JP7461731B2 - Window stays - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a window stay.

The window may have a window sash that moves relative to the window frame to allow the window to be opened.

In some cases, the window sash is supported by one or more window stays. A window stay may have a frame plate for attachment to the window frame, a sash plate for attachment to the window sash, and one or more arms connecting the frame plate and the sash plate. Movement of the arms allows the window sash to move relative to the window frame.

From time to time, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the window sash relative to the window frame. For example, the window sash may sag over time. This may cause the window sash to undesirably abut against the outer surface of the window frame, preventing the window from closing completely.

Achieving this adjustment may require repositioning the window stays, which can be inconvenient and make it difficult to achieve fine adjustments.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a window stay is provided, the window stay comprising: a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame; a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate; an adjustment member, the adjustment member configured such that rotation of the adjustment member causes movement of the sliding frame plate relative to the fixed frame plate; and a selector having an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member can rotate and a locking mode in which the adjustment member is locked in position.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a window stay is provided, the window stay comprising: a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame; a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate; a screw engaging the sliding frame plate; and a screw chamber configured to receive the screw, wherein rotation of the screw within the screw chamber causes movement of the sliding frame plate relative to the fixed frame plate.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings which show various preferred embodiments of the invention. However, these drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the invention is not limited to the specific details of these drawings and the corresponding descriptions.

FIG. 1 shows a window stay in a fully closed position according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fully open position. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of the first embodiment taken through line B. FIG. 4A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a first condition. FIG. 4B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a first condition. FIG. 5A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a second condition. FIG. 5B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a second condition. FIG. 6A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a third condition. FIG. 6B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a third condition. FIG. 7A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fourth condition. FIG. 7B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a fourth condition. FIG. 8A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fifth condition. FIG. 8B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a fifth condition. FIG. 9A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a sixth condition. FIG. 9B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the first embodiment in a sixth condition. FIG. 10 shows a partial perspective view of a window stay according to the second embodiment in a first condition. FIG. 11 shows a partial perspective view of a window stay according to the second embodiment in a second condition. FIG. 12 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay according to the second embodiment in a third condition. FIG. 13 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay according to the second embodiment in a fourth condition. FIG. 14 shows a window stay according to a third embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of the third embodiment with the selector in the locked mode. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of the third embodiment with the selector in adjustment mode. FIG. 17 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the third embodiment in a first condition. FIG. 18 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the third embodiment in a second condition. FIG. 19 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the third embodiment in a third condition. FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a window stay according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 shows an end view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 22 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a first condition. FIG. 23 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a second condition. FIG. 24 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a third condition.

In some embodiments, a window stay has a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame, and a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate. The sliding frame plate can be moved relative to the fixed frame plate by rotating an adjustment member. The window stay can have a selector having an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member can be rotated, and a locking mode in which the adjustment member is locked in place. This provides a window stay in which the position of a window sash relative to the window frame can be adjusted without removing the window stay, and then the adjustment can be locked in place using the selector.

First embodiment Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a window stay according to a first embodiment.

The window stay comprises a fixed frame plate 100 which is attached to the window frame, for example by means of fasteners (such as screws or rivets) passing through fixing holes 102. Countersinks 104, 106 may be provided around the fixing holes 102. A sliding frame plate 200 is connected to the fixed frame plate. The fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 are movable relative to each other at least in the longitudinal direction (i.e. in the direction parallel to axis A). A channel 202 in the sliding frame plate 200 may be provided for access to the fixing holes 102.

In some cases, the fixed frame plate 100 and/or the sliding frame plate 200 have a stop mechanism, which can be used to limit the relative movement between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200.

The sash plate 300 is attached to the window sash. The sash plate 300 is connected to the sliding frame plate 200 by a short arm 400 and a long arm 500. The short arm 400 is fixed to the sliding frame plate 200 by a fixture 402 and to the sash plate 300 by a fixture 404. The fixtures 402 and 404 are pivot points, i.e., the short arm 400 pivots relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and the sash plate 300 by rotating about the fixtures 402 and 404, respectively. The long arm 500 is fixed to the sliding frame plate 200 by a fixture 502 and to the sash plate 300 by a fixture 504. The fixtures 502 and 504 are pivot points, i.e., the long arm 500 pivots relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and sash plate 300 by rotating about the fixtures 502 and 504, respectively.

