LU101439B1

LU101439B1 - Roller for sliding windows and doors, and method of installation

Info

Publication number: LU101439B1
Application number: LU101439A
Authority: LU
Inventors: Ridolfo Davide Di; Dave ROWE
Original assignee: Aluk S A
Priority date: 2019-10-14
Filing date: 2019-10-14
Publication date: 2021-04-14

Abstract

In one aspect, there is provided a roller for slidably mounting a window or door within a frame, the roller comprising a body portion having an axis of elongation, an elongate projection extending parallel to the axis of elongation being provided on an upper side of the body portion. The roller further comprises at least one axle mounted on the body portion, each axle extending transversely and being configured to rotatably support at least one wheel, each wheel being configured to engage, in use, a portion of the frame adjacent a lower side of the body portion, opposite the upper side; and a retention mechanism disposed in or on the body portion. The elongate projection is configured to be slid into a correspondingly shaped support channel defined by a support profile in or on the window or door (e.g. in a glass packer or sash). The retention mechanism is configured to move, in use, between a first position, in which sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door is enabled, and a second position, in which relative sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door is prevented. Preferably, the retention mechanism includes a biasing element configured to urge, in use, the retention mechanism into the second position. Preferably, the retention mechanism includes a pin configured to engage a correspondingly shaped hole in or adjacent the support profile.

Description

1 | P-VALFID-005/LU 1 LU101439 ROLLER FOR SLIDING WINDOWS AND DOORS, AND METHOD OF

INSTALLATION Technical field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to techniques for movably mounting panels, such as windows and doors, within frames. The invention more particularly relates to an improved roller for sliding windows and doors. Background Art

[0002] Special considerations apply in the case of sliding windows and doors, e.g. where it is desired that the frame (lower part, in which the window or door sits and slides) has a flat sill and where it is desired that vertical installation of the window or door is facilitated, and solutions have been made available on the market.

[0003] In relation to the “flat sill requirement’, proposed solutions include (i) having the rollers installed into the frame, with the disadvantage that a lot of rollers are needed on the frame, (ii) the rollers are slid below the sash and eventually blocked horizontally because sitting into a slot machined into the sash, with the | disadvantage that the roller is engaged with the profile only laterally, not vertically and (iii) the rollers are previously fixed to the sash by a mechanical connection (i.e. screws), with the disadvantage that this does not work with flat sill concept and/or vertical installation

[0004] One illustration of the “flat sill requirement’ is provided in Fig. 1 (PRIOR ART). With this design, the lower frame has a large deep hole or gap (indicated by | hatching) in the sill when the window is open, and is a safety and aesthetic issue for the end user.

[0005] The issue regarding the need for vertical installation of the window or door is illustrated in Fig. 2(a) to 2(c) (PRIOR ART). As illustrated in Figs 2(a) and | 2(b), the window or door has to be installed frontally with a special cover on the upper frame, which may create difficulties in terms of maintenance. As seen in Fig. 2(c), it is desirable to have a vertical installation (1, 2), but a drawback is that this | ;

i P-VALFID-005/LU 2 LU101439 can impose a requirement for a top frame of considerable depth or have a part of the movable sash profile not fully concealed into the fix frame Technical problem

[0006] A problem is that, with known solutions, the designs do either not provide a flat sill, or they do provide such, but with a configuration that is too complex and/or de-installation from the interior is not possible without compromising security or removing anti-lifting devices, and/or window or door cannot be fitted vertically into frames having relatively shallow upper profiles.

[0007] Itis an object of the present invention to provide a roller facilitating flat sill configuration that enhances security and/or enables installation into window or door frames having slim profiles. This object is achieved by a roller as claimed in claim 1, and a method of installation as claimed in claim 16. General Description of the Invention

[0008] In order to overcome the above-mentioned issue, the present invention provides a roller for slidably mounting a window or door within a frame, the roller comprising a body portion having an axis of elongation, an elongate projection extending parallel to the axis of elongation being provided on an upper side of the body portion. The roller further comprises at least one, generally at least two axles, preferably exactly two axles mounted on the body portion, each axle extending transversely and being configured to rotatably support at least one wheel, each wheel being configured to engage, in use, a portion of the frame adjacent a lower side of the body portion. The roller further comprises a retention mechanism disposed in or on the body portion. The elongate projection is configured to be slidable into a correspondingly shaped support channel defined by a support profile in or on the window or door. The retention mechanism is configured to move, in use, between a first position, in which sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door is enabled, and a second position, in which relative sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door is prevented.

