Window stays

Abstract

Friction window stays typically obtain friction by applying a friction load to a carriage. Described herein is a window stay comprising: a carriage configured to slide on a frame plate; and an element having at least one friction pivot joint, wherein the friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joint.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a window stay. [Background technology]

[0002] The window may have a window sash that moves relative to a window frame to allow the window to be opened.

[0003] Window stays (also known as window stay hinges or friction stays) are known in the window industry. Typically, a window stay connects a window sash to a window frame and acts as a hinge so that the window can be opened and closed. A window stay often includes a frame plate configured to be attached to the window frame, a sash plate configured to be attached to the window sash, and a number of arms pivotally connected between the frame plate and the sash plate. Window stays are available in a number of different configurations depending on the type of window and the type of opening mechanism required.

[0004] Some window stays may be provided with a carriage that can slide on the frame plate. One or more of the arms may be connected to the carriage rather than directly to the frame plate, so that the carriage can slide as part of the window opening and closing mechanism.

[0005] The sash may need to be moved to a cleaning or egress position and to achieve this movement the open position of the stays needs to be adjustable during operation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an objective to provide an alternative window stay, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one exemplary embodiment, a window stay is provided comprising: a carriage configured to slide on a frame plate; and an element having at least one friction pivot joint, wherein the friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than a total friction force applied by the friction pivot joint.

[0008] According to a further exemplary embodiment, there is provided a window stay having an exit mode and / or a cleaning mode, the window stay comprising: a frame plate configured to be attached to a window frame; a sash plate configured to be attached to a window sash; a first carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a short arm connecting the first carriage to the sash plate; a second carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a long arm connecting the second carriage to the sash plate; and a plurality of riveted friction pivot joints connecting the sash plate, the short arm, the long arm, the first carriage, and the second carriage, wherein a friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than a total friction force applied by the friction pivot joints.

[0009] According to yet a further exemplary embodiment, a window stay is provided comprising: a first carriage configured to slide on a frame plate; a second carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a first carriage engagement member and a second carriage engagement member; and a selector configured to slide on the frame plate, wherein in a first position, the selector positions the first carriage engagement member to limit movement of the first carriage and the second carriage engagement member to not limit movement of the second carriage, and in a second position, the selector positions the first carriage engagement member to not limit movement of the first carriage and the second carriage engagement member to limit movement of the second carriage, and one end of the selector does not pivot about the other end of the selector as the selector moves between the first position and the second position.

[0010] According to yet a further exemplary embodiment, there is provided a window stay having an exit mode and / or a cleaning mode, the window stay comprising: a frame plate configured to be attached to a window frame; a sash plate configured to be attached to a window sash; a first carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a short arm connecting the first carriage to the sash plate; a second carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a long arm connecting the second carriage to the sash plate; a first carriage engagement member and a second carriage engagement member; and a selector configured to slide on the frame plate, wherein in a first position, the selector engages the first carriage and the second carriage. The first carriage engagement member is positioned to limit movement of the carriage and the second carriage engagement member is positioned so that the second carriage engagement member does not limit movement of the second carriage, and in the second position the selector positions the first carriage engagement member so that the first carriage engagement member does not limit movement of the first carriage and positions the second carriage engagement member to limit movement of the second carriage, and one end of the selector does not pivot about the other end of the selector as the selector moves between the first position and the second position.

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the above Summary of the Invention and the following Detailed Description of the Invention, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a window stay in a fully closed position. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows the window stay of FIG. 1 in a fully closed position. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of FIG. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through line A of the window stay of FIGS. 2A and 2B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 1 in a first state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 1 in a second condition. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 1 in a third condition. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 1 in a fourth condition. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A shows a view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B shows a partial perspective view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a further embodiment of a window stay in a fully closed position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of FIG. 14 taken through line A. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 113 in a first condition. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of FIG. 17 taken through line A. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 13 in a second condition. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 13 in a third condition. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a view of the window stay of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the window stay of FIG. 21 taken through line A. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of the window stay of FIG. 13 in a fourth condition and in a cleaning position. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows an exploded view of the window stay of FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 shows a view of the window stay of FIG. 13 in a transition mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In some embodiments, the window stay comprises a frame plate for attachment to a window frame and a sash plate for attachment to a window sash. The sash plate is connected to the frame plate via a carriage that is movable along the frame plate. This provides a window stay that allows the position of the window sash relative to the window frame to be adjusted.