The sash plate 300 can therefore move relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This allows the window sash to move relative to the window frame.

Figure 1 shows the window stay in a fully closed position, where the sash plate 300 is aligned with the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This corresponds to a closed state of the window. Figure 2 shows the window stay in a fully open position, where the sash plate 300 is perpendicular to the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This corresponds to a fully open state of the window. Several intermediate positions between the fully closed and fully open positions are also possible.

The adjustment member 600 is accessible from the outside of the sliding frame plate 200 (i.e., from the side of the sliding frame plate 200 facing away from the fixed frame plate 100) through the adjustment member aperture 204. By rotating the adjustment member 600, the sliding frame plate 200 moves longitudinally relative to the fixed frame plate 100.

The selector 650 is accessible from the outside of the sliding frame plate 200. The selector 650 has a lock mode in which the adjustment member 600 is locked in place and thus prevented from rotating, and an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member 600 is not locked in place.

In use, the user can move the selector 650 to the adjustment mode. The user can then rotate the adjustment member 600 to adjust the position of the sliding frame plate 200 relative to the fixed frame plate 100. After achieving the appropriate level of adjustment, the selector 650 can be moved to the lock mode to fix the position of the sliding frame plate 200 relative to the fixed frame plate 100.

This allows the position of the sash plate 300 (and therefore the window sash) relative to the fixed frame plate 100 (and therefore the window frame) to be adjusted. This may mean that the window sash better engages with the window frame when the window is in the fully closed position.

For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that in this context "adjusting the position of the window frame relative to the window sash" does not mean adjusting said position by opening the window (i.e. by moving the window stays between closed and open positions).

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay through line B.

The sliding frame plate 200 may have a rolled edge 216 that forms a channel 218. The fixed frame plate 100 may have a lip 112 that fits into the channel 218, thereby allowing the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 to be interlocked. This further helps reduce lateral movement between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200.

In alternative embodiments, this connection may be reversed. For example, the sliding frame plate 200 may have a lip that fits into a channel formed by the rolled edge of the fixed frame plate.

The support surface 114 may be located within an indent 116 of the fixed frame plate 100 and may be sandwiched between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. The support surface 114 may provide reinforcement for the window stay components. For example, the support surface 114 may be located adjacent to the short arm 400 of the window stay to reduce the risk of the window stay distorting during use. The support surface 114 may be formed of a wear-resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

Adjustment Member The adjustment member 600 has a head 602, which when assembled, can be generally flush with the outer surface of the sliding frame plate 200. The head can have a recess or protrusion to form a screw head (e.g., a Phillips-type screw head). The adjustment member 600 can thus be rotated using a suitable tool, such as a screwdriver. Rotation of the adjustment member 600 is accomplished by inserting the tip of the screwdriver into the screw head and rotating the screwdriver.

The teeth 604 are distributed around at least a portion of the circumference of the head 602, and may be distributed around the entire circumference of the head 602. The teeth 604 may be evenly spaced. They may be present only on the lower portion of the head 602 such that the teeth 604 do not pass through the adjustment member aperture 204 of the sliding frame plate 200 when the head 602 engages the adjustment member aperture 204. The teeth 604 may abut the bottom surface of the sliding frame plate 200 or may be spaced apart. Pairs of adjacent teeth 604 form recesses 606. The recesses 606 may be sized and shaped to receive a portion of the selector 650.

The ends of the teeth 604 may be shaped to guide a portion of the selector 650 into the recess 606 even if the selector 650 is not aligned with the recess 606.

The adjustment member may be trapped between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. For example, the teeth 604 may prevent the adjustment member 600 from being removed through the adjustment member aperture 204, and the size of the adjustment member 600 may be large enough to prevent it from being removed from between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200, thereby connecting the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200.

A post 608 protrudes from the bottom of the head 602 and may be integrally formed therewith. The post 608 is offset from the axis of rotation of the adjustment member 600. The post 608 fits into a slot 108 in the fixed frame plate 100. The slot 108 is oriented to transversely transversely (i.e., perpendicular to axis A) the fixed frame plate 100. The post 608 may have a circular cross-section that matches the circular end of the capsule-shaped cross-section of the slot 108. The post 608 may have a diameter that is the same as or very slightly smaller than the width (i.e., distance along axis A) of the slot 108, thereby minimizing longitudinal movement of the post 608 within the slot 108.

