WO2014094054A1

WO2014094054A1 - A sliding window assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2014094054A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/001487
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stuart Hilton James BLOOMFIELD; Robert Charles Langner
Original assignee: Aneeta Window Systems (Vic) Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-19
Filing date: 2013-12-19
Publication date: 2014-06-26
Also published as: WO2014094054A9

Abstract

A sliding window assembly (20) including a sash (22, 23) mounted within a frame (21). The frame (21) includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel frame members (26) and a sash (22, 23) slidably mounted within the frame (21) between the frame members (22, 23) and defining a sash plane. A space S is provided between at least a first of the frame members (26) and a proximate edge of the sash (22, 23). The sash (22, 23) cooperates with a pair of brackets (44) which are slidable with the sash (22, 23) relative to the frame members (26). The brackets (44) are operable to support the weight of the sash (22, 23). A portion of at least one of the brackets (44) is being positioned within the space S between the frame member (26) and the proximate edge of the sash (22, 23) to limit movement of the sash (22, 23) in the plane of the sash (22, 23) between the frame members (26).

Description

A SLIDING WINDOW ASSEMBLY

FELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sliding window assemblies which comprise a frame and at least one glass pane which Is a sliding pane within the window frame. The present invention has been developed in relation to sliding windows that include glass panes with or without framing attached to the pane as well as panes that are formed of two or more panes of glass and which are known for example as "double" or "triple" etc. glazed panes.

Examples of the types of windows to which the present invention relates Include vertical and horizontal sliding windows. Vertical sliding windows can have different types and the types can be known as double hung, counterbalanced, single hung, and server/ windows. These types of windows could be known by different names In different countries. The panes of glass referred to above that are either fully or partially framed, or completely nameless, are often referred to as "sashes" and that term will be used hereinafter In the description of the invention.

Fully framed sashes include a frame extending completely about the sash glazing. Partially framed sashes Include frame members on one or more edges, but not on all edges. For example, In vertical sliding windows, the side edges of the sash glazing can have "stiles" or "slides" attached to the side edges which Interact with vertical frame members of the window frame ("iambs") to guide the sash glazing vertically within the frame. In horizontal sliding windows, a "bottom rail" can be fixed to the bottom edge of the sash glazing and the bottom rail interacts with the bottom or sill of the window frame to guide the sash horizontally within the frame. Fully frameless sashes have no members attached to the edges.

BACKGROU D TO THE INVENTION

Some prior art window assemblies Include vertically sliding sashes that are mounted within a frame and that are supported on two opposite and parallel edges by guides of the frame that allow each sash to slide within the frame and which also support the sash against movement inward or outward of the general plane of the frame. in some forms of prior art, the guides are formed as channels which receive and accommodate side edges of a sash. Typically the guides form part of the window frame, and In the case of vertical sliding windows, the guides form part of the vertical frame members commonly known as "jambs" and which extend on each side of the sash.

In the case of prior art vertical sliding windows, a support arrangement Is typically attached to a sash to control the sliding movement of a sash along guides of the frame In order to counteract the weight of the sash, so that the sash can be slid within the frame by hand without requiring excessive effort and an open position of the sash can be maintained without the sash falling or lowering under Its own weight. This arrangement also provides support In a closed position of the sashes, for the sash or sashes that are not the lowest sash In the window frame. The lowest sash may be supported on the window sill in the closed position, bu the sashes higher In the window do not have that support. Thus, a sash window of the prior art can include a counterbalance system in each guide which comprises a cord, a pulley and a weight, whereby the cord connects to the sash frame at one end and to a weight at the other end and extends about a pulley between the connections. By this arrangement, the weight of the sash Is counteracted by the weight.

In the prior art where two sashes are slidable vertically, a counterbalance system can be employed In each guide, in which the weight of the second slidable sash is used to counterbalance the weight of the first sliding sash instead of using a separate weight or weights.

A further alternative is to employ a spring loaded device in each guide, such as a device known as a spiral balance, which comprises a spring loaded component and a bracket supporting member, whereby the body of the spring loaded component is fixed in position relative to the window frame and the bracket supporting member connects the sash to a movable element of the spring loaded component.

Prior art arrangements can also include ^::jamb liners" which form a demountable portion of the stile. In these arrangements, the iambs are formed as channels and contain guides which have the jamb liner as a component and the jamb liner typically employs a spring or spiral balance within the jamb. The sash is attached to the jamb liner using a suitable form of attachment, such as a catch, clip or bracket. Each stile would normally be attached to each jamb liner at two positions with one of the attachments being near the bottom of the stile on each side of the sash. The sash can then be rotated about that attachment from a position out of the plane of the window frame, say for example at about 90° to the p lane, Into the plane and in that position, the sash can be attached to the jamb liner at the second attachment which is at the upper end of the stile on each Side of the sash. The four attachment points provide support for the sash in a vertical direction as well as perpendicular to the broad plane of the sash. Lateral or Sideways support Is provided by the sash (stile) beanng upon the jamb liner. The la b liner typically occupies the space within the guide channel adjacent to the stile. In prsor art window assemblies in which the sash Includes frame members the sash frame is commonly fitted to the glazing of the sash at an assembly location remote to the construction site of the window so that the glazing Is first transported to the assembly site where the sash frame is fitted and then the assembled sash is transported to the construction site. in prior art vertically sliding window assemblies In which the sash comprises a partially framed sash, the sash generally comprises two "slides" which are bonded to opposite Side edges of the sash glazing using an adhesive. A disadvantage of this arrangement Is that the adhesive can take a significant time to cure or set. in vertically sliding window assemblies, as indicated above, the guides formed in the jambs of a window frame provide support to the sash inward or outward of the general plane of the frame, or in other words, perpendicular to the broad plane of the sash and the guides also secure the sashes within the window frame preventing the sash from becoming disengaged from the guides and thus the window frame. The requirement to provide support perpendicular to the broad plane of the sash influences the installation of a sash into a window frame Such support Is achieved sn prior art arrangements in which the guides are channels, by limiting the clearance between the Side edges of the sash and the facing base of the channels so that once the sash is Inserted into each channel, it cannot be released from the channels. This can be achieved In the following ways:

1 . the traditional method and current state of the art for window frames involves installing the sash into a partially constructed guide channel and completing the construction of the guide channel as pah of the installation process when the sash is In place, or

2. with sashiess windows, a first guide Is fitted to the window frame and then an edge of the sash s positioned Into the first guide. A second guide Is then fitted onto the sash edge opposite the first guide, then the sash and second guide are installed together usually by rotation of the sash and second guide into the plane of the window frame, or

3. some prior art vertically sliding sash windows can be Installed Into a completed window frame using guide channels which are deeper than required for a close fit on at least one side of the sash For these types of windows, the method of installation is as follows:

I. an edge of the sash is inserted into a first guide channel deep enough to allow the opposite edge to clear the second guide channel;

II. the sash is then rotated about the first guide channel to bring It Into alignment with the second guide channel;

ill. the sash is moved laterally or sideways into the second guide channel so that it is centred between both guide channels; iv. foldabie brackets pre-attached to the sash are then positioned on each side of the sash to reduce the clearance between the base of the guide channel and the brackets so that further lateral movement of the sash Is limited. These brackets can be preinstalled on the sash and folded Into position when required. in prior art horizontally sliding sash windows, the installation method can be similar to that described above, whereby an edge of a sash Is inserted into the head (top) channel and Is rotated into alignment with the sill (bottom) channel. Once aligned, the sash can be lowered to bring the bottom edge of the sash Into the sill channel so that the top and bottom of the sash are captured respectively within the channels of the sill and head. In that position, brackets or blocks which are installed between the top edge of the sash and the base of the head channel prevent the sash from being raised to a position in which the bottom edge of the sash is released from the sill and so this maintains capture of the sash within the window frame. Applicant recognises deficiencies In the prior art and considers it to be desirable to improve sliding window design to remove the requirement for sash assembly at a location remote from the Installation site of the window so that cost savings can be made in handling and storage, while removal of the requirement for the use of adhesive to bond slides or other parts of the sash construction can provide benefits in terms of Improved assembly times. Further benefits might arise In relation to environmental benefits by reducing the carbon footprint of installed windows and Improving the thermal efficiency of windows.

