GB2256005A

GB2256005A - Window stay.

Info

Publication number: GB2256005A
Application number: GB9210016A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Murray James Baber
Original assignee: MJ Baber and Co Ltd
Current assignee: MJ Baber and Co Ltd
Priority date: 1991-05-10
Filing date: 1992-05-08
Publication date: 1992-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-08
Also published as: NZ238115A; AU657323B2; GB9210016D0; GB2256005B; AU1615692A

Abstract

A window stay is provided for attachment between a window sash and a window frame. The stay includes brackets (2, 3) attached to each of the window sash and window frame and an arm (15) pivotally engaged with each bracket. Also, the arm is able to move axially of the arm with respect to at least the bracket attached to the window frame. The window stay further includes limitation means to substantially prevent the arm from being disengaged with each bracket when the window is in an open position. The limitation means may be a removable cap (30) at the end of the arm or a formation on the arm which only passes through the bracket (3) after rotation of the arm. The arm also has a limiting stop (31) at its other end which abuts the window sash to limit window opening. <IMAGE>

Description

This invention relates to a window stay.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a window stay which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention consists in a window stay comprising a first bracket able to be engaged in use with a window sash, a second bracket able to be engaged in use with a window frame, an arm pivotally engaged with each bracket but able to move axially of said arm with respect to at least said second bracket, and limitation means to substantially prevent said arm from becoming disengaged with each said bracket.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the invention consists in a window stay comprising a first bracket able to be engaged in use with a window sash, a second bracket able to be engaged in use with a window frame, an arm pivotally engaged with each bracket but able to move axially of said arm with respect to at least said second bracket and limitation means to substantially prevent said arm from becoming disengaged with each said bracket when said limitation means are in a first position and wherein said limitation means to prevent disengagement from at least one said brackets may be re-oriented, in use only when said window is closed, to a second position whereby the arm may be disengaged from said bracket.

Accordingly, in a third aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a window stay comprising a first bracket able to be engaged in use with the window sash, a second bracket able to be engaged in use with the window frame, an arm pivotally engaged with each bracket and able to move axially of said arm with respect to each bracket, limitation means to substantially prevent said arm from becoming disengaged with each said bracket and wherein said arm may be moved axially of each said bracket to a position whereby, in use, movement of said window sash from a closed position adjacent said window frame, will rotate said arm with respect to each said bracket such that an end of said arm closest to said first bracket will come to bear against said window sash and substantially prevent any further movement of said window sash from said window frame.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a window stay according to one preferred form of the invention, Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation as in Figure 1 with the window stay in use, Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side elevation as in Figure 1 with an arm forming part of said window stay in a raised position, Figure 4 is a plan view of a rivet engage able in a first bracket in a window stay according to the invention, Figure 5 is a view of a rivet engagable in a second bracket in a window stay according to one preferred form of the invention, Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an end cap for use in the invention; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a possible Allen key usable in the invention;; Figure 8 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a front elevational view of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a backing plate forming part of a bracket for fitment to a window sash; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the main body of a bracket for fitment to a window sash; Figure 12 is a plan view of a sash plate axel forming part of the sash bracket means; Figure 13 is an elevational view of one end of a pivot arm included in the invention; Figure 14 is a plan view of the end of the pivot arm shown in Figure 13; and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through a second bracket for fitment to a window frame in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings.

In the drawings a window stay 1 is shown which comprises a first bracket 2 and second bracket 3.

The first bracket 2 is able to be mounted on a window sash for example by means of screws 5. The screws 5 are shown illustratively in Figure 1 but of course would not be visible in the bracket.

The second bracket 3 is able to be mounted on a window frame 6 in any suitable manner for example by the use of screws.

The first bracket 2 is in the form of a channel with two arms 10 and in the preferred form the second bracket 3 is in the form of a channel member with a pair of arms 11.

An arm 15 is provided which is pivotally engagable with each bracket and this engagement may be by means of rivets 16 and 17 having enlarged ends 18 and 19 in the case of rivet 16 and 20 and 21 in the case of rivet 17. One or each enlarged end could be replaced by a circlip.

Apertures 22 and 23 pass transversely through the rivets 16 and 17.

The arm 15 passes through the apertures 22 and 23. To substantially prevent removal of the arms from the apertures 22 and 23 the arms may be provided with limitation means and in the preferred form this comprises an enlargement 30 at one end of the arm 15 preferably the lower end in use and a further enlargement 31 at the upper end. In the preferred form the further enlargement 31 takes the form of a cap having a central aperture 32 and a depression 33 in the outwardly facing end thereof. Thus a screw 34 can be passed through the aperture 32 so that the head 35 of the screw is positioned within the recess 33. The screw 34 engages a threaded recess (not shown) in the end of the arm opposite the bulbous enlargement 30.Desirably the screw 35 is not easily removed and this may be achieved by providing a shaped depression (not shown) in the head 35 which may be engageable for example by Allen key 40.

The cap 31 should be able to rotate freely on the screw 34.

