Window stay
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ASSA ABLOY NEW ZEALAND
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing window stays lack a convenient and precise mechanism for adjusting the position of a window sash relative to the window frame, often requiring relocation of the stays and not allowing for fine-grained adjustments.
A window stay design featuring a fixed frame plate and a sliding frame plate with a screw mechanism, allowing for longitudinal movement of the sliding plate relative to the fixed plate through rotation of the screw. This design includes a selector that can be switched between a locked mode and an adjustment mode, enabling precise adjustments without removing the stay.
The solution allows for easy and precise adjustment of the window sash position relative to the window frame, enhancing the functionality and convenience of window stays by enabling fine-grained adjustments and locking the position in place.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
FIELD The present invention relates to a window stay. BACKGROUND 5 A window may have a window sash which moves relative to a window frame to allow the window to be opened. In some cases, the window sash is supported by one or more window stays. A window stay may have a frame plate for attachment to the window frame, a sash plate for attachment to the window sash, and one or more arms coupling the io frame plate and the sash plate. By movement of the arms, the window sash can move relative to the window frame. From time to time, the location of the window sash relative to the window frame may need to be adjusted. For example, the sash of the window may sag overtime. This may prevent the window from being fully closed, because the window sash 15 may undesirably abut an outer face of the window frame. Achieving this adjustment may require the window stays to be relocated, which can be inconvenient, and it may be difficult to achieve a fine-grained adjustment through this. SUMMARY 20 In a first example embodiment, there is provided a window stay comprising: a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame; a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate, the sliding frame plate having a longitudinal axis; a screw engaged with the sliding frame plate, the screw having an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sliding frame plate; a screw 25 chamber configured to receive the screw; and wherein rotating the screw with respect to its axis of rotation within the screw chamber causes movement of the sliding frame plate relative to the fixed frame plate along the longitudinal axis of 2025203978 28 May 2025 the sliding frame plate; wherein rotating the screw with respect to its axis of rotation within the screw chamber causes movement of the sliding frame plate between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, a longitudinal end of the sliding frame plate leads a proximate longitudinal end of 5 the fixed frame plate in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the sliding frame plate; wherein in the second position, the longitudinal end of the sliding frame plate trails the proximate longitudinal end of the fixed frame plate in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the sliding frame plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 10 The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings, which show various preferred embodiments of the invention. However, these are provided for illustration only, and the invention is not limited to the particular details of the drawings and the corresponding description. Figure 1 shows a window stay in a fully closed position according to a first 15 embodiment. Figure 2 shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fully open position. Figures shows a cross-section of the window stay of the first embodiment through line B. 20 Figure 4A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a first state. Figure 4B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in the first state. Figure 5A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a second state. Figure 5B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first 25 embodiment in the second state. Figure 6A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a third state. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Figure 6B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in the third state. Figure 7A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fourth state. Figure 7B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first 5 embodiment in the fourth state. Figure 8A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a fifth state. Figure 8B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in the fifth state. Figure 9A shows the window stay of the first embodiment in a sixth state. io Figure 9B shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the first embodiment in the sixth state. Figure 10 shows a partially transparent view of a window stay according to a second embodiment in a first state. Figure 11 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the second 15 embodiment in a second state. Figure 12 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the second embodiment in a third state. Figure 13 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the second embodiment in a fourth state. 20 Figure 14 shows a window stay according to a third embodiment. Figure 15 shows a sectional view of the window stay of the third embodiment with a selector in a locked mode. Figure 16 shows a sectional view of the window stay of the third embodiment with the selector in an adjustment mode. