GB2543120A

GB2543120A - A frame with a sliding mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2543120A
Application number: GB1610431.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wynder Luke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-17
Filing date: 2013-09-17
Publication date: 2017-04-12
Also published as: GB201610431D0

Abstract

A frame (1, fig 1) includes frame members 2 defining an opening for receiving a closure 4. At least one of the frame members has a longitudinally extending recess (6, fig 1). A slide mechanism 7 is received in the recess, and includes a first track 12 fixed within the recess and a second track 14 moveable within and along the recess and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member 16. The second track is arranged to be coupled to the closure element. The frame may be a window frame and the slide mechanism may operate as a replacement for a sash counterweight. The frame and closure element may relate to a drawer. In an alternative aspect, a frame is provided with a connecting member 8 defining a pivot and a cord (50, fig 2) attached to a closure element to arrest rotation.

Description

A frame with a sliding mechanism

Background to the invention

The invention relates to a frame with a sliding mechanism for enabling a closure element received within the frame to slide relative to the frame.

As an example the frame may be a window frame for receiving one or more sashes of a sash window assembly, at least one of which can be slid relative to the frame using the sliding mechanism.

Sash window assemblies may comprise a counter balance system to enable the sash to be easily moved relative to the frame. The counter balance reduces the force required to lift the sash with the counter balance connect to the sash via a pulley. When the sash is raised the counter balance drops, such that part of the force required to lift the sash is provided by the counter balance. Similarly when the sash is lowered, an additional force will be required to overcome the weight of the counter balance, thus inhibiting the sash from moving relative to the frame simply under the weight of the sash.

Alternatively a spiral balance system may be used in which a spiral rod with a thread of varying pitch is coupled to a sash. The spiral rod is coupled to a spring, such that when the spiral rod is rotated the spring is compressed, therefore providing a counter force against the weight of the sash during lifting or lowering of the sash.

The spiral balance system may employ an extension spring. The force from the extension spring may not be constant, for example the force to move an extended spring can vary from the force required to extend a compressed spring. The variation in force can lead to an insufficient force from the spring at the extremities of travel of the sash, therefore leading to the sash moving relative to the frame at the top and bottom due to the weight of the sash or force of the spring. The variation of the pitch on the spiral rod leads to a change in the compression of the spring, such that the variation in the force during compression of the spring is accounted for.

The length of travel of the sash for which the weight of the sash window is equal to the force from the spiral spring system is limited, therefore the spiral spring system requires travel stops to prevent overextension of the spring and permanent damage to the spring. Without the use of travel stops, the behaviour of the spring will change due to a deformation of the spring and thus the function of the window assembly will subsequently change. A window assembly may enable a sash to be rotated out of the plane of the window frame, for example to enable cleaning. An expanding shoe within a track may be used to inhibit the sash from moving in the plane of the frame whilst rotated out of the plane of the frame. The expanded shoe inhibits the movement of the sash by friction with the frictional force increasing as the sash is rotated further. The frictional force may not be sufficient when the sash is partially rotated out of the plane of the frame, leading to slippage of the sash in the plane of the frame and possible misorientation such that one side of the sash drops relative to the other. It can be difficult to rectify the position of the sash to the original aligned or “square” position. If the sash is moved whilst in the misoriented state the sash may rub against the window frame causing damage of the outer edge of the frame and/or sash. A sash window may use metal arms to arrest the rotation of the sash relative to the frame. Metal arms can lead to additional wear on the frame and/or sash during rotation of the window. Moreover if the sash and the window become misorientated the contact between the metal arms and the frame and/or sash will increase and therefore the rate of wear will increase. The additional wear can remove any protective coating (e.g. paint), this can be unsightly and reduce the protection of the underlying material.

Statements of invention

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members defining a frame opening for receiving a closure element for closing the frame opening with at least one of the elongate frame members having a longitudinally extending recess. A slide mechanism is received within the recess, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first track fixed within the recess and a second track movable within and along the recess and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member. The movement of second track along the recess causes the rotary coupling member to rotate. The second track is arranged to be coupled to the closure element when the closure element is received within the frame opening to enable the closure element to slide relative to the frame.

In one example the frame is a window frame and the closure element is a window, such as a sash.

The second track can be coupled to the closure element by at least one connecting member defining a pivot about which the closure element can rotate relative to the frame. The frame can also comprise a cord attachable to the closure element to enable the rotation of the closure element about the pivot to be arrested. The cord can further comprise a cord reel, the cord being arranged to be extended or retracted by the cord reel as the closure element moves about the pivot point.

