NZ762408B2 - Improvements in or relating to window stays - Google Patents

Abstract

window stay comprising a frame plate (2) and a sash plate (3) connected by one or more linkages, and one or more clips (20) to engage features of a window frame to secure the frame plate to the window frame without penetrating the window frame. The clip extends through an aperture (21) in the frame plate to engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame. The invention simplifies the procedure for installing a sash within a window frame and prevents water tightness problems. e plate to engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame. The invention simplifies the procedure for installing a sash within a window frame and prevents water tightness problems.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO WINDOW STAYS Field of Invention This invention relates to improvements in or relating to sash window joinery. In particular, the invention relates to improvements in or in relation to sash window stays for connecting sash window stays within a window frame.

Background to the Invention A window sash is a frame that holds one or more panes of glass to form a window. A window sash (herein a sash) is supported within a window frame of a building to move between a closed position and an open position. A hinged sash is supported on stays within the frame. An awning sash is hung within the window frame by a stay fitted to each vertical side of the sash at or towards a top of the sash, so that the sash hinges horizontally outwards at its bottom. A casement sash is fitted within the window frame by stays fitted to the top and bottom horizontal members of the sash at or towards one side of the sash, to open vertically outwards at the vertical side opposite to the stays.

A stay typically has a frame plate that is attached to the window frame and a sash plate that is attached to the sash, and one or more arms or linkages attached between the sash and frame plates. The arms are pivotally connected to the sash and frame plates or may be connected to slide in a channel on the frame plate to allow the sash to articulate or hinge outwards from the window frame.

Typically, the stays are attached to the sash prior to installing the sash within the window frame. To install the sash, the frame plate of each stay is attached to the window frame by fasteners such as rivets or screws passing through the frame plate and into the window frame.

Typically, installation requires two people, one to hold the sash with stays in a correct position within the frame, and a second person to drive fasteners through fastener holes in the frame plate of the sash and into the window frame to secure the sash in place. Installing a sash window can be difficult. The sash can be heavy, requiring at least one person to hold the sash in place while a second person fixes the frame plate to the frame. For heavy sashes, two people may be required to hold the sash while a third person fixes the frame plates to the frame. The sash can be easily misaligned within the window frame. Fastener holes must be drilled in the frame, prior to locating screws or rivets through the fastener holes in the frame plate. The sash is held in place by one or more people while another person drills holes into the frame via fastener holes in the frame plates. The frame plates are then screwed in place to the window frame. Alternatively, self-drilling screws are used, with at least one person holding the sash in place while another applies the self-drilling screws into the frame via the fastener holes in the frame plates. This process is time consuming and labour intensive and requires at least two people.

Other problems can be presented during an installation process. For example, screws can break off inside the frame. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including a faulty screw or a driver that provides too much torque for the gauge of screw being used.

For aluminium joinery, screws that penetrate the window frame must be sealed with a sealant to stop water seeping through the screw holes and into internal spaces of the building. Screw holes through aluminium joinery can cause water tightness problems which can go undetected for an extended period and result in significant structural damage. Also, due to alignment issues, screw holes can be drilled through the frame in the wrong location. If this happens, they must be sealed over to prevent leaking. Where a hole has been drilled in the wrong position but near to the correct position, re-drilling in the correct position can be difficult, and sealing can become more difficult. Also, the correct sealants must be used and applied in a correct manner.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a window stay comprising a frame plate and a sash plate connected by one or more linkages, and one or more clips to engage features of a window frame to secure the frame plate to the window frame without penetrating the window frame, wherein the clip extends through an aperture in the frame plate to engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame.

In some embodiments, the clip comprises a main portion that bears against an inboard side of the frame plate, and a leg that extends from a front end of the main portion, the leg received through the aperture in the frame plate to engage an outboard facing side of the window frame.

In some embodiments, a front portion and a rear portion of the clip each engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame to secure the frame plate to the window frame.

