A roof window

Abstract

 A roof window comprising a frame, a sash pivotably mounted on the frame via a first sash pivot member located proximal to an end of the frame, a hood fixable to the frame at or about this end for weather proofing the end of the frame and the gap between the frame and the sash. The hood is fixed so that no part of the hood is movable with the sash, the first sash pivot member being located between the frame and the sash so that the sash is openable through its full range of movement about the first sash pivot member without interfering with or contacting the hood.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to roof window and in particular to a top hung roof window.

[0002] Roof windows have become a commonly used building and architectural tool to provide additional light and ventilation to rooms having pitched roofs. Many variations of roof windows exist all based around the same premise of a pivoted rotating sash and surrounding frame. Perhaps the most typical roof windows currently in use are those with a centrally pivoted sash which provide additional light and ventilation as described but do have certain drawbacks due to their configuration. Firstly, due to the nature of the central pivot, the sash must protrude into the room when opened at a wider angle. This protrusion may be acceptable where space exists to accommodate, however where space is limited this can become an issue. In addition, when the angle of opening of the sash of a centrally pivoted roof window is opened beyond a certain point, it becomes less effective at directing rain from above past the window opening which can result in ingress of water where a window has been left wide open during heavy rain. Moreover, the nature of the centrally pivoted sash results in the sash taking up a position in the center of the window opening even when fully opened. While the sash does not affect the level of light or ventilation in this central position, it may become an issue should an individual be required to exit the window opening in an emergency.

[0003] Solutions have been developed which address the issues caused by centrally pivoted roof window variants, the most effective of which utilize a top pivoting sash which allows the window to pivot open from the top (see figures A to D). This top pivoting variant provides an unobstructed opening and allows the sash S to provide precipitation cover for the opening when necessary. Moreover, the sash S opens outwards and does not protrude into the room in the open position, making this type of window more viable for installations where room space is limited.

[0004] While the above solution does address the problems detailed above, other issues arise from the top pivot nature of the window. Firstly, the centrally pivoted window is extremely easy to clean as when it is rotated to or beyond a horizontal or near horizontal position, the exterior pane of glass can be easily reached for cleaning. In the case of the top pivoted window, the exterior pane of glass only moves away from the user as it is opened and as a result is extremely difficult to clean properly without the ability to be present on the roof.

[0005] In addition, from a manufacturing standpoint, the upper hood H on many centrally pivoted roof windows covers a 3-5 inch portion of the upper outer frame F and sash S and the gap therebetween which does not cause issue as the upper portion of the window rotates inward. In the case of the top hung window, the sash S rotates outward from its upper pivot point and as a result, the outward moving sash S can interfere with the hood H structure as it moves. For this reason a hood H must be designed to be fitted to the sash S and move with it through its range of motion. The different hood H requirements result in the need for two separate hoods H to be designed and manufactured, one to suit a top pivoting model and another to fit a centrally pivoting model, resulting in additional manufacturing expense and complexity. Moreover, a hood H that moves with the sash can causes issues regarding water ingress at the rear joint about which the hood H rotates and methods to attempt to address this issue give rise to additional sealing requirements in a multi-part hood (see figures A, B, C, and D) which further add to the complexity and cost of the component. A gutter G and movable hood H are required for this type of design with the gutter G mounted on the frame F and the movable hood H mounted on the sash S.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of having two different hoods for a top pivoting roof window and a centrally pivoting roof window.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a roof window comprising a frame, a sash pivotably mounted on the frame via a first sash pivot means locatable proximal to an end of the frame, a hood fixable to the frame at or about this end for weather proofing the end of the frame and the gap between the frame and the sash, the hood being fixed so that no part of the hood is movable with the sash, the first sash pivot means being located between the frame and the sash so that the sash is openable through its full range of movement about the first sash means without interfering with or contacting the hood.

[0008] Ideally, the first sash pivot means is locatable proximal to the upper end of the frame in use.