Applicant recognises the further desirability to allow Installation of sashes in a window frame without needing to construot the window frame about the sashes on site or without needing a sash to be framed. Improvements of this kind could result In cost savings In relation to the preparation, Installation, handling, storage of windows and sashes, and in relation to the amount of materials used. Improvements could also result where a damaged sash is repaired or replaced, by avoiding the need to dismantle and rebuild the window frame for removal and reinstallation of the sash as well as avoiding the need to construct more complex sash frames.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a sliding window assembly including a sash mounted within a frame,

the frame including a pair of spaced apart and parallel frame members and the sash being siidably mounted within the frame between the frame members and defining a sash plane,

a space being provided between at least a first of the frame members and a proximate edge of the sash,

the sash cooperating with a pair of brackets which are siidabie with the sash relative to the frame members,

the brackets being operable to support the weight of the sash, a portion of at least one of the brackets being positioned within the space between the frame member and the proximate edge of the sash to limit movement of the sash In the plane ot the sash between the frame members. The sliding window assembly can Include a pair of sashes whereby the sash mentioned above is a first of the sashes. The other sash can be fixed or slidable. Alternatively, the sliding window assembly can include just a single slidable sash.

The present invention also provides methods of Installing a sliding window for vertical and/or horizontal sliding windows, in respect of vertical sliding windows, the window frame includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel side frame members and the method Includes Installing a bracket to each of the side frame members, the brackets being operable to support the weight of the sash following Installation, placing a first edge of the sash Into register with a first of the frame members at an angle to the plane between the frame members and at a position spaced from the bracket of that frame member, rotating the sash to bring a second sash edge opposite the first sash edge into position relative to the second frame member and at a position spaced from the bracket of the second frame member, shifting the sash in the plane between the side frame members so that a portion of each of the first and second edges of the sash is inserted into each of the side frame members. The method further includes bringing the brackets Into a weight supporting engagement with the sash and In a position In which a portion of at least one of the brackets is positioned between a side frame member and the proximate edge of the sash to limit movement of the sash in the plane of the sash between the frame members.

In respect of a horizontal sliding window, the method Includes installing a sliding window sash in a window frame that Includes top and bottom spaced apart and parallel frame members (head and sill members), the method including: installing a pair of brackets to the bottom frame member, the brackets each Including a load bearing portion for bearing against the bottom edge of a sash and for supporting the weight of the sash, placing a bottom edge of the window sash into register with the bottom frame member at an angle to the plane between the frame members and at a position spaced from the brackets of the bottom frame member, rotating the sash to bring a top edge opposite the bottom edge Into position relative to the top frame member, shifting the sash In the plane between the frame members so that a portion of each of the top and bottom edges of the sash is inserted Into each of the frame members and with the bottom edge of the sash above the brackets of the bottom frame member, lowering the sash Into bearing engagement with the brackets of the bottom frame member, so that a portion of the brackets is positioned between the bottom frame member and the bottom edge of the sash to limit movement of the sash in the plane of the sash between the frame members so that the portion of each of the top and bottom edges of the sash which Is Inserted Into each of the frame members remains within the frame members.

The use of the term "register above is intended to Indicate that the window sash is aligned ith or adjacent to Its final position of Installation relative to the bottom frame member, but it is not necessarily in the final installed position In the above method, the bottom edge of the window sash Is said to be in register with the bottom frame member, but at a position spaced from the brackets of the bottom frame member. This means that the bottom edge of the indow sash is not installed on the brackets, but by the use of the term "register" the bottom edge Is nevertheless In a position aligned with or adjacent to the position at which It will be Installed on the brackets. In respect of vertical sliding windows, the frame members ill be side frame members that are substantially vertical. For this arrangement, one or both of the pair of brackets can include a load bearing portion for bearing against the bottom edge of a sash and one or both of the pair of brackets can Include a second portion for extending along respective Side edges of the sash and the second portions of the brackets are the portions which are positioned within the space between respective side frame member and proximate edge of the first sash, in sliding windows of this ksnd, one or both of the brackets thus includes a load bearing portion to bear the weight of the sash and one or both of the brackets includes a second portion which interposes between the frame members and a side edge of the sash. Thus, the load bearing portion Is a weight bearing portion, while the second portion is the portion which limits the sideways movement of the sash within the window frame.

The brackets are preferably positioned at respective bottom corners of the first sash, although the load bearing portion and the second portion can be spaced apart from one another so that for example, the load bearing portion is inboard of the actual corners of the first sash along the bottom edge and/or the second portion is Inboard of the corner along the side edge. The spacing of the load bearing and second portions Is not particularly Important, although to minimise the size of the bracket, the preference is for the load bearing and second portions to be positioned closely adjacent the bottom corners of the sash.

The load bearing portion of the bracket can bear the load of the sash in any suitable manner. In some forms of the invention, the bottom edge of the sash can simply sit on the load bearing portion without anything further to hold the sash in place on the bracket. The load bearing portion can be relatively planar or it can be profiled such as ribbed, or It can be roughened. Alternatively, an adhesive can be interposed between the bottom edge of the sash and the load bearing portion to adhesively connect them together. Other arrangements include providing a compressible portion that effectively exerts a spring load against the bottom edge of the sash, or alternatively, the load bearing portion can include a form of cushion between the bracket and the bottom edge of the sash. The cushion can be a fabric layer for example. Still further, the load bearing portion can be arranged to centralise the sash within the frame by providing a centralising load. In one form of the Invention, that centrallssng load can be provided by upstanding fins or fingers, which engage the side edge of the sash if the sash tends to move out of a centralised position. A plurality of fins can provide both a spring load or a cushioning load as well as this centralising load.

The bracket can be formed to define a channel Into which an edge of the first sash extends. The channel can extend from the load bearing portion of the bracket and can extend on either Side of the sash particularly at the corners of the sash. The channel can be a tight fit on the sash edge. in the form of the bracket that Includes first and second portions, these can extend at any suitable angle to each other, although it Is preferred that they extend substantially perpendicular to each other. The bracket can be connected to a cord, chain, or other elongate flexible member which extends to a counter-balancing arrangement or to a second siidable sash. The elongate flexible member can extend about a pulley arrangement and by this arrangement, the weight of the first siidable sash can be counterbalanced by the weight or by the other sliding sash. It is preferred that if the brackets are connected to an elongate flexible member, that the position of the brackets on the elongate flexible member be adjustable. Alternatively, the load bearing portion of the bracket can Include a pair of facing gripping surfaces that are operable to grip opposite sides of the sash. The facing gripping surfaces can move between a gripping condition and an Insertion condition, whereby In the Insertion condition, a sash edge can be inserted between the facing gripping surfaces and in the gripping condition, the facing gripping surfaces grip the opposite sides of the sash.

The facing gripping surfaces can be formed on respective gripping members that are movable relative to each other to shift the gripping surfaces between the Insertion and gripping conditions while the brackets can include a wedge member on which the gripping members are movably mounted, so that movement of the gripping members relative to the wedge member in a first direction moves the gripping surfaces to the Insertion condition and movement of the gripping members relative to the wedge member in a second direction opposite the first direction moves the gripping surfaces to the gripping condition.

In the above form of the invention, a method can be provided for Installing a sliding window sash in a window frame that includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel side frame members, the method including:

installing a bracket to each of the side frame members, the brackets each Including a gripping portion for gripping opposite sides of the sash and which supports the weight of the sash following Installation, and a portion for extending along a respective side edge of the sash, placing a first side edge of the sash into register with a first of the side frame members at an angle to the plane between the side frame members and at a position spaced from the bracket of that frame member,

rotating the sash to bring a second Side sash edge opposite the first sash edge into position relative to the second side frame member and at a position spaced from the bracket of the second frame member,

shifting the sash in the plane between the side frame members so that a portion of each of the first and second side edges of the sash is inserted into each of the side frame members,

shifting the brackets to bring the gripping portion of the brackets Into gripping engagement with opposite faces of the sash and the second portion of the brackets Into position between the frame members and the side edges of the sash to limit movement of the sash in the plane of the sash between the side frame members so that the portion of each of the first and second edges of the sash which is inserted into each of the side frame members remains within the side frame members.

The side frame members of the window frame can be formed as channels and the brackets can cooperate with the side frame members to maintain at least a portion of the brackets located within the channels. For example, the brackets can Include a pair of fingers that extend to overly opposite Sides of the side edge of the first sash and which Include distal ends that cooperate with inwardly extending lips of the channel of the frame member. That cooperation can be such as to resist release of the portion of the bracket from the channel. The pair of fingers can be resilientiy flexible, so that they can be released from the cooperation with the lips of the channel by inward flexing movement.

