EP4215707A1

EP4215707A1 - A hinge for a roof window

Info

Publication number: EP4215707A1
Application number: EP23152551.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wells Colin
Original assignee: Keylite Roof Windows Ltd
Current assignee: Keylite Roof Windows Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-19
Filing date: 2023-01-19
Publication date: 2023-07-26

Abstract

A hinge (2) for a roof window, the hinge (2) having a frame-mountable component (4) mountable to a frame (8) of a roof window, a sash-mountable component (6) mountable to a sash (12) of a roof window, wherein the frame-mountable component (4) and the sash-mountable component (6) are engageable with one another and are movable relative to one another when engaged. The frame-mountable component (4) comprises a channel (14), and wherein the sash-mountable component (6) comprises a guide arrangement (16), the guide arrangement (16) being configured to move through the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4) and to guide the relative movement between the frame-mountable component (4) and the sash-mountable component (6). At least part of the guide arrangement (16) is adjustable so that the guide arrangement (16) occupies more or less of the space of the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a hinge for a roof window.
Roof windows are typically windows that are installed in the sloped surface of a roof. One popular roof window comprises a rectangular frame which is fixable in an aperture in a roof, and a sash connected to the frame via a hinge. The sash can be positioned relative to the frame in a closed position and the sash can be locked to the frame to secure the closed window. To open the roof window, the sash can be unlocked from the frame and pivoted about the hinge. Roof windows typically have a set of two hinges that are symmetrically arranged with one at either side of the sash. The hinges may be located at the upper part of the sash and frame, and these roof windows are often referred to as 'top hung'. A more popular arrangement, however, involves the hinges being located approximately halfway along the side of the sash and the frame. When the sash is opened in such roof windows, the top of the sash pivots into the room, and the bottom of the sash pivots out of the roof. The sash may even be pivoted through almost 180° to enable the outer surface of the glazing to be accessed and cleaned from the room below the roof window.
The roof window hinge typically involves two parts - a sash-mounted component and a frame-mounted component - which engage with one another and can move relative to one another to control the pivoting movement of the sash relative to the frame as the roof window is opened or closed. Typically, the frame-mounted component has an arcuate channel which receives a stud of the sash-mounted component. As the stud moves through the channel during opening or closing of the roof window, it is guided by the channel through an arcuate movement thereby causing rotation of the sash relative to the frame. The sash-mounted component also typically has an arcuate finger which follows the stud during closing of the roof window. The curvature of the arcuate finger is similar to the curvature to the arcuate channel in the frame-mounted component and it thereby serves to control relative movement between the frame-mounted component and the sash-mounted component.
It is known to fit an arcuate leaf spring in the frame-mounted component which defines one wall of the arcuate channel. When the roof window is closed, the stud enters the channel of the frame-mounted component and contacts the leaf spring. The leaf spring serves to cushion the movement of the stud, thereby providing a smoother movement between the sash and frame. However, over time, the leaf spring will deform and weaken due to the repeated impacts of the parts of the sash-mounted component that occur when the window is closed. The movement between the sash and the frame can then become less smooth as the leaf spring is no longer performing optimally and the channel is widened so the relative movement between the sash and frame feels loose and is less controlled.
One solution to this problem is to replace the leaf spring. This is wasteful because the leaf spring presently on the window is discarded. Further, it requires a degree of skill to be able to remove and replace the leaf spring and many roof-window owners lack the know-how to replace the leaf spring and will therefore resort to hiring a skilled labourer for the task, which can be costly for the roof-window owner.
It is therefore an object of this invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of loose movement occurring between the frame-mounted and sash-mounted components becoming less smooth over time as a result of the leaf spring weakening through use. It is a further object to obviate or mitigate the requirement of having to replace the leaf spring when it is weakened through use.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hinge for a roof window, the hinge comprising a frame-mountable component that can be mounted to a frame of a roof window, a sash-mountable component that can be mounted to a sash of a roof window, wherein the frame-mountable component and the sash-mountable component are engageable with one another and can move relative to one another when engaged, wherein the frame-mountable component comprises a channel, and wherein the sash-mountable component comprises a guide means, the guide means being configured to move through the channel of the frame-mountable component and to guide the relative movement between the frame-mountable component and the sash-mountable component, and wherein at least part of the guide means can be adjusted so that the guide means occupies more or less of the space of the channel of the frame-mountable component.
