. A pass-through fastener 204 can then be used to secure the guide 100 to a window frame 305 via the openings 201, 101. The width and height of the end-stop 200 is arranged so that a slight force is required to push it inside the guide 100 and such that the top surface 202 does not protrude above the outer surface of the guide lips 104. In addition, channels 203 are created along either side of the end-stop 200 when fitted in the guide 100. Of course, it will be appreciated that one or more channels could also be created underneath the end-stop 200 although in the preferred embodiment this is not necessary because the water can escape via the side channels 203.
Figures 3A to 3F show a series of views of a guide adapter 300. In a preferred embodiment, the guide adaptor 300 is in the form of a substantially rectangular block arranged to fit into a Euro-groove type channel 303 incorporated in a window frame 305 of the type relating to this invention, as can be seen in Figure 3F. A flat surface 302 is presented at the top for the guide 100 to sit on and two channels 304 are formed between the guide adaptor and Euro-groove type channel 303. A circular opening 301 is provided for attaching the guide 100 to the guide adaptor 300 using a pass-through fastener 204 via circular openings 101 and 201 in the guide and end-stop, respectively, as shown in fig 2H.
Figures 4A to 4H show a series of views of a friction slider base 400. In a preferred embodiment, the friction slider base 400 is in the form of a substantially rectangular block and incorporates seats 401 at each end of the friction slider base 400. Each seat 401 is provided with a circular opening 406 and is arranged to allow the fitting of friction shoe brakes 500, which will be described in more detail further on. The friction slider base 400 also incorporates a circular opening 402 for attaching an arm 1100, preferable by way of a rivet 800, both of which will be described in more detail further on, to the friction slider base 400 while allowing free rotation of the arm against the friction slider base 400. In addition, the friction slider base 400 incorporates a circular opening 403 arranged to accept an installation screw 704, which will be explained in more detail further on, and a circular opening 404 arranged to accept a rotary knob 700. Moreover, the circular openings 403 and 404 emerge into a substantially rectangular shaped friction plate seat 405, arranged to accept a friction plate 600, which will be described in more detail further on.
Figures 5A to 5G shows a series of views of a friction shoe brake 500, preferably made from a durable synthetic material, which fits onto the seats 401 provided on the friction slider base 400. In a preferred embodiment, the friction shoe brake 500 is in the form of a substantially rectangular block having a 'Ω' shaped cross-section, incorporating a pin 502 protruding down from the middle of the block, which fits into opening 406 provided in the seat 401, and two legs 501, which protrude out and away from the friction shoe brake 500 and are arranged to lay along the top surface of the friction slider base 400. The assembly of friction shoe brake 500 with friction slider base 400 is realised by first aligning the pin 502 on top of the friction slider base opening 406 and then applying a small downward pressure on the friction shoe brake 500 so that the pin 502 is force fitted inside the opening 406.
Figures 6A to 6C shows a series of views of the friction plate 600, preferably made from a durable synthetic material, although not necessarily, similar to that used for the friction shoe brake 500. In a preferred embodiment, the friction plate 600 is arranged to form a thin, substantially rectangular block, which fits into the friction slider base seat 405 as described above. When located inside the friction slider base seat 405, the friction plate 600 does not protrude from the friction base seat 405 unassisted.
Figures 7A to 7D show a series of views of the rotary knob 700, arranged to fit into the circular opening 404 of the friction slider base 400, as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary knob 700 is in the form of a thin flat circular plate 701 having a series of teeth 703 around the perimeter, arranged to enable a user to apply a firm grip, and attached to a screw portion 702, which is preferably located in the middle of the rotary knob 700. The screw portion 702 is arranged to be long enough to extend into the friction plate seat 405, when required. This in turn causes the friction plate 600 to protrude out from the friction plate seat 405, creating friction between the friction slider 1200 and the guide 100. By turning the rotary knob 700, a user may adjust the friction between the friction slider 1200 and the guide 100, as required. The assembly of the rotary knob 700 with the friction slider base 400 is realised by first fully screwing the screw portion 702 of the rotary knob 700 all the way into the hole 404 provided for it in the friction slider base 400 and secondly by deforming the tip of the screw portion 702 such that it is not possible to unscrew the rotary knob 700 beyond a certain point.
Figures 8A to 8D show a series of views of a slider rivet 800, mentioned earlier, which is used to secure the friction slider 1200 to an arm 1100, which will be explained in more detail further on. In a preferred embodiment, the slider rivet 800 is comprised of a substantially conical head portion 801 attached to a first cylindrical portion 802 on top of which there is a second, smaller diameter, cylindrical portion 803, which houses a circular hole 804. The slider rivet 800 is arranged so that when in assembly configuration, as shown in Figure 8D, the conical head portion 801 mates perfectly with opening 402, which is ideally countersunk into the friction slider 1200, thus securing the slider rivet 800. The first cylindrical portion 802 marginally protrudes above the friction slider 1200, thereby creating a small clearing distance 806 in relation to the arm 1100. When riveted, a lip 805 is created by the deformation of the second cylindrical portion 803, which firmly secures the arm 1100 to the first cylindrical portion of the slider rivet 800 and hence the friction slider 1200. The rivet lip 805 is countersunk into the arm 1100 and therefore does not protrude above the outer surface of the arm 1100.