[0009] In an embodiment, a glass pane of the window or door is mounted, in use, on a supporting first side of a glass packer of the window or door, the support profile is provided in or on a second side of the glass packer, opposite the first | | side, and the retention mechanism is configured, in the second position, to prevent sliding movement of the roller relative to the glass packer.

[0010] In an embodiment, a glass pane of the window or door is mounted, in use, within a sash thereof, the support profile is provided in or on said sash, and the retention mechanism is configured, in the second position, to prevent sliding movement of the roller relative to the sash. Advantageously, the weight of the glass pane is loaded directly onto the glass packer and onto the roller, rather than the profile taking the weight of the glass.

[0011] Preferably, the retention mechanism includes a biasing element configured to urge, in use, the retention mechanism into the second position.

[0012] Preferably, the retention mechanism includes a pin configured to engage a correspondingly shaped hole in or adjacent the support profile. Preferably, the pin is configured to move substantially perpendicularly to the axis of elongation.

[0013] Preferably, the body portion includes a first recess defining an opening for access by a tool and the pin includes an engagement element configured to be engaged, in use, by a tool (e.g. screwdriver) for moving the retention mechanism between the second position and the first position. Preferably, the engagement element comprises a second recess in the peripheral surface of the pin, the second recess being disposed part way along the length of the pin. Preferably, the second recess comprises an annular ring-shaped notch.

[0014] Preferably, the support channel is elongate and the support profile comprises, at one or both ends thereof, in a first engaging surface thereof, along which the upper side of the body portion slides, in use, a lead in ramp for engaging an end of the pin and for causing the pin to move axially during sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first recess is disposed in a side surface of the body portion, extending between the upper side and the lower side thereof. The recess is only on the inside surface of the roller (side of turned to the inside of the room) so that the annular groove on the pin can only be accessed from inside the property.

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| | P-VALFID-005/LU 4 LU101439

[0016] In an embodiment, the first recess is disposed in the upper side of the body portion.

[0017] Preferably, the elongate projection has a T-shaped cross-section, wherein the elongate leg of the T is connected to or integral with the upper side of the body portion, and the support profile has a cross-section including respective shoulders for supporting the two free (upper) arms of the T.

[0018] Preferably, the biasing element comprises a leaf spring. Alternatively, a coil spring or any other spring can also be used. Preferably, the pin is attached to a mid-point of the leaf spring by a fixing element.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided method of installing a window or door in a frame, the frame including in a bottom part thereof at least two adjacent and parallel extending transit channels within at least one of which, in use, a lower edge portion of the window or door is received and is configured to slide, the method comprising: providing the window or door in a supported position such that the lower edge thereof is above a top of a respective transit channel; attaching at least two rollers as described herein at the lower edge of the window or door; lowering the window or door whereby the lower edge thereof enters the respective transit channel and the wheels of the rollers are seated upon and supported by respective rails at a base of the respective transit channel; mounting a pair of opposing cover profiles to the frame at the top of the respective transit channel so as to define a slot aligned with an axis of elongation of the respective transit channel and through which the elongate projection on the rollers passes and is free to slide.

[0020] In an embodiment, the method further comprises, prior to providing the window or door in the supported position, placing a jig on the frame so as to partially cover the respective transit channel and whereby positioning pins extending through the jig engage respective sidewalls of the transit channel. Preferably, providing the window or door in a supported position comprises positioning a sash of the window or door on the jig while supported by a sash carrier.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method further comprises, after attaching the at least two rollers, removing the positioning pins and the jig when used. ! |

| | P-VALFID-005/LU 5 LU101439

[0022] In an embodiment, the method further comprises, after lowering the window or door, removing the sash carrier.

[0023] At least in embodiments, an advantage of the invention is to facilitate having a flat sill, i.e. avoids having a step or a deep hole in the sill and removes the tripping hazard.