Ideally, the shape of at least part of the guide means can be adjusted so that the guide means occupies more or less of the space of the channel of the frame-mountable component.
Preferably, the width of at least part of the guide means can be adjusted so that the guide means occupies more or less of the width of the channel of the frame-mountable component.
Ideally, the depth of at least part of the guide means can be adjusted so that the guide means occupies more or less of the depth of the channel of the frame-mountable component.
Preferably, the width and/or depth of at least part of the guide means can be adjusted so that the guide means occupies more or less of the width and/or depth of the channel of the frame-mountable component.
Ideally, the volume of at least part of the guide means is adjustable so that the guide means occupies more or less of the space of the channel of the frame-mountable component. The volume of the guide means can be adjusted pneumatically or by application of heat or pressure.
Ideally, the sash-mountable component comprises at least one actuator which, when operated, adjusts the shape of at least part of the guide means. Ideally, the actuator is located on the guide means. Ideally, the actuator comprises a rotatable component which, when rotated, adjusts the shape of at least part of the guide means. Ideally, the actuator comprises a recess shaped to receive a tool such as a screwdriver or hex key, such that a tool can be used to operate the actuator.
Preferably, the guide means comprises a guide element. Ideally, the guide means comprises a plurality of guide elements. Ideally, the guide means comprises a first guide element and a second guide element. Ideally, the shape of at least part of the first guide element and/or at least part of the second guide element is adjustable. Preferably, the shape and most preferably the width of at least part of the first guide element and/or at least part of the second guide element can be increased. Ideally, the actuator can be operated to adjust the shape, most preferably increase the width, of at least part of the guide element. Preferably, the actuator can be operated to adjust the shape, most preferably increase the width, of at least part of the first guide element and/or at least part of the second guide element.
The sash-mountable component may comprise two actuators, which can operably adjust the shape of the guide means at two different locations on the guide means. One actuator may be arranged to adjust the shape and most preferably the width of at least part of the first guide element, and another actuator may be arranged to adjust the shape and most preferably the width of at least part of the second guide element.
Ideally, the shape of the guide means is adjusted via an expandable element. Ideally, the shape of at least part of the first guide element and/or second guide element are adjusted via an expandable element. Ideally, the guide means comprises at least one expandable element. Ideally, the actuator is configured such that, when operated, the expandable element expands. Preferably, when the rotatable component is rotated in one direction the expandable element expands. Preferably, when the rotatable component is rotated in another direction the expandable element contracts.
Ideally, the expandable element contacts the frame-mountable component as it moves through the frame-mountable component. Ideally, the expandable element and the surface of the frame-mountable component that is contacted by the expandable element has a high coefficient of friction. Advantageously, this serves to slow movement between the sash-mountable and frame-mountable components. Ideally, the expandable element is formed from rubber or other suitable material for slowing movement between the sash-mountable and frame-mountable components when the expandable element contacts the surface or surfaces of the frame-mountable component.
Preferably, the sash-mountable component comprises a plate which is fixable to the sash of a roof window. Ideally, the guide means is arranged extending from the plate to engage with the frame-mountable component.
Ideally, one guide element is a stud that projects from the plate of the sash-mountable component. Ideally, the stud has a shaft and a head, wherein the head is wider than the shaft. Ideally, the shaft is arranged projecting from the plate and the head is thereby spaced apart from the plate.
Preferably, one guide element is a finger. Ideally, the finger is pivotally connected to the plate. Ideally, the finger is an arcuate finger. Preferably, the channel of the frame-mountable component is an arcuate channel. When we say widthways or width we are referring to the distance between two mutually opposed curved surfaces defining this arcuate channel. Ideally, the curvature of the finger is similar to or identical to the curvature of the channel. Ideally, the stud moves through the channel. Ideally, the finger moves through the channel.