Figures 9A to 9E show a series of views of a bracket rivet 900, which is arranged for securing an arm 1100 to a bracket 1000, which is attached to a window sash, as will be explained in more detail further on. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket rivet 900 is comprised of a curved head portion 901 attached to a first cylindrical portion 902 on top of which there is fixed a second smaller diameter cylindrical portion 903, which houses a circular hole 904. The bracket rivet 900 is arranged so that when in assembly configuration, as shown in Figure 9D, the curved head portion 901 of the bracket rivet 900 sits on top of the bracket 1000, which will be discussed further on, with the first cylindrical portion 902 passing through a circular opening 1002 provided on the bracket 1000. The second cylinder 903 then passes through circular opening 1104 provided on the arm 1100, and when riveted, the a lip 905 is created by the deforming of the second cylindrical portion 904, which firmly secures the arm 1100 against the first cylindrical portion of the bracket rivet 900 and hence the bracket 1000. The rivet lip 905 is countersunk into the arm 1100 and therefore does not protrude above the outer surface of the arm 1100. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the diameter and height of first cylindrical portion 902, as well as the angle of the curved head portion 901, are arranged to allow the bracket rivet 900 to have around ten degrees of free rotation with respect to the bracket 1000, which is initiated by the tilting of the sash 906 with respect to the frame 305 as shown in Figure 9E.
Figures 10A to 10E show a series of views of a bracket 1000, which is arranged to be attached to a window sash to enable an arm 1100 to be attached. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 1000 is in the form of a long rectangular body having a substantially 'U' shape cross-section arranged to freely slide inside the sash channel 908 as shown in Figure 9E. Furthermore, the bracket 1000 incorporates a series of countersunk circular openings 1001 spaced out along the bracket 1000 and arranged to accommodate fasteners used to secure the bracket onto the sash 906, the fasteners preferably being countersunk tapping screws (not shown). Importantly, the curved top face angle 1003 shown in Figure 9E and the shape and dimension of the opening 1002 have been arranged to allow the bracket 1000 to be freely tilted through an angle of around ten degrees, which is initiated by the tilting of the sash frame 906 with respect to the frame 305. That is to say that, when the sash 906 is allowed to tilt via the maximum angle of around 10 degrees, the bracket 1000 rotates freely with respect to rivet 900 so that the linkages of the friction stay are not affected by the window titling action, as shown in Figure 9E.
Figures 11A to 11D show a series of views of an arm 1100, which connects the friction slider 1200 to the bracket 1000 and hence the window sash to the window frame. In a preferred embodiment, the arm 1100 is in the form of a long rectangular block having circular ends 1101 incorporating two openings 1102, 1104. The shapes of the two openings 1102, 1104 are arranged to ensure the correct positioning and riveting of the slider rivets 800 and bracket rivets 900 described above, as shown in Figure 8D and 9D respectively. Importantly, the inclined top face 1103 has been arranged to allow the sash 906 to be freely tilted through an angle of around ten degrees with respect to the arm 1100, as shown in Figure 9E.
Of course, it will be appreciated that the angle of tilt is only limited to around ten degrees in the preferred embodiment by the particular design and shape of the components used and that other tilt angles are also possible.
Figures 12A to 12F show a series of views of the friction slider 1200 in full assembly configuration ready to be riveted with the arm 1100. The assembly is comprised of the friction slider base 400, friction shoe brakes 500, friction plate 600, rotary knob 700 and installation screw 704. The installation screw 704 is preferably a headless screw, which is fitted into the circular opening 403 provided for it in the friction slider base 400. The installation screw is arranged to be of a length sufficient to extend into the friction plate seat 405, thereby enabling it to push the friction plate 600 out from its rest position in the friction plate seat 405, if desired, such that it protrudes into the guide 100 and creates friction between the friction slider 1200 and the guide 100. This enables an initial friction setting to be applied to the friction slider 1200, for example when the window stay 1300 is first installed.
When the window stay 1300 is in full assembly configuration, as shown in Figure 13A, by rotating the installation screw 704 clockwise the friction plate 600 is pushed downwards to the point where it presses against the guide base 105 and then it lifts the friction slider 1200 upwards causing the friction shoe brake legs 501 to rub against the inner surface of the guide lips 104. The result of this is a top and a bottom friction joint being created utilising synthetic durable materials without sacrificing any of the stiffness of the friction slider 1200. The strength of the friction joints can be adjusted by turning the installation screw 704 clockwise or anticlockwise. The same effect is also applicable by turning the rotary knob 700. The design of the friction slider 1200 allows for simple replacement of the friction shoe brakes 500 and friction plate 600 as they can both be easily removed and replaced via a simple unclip action.
Figures 13A to 13D show a series of views of the window stay 1300 in full assembly configuration ready to be installed onto the window. The installation is performed by fastening the guide 100 onto the window frame 305 and the bracket 1000 on the window sash 906, as illustrated in Figure 9E, via the use of, ideally, self-tapping screws (not shown). On installation, a base friction can be attained by adjusting the installation screw 704, which is good for holding the window stationary in positions of high force resolution, i.e. sash 906 angles between 0 and 100 degrees with respect to the frame 305, generally. While in use, an operator can increase the friction by turning the rotary knob 700 clockwise so as to either compensate for the loss of friction due to the opening of the window beyond 100 degrees or to reinforce the base friction accommodating more severe weather conditions.