To provide positioning circumferential grooves 42 may be provided on the arm 15 and these are positioned by a suitable mechanism (not shown) which may comprise for example a substantially axial aperture from one end of the rivet 17 into which may be positioned a biased, for example spring loaded, ball which is positioned adjacent the aperture 23. An adjusting screw could be provided in the aperture so that the resistance could be varied.

In use the bracket 2 is fitted to a window sash 4 and the bracket 3 to the window frame 6. When the window is opened the stay will move for example to the position shown in Figure 2. Movement beyond the predetermined limits is prevented by engagement of the enlargement 30 and end cap 31 with the material surrounding the apertures 23 and 22.

Intermediate positions may be held by means of engagement of the spring loaded ball into the circumferential depressions or in other manners as desired.

The window may be closed in the reverse direction.

Thus it can be seen that at least in this preferred form of the invention a window stay is provided which has some advantages. In particular the window stay is not readily accessible from outside of the window particularly where the opening is kept small. The person desiring to enter would need to insert a tool in the gap between the sash and the frame and either destroy the mounting of the arm or remove the end cap 31. Removal of the end cap 31 in particular is difficult as the Allen screw is substantially inaccessible when the window is open as shown in Figure 2. As the arm 15 rotates towards the open position, the screw 35 becomes less accessible and if the heads of the screws S are large, access to the screw is further reduced. Manipulation by a child is also difficult in particular because of the need to use the Allen key.The end cap 31, because it is able to spin freely in the preferred form of the invention, cannot be removed by simply twisting the arm 15. There is some resistance to hacksaw as the arm 15 can rotate freely in the rivets 16 and 17.

However, if it is desired to open the window wide the window can be shut and the Allen key used to remove the screw 35. The arm 15 will then drop downwardly free of the rivet 16 allowing the window to be fully opened.

In a second form of the invention, a window stay 1 is shown which comprises a first bracket 50 and a second bracket 51.

The first bracket 50 is able to be mounted on a window sash 52 by means of, for example, screws positioned through screw holes 53.

The second bracket 51 is able to be mounted on a window frame 54 by means, for example, screws 56.

In this embodiment, the first bracket 50 comprises three parts. A major bracket body 57, a backing plate for the axel 58 and an axel 59.

Referring, in particular, to Figures 10 through 12, the window sash bracket 50 is put together by placing the axel means 59 within the main bracket body 57 and placing the backing plate 58 for the axel behind the axel. This bracket may then be attached to the window sash to form a complete unit. Of course, other forms of construction for such bracket are possible.

It should be noted that, in this configuration, the axel means 59 is free to rotate about its axis in the sash bracket 50.

Pivotally mounted on said sash bracket 50 is an arm 61. This arm is connected to the pivot means 59 so that the arm is free to rotate with respect to the bracket means 50.

The second bracket 51 for fitment to a window frame 54 comprises a base plate 62. Projecting from this base plate is a retaining means 63 for retaining the other end of the arm 61. This retaining means 63 is free to rotate within the base plate 62 and thereby allow rotation of the arm 61 with respect to the base plate 62. The retaining means 63 may be retained against the base plate 62 by means of a circlip or other means of attachment to prevent the retaining means 63 from being detached from the base plate 62.

In the case of both retaining means associated with the brackets 50 and 51, namely axel means 59 and retaining means 63, the arm 61 is free to move axially with respect to each said retaining means. However, once constructed and in use, the arm 61 is provided with limitation means 64 and 66 on each end of the arm 61 to prevent withdrawal of the arm 61 from either of the retaining means 59 and 63.

In each case, the retaining means 59 and 63 retain the arm 61 by allowing the arm to pass through holes in the retaining means. Also in each, the limitation means 64 and 66 comprise a bulbous enlargement or lateral projection from the arm so that the arm will not pass through the associated hole in the associated retaining means 59 or 63.

In the case of the limitation means 66, these are provided by lateral fins projecting outwardly from the arm 61. When used in conjunction with the axel member retaining means 59, the limitation means 66 prevent the arm from being withdrawn from this retaining means 59 except when the arm 61 is rotated so that the limitation means 66 coincide with grooves 67 through the retaining means 59. The retaining means 59 also provides a further pair of grooves 68 which only progress part way through the retaining means 59. In use, the limitation means 66 can be seated within these grooves 68 and the arm 61 cannot be withdrawn from the retaining means 59. However, when the arm 61 is moved axially out of the groove 68 and rotated so that the projecting fin 66 align with the grooves 67, the arm can be withdrawn from the retaining means 59.

In use, the window stay is constructed such that when the window is in an open position, the arm 61 rotates with respect to both brackets 50 and 51. In this position, the top face of the retaining means 59 is adjacent the base of the back plate 58. Furthermore, in this position, there is insufficient clearance between the top face of the axel means 59 and the backing plate 58 to allow the arm 61 to be moved axially so that the limitation means 66 may come clear of the grooves 68. Therefore, when the window is open, the arm 61 cannot be rotated from a first position where the limitation means are in groove 68 to the position where the limitation means align with groove 67 so that the arm can be withdrawn. However, when the window is in the closed position, the arm 61 can be so disengaged from the retaining means 59.