The frame may also comprise one or more bolts, for example to hold the window in a given position and/or connectable to the closure element to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot. The bolt or bolts may be a shoot bolt mechanism. A bolt can be arranged to activate a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the second track relative to the first track. The locking mechanism may comprise a spring biased to a locked condition, and the bolt may be arranged to hold the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition against the biasing of the spring bias when the bolt is disengaged to enable rotation of the closure element about the pivot. The locking mechanism, when in the locked condition, inhibits movement of the second track relative to the first track.

The rotary coupling member of the frame can comprise a first rotary coupling element coupled with the first track and a second rotary coupling element coupled with the second track. The first rotary coupling element may be a different diameter to the second rotary coupling element such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second rotary coupling element moves a different distance along the second track than the first coupling element moves along the first track.

The first and second tracks may be racks comprising a plurality of teeth. The rotary coupling member may be a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth. The rotary coupling member may comprise a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track. The first and second pinions can have different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track.

Where provided, the locking mechanism may comprise teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and the rotary coupling member when in the locked position.

The first or second tracks can comprise a freewheeling area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the tracks.

The frame may comprise a spring coupled to the second track and the frame wherein the spring is arranged to modulate the force required to move the second track relative to the first track. The spring can be a gas spring. In one embodiment, the gas spring can be pressurised to a pressure to adjust the resistance to motion of the second track.

In an embodiment, the one or more closure elements may be able to slide relative to the frame, each being movable independently of the other. In an embodiment, the one or more closure elements can also move by rotating out of the plane of the frame about a pivot.

Detailed description

Aspects of the disclosure are also described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure la shows a perspective view of a window assembly with a window coupled to a frame;

Figure lb shows a cross sectional view of the window assembly of Figure la;

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a window assembly with two windows held in a rotated state relative to the frame with the rotation arrested by a cord;

Figure 2b shows a cross sectional view of the window assembly of Figure 2a;

Figure 3a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part a frame member or jamb of the window assembly to illustrate a sliding mechanism within a recess of the frame member;

Figure 3b shows a perspective view of part of the window assembly to illustrate the sliding mechanism shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of part of the sliding mechanism of Figures 3a and 3b connected to a gas spring;

Figure 4b shows a perspective view, part broken away, of part of the sliding mechanism and gas spring of Figure 4a;

Figure 4c shows a rotary coupling member;

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of part of the sliding mechanism connected to an attachment device to attach the slide mechanism to a window;

Figure 5b shows an exploded view of the attachment device of Figure 5b;

Figure 6a shows a schematic cross sectional view illustrating the engagement of the rotary coupling member with the first and second tracks;

Figure 6b shows a cross sectional view of a slide block coupled to the track;

Figure 7a shows a shoot bolt in an open position;

Figure 7b shows the shoot bolt in a closed position;

Figure 8a shows the sliding mechanism in a first position;

Figure 8b shows the sliding mechanism in a second position;

Figure 8c shows the sliding mechanism in a third position;

Figure 9a shows a locking device in a locked position;

Figure 9b shows a locking device in an unlocked position;

Figure 9c shows a perspective view of the locking device;

Figure 10a shows a sliding mechanism coupled to a closure member via a pulley system; and

Figure 10b shows a schematic cross sectional view illustrating the engagement of the rotary coupling member with the first and second tracks of the sliding mechanism of Figure 10a.

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the Figures in which Figures 1 to 2 show an example of a frame 1 comprising a plurality of elongate frame members or jambs 2 (in the example shown four) defining a frame opening 3, in this example a rectangular or square frame opening, for receiving a closure element 4 for closing the frame opening. At least one of the elongate frame members has a longitudinally extending recess 6. A slide mechanism 7 is received within the recess 6. As shown in Figures 3a to 5b, the slide mechanism comprises a first track 12 fixed within the recess 6 and a second track 14 movable within and along the recess 6 and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member 16. Movement of second track 14 along the recess 6 causes the rotary coupling member 16 to rotate. The second track 14 is arranged to be coupled to the closure element 4 by at least one connecting member 8 so that the sliding mechanism enables the closure element 4 to be slid relative to the frame 2.

The window assembly may have one or more sliding mechanisms. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2 the window assembly comprises two sliding mechanisms 7, located within respective recesses 6 of opposed first and second jambs 2 of the frame. Each sliding mechanism 7 is coupled to the window by at least one connecting member 8. Figures 1 and 2 show two windows with each window coupled to two sliding mechanisms 7, to enable each window to slide independently with respect to the frame.

Figure 3a shows a sliding mechanism 7 located within a recess 6 of a jamb 2 of the window frame 1. In this example the first and second tracks 12 and 14 are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member 16 is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is located on a slide block 18 slidable along the jamb in the direction of the recess.

The second track 14 is coupled to the closure element 4 via a connecting member 8, such that the relative movement of the second track to the first track moves the closure element relative to the frame member 2 of the window frame 1.