[0014] 1 to 12 show a stay according to one embodiment.

[0015] The window stay comprises a frame plate 100 which is attached to the window frame using, for example, fasteners 510 (such as screws or rivets) through fixing holes. A sash plate 120 is attached to the window sash. The sash plate 120 is connected to the frame plate 100 by a short arm 150 and a long arm 160. The short arm 150 is connected to the frame plate 100 by a sash carriage 370 and secured to the sash plate 120 by a fixture 581. The short arm 150 is secured to the sash carriage 370 by a fixture 582.

[0016] Fixtures 581, 582 are pivot points, and short arm 150 pivots relative to sash carriage 370 and sash plate 120 by rotating about fixtures 581 and 582, respectively. Long arm 160 is connected to frame plate 100 by long arm carriage 380 and attached to sash plate 120 by fixture 584. Long arm 160 is attached to long arm carriage 380 by fixture 586. Fixtures 584, 586 are pivot points, and long arm 160 pivots relative to frame plate 100 and sash plate 120 by rotating about fixtures 584 and 586, respectively.

[0017] Thus, the sash plate 120 is movable relative to the frame plate 100. This allows the window sash to move relative to the window frame.

[0018] The support arm 130 can be connected to the frame plate 100 by a sash carriage 370 and can be attached to the long arm 160 by a fixture 585. The support arm 130 is attached to the sash carriage 370 by a fixture 583. The fixtures 583, 585 are pivot points and the support arm 130 pivots relative to the frame plate 100 and the long arm 160 by rotating about the fixtures 583 and 585, respectively.

[0019] The carriages 370, 380 are made of a material that reduces their friction so that they slide easily on the frame plate 100. The carriages may be made of a low friction plastic or other suitable material.

[0020] Alternatively, the carriages 370, 380 may be lubricated, which provides a low friction lubricated interface between the carriages 370, 380 and the frame plate 100.

[0021] Carriages 370, 380 are disposed on frame plate 100 and are movable between ends 101 and 102 of frame plate 100. Frame plate 100 has a channel 110 along which carriages 370, 380 move.

[0022] The longitudinal position of the carriages 370,380 on the frame plate 100 is limited by the selector 600 and the selector engagement slots 621,622.

[0023] The fittings 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586 may be pivot joints, such as friction pivot joints, such as friction riveted joints. Some of the friction pivot joints may be high friction riveted joints. The number and specifications of the friction pivot joints are such that the friction force between the carriages 370, 380 and the frame plate 100 is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joints 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586.

[0024] Only one of the friction pivot joints 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586 may be a high friction joint, but many, and possibly all, of the friction pivot joints may be high friction joints.

[0025] Thus, the friction required by the stays is generated by the friction pivot joints 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, and not by the carriages 370, 380 of conventional designs.

[0026] use 4-12 show the window stay in various positions suitable for use.

[0027] Figures 4, 5 and 6 show the window stay in a first condition in which the selector 600 is in the exit position. The selector 600 is restricted in movement by the slot 621 which also provides an indication to the user of the position in which the selector 600 is in use. The sash plate 120 is arranged to allow the window sash to be opened to a normal open position but is movable to a second condition. In the first condition the position and movement of the sash carriage 370 is restricted by the selector 600.

[0028] Long Arm Carriage 380 does not include a selector 600 and can move longitudinally along the frame plate 100 away from the long arm end 102 of the frame plate 100 .