In some embodiments, a rear portion of the clip engages an outboard facing surface of the window frame on an inboard side of the frame plate.

In some embodiments, the clip comprises a flange extending at or adjacent a rear end of the clip in an inboard direction to engage an outboard facing surface of the window frame.

In some embodiments, the clip is elastically deformed to provide a force in an outboard direction to hold the frame plate against the window frame.

In some embodiments, the clip comprises a projection extending in an outboard direction to extend through an aperture in the frame plate and engage an upwardly facing surface of the window frame to support a sash in a vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the frame plate comprises a flange extending at or adjacent a rear edge of the frame plate in an inboard direction, and a notch or cut out through the flange to allow the clip to extend through the flange and engage a forward facing surface of the window frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sash and window frame assembly, comprising a sash attached to a window frame by a stay as described above, wherein the window frame comprises a recess, channel or lip, and the clip extends through an aperture in the frame plate to engage the recess, channel or lip.

In some embodiments, the window frame presents a rearward-facing edge or surface and a forward-facing edge or surface, and the clip is captured between the rearward-facing and forward-facing edges or surfaces.

In some embodiments, the window frame comprises a forwardly extending lip and a notch through the lip provides an upwardly facing surface or edge, and the clip comprises a projection extending in an outboard direction to extend through an aperture in the frame plate and engage the upwardly facing surface or edge of the window frame to support the sash in a vertical direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a clip for securing a window stay to a window frame, comprising: a main portion that bears against an inboard side of a frame plate of the window stay, a leg extending from an end of the main portion, the leg laterally offset from the main portion in an outboard direction of the window frame to extend though an aperture of the frame plate and engage an outboard facing surface of the window frame, and a flange extending laterally from an opposite end of the main portion in an inboard direction of the window frame, to engage an outboard facing surface of the window frame.

In some embodiments, the clip is adapted to deform elastically, so that when engaged with the frame plate and window frame, the leg is elastically deflected in a lateral direction to engage the outboard facing surface of the window frame, so that the clip provides a force in an outward direction of the window frame to hold the frame plate against the window frame.

In some embodiments, the clip comprises a projection extending from the main portion in the outboard direction, to extend through the aperture in the frame plate to and engage an upwardly facing surface of the window frame.

In some embodiments, the clip is a moulded component, or is cut from an extrusion.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for installing an awning sash in a window frame, comprising: providing the sash with window stays attached, configuring each stay in an open position, presenting the sash to the window frame, inserting the frame plate of each stay into the window frame, providing one or more clips and engaging the one or more clips with features of the window frame to secure the frame plate to the window frame by inserting the clip to extend through an aperture in the frame plate to engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame.

In some embodiments, the method comprises inserting a forward leg of the clip through the aperture in the frame plate to engage the outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame.

In some embodiments, the method comprises rotating the clip into the aperture in the frame plate to engage the forward leg of the clip with the outboard facing surface and a rearward lateral flange of the clip with an outboard facing edge or surface of the window frame on an inboard side of the frame plate.

In this specification and claims, unless the context suggests otherwise, the terms ‘forwards’ or ‘front’, and ‘rearward’ or ‘rear’, are with reference to an inside of a building and an outside of a building respectively. Typically, a sash is installed from an outside of the building. So, from the point of view of an installer, a front edge of the frame plate of the stay faces towards the installer or towards an outside of the building, i.e. the front is closest to the installer. A rear edge of the frame plate extends away from the installer or towards an inside of the building.

In this specification and claims, unless the context suggests otherwise, the terms ‘inboard’ and ‘outboard’ are in relation to a centre of a window frame opening to receive a sash, wherein inboard means facing towards the centre of the window frame, and outboard means facing in an opposite direction away from the window frame.

In this specification and claims, unless the context suggests otherwise, the terms ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ are with reference to the top and bottom of a window frame. ‘Top’ and ‘bottom’ may be used in relation to an awning sash, however a person skilled it the art will understand that these terms can be replaced by or are equivalent to ‘a side’ and an ‘opposite side’ in relation to a casement sash.