In the specific example shown in Figures 5a and 5b the connecting member 8 couples the closure element 4 via an attachment device 9 to the second track 14. In this example, the connecting member 8 and attachment device 9 forms a pivot about which the window can rotate out of the plane of the window relative to the frame member 2. The attachment device, as shown in Figure 5b, has a section 9a attached to the connecting member 8. The section 9a can be coupled to a section 9b received by the window. In this example the section 9b is embedded within a frame of the window, and attachable to section 9a to couple the window to the frame member 2 via the connecting member 8. As another possibility, the window can be connected to the window frame at multiple positions on the track. In an embodiment where the window is coupled to the second track at plural locations the window may not be able rotate out of the plane of the window frame, unless all but one connection to a frame member 2 can be released or retracted.

In the examples shown in Figures 3b to 5b the sliding mechanism comprises a pair of first tracks 12 and second tracks 14 with two rotary coupling members coupling each first track to a respective second track. The rotary coupling member may, as shown in Figure 4c, comprise first and second rotary coupling elements 16a and 16b of different diameters to enable gearing of the movement of the first and second tracks. For example the first rotary coupling element 16a may be a smaller diameter than the second rotary coupling element 16b and the first rotary coupling element 16a may be connected to the first track and the second rotary coupling element 16b to the second track. Such gearing enables the second track 14 to move a greater distance than the first rotary coupling element moves along the first track. As another possibility the rotary coupling member may have a single rotary coupling element and therefore comprise a single diameter rotary coupling with no gearing.

In the example shown in Figure 4c the rotary coupling member is one of a pair of rotary coupling members, shown in a coupling position in Figures 4b and 6a. The pair of rotary coupling members may be coupled using an axle supported by the slide block 18, to ensure the rotary coupling members rotate at the same frequency. Figures 4b and 6a show the first rotary coupling member 16a coupled to the first track 12 (not shown) and the second rotary coupling member 16b coupled to the second track 14.

As shown in Figure 6b, the slide block 18 is locked with the second track 14 and has a hole 19 in which a gas spring, described in more detail below, can be located and coupled with the slide block 18. In the example shown in Figure 6b the slide block 18 is coupled to a pair of second tracks 14 and moves along the channels provided by the pair of the second tracks.

As mentioned above, the window can be rotated about the connecting member(s) 8 out of the plane of the frame. In the example shown in Figures 2a and 2b the closure element 4 comprises at least one bolt, for example a shoot bolt, 10 spaced along the frame member from the connecting member(s) to couple the closure element and the frame member so as to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the connecting member(s) 8. In the example, shown there are two bolts 10, one associated with each connection member 8.

An example of a shoot bolt 10 is shown in Figures 7a and 7b with Figure 7a showing the shoot bolt in a released position in which the closure element can rotate relative to the frame and Figure 7b showing the shoot bolt in an engaged position in which the closure element cannot rotate relative to the frame. In this example the shoot bolt is located on the closure element 4 and extends from the window into the window frame in the engaged position of the bolt. In another example the shoot bolt may be located on the frame with the bolt extending from the window frame into the window in the engaged position.

Each shoot bolt 10 is received in a recess in the window and comprises a sliding member 26 able to slide within a channel 22. The sliding member 26 is coupled to a bolt 30 (not shown in Figure 4a) that can be gripped by a user during operation to engage or disengage the shoot bolt. The sliding member 26 is held in the engaged position by a raised member (not shown) within the shoot bolt. The raised member can be lowered to enable the sliding member 26 to move from the engaged position. As described below when the shoot bolt is disengaged, a locking mechanism 42, coupled to the second track, is activated to engage a locking member 52 with the first (fixed) track to inhibit the movement of the second track relative to the first track.

Figures 9a and 9b show the locking mechanism 42 in a locked and unlocked position respectively. The locking mechanism in this example comprises a biasing spring 53 and a yoke 43 that carries the locking member 52 and cooperates with the shoot bolt 30. Figure 9c shows an example yoke with arms defining a ‘U’ shape coupled to the locking member 52.

When the shoot bolt 30 is disengaged, allowing the closure member to rotate about the connecting member 8 (as described above), the shoot bolt 30 is not in contact with the yoke 43. This means that the bias of the spring can move the locking member 52 into engagement with the first track, as shown in Figure 9a, which, because the locking mechanism is coupled to the second track, inhibits movement of the first track relative to the second track.

When the shoot bolt is engaged, inhibiting the closure member from rotating about the connecting member 8 shoot bolt (as described above), the shoot bolt 30 is in contact with the yoke 43. This means that the shoot bolt retains the spring in a compressed state so that the yoke 43 and thus the locking member 52 do not engage the first track, as shown in Figure 9b, and so the first track is free to move relative to the second track. . .

