GB2278398A

GB2278398A - Adjustable friction stay

Info

Publication number: GB2278398A
Application number: GB9410723A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald Philip Lanaway
Original assignee: DGS HARDWARE Ltd
Current assignee: DGS HARDWARE Ltd
Priority date: 1993-05-29
Filing date: 1994-05-27
Publication date: 1994-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-27
Also published as: GB9410723D0; GB2278398B; GB9311210D0

Abstract

A window support in the form of a friction stay includes an open-topped track 10 to be fixed to a window frame, and a link arrangement for interconnecting the frame with the window sash. The link arrangement is pivotally mounted on sliders 20, 24 in the track 10, movement of the slider 24 being prevented during a substantial part of the movement of the friction stay. At one end, the track 10 is closed by a profiled cap 36, while at the other end the track 10 mounts an adjustable abutment 100, against which engages the slider 20 during closing of the window. When the window is closed, an angled end face 42 of a link enters the cap 32. In the event of inaccurate fitting or wear of the window seals, the window may be moved into closer engagement with the frame by adjustment of the abutment 100, whereby engagement with the slider 20 obliges the slider 24 to move towards the cap 32. This creates an additional pressure of the window against the window frame to improve sealing. A latching arrangement may be provided to initially limit the extent of opening of the window. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements in or Relating to Window Supports This invention is concerned with apparatus for supporting a component for movement between an open and closed position in a fixture opening, and is particularly concerned with window support apparatus wherein the window is pivotable about either a vertical or a horizontal axis and the axis of pivoting of the window moves away from the window frame, so that when the window is open, both sides thereof are accessible from one side of the window frame.

In the closed position of the window in the window frame, the window engages against one seal on the window frame and also provides itself a further seal for engagement against the window frame. The apparatus in question conventionally comprises a link arrangement having a first link which mounts the window and which is pivotally mounted on a track mounted on the window frame. Incorrect fitting of the link arrangement can have the effect of making the seals ineffective. Also, the seals can become ineffective through wear.

Also, in apparatus where the link arrangement can provide for a window fully opening to a position extending at substantially right angles to the window frame at one side thereof, thereby meeting safety standards concerning escape routes, it can also be desirable, for security and other purposes, for the link arrangement to initially automatically limit the extent of opening of the window.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for supporting a component for movement between an open and a closed position in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a link arrangement having a first member for mounting the component and a second member for pivotally mounting the first member on a third member, the latter being adapted to be secured to the fixture opening and comprising a track, and a fourth member for pivotally mounting the first member on means which are slidably located in the track, means for adjusting the spacing between a profiled end means on the track and the pivot location for the link arrangement furthest from the end means, whereby, on movement into the closed position, there is provision for control of the interaction between the first member and the profiled end means, and thereby control of movement of the first member laterally over the track together with movement of the component into the fixture opening.

Preferably means are provided for manually adjusting the spacing. The adjusting means may provide for selection of the amount of further movement of the first member, and may comprise first and second relatively movable parts.

Preferably also the first part of the adjusting means is connected with the slidable means and, on movement of the component into the closed position, the cooperation with the second part of the adjusting means controls the interaction of the first member with the profiled end means. Alternatively the first part of the adjusting means is adapted to engage with the slidable means when the component approaches a closed position, the engagement controlling the interaction with the first member with the profiled end means. The adjusting means may be in the form of a wedge located between the first and second parts thereof and movable by an operating screw, and movement of the wedge may adjust the relative positions of the first and second parts.

Further the second member may be pivotally mounted on the track by way of a slider which is normally prevented from sliding in the track during a substantial part of the movement of the link arrangement. The adjusting means may be provided towards the end of the track removed from the profiled end means, whereby, when the component approaches the closed position, the adjusting means causes the slider to move, thereby enabling further movement of the first member towards the profiled end means.

In a further alternative, the first part of the adjusting means pivotally mounts the second member and is adjustable relative to the second part, whereby adjustment is able to effect further movement of the first member towards the profiled end means.

In a different embodiment, the adjusting means is in the form of a rotatable profiled member. The profiled member may be of elliptical shape, and means may be accessible through one or more side walls of the track for manual adjustment.