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Figure 17 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the third embodiment in a first state. Figure 18 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the third embodiment in a second state. 5 Figure 19 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the third embodiment in a third state. Figure 20 shows a sectional view of a window stay according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 21 shows an end view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment. io Figure 22 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a first state. Figure 23 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a second state. Figure 24 shows a partially transparent view of the window stay of the fourth 15 embodiment in a third state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In some embodiments, a window stay has a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame and a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate. An adjustment member can be rotated to move the sliding frame plate relative to 20 the fixed frame plate. The window stay can have a selector having an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member can rotate, and a locked mode in which the adjustment member locked in place. This provides a window stay in which the location of a window sash relative to the window frame can be adjusted without removal of the window stay, and the adjustment then locked in place using the 25 selector. 2025203978 28 May 2025 First embodiment Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a window stay according to a first embodiment. The window stay has a fixed frame plate 100 which is attached to a window frame, 5 for example using fasteners (such as screws or rivets) through fixing holes 102. Countersinks 104 and 106 may be provided about fixing holes 102. A sliding frame plate 200 is connected to the fixed frame plate. The fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 are movable relative to one another, at least in a longitudinal direction (that is, in a direction parallel to axis A). Channels 202 of the io sliding frame plate 200 may be provided for access to the fixing holes 102. In some cases, the fixed frame plate 100 and / or the sliding frame plate 200 have a stop mechanism. This can be used to limit the relative movement between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. A sash plate 300 is attached to a window sash. The sash plate 300 is connected to 15 the sliding frame plate 200 by a short arm 400 and a long arm 500. The short arm 400 is fixed to the sliding frame plate 200 by fixture 402 and to the sash plate 300 by fixture 404. Fixture 402 and fixture 404 are pivot points in that the short arm 400 pivots relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and the sash plate 300 by rotating about fixture 402 and fixture 404 respectively. The long arm 500 is fixed to the 20 sliding frame plate 200 by fixture 502 and to the sash plate 300 by fixture 504. Fixture 502 and fixture 504 are pivot points in that the long arm 500 pivots relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and the sash plate 300 by rotating about fixture 502 and fixture 504 respectively. The sash plate 300 can therefore move relative to the sliding frame plate 200 and 25 the fixed frame plate 100. This allows the window sash to move relative to the window frame. Figure 1 shows the window stay in the fully closed position, in which the sash plate 300 is aligned with the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This 2025203978 28 May 2025 corresponds to a window being closed. Figure 2 shows the window stay in the fully open position, in which the sash plate 300 is perpendicular to the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100. This corresponds to a window being fully open. Intermediate positions between the fully closed and fully open positions 5 may be possible. An adjustment member 600 is accessible from the outside of the sliding frame plate 200 (that is, from the side of the sliding frame plate 200 facing away from the fixed frame plate 100) through an adjustment member aperture 204. By rotating the adjustment member 600, the sliding frame plate 200 moves io longitudinally relative to the fixed frame plate 200. A selector 650 is accessible from the outside of the sliding frame plate 200. The selector 650 has a locked mode in which the adjustment member 600 is locked in place and thus impeded from rotating, and an adjustment mode in which the adjustment member 600 is not locked in place. 15 In use, a user can move the selector 650 into an adjustment mode. They can then rotate the adjustment member 600 to adjust the position of the sliding frame plate 200 relative to the fixed frame plate 100. After an appropriate level of adjustment has been performed, the selector 650 can be moved into the locked mode, fixing the position of the sliding frame plate 200 relative to the fixed frame plate 100. 20 This allows the position of the sash plate 300 (and thus the window sash) to be adjusted relative to the position of the fixed frame plate 100 (and thus the window frame). This may mean that a window sash engages better with the window frame when the window is in the fully closed position. For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that adjusting the position of the 25 window frame relative to the window sash in this context does not mean adjusting the position by opening the window (that is, by moving the window stay between a closed and open position). Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the window stay through line B. 2025203978 28 May 2025 The sliding frame plate 200 may have a rolled edge 216 forming a channel 218. The fixed frame plate 100 may have a lip 112 which fits in the channel 218. In this way, the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 can be coupled. In addition, this assists in reducing lateral movement between the fixed frame plate 5 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. In alternative embodiments, this coupling may be inverted. For example, the sliding frame plate 200 may have a lip which fits in a channel formed by a rolled edge of the fixed frame plate. A support surface 114 may be located in an indent 116 of the fixed frame plate io 100, and may be sandwiched between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. The support surface 114 can provide reinforcement to parts of the window stay. For example, the support surface 114 may be located adjacent the short arm 400 of the window stay to reduce the risk of the window stay buckling in use. The support surface 114 may be formed of a hard-wearing 15 material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. Adjustment member The adjustment member 600 has a head 602, which may sit generally flush with the outer face of the sliding when assembled. The head can have recesses or protrusions to form a screw head (for example, a Phillips screw head). The 20 adjustment member 600 can therefore be rotated using a suitable tool, for example a screwdriver. The tip of the screwdriver is inserted into the screw head, and the screwdriver rotated to affect rotation of the adjustment member 600. Teeth 604 are distributed around at least part of the perimeter of the head 602 and may be distributed around the full perimeter of the head 602. The teeth 604 25 may be regularly distributed. These may be only on a lower part of the head 602 such that when the head 602 is engaged in the adjustment member aperture 204 of the sliding frame plate 200, the teeth 604 do not pass through the adjustment member aperture 204. The teeth 604 may abut the bottom face of the sliding 2025203978 28 May 2025 frame plate 200 or may be spaced apart. Pairs of adjacent teeth 604 form a recess 606. The recess 606 may have a size and shape to receive part of the selector 650. The ends of the teeth 604 may be shaped to guide part of the selector 650 into a recess 606, even if the selector 650 is misaligned with the recess 606. 5 The adjustment member may be captive between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. For example, the teeth 604 may prevent the adjustment member 600 being removed via the adjustment member aperture 204, and the dimensions of the adjustment member 600 may be too large to be removed from between the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 io which the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 are coupled. A post 608 protrudes from a bottom of the head 602 and may be integrally formed with the head 602. The post 608 is offset from the axis of rotation of the adjustment member 600. The post 608 fits into a slot 108 of the fixed frame plate 100. The slot 108 is oriented laterally across the fixed frame plate 100 (that is, 15 perpendicular to the axis A). The post 608 may have a circular cross-section to match the circular ends of the capsule-shaped cross-section of the slot 108. The post 608 may have a diameter the same or only slightly smaller than the width (that is, the distance along axis A) of the slot 108 to minimise longitudinal movement of the post 608 in the slot 108. 20 In use, as the adjustment member 600 rotates, the post 608 moves laterally across the slot 108. This forces the adjustment member 600, and thus the sliding frame plate 200, to move longitudinally relative to the fixed frame plate 100. Selector The selector 650 has a pin 652 which is movable in a channel 110 of the fixed frame 25 plate 100 between a locked position corresponding to the locked mode of the selector 650 and an adjustment position corresponding to the adjustment mode of the selector 650. 2025203978 28 May 2025 In the locked position, the pin 652 sits relatively near the adjustment member 600. In use, an end 654 of the pin 652 can rest in a recess 606 and may abut one or more teeth 604 on either side of the recess 606. This can prevent the adjustment member 600 from rotating. 5 In the adjustment position, the end 654 of the pin 652 is not in a recess 606 and so does not prevent the adjustment member 600 from rotating. The pin 652 is biased towards the locked position. This can occur by spring 656 located around a portion 658 of the pin 652. The spring 656 pushes against an end of the channel 110 opposite the end 654 of the pin 652. io The selector 650 has a handle 660 which can be used to move the pin 652 and may be integral with the pin 652. The handle 660 is constrained by an L-shaped channel 206 in the sliding frame plate 200. A spine 208 of the channel 206 is oriented in the direction of urging of the spring 656, and a limb 210 of the channel proceeds perpendicular to the spine 208. When the pin 652 is in the locked position, the 15 handle 660 abuts, or at least is located near, an end 212 of the spine 208 relatively nearthe adjustment member 600. When the pin 652 is in the adjustment position, the handle 660 is moved into the limb 210. A wall 214 of the limb 210 resists the biasing of the spring 656, retaining the pin 652 in the adjustment position. The pin 652 moving between the locked position and the adjustment position can involve 20 longitudinal movement along the spine 208, and rotation to move the handle 660 into the limb 210. The selector 650 may be arranged in a housing 662. The housing 662 can ensure that the components of the selector 650 can be fixed to the window stay in a single assembly. The housing 662 may further assist in locating the selector 650, for 25 example by causing the pin 652 to be aligned with the recesses 606 of the adjustment member 600. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Use Figures 4A to 9B show the window stay in various states corresponding to use. Figures 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, and 9B show a partially transparent version of the window stay of Figures 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A respectively to show the 5 operation of internal components. Figures 4A and 4B show the window stay in a first state. The selector 650 is in the locked mode. Thus the end 654 of the pin 652 is located in a recess 606 of the adjustment member 600. This prevents the adjustment member 600 from rotating, and thus locks the sliding frame plate 200 in place io relative to the fixed frame plate 100. The post 608 is located at one end of the slot 108. This corresponds to the post 608 being oriented generally in line with a central axis of the head 602 (the central axis being parallel to the lateral extension of the slot 108). Figures 5A and 5B show the window stay in a second state. The window stay moves 15 from the first state to the second state by user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the locked position to the adjustment position. This moves the selector 650 from the locked mode to the adjustment mode. Thus the end 654 of the pin 652 has now been removed from the recess 606 of the adjustment member 600, and so does not prevent the adjustment member 600 20 from rotating. Figure 6A and 6B show the window stay in a third state. The window stay moves from the second state to the third state by user action. The user rotates the adjustment member 600, for example by using a screwdriver. In this case, the adjustment member 600 has been rotated 90° anti-clockwise. 25 This rotation moves the post 608 laterally through the slot 108, and now sits roughly in the centre of the slot 108. As a consequence, the sliding frame plate 200 has been moved longitudinally in a first direction relative to the fixed frame 2025203978 28 May 2025 plate 100. In use, this adjusts the position of the window sash relative to the window frame. Figures 7A and 7B show the window stay in a fourth state. The window stay moves from the third state to the fourth state by user action. The user actuates the 5 handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the adjustment position to the locked position. This moves the selector 650 from the adjustment mode to the locked mode. Thus the end 654 of the pin 652 is now engaged in a recess 606 of the adjustment member 600. The adjustment member 600 therefore cannot be rotated, due to abutment between the pin 652 and the teeth 604 on either side of io the recess. Thus by moving from between the first state, second state, third state, and fourth state, the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 (and consequently between the window frame and the window sash) can be adjusted. 15 Figures 8A and 8B show the window stay in a fifth state. The window stay moves from the second state to the fifth state by user action. The user rotates the adjustment member 600, for example by using a screwdriver. In this case, the adjustment member 600 has been rotated 90° clockwise. This therefore differs from Figures 6A and 6B by the direction of rotation of the adjustment member 20 600. This rotation moves the post 608 laterally through the slot 108, and now sits roughly in the centre of the slot 108. As a consequence, the sliding frame plate 200 has been moved longitudinally in a second direction relative to the fixed frame plate 100. In use, this adjusts the position of the window sash relative to the 25 window frame. Figures 9A and 9B show the window stay in a sixth state. The window stay moves from the fifth state to the sixth state by user action. The user actuates the handle 660 to move the pin 652 from the adjustment position to the locked position. This 2025203978 28 May 2025 moves the selector 650 from the adjustment mode to the locked mode. Thus the end 654 of the pin 652 is now engaged in a recess 606 of the adjustment member 600. The adjustment member 600 therefore cannot be rotated, due to abutment between the pin 652 and the teeth 604 on either side of the recess. 5 The sixth state differs from the fourth state by the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200. Thus by moving from between the first state, second state, third state, and fourth state or alternatively between the first state, second state, fifth state, and sixth state, the relative positions of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate io 200 (and consequently between the window frame and the window sash) can be adjusted. Rotation of the adjustment member 600 results in a number of recesses 606 passing past alignment with the channel 110, and therefore past potential engagement by the selector 650. Movement between two adjacent recesses may 15 result in relative longitudinal movement between the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100 of less than about 3mm. This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 200 and the fixed frame plate 100, and thus between the window frame and window sash. Second embodiment 20 Figure 10 shows a window stay according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment has a fixed frame plate 1100 and a sliding frame plate 1200. These may be the same as the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 of the first embodiment. One difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the 25 configuration of the adjustment member 1600 and the selector 1650. These may be used in place of the adjustment member 600 and the selector 650. The second embodiment may otherwise be the same as the first embodiment. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Adjustment member The adjustment member 1600 comprises a head 1602 which sits in a recess 1218 of the sliding frame plate 1200. The head 1602 may have a boss 1610 which defines a recess forming a screw head 1612 (for example, a hex key screw head). 5 The adjustment member 1600 can therefore be rotated using a suitable tool, such as a hex key. The boss 1610 fits in an aperture 1204 of the sliding frame plate 1200. This allows access to the screw head 1612 from the external face of the sliding frame plate 1200. Teeth 1604 are distributed around at least part of the perimeter of the head 1602, io for example around about half of the perimeter. The teeth 1604 may be regularly distributed around this part. The teeth 1604 may abut the bottom face of the sliding frame plate 1200 or may be spaced apart. Pairs of adjacent teeth 1604 form a recess 1606. The recess 1606 may have a size and shape to receive part of the selector 1650. 15 The adjustment member 1600 may be captive between the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200. For example, the teeth 604 may prevent the adjustment member 1600 being removed via the aperture 1204. A post 1608 protrudes from a bottom of the head 1602 and may be integrally formed with the head 1602. The post 1608 is offset from the axis of rotation of the 20 adjustment member 1600. The post 1608 fits into a slot 1108 of the fixed frame plate 1100. The slot 1108 is oriented laterally across the fixed frame plate 1100 (that is, perpendicular to the axis C). The post 1608 may have a circular crosssection to match the circular ends of the capsule shaped cross-section of the slot 1108. The post 1608 may have a diameter the same or only slightly smaller than 25 the width (that is, the distance along axis C) of the slot 1108 to minimise longitudinal movement of the post 1608 in the slot 1108. In use, as the adjustment member 1600 rotates, the post 1608 moves laterally across the slot 1108. This forces the adjustment member 1600, and thus the sliding frame plate 1200, to move laterally relative to the fixed frame plate 1100. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Selector The selector 1650 is movable in a recess 1110 of the fixed frame plate 1100 between a locked position corresponding to the locked mode of the selector 1650 and an adjustment position corresponding to the adjustment mode of the selector 5 1650. In the locked position, a pin 1652 of the selector 1650 sits relatively near the adjustment member 1600. In use, the pin 1652 can rest in a recess 1606 and may abut one or more teeth 1604 on either side of the recess 1606. This can prevent the adjustment member 1600 from rotating. io In the adjustment position, the pin 1652 is not in a recess 1606 and so does not prevent the adjustment member 1600 from rotating. The selector 1650 has a handle 1660 which can be used to move the pin 1652 and may be integral with the pin 1652. The handle 1660 is constrained by a longitudinal channel 1206 in the sliding frame plate 1200. A further protrusion on the bottom 15 of the selector 1650 may sit in a further longitudinal channel in the fixed frame plate 1100. The selector 1650 is biased towards the locked position or the adjustment position. This occurs through a biasing means in the form of two detents 1664 on either side of the selector 1650. The detents 1664 have a tooth 1666 which is 20 aligned with a bulge 1668 on each side of the selector 1650. The detents 1664 may be configured to require a force above a predetermined threshold to be applied to the handle 1660 to allow each bulge 1668 to move past a respective tooth 1666 and thus for the selector 1650 to move between the locked position and the adjustment position. If the selector 1650 stops part-way between the locked 25 position and the adjustment position, the detents 1664 urge the selector 1650 towards one of the positions. The arrangement of the second embodiment provides for a mechanism to enable the stay to move between a locked mode and an adjustment mode. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Use Figure 10 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a first state. The selector 1650 is in a locked position. This means that a pin 1652 of the selector 1650 is sitting in a recess 1606 between two teeth 1604 of the adjustment member 5 1600. The pin 1652 prevents the adjustment member 1600 from rotating. Figure 11 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a second state. The selector 1650 has been moved into an adjustment position. This occurs by a user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the detents 1664. This causes the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 to be withdrawn io from the recess 1606. The pin 1652 does not impede the rotation of the adjustment member 1600. Figure 12 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a third state. The window stay moves from the second state to the third state by a user rotating the adjustment member 1600 through use of a suitable tool in an anti-clockwise 15 direction. This causes the post 1608 to move laterally in the slot 1108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 