[0024] Atleast in embodiments, an advantage of the invention is that the roller is fixed to the sash profile through the glass packer and it is locked to it due to a pin with a spring that is engaged into a hole in the glass packer and due to the shoulders of the glass packer profile.

[0025] At least in embodiments, an advantage of the invention is that it allows an installation of the sash while requiring minimal lifting, and guarantees an easy removal of the sash and the roller from the inside, e.g. by acting on a notch in the pin, whereby it cannot be removed from the outside, assuring anti-burglar resistance.

[0026] At least in embodiments, an advantage of the invention is that the rollers can be easy installed by using special jigs — to support the sash in the lifted position and/or jigs to lower the roller into the glass packer.

[0027] At least in embodiments, an advantage of the invention is that it (i) permits a small depth of the upper frame, which is usually very deep to install the sash vertically, (ii) requires no installation of an anti-liting device to avoid the removal of the sash from the outside and (iii) the sash and the roller remain unitary with each other.

[0028] At least in embodiments, an advantage of the invention is that a spring biased pin release mechanism can only be accessed from inside the building, thereby improving security. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Further details and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

| | P-VALFID-005/LU 6 LU101439 Figure 1 (PRIOR ART) is a cross-sectional view of a lower part of a known frame for a window or door; Figures 2(a) to 2(c) (PRIOR ART) illustrate known techniques for the installation of the window or door into a frame, according to known designs; Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of a roller 2 according to an embodiment of the invention, in assembled form; Fig. 3(b) is an exploded perspective view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a); and Fig. 3(c) is a perspective view of a glass packer 1 engaged, in use, by the roller 2, in an embodiment; Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a); Fig. 4(b) is a perspective view from above of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), partially engaged with the glass packer 1; Fig. 4(c) is a perspective view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), fully engaged with the glass packer 1; Fig. 4(d) is a perspective view from below of an end of the glass packer 1, in an embodiment, and Fig. 4(e) is a perspective view from below of an end of the glass packer 1 (i.e. glass packer 1 is turned upside down compared to Fig 4(d)); Figure 5(a) is a lateral cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a) and the glass packer 1 of Fig. 3(c), prior to engagement; Fig. 5(b) is a lateral cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a) and the glass packer 1 of Fig. 3(c), part way through sliding engagement; and Fig. 5(c) is a lateral cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a) and the glass packer 1 of Fig. 3(c), once fully engaged; Figure 6(a) is a perspective from below of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a) (i.e. roller 2 is turned upside down compared to Fig 3(a)); Fig. 6(b) is an axial cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), mounted to a door; and Fig. 6(c) is a lateral view of a lower corner portion of the door of Fig. 6(b), showing the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), mounted to a door; Figure 7(a) is a lateral view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), showing the first recess; and Fig. 7(b) is a partially cut-away perspective view of a corner portion of a door installed on a frame, indicating access to the first recess of the roller 2: Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a corner portion of a door installed on a frame, illustrating the disposition of the roller 2 therein and covered by sill covers; | |

| ! P-VALFID-005/LU 7 LU101439 Figure 9(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment, in which the elongate projection of the roller 2 is received within a support profile provided on a sash; and Fig. 9(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment, in which the entire roller 21 is received within a support profile provided on the sash; Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lower part of a frame, illustrating the disposition of brush seals; and Figures 11(a) to 11(f) show steps in the process of mounting a door to a frame using the roller of Fig. 3(a) with the use of support jigs. Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0030] In the following, like reference numerals denote like parts, and any element, design feature or method step of any embodiment may be used in combination with an element, design feature or method step of any other embodiment unless stated otherwise herein.

[0031] Unless indicated otherwise, the components described/illustrated herein may be made of metal, for example aluminium or steel, or of plastic material, and/or may be fabricated using turning, pressing, extruding and/or machining.

[0032] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of a roller 2 according to an embodiment of the invention, in assembled form; Fig. 3(b) is an exploded perspective view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a); and Fig. 3(c) is a perspective view of a glass packer 1 engaged, in use, by the roller 2, in an embodiment.