[0029] However, longitudinal movement of the long arm carriage 380 is limited by the long arm carriage 380 being attached to the long arm 160 by mountings 586, which in turn are connected to the sash plate 120 and support arm 130 by mountings 584, 585, respectively.

[0030] 7 shows the window stay in a second position suitable for allowing access through the window frame with the selector 600 again in the exit position. The sash plate 120 is opened, which positions the window sash at approximately 90° to the window frame. The sash plate 120 is at approximately 90° to the frame plate 100. The sash plate 120 is at one end of the frame plate 100, opening the window sash sufficiently to allow access through the window frame.

[0031] As in the first state, in the second state the position of the sash carriage 370 is limited by the selector 600. The long arm carriage 380 is not prevented by the selector 600 from moving away from the long arm end 102 of the frame plate 100. The window sash carriage 370 is moving towards the sash plate end 101 of the frame plate 100. This occurs because the selector 600 causes the sash carriage 370 to move slightly longitudinally towards the sash plate end 101 of the frame plate 100.

[0032] 8 shows the window stay in a third state, where the selector 600 is in the cleaning position. The selector 600 is restrained from moving by the slot 622. The slot 622 also provides an indication to the user of where the selector 600 is in use.

[0033] The sash plate 120 is positioned so that the window sash can be opened to a normal open position, but the sash plate 120 and window sash can be moved to a fourth condition in which the position of the sash carriage 370 is not restricted to the window sash end of the frame plate of the selector 600.

[0034] In the third state, the position of the long arm carriage 380 is limited by the selector 600. The selector 600 allows limited movement of the long arm carriage 380 longitudinally relative to the sash panel end 101 of the frame panel 100.

[0035] 11, 12A and 12B show the window stay in a fourth state, which is suitable for a person to clean the window sash. As in the third state, the selector 600 is in cleaning mode. The sash plate 120 is open, which positions the window sash at approximately 90° relative to the window frame. In the fourth state, the sash plate 120 is positioned longitudinally near the center of the window frame 100, which allows a person access to both sides of the window sash for cleaning. The sash plate 120 is at approximately 90° relative to the frame plate 100.

[0036] As in the third state, in the fourth state the position of the long arm carriage 380 is restricted by the selector 600 from moving towards the sash panel end 101 of the frame panel 100 .

[0037] Because the sash carriage 370 is free from the engagement member 602, the window sash carriage 370 moves toward the long arm end 102 of the frame plate 100. Because the long arm carriage 380 is restricted by the selector 600, the long arm carriage 380 can only move a very limited distance.

[0038] The transition between the exit mode and the cleaning mode may occur when the window sash, and thus the sash plate 120, is partially closed. In the transition position, the selector 600 may be moved from or to the sash plate end 101 of the frame plate 100, or from or to the long arm end 102 of the frame plate 100.

[0039] Assuming the selector starts in the exit mode with the selector 600 positioned in slot 621, the selector moves along the frame plate 100 into slot 622. In doing so, the selector 600 moves from restricting the sash carriage 370 to restricting the long arm carriage 380.

[0040] 13 to 25 show stays according to further embodiments.

[0041] The window stay comprises a frame plate 1300 which is attached to the window frame, for example using fasteners 1510 (such as screws or rivets) through fixing holes 1520. Countersinks may be provided around the fixing holes 1520. A sash plate 1320 is attached to the window sash. The sash plate 1320 is connected to the frame plate 1300 by a short arm 1350 and a long arm 1360. The short arm 1350 is connected to the frame plate 1300 by a sash carriage 1370 and secured to the sash plate 1320 by a fixture 1581. The short arm 1350 is secured to the sash carriage 1370 by a fixture 1582.

[0042] Fixtures 1581, 1582 are pivot points, and the short arm 1350 pivots relative to the carriage 1370 and sash plate 1320 by rotating about fixtures 1581 and 1582, respectively. The long arm 1360 is connected to the frame plate 1300 by a long arm carriage 1380 and attached to the sash plate 1320 by fixture 1584. The long arm 1360 is attached to the long arm carriage 1380 by fixture 1586. Fixtures 1584, 1586 are pivot points, and the long arm 1360 pivots relative to the frame plate 1300 and sash plate 1320 by rotating about fixtures 1584 and 1586, respectively.