The terms ‘forwards’, ‘rearwards’, ‘inboard’, ‘outboard’, ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ are provided to conveniently describe features in a relative manner, with the above described points of reference, and are not intended to be limiting in anyway.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a sash stay and includes an enlarged view of a hook of the stay.

Figures 2A and 2B show a view on an inboard side of the stay of Figure 1 secured to a window frame. Figure 2A shows a sash plate of the stay in an open position, and Figure 2B shows the sash plate in a closed position.

Figure 2C shows an enlarged view of a hook of the stay engaged with a lip or recess of the window frame, identified by the area identified by Arrow A in Figure 2A.

Figure 2D shows a cross section of a member of the window frame, the member being an extruded member.

Figure 3A illustrates an installation process to install a sash with the stay of Figure 1 within a window frame.

Figure 3B illustrates a further installation process to secure a frame plate of the stay of Figure 1 to the window frame.

Figure 4 shows the stay with a hook component detached from a frame plate of the stay.

Figure 5A and 5B show cross sections of the stay mounted to a window frame, on line B-B in Figure 2A. Figure 5A shows a clip being inserted via an aperture in the stay frame plate, and Figure 5B shows the clip in an installed position securing the frame plate to the window frame.

Figure 6 shows two views of the clip shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

Figure 7 shows a sash stay and includes an enlarged view of a hook of the stay.

Figures 8A and 8B show a view on an inboard side of the stay of Figure 7 secured to a window frame. Figure 8A shows a sash plate of the stay in an open position, and Figure 8B shows the sash plate in a closed position.

Figure 8C shows an enlarged view of a hook of the stay of Figure 1 engaged with a lip or recess of the window frame.

Figure 9 shows the stay of Figure 7 with a hook component detached from a frame plate of the stay.

Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention An improved window stay for a sash is described with reference to the Figures. Figure 1 shows a perspective view from an inboard side of the stay 1, inboard being a side of the stay that faces towards a centre of a window frame. The stay 1 has a frame plate 2 and a sash plate 3 connected by two pivoting/articulating arms 5a, 5b to move between open and closed positions. Figures 2A and 2B show open and closed positions.

Each arm has one end pivotally connected to the frame plate and an opposite end pivotally connected to the sash plate. One arm is a short arm 5a and the other is a long arm 5b. The short arm of the stay is located towards the top of the sash in an awning sash and towards the hinged side in a casement sash. The lengths of the arms determine and opening/closing trajectory of the sash. The illustrated linkage arrangement provided by way of example only.

Any other known linkage arrangement between the sash and frame plates may be used, for example a sliding connection between an arm or arms and the sash or frame plates.

According to the present invention the stay 1 comprises a hook member 4. The hook member 4 extends from the frame plate 2. The hook member 4 is located at an end 2c of the frame plate 2 (for ease of reference the ‘top end’ 2c of the frame plate 2) to be arranged at a top of the window frame for an awning sash or at one side of the window frame for a casement sash.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hook member 4 extends forward of a front edge 2a of the frame plate 2. Alternatively, the hook member could be positioned to extend rearward of a rear edge 2b of the frame plate 2, but this is less preferred.

The window frame is provided with a recess or lip on which the hook 4 engages. The invention is particularly adapted for use with an extruded window frame member, for example aluminium joinery comprising an extruded cross section. The extruded joinery member comprises a recess, channel or lip to receive or engage the hook 4. However, the invention may be used with non-extruded joinery, for example timber joinery, with a channel or lip component fixed to the joinery, or machined in an inboard side of the joinery.

Figures 2A and 2B show the stay 1 installed in a window frame 100. In Figures 2A and 2B, the window frame 100 comprises extruded members, e.g. extruded aluminium members. An upper member of the window frame is omitted from Figures 2A and 2B. Each member 100 has or presents a recess, channel and/or lip 101 on which the hook engages. In the illustrated embodiment, the window frame 100 includes a recess or channel 102 that receives the hook 4, and the lip 101 is provided adjacent an opening of the channel 102.