In use, as the adjustment member 600 rotates, the post 608 moves laterally across the slot 108, thereby moving the adjustment member 600, and thus the sliding frame plate 200, longitudinally relative to the fixed frame plate 100.

The selector 650 has a pin 652 that is movable within the channel 110 of the fixed frame plate 100 between a locked position corresponding to the lock mode of the selector 650 and an adjusted position corresponding to the adjustment mode of the selector 650.

In the locked position, the pin 652 is relatively close to the adjustment member 600. In use, the end 654 of the pin 652 may rest within the recess 606 and abut against one or more teeth 604 on either side of the recess 606. This prevents the adjustment member 600 from rotating.

In the adjustment position, the end 654 of the pin 652 is not within the recess 606 and therefore does not prevent rotation of the adjustment member 600.

The pin 652 is biased to the locked position. This can be accomplished by a spring 656 positioned around a portion 658 of the pin 652. The spring 656 presses against the end of the channel 110 opposite the end 654 of the pin 652.

The selector 650 has a handle 660, which can be used to move the pin 652 and may be integral with the pin 652. The handle 660 is constrained by an L-shaped channel 206 in the sliding frame plate 200. A longitudinal portion 208 of the channel 206 is disposed in the biasing direction of the spring 656, and a transverse portion 210 of the channel continues perpendicularly to the longitudinal portion 208. When the pin 652 is in the locking position, the handle 660 abuts or is at least near an end 212 of the longitudinal portion 208, which is relatively close to the adjustment member 600. When the pin 652 is in the adjustment position, the handle 660 is moved into the transverse portion 210. The wall 214 of the transverse portion 210 resists the bias of the spring 656 and holds the pin 652 in the adjustment position. The pin 652 moving between the locked and adjusted positions can involve longitudinal movement along the longitudinal portion 208 and rotation to move the handle 660 into the lateral portion 210.

The selector 650 may be disposed within a housing 662. The housing 662 may ensure that the components of the selector 650 can be secured to the window stay as a single assembly. The housing 662 may further aid in positioning the selector 650, for example, by aligning the pin 652 with the recess 606 of the adjustment member 600.

USE Figures 4A-9B show the window stay in various states corresponding to use. Figures 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, and 9B show partial perspective views of the window stay of Figures 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A, respectively, showing the operation of the internal components.

Figures 4A and 4B show the window stay in a first state.

The selector 650 is in the locked mode, so that the end 654 of the pin 652 is located within the recess 606 of the adjustment member 600. This prevents the adjustment member 600 from rotating, and therefore locks the sliding frame plate 200 in place relative to the fixed frame plate 100.

The post 608 is located at one end of the slot 108. This corresponds to the post 608 being oriented generally in line with the central axis of the head 602 (which is parallel to the lateral extension of the slot 108).

5A and 5B show the window stay in a second state. The window stay is moved from the first state to the second state by user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the lock position to the adjustment position, which moves the selector 650 from the lock mode to the adjustment mode. Thus, the end 654 of the pin 652 is now disengaged from the recess 606 of the adjustment member 600, thus preventing rotation of the adjustment member 600.

Figures 6A and 6B show the window stay in a third state. The window stay is moved from the second state to the third state by a user action. The user rotates the adjustment member 600, for example with a screwdriver. In this case, the adjustment member 600 is rotated 90° counterclockwise.

This rotation causes the post 608 to move laterally through the slot 108, where the post 608 is now approximately centered. As a result, the sliding frame plate 200 has been moved longitudinally in a first direction relative to the fixed frame plate 100. In use, this adjusts the position of the window sash relative to the window frame.

7A and 7B show the window stay in a fourth state. The window stay is moved from the third state to the fourth state by user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the adjustment position to the locking position. This moves the selector 650 from the adjustment mode to the locking mode. Thus, the end 654 of the pin 652 now engages the recess 606 of the adjustment member 600. The adjustment member 600 is therefore prevented from rotating by the abutment between the pin 652 and the teeth 604 on either side of the recess.

In this way, by moving from the first state to the second state, the third state, and then to the fourth state, the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 (and therefore between the window frame and the window sash) can be adjusted.

Figures 8A and 8B show the window stay in a fifth state. The window stay is moved from the second state to the fifth state by the action of a user. The user rotates the adjustment member 600, for example with a screwdriver. In this case, the adjustment member 600 is rotated 90° clockwise. This is therefore distinguished from Figures 6A and 6B by the direction of rotation of the adjustment member 600.