[0043] Thus, the sash plate 1320 is able to move relative to the frame plate 1300. This allows the window sash to move relative to the window frame.

[0044] The support arm 1330 can be connected to the frame plate 1300 by a sash carriage 1370 and can be attached to the long arm 1360 by a fixture 1585. The support arm 1330 is attached to the sash carriage 1370 by a fixture 1583. The fixtures 1583, 1585 are pivot points and the support arm 1330 pivots relative to the frame plate 1300 and the long arm 1360 by rotating about the fixtures 1583 and 1585, respectively.

[0045] The carriages 1370, 1380 are made of a material that reduces their friction so that they slide easily on the frame plate 1300. The carriages may be made of a low friction plastic or other suitable material.

[0046] Alternatively, the carriages 1370, 1380 may be lubricated, which reduces friction at the lubricated interface between the carriages 1370, 1380 and the frame plate 1300.

[0047] The carriages 1370, 1380 are disposed on a frame plate 1300 and are movable between ends 1301, 1302 of the frame plate 1300. The frame plate 1300 is "H" shaped and has two elongated parallel channels 1311, 1312 in which the "C" shaped carriages 1370, 1380 slide. A further parallel selector channel 1310 in the frame plate 1300 contains an elongated selector 1620.

[0048] The longitudinal position of the carriages 1370, 1380 on the frame plate 1300 is limited by the selector 1620 and the carriage engagement members 1601, 1602, respectively. The carriage engagement members 1601, 1602 may be spheres, which may be ball bearings, for example. The carriage engagement members 1601, 1602 may be double ended bullet plungers or double ended spring plungers.

[0049] The carriage engagement members 1601 , 1602 are disposed within slots or holes 1611 , 1612 , respectively, of the selector 1620 and are moved as the selector 1620 moves within the selector channel 1310 .

[0050] An adjusting plate 1306 is also disposed within the selector channel 1310. The position of the adjusting plate 1306 is limited by an adjustment member 1305. By rotating the adjustment member 1305, the adjusting plate 1306 can be moved longitudinally within the selector channel 1310 of the frame plate 1300. Another adjustment device can be used, such as a screw that can be loosened or tightened to move the adjusting plate 1306.

[0051] Adjustment plate 13 06 is movable to move the selector 1620, which operates to limit the position of the carriages 1370, 1380. The position of the carriages 1370, 1380 limits the position of the sash plate 1320. Thus, the adjusting plate 13 06 By moving the window frame 1300, the position of the window frame relative to the frame plate 1300 can be adjusted.

[0052] For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that "adjusting the position of the window frame relative to the window sash" in this context does not mean adjusting said position by opening the window (i.e. by moving the window stays between closed and open positions).

[0053] The fittings 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584, 1585, 1586 may be pivot joints, such as friction pivot joints, such as friction riveted joints. Some of the friction riveted joints may be high friction riveted joints. The number and specifications of the friction riveted joints are such that the friction force between the carriages 1670, 1680 and the frame plate 1300 is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joints 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584, 1585, 1586.

[0054] Only one of the friction riveted joints may be a high friction riveted joint, but many, or even all, of the friction riveted joints may be high friction joints.

[0055] Thus, the friction required by the stays is generated by the friction pivot joints 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584, 1585, 1586, and not by the carriages 1670, 1680 of conventional designs.

[0056] use 16-23 show the window stay in various positions suitable for use.