1200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 1100. The selector 1650 has then been put into the locked position. This can occur by a user applying sufficient force to the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the detents 1664. This causes the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 to be inserted into 20 a recess 1606 of the adjustment member 1600. This impedes further rotation of the adjustment member 1600 and therefore locks the relative position of the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200. Figure 13 shows the window stay of the second embodiment in a fourth state. The selector 1650 remains in the adjustment mode. The window stay moves from the 25 second state to the fourth state by a user rotating the adjustment member 1600 through use of a suitable tool in a clockwise direction. This causes the post 1608 to move laterally in the slot 1108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 1200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 1100. The selector 1650 has then been put into the locked position. This can occur by a user applying sufficient force to 2025203978 28 May 2025 the handle 1660 to overcome the resistance of the detents 1664. This causes the pin 1652 of the selector 1650 to be inserted into a recess 1606 of the adjustment member 1600. This impedes further rotation of the adjustment member 1600 and therefore locks the relative position of the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding 5 frame plate 1200. This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 1200 and the fixed frame plate 1100, and thus between the window frame and window sash. Third embodiment io Figure 14 shows an external view of a window stay according to a third embodiment. Figures 15 and 16 show a partial sectional view of the window stay through axis D. The third embodiment has a fixed frame plate 2100 and a sliding frame plate 2200. These may be the same as the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 15 200 of the first embodiment or the fixed frame plate 1100 and the sliding frame plate 1200 of the second embodiment. One difference between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments is the configuration of the adjustment member 1600 and the selector 1650. These may be used in place of the adjustment member 600 and the 20 selector 650 of the first embodiment, or the adjustment member 1600 and the selector 1650 of the second embodiment. The third embodiment may otherwise be the same as the first or second embodiments. An intermediate plate 2150 may be provided between the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200. The intermediate plate 2150 may fit into a recess 25 formed in the sliding frame plate 2200. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Adjustment member The adjustment member 2600 comprises a head 2602 which sits in a recess 2218 of the sliding frame plate 2200. A central aperture 2614 of the head 2602 is shaped to receive the selector 2650. The adjustment member 1600 may be captive 5 between the intermediate plate 2150 and the sliding frame plate 2200. A post 2608 protrudes from a bottom of the head 2602 and may be integrally formed with the head 2602. The post 2608 is offset from the axis of rotation of the adjustment member 2600. The post 2608 passes through an aperture 2152 of the intermediate plate 2150 and fits into a slot 2108 of the fixed frame plate 2100. The io slot 2108 is oriented laterally across the fixed frame plate 2100 (that is, perpendicular to the axis D). The post 2608 may have a circular cross-section to match the circular ends of the capsule shaped cross-section of the slot 2108. The post 2608 may have a diameter the same or only slightly smaller than the width (that is, the distance along axis D) of the slot 2108 to minimise longitudinal 15 movement of the post 2608 in the slot 2108. In use, as the adjustment member 2600 rotates, the post 2608 moves laterally across the slot 2108. This forces the adjustment member 2600, and thus the sliding frame plate 2200 and intermediate plate 2150, to move laterally relative to the fixed frame plate 2100. 20 Selector The selector 2650 has a shoulder 2652 which is shaped and sized to fit in central aperture 2614 of the head 2602 of the adjustment member 2600. The fit is such that the shoulder 2652 cannot rotate freely within the central aperture 2614. That is, for the shoulder 2652 to rotate relative to the window stay, the adjustment 25 member 2600 would also need to rotate relative to the window stay. Both the shoulder 2652 and the central aperture 2614 may have a polygonal cross-section, such as hexagonal. 2025203978 28 May 2025 A neck 2654 extends from the shoulder 2652 and is substantially smaller in diameter than the shoulder 2652. The neck 2654 defines a recess forming a screw head (for example, a hex key screw head). The adjustment member 2600 can therefore be rotated using a suitable tool 2700, such as a hex key. 5 The neck 2654 is shaped and sized to fit in a selector aperture 2204 in the sliding frame plate 2200. The selector aperture 2204 permits access to the screw head. The fit is such that the neck 2654 cannot rotate freely within the selector aperture 2204. Thus, when the neck 2654 is within the selector 2650, the neck 2654 cannot rotate relative to the window stay. Both the neck 2654 and the selector aperture io 2204 may have a polygonal cross-section, such as hexagonal. The number of sides of the polygonal cross-section may be adjusted based on the desired increment of adjustment. A greater number of sides may allow for