This rotation causes the post 608 to move laterally through the slot 108, where the post 608 is now approximately centered. As a result, the sliding frame plate 200 has been moved longitudinally in a second direction relative to the fixed frame plate 100. In use, this adjusts the position of the window sash relative to the window frame.

9A and 9B show the window stay in a sixth state. The window stay is moved from the fifth state to the sixth state by user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the adjustment position to the locking position. This moves the selector 650 from the adjustment mode to the locking mode. Thus, the end 654 of the pin 652 now engages the recess 606 of the adjustment member 600. The adjustment member 600 is therefore prevented from rotating by the abutment between the pin 652 and the teeth 604 on either side of the recess.

The sixth state is distinguished from the fourth state by the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200.

In this way, the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 (and therefore between the window frame and the window sash) can be adjusted by moving from the first state through the second state, the third state and then to the fourth state, or from the first state through the second state, the fifth state and then to the sixth state.

Rotation of the adjustment member 600 moves a number of recesses 606 through a state where they are aligned with the channel 110 and therefore may be engaged by the selector 650. Movement between two adjacent recesses may result in a relative longitudinal movement between the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100 of less than about 3 mm. This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100, and thus between the window frame and the window sash.

Second embodiment Figure 10 shows a window stay according to a second embodiment.

The second embodiment has a fixed frame plate 1100 and a sliding frame plate 1200, which may be the same as the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 of the first embodiment.

One difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the configuration of the adjustment member 1600 and the selector 1650. These can be used in place of the adjustment member 600 and the selector 650. In other respects, the second embodiment can be identical to the first embodiment.

Adjustment Member The adjustment member 1600 includes a head 1602 that resides within a recess 1218 in the sliding frame plate 1200. The head 1602 may have a boss 1610 that defines a recess for forming a screw head 1612 (e.g., a hex screw head). The adjustment member 1600 may thus be rotated using a suitable tool, such as a hex wrench. The boss 1610 fits into an aperture 1204 in the sliding frame plate 1200. This allows the screw head 1612 to be accessed from the outer surface of the sliding frame plate 1200.

Teeth 1604 are distributed around at least a portion of the circumference of head 1602, for example about half of said circumference. Teeth 1604 may be evenly spaced around this portion. Teeth 1604 may abut the bottom surface of sliding frame plate 1200 or may be spaced apart. Pairs of adjacent teeth 1604 form recesses 1606. Recesses 1606 may be sized and shaped to receive a portion of selector 1650.

The adjustment member 1600 may be trapped between the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200. For example, teeth 1604 may prevent the adjustment member 1600 from being removed through the aperture 1204.

A post 1608 protrudes from the bottom of the head 1602 and may be integrally formed therewith. The post 1608 is offset from the axis of rotation of the adjustment member 1600. The post 1608 fits into a slot 1108 in the fixed frame plate 1100. The slot 1108 is oriented to transversely transversely (i.e., perpendicular to axis C) the fixed frame plate 1100. The post 1608 may have a circular cross-section that matches the circular end of the capsule-shaped cross-section of the slot 1108. The post 1608 may have a diameter that is the same as or very slightly smaller than the width (i.e., distance along axis C) of the slot 1108, thereby minimizing longitudinal movement of the post 1608 within the slot 1108.

In use, as the adjustment member 1600 rotates, the post 1608 moves laterally across the slot 1108, thereby moving the adjustment member 1600, and thus the sliding frame plate 1200, laterally relative to the fixed frame plate 1100.

Selector The selector 1650 is movable within the recess 1110 of the fixed frame plate 1100 between a lock position corresponding to the lock mode of the selector 1650 and an adjustment position corresponding to the adjustment mode of the selector 1650 .

In the locked position, the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 is relatively close to the adjustment member 1600. In use, the pin 1652 may rest within the recess 1606 and abut against one or more teeth 1604 on either side of the recess 1606. This prevents the adjustment member 1600 from rotating.

In the adjustment position, the pin 1652 is not in the recess 1606 and therefore does not prevent rotation of the adjustment member 1600.

The selector 1650 has a handle 1660 that can be used to move the pin 1652 and may be integral with the pin 1652. The handle 1660 is constrained by a longitudinal channel 1206 in the sliding frame plate 1200. An additional protrusion on the bottom of the selector 1650 may be in an additional longitudinal channel in the fixed frame plate 1100.