[0033] The roller 2 is configured for slidably mounting a window or door (not shown) within a frame (not shown). The roller 2 comprises a body portion 11 having an axis of elongation (generally indicated at A), and an elongate projection extending parallel to the axis of elongation A being provided on an upper side 31 of the body portion 11.

[0034] One or more, generally at least two, preferably exactly two axles 9 are mounted on the body portion 11, the only axle/each axle 9 extending transversely to the axis of elongation A and being configured to rotatably support at least one (preferably two) wheel(s) 7, each wheel 7 to run on a rail and being configured to engage, in use, a portion of the frame (not shown) adjacent a lower side of the ! |

| P-VALFID-005/LU 8 LU101439 body portion 11. In embodiments, the wheels 7 are retained on the axle(s) 9 using bearings 12 and rings 13.

[0035] The roller 2 further comprises a retention mechanism disposed in or on the body portion 11. As will be described in more detail hereinbelow, the retention mechanism may include a pin 5, a leaf spring (or coil spring) 8 and a screw 10. (In an embodiment, a glass packer 1 shown in Fig. 3(c) is used; and a hole 4 is provided, for engagement by the pin 5.)

[0036] A support profile is provided in or on the window or door (not shown). The elongate projection 30 is configured to be slid into a correspondingly shaped support channel defined by the support profile in or on the window or door, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. In the embodiment of Fig. 3(c), the support profile 32 is provided on the glass packer 1.

[0037] In accordance with the invention, the retention mechanism is configured to move, in use, between a first position, in which sliding movement of the roller 2 relative to the glass packer 1, and then to the window or door, is enabled, and a second position, in which relative sliding movement of the roller 2 relative to the glass packer 1, and then to the window or door, is prevented. The retention mechanism will be described in more detail hereinbelow

[0038] In an embodiment, a glass pane (not shown) of the window or door (not shown) is mounted, in use, on a supporting first side 33 of a glass packer 1 of the window or door, the support profile 32 is provided in or on a second side 34 of the glass packer 1, opposite the first side 33, and the retention mechanism is configured, in the second position, to prevent sliding movement of the roller 2 relative to the glass packer 1.

[0039] In an embodiment, the elongate projection 30 has a T-shaped cross- section, wherein the elongate leg 35 of the T is connected to or integral with the upper side 31 of the body portion 11. In this embodiment, the support profile 32 has a cross-section including respective shoulders 36 for supporting and engaging the two free arms 37 of the T.

[0040] Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a). In this embodiment, the pin 5, is urged upwards and therefore projects from the roller 2. | !

| ! P-VALFID-005/LU 9 LU101439 Figure 4(b) is a perspective view from above of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), partially engaged with the glass packer 1, i.e. after partial insertion in the direction of arrow B. In this way, the two free arms 37 slide into the support channel formed by the support profile 32 while being supported on shoulders 36.

[0041] Figure 4(c) is a perspective view from above of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), fully engaged with the glass packer 1. Here, the T-shaped profile of elongate projection 30 can be seen, having been fully inserted into the support channel formed by support profile 32. Fig. 4(d) is a perspective view from below of an end of the glass packer 1, in an embodiment showing the support profile 32 and shoulders 36 in more detail.

[0042] Figure 4(e) is an enlarged perspective view from below of an end of the glass packer 1. In this embodiment, the support channel is elongate and the support profile 32 comprises, at one or both ends 38 thereof, in a first engaging surface 39 thereof, along which the upper side 40 of elongate projection 30 slides, in use, a lead-in ramp 17 for engaging an end of the pin 5 and for causing the pin to move axially (in retracted position) during sliding movement of the roller 2 relative to the (glass packer 1 of the) window or door.

[0043] Figure 5(a) is a lateral cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of F ig. 3(a) and the glass packer 1 of Fig. 3(c), prior to engagement, in an embodiment. The glass packer 1 is, for example, mounted to a sash (not shown). In an embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a biasing element configured to urge, in use, the retention mechanism into the second projected position.