finer adjustment. Figure 15 shows the window stay in the locked mode, where the neck 2654 is in the selector aperture 2204. This is a locked position of the selector 2650. Due to 15 the fit between the neck 2654 and the selector aperture 2204, the selector 2650 is unable to rotate relative to the window stay. This in turn prevents the adjustment member 2600 from rotating, due to the snug fit between the shoulder 2652 and the central aperture 2614. Figure 16 shows the window stay in the adjustment mode, where the neck 2654 20 is below the selector aperture 2204. This is an adjustment position of the selector 2650. The neck 2654 may sit entirely within the central aperture 2614. Since the central aperture 2614 is substantially larger than the neck 2654, the neck 2654 is not prevented from rotating. Thus, a user can rotate the selector 2650. This is translated to rotation of the adjustment member 2600, which in turn causes 25 lateral movement of the sliding frame plate 2200 relative to the fixed frame plate 2100. The selector 2650 is biased towards the locked position by a biasing means, such as a spring 2656. The spring 2656 urges the selector 2650 such that the neck 2654 2025203978 28 May 2025 sits within the selector aperture 2204. For the selector 2650 to be moved into the adjustment position, a user is required to apply force to the selector 2650 to resist the urging of the spring 2656. When this force is released, the spring 2656 causes the selector 2650 to move back into the locked position. 5 In this way, the relative position of the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200 can be adjusted by a user using a tool to press down on the selector 2650. The selector 2650 then enters the adjustment position. By the user rotating the selector 2650, this causes rotation of the adjustment member 2600. Rotation of the adjustment member 2600 is translated into lateral movement of the post io 2608 across the slot 2108. This in turn causes the relative longitudinal movement between the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200. Use Figure 17 shows the window stay of the third embodiment in a first state. In the first state, the post 2608 sits in a first position in the slot 2108. 15 Figure 18 shows the window stay of the third embodiment in a second state. The window stay moves from the first state to the second state by a user rotating pushing on the selector 2650 to move it into the adjustment position, and by rotating the selector 2650 in a clockwise direction. This in turn causes the adjustment member 2600 to rotate clockwise, which causes the post 2608 to 20 move laterally in the slot 2108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 2200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 2100. Figure 19 shows the window stay of the third embodiment in a third state. The window stay moves from the first state to the third state by a user rotating pushing on the selector 2650 to move it into the adjustment position, and by rotating the 25 selector 2650 in an anti-clockwise direction. This in turn causes the adjustment member 2600 to rotate clockwise, which causes the post 2608 to move laterally in the slot 2108. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 2200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 2100. 2025203978 28 May 2025 From the second state or the third state, the selector 2650 can be moved back into the locked position. This can occur by the user releasing pressure on the selector 2650. The spring 2656 then forces the selector 2650 to enter the locked position in which the neck 2654 of the selector 2650 is engaged in the selector aperture 5 2204. This impedes further rotation of the selector 2650 and thus the adjustment member 2600 and therefore locks the relative position of the fixed frame plate 2100 and the sliding frame plate 2200. This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 2200 and the fixed frame plate 2100, and thus between the window frame and window io sash. Fourth embodiment Figures 20 and 21 show a window stay according to a fourth embodiment. The window stay of the fourth embodiment has a fixed frame plate 3100 attached to a window frame and a sliding frame plate 3200 coupled with the fixed frame 15 plate. The fixed frame plate 3100 and the sliding frame plate 3200 may take the place of the fixed frame plate 100 and the sliding frame plate 200 respectively in the window stay shown in Figures 1 and 2. The fixed frame plate 3100 has a rolled edge 3102 defining a channel 3104. A lip 3202 of the sliding frame plate 3200 fits in the channel 3104. The fit between the 20 lip 3202 of the sliding frame plate 3200 and the channel 3104 of the fixed frame plate 3100 may have a sufficient tolerance to allow the lip 3202 to slide along the channel 3104 without excessive resistance. A screw chamber 3300 is mounted in the fixed frame plate 3100. The mounting comprises one or more fins 3106 extending from the fixed frame plate 3100 with 25 an aperture 3108 configured to hold the screw chamber 3300. The screw chamber 330 may be relatively securely coupled to the fixed frame plate 3100. The screw chamber 3300 has an internal screw thread to mate with a screw 3210. The fit between the screw chamber 3300 and the screw 3210 may be configured to 2025203978 28 May 2025 require a threshold level of torque to turn the screw 3210 in the screw chamber 3300. This can prevent the screw 3210 from turning in the screw chamber 3300 without user intervention. The sliding frame plate 3200 has a cavity 3204 which is defined by an outer wall 5 protruding from the outer face of the sliding frame plate 