[0009] Advantageously, the roof window having a first sash pivot means located proximal to the top end of the frame means that the top pivoting roof window can be fitted with the same hood as used on a centrally pivoted roof window. Even with a hood that is completely fixed to the frame, the sash can still open freely to its full extent without contacting the hood structure. This universal hood results in a significant reduction in manufacturing complexity and cost associated with producing two hoods.

[0010] Preferably, the first sash pivot means is located between the frame and the sash proximal to the upper main planar surface of the frame and the sash.

[0011] Ideally, the frame comprises at least four elongate frame members joined about their ends forming a quadrangular shaped frame defining a central aperture.

[0012] Preferably, the perimeter of the hood is mechanically coupled to a surface of the frame having a plane substantially parallel to the main plane of the roof window.

[0013] Ideally, the main body and the free edge of the hood is spaced apart a distance from the main plane of the upward facing surface of the roof window, the distance being measured in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the roof window.

[0014] Ideally, the first sash pivot means is locatable a pre-determined distance from the top of the frame in a direction parallel to the main plane of the roof window sufficient to allow full range of motion of the sash pivoting about the first sash pivot means without contact with the hood.

[0015] Ideally, the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located the same distance from the end of the frame in a direction parallel to the main plane of the roof window as the free edge of the hood.

[0016] Preferably, the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located a short distance in front of or behind the free edge of the hood, again the distance being measured from the end of the frame in a plane parallel to the main plane of the roof window.

[0017] Ideally, the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located less than 30mm in front of or behind the bottom edge of the hood, the distance being measured from the end of the frame in a plane parallel to the main plane of the roof window.

[0018] Preferably, the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located less than 20mm in front of or behind the bottom edge of the hood, the distance being measured from the end of the frame in a plane parallel to the main plane of the roof window.

[0019] Ideally, the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located less than 10mm in front of or behind the bottom edge of the hood, the distance being measured from the end of the frame in a plane parallel to the main plane of the roof window.

[0020] Ideally, the sash comprises a sub-frame and inner sash.

[0021] Preferably, the inner sash comprises at least four elongate frame members joined about their ends forming a quadrangular shaped sub-frame defining a central aperture.

[0022] Preferably, the inner sash is mountable on the sub-frame.

[0023] Ideally, the inner sash is movably attachable to the sub-frame.

[0024] Preferably, the first sash pivot means is operable between the frame and the sub-frame.

[0025] Ideally, the frame has a pivotal coupling component.

[0026] Preferably, the sub-frame has a correspondingly located pivotal coupling component.

[0027] Ideally, the first sash pivot means comprises the frame pivotal coupling component and the sub-frame pivotal coupling component.

[0028] Preferably, the frame and sub-frame are adapted to allow the part of the sub-frame above the first sash pivot means to rotate into a room.

[0029] Ideally, the sub-frame has two lateral members and a cross member connected between one end of each lateral member.

[0030] Preferably, the lateral members have a means for coupling the inner sash thereto at their other ends.

[0031] Ideally, the lateral members have the sub-frame pivotal coupling component mounted thereon between their ends.

[0032] Preferably, the part of the lateral members above the first sash pivot means are stepped inwards towards each other.

[0033] Preferably, the sub-frame pivotal coupling component is a bracket.

[0034] Ideally, the bracket is fixable at a first end to the lateral member of the sub-frame at or about the frame pivotal coupling component.

[0035] Alternatively, the lateral member is integral with the bracket.

[0036] Ideally, the bracket is disposed between each lateral member and the cross member.

[0037] Preferably, the bracket is fixable to the cross member of the sub-frame at a second end of the bracket.

[0038] Ideally, the cross member carries a latch component of a latch operable between the inner sash and the sub-frame. Advantageously, this latch retains the sub frame and the inner sash together so that they pivot about the first sash pivot means as a single unit.

[0039] Ideally, at a position above the axis of rotation of the fist sash pivot means, both brackets are stepped laterally inwards away from the lateral member of the sub-frame.