[0057] 16, 17 and 18 show the window stay in a first state, in which the selector 1620 is in the exit position. The sash plate 1320 is open to allow the window sash to open in a normal open position, but can be moved to a second state. In the first state, the position of the sash carriage 1370 is limited by the carriage engagement member 1602. The carriage engagement member 1602 projects through a hole 1612 into an indent 1375 in the sash carriage 1370. The indent 1375 is elongated to allow limited movement of the sash carriage 1370 longitudinally relative to the carriage engagement member 1602 and to allow movement of the selector 1620 between the cleaning mode and the exit mode.

[0058] The long arm carriage 1380 is free from the carriage engagement member 1601 and can move longitudinally along the frame plate 1300 without being restricted by the carriage engagement member 1601. In this state, the carriage engagement member 1601 protrudes into the hole 1621 and therefore does not protrude into the indent 1385 of the long arm carriage 1380.

[0059] However, longitudinal movement of the long arm carriage 1380 is limited by the carriage 1380 being attached to the long arm 1360 by mountings 1586, which in turn are connected to the sash plate 1320 and support arm 1330 by mountings 1584, 1585, respectively.

[0060] 19 shows the window stay in a second position suitable for allowing people to enter or exit through the window frame with the selector 1620 again in the exit position. The sash plate 1320 is opened, thereby positioning the window sash at approximately 90° to the window frame, such that the window sash is at one end of the frame plate 1300 and opens the window sash sufficiently to allow people to enter or exit from the window frame. The sash plate 1320 is at approximately 90° to the frame plate 1300.

[0061] As in the first state, in the second state the position of the sash carriage 1370 is restricted by the carriage engagement member 1602. The long arm carriage is not impeded by the carriage engagement member 1601. The window sash carriage 1370 has moved towards the sash end 1301 of the frame plate 1300. This occurs because the indent 1375 is elongated, which allows the sash carriage 1370 some longitudinal movement relative to the carriage engagement member 1602.

[0062] Because the long arm carriage 1380 is free from the carriage engagement member 1601, the long arm carriage 1380 can freely move longitudinally along the frame plate 1300 toward the sash side end 1301 of the frame plate 1300 without being restricted by the carriage engagement member 1601.

[0063] FIG. 20 shows the window stay in a third state, with the selector 1620 in the cleaning position.

[0064] The sash plate 1320 is positioned so that the window sash can be opened to a normal open position, but the sash plate 1320 and window stays can be moved to a fourth condition. In the third condition, the position of the sash carriage 1370 is not restricted by the carriage engagement member 1602. The carriage engagement member 1602 protrudes through the hole 1622 and therefore does not protrude into the indent 1375 of the sash carriage 1370.

[0065] In the third state, the position of the long arm carriage 1380 is limited by a carriage engagement member 1601. The carriage engagement member 1601 protrudes through a hole 1611 into an indent 1385 in the long arm carriage 1380. The indent 1385 is elongated to allow limited movement of the long arm carriage 1380 longitudinally relative to the carriage engagement member 1601 and to allow movement of the selector 1620 between the cleaning mode and the exit mode.

[0066] 20, 21 and 22 show the window stay in a fourth state, which is suitable for a person to clean the window sash. As in the third state, the selector 1620 is in cleaning mode. The sash plate 1320 is open, which positions the window sash at approximately 90° to the window frame. In the fourth state, the sash plate 1320 is connected longitudinally near the center of the window frame 1300, which allows a person access to both sides of the window sash for cleaning. The sash plate 1320 is at approximately 90° to the frame plate 1300.

[0067] Similar to the third state, in the fourth state, the position of the long arm carriage 1380 is restricted by the carriage engagement member 1601 and the position of the sash carriage 1370 is not restricted by the carriage engagement member 1602 .

[0068] Because the sash carriage 1370 is free from the carriage engagement member 1602, the window sash carriage 1370 is moving towards the long arm end 1302 of the frame plate 1300. Because the long arm carriage 380 is restrained by the carriage engagement member 1601, the long arm carriage 1380 does not move.

[0069] The transition between the exit mode and the cleaning mode can occur when the window sash, and therefore the sash plate 1320, is partially closed. This position can be seen in FIG.