The locking member may comprise one or more teeth that lock with teeth of the first track. In other examples the locking member may engage with first track by friction or another form of lock to a receiving point on the track.

In other examples the bolt may be a lever that can be rotated about a pivot to engage and disengage the bolt. As it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art the bolt may be activated by various mechanisms such as a shoot bolt, a lever bolt, or a key operated bolt.

Figure 2b shows the sliding mechanism and a retention mechanism for arresting the window when it is partially rotated. The retention mechanism is received within the recess 6 and coupled to the second (movable) track, therefore moving in synchrony with the window. The retention mechanism may comprise a cord reel located in the housing 40 in the recess 6. The cord is attachable to the window, passing through a hole 41 located on the cord housing 40.

As the window rotates about the connecting member(s) 8 the cord extends from the cord reel. The cord arrests the rotation of the window when the cord is fully extended from the cord reel.

Figures 2a and 2b show an example with two sashes rotated relative to a frame with the rotation arrested by a cord. The two windows 4 are each rotated about a connecting member 8 with a cord 50 connected to the window and the frame via a cord reel located in the housing 40. The rotation of the window about the pivot 8 is arrested by the cord 50. In another example the cord may be slack when the window in the plane of the frame and become taut as the window is rotated out of the plane, so as to arrest the rotation of the window.

Figure 8a, 8b and 8c show the sliding track mechanism located in the recess of the jamb (not shown) of the frame illustrating the sliding mechanism in a first, second and third position. The sliding mechanism has a freewheeling area 38 where the rotary coupling member is not coupled to the second track 14. In the example shown the freewheeling area 38 is a tooth free area located at the end of second track where the rotary coupling member is remains engaged with the first track 12 but is not engaged with the second track. Whilst the rotary coupling member is in the freewheeling area 38 the rotary coupling member is disengaged from the second track 14 but remains engaged with the first track 12 and therefore the first track 12 can be moved relative to the second track 14 and the relative positions of the first and second tracks can be changed enabling the sliding mechanism to be adjusted, for example as shown in Figure 5a, during an installation process.

In this example the rotary coupling member is moved from the freewheeling area 38 by applying a force on the sliding mechanism 7 to engage the rotary coupling member 16 with the first and second tracks.

Figure 8b shows the sliding mechanism in a second position, with the rotary coupling member 16 engaged with the first and second tracks. The slide block 18 has moved relative to the first position shown in Figure 8a, therefore moving the second track 14 relative to the first track 12. Figure 8c shows the rotary coupling member approaching the end of the travel limit, with the rotary coupling member 16 at the opposite end to the freewheeling area 38 of the second track 14.

Figures 4a and 4b show an embodiment with a gas spring 44 attached to the sliding mechanism to counter the weight of the closure element, therefore preventing the window from sliding relative to the frame under the weight of the window. In the example shown, the gas spring is coupled to slide block 18 and the second track 14. The gas spring 44 is coupled to the slide block 18 with an interference fit, and is coupled to the slide block by locating an end of the piston of the gas spring in the hole 19 of the slide block as described above. The motion of the slide block 18 relative to the second track will move the piston of the gas spring relative to the body of the gas spring and therefore resist (during compression) or assist (during expansion) the motion of the second track 14 relative to the first track 12. Any other suitable mechanism may be used to resist the differential motion, for example an extension spring mounted on the other side of the slide block from the gas spring. In other examples, the slide block 18 may comprise, for example, a locking mechanism and/or a screw mechanism to couple the gas spring into the slide block.

In the example shown in Figures 4a and 4b the gas spring is coupled to the cord housing 40 using a screw mechanism, where the thread on the gas spring 44 is received by the cord housing 40. In other examples the gas spring may couple to the cord housing using, for example, a locking mechanism and/or an interference fit.

The slide block 18 is coupled to move with the closure element 4 relative to the frame 2 along the recess 6, and as the closure element moves the gas spring 44 is compressed or extended. The force required to compress or extend the gas spring counteracts the weight of the window. The gas spring can be pressurised to different pressures to vary the resistance to compression and expansion, therefore enabling the resistance to be varied according to the weight of the closure element.

Figures 10a and 10b show an embodiment with the second track 14 coupled to the closure element 4 via one or more pulley systems 54 instead of the connecting member(s) 8. The pulley system 54 comprises a pulley 55 and a cord 56. The cord 56 has a first and second end, with the first end coupled to the closure element 4 and the second end coupled to sliding mechanism 7. In this embodiment the rotary coupling member 16 moves along the first track 12 (fixed within the recess 6) and is coupled to the second track 14 (movable within and along the recess 6) such that during operation the rotary coupling member 16 and the second track 14 move in opposite directions relative to the first track 12. The motion of the second track 14 is opposed to the motion of the closure element 4 due to the closure element 4 being coupled to the second track 14 via the pulley 55. Coupling the closure element 4 to the second track via one or more pulley system(s) 54 may assist retro-fitting of the slide mechanism 7 with existing pulley and counter weight systems. In the example described above a gas spring is used to counter the weight of the closure element, in other examples a wire spring and/or an elastic mechanism may be used to counteract the weight of the window.