[0040] Preferably, the cross member of the sub-frame and at least part of the bracket are rotatable into the room about the first sash pivot means.

[0041] Ideally, the frame has relief means on at least part of at least two mutually opposing internal surfaces of the frame.

[0042] Advantageously, the relief means prevents the sub frame from being pulled inwards beyond a point where damage to the roof window could occur. It provides a support surface for at least part of the sash to contact and rest against in the closed position.

[0043] Ideally, the relief means is provided by a shoulder protruding into the opening from at least two mutually opposing internal surfaces of the frame.

[0044] Preferably, the shoulder is provided on both pairs of mutually opposing internal surfaces of the frame.

[0045] Advantageously, the step of the lateral member/bracket allows the sash to be pivotally connected to the frame a distance away from the ends of the frame and sash while still allowing free movement of the portion of the sash above the first sash pivot means past the relief means of the frame at its top end where the sash and in particular the cross member carrying the latch component must move inwards.

[0046] Alternatively, the relief has a cut-out for allowing movement of the portion of the sash above the first sash pivot means past the frame at its top end where this portion of the sash must move inwards into the room.

[0047] Ideally, the roof window has a first latching means.

[0048] Preferably, the first latching means is operable between the frame and the sash to releasably connect the frame and the sash.

[0049] Ideally, the first latching means has an open position wherein the sash is free to rotate about the first sash pivot means.

[0050] Advantageously, the first latching means allows the sash to open from its top pivoted position, but also secures the frame and sash together in a window closed position.

[0051] Preferably, the first latching means is locatable at the end of the frame and sash distal the first sash pivot means, preferably the bottom end.

[0052] Ideally, the first latching means is a latching handle on the sash and handle keeper on the frame.

[0053] Preferably, the roof window has a second inner sash hinge means locatable below the first sash pivot means.

[0054] Ideally, the second inner sash hinge means is locatable between the sub-frame and inner sash frame.

[0055] Preferably, the second inner sash hinge means is locatable in a substantially central position of the frame.

[0056] Ideally, the second inner sash hinge means is a two part hinge.

[0057] Preferably, the two part hinge has a sub frame mounted component.

[0058] Ideally, the two part hinge has an inner sash mounted component.

[0059] Preferably, the inner sash mounted component is movably engagable with the sub frame mounted component.

[0060] Ideally, the inner sash mounted component is rotatably engagable with the sub frame mounted component.

[0061] Preferably, the inner sash mounted component is pivotably engagable with the sub frame mounted component.

[0062] Ideally, the sub-frame mounted component is mounted on the ends of each lateral member distal the cross member.

[0063] Preferably, the second inner sash hinge means work in a similar way to the two part hinge of a centrally mounted roof window.

[0064] Ideally, the roof window has a second latching means.

[0065] Preferably, the second latching means is operable between the inner sash and the sub-frame.

[0066] Ideally, the second latching means has an engaged position wherein the inner sash and sub-frame are connected together.

[0067] Advantageously, when opening the window using the first latching means by rotation about the first sash pivot means, the sub-frame and inner sash remain connected and are moveable together.

[0068] Preferably, the second latching means has a released position wherein the inner sash and sub-frame are disconnected and the inner sash is rotatable about the second inner sash hinge means.

[0069] Advantageously, the first latching means can be engaged while the second latching means is disengaged, allowing the inner sash to be pivoted and rotated about the second inner sash hinge means permitting easy cleaning of the outer glass.

[0070] Ideally, the second latching means is locatable between the top of the inner sash frame and the cross member of the sub-frame.

[0071] Preferably, the second latching means is operable by a vent flap on the inner sash.

[0072] Ideally, means for assisting the opening of the sash are coupled between the frame and the sash to assist a user with opening the sash.

[0073] Advantageously, when the window is opened by disengaging the first latching means and combined rotation of the sub-frame and inner sash about the first sash pivot means, the movement of the sash is aided by the assisting means.

[0074] Preferably, the sash assist means are hydraulic rams.

