GB2533899A

GB2533899A - Sash window assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2533899A
Application number: GB1412757.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shenton Nigel; Sehdeva Richard; Loakes Graham
Original assignee: Grouphomesafe Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-17
Filing date: 2014-07-17
Publication date: 2016-07-13
Also published as: WO2016009191A1; GB201412757D0

Abstract

The sash window assembly 2 is for permitting egress from a building. The window comprises: first and second sashes 6, 8: a retaining device 10A and a frame 4. The frame includes a head 12, sill 14 and pair of jambs 16, 16. The first sash is vertically slidable with respect to the second sash. The first sash is openable to a maximum first position and the retaining device holds the sash at this maximum opening and retains against closure of the sash. The retaining device may only engage with the sash substantially in the maximum opening position and may be a magnetic means. Alternatively the retaining device may be mechanical and include a catch such as a pin catch. The second sash may also be relatively vertically slidable and tiltable. The window may also include first and second pairs of spring balances.

Description

Sash Window Assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sash window assembly for egress from a building, and more particularly to a vertically sliding sash window assembly.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many countries have regulations which require buildings to have suitable escape windows so that an occupant can exit the building through it in an emergency. Such egress windows must therefore conform to certain opening size requirements and be located within a set height of the floor level. For instance, in the UK, the opening of an egress window must have an area of not less than 0.33 m2 and the opening must be within 1100 mm of the floor. The minimum opening area requirement means that neither the width nor the height of the opening can be less than 450 mm.

Sash windows are popular due to their traditional appearance and may be required to be installed in period properties in conservation areas. Traditional sash windows comprise a frame attached to the window opening by means of a pair of jambs. Two sashes slide vertically, one in front of the other, within the grooves of a liner located in the jambs. The lower sash is typically located in the innermost groove of the liner and is slid upwards during opening of the window. The upper sash is typically located in the outer groove and can be slid downwards to improve ventilation throughout the room. The weight of each sash was traditionally supported by means of counterbalancing weights, which slide up and down on a cord concealed within the window frame. In modern designs, the weight of the sashes can be supported instead by spring balances. In addition, either or both sashes may be able to be tilted inwardly to aid in the cleaning of the window pane.

When vertically sliding sash window assemblies are to be used as egress windows, the window assembly must also incorporate a means by which at least one of the sashes can be held open in a position which does not obstruct access to the window opening.

In one commercially available solution to this problem, the lower sash can be lifted upwards and inwards so that it locks open at a 900 angle to give a clear egress opening. The opening of the lower sash into this position involves a 3 step procedure: in step 1, the lower sash must first be slid upwards a small distance; in step 2, the tilt latches on the underside of the lower sash must be released by sliding inwards and holding; and in step 3, the lower sash must be pulled upwards and inwards to 90° and fully supported until it locks out in this position.

There are several problems with this known solution. Firstly, in an emergency situation, such a 3 step procedure is somewhat time-consuming. Secondly, the occupant must fully support the weight of the lower sash as it is lifted inwards and until the point it is locked out. For elderly and frail occupants of a building, this action could be prohibitively difficult. Thirdly, the arms of the hinges supporting the lower sash in the perpendicularly open position are liable to be knocked as the occupant exits through the window, which could potentially result in the window dropping on top of the escaping occupant. Finally, the window assembly later has to be reset for normal use in another 3 step process.

GB2399128 discloses a sash window assembly comprising an outer frame, an upper window panel and a lower window panel, at least one of which is vertically slidable.

The lower panel is pivotable about its lowermost edge and the upper panel is pivotable about its uppermost edge, thereby enabling each panel to be pivoted out of the plane of the window opening to permit emergency egress from the building. The upper panel may be provided with struts to support it in its open position.

A potential problem with this solution is that both the lower and upper panels project perpendicularly into the room, with the lower panel being supported by the window sill and/or struts. Thus, it is likely to be cumbersome and somewhat unstable to firstly climb onto the lower window panel before exiting through the window opening.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved window assembly which provides an opening area suitable for permitting egress in an emergency situation or to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the problems of the prior art, or provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a sash window assembly for permitting egress from a building. The assembly may include a frame, which may include one or more of a head, a sill and a pair of jambs. The assembly may include a first sash and may include a second sash. The first sash may be vertically slidable in relation to the second sash and the frame. Retaining means may be provided. The first sash may be slidable to a maximum opening position for egress in which the retaining means engage to hold the first sash in the maximum opening position and retain against closure of the first sash.

The retaining means may only engage when the first sash is substantially in the maximum opening position.