The selector 1650 is biased towards the locked or adjusted positions. This is accomplished by a biasing means in the form of two detents 1664 on either side of the selector 1650. The detents 1664 have teeth 1666 that are aligned with expansions 1668 on the selector 1650. The detents 1664 can be configured to move each expansion 1668 past each tooth 1666, thereby requiring a force above a predetermined threshold to be applied to the handle 1660 to move the selector 1650 between the locked and adjusted positions. If the selector 1650 stops halfway between the locked and adjusted positions, the detents 1664 will bias the selector 1650 towards one of these positions.

The configuration of the second embodiment provides a mechanism that allows the stay to be moved between the lock mode and the adjustment mode.

10 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a first state. The selector 1650 is in a locked position. This means that the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 is in the recess 1606 between the two teeth 1604 of the adjustment member 1600. The pin 1652 prevents the adjustment member 1600 from rotating.

FIG. 11 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a second state. The selector 1650 has been moved to the adjustment position. This is achieved by the user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the detent 1664. This causes the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 to be pulled out of the recess 1606. The pin 1652 does not impede rotation of the adjustment member 1600.

12 shows the second embodiment window stay in a third state. The window stay is moved from the second state to the third state by a user rotating the adjustment member 1600 counterclockwise with a suitable tool. This causes the post 1608 to move laterally within the slot 1108, which in turn causes the sliding frame plate 1200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 1100. The selector 1650 is then moved to a locked position. This can be achieved by the user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the detent 1664. This causes the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 to be inserted into the recess 1606 of the adjustment member 1600. This prevents further rotation of the adjustment member 1600, thus locking the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200.

13 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a fourth state. The selector 1650 remains in the adjustment mode. The window stay is moved from the second state to the fourth state by a user rotating the adjustment member 1600 clockwise with a suitable tool. This causes the post 1608 to move laterally within the slot 1108, which in turn causes the sliding frame plate 1200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 1100. The selector 1650 is then moved to a locked position. This can be achieved by the user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the detent 1664. This causes the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 to be inserted into the recess 1606 of the adjustment member 1600. This prevents further rotation of the adjustment member 1600, thus locking the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200.

This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 1200 and the fixed frame plate 1100, and therefore between the window frame and the window sash.

Third embodiment Figure 14 shows an exterior view of a window stay according to a third embodiment. Figures 15 and 16 show partial cross-sectional views of said window stay through axis D.

The third embodiment has a fixed frame plate 2100 and a sliding frame plate 2200. These may be the same as the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 of the first embodiment, or the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200 of the second embodiment.

One difference between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments is the configuration of the adjustment member 2600 and selector 2650. These can be used in place of the adjustment member 600 and selector 650 of the first embodiment, or the adjustment member 1600 and selector 1650 of the second embodiment. In other respects, the third embodiment may be identical to the first or second embodiments.

An intermediate plate 2150 may be provided between the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200. The intermediate plate 2150 may fit into a recess formed in the sliding frame plate 2200.

Adjustment Member The adjustment member 2600 comprises a head 2602, which resides within a recess 2218 in the sliding frame plate 2200. A central aperture 2614 in the head 2602 is shaped to receive a selector 2650. The adjustment member 2600 may be trapped between the middle plate 2150 and the sliding frame plate 2200.

A post 2608 protrudes from the bottom of the head 2602 and may be integrally formed therewith. The post 2608 is offset from the axis of rotation of the adjustment member 2600. The post 2608 passes through an aperture 2152 in the middle plate 2150 and fits into a slot 2108 in the fixed frame plate 2100. The slot 2108 is oriented to transversely transversely (i.e., perpendicular to axis D) the fixed frame plate 2100. The post 2608 may have a circular cross-section that matches the circular end of the capsule-shaped cross-section of the slot 2108. The post 2608 may have a diameter that is the same as or very slightly smaller than the width (i.e., distance along axis D) of the slot 2108, thereby minimizing longitudinal movement of the post 2608 within the slot 2108.

In use, as the adjustment member 2600 rotates, the post 2608 moves laterally across the slot 2108, thereby moving the adjustment member 2600, and thus the sliding frame plate 2200 and intermediate plate 2150, laterally relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

The selector 2650 has a shoulder 2652 that is shaped and sized to fit into the central aperture 2614 of the head 2602 of the adjustment member 2600. This fit is such that the shoulder 2652 is free to rotate within the central aperture 2614. That is, in order for the shoulder 2652 to rotate relative to the window stay, the adjustment member 2600 must also rotate relative to the window stay. Both the shoulder 2652 and the central aperture 2614 may have a polygonal cross-section, such as a hexagon.