In the above arrangement, the fingers can resilientiy flex Inwardly as they are installed Into a channel, and upon the distal ends clearing the lips of the channel, they can resilientiy return to an expanded condition and Into the cooperation position with the lips. This can be a form of snap-fit arrangement whereby the fingers snap outwardly once they have cleared the lips With the edge of the sash subsequently inserted between the fingers the fingers are prevented from inward movement thus locking the bracket into the channel. The invention also includes the use of top brackets in addition to bottom brackets and in some forms of the invention, the top brackets can be identical to or very similar to the bottom brackets. Thus, the top brackets can include a portion which is positioned within the space between the frame member and the facing edge of the sash to limit movement of the sash In the plane of the sash between the side frame members. The top brackets can be employed for both vertical and horizontal sliding windows. Where top and bottom brackets are provided, a very stable sash position Is secured by the ability to prevent sideways movement of the sash in the plane of the frame members at each of the top and bottom of the sash. This Is perhaps more important for vertical sliding windows whereby If only bottom brackets are used, the top of the sash can be prone to shifting movement in the plane of the frame members. However, the use of top brackets for horizontal sliding windows is also appropriate to Increase the stability of sliding movement and provide Increased window security by further limiting the available movement of a sash In the plane of the frame members.

As indicated above that the top brackets can have the same or very similar construction to the bottom brackets, the top brackets can thus have first and second portions, disposed perpendicular to each other for example, with the first portion extending along the top edge of the first sash and the second portion extending along a respective side edge. In a vertically sliding window, It Is the second portion of the top brackets of this kind that is positioned within the space between the side frame member and the facing edge of the first sash. The first portion Is not a weight bearing portion, but It can react load such as if the top and bottom brackets are connected by a cord in tension and thus bearing under pressure against opposite facing edge surfaces of the sash. The top brackets can each also define a channel into which the edge of the sash can extend into. in respect of horizontally sliding windows, the frame members are spaced apart top and bottom members that are substantially horizontal to each other. For this form of window assembly, a pair of brackets is positioned along the bottom edge of the first sash, preferably at opposite bottom corners of the sash. To promote sliding movement, the brackets can Include rollers and the rollers can roll on rolling surfaces formed In the bottom frame member. The bottom frame member can be formed as a channel and the brackets preferably are located at least substantially within the channel and preferably fully within the channel. By this arrangement, the brackets can be substantially or fully obscured from view to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the window.

The top frame member of the horizontal sliding window can also be formed as a channel, although In some forms of the invention, the depth of the channel of the top frame member can be less than the depth of the channel of the bottom frame member. In this arrangement, there is no requirement to include brackets In the fop frame member, although In alternative arrangements, the top and bottom frame members each include brackets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

in order that the Invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures In which:

Figure 1 broadly illustrates a horizontal sliding window assembly suitable for application of the present Invention. F igure 2 broadly illustrates a vertical sliding window assembly suitable for application of the present invention.

Figure 3 Is an exploded view of the window Illustrated in Figure 2. F igure 4 is an exploded ie of a partial window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 Is a more detailed but partial view of the arrangement of Figure 4. Figures 6 and 7 are front and rear orthogonal views of a bracket for use in the present invention.

Figures 8a, 8b and 8c are views of a bottom corner of a sash to which the bracket of the invention has been applied, whereby Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view through G-G of Figure 8 , Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view through F-F of Figure 8c and F igure 8c is a bottom view of Figure 8b.

Figure 9 is an assembled view showing a sash assembled between a pair of jambs in accordance with the Invention.

F igures 10 to 12 illustrate the installation procedure of the present Invention as applied to a horizontal sliding window assembly. Figure 13 Is a perspective view of the assembled form of a horizontal sliding window assembly according to the invention.

Figures 14 and 15 are orthogonal and end views of a further bracket according to the invention.

F igures 16 to 18 show a further embodiment of the Invention. Figures 19 to 25 show a further embodiment of the Invention. DETAILE D DESCRIPTION OF THE I VE TION

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate forms of sliding window assemblies which are encompassed by the present invention. Each of the windows 10 and 20 of Figures 1 and 2 includes a rectangular frame 1 21 within which Is disposed a pair of sashes 12, 13 and 22, 23 respectively. The rectangular frames 1 1 , 21 can be wooden frames or metal, such as aluminium. VVhile the present invention contemplates windows In which a single sash Is sildable, the sashes 12, 13 and 22, 23 of the windows 10 and 20 are both sildable within the frames 1 1 and 21 .

Referring to Figure 1 , the frame 1 1 comprises a sill 14 and a head 15 Jambs 16 extend between the sill 14 and the head 15.

Each of the sill 14 and the head 1 5 Is formed to define a pair of lengthwise channels (a first channel 17 of the head 15 Is visible In Figure 1 ). The channels can be formed in the frame 1 1 , or they can be formed by separate channel members that are 1 A attached to the frame 1 1 . The sashes 12 and 13 are mounted to slide horizontally within respective channels of the sill 14 and the head 15, relative to the frame 1 1 . The channels act as guides to guide the sliding movement of the sashes 12 and 13. A lock can be used to prevent sliding movement In a closed or partially opened condition of the window 10.

The jambs 16 can also Include channels for side edges of the sashes 12 and 13 to seat within when the sashes are i the position shown in Figure 1 . Channels 13 extend lengthwise of the jambs 16. As shown In Figure 1 , the channels are formed in the jambs 16, but they could alternatively be formed In separate channel members that are attached to the jambs 16.

The window 20 of Figure 2 effectively has the same construction as the window 10 of Figure 1 , except that It operates In a vertical sliding rather than a horizontal sliding manner. Thus, the indow 20 Includes a sill 24 and head 25 and side iambs 26. The side jambs 26 include lengthwise channels 27 and side edges of the sashes 22 and 23 extend Info the channels 27 and the sashes slide relative to the frame 21 within the channels 27. Again, the channels 27 act as guides to guide the sliding movement of the sashes 22 and 23. Aiso. like the window 10, the channels can be formed In separate channel members that are attached to the jambs 26.

In the window 20, a pulley, spring or weight arrangement can be employed so that the sashes 22 and 23 can maintain their position within the frame 21 In an open position of the sashes against gravity tending to pull each sash downwardly. Such systems are known In the art and have been described above.

Each of the sashes 12, 13 and 22, 23 of Figures 1 and 2 includes a frame that extends about each of the four edges of the glazing of the sash, but it Is to be appreciated that the Invention can include sashes that do not have a frame or that have a partial rather than a full frame.

Figure 3 Is an exploded view of the window 20 of Figure 2. in Figure 3, the various components described and Illustrated in Figure 2 are shown, while Figure 3 further shows the complete sash frame of the sash 22 which comprises side edge stiles 28 and top and bottom rails 29, each of which are fixed to the glazing 30 of the sash 22. The same members are shown in relation to the sash 23 in an installed position about the glazing 31 of that sash. Further visible in Figure 3 Is channels 32 formed In the sill 24 and the head 25 and into which the fop rail 29 of the sash 22 and the bottom rail 29 of the sash 23 enter when the sashes 22 and 23 are in the position shown In Figure 2.

With the frames 1 1 and 21 of the windows 10 and 20 assembled in the form illustrated, the sashes 12, 13 and 22, 23 can slide conveniently within the frames 1 1 and 21 between open and closed positions. However, assembly of the windows 10 and 20 can be difficult, given that respective edges of the sashes of the windows 10 and 20 must be received within the channels 17 of the head 15 and similar channels formed In the sill 14 which are not visible in Figure 1 , or the channels 27 of the jambs 26 of the window 20. In order to fit a sash within the window 10, in one form of assembly, the frame needs to be assembled about the sashes, or when jamb liners are used they need to be assembled Into the jambs 26 and clips (not shown) pre- installed onto the stiles 28 to mate with receiving brackets or clips on the jamb liners. In an alternative form of assembly, the sashes are sized so that one edge of a sash can be Inserted Into a channel of the frame at an angle to the window, and then the sash is swung around, pivoting about the inserted edge, so that the opposite edge can be inserted into the opposite channel of the frame. This requires the channels to be sufficiently deep so that full insertion of the first edge of the sash Into the first channel of the frame allows the opposite edge of the sash to clear the opposite portion of the frame as it Is pivoted around for alignment with and insertion Into the opposite channel of the frame.