3200. The cavity 3204 is sized so as to accommodate the one or more fins 3106 and the screw chamber 3300 when the sliding frame plate 3200 and fixed frame plate 3100 are coupled. An aperture 3206 is provided in the sliding frame plate 3200 into the cavity 3204. The aperture 3206 is sized to allow the screw 3210 to pass through. A bushing io 3208 is provided adjacent the aperture 3206 is retain the screw captive to the sliding frame plate 3200. The bushing 3208 can retain the screw in position relative to the sliding frame plate 3200. In use, the aperture 3206 and bushing 3208 are aligned with the screw chamber 3300. A screw can sit in the aperture 3206 such that a shaft of the screw is engaged 15 with the screw chamber 3300. A user can actuate the screw 3210 by use of an appropriate tool, such as a hex key. By rotating the screw 3210 in a first angular direction, such as clockwise, the screw 3210 moves further into the screw chamber 3300. Due to the coupling between the bushing 3208 and the sliding frame plate 3200, and the coupling between the screw chamber 3300 and the fixed frame 20 plate 3100, this causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 3100 in a first linear direction (that is, along axis E). Conversely, when the screw 3210 is actuated in a second angular direction, such as anti-clockwise, the screw 3210 moves out of the screw chamber 3300. This causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 3100 in a second, 25 opposing linear direction (along axis E). Use Figure 22 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a first state. In the first state, the screw 3210 is at a first position within the screw chamber 3300. 2025203978 28 May 2025 Figure 23 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a second state. In the second state, the screw 3210 is at a second, deeper position within the screw chamber 3300. The window stay moves from the first state to the second state by a user rotating the screw 3210 in a clockwise direction by use of a suitable tool. 5 This causes the shaft of the screw 3210 to enter the screw chamber 3300 further. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 3100. Figure 24 shows the window stay of the fourth embodiment in a third state. In the third state, the screw 3210 is at a third, shallower position within the screw io chamber 3300. The window stay moves from the first state to the third state by a user rotating the screw 3210 in an anti-clockwise direction by use of a suitable tool. This causes the shaft of the screw 3210 to withdraw partly from the screw chamber 3300. This in turn causes the sliding frame plate 3200 to move relative to the fixed frame plate 3100. 15 This allows fine adjustment of the relative positions of the sliding frame plate 3200 and the fixed frame plate 3100, and thus between the window frame and window sash. Interpretation While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the 20 embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, this should not be taken to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and 25 illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. In particular, it should be appreciated that features from different embodiments may be combined, except where the context renders this impossible. That is, while 2025203978 28 May 2025 the various features have been described and shown in different embodiments, this is for the purpose of succinctness only, and should not be taken as a limitation to just those combinations of features explicitly described or shown. It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" may, 5 under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - that is, they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or elements.
Claims
1. A window stay comprising:a fixed frame plate for attachment to a window frame;a sliding frame plate for attachment to the fixed frame plate, the sliding 5 frame plate having a longitudinal axis;a screw engaged with the sliding frame plate, the screw having an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sliding frame plate;a screw chamber configured to receive the screw; andwherein rotating the screw within the screw chamber causes movement of io the sliding frame plate relative to the fixed frame plate along the longitudinalaxis of the sliding frame plate;wherein rotating the screw with respect to its axis of rotation within the screw chamber causes movement of the sliding frame plate between a first position and a second position in a direction along the longitudinal axis of15 the sliding frame plate;wherein in the first position, a longitudinal end of the sliding frame plate leads a proximate longitudinal end of the fixed frame plate in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the sliding frame plate;wherein in the second position, the longitudinal end of the sliding frame 20 plate trails the proximate longitudinal end of the fixed frame plate in thedirection along the longitudinal axis of the sliding frame plate.
2. The window stay of claim 1, wherein the screw chamber is mounted to the fixed frame plate.
3. The window stay of claim 2, wherein the screw chamber is mounted to the 25 fixed frame plate by one or more fins.2025203978 28 May 20254. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the screw is captive to the sliding frame plate.
5. The window stay of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a channel of the fixed frame plate is configured to receive a lip of the sliding frame plate.5 6. The window stay of claim 5, wherein the lip is configured to be slidablyengaged with the channel of the fixed frame plate.