In the examples described above the sliding mechanism the tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth, in other examples the racks may be tracks without teeth.

Although the examples described relate to a closure element being a sash and a frame a window frame, other examples of a closure element can include sliding doors able to slide relative to a door frame, drawers with a sliding mechanism to open and close the drawer and other sliding windows, other than sash windows.

Embodiments of the invention may include any of the described features, including any combination of a sliding mechanism, a coupling member to inhibit the closure element to slide relative to the frame, a bolt mechanism, a locking mechanism, a spring, a cord to arrest the rotation of the closure member.

Claims

1. A frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members defining a frame opening for receiving a closure element for closing the frame opening; at least one of the elongate frame members having a longitudinally extending recess; a slide mechanism received within the recess, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first track fixed within the recess and a second track movable within and along the recess and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member such that movement of second track along the recess causes the rotary coupling member to rotate, wherein the second track is arranged to be coupled to the closure element when the closure element is received within the frame opening to enable the closure element to slide relative to the frame.

2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein the frame is a window frame and the closure element is a window.

3. A frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second track is coupled to the closure element by at least one connecting member defining a pivot about which the closure element can rotate relative to the frame.

4. A frame according to claim 3 further comprising a cord attachable to the closure element to enable the rotation of the closure element about the pivot to be arrested.

5. A frame according to claim 4 wherein the cord further comprises a cord reel, the cord being arranged to be extended or retracted by the cord reel as the closure element moves about the pivot point.

6. A frame according to claims 3 to 5 further comprising a bolt mechanism to inhibit rotation the closure element about the pivot.

7. A frame according to claim 6, wherein the bolt mechanism is a bolt connectable to the closure element to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot.

8. A frame according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the bolt mechanism comprises a shoot bolt mechanism.

9. A frame according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the bolt mechanism is arranged to activate a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the second track relative to the first track.

10. A frame according to claim 9 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring biased to a locked condition, wherein the bolt mechanism is arranged to hold the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition against the biasing of the spring biased such that when the bolt mechanism is disengaged to enable rotation of the closure element about the pivot, the locking mechanism is in the locked condition inhibiting movement of the second track relative to the first track.

11. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first rotary coupling element coupled with the first track and a second rotary coupling element coupled with the second track, with the first rotary coupling element having a different diameter to the second rotary coupling element such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second rotary coupling element moves a different distance along the second track than the first coupling element moves along the first track.

12. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth.

13. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second tracks are racks each comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track.

14. A frame according to claim 10, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and the pinion when in the locked position

15. A frame according to claim 10, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth, the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and first and second pinions.

16. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first or second tracks comprises a freewheeling area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the tracks.

17. A frame according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein at least one of the first or second racks comprises a tooth free area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the racks.

18. A frame according to any preceding claim further comprising a spring coupled to the second track and the frame wherein the spring is arranged to modulate the force required to move the second track relative to the first track.

19. A frame according to claim 18, wherein the spring is a gas spring.

20. A frame according to claim 19, wherein the gas spring can be pressurised to a pressure to adjust the resistance to motion of the second track.

21. A frame assembly comprising a frame according to any preceding claim with at least one said closure element.

22. A window assembly comprising a frame and at least one window received within the frame, the frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members defining a frame opening receiving the at least one window for closing the frame opening; at least one of the elongate frame members having a longitudinally extending recess; a slide mechanism received within the recess, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first track fixed within the recess and a second track movable within and along the recess and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member such that movement of second track along the recess causes the rotary coupling member to rotate, wherein the second track is coupled to the window or one of the windows by a coupling mechanism carried by at least one of the track and that window to enable that window to slide relative to the frame.

23. A window assembly according to claim 22, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises cooperating projections and recesses carried by the window and second track.

24. A window assembly according to claim 22 or 23 wherein the second track is coupled to the at least one window by at least one connecting member defining a pivot about which the at least one window can rotate relative to the frame.

25. A window assembly according to claim 24 further comprising a cord attachable to the at least one window to enable the rotation of the at least one window about the pivot to be arrested.

26. A window assembly according to claim 25 wherein the cord further comprises a cord reel, the cord being arranged to be extended or retracted by the cord reel as the at least one window moves about the pivot point.