Thus, referring to Figure 3, the channels 27 of the iambs 26 need to be sufficiently deep, so that a first stile 23 of each of the sashes 22 and 23 can be inserted Into a channel 27 with the sashes 22 and 23 at an angle to the plane between the jambs 26, and then the sashes 22 and 23 are rotated Into the plane between the jambs 26, clearing the opposite jamb 26. Thereafter the sashes are laterally shifted In the plane between the jambs 26 to centre the sashes between the jambs 26, so thai each of the stiles 28 Is within a channel 27. Once that fitting has taken place, brackets (not shown) which are pre-atlached to the sashes 22 and 23 can be shifted into position between the base of the channels 27 and the facing surface of the stiles 28 for the purpose as discussed later herein. With the above form of assembly, it will be appreciated that unless suitable arrangements are made, the security of the window will be compromised if the window can be removed by reversing the steps of installation, le by lateral shifting of one of the sashes to release one of the stiles from a channel 27 whereby the sash can be rotated out of the plane of the jambs 26 and removed.

For some windows, the above method of installation is not available and the frame of the window assembly must be dismantled at least partially to Insert a sash into the frame. While this is generally acceptable when the window is being manufactured, if a sash has to be removed or replaced from an installed window, such as If the glazing has been cracked or smashed, replacement of the sash can be extremely difficult and thus expensive.

Deficiencies with the form of windows 10 and 20 have been discussed earlier herein. These include that where a bracket of the earlier described kind Is to be interposed between the stiles 28 of the sashes 22 and 23 and the base of the channels 27, these must be fitted to the frame of the sash when the sashes are in production. A similar deficiency arises when jamb liners are used because of the need to assemble them into the jambs and to pre-lnstai! clips onto the stiles of the sash as discussed above. Thus, It Is necessary to use sashes that are framed and this normally requires the sashes to be manufactured offsite.

The present invention thus contemplates frameless sashes, eliminating the need to apply full or partial frames to glazing and thus eliminating a manufacturing step in the production of a sliding window assembly. The present invention utilises brackets which support the sash within a window frame as hereinafter described. It needs to be appreciated however that the present Invention extends to framed sashes as well, because it has been found that the benefits that have been obtained In relation to frameless sashes also apply to partially or fully framed sashes. With reference now to Figure 4, an assembly according to the invention is Illustrated which includes a frameless sash 40 and a pair of jambs 41 and 42. The lambs 41 and 42 are aluminium extrusions. The jambs 41 and 42 each define a pair of channels 43 each for receipt of a separate sash or sashes. Thus, the jambs 41 and 42 are arranged to receive a second sash which Is not Illustrated in Figure 4.

Further Illustrated In Figure 4 Is a plurality of brackets 44 which are connected by a pair of cords 45. The cords 45 can extend about a pulley to a counterweight, or to another sliding sash (not Illustrated) or a different counterbalancing arrangement, to facilitate easy vertical sliding movement of the sash 40 within the lambs 41 and 42.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 9, Figure 5 is a closer view of the bracket and cord arrangement of Figure 4, with the sash 40 installed in relation to the bottom bracket 44b. The brackets 44b and 44t (the top bracket), are similar and are Inverted relative to each other. Referring to the bracket 44b, this Includes a first load bearing portion 50 which in an Installed condition of the sash 40, bears against the bottom edge 51 of the sash 40 and supports the weight of the sash. It can be seen from Figure 9, that a pair of brackets 44b engages opposite bottom corners of the sash 40 and therefore each of the bottom brackets 44b contributes to supporting the weight of the sash 40.

The brackets 44 further include a second portion 52 which, in an Installed condition of the brackets 44 extends along a side edge 53 of the sash 40 and which, In an installed condition, is positioned in the space S (Figure 8b) between the side edge 53 of the sash 40 and the base 54 (Figure 8b) of the channel 43 (Figure 4) Into which the side edge 53 is Inserted. This arrangement is Illustrated in Figures 8a and 8b for one corner of the sash 40. As that arrangement occurs on each of the opposite side edges of the sash 40, it thus limits lateral movement of the sash 40 in the broad plane of the sash 40 between the jambs 41 and 42 as indicated by the arrow A in Figure 4, as would be available If the brackets 44b were not in place.

The Illustrations in Figures 8a and 8b are cross-sectional views showing a bracket 44b of the earlier figures, while Figure 8c is a bottom or underneath view of the bracket These views show that the load bearing portion 50 includes a plurality of fins 55 which bear against the bottom edge 51 of sash 40. These fins 55 can be flexible but stiff and are intended to act as a spring against the bottom edge 51 tending to push the sash 40 upwards and tending to maintain tension in the cord 45. The fins 55 can also assist to maintain the sash centred ithin the frame 20. In Figure 8b, the inboard fin 55 will bear against the side edge 53 of the sash 40 if the sash shifts towards the jamb 41 and will resist further shifting movement in that direction.

The fins 55 illustrated in the figures are just one form of potential gripping arrangement according to the Invention. Other possibilities include an adhesive pad which is applied to the load bearing portion 50 without the fins and which includes a release layer that Is removed when a sash Is to be brought into contact with the load bearing portion 50. In other arrangements, the gripping arrangement would simply be a reliance on frlctlonal engagement between the load bearing portion 50 and the bottom edge 51 as many embodiments of the invention would operate successfully with an arrangement of this kind to secure the sash 40 properly positioned relative to the bracket 44b.

The views of Figures 8a and 3b also show the cord 45 as fixed to the bracket 44b and it can be seen from Figure 8b that the cord follows a convoluted route through the bracket 44b In order to secure It to the bracket. A grub screw 46 locks the cord In place. It will be appreciated that various arrangements to connect the cord 45 to the bracket 44b can be employed and the arrangement Illustrated Is just one of many possible options. Preferably, the connection allows the position of the bracket 44b to be adjusted on the cord 45, so that the bracket can be fitted to the cord easily and at a precise position.

From Figure 8b, It can be seen how the bottom edge 51 of a sash 40 Is supported by the bracket 44b. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, it can also be seen that the bracket 44b Includes side walls 56 which form a channel. The side walls 56 are spaced apart sufficient to receive a corner of the sash 40 and to locate the corner within the bracket 44b. The fit can be a tight or snug fit. This assists to locate and/or fix the sash 40 and the bracket 44b together. It should be appreciated however, thai location of the sash 40 and the bracket 44b can be achieved by other arrangements and even without the channel being defined or provided, proper location of the sash relative to the bracket 44b can be achieved.

The brackets 44 also include a pair of fingers 57 extending from the second portion 52 of the bracket 44. The fingers 57 are intended to be received within the channels 43 of the jambs 41 and 42 and the distal ends 58 of the fingers 57 are intended to engage behind Inwardly extending lips 59 (Figure 8a) of the jambs 41 and 42 to maintain the brackets 44 against release from within the channels 43. The fingers 57 are Intended to resiliency snap Into the channels 43 when the brackets 44 are inserted into them and release of the brackets 44 from the channels regulres the fingers 57 to be resiliency flexed Inwardly towards each other to disengage the distal ends 58 from the lips 59 of the jambs 41 and 42. The distal ends 58 of the fingers 57 are spaced apart slightly less than the thickness T (Figure 5) of the sash 40 In a relaxed condition of Figures 6 and 7 and shift outwardly to engage about opposite sides of the sash 40 as shown by the bracket 44b of Figure 5. in this way, the fingers 57 cannot flex inwardly to disengage from the channels 43 of the lambs 41 and 42 while in place about a sash as shown in Figure 8a.

The arrangement of the fingers 57 and In particular the manner by which the distal ends 58 bear against the lips 59 of the jambs 41 and 42, is such as to also counteract the moment load generated on the bracket 44 by the offset load between the cord 45 and the weight of the sash 40. It follows, that by the arrangement of the fins 55 applied to the load bearing portion 50 of the bracket 44b and the fingers 57, the bottom corner of the sash 40 can firmly bear against the bracket 44b Likewise, the other brackets 44 which have the same construction will have the same supporting effect on other corners of the sash 40.

It can be seen in Figure 8a that the edge of the sash 40 is received within the channel 43 as is the bracket 44. This represents an overlap between the frame member 41 and the sash edge, so that in the configuration Illustrated, the edge of the sash and the bracket are hidden from general view. This can provide aesthetic improvements In the construction of a window according to the Invention. This arrangement can be adopted with sashes that Include a sash frame or which are frameless (as illustrated in Figures 8a to 8c). Where the sash Is framed, the overlap can include the frame and the edge of the glazing of the sash.