It is to be understood that the maximum opening position is accessible during an emergency situation to provide an opening through which an occupant can escape from the building. The retaining means supports the weight of the first sash in the maximum opening position for egress and retains against closure of the first sash. This ensures that the first sash stays in the maximum opening position so there is no risk of the first sash sliding onto an escaping occupant.

In some embodiments the retaining means are magnetic means. The retaining means may comprise at least one pair of magnetic retaining means. Each pair of magnetic retaining means may comprise at least one magnet. Thus, it is to be understood that in some embodiments each pair of magnetic retaining means may comprise two magnets. In other embodiments, each pair of magnetic retaining means may comprise only one magnet, with the other component of each pair being comprised of a suitable material to be attracted to the one magnet.

The at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may be provided on the frame or on the first sash.

The at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may have a pull force of at least 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 10 Kg. The at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may have a pull force of no more than 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30, 50, 75, 100, 125 Kg. In a particular embodiment, the at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may have a pull force of from 8 to 9 Kg.

The pull force of a magnet is the force required to pull a magnet free from a flat steel surface. Thus, the pull force gives an indication of the holding power of the at least one magnet.

The at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may exert an attractive force over a distance of at least 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 10 mm. The at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may exert an attractive force over a distance of no more than 7, 8, 9 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 75, 100, 150 or 200 mm. In certain embodiments, the at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may exert an attractive force over a distance from 3 to 15, from 5 to 12, from 6 to 10 or from 7 to 9 mm. In a particular embodiment the at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means may exert an attractive force over a distance of approximately 8 mm.

As the first sash is slid into the maximum opening position, the at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means exerts an attractive force on the other component of its pair. It is to be understood that the other component of each pair can either be another magnet or the other component can be comprised of a material which will be attracted to the at least one magnet. When the first sash is in the maximum opening position, the at least one magnet and the other component of its pair come into contact. The attractive forces between the at least one magnet and the other component of each pair of magnetic retaining means supports the weight of the first sash in the maximum opening position for egress. The first sash can subsequently be returned to a partially open position or a closed position by applying sufficient downwards force on the first sash to overcome the attractive forces The at least one pair of magnetic retaining means may be obround, oval, rectangular, square or circular in shape.

In alternative embodiments, the retaining means are mechanical means. The mechanical means may comprise at least one catch. The at least one catch may be located on the frame to engage with the first sash. The at least one catch may be a pin catch. The pin catch may be a pull and twist catch. The first sash can subsequently be returned to a partially open position or a closed position by releasing the at least one catch.

During normal use of the sash window assembly, it is to be understood that the first sash can be partially opened for ventilation. In some embodiments, the first sash is inwardly tiltable with respect to the vertical plane of the frame for ventilation and cleaning. In further embodiments, the second sash is vertically slidable in relation to the first sash and the frame for ventilation. The second sash may be inwardly tiltable with respect to the vertical plane of the frame for ventilation and cleaning.

The sash window assembly may further comprise first and second pairs of balances. The balances may be spring balances. Each pair of balances support one of the first sash or the second sash against its weight in a partially open or a tilted position. It is to be understood that the retaining means does not support the weight of the first sash or the second sash in partially open or tilted positions. The first sash and the second sash are free to move on input of minimal external force either up or down within the frame.

In the maximum opening position the first sash and the second sash may be aligned.

In some embodiments, in the maximum opening position the first sash and the second sash are completely aligned.

In some embodiments, the sash window assembly further comprises a detent. The detent marks the partially open limit of the first sash for ventilation during normal use.

In an emergency situation, the first sash is slid beyond the detent to the maximum opening position for egress. Thus, the detent provides tactile feedback that the first sash has been opened beyond its normal opening range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sash window assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the first and second sashes in a closed position; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a sash window assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the first sash in a partially open position for ventilation; Figures 3A to 3E show a standard spring balance which can be used in the present invention; Figure 4 shows a modified spring balance which can be used in the present invention; Figure 5 shows another view of the sash window assembly of Figure 2, with the first sash in a partially open position for ventilation; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a sash window assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the first sash in an inwardly tilted position for ventilation and cleaning; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a sash window assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the first sash retained in a maximum opening position for egress; Figure 8 shows another view of the sash window assembly of Figure 7, with the first sash retained in a maximum opening position for egress; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention with the first sash retained in a maximum opening position for egress by mechanical means; and Figures 10A and 108 show the engaged and disengaged positions of the pin catch in accordance with the alternative embodiment of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A CERTAIN EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 to 8, there is illustrated a sash window assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sash window assembly (2) comprises four main component parts: a frame (4), a first sash (6), a second sash (8) and retaining means (10A, 10A'). The frame (4) is adapted to be fitted into an opening in a building and comprises a head (12), a sill (14) and a pair of jambs (16, 16'). The jambs (16, 16') are disposed vertically, one at each end of the frame (4) to connect the head (12) to the sill (14).