The neck 2654 extends from the shoulder 2652 and has a diameter substantially smaller than the shoulder 2652. The neck 2654 defines a recess that forms a screw head (e.g., a hex screw head). The adjustment member 2600 can thus be rotated using a suitable tool 2700, such as a hex wrench.

The neck 2654 is shaped and sized to fit into the selector aperture 2204 of the sliding frame plate 2200. The selector aperture 2204 allows access to the screw head.

This fit prevents the neck 2654 from freely rotating within the selector aperture 2204. Thus, when the neck 2654 is within the selector 2650, the neck 2654 cannot rotate relative to the window stay. Both the neck 2654 and the selector aperture 2204 may have a polygonal cross-section, such as a hexagon. The number of sides of the polygonal cross-section may be adjusted based on the desired increment of adjustment. A larger number of sides may allow for finer adjustments.

FIG. 15 shows the window stay in a locked mode, where the neck 2654 is within the selector aperture 2204. This is the locked position of the selector 2650. The fit between the neck 2654 and the selector aperture 2204 prevents the selector 2650 from rotating relative to the window stay. This, in turn, prevents the adjustment member 2600 from rotating due to the slip fit between the shoulder 2652 and the central aperture 2614.

FIG. 16 shows the window stay in adjustment mode, where the neck 2654 is below the selector aperture 2204. This is the adjustment position of the selector 2650. The neck 2654 may be completely within the central aperture 2614. Because the central aperture 2614 is significantly larger than the neck 2654, the neck 2654 is prevented from rotating. The user can then rotate the selector 2650. This translates into a rotation of the adjustment member 2600, which causes a lateral movement of the sliding frame plate 2200 relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

The selector 2650 is biased toward the locked position by a biasing means, such as a spring 2656. The spring 2656 biases the selector 2650 so that the neck 2654 is within the selector aperture 2204. To move the selector 2650 to the adjustment position, the user must apply a force to the selector 2650 to resist the bias of the spring 2656. Releasing this force causes the spring 2656 to move the selector 2650 back to the locked position.

In this manner, the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200 can be adjusted by the user using a tool to depress the selector 2650. The selector 2650 then enters the adjustment position. The user rotates the selector 2650, causing rotation of the adjustment member 2600. The rotation of the adjustment member 2600 translates into lateral movement of the post 2608 across the slot 2108, which in turn causes relative longitudinal movement between the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200.

17 shows the window stay of the third embodiment in a first condition, in which the post 2608 is in a first position within the slot 2108.

Figure 18 shows the third embodiment window stay in a second state. The window stay is moved from the first state to the second state by a user rotating and depressing the selector 2650 to the adjustment position and by rotating the selector 2650 in a clockwise direction. This rotates the adjustment member 2600 counterclockwise, which moves the post 2608 laterally within the slot 2108, which in turn moves the sliding frame plate 2200 relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

Figure 19 shows the third embodiment window stay in a third state. The window stay is moved from the first state to the third state by a user rotating and depressing the selector 2650 to the adjustment position and rotating the selector 2650 in a counterclockwise direction. This rotates the adjustment member 2600 clockwise, which moves the post 2608 laterally within the slot 2108, which in turn moves the sliding frame plate 2200 relative to the fixed frame plate 2100.

The selector 2650 can be moved back to the locked position from either the second or third state. This can be done by the user releasing pressure on the selector 2650. The spring 2656 then moves the selector 2650 to the locked position where the neck 2654 of the selector 2650 engages within the selector aperture 2204. This prevents further rotation of the selector 2650, and thus the adjustment member 2600, thus locking the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200.

This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 2200 and the fixed frame plate 2100, and therefore between the window frame and the window sash.

Fourth embodiment Figures 20 and 21 show a window stay according to a fourth embodiment.

The window stay of the fourth embodiment has a fixed frame plate 3100 attached to the window frame and a sliding frame plate 3200 connected to the fixed frame plate. The fixed frame plate 3100 and the sliding frame plate 3200 can replace the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 of the window stay shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.

