AU2018101154A4 - Window or Door Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a window or door assembly comprising: a frame comprising laterally opposite sides, each side comprising a jamb; a window or door between the sides; a carriage, arranged in either or each of the sides, from which the window or door is pivotally supported, the or each carriage being movable up and down such that the window or door is displaceable between a closed position, in which it is aligned with the frame, and an open position, in which it is transverse to the frame; and at least one motor operable to effect movement of the carriage(s) and thus displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

Description

Window or Door Assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an assembly having a panel, such as a window or wall, which can be moved for selectively covering an opening of a building structure such as a house or apartment. The present invention has particular, though not exclusive, application to a lift-and tilt-operable window.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Movable panels such as windows and garage doors are known for selectively covering an opening of a building such as a house. For example, some house windows are configured to be opened by lifting and tilting them relative to the house wall to which the window is secured. Such windows are relatively lightweight for ease of manoeuvrability, but as a result, they are less able to withstand loading from strong winds, or impacts resulting from, for example, burglary attempts.

Meanwhile, more durable windows are considerably heavier and can weigh between 250kg to 450kg and are more difficult to move and have proven difficult to adapt to lift and tilt operable window mechanisms. For example, previous attempts at lifting and tilting such heavy windows resulted in excessively noisy arrangements that were commercially unviable. Consequently, apartment towers and other high-rise buildings that require heavier and more durable windows in order to withstand more intense weather conditions, such as the strong winds and rain, are not typically fitted with lift and tilt operable windows.

Examples of the present invention seek to solve, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of previous movable panels such as lift and tilt operable windows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly for selectively covering an opening of a building structure such as a wall, the assembly comprising a frame having laterally opposite sides and being configured to be secured in or adjacent to the opening, and a panel that is movable between a closed position in which the panel covers the opening and is at least partially bordered by the frame, and an open position in which the panel is transverse to the plane of the frame and arranged adjacent an end of the frame, the assembly further comprising a carriage arranged in either or each side of the frame and to which the panel is pivotably coupled, and a substantially vertical lead screw arranged to drive the or each carriage so as to move the panel toward said end, wherein the or each lead screw is supported at an upper end thereof whereby the weight of the panel and carriage(s) imparts tensile loading on the or each lead screw.

Owing to the or each lead screw is supported at an upper end thereof whereby the weight of the panel and carriage(s) imparts tensile loading on the or each lead screw, the panel can, in preferred embodiments of the invention, be lifted and tilted easily, even if relatively heavy.

Preferably, the upper end of the or each lead screw is supported by a respective support member secured to the frame.

Preferably, the assembly is configured such that the frame extends around the panel in the closed position, and wherein the carriage(s) and lead screw(s) are substantially housed within the frame. Preferably, the assembly further comprises at least one motor for driving the lead screw(s), the motor being housed within a lower end of the frame. Preferably, the assembly further comprises at least one drive shaft arranged within the lower end of the frame and configured to be driven by the motor(s) so as to drive the lead screw(s). Preferably, said at least one drive shaft comprises drive shafts coupled to motor and extending in opposite directions within said lower end, each drive shaft being coupled to a respective one of the lead screws, such that operation of the motor drives the drive shafts and thus the lead screws to move the panel between the open and closed positions.

Preferably, the frame is substantially rectangular.

Preferably, the assembly comprises at least one ball screw, the or each ball screw defining a respective said lead screw.

Preferably, the assembly is configured such that the panel when moved toward the open position is tilted and lifted towards said end.

Preferably, the assembly is configured such that the panel in the open position is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

Preferably the assembly includes a mechanism for controlling the angle at which the panel is pivoted relative to the frame. Preferably, the mechanism comprises a pivotal arm which is securable to the panel.

Preferably, the upper end of the lead screw is supported by a support member which is securable to the frame.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the frame extends around the panel in the closed position, and the carriage and lead screw are substantially housed within the frame. Having components of the assembly housed within the frame reduces the likelihood of those components being damaged or tampered with and can make the assembly more aesthetically pleasing.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the assembly comprises a motor for driving the lead screw, the motor being housable within a lower end of the frame. Since panels that are able to withstand larger loads are typically thicker and/or heavier, it is envisaged that such panels would be motor-driven rather than manually opened and closed. Having the motor housed within the frame also reduces the likelihood that it could be tampered with or damaged, thereby increasing the potential working life of the present assembly.

Preferably, the assembly also comprises a drive shaft arranged within the lower end of the frame which is configured to be driven by the motor so as to drive the lead screw.