The second member is preferably pivotally mounted on the first member towardssthat end thereof which can interact with the end means, the fourth member being pivotally mounted on the first member in a spaced relation to the second member away from said end, whereby the link arrangement enables the first member to extend at substantially 900 to the track when the component is in the fully open position. The first member may be prevented from moving beyond that fully open position by engagement of the slidable means with stop means in the track. The slider may provide the stop means. The end means may be profiled to prevent fouling with the first member in all adjusted positions of the engageable means.Latching means may be provided whereby, when the link arrangement is moved to a first open position, further opening movement is prevented, the latching means being releasable to selectively enable further opening movement, and subsequent reinstatement of the latching engagement.

The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting a component for movement between an open and a closed position in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a link arrangement having a first member for mounting the component and a second member for pivotally mounting the first member on a third member, the latter being adapted to be secured to the fixture opening and comprising a track, and a fourth member for pivotally mounting the first member on. means which are slidably located in the track, the second member being pivotally mounted on the first member towards one end thereof which is engageable with end means on the track in the closed position, and the fourth member being pivotally mounted on the first member in a spaced relation to the second member away from said end of the first member, whereby, in the fully open position, the first member extends at substantially right angles to the track, latching means being provided, whereby, when the link arrangement is moved to a first open position, further opening movement is prevented, the latching means being releasable to selectively enable further opening movement, and subsequent reinstatement of the latching engagement.

Preferably the track means comprises cut-outs in retaining walls, whereby the latching means, on reaching the location of the cut-outs, is biassed outwardly therethrough beyond the retaining walls to prevent further movement of the slidable means in the track in the direction of opening of the component.

The latching means may locate in the track with shoulders on respective sides of a central section below the retaining walls of the track. Further, end parts of the shoulders of the latching means may be profiled to have faces which are located adjacent the track walls angled in a direction towards the central section for controlled movement of said end parts through the walls of the track at the profiled locations. Said faces of the shoulders preferably merge laterally outwardly and in a direction away from the central section with respective lateral outer edges of the shoulders, and free end edges of the end parts of the shoulders are preferably angled towards the other end of the latching means to facilitate latching engagement with respective edges of the walls of the track at the profiled locations.

The latching means may be mounted on the slidable means by an arrangement provided to transmit loading on the latching means to the sliding means and away from the mounting therebetween, and the latching means may have a slotted hole through which the mounting can locate, the slotted hole providing for relative movement at the time of mounting, thereby to engage respective end edges of the shoulders against the slidable means for said transmission of loading.

The respective end edges of the shoulders may be angled in a direction away from the central section to enable engagement with the slidable means over an increased length of edge. A respective end of the central section of the latching means is preferably mounted on the slidable means, said respective end being angled relative to the central section in a direction away from the side shoulders, whereby to provide the biassing force for the latching component within the track.

Preferably the retaining walls of the track are each indented adjacent the profiled locations in a direction away from a base of the track. Also the retaining walls of the track may be further indented in a direction away from the track base at locations remote from the profiled locations.

Desirably the latching means comprises a component having such a cross-section as to enable clearance for the latching component to move past fixing means which can be provided for mounting the track in the fixture opening, and advantageously the latching component is formed of temper stainless steel.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a window support apparatus shown in partly open position; Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a component of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of the component of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a section on A-A of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a top plan view of another component of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of part of a modified component; Fig. 7 is a perspective view from above and one end of the component part of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of window support apparatus; and Fig. 9 is a side view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 8.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 7 of the drawings, a window support apparatus in the form of a friction stay comprises an open topped track 10 having inturned upper walls 12, the track 10 being fixed on a lower horizontal part of a window frame (not shown) by means of any suitable fixing devices engaged through apertures 14 in the base of the track 10. A further track (not shown) is inverted and secured to a horizontal upper member of the window frame.

The window sash (not shown) is fixed at opposed edges to a respective elongate member 16 forming part of a link arrangement. The member 16, at a location intermediate of its ends, is pivotally mounted on one end of an elongate pivot member 18, the other end of which is pivotally mounted on a slider 20 which is slidably located in the track 10. Towards one end, the support member 16 is pivotally mounted on one end of a link 22, the other end of the latter being pivotally mounted on a slider 24 which is located in the track 10.

The slider 24 also pivotally mounts one end of a further link 26, the other end of the link 26 being pivotally mounted on the pivot member 18. The latter is stepped along its length to provide a raised section 28 on which the link 26 is mounted, so as to provide clearance for the link 26 in the closed position. A further link 30 is pivotally connected between the member 16 and the link 26.