Figure 3A illustrates an installation procedure for fitting an awning sash with attached stays 1 according to the present invention in a window frame. A vertical member of the sash is illustrated in dashed lines. A portion of an upper member and a side member of the window frame 100 is illustrated. The stay is configured in an open position. Step 1 shows a position of the stay 1 as the sash is offered up to the window frame 100 by an installer, prior to installation. As shown in Step 2, the installer presents the sash to insert the frame plate 2 of the stay 1 into the window frame to align the hook 4 of the stay 1 towards the channel 102 of the window frame 100, with a bottom of the sash tilted outwards from (e.g. forwards of) the window frame. As shown in Step 3, the installer pushes the sash upwards so that the hook 4 enters the recess 101 with a bottom of the frame plate 2 tilted outwards from the window frame. Once the hook 4 has entered the channel 102, to position the stay correctly to the window frame, the installer rotates the bottom of the sash towards the window frame, to align the frame plate with the vertical window frame member and rotate the hook 4 into the channel or recess 102 to engage the lip 101 (best shown in Figure 2C), as shown in Step 4. Once in the installed position as shown in Step 4, the sash hangs from the hook 4 of the frame plate at each end of the sash. In the installed position, the installer is free to release the sash, which remains hanging in the window frame from the hook 4 of each stay 1, in the correct installed position.

The installer can then fix the frame plate 2 of each stay to the window frame, for example by drilling holes via fastener holes in the frame plate 2 into the window frame member, and screwing screws into the screw holes in the frame, or by providing self-drilling screws through the fastener holes in the frame plate and into the window frame or by using clips 20 as described below. The installation may be achieved by one installer, since the installer can hang the sash on the hooks 4 of the stays 1, and then secure the frame plates to the frame, since the hooks maintain the sash and stays in the correct position prior to securing the frame plates to the frame, and take the weight of the sash. The installer does not need to support the weight of the sash once the sash is hung from the hooks 4.

As mentioned above, the hook 4 may extend from a rear edge of the frame plate, rather than the preferred front edge. In this alternative embodiment, the installer aligns and inserts the hook into a channel located towards a rear of the window frame, to hang the sash within the window frame. However, the inventors have found that having the hook extending from the front of the frame plate is preferred, since with the sash in the open position during installation, the weight of the sash presents a vertical force downwards outside of the window frame, causing a moment about the hook 4 to bias the hook 4 against the lip 101 under the weight of the sash. This prevents the sash dropping out of the frame once the installer releases the sash.

With reference again to Figure 1, and in particular to the enlarged partial view, the hook 4 preferably extends laterally inboard of the frame plate 2. The hook presents a surface that extends laterally with respect to the frame plate 2 over a distance greater than a thickness of the frame plate 2. As best shown in the enlarged detail of Figure 2C, the hook has a downwardly projecting portion 4a or bead to fit over and in front of an upwardly projecting portion or bead on the frame lip 101. The downwardly extending bead 4a provides a laterally extending channel 4b to receive the bead of the lip 101.

With reference to Figure 2C, the hook 4 has a width in a front-to-rear direction of the frame plate corresponding to a width of the recess or channel 102 of the window frame, with the hook received in the recess or channel and engaged with the lip. This detail helps to correctly locate the frame plate to the frame and prevent movement of the stay in a front and back direction prior to fixing the frame plate to the frame.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hook 4 is assembled to the frame plate during manufacture.

Preferably, the hook is a moulded component, for example a plastic injection moulded component. Preferably the hook component or hook member 4 has a main body or base to attach the hook component to the frame plate, and a hook projecting from the main body or base to engage a recess, channel and/or lip as described above. The hook component may comprise a connector or clip feature extending from the main body or base to attach the hook component to the frame plate via an aperture in the frame plate, as indicated in Figure 4.