27. A window assembly according to claims 24 to 26 further comprising a bolt mechanism to inhibit rotation the closure element about the pivot.

28. A window assembly according to claim 27, wherein the bolt mechanism is a bolt connectable to the closure element to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot.

29. A window assembly according to claim 27 or 28 wherein the bolt comprises a shoot bolt mechanism.

30. A window assembly according to any of claims 27 to 29 wherein the bolt is arranged to activate a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the second track relative to the first track.

31. A window assembly according to claim 30 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring biased to a locked condition, wherein the bolt is arranged to hold the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition against the biasing of the spring biased such that when the bolt is disengaged to enable rotation of the at least one window about the pivot, the locking mechanism is in the locked condition inhibiting movement of the second track relative to the first track.

32. A window assembly according to any of claims 22 to 31 wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first rotary coupling element coupled with the first track and a second rotary coupling element coupled with the second track, with the first rotary coupling element having a different diameter to the second rotary coupling element such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second rotary coupling element moves a different distance along the second track than the first coupling element moves along the first track.

33. A window assembly according to any of claims 22 to 32 wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth.

34. A window assembly according to any of claims 22 to 33, wherein the first and second tracks are racks each comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track.

35. A window assembly according to claim 31, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and the pinion when in the locked position

36. A window assembly according to claim 31, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth, the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and first and second pinions.

37. A window assembly according to any of claims 22 to 36, wherein at least one of the first or second tracks comprises a freewheeling area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the tracks.

38. A window assembly according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein at least one of the first or second racks comprises a tooth free area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the racks.

39. A window assembly according to any of claims 22 to 38 further comprising a spring coupled to the second track and the frame wherein the spring is arranged to modulate the force required to move the second track relative to the first track.

40. A window assembly according to claim 39, wherein the spring is a gas spring.

41. A window assembly according to claim 40, wherein the gas spring can be pressurised to a pressure to adjust the resistance to motion of the second track.

42. A window assembly according to any of claims 22 to 41 with at least one said closure element.

43. A frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members defining a frame opening for receiving a closure element for closing the frame opening; a slide mechanism, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first track fixed to one of the elongate frame members and a second track movable longitudinally of the elongate frame member and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member such that movement of second track along the recess causes the rotary coupling member to rotate, wherein the second track is arranged to be coupled to the closure element when the closure element is received within the frame opening to enable the closure element to slide relative to the frame, wherein the second track is coupled to the closure element by at least one connecting member defining a pivot about which the closure element can rotate relative to the frame and a cord is attached to the closure element to enable the rotation of the closure element about the pivot to be arrested.

44. A frame according to claim 43 wherein the cord further comprises a cord reel, the cord being arranged to be extended or retracted by the cord reel as the closure element moves about the pivot point.

45. A frame according to any of claims 43 to 44 further a bolt mechanism to inhibit rotation the closure element about the pivot.

46. A frame according to claim 45, wherein the bolt mechanism is a bolt connectable to the closure element to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot.

47. A frame according to claim 45 or 46 wherein the bolt comprises a shoot bolt mechanism.

48. A frame according to any of claims 45 to 47 wherein the bolt is arranged to activate a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the second track relative to the first track.

49. A frame according to claim 48 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring biased to a locked condition, wherein the bolt is arranged to hold the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition against the biasing of the spring biased such that when the bolt is disengaged to enable rotation of the closure element about the pivot, the locking mechanism is in the locked condition inhibiting movement of the second track relative to the first track.

50. A frame according to any of claims 43 to 49 wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first rotary coupling element coupled with the first track and a second rotary coupling element coupled with the second track, with the first rotary coupling element having a different diameter to the second rotary coupling element such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second rotary coupling element moves a different distance along the second track than the first coupling element moves along the first track.

51. A frame according to any of claims 43 to 50 wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth.

52. A frame according to any of claims 43 to 50, wherein the first and second tracks are racks each comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track.

53. A frame according to claim 49, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and the pinion when in the locked position

54. A frame according to claim 49, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth, the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and first and second pinions.

55. A frame according to any of claims 43 to 54, wherein at least one of the first or second tracks comprises a freewheeling area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the tracks.

56. A frame according to any of claims 51 to 54, wherein at least one of the first or second racks comprises a tooth free area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the racks.

57. A frame according to any of claims 43 to 56 further comprising a spring coupled to the second track and the frame wherein the spring is arranged to modulate the force required to move the second track relative to the first track.

58. A frame according to claim 57, wherein the spring is a gas spring.

59. A frame according to claim 58, wherein the gas spring can be pressurised to a pressure to adjust the resistance to motion of the second track.