The bracket 44t Is shown In Figure 5 spaced above the upper edge 60 of the sash 40. This illustrates an Initial position of the bracket 44t during window assembly and it Is the case that the bracket 44t can be shifted downwardly on the cord 45 Into a position at which if engages the sash 40 about the corner 61. The arrangement Is Intended to allow the brackets 44 to be positioned on the cord 45 at an Initial installation position and to allow shifting movement of the brackets relative to the cord 45 to position the brackets 44 about the relevant corner of the sash 40. Any suitable arrangement can be employed for that purpose, and in Figure 8b, a convoluted connection of the cord to the bracket 441 can be adopted, which tends to resist movement of the cord on the bracket except when the position Is being adjusted. While the arrangement in Figure 8b shows the use of a grub screw 46, the convoluted path of the cord can be sufficient to lock the bracket 44b on the cord 45. Other arrangements can include simply tying a knot In the cord at the distal end before threading the cord through the bracket, or utilising a cleat or ratchet arrangement. Other arrangements are within the scope of the invention The preferred arrangement for connecting the brackets to the cord Is one In which once the weight of the sash Is supported on the bottom brackets 44b, the cord is under sufficient tension that the friction between the cord and the bracket increases to the point at which slipping of the cord relative to the bracket Is eliminated. When the sash is supported other than by the brackets 44, the friction will reduce significantly and that allows the brackets 44, particularly the brackets 44t to be shifted on the cord 45.

The method of Installing a sash 40 to form a window assembly according to the invention will now be described with particular reference to Figure 4. In Figure 4, a pair of side jambs 41 and 42 Is shown. For a window assembly according to the Invention, advantageously, the iambs 41 and 42 can be installed to form part of a window frame first and in advance of the Installation of the sash 40. This has benefits compared to some prior art methods of installation. With the jambs 41 and 42 installed, the brackets 44 are snapped Into position within the channels of the jambs 41 and 42 with the cord 45 extending between the pair of brackets 44b and 44†. The brackets 44b and 44t are spaced apart a greater distance than the height of the sash 40, i.e. above and below the upper and bottom edges 60 and 51 of the sash. The edge 53 of the sash 40 can then be Inserted into an appropriate one of the channels 43 of the jamb 41 . That insertion is made at an angle to the general plane existing between the jambs 41 and 42. . Thus, the sash can be inserted into the channel 43 without any interaction or interference with the brackets 44t and 44b, and while there may be some Interference with the cord 45, the cord is not expected to hinder insertion of the sash edge 53 into the channel 43 and in fact, because the cord will be under no tension, the cord will easily be moved aside by the edge 53 if the edge does come Into contact with the cord 45.

With the brackets 44† and 44b spaced away from the upper and bottom edges 60 and 51 of the sash 40, the side edge 53 of the sash 40 can be Inserted fully Into the channel 43 up to the base 54 (Figure 8b) of the channel 43. By careful selection of the dimension of the sash 40 between the side edges 53 and 62, the spacing between the jambs 41 and 42 and the depth of the channels 43 of the jambs 41 and 42, the sash 40 can be rotated about the edge 53 into the general plane between the jambs 41 and 42, clearing the jamb 42, so that the opposite side edge 62 Is aligned with the appropriate channel 43 of the jamb 42. In respect of the edge 62, the brackets 44 adjacent that edge are positioned within the channel 43 but are also spaced above and below the upper and bottom edges 60 and 51 of the sash 40 as described earlier in relation to the brackets 44 adjacent the edge 53

With the sash 40 aligned between the jambs 41 and 42, the sash can be shifted In the general plane between the jambs 41 and 42 to move the edge 53 away from the base 54 of the jamb 41 , to substantially centre the sash between the lambs 41 and 42, so that each of the edges 53 and 62 is within a respective channel 43. In that position, the sash 40 can be lowered or the cord 45 lifted so that the bottom corners 63 and 64 move Into engagement with the bottom brackets 44b. That is, the bottom corners 63 and 64 (Figure 4} are shifted Into the position shown In Figures 8b and 9, whereby the second portion 52 of the bracket 44b becomes Interposed between the side edges 53 and 62 of the sash 40 and the base 54 of the relevant channels 43 of the jambs 41 and 42.

It will be appreciated, that as the sash 40 Is lowered onto the brackets 44b, the bottom edge 51 at the corners 63 and 64 will come Into bearing engagement with the respective load bearing portions 50 of the brackets 44b and with the cord 45 taut, the brackets 44b will support the weight of the sash 40. Moreover, because the space S between the base 54 of the channel 43 and the side edges 53 and 62 is now taken up substantially by the second portion 52 of the brackets 44b, movement of the sash 40 In the general plane between the iambs 41 and 42 Is limited or even eliminated other than for very slight movement. This means that release of the sash 40 from the channels 43 of the jambs 41 and 42 Is prevented. Securit of the sash 40 against release from the jambs 41 and 42 is thus established. It is to be noted that the amount the space S is taken up by the second portion 52 can be less than that shown In Figure 8b and In some arrangements much less. All that is necessary Is that the sash 40 Is prevented from sideways or lateral movement into the channel 43 of the iamb 41 sufficient to release the side edge 62 from the channel 43 of the jamb 42, which would allow the sash to be rotated out of the plane of the jambs 41 and 42 for release of the sash.

Because the brackets 44b support the weight of the sash 40, lifting and lowering movement of the brackets 44b can raise and lower the sash 40 within the jambs 41 and 42. Thus, the cord 45 can be connected to a counter weight arrangement, or to another sliding sash or other arrangement to counteract the weight of the sash 40, so that the sash 40 can slide vertically within the jambs 41 and 42. Known counter balance mechanisms (Including counterweights, spring and spiral balances, jamb liners) or arrangements connecting to a second sliding sash can be employed In the present Invention. While Figure 4 shows both bottom brackets 44b and top brackets 44t, the Invention does not require the top brackets 44t for operation However, it is envisaged that the use of top brackets 44t will provide a more secure fitting of the sash 40 within the jambs 41 and 42 and therefore the use of the top brackets 441 is preferred. The top brackets 44t can be lowered Into position on the cord 45 by pushing the brackets along the cord until the top corners 61 and 65 of the sash 40 are received within the brackets 441 The connection between the brackets 44t and the cord 45 is such as to maintain the brackets in position on the cord 45 when the brackets have been pushed into position.

The method of installation outlined above is both simple and effective for the installation of a sliding sash in a window assembly. Advantageously, the lambs 41 and 42 can be pre-installed Into a window opening prior to the sash being installed and this contrasts with some prior art arrangements, which require one of the jambs to be assembled to the sash and installed as a composite assembly Into the window opening. In the method of installation of the present Invention, ail that is required is that the bottom brackets 44b, and the top brackets 44t If employed, be placed within the channels 43, positioned above and below the upper and bottom edges 60 and 51 of the sash 40 respectively. That enables the edge 53 of the sash 40 to be Inserted fully Into the channel 43 of the iamb 41 and thereafter the sash can be rotated for insertion into the channel 43 of the jamb 42. Once the sash 40 Is properly located, the brackets 44b can be brought into contact with the corners 63 and 64 to support the weight of the sash 40 and to take up the space S between the edges 53 and 62 of the sash 40 and the base 54 of the channels 43. This method of installation is very simple but extremely effective for providing secure fitting of a sash within the jambs of a window assembly.

Figure 9 shows an assembled version of the Figure 4 Illustration, showing the brackets 44b and 441 in place about the sash 40 and disposed within the side jambs 41 and 42. The top brackets 44t have been shifted Into place to engage the top corners 61 and 65 of the sash 40, so that the sash 40 is prevented from anything other than slight movement within the plane between the jambs 41 and 42 In the direction A. Raising and lowering of the cord 45 raises and lowers the sash 40 by raising and lowering the brackets 44b. Other components of a window, such as the head and sill, and a second sash (sliding or stationary) are not Illustrated In Figure 9.

Figures 10 to 15 Illustrate a further embodiment of the invention as It applies to a horizontal sliding frame assembly, as opposed to the vertical sliding assembly of the earlier figures. Figures 10 to 12 show the horizontal assembly being assembled, while Figure 13 shows the horizontal window assembly fully assembled. It will be appreciated that the views in Figures 10 to 13 are only partial views of a window assembly, so that the components of the assembly can be clearly Illustrated.

Referring first to Figure 13, a sash 70 is illustrated, with top and bottom edges secured within channels 71 and 72 of a head 73 and a sill 74. It can be seen that the depth Ds of the sill 74 is much greater compared to the depth D_H of the head 73.

Figure 13 further illustrates a bracket 75 positioned at the corner 76 of the sash 70 and partially supporting the weight of the sash 70 The bracket 75 Is only viewable in Figure 13 by the outer wall 77 of the sill 74 being cut away.

The bracket 75 includes a roiatable wheel 78 which allows the bracket 75 to roll on supporting surfaces 79 and 80 within the channel 72. It will be appreciated that a further bracket, which is not shown in Figure 13, would be positioned at the other bottom corner of the sash 70 opposite the corner 76 and that the sash 70 would thus be supported by the pair of brackets. Because only a portion of the length of the sash 70 between opposite bottom corners is shown In Figure 13, the further bracket is not shown. Both brackets would Include the wheel 78 so that smooth rolling movement of the sash 70 within the sill 74 can occur.