In certain embodiments, the frame is substantially quadrilateral and can be fitted to standard building and curtain walls, such as homes and apartments. The motor is centrally located within the lower end of the quadrilateral frame and is engaged with two drive shafts extending from the motor and in opposite directions along the lower end of the frame. Each drive shaft is configured to be in mechanical communication with a respective lead screw which is housed within a respective side of the frame such that actuation of the motor drives the drive shafts, which in turn drives the lead screws so as to move the panel between the open and closed positions. Driving both drive shafts and thus both lead screws with a single motor circumvents potential coordination issues that might arise if multiple motors are used.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the lead screw is a ball screw, though other types of lead screws are considered to be within the scope of the invention, such as power screws.

According to a second aspect of the present in invention, there is provided window or door assembly comprising: a frame comprising laterally opposite sides, each side comprising a jamb; a window or door between the sides; a pair of carriages, from which the window or door is pivotally supported, each carriage being engaged with and/or arranged in a respective one of said sides so as to be movable up and down the jamb which that side comprises, whereby the window or door is displaceable between a closed position, in which it is aligned with the frame, and an open position, in which it is transverse to the frame; and a drive assembly which is arranged in either or each side and comprises a linear actuator coupled to the carriage engaged with that side and a motor coupled to that linear actuator, such that operation of the motor(s) extends or retracts the linear actuator(s) to effect displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the window or door comprises panelling.

Preferably, the assembly comprises a pair of said drive assemblies, each drive assembly being arranged within a respective one of the sides.

Preferably, the or each drive assembly is configured such that the motor thereof is arranged at or adjacent a lower end of the side in which that assembly is arranged and the linear actuator thereof extends between the motor and the carriage engaged with and/or arranged in that side, such that extension of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the open position and retraction of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the closed position.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a sill arranged below the window or door and interconnecting lower ends of the jambs. Opposite ends of the sill may underlie respective lower ends of the jambs, such that each side includes a respective one of the opposite ends of the sill. The or each motor may be partially housed within said sill. Preferably, the sill has a height which is, advantageously, less than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor. Preferably, the sill comprises a hollow section member an interior of which has a height which is, advantageously, smaller than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the or each drive assembly is configured such that the motor thereof is arranged at or adjacent an upper end of the side in which that assembly is arranged and the linear actuator thereof extends between the motor and the carriage engaged with that side, such that retraction of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the open position and extension of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the closed position. The frame may include a head arranged above the window or door and interconnecting upper ends of the jambs. Opposite ends of the head may overlie respective upper ends of the jambs, such that each side includes a respective one of the opposite ends of the head. The or each motor may be partially housed within said head. Preferably, the head has a height which is, advantageously, less than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor. Preferably, the head comprises a hollow section member an interior of which has a height that is, advantageously, smaller than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a window or door assembly comprising: a frame comprising laterally opposite sides, each side comprising a jamb; a window or door between the sides; a carriage, arranged in either or each of the sides, from which the window or door is pivotally supported, the or each carriage being movable up and down such that the window or door is displaceable between a closed position, in which it is aligned with the frame, and an open position, in which it is transverse to the frame; and at least one motor operable to effect movement of the carriage(s) and thus displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises a linear actuator coupled to the or each carriage and to a respective said motor, such that operation of the motor(s) extends or retracts the linear actuator(s) to effect displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises a pair of said carriages, to which respective said linear actuator are coupled and from which the window or door is pivotally supported, each carriage being arranged in a respective one of said sides so as to be movable up and down, whereby the window or door is displaceable between the closed and open positions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises a track along which the or each carriage is moveable, the or each track depending from an upper end of the frame. Preferably, the or each track is defined by a screw coupled to a respective said motor such that operation thereof rotates the screw to effect movement of the respective carriage along the track defined thereby.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a drive assembly is arranged in either or each side and comprises a linear actuator coupled to the carriage arranged in that side and a motor coupled to that linear actuator, such that operation of the motor(s) extends or retracts the linear actuator(s) to effect displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the or each motor is housed within a lower end of the frame.

Preferably, the assembly comprises a mechanism, such as a pivotal arm or a chain, for controlling the angle at which the panel is pivoted relative to the frame. It is envisaged that the mechanism is connected to both the panel and the frame or a component secured thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be further described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric front view of an assembly of an embodiment of the invention, wherein a panel of the assembly is in a closed position;

Figure 2 is an isometric front view of the assembly of Figure 1, the panel being in an open position;

Figure 3 is an exploded front view of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembly of Figure 1, the panel being in an open position;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional isometric view of a lower comer of the assembly of Figure 1; and

Figure 6 is an exploded front view of an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 3 show an assembly 5 according to a first embodiment for selectively covering an opening of a building structure, such as a wall of a house or the entrance of a garage, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The assembly 5 is in the form of a lift and tilt operable window. The assembly 5 comprises a frame 10 which is configured to be secured in the opening of the building structure. For example, the exterior walls of an apartment tower often have openings where fittings such as windows can be fitted; the present assembly 5 can be secured to such openings.

