A SASH WINDOW WITH A RETRACTABLE PARTING BEAD

The present invention relates to sash windows , and in particular to sash windows incorporating a window sash which as well as sliding can also tilt . 'The invention whilst particularly suited to such sash windows, may however also be applicable to other, non-sash, types of windows .

Sash windows typically comprise a pair of window sashes located and supported within vertical channels in side jambs of a window frame . The window sashes are arranged to vertically slide within the window , frame to allow for opening of the window . A counterbalance mechanism within the window frame and connected to the window sashes counterbalances the weight of the window sashes and allows easier vertical sliding of the window sashes . • . In more modern sash windows the window sashes can also be tilted out of the window frame about a horizontal axis , typically along or towards the bottom edge of the window sashes . Such tilting of the window sashes is a particularly desirable feature in that it allows easier maintenance access , in particular for cleaning of the windows , with the window sashes generally being arranged to tilt inwards . In addition such tilting and opening of both windows provides an enlarged opening for access in the event of an emergency and/or otherwise . Whilst modern tiltable sash windows have a number ^' of benefits and improvements over conventional traditional sash windows , they often lack the desirable aesthetic appearance and detail of more traditional window sashes which consumers desire . This is partly due to the inherent different construction of modern generally uPVC sash windows as compared to the traditional windows, as well as the tilting arrangement, which is also desirable, and requirements which

this imposes on the window design . As such to improve the aesthetic appearance of the window in fact represents a technical challenge in particular in overcoming the constraints provided by the additional tilting functionality of such windows . In addition such arrangements can also generally be improved in terms of security, and draft exclusion, as well as in terms of aesthetic appearance .

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved window arrangement which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally .

According to the present invention there is provided a an improved window arrangement, and a window frame, as described in the accompanying claims .

In a first aspect of an embodiment there is provided a window comprising a window frame defining a window opening, and a window element mounted to the window frame . The window frame comprises a moveable elongate bead member moveable from an extended position in which the bead proj ects and extends from the frame into the window opening to in use overlap an edge portion of the window element, to a retracted position . In a second aspect of an embodiment there is provided a window frame for use in defining a window frame for a window element mounted to the window frame, the window frame element comprising a moveable elongate bead member moveable from an extended position in which the bead proj ects and extends from the frame into the window opening to be defined by the window frame, to a retracted position .

Such arrangements provide an improved mounting of the window element within a window frame whilst allowing easy and simple removal of the window element from the frame

(either partially by titling to open the window, or fully) by retracting the beads whilst when the beads are extended providing a draught seal around the window element . The arrangement in addition provides by the use of such beads a desirable aesthetic appearance and detail, not associated with some conventional designs due to different mounting characteristics , whilst also allowing from such simple removal of the window element from the window .

The moveable elongate bead member is preferably biassed towards the extended position, and in particular incorporates a biassing spring biassing the moveable elongate bead member towards the extended position . The window may also include a selective locking arrangement to selectively lock the moveable elongate bead member in the retracted position . The selective locking arrangement preferably comprises a hook which is preferably mounted on the moveable bead and in use selectively engages a portion of the window frame to selectively lock the moveable elongate bead member in the retracted position . Alternatively the selective locking arrangement may comprise a magnetic locking arrangement with a magnet mounted on one of the bead or window frame and a corresponding metal plate on the other of the window frame or bead .

The moveable elongate bead member is preferably mounted within an elongate bead channel defined in the window frame . Portions of the frame defining the bead channel may furthermore comprise proj ecting lip flanges which, in use, abut the moveable elongate bead member to retain the moveable elongate bead member within the bead channel . The window element is preferably moveably mounted to the window frame . In particular the window element may be slidably mounted to the window frame, with the window in particular preferably comprising a sash window . In addition or alternatively the window element may be pivotally mounted

to the window frame such that in use it can tilt about its mounting to the window frame .