Similar to the arrangement of the cord 45 In the earlier figures, a member 85 is provided in the Figure 13 arrangement, which extends between the bracket 75 and the opposite bracket which is not Illustrated in that figure. The member 85 can be a flexible cord or alternatively a rigid rod, or it could take any other suitable form. Where member 85 is a flexible cord, it can be connected between the respective brackets under slight tension to resist movement of the brackets apart, except when adjustment of the brackets on the member 85 Is required.

With reference to Figures 14 and 15, orthogonal and end views of the bracket 75 are Illustrated and these show the bracket including a blind channel or recess 86 which Is open at a forward end 87 and Is closed by an end wall 88. The wheel 78 is illustrated In each of Figures 14 and 15, while Figure 15 shows the wheel 78 extending on opposite sides of the bracket 75. The wheel 78 Is a lose fit within an opening through the web portion 89 of the bracket 75 so that the wheel can freely move. The wheel 78 may include or be mounted on a bearing for smooth rotation

The depth D_s of Figure 13 is sufficient to accommodate the brackets 75 which support the weight of the sash 70. The depth D_s is sufficient to entirely accommodate the brackets 75 without the brackets 75 extending above the top edge 90 of the sill 74. This means the brackets are largely obscured from view in a window assembly of the kind illustrated, which is a pleasing aesthetic outcome. A further sash could be accommodated in the channels 91 and 92 of the head 73 and the sill 74 respectively.

Figure 13 illustrates a bracket 75 accommodated within the sill 74, but not within the head 73. In a horizontal sliding arrangement, brackets to locate the upper edges of a sash are unlikely to be required. Nevertheless, if considered appropriate, the depth D_H of the head 73 could be increased and brackets equivalent to the brackets 75 could be attached to the upper corners of the sash 70.

Referring now to Figures 10 to 12, Figure 10 Illustrates the initial stage of sash installation Into a pair of fixed frame members comprising the head 73 and the sill 74. The sash 70 Is Initially positioned with the bottom edge 95 in register with the channel 72 but at an angle to the general plane between the sill 74 and the head 73. The sash 70 is then lowered into the channel 72 of the sill 74 still at the angle to the general plane between the sill 74 and the head 73 and with the bracket 75 spaced away from the corner 76 of the sash 70. Accordingly, the bottom edge 95 of the sash 70 can be Inserted Into the channel 72 of the sill 74 and then rotated about the bottom edge 95 In the direction of the arrow Ai . The depth D_s of the sill 74 is such that as the sash 70 Is rotated In the direction A-, , the top edge 96 of the sash 70 can clear the front wall 81 of the head 73 so that the sash 70 can be brought into a position of alignment between the channel 71 of the head 73 and the top edge 96 of the sash 70. In other words, the sash 70 can be pivoted into a position of general alignment between the respective channels 71 and 72 of the head 73 and sill 74. in that position, the sash 70 can be lifted In the direction shown by arrow 7¾ and the bracket 75 can be shifted into a position to underlie the corner 76 of the sash 70. The same is done at the opposite corner so that each corner of the sash 70 is engaged and supported by a bracket 75

Figure 1 1 illustrates the sash 70 having been lifted in the direction A₂, so that the top edge 96 of the sash 70 (not illustrated in Figure 1 1 ), Is located within the channel 71 of the head 73 and so that the bottom edge 95 of the sash 70 has been lifted away from the base 97 of the channel 72. Arrow A₃ shows the direction of movement of the bracket 75 to position the recess 86 of the bracket 75 for receipt of the bottom edge 95 of the sash corner 76.

Finally, Figure 12 illustrates the Figure 1 1 arrangement, but with the bracket 75 in position about the corner 76 of the sash 70.

To maintain the brackets 75 In position at the respective corners of the sash 70, the cord 85 can be employed under slight or mild tension, or an adhesive pad can be applied to the bearing surface 98 (see Figures 14 and 15), or that surface can be otherwise suitably configured, for example roughened. Clearly various other arrangements can be employed to achieve the same result. With the brackets 75 Installed according to the steps of Figure 10 to 12, the upper and lower edges of the sash 70 are securely contained within the head 73 and the sill 74. The sash 70 can only be removed If the brackets 75 are shifted from the corners of the sash 70 and the sash can then be removed by reversing the installation steps of Figures 10 to 12. Advantageously, in the event that the sash 70 was cracked or smashed, the brackets can easily be shifted so that the sash can be removed and a new sash installed. Thus, while the present Invention provides advantages for Installation of new windows, It also provides significant advantages in relation to the repair of replacement of sashes in already Installed windows. Figures 16 to 13 Illustrate a further embodiment of the invention which Is available for use with vertical sliding windows. Figure 16 illustrates a bracket 100 according to this embodiment. The bracket 100 Is Intended to be used in sliding window assemblies In which the sash Includes a channel in at least one vertical edge thereof, but most likely both of the opposite vertical edges. A sash formed in this manner could for example, be a double glazed sash, whereby the two glass sheets that form the sash extend at one or both edges of the sheet to form a channel or channels. Figure 17 illustrates from underneath such a sash 101 in which spaced apart glass sheets 102 and 103 extend in spaced apart relationship at the edge of the sash 101 to form a channel 104. Figure 18 shows the arrangement of Figure 17, but in a cutaway form and from a different angle, so that only the glazing sheet 102 of the sash 101 is illustrated

Returning to Figure 16, the bracket 100 has a base plate 05 which In use Is wide enough to bridge across the channel 104 and to engage against the bottom surface of the sash 101 , in the illustrated case against portions of the bottom surfaces of the glass sheets 102 and 103. The base plate 105 also bears against a portion of the section of the sash 101 that bridges between the sheets 102 and 103, and that portion Is normally a structural member which attaches the glass sheets 102 and 103 together to form an air tight seal between the sheets. Figure 18 shows the bracket 100 with the base plate 105 In a supporting position against the underneath surface of the sash 101.

In the Illustrated embodiment In which the sash 101 forms a channel 104, the side frame members on which the sash 101 slides are either formed as or include a projection 106 that extends into the channel 104 and which creates or defines a space within which the bracket 100 is at least partially located The space extends between a forward end 107 of the projection 106 and a facing base surface 108 of the sash 101 .

The projection 106 Includes a pair of slots for capturing brush seals 109, which bear against the inside surface of the glass sheets 102 and 103.

The sheets 102 and 103 of the sash 101 extend past the forward end 107 of the projection 106. This represents an overlap between the projection 106 and the sash edge consisting of the glass sheets 102 and 103, so that in the configuration illustrated, the leading end of the projection 106 and the bracket 100 are hidden from general view. The projection 106 aiso includes a track member 1 10 which is configured for cooperation with the bracket 100, in particular the arms 1 1 1 of the bracket 100 which terminate with Inwardly directed fingers 1 12. The track member 1 10 includes a neck 1 13 and a head 1 14 and the fingers 1 12 engage behind the head 1 14 inwardly towards the neck 1 13. The arms 1 1 1 can be splayed outwardly to engage about the head 1 14.

Figure 18 also shows a section of cord 1 15 thai Is captured within the bracket 100 and which extends upwardly from the bracket 100. The cord 1 5 can act like the cords described earlier for lifting and lowering the sash 101 .

The bracket 100 further Includes a bearing member 1 16 that, as shown in Figure 13, bears against the base surface 108 of the sash 101 . This member 1 16 Is resilient to allow for tolerance In the width of windows and In the stralghtness of the iambs. The bearing member 1 16 Is shown undeformed in Figures 16 and 17, and deformed in F igure 18. The bearing member 1 16 provides a centralising Influence on the sash 101 to centralise its position between opposite side frame members.