The assembly 5 also includes a panel 15 that is movable between a closed position, as shown in Figure 1, in which the panel 15 substantially covers the opening and is bordered by the frame 10. While the panel 15 shall henceforth be referred to as a window, it will be appreciated that the panel 15 could also take other forms, such as a garage door or a wall section, in which case the frame 10 does not necessarily border the entire panel 15.

Referring to Figure 2, the window 15 can be moved into an open position in which the window 15 is pivoted relative to the plane of the frame 10 and moved towards an upper end 20 of the frame 10 so as to uncover the opening of the building structure. Of course, it is envisaged that a window 15 that moves towards a lower end 25 of the frame 10 is within the scope of the present invention.

With reference to Figure 3, the assembly 5 includes two carriages 30, each being pivotably coupled to a respective side 35 of the window. The assembly 5 also includes two motor-driven lead screws 40, each for driving a respective carriage 30 so as to move the window 15 between the open and closed positions. In a preferred form, the lead screws are in the form of ball screws. With reference in particular to Figure 4, each carriage 30 is pivotably coupled to a respective side 35 of the window 15 at a location that is lower than the window's centre of mass such that as the carriages 30 are driven upwardly to lift the window 15 towards the upper end 20 of the frame 10, tilting of the window 15 out of the plane of the frame 10 is assisted by the weight of the window. As seen in Figures 2 to 4, the assembly 5 includes a mechanism 45, such as a pivotal arm or chain, for controlling the angle at which the window 15 is pivoted relative to the frame 10. With reference to Figure 2, the window 15 can be lifted and tilted such that it is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame 10, thereby substantially uncovering the opening of the building structure so as to increase the amount of air and/or light into the building structure.

Referring back to Figure 3, the lower ends 50 of each lead screw 40 are engageable with respective gearboxes 55, each gearbox 55 being housed within respective lower comers of the frame 10. Also engageable with each gearbox 55 is a drive shaft 60 that is housed within the lower end 25 of the frame 10. Each drive shaft 60 is rotatably supported and extends towards and is engageable with a centrally disposed motor 65 that is also housed within the lower end 25 of the frame 10. In this way, the motor 65 can drive the drive shafts 60, which in turn drives the lead screws 40 so as to drive the carriages 30 upwardly or downwardly to move the window 15. While in the present embodiment, the gearboxes 55, drive shafts 60 and motor 65 are housed within the lower end of the frame 10, they can, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, be housed within the upper end of the frame. Moreover, while the panel/window/door in the present embodiment motor-driven, it can, in other embodiments of the invention, instead be manually operable. For example, instead of the motor 65, a hand crank-type mechanism could be used to allow a user to manually move the window 15.

As seen in Figures 3 and 4, the lead screws 40 are substantially suspended at an upper end 70 thereof whereby the weight of the window 15 and carriages 30 impart tension on the lead screws 40. Of course, the weight of the window and/or carriages need not be entirely suspended; for example, a proportion of the weight can be taken up by the respective gearboxes 55. In the depicted embodiment, the upper end 70 of each lead screw 30 is supported by a respective support member 75 that is housed within a respective upper comer of the frame 15. Effectively, at least a substantial portion of the weight of the window 15 is carried by an upper end of the frame 15. It has been found that by distributing the weight of the window 15 in this way, the assembly 5 can accommodate thicker and/or heavier windows 15 which often prove to be more sturdy and robust, particularly against large wind forces and impacts, though can be difficult to move as discussed. It has also been found that, in the case of a motor-driven assembly, distributing the weight of the window in this way reduces vibrations and noise associated with operation of the assembly.

Figure 6 shows an assembly 105 according to a second embodiment which has alternate means for moving the window 115. In this embodiment, the assembly 105 comprises a frame 110 having laterally opposite sides 205, each side comprising a jamb 210. A head 120 spans between and interconnects upper ends of the jambs 210, and a sill 125 spans between and interconnects lower ends of the jambs 210. In the depicted embodiment, each side 205 of the frame 110 comprises a respective jamb 210 and a respective lateral end of the sill 120. Of course, each side 205 could also include a respective lateral end of the head 120; for example, a left side of the frame 110 could include the left jamb 210, the left end of the sill 120 and/or the left end of the head 120. Alternatively, each side 205 could simply comprise solely of a respective jamb 210.