In one embodiment, an expandable element is integrally formed with or fitted to the stud and may therefore define a part of the stud. Ideally, the head of the stud is expandable most preferably width-wise. Ideally, the head is an expandable element, or comprises an expandable element. Ideally, the expandable element is a compressible bushing positioned on the stud, most preferably, on the head of the stud. The expandable element may therefore form a part of the head of the stud. Ideally, the width of the stud is adjusted by compressing the bushing such that it expands. Ideally, when the bushing is compressed along its central axis, it expands width-wise. Ideally, the actuator is configured such that, when operated, the bushing is compressed thereby causing the bushing to expand. Preferably, when the rotatable component is rotated in one direction the bushing is compressed. Preferably, when the rotatable component is rotated in another direction the bushing is decompressed causing the bushing to contract.
Ideally, the actuator, most preferably the rotatable component, is located on or forms a part of the stud. Preferably, the expandable element is located between two surfaces that can move relative to one another. Ideally, the actuator is configured such that operation of the actuator can cause the two surfaces to move closer together or further apart. Ideally, the actuator has a shaft and a head, wherein the head is wider than the shaft. Ideally, the actuator shaft extends through the expandable element, and most preferably through a central opening in the expandable element. Ideally, the actuator shaft extends into the stud shaft, and most preferably into a central opening in the stud shaft. Ideally, the expandable element is located between the stud shaft and the actuator head. Ideally, the upper surface of the stud shaft, and the underside surface of the actuator head, provide the two surfaces that can move relative to one another.
Ideally, the actuator can be moved and preferably screwed towards or away from the stud shaft. Advantageously, this alters the distance between the stud shaft and actuator head and thereby can compress or decompress the expandable element, causing it to expand or contract respectively. When it is desired to adjust the width of the guide means, the user can therefore simply rotate the actuator head to cause the expandable element to compress and expand. In doing so, this can improve the smoothness of the opening or closing or the roof window which movement may have become loose through wear and tear. This provides an operator with more positive haptic feedback when operating the roof window where a consistent resistance to opening and closing is felt.
In another embodiment, the finger comprises an expandable element. In yet a further embodiment, both the finger and the stud comprise expandable elements. Ideally, the finger has a recess which houses the expandable element. Ideally, the expandable element is a compressible bushing. Ideally, the expandable element is located between two surfaces that can move relative to one another. Ideally, one of the surfaces is a surface of the finger. Preferably, the actuator has a head and a shaft, wherein the head is wider than the shaft. Ideally, the other surface which the expandable element is located between is provided by the actuator head. Ideally, the shaft extends through the expandable element, most preferably through a central opening of the expandable element.
Preferably, the finger is arranged in relation to the plate such that one surface of the finger mutually opposes the plate, and another surface faces away from the plate. Ideally, the surface of the finger facing away from the plate comprises an opening through which the actuator may be accessed. When we refer to depth or depth wise we are referring to the direction travelling between these two surfaces of the finger.
Ideally, the finger has a side that extends between the surface of the finger that mutually opposes the plate, and the surface facing away from the plate. Ideally, the side comprises an opening, and the expandable element is arranged such that it can expand through the opening in the side, ideally when the actuator is operated. Ideally, when the actuator is rotated in one direction, the expandable element expands through the side opening of the finger. Advantageously, when a user wants to adjust the width of the guide element, they can rotate the actuator through the opening in the surface of the finger that faces away from the plate to cause the expandable element to expand through the side opening in the finger. Alternatively or additionally, the surface of the finger that mutually opposes the plate and/or the surface of the finger that faces away from the plate comprises an opening, and the expandable element is arranged such that it can expand through the opening in the surface of the finger that mutually opposes the plate and/or the surface of the finger that faces away from the plate, ideally when the actuator is operated.