The first sash (6) is shown as the lower, innermost sash. The lower sash (6) comprises a bottom rail (18), a meeting rail (20) and a pair of vertical stiles (22, 22'), located one at each end of the bottom rail (18) and meeting rail (20) to form a rectangular sash frame, within which the window pane is supported. The second sash (8) is shown as the upper, outermost sash. The upper sash (8) comprises a top rail (24), a meeting rail (26) and a pair of verticals stiles (28, 28') located one at each end of the top rail (24) and meeting rail (26) to form a rectangular sash frame, within which the window pane is supported.

A sash window lock (30) is provided for securing the window in the closed position.

The sash lock keep (32) is fixed in a central position on the meeting rail (26) of the upper sash (8) and the sash lock (34) is fixed in a central position on meeting rail (20) of the lower sash (6).

Each of the jambs (16, 16') are provided with a liner (36, 36'), which has an inner track (38, 38') and an outer track (40, 40') separated by a parting bead. Each liner (36, 36') is recessed within one of the jambs (16, 16'). The lower sash (6) is adapted so that so that each of its stiles (22, 22') can be slidably attached to one of the inner tracks (38, 38'). Thus, the lower sash (6) is vertically slidable in relation to the upper sash (8) and the frame (4). Similarly, the upper sash (8) is adapted so that so that each of its stiles (28, 28') can be slidably attached to one of the outer tracks (40, 40'). The upper sash (8) is vertically slidable in relation to the lower sash (6) and the frame (4).

The window assembly is also provided with spring balances. A standard spring balance (42) is shown in Figures 3A to 3E. The standard spring balance (42) comprises a spiral rod (44), an inner spring (46), an outer spring (48) and an outer tube (50). A rivet (52) is fixed in position at the top of the outer tube (50) through holes (54). The spiral rod (44) is hooked over the outer spring (48). The standard spring balance (42) is shown with a standard attachment comprising a foot (56). Alternatively, the standard spring balance may be provided with a tilt attachment (58, illustrated in Figure 4) which can be connected to a foot (56) via a pivot shoe. Standard spring balances (42) are fitted to the jambs (16, 16') of the frame (4) with the top of the balance (42) fight against the head (12) of the frame (4). The standard balances (42) are fixed to the jambs (16, 16') through the rivet (52). The foot (56) is typically attached to the underneath of the bottom rail (18) of the lower sash (6) or to the underneath of the meeting rail (26) of the upper sash (8).

In the present embodiment, the spring balances (60) have been modified as illustrated in Figure 4. In contrast with standard spring balances (42), the inner spring of the modified spring balance (60) is approximately 2.5 cm longer and the outer spring of the modified spring balance (60) is approximately 1.9 cm longer. To accommodate the longer inner and outer springs, an extension tube (62), which may comprise steel, is fitted to the top of the outer tube (50') and is supported by a bracket (64). The spiral rod is hooked over the outer spring. The rivet (52') is now located through the extension tube (62) rather than the outer tube (50'). Thus, the rivet (52') is slightly longer than in the standard balance (42) to accommodate the larger diameter of the extension tube (62). The modified spring balances (60) are fitted to the jambs (16, 16') by a fixing means (66) attached to the bracket (64), with the top of the extension tube (62) tight against the head (12) of the frame (4). These modifications enable the inner springs and the outer springs to sit higher, in the present embodiment approximately 2.5 cm higher, in the jambs (16, 16') than those of the standard balances (42). In turn, this enables the lower sash (6) and the upper sash (8) to be completely aligned in the maximum opening position. As a result of the springs sitting higher in the jambs, part of the outer spring may be visible within the jamb. In the present embodiment, an L-shaped tilt latch (68, Fig. 5) is provided to cover the outer spring. The modified spring balance (60) may be provided with a tilt attachment (58), as shown in Figure 4, which can be connected to a foot via a pivot shoe. Alternatively, the modified spring balance (60) may be provided with a standard foot as illustrated in Figures 3A to 3E.

First and second spring balances (either standard spring balances 42 or modified spring balances 60) are required to support the weight of the lower sash (6) when the lower sash (6) is in a partially open position for ventilation (as shown in Figures 2 and 5) or a tilted position for ventilation and cleaning (as shown in Figure 6). Similarly, third and fourth spring balances are required to support the weight of the upper sash (8) when the upper sash (8) is in a partially open or tilted position for ventilation and/or cleaning (not shown).