The slider 24 has an internally threaded hole to receive a conventional friction screw (not shown), the screw being tightened to such an extent as to prevent movement of the slider 24 during a substantial part of the movement of the friction stay, as hereinafter described. At the end remote from the slider 20, the track 10 is closed by a member 32. The latter has a mounting part 34 overlying an end part of the base of the track 10 below the walls 12 and secured to the track 10.

For securing, the base can have a hole pierced therethrough at an appropriate location and a boss thereafter formed to the upper side of the base by extrusion of the material at the location of the hole.

The part 34 at a respective location is also pierced to form a hole, a countersink being formed around the latter to one side thereof. The relative dimensions of the boss and the hole in the part 34 are such that the latter can locate on the base with the boss passing through the hole from the side thereof opposed to the countersink. When so fitted the free end of the boss is then expanded into the countersink to retain the part 34 connected to the base of the track 10. The member 32 is integrally formed with an end profiled cap 36 upstanding from the end of the mounting part 34, the cap 36 providing an internal cam surface defined by a first part 38 extending at substantially right angles to the longitudinal direction of the track 10 and an outwardly angled part 40. The cam surfaces 38, 40 are engageable by an angled end face 42 of the support member 16 as hereinafter described.

The slider 20 (Fig. 5), for example formed of a plastics material, has an elongate body having a central upstanding section 44 presenting respective side shoulders 46, 48 which lie in the track 10 below the respective walls 12. Through the section 44 there is formed a hole 52 for mounting of the pivot member 15, for example by way of a rivet. A further internally threaded hole 54 is formed in the section 44 to receive a conventional friction screw 50 (Fig. 1). The section 44 has a reduced height area 56 towards the end remote from the threaded hole 54, the area 56 terminating at an arcuate edge 58. The hole 52 is located within this area 56.

The slider 20 also mounts one end of an elongate strip 60 (Figs. 2 to 4), the strip being preferably formed of a one-piece component of temper stainless steel. The strip 60 has a main body part 62 defined by a central elongate section 64 upstanding from respective side shoulders 66, 68, the latter lying in the track 10 below the respective walls 12. At one end thereof the strip 60 has end parts 70 of the respective shoulders 66, 68 profiled for a purpose hereinafter described, the profiled end parts 70 terminating short of a rounded end 72 of the upstanding section 64, with upper faces of the shoulders 66, 68 being upwardly angled, relative to the section 64, in a direction towards their free ends, but merging outwardly and downwardly with respective lateral edges 74, 76 of the shoulders 66, 68.Respective end edges 78, 80 of the latter are angled rearwardly of the section 64 relative to the end 72 thereof, and the central section 64 gently sweeps upwardly, i.e. in a direction away from the shoulders 66, 68 towards the end 72, the edges 78, 80 extending below the shoulders 66, 68 to provide an increased edge length for latching purposes, as hereinafter described.

From the other end of the upstanding section 64 there extends an integral mounting finger 82 having an arcuate outer end edge 84. The finger 82 is provided with a slotted hole 86 and is formed to extend upwardly from the plane of the central section 64. End parts 82, 90 of the shoulders 66, 68 adjacent the finger 82 are turned downwardly relative to the central section 64 for a purpose hereinafter described.

The strip 60 is mounted on the slider 20 by the finger 82 locating on the slider area 56 with the slotted hole 86 overlying the slider hole 52. The end edge 84 of the finger 82 has the same curvature as the edge 58 on the slider 24. When so located on the slider 24, the end parts 88, 90 of the shoulders 66, 68 of the strip 60 engage the respective end edge 92 of the slider 24. The hole 86, being slotted, facilitates slight longitudinal movement of the strip 60 relative to the slider 24 when being secured thereto, whereby the end parts 88, 90 are compressed against the slider end edge 92 over a relatively large surface, to avoid loading on the strip 60 being transmitted to the mounting, for example the rivet.

At a location intermediate of the ends of the track 10, the respective walls 12 are profiled at aligned locations by way of cut outs 94. The spring strip 60 is biassed outwardly of the track 10, so that when the free end of the strip 60 locates below the cut outs 94, the strip end parts 70 move upwardly through the cut outs 94 until the end edges 78, 80 partly extending above the walls 12, move into latching engagement therewith. This prevents further movement of the strip 60 along the track 10 in the direction towards the end closure 32, until manual pressure is applied to the strip by way of the end 72 to move the strip back into the track 10 with the strip end below the level of the walls 12, whereupon further movement of the strip 60 is possible.