[0044] Moreover, in an embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a pin 5 configured to engage a correspondingly shaped hole 4 in or adjacent the support profile 32. In an embodiment, the pin 5 is configured to move substantially perpendicularly to each of the axis of elongation A and the axis passing through axle 9 (Fig. 3(a)). In an embodiment, the biasing element comprises a leaf spring 8, e.g. made of stainless steel. In an embodiment, the pin 5 is attached to a mid- point of the leaf spring 8 by a fixing element (e.g. screw 10). From this position, the roller 2, during installation, is pushed in the direction of arrow C (parallel or coaxial to the axis A), and the two free arms 37 (Fig. 4(c)) slide into the support channel formed by the support profile 32 while being supported on shoulders 36. | |

\ | P-VALFID-005/LU 10 LU101439

[0045] Figure 5(b) is a lateral cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a) and the glass packer 1 of Fig. 3(c), part way through sliding engagement. In this embodiment, the pin 5 has been pushed down against the bias of the biasing element (leaf spring 8) so as no longer to project from the upper side 40 of the elongate projection 30.

[0046] Figure 5(c) is a lateral cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a) and the glass packer 1 of Fig. 3(c), once fully engaged. Here, the pin 5, under bias from the biasing element (leaf spring 8) has been pushed into hole 4, and in the process produces an audible click to confirm location, and pushing in the direction of arrow C can therefore cease.

[0047] Figure 6(a) is a perspective from below of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a). Further, in this embodiment, the wheels have a periphery with a concave cross- section, so as to be adapted to engage and securely roll along rails (not shown) within a frame (not shown).

[0048] Figure 6(b) is an axial cross-sectional view of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), mounted to a door 42. A glass pane is mounted to the glass packer 1, the latter having been engaged with and fixed to the roller 2 as described hereinabove.

[0049] Figure 6(c) is a lateral view of a lower corner portion of the door 42 of Fig. 6(b), showing the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), mounted to door 42. As can be seen, one roller 2 may be fixed a distance (e.g. distance d) from an end edge 43 of the door 42 (only one is shown in Fig. 6(c)).

[0050] Figure 7(a) is a lateral view of the side of the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), showing a first recess 44. That is, in an embodiment, the body portion 11 includes a first recess 44 defining an opening for access by a tool (not shown). In an embodiment, the first recess 44 is disposed in a side surface 46 of the body portion 11, extending between the upper side 40 and the lower side thereof.

[0051] In an embodiment, the pin 5 includes an engagement element configured to be engaged, in use, by the tool for moving the retention mechanism between the second position and the first position. In an embodiment, the engagement element comprises a second recess in the peripheral surface 45 of the pin, the second recess being disposed part way along the length of the pin 5. More | |

| | P-VALFID-005/LU 11 LU101439 particulariy, in an embodiment, the second recess comprises an annular ring- shaped notch 6.

[0052] Figure 7(b) is a partially cut-away perspective view of a corner portion 47 of a door 42 installed on a frame 48, indicating access to the first recess 44 of the roller 2. In use, in order to uninstall the roller 2, the user can insert the end of a screwdriver or similar tool (not shown) into the notch 6, push the pin 5 downwards until it no longer engages the hole (4; not shown; see Fig. 5(c)), and thereby allow the roller 2 to be pulled out from the door 42 / frame 48.

[0053] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a corner portion 47 of a door 42 installed on a frame 48, indicating illustrating the disposition of the roller 2 therein and covered by sill covers 49.

[0054] In an embodiment, the sill covers 49 define a central slot 50 through which the leg 35 of elongate projection 30 passes, in use. This slot is “sealed by brush pile seals (not shown) held in (opposing) brush pile holders 51. In an embodiment, the leg 35 includes at the distal ends thereof, a nose (ogive) 52 (see also Figs 3(a), 3(b), 4(a) and 4(c)) providing streamlining as the leg passes through the brush pile seals (not shown), enhancing smooth rolling of the rollers 2 (via wheels 7 running on rails 53) within transit channels 54 defined by the bottom portion 55 of the frame 48 and the sill covers 49.

[0055] In an embodiment, the ends 56 of the axles 9 may extend far from the body portion 11, so as to fill the space within the transit channels 54, thereby making removal more difficult and enhancing security and keep the sash more stable into the frame.