In this embodiment, the retaining means is magnetic means. As can be seen in Figure 5, first and second magnets (10, 10') are provided on the head (12) of the frame (4).

The first magnet (10) is positioned at approximately one quarter distance along the length of the head (12) from the left jamb (16). The second magnet (10') is positioned at approximately one quarter distance along the length of the head (12) from the right jamb (16'). Third (10A) and fourth (10A') magnets are provided on the meeting rail (20) of the lower sash (6). The third magnet (10A) is positioned at approximately one quarter distance along the length of the meeting rail (20) from the left jamb (16) so that it is vertically aligned with respect to the first magnet (10). The fourth magnet (10A') is positioned at approximately one quarter distance along the length of the meeting rail (20) from the right jamb (16') so that it is vertically aligned with respect to the second magnet (10'). All four magnets (10, 10', 10A, 10A') are obround in shape. However, in other embodiments, only one of each pair of engaging retaining means may be magnetic; the other being made of suitable material to be attracted to the magnet.

In Figure 1, the sash window assembly (2) is shown with both the lower sash (6) and the upper sash (8) in their closed positions. It is clearly apparent, from Figure 1 that the first (10) and second (10') magnets on the head (12) of the frame (4) and the third (10A) and fourth (10A') magnets on the meeting rail (20) of the lower sash (6) are not engaged in any way. Therefore, the magnetic retaining means (10, 10', 10A, 10A') do not support the weight of the window in closed positions.

Figures 2 and 5 show the lower sash (6) in a partially open position for ventilation. Figure 6 shows the lower sash (6) in a tilted position for ventilation and cleaning. These positions are accessible in normal operation of the window assembly.

In Figures 2 and 5, the lower sash (6) has been slid vertically upwards into a partially open position. The lower sash (6) in this partially open position is balanced against its weight by its first and second spring balances. The lower sash (6) is free to move on input of minimal external force either up or down within the frame. It is clearly apparent, from Figures 2 and 5, that the first (10) and second (10') magnets on the head (12) of the frame (4) and the third (10A) and fourth (10A') magnets on the meeting rail (20) of the lower sash (6) are not engaged in any way. Therefore, the magnetic retaining means (10, 10', 10A, 10A') do not support the weight of the lower sash (6) in partially open positions for ventilation. Thus, in the present invention, the minimal external force required to move the lower sash (6) from a partially open position is equivalent to the external force required to move a lower sash from the same position in a standard sash window of the same size.

Figures 7 and 8 show the sash window assembly (2) with the lower sash (6) in the maximum opening position for egress. The lower sash (6) has been slid beyond the partially open position shown in Figures 2 and 5, in the present embodiment through a detent marking the opening limit for ventilation, to the maximum opening position. The detent provides tactile feedback that the lower sash (6) has been opened beyond its normal opening range. However, in alternative embodiments, no such detent is provided.

In this embodiment, all four parts of the retaining means (10, 10', 10A, 10A') are magnetic. The magnets (10, 10', 10A, 10A') typically have a pull force of from 8 to 9 Kg. The first magnet (10) and the third magnet (10A) exert an attractive force on each other over distance of approximately 8 mm. Similarly, the second magnet (10') and the fourth magnet (10A') exert an attractive force on each other over the same range. As the lower sash (6) is slid into the maximum opening position, the magnets of corresponding pairs (10:10A and 10':1 OA') exert an attractive force on each other. When the lower sash (6) is in the maximum opening position the magnets of corresponding pairs (10:10A and 10':10A) come into contact. This is clearly illustrated in Figure 8, where the first magnet (10) on the head (12) of the frame (4) and the third magnet (10A) on the meeting rail (20) of the lower sash (6) are in contact. Similarly, the second magnet (10') on the head (12) of the frame (4) and the fourth magnet (10A') on the on the meeting rail (20) of the lower sash (6) are in contact. Therefore, the attractive forces between the pairs of magnetic retaining means (10:10A and 10':10,4') support the weight of the lower sash (6) in the maximum opening position for egress. The advantage of the magnetic retaining means is to retain against closure of the lower sash (6). This ensures that the lower sash (6) stays in the maximum opening position so there is no risk of the lower sash (6) sliding onto an escaping occupant. The lower sash (6) can be returned to a partially open position or a closed position by applying sufficient downwards force on the lower sash (6) to overcome the attractive forces between the pairs of magnetic retaining means (10:10A and 101:10A'), i.e. the pull force of the magnets must be overcome for the lower sash (6) to be released from the maximum opening position for egress. Figure 7 also shows the lower sash (6) and the upper sash (8) in a completely aligned position. Thus, in the present embodiment, modified spring balances (60) are used to enable the sashes to be completely aligned.