The cross-section of the strip 60 provides both longitudinal stiffness and also clearance above the fixing devices which engage through the apertures 14 in the base of the track 10 to mount the latter on the respective part of the window frame. The profile of the end parts 70 of the shoulders 66, 68, together with the angled end edges 78, 80 provides a sufficient length of edge for positive latching engagement, ensuring that such engagement cannot be removed without manual pressure being applied to the strip. The profile enables the required positive location in one direction only, and the length of the end edges 78, 80 is important in ensuring that the strip 60 remains clear of the fixing devices when manual pressure is applied. The profile, as well as the provision of the elongate shoulders, provides maximum stiffness in the strip 48.

The slightly raised end 72 of the central section 64 provides an easy finger rest for an operator to apply the required manual pressure.

To reduce, if necessary, the length of the cut-outs 94 formed in the track walls 12, the latter may be upwardly indented adjacent the cut-outs 94, at those ends not engaged by the end edges 78, 80 of the strip 60. The use of such indents (not shown) aids the stiffness of the track 10.

The end of the track 10 remote from the end closure 32 is closed by a fixed insert 96 providing an arcuate edge 98 facing inwardly of the track 10. The insert 96 may be secured by the extrusion and countersink method described above in relation to the part 34. Adjacent to the insert 96 there is provided an adjustable abutment 100 which may be elliptical in shape and of such dimensions as to have edge parts lying underneath the upper walls 12 of the track 10. The abutment 100 may be manually adjustable by any suitable means between a position where the major axis extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the track 10, as shown in full lines in Fig. 1, and the position where the major axis extends in the same longitudinal direction as the track 10, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1.

In use, the support member 16 may be swung from the position shown in Fig. 1 to a closed position where in the support member 16 overlies the pivot member 18 and the links 22, 26, the latter in turn overlying the track 10. It will be appreciated that in the closed position, the window supported by the link arrangement is also closed. Conventionally, one part of the window closes against a seal on a part of the window frame, while another part of the window provides a seal which also closes on another part of the window frame.

Assuming the friction stay is correctly positioned on the window and window frame, and that the window seals are fully effective, the abutment 100 may be positioned as shown in Fig. 1 so that, when the support member 16 is swung to its closed position, the angled end face 42 enters the end cap 32 and interacts with the cam surfaces 38, 40, while an arcuate edge 102 of the slider 20 locates against the respective edge of the abutment 100. The interaction of the end face 42 of the support member 16 and the cam surfaces 38, 40 correctly positions the window against the window frame.

However, in the event of inaccurate fitting of the window stay, or wear of the window seals, the sealing of the window may be, or become, less effective than is desired. In order to move the window into closer engagement with the window frame, the abutment 100 may be adjusted from the position shown in Fig. 1 by manual rotation whereby to engage against the edge 102 of the slider 20 before the support member 16 reaches its fully closed position. This engagement obliges the slider 24 to move towards the end cap 32, and the consequent increased pressure of the end face 42 against the cam surface 40 causes additional lateral movement of the support member 16 in the direction of closing, and therefore additional pressure of the window against the window frame to improve sealing.The abutment 100 can be adjusted to any position between its two extreme positions and thereby provides a considerable amount of adjustment.

When the window is to be opened, the cam surface 38 enables outward movement of the support member 16, even when the latter has been moved to its further extent into the end cap 32 by way of the abutment 100.

The angular extent of opening of the window is initially limited by movement of the end of the strip 60 to the location of the cut outs 94 in the walls 12. The angling of the end edges 78, 80 enables smooth movement of the free end upwardly through the cut outs 94 until there is latching engagement between the end edges 78, 80 and the edges of the cut outs 94. Further opening is achieved by the user pressing on the strip end 72 to move the latter back into the track 10.

The window can then be fully opened, in which position the support member 16 extends outwardly at substantially right angles to the track 10, and is held against a further opening by engagement of the end 72 of the strip 60 against the end of the slider 24. The ability of the window to open to this full extent is a safety measure to provide an escape route sufficiently large to enable a person to pass therethrough without hindrence. The window can be retained in any desired angular position up to the fully open position, principally due to friction engagement between the slider 20 and the track 10.