The use of such retractable beads in sash window provides a desirable traditional appearance of a traditional sash window, and improved draught exclusion, whilst by retracting the beads allows the window sashes to be tilted out of the window frame to provide improved maintenance access .

The window frame may further comprise a fixed flange parallel to and spaced from the elongate moveable bead. The flange proj ects and extends from the frame into the window opening to in use overlap an edge portion of the window element, with the window element being mounted to the window such that, in use, it is disposed between the fixed and moveable beads .

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective representation of a sash window incorporating an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic rear perspective representation of the sash window shown in figure 1, but with the window sashes in their tilted positions ;

Figure 3 is a more detailed perspective part sectional cutaway view of the window frame of the sash window shown in figures 1 and 2, showing the retractable window beads in an extended position; Figure 4 is similar view to that of figure 3, but showing the retractable window beads in a retracted position;

Figure 5 is a lateral cross sectional view through the window frame shown in figure 4 ;

Figure 6a is a more detailed longitudinal part cross sectional view through the window frame section shown in figure 5 on line X-X;

Figure 6b is cross sectional view similar to figure 6a, but of a alternative embodiment of the invention and locking arrangement ; and

Figure 7 is a schematic more detailed part view of the top of the retractable window bead abutting a header portion of the window frame .

Referring to Figure 1 , a sash window 10 comprises a window frame 1 and a pair of sashes 2 , 4 vertically slidably located within the window frame 1. The window frame defining a window opening 5 comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart vertical side frame j amb members 6, 8 , a top header frame portion 3 and window sill frame 7 portion The sashes 2 , 4 are disposed generally vertically in an overlapping arrangement with the sashes 2 , 4 disposed closely adj acent to each other and in operation sliding one behind the other, generally within and/or parallel to the plane of the window frame 1. The vertical window j amb members 6, 8 each define double vertically extending main window j amb channels 12 , 14 , as shown more clearly in Figure 5, for the respective sashes 2 , 4. The window j amb channels 12 , 14 in each window j amb 6, 8 are disposed side by side adj acent to and along the length of the window side j ambs 6, 8 adj acent to the lateral side of the respective sashes 2 , 4. These window j amb channels 12 , 14 have an open part which faces the respective lateral sides of the sashes 2 , 4. The window frame 1, and window side j ambs 6, 8 are typically fabricated from extruded UPVC sections which are j oined together . Other materials for example metal , Aluminium or wood may however alternatively be used .

Each sash 2 , 4 is engaged and supported in the window frame 1 by a pair of pivot bars (not shown) located towards

the lower part of the sashes 2 , 4. The pivot bars extend and project laterally from the sides of the sashes 2 , 4. Pairs of tilt latches (not shown) for each sash 2 , 4 are located towards the upper part of the sashes 2 , 4 and similarly proj ect laterally from the sides of the sashes 2 , 4. The distal ends of the tilt latches and pivot bars are engaged within the respective window jamb channels 12 , 14 thereby slidably locating the sashes 2 , 4 within the window frame 1. Counterbalance arrangements (not shown) to counterbalance the weight of the sashes 2 , 4 and make vertical sliding of the sashes 2 , 4 easier are mounted and located within the jamb channels 12 , 14 and attach to the sashes 2 , 4 , and typically to the pivot bars . Specifically the pivot bars may be engaged in sash shoes slidably mounted in the window j amb channels 12 , 14 and connected to the counterbalance arrangements and specifically one end of the coil springs . Such counterbalance arrangements typically comprise one or more coiled springs and are well known in the art for example being described in UK published patent applications GB2369644 , and GB2380758 , or US patent numbers US6412144 , US6393661 , US5365630 which also generally describe such sash windows . Other types of counterbalance could of course be used for example spiral balances, or block and tackle balances etc . The tilt latches are laterally retractable with respect to the sashes 2 , 4 such that the distal ends of the tilt latches can be withdrawn from the window frame j amb channels 12 , 14. Such withdrawal, in use, allows the upper part of the sashes 2, 4 to be disengaged from the window frame 1 allowing the sashes 2 , 4 to be tilted and pivoted about the pivot bars and a horizontal axis through the lower edge of the sashes 2 , 4 as illustrated in Figure 2 , and out of the vertical plane of the window frame 1. Specifically, and as show the window sashes 2 , 4 tilt inwards into the building within

which the window 10 is fitted .