Still referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, two linear actuators 225 are arranged within respective left and right sides 205 of the frame 110. By housing the motors and linear actuators 225 within each side 205 of the frame 110, the depth of the sill 125 is, advantageously, smaller than it otherwise needs to be because no part of those components is arranged within the sill 125 and below the window. It can be seen that in this second embodiment, there is no centrally disposed motor 65 or drive shaft 60 as is the case in the first embodiment. The depth of the sill 125 can thus be reduced which could make the assembly 105 more suited to buildings requiring shallower sill depths. The head (comprising the upper horizontal member) of the frame, likewise, can be relatively small, since the motor 65 and drive shaft 60 are not housed therein. Particularly advantageous is an ability for the window to make up a greater proportion of the depth of the window or door assembly.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, each linear actuator 225 is housed within a respective jamb 210. An electric motor 165 is coupled to each linear actuator 225 and is arranged to drive a screw 230 thereof up and down a respective one of the jambs 210. An upper end of each linear actuator screw 230 is secured to a carriage 130, each carriage 130 being pivotally coupled to a respective one of left and right sides 205 of the window 115. As such, driving of the screws 230 up the jambs 210 raises the carriages 130 which in turn lifts the window 115 towards the head 120 and rotates it towards an orientation in which it is transverse to the frame, whereby the window opens. Driving of the screws 230 down the jambs 210 lowers the carriages 130 which in turn lowers the window 115 towards the head 120 and rotates it towards an orientation in which it is aligned with the frame, whereby the window is closed. As in the first embodiment, the carriages 130 are pivotally coupled to the window 115 at locations that are below the window's 115 centre of mass; therefore, when the carriages 130 are driven upwardly to raise the window 115, pivoting of the window 115 pivots out of the plane of the frame 110 is assisted by the weight of the window. The assembly 105 also includes a pair of linear guide rails 235 housed within respective sides 205 of the frame 110. Each carriage 130 is movably secured to a respective guide rail 235 such that movement of the carriages 130 up and down each jamb 205 is constrained to a linear path defined by the length of the associated guide rail 235.

The assembly 105 also includes a pair of arms 145 which help support the window 115 and guide the movement thereof. One end 240 of each arm 145 is pivotally coupled to respective left and right sides 205 of the frame 110; the opposite end 245 of each arm 145 is pivotally coupled to respective left and right sides of the window 115 towards an upper end thereof. When the window 115 is closed, the window 115 is substantially aligned with and in the plane of the frame 110 and each arm 145 is generally aligned with the jambs 210. As the window 115 is opened, the window 115 is lifted toward the head 120 and is pivoted out of the plane of the frame 110. The arms 145, simultaneously, swing out of the plane of the frame 110 and transfer weight exerted by the window 115 to the frame. The path along which each arm 145 swings defines an arc according to which the pivoting motion of the window 115 is constrained. As such, the arms 145, together with the carriages, dictate the path along which the window 115 pivots.

It is envisaged that the assemblies described above can be operated remotely, and can also operate automatically in response to weather conditions. For example, the assemblies may comprise rain and temperature sensors and a preprogrammed control unit. As such, the assemblies may monitor weather forecasts (e.g. from the internet) and be programmed to close the window 15 a predetermined amount of time before rain is expected.

It is also envisaged that the assemblies described above will not forcefully move their respective windows if sufficient resistance against such movement is detected. As such, if a limb obstructs the closing of a window, the assembly will cease closing of the window so as to avoid accidentally clamping the limb.

The working life of the assemblies can also be increased by applying to components thereof a protective surface coating, such as raydent.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (33)

1. An assembly for selectively covering an opening of a building structure such as a wall, the assembly comprising a frame having laterally opposite sides and being configured to be secured in or adjacent to the opening, and a panel that is movable between a closed position in which the panel covers the opening and is at least partially bordered by the frame, and an open position in which the panel is transverse to the plane of the frame and arranged adjacent an end of the frame, the assembly further comprising a carriage arranged in either or each side of the frame and to which the panel is pivotably coupled, and a substantially vertical lead screw arranged to drive the or each carriage so as to move the panel toward said end, wherein the or each lead screw is supported at an upper end thereof whereby the weight of the panel and carriage(s) imparts tensile loading on the or each lead screw.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the or each lead screw is supported by a respective support member secured to the frame.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, configured such that the frame extends around the panel in the closed position, and wherein the carriage(s) and lead screw(s) are substantially housed within the frame.

4. An assembly according to claim 3, further comprising at least one motor for driving the lead screw(s), the motor being housed within a lower end of the frame.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, further comprising at least one drive shaft arranged within the lower end of the frame and configured to be driven by the motor(s) so as to drive the lead screw(s).