Installation of the sash 101 occurs in very similar manner to that described in relation to the arrangements of Figures 4 to 9. Thus, the sash 101 can be Installed at an angle on the projection 106 of a first frame member with the bracket 100 positioned below the sash 101 . This allows the projection 106 to be substantially or fully received within the channel 104 of the sash 101 . The sash 101 Is Installed at an angle, so that if can be swung around and aligned ith an opposite projection on the opposite side frame member of the sliding window assembly. The sash 101 can then be shifted In the plane between the opposite frame members so that the channels 104 on the opposite edges of the sash 101 are engaged on the opposite projections 106 and thereafter, the bracket 100 can be slid upwardly Into the supporting position shown in Figure 18 This can be by lifting the bracket 100 by the cord 1 15 or by lowering the sash 101 . This substantially takes up the space between the forward end 107 of the projection 106 and the facing base surface 108 of the sash 101 and prevents the sash 101 from being removed from the frame members. As the bracket 100 Is lifted into the channel 104 of the sash 101 the bearing member 1 16 will engage against the base surface 108 and given that that engagement occurs on each of the opposite side edges of the sash 101 , the sash 101 will advantageously tend to be centralised between the two projections 106 of the side frame members. The use of the bearing member 1 16 also compensates for window frames that are not perfectly straight, as the centralising force is maintained even If the spacing between side frame members varies due to small deviations from straighfness, and this occurs without compromising the operation of the sliding window.

A final embodiment of the invention is illustrated In Figures 19 to 25 in the embodiment of Figures 19 to 25 the weight of a sash Is supported by brackets, but not along the bottom edge of the sash as in the embodiments described above. Rather, the brackets In Figures 19 to 25 Include facing gripping surfaces which grip opposltes sides of a sash as will be hereinafter described.

Figure 19 is an exploded view of a bracket 120 which is spaced above an upper end of a frame member 121 . The bracket 120 comprises a pair of gripping members 122 which define facing gripping surfaces 123. The gripping surfaces can be of any material suitable sufficient to grip the surface of a sash and to bear Its weight and can for example, be a rubber or like material.

A wedge member 124 Is provided on which the gripping members 122 are slldably mounted. An upper plate member 125 includes an opening 126 through which a screw 127 can pass for threading into an opening in the wedge member 124 and the plate member 125 Is operable to sandwich an operating cord 128 between the bottom surface of the plate member 125 and the facing surface 129 of the wedge member 124. The bottom surface of the plate member 125 includes a channel 130 to locate a portion of the cord 128.

Each of the gripping members 122 includes a shaped slot 131 for sliding location on a complementary shaped projection 132 which Is formed on each of opposite sides of the wedge member 124. The cooperation between the respective slots 131 and projections 132 allows the gripping members 122 to move lengthwise relative to the wedge member 124.

The wedge member 124 has its broadest dimension towards the surface 129, and Its narrowest dimension at Its opposite end remote from the surface 129. Accordingly, as the gripping members 122 move towards the surface 129, the gripping members move apart, and so do the gripping surfaces 123. Conversely, downward movement of the gripping members 122 on the wedge member 124 brings the gripping surfaces 123 closer together.

Figure 20 shows the bracket 120 in connection with the side edge of a sash 133 and located in the channel 134 of the frame member 121 , with the frame member 121 shown cut away for clarity. The bracket 120 Is located at the upper edge of the sash 133. In the configuration shown In Figure 20, the gripping members 122 are positioned on either Side of the sash 133 and the gripping surfaces 123 are in gripping engagement with the sash 133. In addition, each of the gripping members 122 and the wedge member 124 are located within the channel 134 of the frame member 121 , resisting lateral movement of the sash 133, being movement In the plane of that sash.

Each of Figures 19 and 20 shows that the wedge member 124 Includes bearing members 135 and 136 for bearing agasnst the base surface 137 of the frame member 121 for centralising the sash 133 between the facing frame members 121. These bearing members act in the same manner as the bearing member 1 16 of the bracket 100.

Figure 21 is a side view of the Figure 20 arrangement, which shows the position of the bracket 120 within the channel 134 and which also shows the bearing members 135 and 136 bearing against the base 137. Figure 21 shows the space S between the Side edge 140 of the sash 133 and the base 137 In which the bracket 120 is located With thai: space taken up substantially by the bracket 120 on each side of the sash 133, the sash cannot be removed from the channels 134 of the respective frame members 121. The method of installation of the sash 133 with the bracket 120 wili be described in relation to F igures 22 to 25.

Figure 22 shows the sash 133 inserted into the channel 134 of the frame member 121 . The frame member 121 Is shown cot away in each of Figures 23 to 25 for clarity purposes. White the edge of the sash 133 is not visible in F igure 22, the method of installation is that the sash 33 Is inserted fully into the channel 134 at an angle, so that the sash can be swung around and aligned with a complementary channel of the facing frame member on the other side of the sliding window assembly. Once the sash 133 has been aligned between the respective frame members 121 the sash can be shifted in the plane between the frame members so that each edge of the sash 133 Is located within a channel 134 and In that position, the bracket 120 can be shifted from the position shown in Figure 22 Into the position shown In Figure 23 (which is at 90° to the Figure 2 2 illustration).

In Figure 23, the bracket 120 Is within the channel 134 and is positioned above the upper edge 138 of the sash 133. The gripping members 122 are at the bottom end of the wedge member 124 and rest on the bottom plate 139 (see also Figure 19). In this configuration, the bracket 120 Is sufficiently narrow to fit past the inwardly extending brush seals 141 of the channel 134 (see Figure 20), so that the bracket can be Inserted into the channel 134 subsequent to construction of the frame of the window assembly, so that the bracket 120 does not need to be fitted into the end of the channel 134. Because the sash 133 has been approximately centred between oppositely facing frame members 121 , the space S (Figure 21 ) described above exists between the side edge 140 of the sash 133 and the base 137 of the frame member 121. The bracket 120 can be lowered into that space. As the bracket 120 Is lowered, the bearing member 135 of the wedge member 124 will bear against the base of the channel 137 whilst elastlcaliy deforming and will push the front face 142 (Figures 19 and 21 ) of the bracket 120 Into bearing engagement with the side edge 140 of the of the sash 133. The bearing member 136 has the same effect when It enters the channel 134. As the bracket 120 Is lowered, the gripping members 122 contact the upper edge 138 of the sash 133 and shift upwardly relative to the wedge member 124 and as a consequence, away from each other, until the gripping members 122 have shifted away from each other sufficiently so that they define a sufficient gap between the gripping surfaces 123 to receive the upper edge of the sash 133. The gripping members 122 will engage against the plate member 125 at the upper end of their travel to prevent disconnection from the wedge member 124. As shown In Figure 24, the gripping members 122 have shifted upwardly for substantially the full height of the wedge member 124 to provide sufficient clearance to accept the sash 133.

In relation to Figure 24, the wedge member 124 is not in abutting contact with the plate member 125, but rather, the upper surface 129 (Figure 19) of the wedge member 124 is spaced from the plate member 125. Also, the gripping members 122 are at the upper end of the wedge member 124. Accordingly, In the Figure 24 position, the screw 127 is rotated to draw the wedge member 124 upwardly towards the plate member 125. As that occurs, the gripping members 122 move relative to the wedge member 124 and downwardly on the projections 132, so that each of the gripping members 122 and their gripping surfaces 123 move towards each other and into Increasingly firm grip with the opposite surfaces of the sash 133. As shown in F igure 25, the upper surface 129 of the wedge member 124 is now adjacent to but not in contact with the plate member 125 and In that condition, the sash 133 is properly gripped by the gripping members 122.

In the above position, the cord 128 is firmly sandwiched between facing surfaces of the plate member 125 and the upper edge 138 of the sash 133. An alternative wedge arrangement would Include an additional plate between the plate member 125 and the upper wedge surface 129 in between which the cord is sandwiched.

The invention described herein is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described and it Is to be understood that the Invention Includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEF ING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1 . A sliding window assembly including a sash mounted within a frame,

the frame including a pair of spaced apart and parallel frame members and a sash slldably mounted within the frame between the frame members and defining a sash plane,

the sash cooperating with a pair of brackets which are slldable with the sash relative to the frame members,

the brackets being operable to support the weight of the sash,

a portion of at least one of the brackets being positioned within the space between the frame member and the proximate edge of the sash to limit movement of the sash in the plane of the sash between the frame members.

2 A sliding window assembly according to claim 1 , the sash including a glazing sheet, and the frame members and the respective proximate edges of the glazing sheet overlapping.

3 A sliding window assembly according to claim 1 or 2, the frame members being side frame members that are substantially vertical and the sash being slldable substantially vertically, a space being provided between at least one of the frame members and an associated proximate edge of a sash and a portion of one of the brackets being positioned within the space between the frame member and the proximate edge of the sash.

4. A sliding window assembly according to claim 1 or 2, the frame members being side frame members that are substantially vertical and the sash being slldable substantially vertically, a space being provided between each of the frame members and proximate edges of the sash and a portion of each of the brackets being positioned within the respective spaces between the frame members and the proximate edges of the sash.

5. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the brackets each including a first load bearing portion which bears against the bottom edge of the sash and which supports the weight of the sash.