60. A frame assembly comprising a frame according to any of claims 43 to 59 with at least one said closure element.

61. A frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members defining a frame opening for receiving a closure element for closing the frame opening; at least one of the elongate frame members having a longitudinally extending recess; a slide mechanism received within the recess, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first track fixed within the recess and a second track movable within and along the recess and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member such that movement of second track along the recess causes the rotary coupling member to rotate, wherein the second track is arranged to be coupled to the closure element by at least one connecting member when the closure element is received within the frame opening to enable the closure element to slide relative to the frame, wherein the connecting member defines a pivot about which the closure element can rotate relative to the frame; and a bolt mechanism to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot.

62. A frame according to claim 61, wherein the bolt mechanism is a bolt connectable to the closure element to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot.

63. A frame according to claim 61 or 62 wherein the bolt mechanism comprises a shoot bolt mechanism.

64. A frame according to any of claims 61 to 63 wherein the bolt mechanism is arranged to activate a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the second track relative to the first track.

65. A frame according to claim 61, wherein the frame is a window frame and the closure element is a window.

66. A frame according to claim 65 further comprising a cord attachable to the closure element to enable the rotation of the closure element about the pivot to be arrested.

67. A frame according to claim 66 wherein the cord further comprises a cord reel, the cord being arranged to be extended or retracted by the cord reel as the closure element moves about the pivot point.

68. A frame according to claim 67 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring biased to a locked condition, wherein the bolt mechanism is arranged to hold the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition against the biasing of the spring biased such that when the bolt mechanism is disengaged to enable rotation of the closure element about the pivot, the locking mechanism is in the locked condition inhibiting movement of the second track relative to the first track.

69. A frame according to any preceding claim wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first rotary coupling element coupled with the first track and a second rotary coupling element coupled with the second track, with the first rotary coupling element having a different diameter to the second rotary coupling element such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second rotary coupling element moves a different distance along the second track than the first coupling element moves along the first track.

70. A frame according to any of claims 61 to 69 claim wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth.

71. A frame according to any of claims 61 to 70, wherein the first and second tracks are racks each comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track.

72. A frame according to claim 68, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and the pinion when in the locked position

73. A frame according to claim 68, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth, the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and first and second pinions.

74. A frame according to any of claims 61 to 73, wherein at least one of the first or second tracks comprises a freewheeling area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the tracks.

75. A frame according to any of claims 70 to 73, wherein at least one of the first or second racks comprises a tooth free area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the racks.

76. A frame according to any of claims 61 to 75 further comprising a spring coupled to the second track and the frame wherein the spring is arranged to modulate the force required to move the second track relative to the first track.

77. A frame according to claim 76, wherein the spring is a gas spring.

78. A frame according to claim 77, wherein the gas spring can be pressurised to a pressure to adjust the resistance to motion of the second track.

79. A frame assembly comprising a frame according to any of claims 61 to 78 with at least one said closure element.

80. A frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members defining a frame opening for receiving a closure element for closing the frame opening; at least one of the elongate frame members having a longitudinally extending recess; a slide mechanism received within the recess, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first track fixed within the recess and a second track movable within and along the recess and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member such that movement of second track along the recess causes the rotary coupling member to rotate, wherein the second track is arranged to be coupled to the closure element by at least one connecting member when the closure element is received within the frame opening to enable the closure element to slide relative to the frame; wherein the connecting member defines a pivot about which the closure element can rotate relative to the frame; a bolt to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot, wherein the bolt is arranged to activate a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the second track relative to the first track.

81. A frame according to claim 80 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring biased to a locked condition, wherein the bolt is arranged to hold the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition against the biasing of the spring biased such that when the bolt is disengaged to enable rotation of the closure element about the pivot, the locking mechanism is in the locked condition inhibiting movement of the second track relative to the first track.

82. A frame according to claim 80 or 81 wherein the bolt comprises a shoot bolt mechanism.

83. A frame according to any of claims 80 to 82, wherein the frame is a window frame and the closure element is a window.

84. A frame according to claim 83 further comprising a cord attachable to the closure element to enable the rotation of the closure element about the pivot to be arrested.

85. A frame according to claim 84 wherein the cord further comprises a cord reel, the cord being arranged to be extended or retracted by the cord reel as the closure element moves about the pivot point.

86. A frame according to any of claims 79 to 86 wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first rotary coupling element coupled with the first track and a second rotary coupling element coupled with the second track, with the first rotary coupling element having a different diameter to the second rotary coupling element such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second rotary coupling element moves a different distance along the second track than the first coupling element moves along the first track.

87. A frame according to any of claims 80 to 86 wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth.

88. A frame according to any of claims 80 to 87, wherein the first and second tracks are racks each comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track.

89. A frame according to claim 87, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and the pinion when in the locked position

90. A frame according to claim 87, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth, the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and first and second pinions.