In a modification, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the free end configuration of the elongate strip 60 has the end parts 70 of the respective side shoulders 66, 68 angled relative to the central section 64. Also the end edges 78, 80 are angled downwardly and rearwardly from the section 64. The strip 60 functions as described hereinbefore.

Another embodiment of a friction stay is shown in Figs. 8 and 9, with like reference numerals being used to refer to like features of the first embodiment.

In the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9, the link arrangement is movable between the open and closed positions by virtue of the slider 24 being movable within the track 10. At the end of the track 10 remote from the end closure 32, the pivot member 18 is pivotally mounted on a first component 104 of an adjusting arrangement which also includes a fixed component 106 secured to the track 10. The components 104, 106 present opposed angled faces 108, 110 respectively, the component 104 being biassed towards the component 106, but being retained in a spaced relation by an operating component 112 which forms a wedge between the opposed angled faces 108, 110. The component 112 has an internally threaded bore for receiving an operating screw 114.When the latter is unscrewed, the biassing force on the component 104 moves the angled face 108 of the latter over the operating component 112 and therefore towards the component 106. As the operating screw 114 is tightened to raise the operating component 112 out of the track 10, the component 112 rides upwardly over the angled faces 108, 110 and moves the component 104 against the biassing force. The component 104 is therefore moved along the track 10 and alters the pivot location of the pivot member 18 so as to reduce the spacing between the pivot location and the end cap 32 when the link arrangement is moved to the closed position.This increases the pressure of the end face 42 of the support member 16 against the cam surface 40, thereby causing additional lateral movement of the support member 16 in the direction of closing, and additional pressure of the window against the window frame to improve sealing. The operating screw 114 can be turned to any position between its two extreme positions and thereby provides a considerable amount of adjustment.

In this embodiment, there is no provision of any arrangement for restricting initial opening, but it will be appreciated that such an arrangement could be provided if required.

It is to be appreciated that the adjusting arrangement of the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9 may be utilised in the Fig. 1 embodiment. For example, the component 104 could be provided for movement with the slider 20 to be engageable with the wedge component 112 on closure of the window.

It should also be appreciated that either form of window stay can be provided with the arrangement for restricting initial opening but without the facility of the arrangement for providing adjustable pressure.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The invention may be applied to any other types of window stay. The adjustable abutment may be of any other suitable configuration. With an abutment of the type described and shown in Fig. 1, adjustment may be by way of a knob accessible from above the track, or by way of an adjusting wheel accessible from one or each side of the tack with only one or more outer edges of the wheel being visible. The end cap may be of any other suitable configuration which accommodates the movement created by the adjustable abutment.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus for supporting a component for movement between an open and a closed position in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a link arrangement having a first member for mounting the component and a second member for pivotally mounting the first member on a third member, the latter being adapted to be secured to the fixture opening and comprising a track, and a fourth member for pivotally mounting the first member on means which are slidably located in the track, means for adjusting the spacing between a profiled end means on the track and the pivot location for the link arrangement furthest from the end means, whereby, on movement into the closed position, there is provision for control of the interaction between the first member and the profiled end means, and thereby control of movement of the first member laterally over the track together with movement of the component into the fixture opening.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein means are provided for manually adjusting the spacing.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the manually adjusting means provides for selection of the amount of further movement of the first member.

4. Apparatus according Claim 2 or 3, wherein the adjusting means comprises first and second relatively movable parts.

5. Apparatus accordingly to Claim 4, wherein the first part of the adjusting means is connected with the slidable means and, on movement of the component into the closed position, the cooperation with the second part of the adjusting means controls the interaction of the first member with the profiled end means.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the first part of the adjusting means is adapted to engage with the slidable means when the component approaches a closed position, the engagement controlling the interaction with the first member with the profiled end means.

7. Apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the adjusting means is in the form of a wedge located between the first and second parts thereof and movable by an operating screw.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein movement of the wedge adjusts the relative positions of the first and second parts.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the adjusting means is in the form of a rotatable profiled member.

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the profiled member is of elliptical shape.

11. Apparatus according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein means is accessible through one or more side walls of the track for manual adjustment.

12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the second member is pivotally mounted on the track by way of a slider which is normally prevented from sliding in the track during a substantial part of the movement of the link arrangement.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the adjusting means is provided towards the end of the track removed from the profiled end means, whereby, when the component approaches the closed position, the adjusting means causes the slider to move, thereby enabling further movement of the first member towards the profiled end means.

14. Apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the first part of the adjusting means pivotally mounts the second member and is adjustable relative to the second part, whereby adjustment is able to effect further movement of the first member towards the profiled end means.

15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the second member is pivotally mounted on the first member towards that end thereof which can interact with the end means, the fourth member being pivotally mounted on the first member in a spaced relation to the second member away from said end, whereby the link arrangement enables the first member to extend at substantially 900 to the track when the component is in the fully open position.

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the first member is prevented from moving beyond the fully open position by engagement of the slidable means with stop means in the track.

17. Apparatus according to Claim 15 or 16, when dependent on Claim 12 or 13, wherein the slider which is normally prevented from sliding in the track during a substantial part of the movement of the link arrangement provides the stop means.

18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the end means is profiled to prevent fouling with the first member in all adjusted positions.

19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein latching means is provided whereby, when the link arrangement is moved to a first open position, further opening movement is prevented, the latching means being releasable to selectively enable further opening movement, and subsequent reinstatement of the latching engagement.

20. Apparatus for supporting a component for movement between an open and a closed position in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a link arrangement having a first member for mounting the component and a second member for pivotally mounting the first member on a third member, the latter being adapted to be secured to the fixture opening and comprising a track, and a fourth member for pivotally mounting t-he first member on means which are slidably located in the track, the second member being pivotally mounted on the first member towards one end thereof which is engageable with end means on the track in the closed position, and the fourth member being pivotally mounted on the first member in a spaced relation to the second member away from said end of the first member, whereby, in the fully open position, the first member extends at substantially right angles to the track, latching means being provided, whereby, when the link arrangement is moved to a first open position, further opening movement is prevented, the latching means being releasable to selectively enable further opening movement, and subsequent reinstatement of the latching engagement.

21. Apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the track means comprises cut-outs in retaining walls, whereby the latching means, on reaching the location of the cut-outs, is biassed outwardly therethrough beyond the retaining walls to prevent further movement of the slidable means in the track in the direction of opening of the component.

22. Apparatus according to Claim 21, wherein the latching means locates in the track with shoulders on respective sides of a central section below the retaining walls of the track.

23. Apparatus according to Claim 22, wherein end parts of the shoulders of the latching means are profiled to have faces which are located adjacent the track walls angled in a direction towards the central section for controlled movement of said end parts through the walls of the track at the profiled locations.

24. Apparatus according to Claim 23, wherein the free end edges of the end parts of the shoulders are angled towards the other end of the latching means to facilitate latching engagement with respective edges of the walls of the track at the profiled locations.

25. Apparatus according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein free end edges of the end parts of the shoulders are angled towards the other end of the latching means to facilitate latching engagement with respective edges of the walls of the track at the profiled locations.

26. Apparatus according to any of Claims 22 to 25, wherein the latching means is mounted on the slidable means by an arrangement provided to transmit loading on the latching means to the sliding means and away from the mounting therebetween.

27. Apparatus according to Claim 26, wherein the latching means has a slotted hole through which the mounting can locate, the slotted hole providing for relative movement at the time of mounting, thereby to engage respective end edges of the shoulders against the slidable means for said transmission of loading.

28. Apparatus according to Claim 27, wherein the respective end edges of the shoulders are angled in a direction away from the central section to enable engagement with the slidable means ove an increased length of edge.

29. Apparatus according to any of Claims 22 to 28, wherein a respective end of the central section of the latching means is mounted on the slidable means, said respective end being angled relative to the central section in a direction away from the side shoulders, whereby to provide the biassing force for the latching means within the track.

30. Apparatus according to any of Claims 23 to 25 and any of Claims 26 to 29 when dependent on Claim 23, wherein the retaining walls of the track are each indented adjacent the profiled locations in a direction away from a base of the track.

31. Apparatus according to Claim 30, wherein also the retaining walls of the track are further indented in a direction away from the track base at locations remote from the profiled locations.

32. Apparatus according to any of Claims 20 to 31, wherein adjusting means is in the form of a wedge located between first and second parts and movable by an operating screw.

33. Apparatus according to Claim 32, wherein the latching component is formed of temper stainless steel.

34. Apparatus for supporting a component for movement between an open and a closed position in a fixture opening, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

35. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding Claims.