The fixed frame plate 3100 has a rolled edge 3102 that defines a channel 3104. The lip 3202 of the sliding frame plate 3200 fits into the channel 3104. The fit between the lip 3202 of the sliding frame plate 3200 and the channel 3104 of the fixed frame plate 3100 may have sufficient tolerance to allow the lip 3200 to slide along the channel 3104 without undue resistance.

The screw chamber 3300 is mounted to the fixed frame plate 3100. The mounting consists of one or more fins 3106 extending from the fixed frame plate 3100 and having an aperture 3108 configured to hold the screw chamber 3300. The screw chamber 3300 can be relatively rigidly coupled to the fixed frame plate 3100. The screw chamber 3300 has an internal thread for mating with the screw 3210. The engagement between the screw chamber 3300 and the screw 3210 can be configured such that a threshold level of torque is required to rotate the screw 3210 within the screw chamber 3300. This can prevent the screw 3210 from rotating within the screw chamber 3300 without user intervention.

The sliding frame plate 3200 has a cavity 3204 defined by an outer wall protruding from the outer surface of the sliding frame plate 3200. The cavity 3204 is sized to accommodate one or more fins 3106 and a screw chamber 3300 when the sliding frame plate 3200 and the fixed frame plate 3100 are coupled.

An aperture 3206 is provided in the sliding frame plate 3200 toward the cavity 3204. The aperture 3206 is sized to allow a screw 3210 to pass therethrough. A bushing 3208 is provided adjacent the aperture 3206 to hold the screw trapped in the sliding frame plate 3200. The bushing 3208 can hold the screw in place relative to the sliding frame plate 3200.

In use, the aperture 3206 and the bushing 3208 are aligned with the screw chamber 3300. A screw can be positioned in the aperture 3206 such that the shaft of the screw engages with the screw chamber 3300. A user can actuate the screw 3210 using a suitable tool, such as an Allen wrench. By rotating the screw 3210 in a first angular direction, such as clockwise, the screw 3210 moves further into the screw chamber 3300. This causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move in a first linear direction (i.e., along axis E) relative to the fixed frame plate 3100, due to the connection between the bushing 3208 and the sliding frame plate 3200 and the connection between the screw chamber 3300 and the fixed frame plate 3100. Conversely, by actuating the screw 3210 in a second angular direction, such as counterclockwise, the screw 3210 moves out of the screw chamber 3300. This causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move in a second linear direction (along axis E) in the opposite direction relative to the fixed frame plate 3100.

22 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a first state, in which the screw 3210 is in a first position within the screw chamber 3300.

Figure 23 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a second state, where the screw 3210 is at a second, deeper position within the screw chamber 3300. The window stay is moved from the first state to the second state by a user using a suitable tool to rotate the screw 3210 in a clockwise direction, which causes the shaft of the screw 3210 to move further into the screw chamber 3300, which in turn moves the sliding frame plate 3200 relative to the fixed frame plate 3100.

24 shows the fourth embodiment window stay in a third state, where the screw 3210 is in a third, shallower position within the screw chamber 3300. The window stay is moved from the first state to the third state by a user rotating the screw 3210 in a counterclockwise direction with a suitable tool, thereby partially withdrawing the shaft of the screw 3210 from the screw chamber 3300, which in turn moves the sliding frame plate 3200 relative to the fixed frame plate 3100.

This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 3200 and the fixed frame plate 3100, and therefore between the window frame and the window sash.

Interpretation Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof and these embodiments have been described in detail, this should not be construed as restricting or in any way limiting the scope of the appended claims to those details. Further advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described herein. Thus, departures may be made from the above details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

In particular, it should be understood that features from different embodiments may be combined unless the context requires otherwise. That is, although various features are described and illustrated in different embodiments, this is merely for purposes of brevity and should not be construed as a limitation to only those combinations of features that are expressly described or illustrated.

It is recognized that the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" can be interpreted in an exclusive or inclusive sense under various jurisdictions. For purposes of this specification, these terms have an inclusive meaning unless otherwise specified, i.e., they are interpreted to mean that their use includes the recited components to which it is directly referred, and also includes other unlisted components or elements, as the case may be.