The arm 61 is provided with grooves 71 along its length. Furthermore, the window frame bracket 51 provides means 72 to engage these grooves and provide some resistance against axial movement of the arm 61 through the means 63 holding the arm 61. In this embodiment, there is provided a button 73 in the retaining means 63 which also has a hole through which the arm 61 passes. As can be seen in Figure 15, the lower surface of the hole through the button 73 has a projection which provides the means 72. This button 73 is mounted on a spring 74 which provides pressure on the button 73 such that the means 72 will engage the grooves 71.In use, if it is desired to move the arm 61 axially with respect to the second bracket 51, a user can press the button 73 against the spring pressure from spring 74 to disengage the means 72 from the groove 71 and allow the arm 61 to pass freely through the retaining means 63.

The use of these grooves 71 and means 72 allow the window stay to be opened to a discrete location at which there is some resistance against further opening or closure by wind pressure or the like. Clearly, the means as shown in this embodiment are adjustable by means of changing the pressure provided by spring 74. This allows the window stay to be easily changed with different geographical locations where building codes may require a greater resistance against wind.

Another feature of this embodiment is that, when the window is in the closed position, the arm 61 may be moved axially upwards until the lowermost of the groove 71 is in a position against the means 72. In this position, a substantial portion of the arm 61 will project out above the axel means 59.

Should the window be pushed or pulled open when the window stay is in this configuration, the top of the arm 61 will pivot as the window opens until the top edge comes to bear against the window sash 52. This will substantially stop any further opening of the window and provides a lock against opening of the window from the outside even to the extent that the window stay would normally allow.

Thus it can be seen that this second embodiment of the invention provides many advantages over the prior art and includes a method of locking the window in the closed position. Furthermore, this second embodiment provides a window stay which cannot be easily disengaged when in the open position and, requires a conscious rotation of the arm 61 so that the arm may be disengaged when in the closed position. This provides some security against small children from accidentally opening the window by disengaging the arm 61 when the window is in a closed position. Also, this second embodiment does not require the use of an Allen key for disengagement as used in the first embodiment which may be an advantage as these keys cannot then be lost.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A window stay comprising a first bracket able to be engaged in use with a window sash, a second bracket able to be engaged in use with a window frame, an arm pivotally engaged with each bracket but able to move axially of said arm with respect to at least said second bracket, and limitation means to substantially prevent said arm from becoming disengaged with each said bracket.

2. A window stay as claimed in claim 1 wherein said limitation means comprises a bulbous enlargement at one end of said arm and a removable cap of greater diameter than the diameter of said arm at the other end of said arm.

3. A window stay as claimed in claim 2 wherein said removable cap comprises an apertured cap so that a screw can be passed through said aperture into a threaded depression in the end of said arm.

4. A window stay as claimed in claim 3 wherein said aperture in said cap is recessed.

5. A window stay as claimed in either one of claims 3 and 4 wherein said screw has a shaped recessed area able to be engaged by an Allen key.

6. A window stay as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each bracket carries an apertured rivet, said arm passing through said aperture and said rivet being freely pivotally move able on said bracket.

7. A window stay as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one said bracket is able to hold a bias ball or the like engagable into circumferential depressions on said arm.

8. A window stay comprising a first bracket able to be engaged in use with a window sash, a second bracket able to be engaged in use with a window sash, a second bracket able to be engaged in use with a window frame, an arm pivotally engaged with each bracket but able to move axially of said arm with respect to at least said second bracket and limitation means to substantially prevent said arm from becoming disengaged with each said bracket when said limitation means are in a first position and wherein said limitation means, to prevent disengagement from at least one said brackets may be re-oriented, in use, only when said window is closed, to a second position whereby the arm may be disengaged from said bracket.

9. A window stay as claimed in Claim 8 wherein said limitation means comprise a bulbous enlargement at one end of said arm and a lateral protrusion from the other end of said arm.

10. A window stay as claimed in Claim 9 wherein said re-orientation of said arm to a second position comprises rotating said arm such that said lateral protrusion aligns with a co-operating groove through retaining means included in, at least, one bracket to allow disengagement of said arm from said retaining means and thereby from said at least one bracket.

11. A window stay as claimed in Claim 10 wherein said retaining means comprise an axel member pivotally mounted on said at least one bracket and said arm passes through a hole in said axel member.

12. A window stay as claimed in either one of Claims 10 or 11 wherein said retaining means include a second groove progressing only partially through said retaining means such that said arm may be held in a stable first position in which said arm cannot be disengaged from said bracket when said window is open.

13. A window stay comprising a first bracket able to be engaged in use with the window sash, a second bracket able to be engaged in use with the window frame, an arm pivotally engaged with each bracket and able to move axially of said arm with respect to each bracket, limitation means to substantially prevent said arm from becoming disengaged with each said bracket and wherein said arm may be moved axially of each said bracket to a position whereby, in use, movement of said window sash from a closed position adjacent said window frame, will rotate said arm with respect to each said bracket such that an end of said arm closest to said first bracket will come to bear against said window sash and substantially prevent any further movement of said window sash from said window frame.

14. A window stay substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.