[0075] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:-

[0076] Figure A is a perspective view of a prior art roof window having a hood movable with the sash;

[0077] Figure B is an exploded perspective view of the hood and channel arrangement used on a prior art roof window having a hood movable with the sash;

[0078] Figure C is a side view of a prior art roof window having a hood movable with the sash;

[0079] Figure D is a vertical side cross sectional view of the upper sash pivot detail of a prior art roof window having a hood movable with the sash;

[0080] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an upper corner of the frame and sub-frame showing the latching means and first sash pivot means;

[0081] Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of a side portion of the sub-frame showing the central hinge means and first sash pivot means;

[0082] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a roof window showing the inner sash rotated inwards at its top end about the central hinge means;

[0083] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a roof window showing the inner sash rotated outwards at its bottom end about the first sash pivot means;

[0084] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a roof window with the inner sash rotated outwards at its bottom end about the first sash pivot means and showing an exploded cross section of the hood and sash interaction in the open position;

[0085] Figure 6 is a vertical cross sectional view of the first sash pivot and hood of a roof window with the inner sash rotated outwards at its bottom end about the first sash pivot means;

[0086] Figure 7 is a side view of a roof window showing the sub-frame rotated outwards about the first sash pivot and having a second representation of the inner sash being rotated outwards about the central hinge means superimposed thereon;

[0087] Figure 8 is a detail perspective view with the frame partially cut away showing the relationship between the first sash pivot member, the sash and the hood with the sash in a closed position;

[0088] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the roof window with the sash in an open position;

[0089] Figure 10 is a section view showing the relationship between the first sash pivot member, the sash and the hood with the sash in a closed position;

[0090] Figure 11 is a section view showing the relationship between the first sash pivot member, the sash and the hood with the sash in a closed position;

[0091] In the drawings, there is shown a roof window indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprising a frame 2, a sash 3 pivotally mounted on the frame 2 via a first sash pivot 4 located proximal to an end 5 of the frame 2. A hood 6 is fixed to the frame 2 at or about this end for weather proofing the end of the frame 2 and the gap 7 between the frame 2 and the sash 3. The hood 6 is fixed so that no part of it is movable with the sash 3. The first sash pivot 4 is located on the frame 2 and the sash 3 so that the sash 3 can be opened through its full range of movement without interfering with or contacting the hood 6 (see figures 4, 5, and 6). The first sash pivot 4 is located on the frame 2 and the sash 3 proximal to the upper main planar surface of these components.

[0092] The roof window 1 having a first sash pivot 4 located proximal to the top end 5 of the frame 2 means that the top pivoting roof window 1 can be fitted with the same hood 6 as used on a centrally pivoted roof window. Even with a hood 6 that is completely fixed to the frame 2, the sash 3 can still open freely to its full extent without contacting the hood 6. This universal hood 6 results in a significant reduction in manufacturing complexity and cost associated with producing two hoods.

[0093] The frame 2 has four elongate frame members 8, 9, 10, 11 joined about their ends forming a quadrangular shaped frame 2 defining a central aperture 12. The perimeter of the hood 6 is mechanically coupled to a surface of the frame 2 (see figure 5) having a plane substantially parallel to the main plane of the roof window 1.

[0094] The first sash pivot 4 is locatable a pre-determined distance 14 from the top 5 of the frame 2 in a direction parallel to the main plane of the roof window 1 sufficient to allow full range of motion of the sash 3 without contact with the hood 6. The axis of rotation of the first sash pivot 4 is located the same distance from the end 5 of the frame 2 in a direction parallel to the main plane of the roof window 1 as the free edge 15 of the hood 6.

[0095] The sash 3 has a sub-frame 16 and inner sash 17, see figure 7. The inner sash 17 comprises at least four elongate frame members 18 joined about their ends forming a quadrangular shaped sub-frame defining a central aperture 19 for carrying a pane of glass 13.