Alternatively, the hook 4 may be attached to the frame plate by a fastener or integrally formed with the frame plate 3. For example, the hook 4 and frame plate 2 may be formed from a single piece of blanking material, for example in a stamping operation. The hook may be folded from the material that forms the frame plate 2.

As best shown in the enlarged view of Figure 1, the frame plate 2 preferably has a channel or groove 2d in a front edge 2a of the frame plate 2. A cross section of a member of the window frame 100 is shown in Figure 2D. The groove 2d in the front edge 2a of the frame plate 2 corresponds with a rearwardly facing edge or bead of the window frame 100. When in the installed position the rearwardly facing edge of the window frame is received in the groove in the front edge of the frame plate, as best shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The window frame also has a lateral flange 103 to engage the rear edge 2b of the frame plate 2. In the installed position, the frame plate 2 is captured between the rearwardly facing front edge 101 received in the groove 2d in the front edge 2a of the frame plate, and the forwardly facing surface of lateral flange 103 acting against the rear edge 2b of the frame plate. In an alternative embodiment, the window frame member 100 may have a rearward facing groove to receive a forward edge 2a of the frame plate 2.

As shown in Figure 1, the frame plate 2 has a forward part 6 that is angled outwards towards the outboard side of the frame plate. A rearward part 7 is parallel to the vertical sides of the sash. The sash is sized so that with the stays attached to the sash a distance between outboard sides of the stays corresponds to a distance between opposites sides of the window frame. As the sash is installed, the rearward portions 7 of the frame plates 3 fit within the window frame.

As the sash is rotated into place, as described with reference to Figure 3A above, the forward portions 6 of the frame plates may elastically deflect inwards, before springing back to an un- deflected position where the groove 2d in the front edge 2a of each frame plate 2 engages the rearwardly facing edge 101 of the window frame. Once captured in the groove 2d, the edge 101 helps to hold the forward portion of the frame plate in the outboard/inboard direction of the window frame. The rear edge 2b of the frame plate may be provided by a rear facing surface of a flange 8 of the frame plate.

For an awning sash, the hook 4 engages the channel or lip 101 in an upper or top member of the window frame. The vertical side members of the window frame 100 preferably have the same cross section as the top and bottom horizontal members of the window frame. In a preferred embodiment, in the cross section of the window frame members, the bead or lip 101 of the top member that engages the hook 4 is the same bead or edge 101 of the window frame vertical member that engages the groove 2d in the front edge 2a of the frame plate 2.

For a casement sash, the hook engages the channel or lip of a vertical side member of the window frame, with the frame plate of one stay against the bottom horizontal window frame member and the other stay against a top horizontal window frame member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the stay 1 is provided with clips 20 to secure the frame plate 2 to the window frame 100. In the illustrated embodiment there are 3 clips, however there may be one or two clips or more than three. The clips 20 secure the frame plate 2 to the window frame without penetrating the window frame. The clips avoid the use of fasteners that penetrate the window frame, avoiding the requirement for sealant to seal screw holes through the window frame.

Once the sash with stays has been installed in the window frame, with the stays as shown in Step 4 of Figure 3A and Step 5 of Figure 3B, the clip or clips 20 are provided and inserted into corresponding apertures 21 in the frame plate to engage features on the window frame, to secure the frame plate to the window frame as shown in Step 6 of Figure 3B.

A clip 20 is illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B from an inboard side and from an outboard side.

The clip maybe an injection moulded component, or may be cut from an extruded length of material, for example the clip may be cut from a length of an aluminium or plastic extrusion.