As noted above, in other embodiments, only one of each pair of magnetic retaining means may be magnetic; the other component being made of suitable material to be attracted to the magnet. In such embodiments, the one magnet of each pair will have a pull force of from 8 to 9 Kg and exert an appreciable attractive force on the other component of each pair over a distance of approximately 8 mm. When the lower sash (6) is slid into the maximum opening position, the one magnet of each pair will exert an attractive force on the other component. The one magnet and the other component of each pair, will come into contact when the lower sash is in the maximum opening position, and the attractive forces between them retain against closure of the lower sash (6).

In alternative embodiments, standard spring balances (42) are used. Since the lower sash (6) and the upper sash (8) are unable to be completely aligned when standard spring balances (42) are used, a spacer bar is attached to the underneath of the head (12) of the frame (4). The first (10) and second (10') magnets are provided on the spacer bar rather than the head (12) of the frame (4). The third (10A) and fourth (10A') magnets are provided on the meeting rail (20) of the lower sash. When the lower sash (6) is in the maximum opening position, the magnets of corresponding pairs (10:10A and 10':10A') are in contact and the attractive forces between them retain against the closure of the sash. As described above, in some embodiments, only one of each pair of engaging retaining means may be magnetic; the other component being made of suitable material to be attracted to the magnet.

With reference to Figure 9 there is illustrated a sash window assembly (2) according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the retaining means (103, 103') is a mechanical means. As can be seen in Figure 9, a first pin catch (103) is positioned at approximately one half distance along the height of the left jamb (16). A second pin catch (10B') is positioned at approximately one half distance along the height of the right jamb (16'). The first and second pin catches (10B, 10B') are pull and twist catches. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, when the lower sash (6) is in the maximum opening position, the pin catch (10B, 10B') engages with the pivot shoe (70) that is attached to the bottom of the spring balance located within the respective jamb (16, 16'). Therefore, the mechanical retaining means (10B, 10B') supports the weight of the lower sash (6) in the maximum opening position for egress and retains against the closure of the lower sash (6). This ensures that the lower sash (6) stays in the maximum opening position so there is no risk of the lower sash (6) sliding onto an escaping occupant. The lower sash (6) can be returned to a partially open position or a closed position simply by pulling and twisting the pin catch (10B, 10B') to disengage the pin from the pivot shoe (70).

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A sash window assembly for permitting egress from a building comprising, a frame comprising a head, a sill and a pair of jambs; a first sash and a second sash, wherein the first sash is vertically slidable in relation to the second sash and the frame; and retaining means; wherein the first sash is slidable to a maximum opening position for egress in which the retaining means engage to hold the first sash in the maximum opening position and retain against closure of the first sash.
2. The sash window assembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining means only engage when the first sash is substantially in the maximum opening position.
3. The sash window assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retaining means are magnetic means.
4. The sash window assembly of claim 3, wherein the magnetic means comprises at least one pair of magnetic retaining means.
5. The sash window assembly of claim 4, wherein each pair of magnetic retaining means comprises at least one magnet.
6. The sash window assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one magnet of each pair of magnetic retaining means is provided on the frame or on the first sash.
7. The sash window assembly of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each pair of magnetic retaining means comprises two magnets.
8. The sash window assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retaining means are mechanical means.
9. The sash window assembly of claim 8, wherein the mechanical means comprises at least one catch.
10. The sash window assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one catch is located on the frame to engage with the first sash.
11. The sash window assembly of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the at least one catch is a pin catch.
12. The sash window assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first sash is inwardly tiltable with respect to the vertical plane of the frame for ventilation and cleaning.
13. The sash window assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second sash is vertically slidable in relation to the first sash and the frame and/or filtable with respect to the vertical plane of the frame for ventilation and cleaning.
14. The sash window assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising first and second pairs of balances.
15. The sash window assembly of claim 14, wherein the balances are spring balances.
16. The sash window assembly of any preceding claim, wherein in the maximum opening position the first sash and the second sash are aligned.
17. The sash window assembly of claim 16, wherein in the maximum opening position the first sash and the second sash are completely aligned.
18. The sash window assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a detent.
19. A sash window assembly substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 8.
20. A sash window assembly substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 9 to 10.