A pair of tilt restrictor arm assemblies 16 for each sash 2 , 4 connect and extend between the window frame j ambs 6, 8 and side frames 3 , 5 of the sashes 2 , 4 to restrict and prevent excessive tilting of the sashes 2 , 4 and support the sashes 2 , 4 in a tilted position . With the sashes 2, 4 in such a tilted position, typically tilted inwardly into a building, the outer surface of the sashes 2 , 4 and window 10 can be easily cleaned and/or other maintenance of the sashes 2 , 4 and sash window 10 can more easily be carried out . The tilt restrictor arm assemblies 16, when the sashes 2 , 4 are in the vertical normal orientation lie parallel to the sides and along the side frames 3 , 5 of the sashes 2 , 4 and slide vertically with sashes 2 , 4. A window j amb end of the tilt restrictor arm assembly 16 is slidably located and engaged within the window jamb channel 12 , 14 by a frame mounting arrangement, whilst the sash end of the tilt restrictor arm assembly 16 is pivotally attached to the sash side frame 3 , 5 by a sash mounting arrangement (not shown) as will be described further below . During tilting and pivoting of the sashes 2 , 4 the tilt restrictor arms 16 pivot about the respective connections and mounting arrangements to the window j ambs 6, 8 and sashes 2 , 4.

As such the sash window 10 described above is generally conventional and typical of modern tilting sash windows .

Referring now to figures 3 to 7 , these show the window frame 1 , and in particular vertical side window j ambs 6, 8 in more detail . In these figures the window sashes 2 , 4 , are not generally shown . The outline position 2 ' , 4 ' of the respective sashes 2 , 4 is however shown in phantom in figure 5. In figures 3 and 4 parts of the window jamb 6, 8 are also shown cutaway in order to more clearly show the detail of the window j amb 6, 8.

As mentioned, and typical, the vertical window j amb

members 6, 8 each define double vertically extending main window j amb channels 12, 14 having an open part which faces and is adj acent the respective lateral sides of the sashes 2 , 4 when the sashes 2 , 4 are installed and fitted vertically within the window frame 1. In figures 3 to 6 only one window j amb 6, 8 is shown and it will be appreciated that the other window j amb 6, 8 on the other lateral side of the window 10 is of a similar configuration . The window j amb channels 12 , 14 house the counterbalance mechanism (not shown) with the pivot bar (not shown) and tilt latches (not shown) proj ecting from the sashes 2 , 4 and being engaged within these channels 12 , 14 to slidably support the sashes within the frame 1.

Each of the window jamb members 6, 8 also includes at least one elongate retractable bead members 20, 22 disposed vertically along the length of the window j ambs 6, 8. In this embodiment the retractable bead members 20, 22 comprise a central bead member 22, disposed vertically between the vertical in use positions of the sashes 2 , 4 , and an inner rear bead member 20 disposed vertically adj acent to and behind the inside face of the inner sash 2. The window j amb 6, 8 also includes a proj ecting front flange portion defining a fixed front outer flange 30.

It will be appreciated that the terms ' front ¹ , ' rear ' , Outer/exterior ' and ' inner ' refer to the respective intended positions of the beads and flanges when the window 10 is installed in a building, but are simply used to define the relative positions of these beads .

The retractable bead members 20 , 22 are moveably mounted with respect to the window j amb members 6, 8 such that they are moveable from a retracted position, as shown in figures 4 , 5 , and 6a, 6b, to an extended proj ecting position as shown in figure 3 and indicated by arrows A in figure 5.