Preferably, the finger is pivoted to the plate via a connecting arm. Ideally, the connecting arm extends from at or about one end of the finger. Ideally, the connecting arm extends from the finger such that it opposes the concave side of the curvature of the finger. Ideally, one end of the arm is pivotally connected to the plate, and the other end is connected to the finger. The connecting arm and the finger may be integrally formed.
Ideally, the hinge has a closed configuration wherein the frame-mountable component and sash-mountable components are engaged with one another and wherein the guide means is located within the channel. In use, when the hinge is on a roof window and when it is in the closed configuration, the sash and frame are coplanar.
Preferably, the channel has a channel opening which receives the guide means during closing of the window. Ideally, in the closed configuration, the stud is located at one end of the channel, distal to the channel opening, and the finger is located behind the stud within the channel. During opening of the roof window, the finger, followed by the stud, moves through the channel and towards an outlet of the channel opening. Ideally, the finger has a release pin proximal to the free end of the finger preventing the finger from passing completely out of the channel in normal use of the window. Preferably, this release pin is actuatable to allow the finger to completely pass out of the channel so that the sash is removable from the frame when required.
Ideally, the finger has a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the leading end is the end of the finger that leads as the finger moves through the channel during closing of the roof window, and the trailing end is the opposing end of the finger. Ideally, the expandable element is located closer to the leading end of the finger than the trailing end.
Preferably, the finger has a retaining means for retaining the sash-mountable component and frame-mountable component together. Ideally, the retaining mean involves the finger having a projection, located ideally at or about the leading end of the finger. Ideally, the projection can move freely through the channel of the frame-mountable component. Ideally, the retaining means involves the frame-mountable component comprising a barrier positioned such that the projection of the finger abuts the barrier. The barrier is ideally located at or about the channel opening. The barrier thereby retains the finger and the sash-mountable component on the frame-mountable component as the window is being opened and as the finger almost entirely, exits the channel.
Ideally, the projection can be temporarily depressed into the finger, so that is no longer projecting from a surface of the finger, or at least is not substantially projecting above the surface. This allows the finger to bypass the barrier when installing the window, or if it is desired to remove the sash from the frame.
When the projection of the finger abuts the barrier, relative movement between the plate of the sash-mountable component and the frame-mountable component continues, because the plate then pivots about the connecting arm of the finger. This occurs when the stud exits the channel and is no longer engaged with the frame-mountable component. The plate may pivot right through 180° relative to the frame-mountable component in this manner.
During closing of the roof window, the plate is then initially pivoted about the connecting arm of the finger. Ideally, the plate comprises a protrusion positioned to strike the trailing end of the finger, thereby preventing further pivoting between the plate and the connecting arm. Ideally, the stud initially enters through the channel opening and the finger then follows, the channel guiding the movement between the sash-mountable component and the frame-mountable component. The opening of the hinge thereby involves two stages. In the first stage, the guide means of the sash-mountable component is located in, and moves through, the channel of the frame-mountable component, and the connecting arm of the sash-mountable component does not move relative to the plate. In the second stage, the guide means does not move through the channel, and the plate pivots about the connecting arm.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a roof window comprising a hinge according to the first aspect of the invention.
Ideally, the roof window comprises a frame and a sash, the sash being pivotally connected to the frame by the hinge. Ideally, the sash-mountable component is mounted on the sash, and the frame-mountable component is mounted on the frame. Ideally, the frame and sash are quadrangular. Ideally, the frame and sash each have a top member, bottom member, and side members extending between the top and bottom members. Ideally, the sash comprises glazing fitted between the top, bottom, and side members. Ideally, the sash is disposed between the top, bottom, and side members of the frame. Ideally, the hinge is located at the side of the sash, between the sash and frame side members. Ideally, the hinge is located part way between the top and bottom members of the sash and frame. Ideally, the hinge is located halfway or approximately halfway between the top and bottom members.
Ideally, the roof window comprises two hinges. Ideally, the two hinges are arranged such that there is one hinge at one side of the sash and another at the opposing side of the sash. Ideally, the two hinges define a pivot axis that extends through the hinges. Ideally, the pivot axis is parallel to the top and bottom frame members.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a roof window comprising the hinge of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interior side of the roof window of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is perspective view of the sash-mountable component of an embodiment of a hinge according to an invention, wherein the stud of the sash-mountable component is illustrated as an exploded view.