[0070] In the transition position, the long arm carriage 1380 is positioned on the frame plate 1300 with indent 1385 over hole 1611, whether or not it is restrained by carriage engagement member 1601, similar to how the sash carriage 1370 is positioned on the frame plate 1300 with indent 1375 over hole 1612, whether or not it is restrained by carriage engagement member 1602. In the transition position, the selector 1620 can be moved from or to the sash end 1301 of the frame plate 1300, or from or to the long arm end 1302 of the frame plate 1300.

[0071] Assuming the selector 1620 is actuated in an exit mode in which the carriage engagement member 1602 protrudes from hole 1612 into indent 1375 as the selector 1620 moves toward the long arm end 1302 of the frame plate 1300, the carriage engagement member 1602 moves toward the long arm end 1302. The carriage engagement member 1602 moves from hole 1612 into hole 1622 in the frame plate 1300. At the same time, the carriage engagement member 1601 moves from hole 1621 to protrude from hole 1611 into indent 1385 of the long arm carriage 1380.

[0072] Thus, from an exit mode in which the movement of the sash carriage 1670 is restricted and the movement of the long arm carriage 1680 is not restricted, the selector 1620 moves to a position in which the movement of the long arm carriage 1680 is restricted and the movement of the sash carriage 1670 is not restricted by the carriage engagement members 1601, 1602.

[0073] interpretation Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof and these embodiments have been described in detail, this should not be construed as restricting or in any way limiting the scope of the appended claims to those details. Further advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described herein. Thus, departures may be made from the above details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

[0074] It is recognized that the terms "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising" can be interpreted in various jurisdictions in either an exclusive or an inclusive sense. For purposes of this specification, these terms have an inclusive meaning unless otherwise specified, i.e., these terms are interpreted to mean that they include the recited components to which their use is directly referred, and may also include other unlisted components or elements.

Claims

1. a carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; and Element having at least one friction pivot joint A window stay comprising: A window stay, wherein the friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joints.

2. The element has at least two friction couplings; 2. The window stay of claim 1, wherein a friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joint.

3. 3. A window stay according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the friction pivot joint is a friction rivet joint.

4. 4. The window stay of claim 3, wherein the friction riveted joint is a high friction riveted joint.

5. A window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the carriage is a low friction carriage.

6. 6. The window stay of claim 5, wherein the low friction carriage is made of a low friction plastic.

7. The window stay comprises a plurality of elements; A window stay according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the element is a stay.

8. The window stay further comprises a selector; A window stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay is operable in an exit mode.

9. The window stay further comprises a selector; A window stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay can operate in a cleaning mode.

10. 9. A window stay as claimed in claim 8, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay can operate in a cleaning mode.

11. the carriage slides along a channel in the frame plate; A window stay according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel is configured to minimise the accumulation of debris.

12. A window stay having an exit mode and / or a cleaning mode, The window stay comprises: a frame plate configured to be attached to a window frame; a sash plate configured for attachment to a window sash; a first carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a short arm connecting the first carriage to the sash panel; a second carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a long arm connecting the second carriage to the sash panel; and a plurality of pivot joints connecting the sash plate, the short arm, the long arm, the first carriage, and the second carriage; Equipped with At least one of the pivot joints is a friction pivot joint; A window stay, wherein the friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joints.

13. 13. The window stay of claim 12, wherein a plurality of said pivot joints are friction pivot joints.

14. 14. The window stay of claim 13, wherein the friction pivot joint is a friction rivet joint.

15. 15. The window stay of claim 14, wherein the friction rivet joint is a high friction rivet joint.

16. A window stay according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the carriage is a low friction carriage.

17. 17. The window stay of claim 16, wherein the low friction carriage is made from a low friction plastic.

18. The window stay further comprises a selector; A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the selector is operable to position at least one carriage so that the window stay is operable in an exit mode.

19. The window stay further comprises a selector; A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the selector is operable to position at least one carriage so that the window stay can operate in a cleaning mode.