100 Fixed frame plate 110 Channel 112 Lip 114 Support surface 200 Sliding frame plate 202 Channel 210 Lateral portion 218 Channel 400 Short arm 500 Long arm 600 Adjustment member 606 Recess 608 Post 650 Selector 652 Pin 656 Spring 1100 Fixed frame plate 1200 Sliding frame plate 1204 Aperture 1600 Adjustment member 1606 Recess 1608 Post 1612 Screw head 1650 Selector 1652 Pin 1664 Detent 2100 Fixed frame plate 2200 Sliding frame plate 2204 Selector aperture 2600 Adjustment member 2608 Post 2614 Central aperture 2650 Selector 2654 neck 3100 fixed frame plate 3104 channel 3106 fin 3108 aperture 3200 sliding frame plate 3202 lip 3210 screw 3300 screw chamber

Claims (33)

A window stay comprising:
Fixed frame plate for mounting to window frame;
a sliding frame for attachment to said fixed frame;
1. A window stay comprising: an adjustment member, the adjustment member configured such that rotation of the adjustment member causes movement of the sliding frame plate relative to the fixed frame plate; and a selector having an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member can rotate and a locking mode in which the adjustment member is locked in position. The window stay of claim 1, wherein the selector is biased toward the lock mode. The window stay of claim 2, wherein the selector includes a spring for biasing the selector toward the lock mode. The window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the selector comprises a pin. The window stay of claim 4, wherein the pin travels within a channel in the sliding frame plate. The window stay of claim 5, wherein the channel is L-shaped. The window stay of claim 6, wherein the pin can be held in the adjustment mode by disposing the pin within a lateral portion of the channel. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a detent configured to bias the selector toward the lock mode or the adjustment mode. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 , wherein in the locked mode the pin is within a recess in the adjustment member. The window stay of claim 9, wherein the adjustment member has a plurality of the recesses around the outer periphery of the adjustment member. The window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sliding frame plate moves approximately 3 mm relative to the fixed frame plate as the adjustment member rotates between the first adjustment position and the second adjustment position. The window stay of claim 11, wherein the first adjustment position corresponds to a first recess of the adjustment member, the second adjustment position corresponds to a second recess of the adjustment member, and the first recess and the second recess are adjacent. the selector includes a neck configured to be within a selector aperture of the sliding frame;
A window stay according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture is configured to prevent rotation of the selector by abutting the neck. In the adjustment mode, the neck is not within the selector aperture of the sliding frame;
14. The window stay of claim 13, wherein in the locked mode, the neck is within the selector aperture of the sliding frame plate. The window stay according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the selector is connected to the adjustment member. The window stay of claim 15, wherein the selector is coupled to the adjustment member by placing the selector within a central aperture of the adjustment member. The window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the adjustment member comprises a post offset from the axis of rotation of the adjustment member. the stationary frame plate includes a channel extending laterally across a portion of the stationary frame plate;
20. The window stay of claim 17, wherein the channel is configured to receive the post. The window stay of claim 18, wherein the adjustment member is configured such that the post moves laterally within the channel of the fixed frame plate when the adjustment member is rotated. The window stay of claim 18 or 19, wherein the post moves laterally within the channel of the fixed frame plate, thereby causing the sliding frame plate to move longitudinally relative to the fixed frame plate. A window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the adjustment member has a screw head. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the fixed frame plate includes a lip configured to be positioned within a channel of the sliding frame plate. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the sliding frame plate includes a lip configured to be positioned within a channel in the fixed frame plate. The window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the sliding frame plate is configured to be attached to the short arm and/or the long arm of the window stay. The window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a support surface located between the fixed frame plate and the sliding frame plate. 26. A window stay as claimed in claim 25, wherein the support surface is configured to be positioned adjacent a short arm of the window stay. The window stay of claim 25 or 26, wherein the support surface is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene. A window stay comprising:
Fixed frame plate for mounting to window frame;
a sliding frame for attachment to said fixed frame , said sliding frame having a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally ;
a screw for engaging said sliding frame plate, said screw having an axis of rotation parallel to said longitudinal axis of said sliding frame plate ;
a screw chamber configured to receive the screw;
Rotating the screw within the screw chamber relative to the axis of rotation causes movement of the sliding frame plate relative to the fixed frame plate in a direction along the longitudinal axis . The window stay of claim 28, wherein the screw chamber is mounted to the fixed frame plate. The window stay of claim 29, wherein the screw chamber is attached to the fixed frame plate by one or more fins. A window stay according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the screw is trapped in the sliding frame plate. A window stay according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the channel of the fixed frame plate is configured to receive the lip of the sliding frame plate. The window stay of claim 32, wherein the lip is configured to slidably engage the channel of the fixed frame plate.

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