Figure 5 is the sash-mountable component of Figure 4 showing the assembled stud.
Figure 6 is the sash-mountable component of Figure 4 wherein the expandable element is expanded.
Figure 7 is the sash-mountable component of Figure 4 shown in engagement with the frame-mountable component.
Figure 8 is a sash-mountable component of a further embodiment of a hinge according to the invention, wherein the expanding element of the finger is illustrated as an exploded view.
Figure 9 is the sash-mountable component of Figure 8 showing the assembled finger.
Figure 10 is the sash-mountable component of Figure 8 wherein the expandable element is expanded.
Figure 11 is the sash-mountable component of Figure 8 shown in engagement with the frame-mountable component.

In the drawings there is shown an embodiment of a hinge according to the invention indicated generally by reference numeral 2. The hinge 2 is suitable for use on a roof window. The hinge 2 has a frame mountable-component 4 and a sash-mountable component 6. The frame-mountable component 4 can be mounted to a frame 8 of a roof window 10, as shown in Figure 1. The sash-mountable component 6 can be mounted to a sash 12 of a roof window 10, also shown in Figure 1. The frame-mountable component 4 and the sash-mountable component 6 are engageable with one another (see Figure 7) and can move relative to one another when engaged.
The frame-mountable component 4 has a channel 14. The sash-mountable component 6 has a guide means 16 wherein the guide means 16 is configured to move through the channel 14 of the frame-mountable component 4 and to guide the relative movement between the frame-mountable component 4 and the sash-mountable component 6. The width of at least part of the guide means 16 can be adjusted so that the guide means 16 occupies more or less of the width of the channel 14.
The sash-mountable component 6 has an actuator 18 which, when operated, adjusts the width of part of the guide means 16. The actuator 18 is located on the guide means 16. The actuator 18 has a rotatable component 20 which, when rotated, adjusts the width of a part of the guide means 16 and can increase the width. The actuator 18 comprises a recess 22 shaped to receive a hex key in this embodiment to operate the actuator 18. Variations will be apparent to the skilled person whereby, for example, a recess for receiving a screwdriver may be used rather than a hex key recess.
The guide means 16 has a first guide element, which is a stud 24 in the illustrated embodiment, and a second guide element, which is a finger 26 in the illustrated embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the width of the stud 24 is adjustable. The actuator 18 can be operated to adjust the width of the stud 24.
In an embodiment not shown, the sash-mountable component comprises two actuators, which can operably adjust the width at two different locations on the guide means, wherein one actuator is arranged to adjust the width of at least part of the first guide element, and another actuator is arranged to adjust the width of at least part of the second guide element.
In the illustrated embodiments, the guide means 16 has an expandable element 28. The actuator 18 is configured such that, when operated, the expandable element 28 expands. When the rotatable component 20 is rotated in one direction the expandable element 28 expands (see the expanded element in Figure 6). When the rotatable component 20 is rotated in another direction the expandable 28 element contracts. The expandable element 28 is formed from rubber but may alternatively be formed from any suitable compressible material.
The sash-mountable component 6 has a plate 30 which is fixable to the sash 12 of a roof window 10. The plate 30 has apertures 48 therethrough to receive fixing means (not shown) to allow the sash-mountable component 6 to be fixed to the sash 12. The plate 30, finger 26 and stud 24 are formed substantially from metal. The stud 24 extends through an aperture 50 on the plate 30. The stud 24 has a widened base 52, wherein the base 52 is wider than the aperture 50, and this thereby prevents the stud 24 from being removed from the plate 30. The stud 24 is fixed to the plate 30 by welding, riveting, or by any other suitable fixing means.
The guide means 16 is arranged extending from the plate 30 to engage with the frame-mountable component 4. The stud 24 projects from the plate 30 of the sash-mountable component 6. The stud has a shaft 32 and a head 34, wherein the head 34 is wider than the shaft 32. The shaft projects 32 from the plate and the head 34 is thereby spaced apart from the plate 30.