20. 20. A window stay as claimed in claim 18, wherein the selector is operable to position at least one carriage so that the window stay is operable in a cleaning mode.

21. the carriage slides along a channel in the frame plate; A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the channel is configured to minimise the accumulation of debris.

22. a first carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a second carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a first carriage engagement member and a second carriage engagement member; and A selector configured to slide on the frame plate A window stay comprising: In a first position, the selector positions the first carriage engagement member to limit movement of the first carriage and positions the second carriage engagement member so that the second carriage engagement member does not limit movement of the second carriage, and in a second position, the selector positions the first carriage engagement member so that the first carriage engagement member does not limit movement of the first carriage and positions the second carriage engagement member to limit movement of the second carriage; A window stay, wherein one end of the selector does not pivot about the other end of the selector as the selector moves between the first position and the second position.

23. at least one element having at least two friction pivot joints; 23. A window stay as claimed in claim 22, wherein the friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joints.

24. The window stay comprises a plurality of elements; 24. A window stay as claimed in claim 23, wherein the element is a stay.

25. A window stay according to any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein the friction pivot joint is a friction rivet joint.

26. 26. A window stay as claimed in claim 25, wherein the friction rivet joint is a high friction rivet joint.

27. A window stay according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the carriage is a low friction carriage.

28. 28. The window stay of claim 27, wherein the low friction carriage is made from a low friction plastic.

29. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay is operable in an exit mode.

30. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay can operate in a cleaning mode.

31. 30. A window stay as claimed in claim 29, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay can operate in a cleaning mode.

32. the carriage slides along a channel in the frame plate; A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein the channel is configured to minimise the accumulation of debris.

33. A window stay according to any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the engagement members are spheres.

34. 34. The window stay of claim 33, wherein the sphere is a ball bearing.

35. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the engagement member is a double-ended bullet.

36. A window stay having an exit mode and / or a cleaning mode, The window stay comprises: a frame plate configured to be attached to a window frame; a sash plate configured for attachment to a window sash; a first carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a short arm connecting the first carriage to the sash panel; a second carriage configured to slide on the frame plate; a long arm connecting said second carriage to said sash panel; a first carriage engagement member and a second carriage engagement member; and A selector configured to slide on the frame plate Equipped with In a first position, the selector positions the first carriage engagement member to limit movement of the first carriage and positions the second carriage engagement member so that the second carriage engagement member does not limit movement of the second carriage, and in a second position, the selector positions the first carriage engagement member so that the first carriage engagement member does not limit movement of the first carriage and positions the second carriage engagement member to limit movement of the second carriage; A window stay, wherein one end of the selector does not pivot about the other end of the selector as the selector moves between the first position and the second position.

37. the frame plate, the sash, the first carriage, the short arm, the second carriage, and the long arm are connected using friction pivot joints; 37. A window stay as defined in claim 36, wherein the friction force between the carriage and the frame plate is less than the total friction force applied by the friction pivot joints.

38. 38. The window stay of claim 37, wherein the friction pivot joint is a friction rivet joint.

39. 39. A window stay as claimed in claim 38, wherein the friction rivet joint is a high friction rivet joint.

40. A window stay according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the carriage is a low friction carriage.

41. 41. The window stay of claim 40, wherein the low friction carriage is made from a low friction plastic.

42. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay is operable in an exit mode.

43. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay can operate in a cleaning mode.

44. 43. A window stay as claimed in claim 42, wherein the selector is operable to position the carriage so that the window stay can operate in a cleaning mode.

45. the carriage slides along a channel in the frame plate; A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein the channel is configured to minimise the accumulation of dirt.

46. A window stay according to any one of claims 36 to 45, wherein the engagement member is a sphere.

47. 47. The window stay of claim 46, wherein the sphere is a ball bearing.

48. A window stay as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 45, wherein the engagement member is a double ended bullet.

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