6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein said at least one drive shaft comprises drive shafts coupled to motor and extending in opposite directions within said lower end, each drive shaft being coupled to a respective one of the lead screws, such that operation of the motor drives the drive shafts and thus the lead screws to move the panel between the open and closed positions.

7. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame is substantially rectangular.

8. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one ball screw, the or each ball screw defining a respective said lead screw.

9. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, configured such that the panel when moved toward the open position is tilted and lifted towards said end.

10. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, configured such that the panel in the open position is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

11. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mechanism for controlling the angle at which the panel is pivoted relative to the frame.

12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises a pivotal arm which is securable to the panel.

13. A window or door assembly comprising: a frame comprising laterally opposite sides, each side comprising a jamb; a window or door between the sides; a pair of carriages, from which the window or door is pivotally supported, each carriage being engaged with and/or arranged in a respective one of said sides so as to be movable up and down the jamb which that side comprises, whereby the window or door is displaceable between a closed position, in which it is aligned with the frame, and an open position, in which it is transverse to the frame; and a drive assembly which is arranged in either or each side and comprises a linear actuator coupled to the carriage engaged with that side and a motor coupled to that linear actuator, such that operation of the motor(s) extends or retracts the linear actuator(s) to effect displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

14. A window or door assembly comprising: a frame comprising laterally opposite sides, each side comprising a jamb; a window or door between the sides; a carriage, arranged in either or each of the sides, from which the window or door is pivotally supported, the or each carriage being movable up and down such that the window or door is displaceable between a closed position, in which it is aligned with the frame, and an open position, in which it is transverse to the frame; and at least one motor operable to effect movement of the carriage(s) and thus displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

15. A window or door assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a linear actuator coupled to the or each carriage and to a respective said motor, such that operation of the motor(s) extends or retracts the linear actuator(s) to effect displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

16. A window or door assembly according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a pair of said carriages, to which respective said linear actuator are coupled and from which the window or door is pivotally supported, each carriage being arranged in a respective one of said sides so as to be movable up and down, whereby the window or door is displaceable between the closed and open positions.

17. An assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising a track along which the or each carriage is moveable, the or each track depending from an upper end of the frame.

18. An assembly according to claim 17, wherein the or each track is defined by a screw coupled to a respective said motor such that operation thereof rotates the screw to effect movement of the respective carriage along the track defined thereby.

19. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein a drive assembly is arranged in either or each side and comprises a linear actuator coupled to the carriage arranged in that side and a motor coupled to that linear actuator, such that operation of the motor(s) extends or retracts the linear actuator(s) to effect displacement of the window or door between the open and closed positions.

20. An assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the or each motor is housed within a lower end of the frame.

21. An assembly according to claim 13 or 19, comprising a pair of said drive assemblies, each drive assembly being arranged within a respective one of the sides.

22. An assembly according to claim 13, 19 or 21, wherein the or each drive assembly is configured such that the motor thereof is arranged at or adjacent a lower end of the side in which that assembly is arranged and the linear actuator thereof extends between the motor and the carriage engaged with and/or arranged in that side, such that extension of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the open position and retraction of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the closed position.

23. An assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the frame includes a sill arranged below the window or door and interconnecting lower ends of the jambs.

24. An assembly according to claim 23, wherein opposite ends of the sill underlie respective lower ends of the jambs, such that each side includes a respective one of the opposite ends of the sill.

25. An assembly according to claim 24, wherein the or each motor is partially housed within said sill.

26. An assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the sill has a height which is less than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor.

27. An assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the sill comprises a hollow section member an interior of which has a height smaller than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor.

28. An assembly according to claim 13, 19, 21 or 22, or any one of claims 23 and 24 as dependent therefrom, wherein the or each drive assembly is configured such that the motor thereof is arranged at or adjacent an upper end of the side in which that assembly is arranged and the linear actuator thereof extends between the motor and the carriage engaged with that side, such that retraction of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the open position and extension of the linear actuator(s) effects displacement of the window or door towards the closed position.

29. An assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 28, wherein the frame includes a head arranged above the window or door and interconnecting upper ends of the jambs.

30. An assembly according to claim 29, wherein opposite ends of the head overlie respective upper ends of the jambs, such that each side includes a respective one of the opposite ends of the head.

31. An assembly according to claim 28 or either one of claims 29 and 30 as dependent therefrom, wherein the or each motor is partially housed within said head.

32. An assembly according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the head has a height which is less than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor.

33. An assembly according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein head comprises a hollow section member an interior of which has a height smaller than a maximum vertical dimension of the or each motor.