The finger 26 is pivotally connected to the plate 30. The finger 26 is an arcuate finger. The channel 14 of the frame-mountable component 4 is an arcuate channel. The curvature of the finger 26 is similar to or identical to the curvature of the channel 14. Both the stud 24 and finger 26 are configured to move through the channel 14.
Referring now to the embodiment in Figures 4 to 7, the expandable element 28 is fitted to and defines a part of the stud 24. Specifically, the expandable element 28 defines part of the head 34 of the stud 24. The expandable element 28 is a compressible bushing positioned on the on the head 34 of the stud 24, and it thereby forms the outer part of the head 34 of the stud 24. The width of the stud 24 is adjusted by compressing the bushing such that it expands. The actuator 18 is configured such that, when operated, the bushing is compressed thereby causing the bushing to expand. When the rotatable component 20 is rotated in one direction the bushing is compressed. When the rotatable component 20 is rotated in another direction the bushing is decompressed.
The actuator 18 and the rotatable component 20 also form a part of the stud 24. The expandable element 28 is located between two surfaces 36a, 36b that can move relative to one another. The actuator 18 has a shaft 38 and a head 40, wherein the head 40 is wider than the shaft 38. The actuator shaft 38 extends through a central opening 42 in the expandable element 28. The actuator shaft 38 extends into an opening 44 in the stud shaft 32. The expandable element 28 is located between the stud shaft 32 and the actuator head 40. Ideally, the upper surface of the stud shaft 32, and the underside surface of the actuator head 40, provide the two surfaces 36a, 36b that can move relative to one another.
The actuator 18 can be screwed towards or away from the stud shaft 32. This alters the distance between the stud shaft 32 and actuator head 40 and thereby can compress or decompress the expandable element 28, causing it to expand or contract respectively. In use, when it is desired to adjust the width of the guide means 16, the user can simply rotate the actuator head 40 to cause the expandable element 28 to expand. In doing so, this can improve the smoothness of the opening or closing or the roof window 10 because the guide means 16 then occupies more of the channel 14 during closing of the roof window 10, and the relative movement between the sash 12 and frame 8 is more controlled.
Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8-11, the finger 126 has an expandable element 128. In another embodiment which is not illustrated, both the finger and the stud are expandable and comprise expandable elements. The finger 126 has a recess 146 which houses the expandable element 128. Similar to the embodiment in Figures 4-7, the expandable element 128 is a compressible bushing. The expandable element 128 is located between two surfaces 136a, 136b that can move relative to one another. The surface 136a is a surface of the finger 126. The actuator 118 has a head 140 and a shaft 132, wherein the head 140 is wider than the shaft 132. The other surface 136b which the expandable element 128 is located between is provided by the actuator head 140. The actuator shaft 132 extends through the expandable element 128, and specifically through a central opening 142 of the expandable element 128.
The finger 126 is arranged in relation to the plate 130 such that one surface 154 of the finger 126 mutually opposes the plate 130, and another surface 156 faces away from the plate 130. The surface 156 of the finger 126 facing away from the plate 130 comprises an opening 158 through which the actuator 118 may be accessed.
The finger 126 has a side 160 that extends between the surface 154 of the finger 126 that mutually opposes the plate 130, and the surface 156 facing away from the plate 130. The side 156 comprises an opening 162, and the expandable element 128 is arranged such that it can expand through the opening 162 in the side 156 when the actuator 118 is operated. When the actuator 118 is rotated in one direction, the expandable element 128 expands through the side opening 162 of the finger 126. When a user wants to adjust the width of the guide element (finger 126), they can rotate the actuator 118 through the opening 158 in the surface 156 of the finger 126 that faces away from the plate 130 to cause the expandable element 118 to expand through the side opening 162 in the finger 126.