In the extended proj ecting position the bead members

20 , 22 proj ect and extend laterally inwardly from the window j amb 6, 8 into the window opening 5 such that the overlap the lateral edges of the sashes 2 , 4 vertically located within the window 10. In particular in the extended position the edges of outer window sash 4 are vertically slidably located and retained between the fixed outer flange 30 and one side of the central retractable bead 22. The lateral edges of the inner rear sash 2 are similarly vertically slidably located and retained between the other side of the central retractable bead 22 , and the retractable inner bead 20. The beads 22 , 24 in the extended position, and fixed flange 30 cover the edges of the sashes 2 , 4 , and more closely resemble a traditional, non-titling, sash window construction and detail, providing neater and more aesthetically pleasing appearance more in keeping and including the detail of a traditional sash window . In addition the sashes 2, 4 are more securely retained within the window frame 1 between and by the beads 22 , 24 and fixed flange 30. This improves the security of the window 10, making it more difficult to remove the sashes 2 , 4 from the frame 1 , and also more effectively covers and seals the lateral edges of the sashes 2 , 4 reducing draughts between the lateral edges of the sashes 2 , 4 and window j ambs 6, 8.

In the retracted position, the retractable beads 20, 22 are moved into the window frame 1 and j ambs 6, 8 such that they no longer overlap, and are clear of the lateral edges of the sashes 2 , 4. This then allows the sashes 2 , 4 to be tilted, if required, as indicated by arrow B out of the plane of the window frame 1 as shown in figure 2 , with edges of the sashes 2, 4 , and tilt arm assemblies passing over the retracted beads 20, 22.

The retractable beads 20, 22 selectively retain the sashes 2 , 4 when extended, whilst allowing tilting of the sashes 2 , 4 when retracted . The retractable beads 20 , 22 may

therefore replace the tilt latches conventionally used to selectively secure the sashes 2, 4 within the window frame 1. In this case the retractable beads 20 , 22 , when extended, secure and maintain the sashes 2 , 4 in the vertical orientation within the window frame 1. This provides a further advantage of the invention and simplifies the construction of the sashes 2 , 4 which no longer need to (but may still) incorporate separate tilt latches .

The retractable bead members 20 , 22 are located and retained within vertical bead channels 24 , 26 defined within the window j ambs 6, 8. The bead channels 24 , 26 have an opening side through which the retractable bead members 20 , 22 extend and proj ect . Small lip flanges 32 , 34 along the edges of the bead channel openings abut against shoulder portions 36 , 38 of the bead members 20 , 22 to retain the bead members within the bead channels 24 , 26.

At least one biassing spring 40 , 42 for each retractable bead 20 , 22 is disposed between the bead 20 , 22 and respective a rear wall 44 , or rear element 45 , of the respective bead channels 24 , 26. The biassing spring 40 , 42 biases , and urges , the retractable bead members 20, 22 out of the channel 24 , 26 and towards the extended proj ecting position . To retract the retractable bead members 20, 22 they are simply pressed and urged into the respective bead channels 24 , 26, and window j amb 6, 8 against the spring force of the biassing spring 40, 42.

In this embodiment the biassing spring 40, 42 comprises a U shaped leaf spring having an centre portion 43 which abuts against the bead member 20 , 22. The distal ends 41 of the arms of the spring 40 , 42 have a curved profile and abut against a rear wall 44 , or rear element 45, of the bead channel 24 , 26. When the retractable beads 20, 22 are retraced the U shaped spring 40 , 42 is flattened with the curved ends 41 of the arms of the spring 40, 42 sliding along the bead

channel 24 , 26 to allow the spring 40 , 42 to flatten and open out . It will however be appreciated that in other embodiments other biassing and spring arrangements can be used, for example other types of compression spring could be used .