6. A sliding window assembly according to claim 5, the pair of brackets including a second portion each extending along a respective side edge of the sash, the second portions of the brackets being the portions which are positioned within the space between a respective side frame member and a proximate edge of the sash.

7. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the brackets each including a pair of facing gripping surfaces that are operable to grip opposite sides of the sash.

8. A sliding window assembly according to claim 7, the facing gripping surfaces being movable between a gripping condition and an Insertion condition, whereby in the insertion condition, a sash edge can be inserted between the facing gripping surfaces and In the gripping condition, the facing gripping surfaces grip the opposite sides of the sash.

9 A sliding window assembly according to claim ? or 8, the brackets being positioned at or adjacent an upper edge of the sash on each side of the sash.

10. A sliding window assembly according to claim 8, the facing gripping surfaces being formed on respective gripping members that are movable relative to each other to shift the gripping surfaces between the insertion and gripping conditions and the brackets Including a wedge member on which the gripping members are movably mounted so that movement of the gripping members relative to the wedge member in a first direction moves the gripping surfaces lo the insertion condition and movement of the gripping members relative to the wedge member in a second direction opposite the first direction moves the gripping surfaces to the gripping condition.

1 1 . A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the brackets being positioned at respective bottom corners of the first sash.

12. A sliding window assembly according to claim 5, the first portion of the bracket being adhered to the bottom edge of the sash.

13. A sliding window assembly according to claim 5, the first portion of the bracket being arranged to grip the bottom edge of the sash.

14. A sliding window assembly according to claim 5, the first portion of the bracket having a compressible portion that provides a spring load against the bottom edge of the sash.

15. A sliding window assembly according to claim 5, the first portion of the bracket providing a cushion load against the bottom edge of the sash.

16. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the bracket defining a channel into which an edge of the sash extends.

17 A sliding window assembly according to claim 5, the bracket defining a channel Into which an edge of the sash extends, the channel extending from the first load bearing portion of the bracket.

18. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the bracket providing a centralising load tending to centralise the sash within the frame.

19. A sliding window assembly according to claim 18. one or each of the brackets Including a bearing member that extends from the bracket and bears against a surface of a respective side frame member, the bearing member tending to centralise the sash between the side frame members.

20. A sliding window assembly according to claim 18, one or each of the brackets Including a bearing member that extends from the bracket and bears against a proximate edge of the sash, the bearing member tending to centralise the sash between the side frame members.

21 . A sliding window assembly according to claim 19 or 20 the bearing member being a resilient bearing arm.

22. A sliding window assembly according to claim 6, the first and second portions extending substantially perpendicular to each other.

23. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22, the bracket being connected to a cord and the cord extending to a counter balance mechanism or to a second sildable sash.

24. A sliding window assembly according to claim 23, the connection of the cord to the bracket being adjustable.

25. A sliding window assembly according to claim 24, the connection of the cord to the bracket being adjustable until the weight of the sash Is supported by the bracket, whereafter the bracket locks to the cord.

26 A sliding window assembly according to claim 3 or 4, the side frame members being formed as channels and the brackets cooperating with the side frame members to maintain at least a portion of the brackets located within the channels of the side frame members.

27. A sliding window assembly according to claim 26, the second portion including a pair of fingers that extend to overly opposite sides of the side edge of the sash and which include distal ends that cooperate with Inwardly extending lips of the channel of the frame member, the cooperation being such as to resist release of the second portion of the bracket from the channel of the frame member.

28. A sliding window assembly according to claim 27, the pair of fingers being resillentiy flexible so that Inward flexing of the fingers towards each other permits the fingers to disengage from cooperation from the Inwardly extending lips.

29. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, opposite edges of the sash forming a channel, each of the frame members including a projection that extends into the channel, the space provided between at least a first of the frame members and a proximate edge of the sash being formed between the projection of at least one of the frame members and a facing base of the channel of the associated sash edge and at least a portion of one of the brackets being located in the space.

30. A sliding window assembly according to claim 29, each of the side frame members including a projection that extends into the channel, the space provided between at least a first of the frame members and a proximate edge of the sash being formed between each of the projections and respective facing bases of the channels and at least a portion of the brackets being located in the space.

31 . A sliding window assembly according to claim 29, the bracket including a pair of arms that engage the projection within the channel of the sash, the cooperation between the arms and facing surfaces of the channel being such as to resist release of the bracket from the projection of the frame member.

32 A sliding window assembly according to claim 31 , the pair of arms being reslilently flexible so that outward flexing of the arms away from each other permits the arms to disengage from cooperation with the projection.

33. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 29 to 32, one or each of the brackets including a bearing member bearing against a surface of the channel and tending to centralise the sash between the side frame members

34. A sliding window assembly according to claim 33, the bearing member being a resilient bearing arm

35. A sliding window assembly according to claim 1 1 , further including a pair of top brackets positioned at opposite top corners of the sash, a portion of at least one of the top brackets being positioned within the space between the proximate frame member and the facing edge of the sash to limit movement of the sash in the plane of the sash between the side frame members.

36. A sliding window assembly according to claim 35, the top brackets having first and second portions, the first portion extending along the top edge of the sash and the second portion along a respective side edge of the sash, the second portions of the top brackets being positioned within the space between a respective side frame member and a proximate edge of the sash.

37. A sliding window assembly according to claim 36, the top brackets each defining a channel into which an edge at the fop of the sash extends.

38. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 37, the top and bottom brackets on each of the sides of the sash being connected by a cord.

39. A sliding window assembly according to claim 38, the top bracket being adjustable on the cord relative the bottom bracket.

40. A sliding window assembly according to claim 1 or 2, the frame members being top and bottom frame members that are substantially horizontal and the sash being slidable substantially horizontally.

41 . A sliding window assembly according to claim 40, the pair of brackets being positioned at respective bottom corners of the sash.

42. A sliding window assembly according to claim 40 or 41 , the brackets including rollers and the rollers roll on rolling surfaces of the bottom frame member.

43. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 40 to 42, the bottom frame member being formed as a channel and the brackets being located at least substantially within the channel.

44. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 40 to 43, the brackets being connected by a member in the form of flexible cord or a rigid rod.

45. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 40 to 4, the top frame member being formed as a channel and having a channel depth less thai the depth of the channel of the bottom frame member.

46. A sliding window assembly according to any one of claims 40 to 45, the pair of brackets each defining a channel Into which the bottom edge of the sash extends.

47. A method of installing a sliding window sash in a window frame that Includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel side frame members, the method including:

Installing a bracket to each of the side frame members, the brackets each including a first load bearing portion for bearing against the bottom edge of a sash and which supports the weight of the sash following installation and a second portion for extending along a respective side edge of the sash,

placing a first side edge of the sash into register with a first of the side frame members at an angle to the plane between the side frame members and at a position spaced from the bracket of that frame member,

bringing the sash Into bearing engagement with the first load bearing portion of the brackets of the side frame members, so that the second portion of the brackets Is positioned between the frame members and the side edges of the sash to limit movement of the sash in the plane of the sash between the side frame members so that the portion of each of the first and second edges of the sash which is inserted Into each of the side frame members remains within the side frame members.

48. A method of installing a sliding window sash in a window frame that Includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel side frame members, the method Including;

Installing a bracket to each of the side frame members, the brackets each including a gripping portion for gripping opposite sides of the sash and which supports the weight of the sash following installation, and a portion for extending along a respective side edge of the sash,

shifting the sash in the plane between the side frame members so that a portion of each of the first and second side edges of the sash is Inserted Info each of the side frame members,

49. A method of Installing a sliding window sash in a window frame that includes top and bottom spaced apart and parallel frame members, the method including: installing a pair of brackets to the bottom frame member, the brackets each

Including a load bearing portion for bearing against the bottom edge of a sash and which supports the weight of the sash and being spaced apart a greater distance than the width of the sash between opposite side edges of the sash,

placing a bottom edge of the window sash Into register with the bottom frame member at an angle to the plane between the frame members ,

rotating the sash to bring a top edge opposite the first edge into position relative to the top frame member and at a position spaced from the brackets of the bottom frame member,

shifting the sash In the plane between the frame members so that a portion of each of the top and bottom edges of the sash Is inserted into each of the frame members,

shifting the brackets towards each other so that the load bearing portion underlies the bottom edge of the sash, and lowering the sash Into bearing engagement with the brackets of the bottom frame member, so that a portion of the brackets is positioned between the bottom frame member and the bottom edge of the sash to limit movement of the sash in the piane of the sash between the frame members so that the portion of each of the top and bottom edges of the sash which is inserted info each of the frame members remains within the frame members.