The clip 20 comprises a main portion 22 that bears against an inboard side of the frame plate, and has a leg 23 that extends from a front end of the main portion 22. The leg 23 is received through the aperture 21 in the frame plate 2 and a recess 102 of the window frame 100 to act against or engage an outboard facing side of a lip 101 of the window frame. A flange 24 extends from a rear end of the main portion 22 in an inboard direction. Once in an engaged or installed position, an inboard facing edge 24a of the flange 24 contacts an outboard facing surface 104 of the window frame. With the clip pressing against the outboard facing surface of lip 101 and outboard facing surface 104, the clip acts to hold the frame plate 2 against the window frame 100. Preferably the clip is elastically deformed with the leg elastically deflected in an outward direction to engage the lip 101, so that the clip 20 provides a force in an outward direction to hold the frame plate 2 against the window frame 100.

In the illustrated embodiment the clip also comprises a projection 25 extending from the main portion 22 in an outboard direction. The projection 25 also extends through the aperture 21 in the frame plate 2 and engages an upwardly facing surface 106 (visible in Step 1 to 3 in Figure 3A) of the window frame, so that the clip supports the weight of an awning sash. The number of clips provided can be predetermined by the known weight of an awning sash to be supported by the stays. For larger windows, more clips may be provided to spread the load over a larger number of clips. In an embodiment that also includes the hook 4 described above, the weight of the awning sash is supported by the hook 4 and additionally may be supported by the one or more clips 20, such that the hook 4 may not take the full weight of the sash.

The upwardly facing surface 106 of the window frame 100 may be provided by a side of a notch cut in a bead or lip of the window frame. For example, where the window frame members are extruded, the extruded profile can include a lip 107, visible in Figure 2D. A notch is cut in the lip 107 to remove a section of the lip to present an upward facing surface 106 and a downward facing surface 106, visible in Steps 1 to 3 of Figure 3A. The downward facing surface is visible in Figures 2D and 5A. A person skilled in the art will understand the notch presents an upward facing surface in an opposite direction to surface 106 illustrated in Figures 2D and 5A. The lip 107 extends opposite to the lip 101 in the front and back direction of the window frame. Lip 101 and lip 103 are adjacent an opening to the recess or channel 102, on opposites sides of the recess or channel opening.

The frame plate 2 may include a lateral flange 8 that extends inboard from the rearward portion 7 of the frame plate, to provide lateral stiffness to the frame plate. The flange 8 may be adjacent or at the rear edge 2b of the frame plate, and may be folded from the rear portion 7 of the frame plate. The flange 8 preferably has a notch or cut out portion 8b aligned with each frame plate aperture 20, to allow the clip 20 to extend through the flange 8 and engage a forward facing surface of lateral flange 103 of the window frame 100, as shown in Figure 5B.

Preferably a front edge or surface of the clip 23a engages a rearward facing surface 105 of the window frame member 100, so that the clip is retained to the window frame in a forward/rearward direction of the window frame. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the clip is adapted to be secured to the window frame in both an inboard/outboard direction and a forward/rearward direction, to secure the frame plate 2 to the window frame.

To install the clip 20, the forward leg is inserted and rotated into the aperture 21 in the frame plate to engage the outboard facing side of the lip and then outboard facing surface 104.

The stay 1 comprising the hook 4 and/or clips 20 is particularly adapted for use with existing window frame extrusions. For example, the extrusion profile shown in Figure 5B is a prior art extrusion, with the frame plate and hook adapted to engage features of the existing window frame member. Flange 103 and surface 104 are portions of the extrusion for holding a face seal to engage a rear or inside surface of the sash, and channel 102 is a channel to receive a glazing bead. Likewise, the clips 20 are adapted for use with the prior art extrusion, to engage with the channel 102 and a notch cut in a lip of the extrusion as described above. The configuration of the stay and the clips is therefore particularly useful, since manufacturers may continue to use the same existing extrusion.

A stay 100 comprising an alternative hook component or member 40 is described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. The hook member 40 extends from the frame plate 2 and is located at an end 2c of the frame plate 2 as described for the stay 1 above. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook member 40 extends forward of a front edge 2a of the frame plate 2.