To retain the retractable beads 20 , 22 in the retracted position, against the force of the biassing spring 40, 42 , the beads 20 , 22 include a catch or locking arrangement . In this particular embodiment the catch arrangement comprises a pair of hooks 46, 50 which proj ect from the retractable bead 20 , 22. The rear wall 44 , or rear element 45 , of the bead channel 24 , 26, includes a corresponding aperture 48 , 52 into which the hook 48 , 52 fits and is inserted when the retractable bead 20, 22 is retracted and pressed back into the bead channel 24 , 26. Once the hook 46, 50 is inserted into the aperture 48 , 52 the bead 20 , 22 is slid and moved vertically upwards , as shown by arrow C ( figure 6 ) , to engage and grip an upper edge of the rear wall 44 , or rear element 45, of the bead channel 24 , 26, to lock and retain the bead 20, 22 in the retracted position . To release, and unlock the beads 20 , 22 they are simply pushed and slid vertically downwards , thereby disengaging the hook 46, 50, with the biassing springs 40, 42 then urging the beads 20, 22 towards the extended position . It will be appreciated that the hook could comprise part of the window frame 1 and window j amb 6 , 8 and engage a co-operating portion of the bead 20 , 22. Furthermore whilst the hook 46, 50 is shown in this embodiment as being inserted into and engaging in an aperture 54 in the rear wall 44 of the channel 24 , 26, in other embodiments the hook 46, 50 may engage a co-operating hook or other element fixedly attached or integral with the rear wall 44.

A small aperture 54 may be provided in the bead 22 into which a tool, for example a screwdriver may then be inserted

to facilitate easier vertical movement of the bead 20 , 22 required to lock/unlock the beads 20 , 22 from their retracted positions . A cover 56 covers the aperture 54 when not in use . Alternatively the cover 56 could itself comprise a button element by which a user can hold and move the beads 20 , 22 directly without the use of a tool .

The top of the bead channels 24 , 26, window jambs 6, 8 and header portion 3 of the window frame 1, and retractable beads 20 , 22 are configured to allow for such upward movement of the retractable beads 20 , 22. In particular the bead channel 24 , 26 extends beyond the end of the retractable beads 20 , 22 when in their extended positions . The bottom end of the retractable beads 20 , 22 abuts and rests against the window frame sill 7 when the beads are in their extended positions . Furthermore, and as shown in figure 7 in which the inner section of the window frame 1 are shown in phantom, the top end face 11 of the retractable beads 20, 22 are preferably angled and mitred to abut against a corresponding angled and mitred end faces 13 of a header flange portion 9 or bead of the header portion 3 of the window frame 1 and end of the bead channel 24 , 26. The header flange 9 extends along the top of the window frame 1 and covers an upper edge of the upper window sash 2 , 4 similarly to the fixed front flange 30 and retractable beads 20, 22 covering the sides of the window sashes 2 , 4. This mitring and angling of the end faces 11 , 13 of the retractable beads 20, 22 and header flange 9, as well as providing a neat engagement of the beads 20, 22 with the header flange 9, also aids and allows retracting of the beads 20, 22. Specifically as the beads 20 , 22 in use are moved upwards abutment of the angled faces 11 , 13 of the beads 20 , 22 and header flange 3 and end of the bead channel 24 , 26 tends to urge the beads 20 , 22 into the respective bead channels 24 , 26, and window j amb 6, 8 against the spring force of the biassing spring

40,42.