[0056] Figure 9(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment, in which the elongate projection 30 of the roller 2 is received within a support profile 32’ (groove 18) provided on a sash or sash profile 19. That is, in this embodiment, a glass pane (not shown) of the window or door (not shown) is mounted, in use, on a first side of a sash 19 thereof, the support profile 32’ (e.g. groove 18) is provided in or on a second side of the sash 19, opposite the first side, and the retention mechanism is configured, in the second position, to prevent sliding movement of the roller relative to the sash 19. | |

| | P-VALFID-005/LU 12 LU101439

[0057] Figure 9(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment, in which the entire roller 2 is received within a support profile 32” provided on the sash. Here, the support profile 32” is much deeper, so as to contain the entire roller 2. The retention mechanism is similar to that done in the embodiment of Fig 9(a).

[0058] In the embodiments of Figs 9(a) and 9(b), the first recess (not shown) is disposed in the upper side of the body portion 11, so as to enable movement of the pin 5 using a tool, and disengagement and removal of the roller.

[0059] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lower part of a frame, illustrating the disposition of brush pile seals. These may comprise a first pair 62 of opposing brush pile seals and preferably that set and a further pair 63 of brush pile seals. In other embodiments, flexible plastic gaskets can be used instead of brush piles 63.

[0060] Figures 11(a) to 11(f) show steps in an embodiment of the process of mounting a door 42 to a frame 48 using the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a). The frame may including in a bottom part thereof at least two adjacent and parallel extending transit channels 54 within at least one of which, in use, a lower edge portion 58 of the window or door 42 is received and is configured to slide.

[0061] In said embodiment, the method comprises (Fig. 11(b)) providing the window or door 42 in a supported position such that the lower edge thereof is above a top of a respective transit channel. In an embodiment, the method includes placing a jig 60 on the bottom portion of the frame 55 so as to cover the respective transit channel 54 and whereby positioning pins 61 extending through the jig engage respective sidewalls of the transit channel 54’ adjacent the first transit channel 54. In an embodiment, providing the window or door 42 in a supported position comprises positioning a sash 59 of the window or door 42 on the jig 60 (Fig. 11(a)) while supported by a sash carrier 70 (Fig. 11(b)).

[0062] The method further comprises (Fig. 11(c)) attaching at least two rollers 2 (only one of which is visible) as defined or described herein at the lower edge portion 58 of the window or door 42, then removing the positioning pins 61 and the jig 60 (Fig. 11(d)). | |

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[0063] The method further comprises (Fig. 11(e)) lowering the window or door 42 (in the direction of arrow D) whereby the lower edge portion 58 thereof enters the respective transit channel 54 and the wheels 7 of the rollers 2 are seated upon and supported by respective rails 53 at a base of the respective transit channel 54 (Fig. 11(f)). In an embodiment, the method comprises after lowering the window or door 42, removing the sash carrier 70.

[0064] The method further comprises (Fig. 11(g)) mounting a pair of opposing cover profiles or sill covers 49 to the bottom portion of the frame 55 at the top of the respective transit channel 54 so as to define a (central) slot 50 aligned with an axis of elongation of the respective transit channel 54 and through which the elongate projection 30 on the rollers 2 passes and is free to slide. The cover profiles can be installed by splitting them in 2 or 3 parts and slide the sash in one direction or another depending on the case.

[0065] In other embodiments of the process of mounting a door 42 to a frame 48 using the roller 2 of Fig. 3(a), the jig 60 does not comprise positioning pins 61, but appropriate alternative positioning elements.

[0066] While embodiments have been described by reference to embodiments of survey devices having various components in their respective implementations, it will be appreciated that other embodiments make use of other combinations and permutations of these and other components.

Legend ld ~~ [distance ~~ | pp TT) 6 [moth ~~ TT 8 ~~ |leafsping ~~ 00000 0] 18 ~~ | leaf spring body portion of roller

113. |rings | | |

! I P-VALFID-005/LU 14 LU101439 oe lj

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Claims

€ | P-VALFID-005/LU 15 LU101439 Claims

1. A roller for slidably mounting a window or door within a frame, the roller comprising: a body portion having an axis of elongation, an elongate projection extending parallel to the axis of elongation being provided on an upper side of the body portion; at least one axle, preferably at least two axles mounted on the body portion, each axle extending transversely and being configured to rotatably support at least one wheel, each wheel being configured to engage, in use, a portion of the frame adjacent a lower side of the body portion; and a retention mechanism disposed in or on the body portion; wherein the elongate projection is configured to be slid into a correspondingly shaped support channel defined by a support profile in or on the window or door; and the retention mechanism is configured to move, in use, between a first position, in which sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door is enabled, and a second position, in which relative sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door is prevented