[0096] The inner sash 17 is movably mounted on the sub-frame 16 and the first sash pivot 4 is operable between the frame 2 and the sub-frame 16. The first sash pivot 4 comprises the frame pivotal coupling component (not shown) and the sub-frame pivotal coupling bracket 20. The sub-frame 16 is adapted to allow the part of the sub-frame 16 above the first sash pivot 4 to rotate into a room when the sash 3 is pivoted about pivot 4.

[0097] The sub-frame 16 has two lateral members 22 and a cross member 23 connected between one end of each lateral member 22. The lateral members 22 have a hinge component 32, 33 for coupling the inner sash 17 thereto at their other ends and have the sub-frame pivotal coupling bracket 20 mounted thereon between their ends. The part of the lateral members 25 above the first sash pivot 4 are stepped inwards towards each other.

[0098] The sub-frame pivotal coupling bracket 20 is fixed at a first end 26 to the lateral member 22 of the sub-frame 16 at or about the frame pivotal coupling component (not shown) or alternatively the two components are formed from the same piece of material. The bracket 20 is fixed to the cross member 23 of the sub-frame 16 at the second end 27 of the bracket 20.

[0099] The cross member 23 carries a second latch component 24 of a second latch 41 operable between the inner sash 17 and the sub-frame 16. This second latch 41 retains the sub frame 16 and the inner sash 17 together so that they pivot about the first sash pivot 4 as a single unit. At a position above the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot 4, both brackets 20 are stepped laterally inwards away from the lateral member 22 of the sub-frame 16 and at least part of the brackets 20 and the cross member 23 are rotatable into the room about the first sash pivot 4.

[0100] The frame 2 has relief members 28 on at least two mutually opposing internal surfaces 29 of the frame 2. The relief members 28 prevent the lateral members of the sub-frame 16 from being pulled inwards beyond a point where damage to the roof window 1 could occur. It provides a support surface for the sub-frame 16 to contact and rest against in the closed position. The relief members 28 are provided by a shoulder 28 protruding into the opening from one or both pairs of mutually opposing internal surfaces 29 of the frame 2.

[0101] The step of the bracket 20 allows the sash 3 to be pivotally connected to the frame 2 a distance away from the ends of the frame 2 and sash 3 while still allowing free movement of the portion of the sash 3 and sub-frame 16 above the first sash pivot 4 past the relief members 28 of the frame 2 at its top end 5 where the sash 3 and in particular the cross member 23 carrying the second latch component 24 must move inwards.

[0102] The roof window 1 also has a first latching member 31, see figure 7, operable between the frame 2 and the sash 3 to releasably connect the frame 2 and the sash 3 allowing the sash 3 to open from its top pivoted position (see figure 4, 5, and 6), but also securing the frame 2 and sash 3 together in a window closed position. The first latching member has a latching handle 31 on the sash 3 and handle keeper (not shown) on the frame 2.

[0103] The roof window 1 has a second inner sash hinge 32 locatable below the first sash pivot 4 in a generally central position on the frame 2 and between the sub-frame 16 and inner sash frame 17. The second inner sash hinge 32 is a two part hinge having a sub frame mounted component 33, see figure 2, and an inner sash mounted component (not shown), the two hinge components 33 being rotatably engaged with one another. The sub-frame mounted component 33 is mounted on the ends of each lateral member 22 distal the cross member 23.

[0104] The second latch 41, see figure 6, is operable between the inner sash 17 and the sub-frame 16. When opening the roof window 1 using the latching handle 31 by rotation about the first sash pivot 4, the sub-frame 16 and inner sash 17 remain connected and are moveable together. The first latching member 31 can be dis-engaged while the second latch 41, 24 is also disengaged, allowing the inner sash 17 to be pivoted and rotated about the second inner sash hinge 32 permitting easy cleaning of the outer glass 33, see superimposed view in figure 7. The second latch 41, 24 is located between the top of the inner sash frame 17 and the cross member 23 of the sub-frame 16 and can be released by a vent flap 34, see figure 6, on the inner sash 17.