Claims

A window stay, having an adjustable friction setting, the stay comprising:
a guide, arranged to be secured, in use, to a window frame; and

a friction slider, arranged to move freely inside the guide,

wherein the friction slider further comprises:
friction generating means; and

adjustable control means comprising:
a friction setting means; and

a friction adjusting means,

wherein the adjustable control means controls, in use, the amount of friction generated by the friction generating means, thereby controlling, in use, the freedom of movement of the friction slider within the guide.
A window stay according to claim 1, further comprising at least one guide adaptor arranged to fit inside a Euro-groove type fitting in a window frame,
wherein the guide adaptor is arranged to provide a flat support platform for the guide and is further arranged to provide channels, in use, between the guide adaptor and the Euro-groove type fitting.
A window stay according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one end-stop arranged to fit securely into the guide without protruding over the top surface of the guide and to provide channels, in use, between the end-stop and the guide.
A window stay according to any preceding claim, wherein the friction slider base is made from a resilient material onto which synthetic parts suitable for providing friction generating means are fitted.
A window stay according to claim 4, wherein the synthetic parts suitable for providing friction generating means are replaceable.
A window stay according to any preceding claim, wherein the friction setting means is a headless screw.
A window stay according to any preceding claim, wherein the friction adjusting means is a rotary knob, which is securely engaged within the friction slider and cannot be removed via unscrewing action.
A window stay according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bracket for securing to a window sash, wherein an arm, in use, pivotally connects the friction slider to the bracket.
A window stay according to any preceding claim, wherein the bracket is arranged to be able to tilt, in use, with respect to the arm.