It will be appreciated that other catch or locking arrangements could be incorporated and used to temporarily lock and retrain the beads 20, 22 in their retracted positions against the biassing force of the springs 40, 42 to allow for the sashes 2 , 4 to be tilted . For example, and in particular in a yet an alternative embodiment a magnetic locking arrangement may be used to temporarily lock and retrain the beads 20 , 22 in their retracted positions against the biassing force of the springs 40 , 42. Such a magnetic locking arrangement is shown in figure 6b with a magnet 100 is mounted on the rear wall 44 , or rear element 45 , of the bead channel 24 , 26 of the window frame j ambs 6, 8 and a corresponding ferrous/magnetic metal ( steel) plate 102 on the bead 20 , 22. The magnet 100 and plate 102 replace the hooks 46, 50 and apertures 48 , 52 of the embodiment shown in figure 6a . The magnets 100 and plates 102 are attracted to each other when the magnet 100 and plate 102 are located next to each other and the bead 20 , 22 pushed back against the rear walls 44 into the retracted positions with the magnetic force between the magnet 100 and plate 102 then retaining the beads 20 , 22 in a retracted position against the biassing force of the biassing springs 40 , 42. To release and extend the beads 20, 22 they are simply pulled out to separate the magnet 100 and plate 102 and overcome the magnetic force therebetween . Once the magnet 100 and plate 102 are separated by a suitable distance the magnet attraction force between them is weaker and so the biassing springs 40 , 42 then keeps them apart and the beads 20, 22 extended . With such a magnetic locking arrangement the beads 20 , 22 do not need to be moved vertically with the beads 20, 22 being retained by the magnet 100 when the beads 20, 22 are pressed into the window frame j ambs 6 , 7 and the magnet 100 and plate 102 are located adj acent to each other . The

magnets 100 and plates 102 may also be easier to fabricate and install than the hook and aperture arrangement and so such a magnetic locking arrangement may be preferred .

While the magnet 100 and plates 102 may simply replace the hooks and apertures , further magnets and plates could be provided along the length of the beads 20 , 22 and window frame j ambs 6, 8. If the beads 20, 22, or the respective portion of them is metal then the metal plates could be omitted with the magnets 100 then directly acting on the metal portion of the beads 20, 22. The position of the magnet 100 , and metal plate 102 could also be reversed with the magnet 100 then mounted on the beads 20 , 22 and a metal plate 102 on the window frame j amb 6, 7 , or indeed the magnet attracted to a metal strip which may be part of the window frame j amb 6, 7 , or other metallic part of the rear channel wall 44. Indeed the window frame j ambs 6, 7 may already include such metal strips to reinforce the windrow frame j ambs 6, 7. The metal plate 102 could also alternatively also comprise a corresponding magnet arranged to be attracted to the other magnet 100 , although this would increase costs . Many other variations and magnetic locking arrangement may also be suitable

It is preferable to use a fixed flange 30 for the front, outer side of the window 10, which is generally the exterior side of the window 10 in order to improve the security and draft exclusion .

The retractable beads 20, 22 may also be provided only part way along the window j amb 6, 8 , and only in sections of the j amb 6, 8 and window frame 1 where the beads 20 , 22 need to be retracted to allow tilting . Other sections along the window j amb 6, 8 may then incorporate fixed flanges . This would further improve the security, appearance and draft exclusion whilst allowing tilting of the sashes, albeit only when positioned in the region of the retractable beads .

It will also be appreciated that whilst the invention has been described and illustrated in relation to a window with two sliding sashes in other embodiments there may be further sashes similarly arranged in the window frame . Alternatively the window may comprise a single sliding sash and a fixed sash or window pane fixed within the window frame . In addition whilst the retractable beads are shown incorporated in the side window j ambs 6, 8 of the window frame 1 , they may additionally be incorporated in other frame members , for example the upper and lower frame parts . The sashes 2, 4 also, whilst typically sliding vertically may alternatively slide horizontally, and tilt about a vertical axis . In such an arrangement the top and bottom frame members would include the retractable beads to allow tilting .

Furthermore whilst the invention is particularly suited and directed to a sash type window, and this is the preferred use, the invention, and use of retractable beads projecting from a window frame to overlap the edges of a window element or pane could be used in other types of window . For example such retractable beads could be incorporated in the window frame of a conventional tilting window in which case the beads would be retracted to similarly allow tilting of the window . Indeed retractable beads could also be used in the frame of a fixed window in order to simply and more conveniently secure the actual window pane within the frame . In such a case the retracting of the beads would allow easier installation and replacement as well as allowing for emergency removal of the normally fixed window pane to provide an emergency exit .

Various other modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will also be apparent to those skilled in the art .