[0105] When the roof window 1 is opened by disengaging the first latching member 30 and combined rotation of the sub-frame 16 and inner sash 17 about the first sash pivot 4, the movement of the sash 3 is aided by the hydraulic rams 35, see figure 4.

[0106] Referring to the drawings and in particular to Figure 8 there is shown a detail perspective view with the frame 51 partially cut away showing the relationship between the first sash pivot member 52, the sash subframe 53 and a c-channel covering member 54 and the hood 55 with the sash subframe 53 in a closed position. The pivotal axis of the first sash pivot member 52 is located proximal to the free edge of the hood 55. The proximity of the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot member 52 is one aspect of the geometry of the roof window which allows the sash to pivot about this top hung position without interfering in any way with the hood 55. Figure 9 illustrates this technical function where the sash pivots about the first sash pivot member 52 into a fully open position without interfering with the hood 55. Figure 10 is a section view showing the relationship between the first sash pivot member 52, the sash subframe 53 and the hood 55 with the sash in a closed position. The c-channel covering member 54 is designed with an arcuate section located between the first sash pivot member 52 and the hood 55 so that this portion of the c-channel covering member 54 can rotate past the free edge of the hood 55 without interfering or engaging therewith as the sash pivots open from the top hung position. Figure 11 is a section view showing the relationship between the first sash pivot member 52, the sash subframe 53 and the hood 55 with the sash in a closed position.

[0107] In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

[0108] In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0109] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roof window comprising a frame, a sash pivotably mounted on the frame via a first sash pivot means located proximal to an end of the frame, a hood fixable to the frame at or about this end for weather proofing the end of the frame and the gap between the frame and the sash, the hood being fixed so that no part of the hood is movable with the sash, the first sash pivot means being located between the frame and the sash so that the sash is openable through its full range of movement about the first sash pivot means without interfering with or contacting the hood.

2. A roof window as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sash pivot means is located proximal to an upper end of the frame in use.

3. A roof window as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first sash pivot means is located between the frame and the sash proximal to the upper main planar surface of the frame.

4. A roof window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a perimeter of the hood is coupled to the frame.

5. A roof window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body and the free edge of the hood is spaced apart a distance from the main plane of the upward facing surface of the roof window, the distance being measured in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the roof window.

6. A roof window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sash pivot means is locatable a pre-determined distance from the top of the frame in a direction parallel to the main plane of the roof window sufficient to allow full range of motion of the sash pivoting about the first sash pivot means without the sash coming into contact with the hood.

7. A roof window as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 when dependent on claim 5,
wherein an axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located the same distance from the end of the frame in a direction parallel to the main plane of the roof window as the free edge of the hood.

8. A roof window as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 when dependent on claim 5,
wherein an axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located a short distance in front of or behind the free edge of the hood, again the distance being measured from the end of the frame in a plane parallel to the main plane of the roof window.

9. A roof window as claimed in claim 8, wherein the axis of rotation of the first sash pivot means is located less than 30mm in front of or behind the free edge of the hood, the distance being measured from the end of the frame on which the hood is mounted in a plane parallel to the main plane of the roof window.

10. A roof window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sash comprises a sub-frame and inner sash, the inner sash being movably attachable to the sub-frame.

11. A roof window as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first sash pivot means is operable between the frame and the sub-frame.

12. A roof window as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the frame has a pivotal coupling component, the sub-frame has a correspondingly located pivotal coupling component and the first sash pivot means comprises the frame pivotal coupling component and the sub-frame pivotal coupling component.

13. A roof window as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the frame and sub-frame are adapted to allow the part of the sub-frame above the first sash pivot means to rotate into a room.

14. A roof window as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the sub-frame has two lateral members and a cross member connected between one end of each lateral member, the lateral members have the sub-frame pivotal coupling component mounted thereon between their ends.

15. A roof window as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the part of the lateral members above the first sash pivot means are stepped inwards towards each other so as to be pivotable into the space past the correspondingly positioned section of the frame therebelow.

Drawing