The finger 126 is pivoted to the plate 130 via a connecting arm 164. The connecting arm 164 extends from at or about one end 166 of the finger 126. The finger 126 has a concave side 168 and a convex side 170. The connecting arm 164 extends from the finger 126 such that it opposes the concave side 168 of the curvature of the finger 126. One end 172 of the arm 164 is pivotally connected to the plate 130, and the other end 174 is connected to the finger 126. The connecting arm 164 and the finger 126 are integrally formed.
The hinge 2 has a closed configuration wherein the frame-mountable component 4 and sash-mountable component 6 are engaged with one another and wherein the guide means 16 is located within the channel 14. In use, when the hinge 2 is on a roof window 10 and when it is in the closed configuration, the sash 12 and frame 8 are coplanar.
The channel 14 has a channel opening 76 which receives the guide means 16 during closing of the window 10. In the closed configuration, the stud 24 is located at one end of the channel 14, distal to the channel opening 76, and the finger 26 is located behind the stud 24 within the channel 14. During opening of the roof window 10, the finger 26, followed by the stud 24, moves through the channel 14 and towards and out of the channel opening 76.
The finger 26 has a leading end 78 and a trailing end 80, wherein the leading end 78 is the end of the finger 26 that leads as the finger 26 moves through the channel 14 during closing of the roof window 10, and the trailing end 80 is the opposing end of the finger 26. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8-11, the expandable element 128 is located closer to the leading end 178 of the finger 126 than the trailing end 180.
The hinge 2 has a retaining means 98 to retain the sash-mountable component 6 and frame-mountable component 4 together. The retaining means 98 involves the finger 26 having a projection 82, located at the leading end 78 of finger 26. The projection 82 can move freely through the channel 14 of the frame-mountable component 4. The retaining means 98 further involves the frame-mountable component 4 having a barrier 84 positioned such that the projection 82 of the finger 26 abuts the barrier 84. The barrier 84 is located near the channel opening 76. The barrier 84 and projection 82 thereby provide the retaining means 98 to retain the sash-mountable component 6 on the frame-mountable component 4 as the window 10 is being opened, as the finger 26 is prevented from leaving the channel 14.
The projection 82 can be temporarily depressed into the finger 26, so that is no longer projecting from a surface of the finger 26, or at least is not substantially projecting above the surface. This allows the finger 26 to bypass the barrier 84 when installing the window 10, or if it is desired to remove the sash 12 from the frame 10.
When the projection 82 of the finger 26 abuts the barrier 84, relative movement between the plate 30 of the sash-mountable component 6 and the frame-mountable component 4 continues, because the plate 30 then pivots about the connecting arm 64 of the finger 26. When this occurs, the stud 24 exits the channel 14 and is no longer engaged with the frame-mountable component 4. The plate 30 may pivot right through 180° relative to the frame-mountable component 4 in this manner.
During closing of the roof window 10, the plate 30 is then initially pivoted about the connecting arm 64 of the finger 26. The plate 30 comprises a protrusion 86 positioned to strike the trailing end 80 of the finger 26, thereby preventing further pivoting between the plate 30 and the connecting arm 64. The stud 24 initially enters through the channel opening 76 and the finger 26 then follows, the channel 14 guiding the movement between the sash-mountable component 6 and frame-mountable component 4. The opening or closing of the hinge 2 thereby involves two stages. In the first stage, the guide means 16 of the sash-mountable component 6 is located in, and moves through, the channel 14 of the frame-mountable component 4, and the connecting arm 64 of the sash-mountable component 6 does not move relative to the plate 30. In the second stage, the guide means 16 does not move through the channel 14, and the plate 30 pivots about the connecting arm 64.
Referring now to Figures 1-3, the sash 12 of the roof window 10 is pivotally connected to the frame 8 by the hinge 2. The sash-mountable component 6 is mounted on the sash 12 and the frame-mountable component 4 is mounted on the frame 8. The frame 8 and the sash 12 are rectangular. The frame 8 has a top member 88, bottom member 89, and side members 90, 91 extending between the top member 88 and bottom member 89. The sash 12 also has a top member 92, bottom member 93, and side members 94, 95 extending between the top and bottom members 92, 93. The sash 12 has glazing 96 fitted between the top member 92, bottom member 93 and side members 94, 95. The sash 12 is disposed between the top member 88, bottom member 89 and side members 90, 91 of the frame 8. The hinge 2 is located at the side 95 of the sash 12, between the sash and frame side members 90, 95. The hinge 2 is located approximately halfway between the top and bottom members 88, 89, 92, 93 of the sash 12 and frame 8.