2. The roller according to claim 1, wherein: a glass pane of the window or door is mounted, in use, on a supporting first side of a glass packer of the window or door, the support profile is provided in or on a second side of the glass packer, opposite the first side, and the retention mechanism is configured, in the second position, to prevent sliding movement of the roller relative to the glass packer.

3. The roller according to claim 1, wherein: a glass pane of the window or door is mounted, in use, within a sash thereof, the support profile is provided in or on said sash; and the retention mechanism is configured, in the second position, to prevent sliding movement of the roller relative to the sash. | a oo : P-VALFID-005/LU 16 LU101439

4. The roller according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the retention mechanism includes a biasing element configured to urge, in use, the retention mechanism into the second position.

5. The roller according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retention mechanism includes a pin configured to engage a correspondingly shaped hole in or adjacent the support profile.

6. The roller according to claim 1 and 2, wherein the pin is configured to move substantially perpendicularly to both the axis of elongation and an axis defined by the or one of the axles.

7. The roller according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: the body portion includes a first recess defining an opening for access by a | tool; and | the pin includes an engagement element configured to be engaged, in use, by | a tool for moving the retention mechanism between the second position and the first position.

8. The roller according claim 7, wherein the engagement element comprises a second recess in the peripheral surface of the pin, the second recess being disposed part way along the length of the pin.

9. The roller according to claim 8, wherein the second recess comprises an annular ring-shaped notch.

10. The roller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support channel is elongate and the support profile comprises, at one or both ends thereof, in a first engaging surface thereof, along which the upper side of the body portion slides, in use, a lead-in ramp for engaging an end of the pin and for causing the pin to move axially during sliding movement of the roller relative to the window or door.

11. The roller according to claim 7, 8 or 9, when dependent up claim 2, wherein the first recess is disposed in a side surface of the body portion, extending between the upper side and the lower side thereof.

12. The roller according to claim 7, 8 or 9, when dependent up claim 3, wherein the first recess is disposed in the upper side of the body portion. | i

| P-VALFID-005/LU 17 LU101439

13. The roller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the elongate projection has a T-shaped cross-section, wherein the elongate leg of the T is connected to or integral with the upper side of the body portion; and the support profile has a cross-section including respective shoulders for | supporting the two free arms of the T.

14. The roller according to claim 4, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the biasing element comprises a leaf spring or a coil spring.

15. The roller according to claim 14, wherein the pin is attached to a mid-point of the leaf spring by a fixing element.

16. A method of installing a window or door in a frame, the frame including in a bottom part thereof at least two adjacent and parallel extending transit channels within at least one of which, in use, a lower edge portion of the window or door is received and is configured to slide, the method comprising: providing the window or door in a supported position such that the lower edge thereof is above a top of a respective transit channel; attaching at least two rollers according to any one of the preceding claims at the lower edge of the window or door; lowering the window or door whereby the lower edge thereof enters the respective transit channel and the wheels of the rollers are seated upon and supported by respective rails at a base of the respective transit channel; mounting a pair of opposing cover profiles to the frame at the top of the respective transit channel so as to define a slot aligned with an axis of elongation of the respective transit channel and through which the elongate projection on the rollers passes and is free to slide.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: prior to providing the window or door in the supported position, placing a jig on the frame so as to cover the respective transit channel and whereby positioning pins extending through the jig engage respective sidewalls of the transit channel.

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| i P-VALFID-005/LU 18 LU101439

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein providing the window or door in a supported position comprises positioning a sash of the window or door on the jig while supported by a sash carrier.

19. The method according to any of claims 16 to 18, further comprising, after attaching the at least two rollers, removing the positioning pins and the jig.

20. The method according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the roller is placed such that the recess is turned to the inside of a room, such that the annular groove on the pin can only be accessed from inside the room. | |