91. A frame according to any of claims 79 to 85, wherein at least one of the first or second tracks comprises a freewheeling area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the tracks.

92. A frame according to any of claims 86 to 90, wherein at least one of the first or second racks comprises a tooth free area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the racks.

93. A frame according to any of claims 79 to 92 further comprising a spring coupled to the second track and the frame wherein the spring is arranged to modulate the force required to move the second track relative to the first track.

94. A frame according to claim 93, wherein the spring is a gas spring.

95. A frame according to claim 94, wherein the gas spring can be pressurised to a pressure to adjust the resistance to motion of the second track.

96. A frame according to any of claims 79 to 95, further comprising at least one said closure element.

97. A frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members defining a frame opening for receiving a closure element for closing the frame opening; at least one of the elongate frame members having a longitudinally extending recess; a slide mechanism received within the recess, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first track fixed within the recess and a second track movable within and along the recess and coupled to the first track via a rotary coupling member such that movement of second track along the recess causes the rotary coupling member to rotate, wherein the second track is arranged to be coupled to the closure element when the closure element is received within the frame, opening to enable the closure element to slide relative to the frame; and a spring coupled to the second track and the frame wherein the spring is arranged to modulate the force required to move the second track relative to the first track.

98. A frame according to claim 97, wherein the spring is a gas spring.

99. A frame according to claim 97, wherein the gas spring can be pressurised to a pressure to adjust the resistance to motion of the second track.

100. A frame according to any of claims 97 to 99, wherein the frame is a window frame and the closure element is a window.

101. A frame according to any of claims 97 to 100, wherein the second track is coupled to the closure element by at least one connecting member defining a pivot about which the closure element can rotate relative to the frame.

102. A frame according to claim 101 further comprising a cord attachable to the closure element to enable the rotation of the closure element about the pivot to be arrested.

103. A frame according to claim 102 wherein the cord further comprises a cord reel, the cord being arranged to be extended or retracted by the cord reel as the closure element moves about the pivot point.

104. A frame according to any of claims 97 to 103 further comprising a bolt mechanism to inhibit rotation the closure element about the pivot.

105. A frame according to claim 104, wherein the bolt mechanism is a bolt connectable to the closure element to inhibit rotation of the closure element about the pivot.

106. A frame according to claim 104 or 105 wherein the bolt mechanism comprises a shoot bolt mechanism.

107. A frame according to any of claims 104 to 106 wherein the bolt mechanism is arranged to activate a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the second track relative to the first track.

108. A frame according to claim 107 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring biased to a locked condition, wherein the bolt mechanism is arranged to hold the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition against the biasing of the spring biased such that when the bolt mechanism is disengaged to enable rotation of the closure element about the pivot, the locking mechanism is in the locked condition inhibiting movement of the second track relative to the first track.

109. A frame according to any of claims 97 to 108 wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first rotary coupling element coupled with the first track and a second rotary coupling element coupled with the second track, with the first rotary coupling element having a different diameter to the second rotary coupling element such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second rotary coupling element moves a different distance along the second track than the first coupling element moves along the first track.

110. A frame according to any of claims 97 to 109 wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth.

111. A frame according to any of claims 97 to 110, wherein the first and second tracks are racks each comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track.

112. A frame according to claim 107, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth and the rotary coupling member is a pinion comprising a plurality of teeth and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and the pinion when in the locked position

113. A frame according to claim 108, wherein the first and second tracks are racks comprising a plurality of teeth, the rotary coupling member comprises a first toothed pinion coupled with the first track and a second toothed pinion coupled with the second track, with the first and second pinions having different numbers teeth such that upon rotation of the rotary coupling member the second pinion moves a different distance along the second track than the first pinion moves along the first track, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises teeth which lock with at least one of the second rack and first and second pinions.

114. A frame according to any of claims 97 to 112, wherein at least one of the first or second tracks comprises a freewheeling area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the tracks.

115. A frame according to any of claims 110 to 113, wherein at least one of the first or second racks comprises a tooth free area in which the rotary coupling member is not engaged with the racks.

116. A frame assembly comprising a frame according to any of claims 97 to 115 with at least one said closure element.

117. A frame according to any of claims 1 to 21 and 43 to 116, further comprising a coupling member connectable to the frame and closure member to inhibit the closure element to slide relative to the frame.

118. A window assembly according to any of claims 22 to 42, further comprising a coupling member connectable to the frame and closure member to inhibit the closure element to slide relative to the frame.

119. A frame according to any of claims 6 to 21, 46 to 96 and 104 to 116, wherein the bolt mechanism inhibits the closure element to slide relative to the frame.

120. A window assembly according to any of claims 27 to 42, wherein the bolt mechanism inhibits the closure element to slide relative to the frame.