Alternatively, the hook member could be positioned to extend rearward of a rear edge 2b of the frame plate 2, but this is less preferred. One skilled in the art will understand the stay 10 with hook 40 has many of the features of the stay 1 and hook 4 described above and therefore like features are not described again in relation to the stay 10 and hook 40 of Figures 7 to 9, however the same reference numerals relating to like features appearing in earlier Figures also appear in Figures 7 to 9.

The hook member or component 40 comprises a main body or base 41 to attach the hook component 40 to the frame plate 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 41 is attached to the frame plate 2 by a fastener 50. In the illustrated embodiment the fastener 50 is a rivet.

The hook member 40 has a first hook 42 projecting from the base 41 and an oppositely arranged second hook 43 projecting from the base 41. In the illustrated embodiment the first hook projects in a forward direction and the second hook projects in a rearwards direction. The first and second hooks are spaced apart in the front and back direction of the window frame.

The first and second hooks each comprise a respective arm extending from the base. The first and second hooks form a clip 40 to attach the frame plate 2 to the window frame.

The stay 10 with hook member 40 is installed in a window frame 100 in much the same way as the stay 1 with hook member 4 described above with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. The window frame is provided with a recess, channel and/or lips/surfaces to correspond with the first and second hooks 42, 43. To install a sash within a frame, an installer presents the sash to insert the frame plate 2 of the stay 1 into the window frame to align the hook member 40 towards the channel 102 of the window frame 100, with a bottom of the sash tilted outwards from (e.g. forwards of) the window frame. The installer pushes the sash upwards so that the forward most (the first hook) 41 enters the recess 102 with a bottom of the frame plate 2 tilted outwards from the window frame. Once the first hook 42 has entered the channel 102, to position the stay correctly to the window frame, the installer rotates the bottom of the sash towards the window frame, to align the frame plate with the vertical window frame member and rotate the second hook 43 into the channel or recess 102. Once the hook member 40 has been inserted into the recess/channel 102, the first hook 42 engages a forward edge or lip of the channel 102 and the second hook engages a rearward edge or lip of the channel 102, as shown in Figures 8A and 8C. To engage the frame, ie to insert the hook member 40 into the channel, the first and/or second hook deflect(s) from an undeflected position to a deflected position. Once received in the channel, the first and/or second hook un-deflect(s) to or towards the undeflected position. Preferably the first and/or second hook elastically deflects between the undeflected and deflected positions. When the first and/or second hook un- deflects to or towards the undeflected position to engage the recess, the hook member provides an audible click against a surface or surfaces of the frame/channel, to provide positive feedback to an installer that the hook member has correctly engaged the frame. Once the hook member 40 on the stay at each side of the sash has ‘clicked’ into place in the frame/channel of the frame, the installer is aware that the stays 10 have been correctly located in an installed position within the window frame. Additionally, the first and second hooks 42, 43 are spaced apart in the forward and backward direction of the window frame and engage a forward and rearward edge or surface of the channel/frame, to correctly locate the frame plate to the frame and prevent movement of the stay in a front and back direction prior to fixing the frame plate to the frame.

Once in the installed position, the sash hangs from the hook member 40 of the frame plate at each end/side of the sash. In the installed position, the installer is free to release the sash, which remains hanging in the window frame from the hook 40 of each stay 10, in the correct installed position. The installer can then fix the frame plate 2 of each stay 10 to the window frame, for example by drilling holes via fastener holes in the frame plate 2 into the window frame member, and screwing screws into the screw holes in the frame, or by providing self- drilling screws through the fastener holes in the frame plate and into the window frame, or by using clips 20 as described above. The installation may be achieved by one installer, since the installer can hang the sash on the hooks 40 of the stays 10, and then secure the frame plates to the frame, since the hooks 40 maintain the sash and stays 10 in the correct position prior to securing the frame plates 2 to the window frame, and take the weight of the sash. The installer does not need to support the weight of the sash once the sash is hung from the hooks 40.