The roof window 10 has two hinges 2. The two hinges 2 are arranged such that there is one hinge 2 at one side 94 of the sash and another at the opposing side 95 of the sash 12. The two hinges 2 define a pivot axis that extends through the hinges 2. The pivot axis is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the top frame member 88.
The skilled person will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.
It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.
In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

A hinge (2) for a roof window, the hinge (2) comprising a frame-mountable component (4) mountable to a frame (8) of a roof window, a sash-mountable component (6) mountable to a sash (12) of a roof window, wherein the frame-mountable component (4) and the sash-mountable component (6) are engageable with one another and are movable relative to one another when engaged, wherein the frame-mountable component (4) comprises a channel (14), and wherein the sash-mountable component (6) comprises a guide means (16), the guide means (16) being configured to move through the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4) and to guide the relative movement between the frame-mountable component (4) and the sash-mountable component (6), and wherein at least part of the guide means (16) is adjustable so that the guide means (16) occupies more or less of the space of the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4).
A hinge (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shape of at least part of the guide means (16) is adjustable so that the guide means (16) occupies more or less of the space of the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4).
A hinge (2) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the width of at least part of the guide means (16) is adjustable so that the guide means (16) occupies more or less of the width of the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4).
A hinge (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depth of at least part of the guide means (16) is adjustable so that the guide means (16) occupies more or less of the depth of the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component.
A hinge (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the volume of at least part of the guide means (16) is adjustable so that the guide means (16) occupies more or less of the space of the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4).
A hinge (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the guide means (16) is expandable so that the guide means (16) occupies more of the space of the channel (14) of the frame-mountable component (4).
A hinge (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sash-mountable component (6) comprises at least one actuator (18, 118) which is operable to adjust the shape of at least part of the guide means.
A hinge (2) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuator (18, 118) is located on the guide means comprising a rotatable component which, when rotated, adjusts the shape of at least part of the guide means.
A hinge (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sash-mountable component (6) comprises a plate (30) which is fixable to the sash of a roof window, the guide means (16) being arranged extending from the plate (30) to engage with the frame-mountable component (4), the guide means (16) comprising at least one guide element (24, 26) being a stud (24) that projects from the plate (30) of the sash-mountable component (6), the stud having a shaft (32) and a head (34), wherein the head is wider than the shaft and the shaft is arranged projecting from the plate, the head being spaced apart from the plate, the stud comprising an expandable element (28).
A hinge (2) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the expandable element (28) is a compressible bushing positioned on the head of the stud, the expandable element forming a part of the head of the stud so that the width of the stud is adjustable by compressing the bushing so that it expands.
A hinge (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guide means (16) is an arcuate finger (26) pivotally connected to the plate (30), the finger comprises an expandable element (128), the finger having a recess which houses the expandable element, the expandable element being a compressible bushing.
A hinge (2) as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the expandable element (28, 128) is located between two surfaces that can move relative to one another.
A hinge (2) as claimed in claim 12 when dependent on claims 7 or 8, wherein the actuator (18, 118) is configured such that operation of the actuator can cause the two surfaces to move closer together or further apart.
A hinge (2) as claimed in claim 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the expandable element (28, 128) contacts the frame-mountable component (4) as it moves through the frame-mountable component, the expandable element and the surface of the frame-mountable component that is contactable by the expandable element having a high coefficient of friction serving to control movement between the sash-mountable (6) and frame-mountable components (4), the expandable element being formed from rubber or other suitable material for controlling movement between the sash-mountable and frame-mountable components when the expandable element contacts the surface or surfaces of the frame-mountable component.
A roof window comprising a hinge (2) as claimed in any one of or any combination of the previous claims.