The improved stay presents benefits, including at least one or more of the following. 1. Reduction in labour required to install a window within a window frame. 2. Simplifying the installation process for installing a window within a frame. 3. Allowing for installation of a window within a window frame by a single person. A sash below a single person lift weight limit can be installed by a single person. For sash requiring a two-or-more person lift, an additional person required to fasten the stays to the window frame while others hold the sash is not required. 4. Removing the requirement to provide fasteners through the window frame member.

. Avoiding the requirement to provide sealant to holes through the window frame.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims (18)

Claims:

1. A window stay comprising a frame plate and a sash plate connected by one or more linkages, and one or more clips to engage features of a window frame to secure the frame plate to the window frame without penetrating the window frame, wherein the clip extends through an aperture in the frame plate to engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame.

2. A window stay as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip comprises a main portion that bears against an inboard side of the frame plate, and a leg that extends from a front end of the main portion, the leg received through the aperture in the frame plate to engage an outboard facing side of the window frame.

3. A window stay as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a front portion and a rear portion of the clip each engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame to secure the frame plate to the window frame.

4. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a rear portion of the clip engages an outboard facing surface of the window frame on an inboard side of the frame plate.

5. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clip comprises a flange extending at or adjacent a rear end of the clip in an inboard direction to engage an outboard facing surface of the window frame.

6. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clip is elastically deformed to provide a force in an outboard direction to hold the frame plate against the window frame.

7. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the clip comprises a projection extending in an outboard direction to extend through an aperture in the frame plate and engage an upwardly facing surface of the window frame to support a sash in a vertical direction.

8. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frame plate comprises a flange extending at or adjacent a rear edge of the frame plate in an inboard direction, and a notch or cut out through the flange to allow the clip to extend through the flange and engage a forward facing surface of the window frame.

9. A sash and window frame assembly, comprising a sash attached to a window frame by a stay as claimed in any one claims 1 to 8, wherein the window frame comprises a recess, channel or lip, and the clip extends through an aperture in the frame plate to engage the recess, channel or lip.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the window frame presents a rearward- facing edge or surface and a forward-facing edge or surface, and the clip is captured between the rearward-facing and forward-facing edges or surfaces.

11. An assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the window frame comprises a lip and a notch through the lip provides an upwardly facing surface, and the clip comprises a projection extending in an outboard direction to extend through an aperture in the frame plate and engage the upwardly facing surface of the window frame to support the sash in a vertical direction.

12. A clip for securing a window stay to a window frame, comprising: a main portion that bears against an inboard side of a frame plate of the window stay, a leg extending from an end of the main portion, the leg laterally offset from the main portion in an outboard direction of the window frame to extend though an aperture of the frame plate and engage an outboard facing surface of the window frame, and a flange extending laterally from an opposite end of the main portion in an inboard direction of the window frame, to engage an outboard facing surface of the window frame.

13. A clip as claimed in claim 12, wherein the clip is adapted to deform elastically, so that when engaged with the frame plate and window frame, the leg is elastically deflected in a lateral direction to engage the outboard facing surface of the window frame, so that the clip provides a force in an outward direction of the window frame to hold the frame plate against the window frame.

14. A clip as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the clip comprises a projection extending from the main portion in the outboard direction, to extend through the aperture in the frame plate to and engage an upwardly facing surface of the window frame.

15. A clip as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the clip is a moulded component, or is cut from an extrusion.

16. A method for installing an awning sash in a window frame, comprising: providing the sash with window stays attached, configuring each stay in an open position, presenting the sash to the window frame, inserting the frame plate of each stay into the window frame, providing one or more clips and engaging the one or more clips with features of the window frame to secure the frame plate to the window frame by inserting the clip to extend through an aperture in the frame plate to engage an outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method comprises inserting a forward leg of the clip through the aperture in the frame plate to engage the outboard facing surface or edge of the window frame.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the method comprises rotating the clip into the aperture in the frame plate to engage the forward leg of the clip with the outboard facing surface and a rearward lateral flange of the clip with an outboard facing edge or surface of the window frame on an inboard side of the frame plate.