Patent Publication Number: US-9428909-B2

Title: Mounting bracket for a window

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The instant application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/319,386 filed Nov. 8, 2011, pending, is a national phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/GB2010/050759, filed on May 10, 2010, and claims priority to GB Patent Application Serial No. 0907951.8, filed on May 8, 2009, pending, the entire specifications of all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     The present invention relates to window installations for inclined roofs, in particular to a mounting bracket suitable for mounting such a roof window to a roof. 
     Roof windows, or skylights, which are fitted to sloping or inclined roof surfaces typically compromise a main frame structure and a openable sash structure, each having top, bottom and side members, the main frame being mountable to the roof structural members and the sash being pivotally mounted to the main frame about an axis of rotation parallel with the respective top and bottom members. During installation care must be taken to ensure that the roof window is mounted to the roof at a correct height above the surrounding roof surface in order to accommodate the particular roof covering used or to be used, the various possible roof covering materials often varying widely in thickness and type. 
     Presently, fixtures are provided as separate items which must be attached to the window assembly by the persons installing the windows and often there can be confusion as to their correct usage in terms of setting the correct height of the window as well as overall positioning and alignment. As a result correct installation of a roof window can be a time consuming activity that is fraught with potential error and is unsuitable for unskilled workers. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to alleviate the disadvantages associated with the prior art. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a mounting bracket for a roof window comprising frame mountable means, roof mountable means and hinge means for mechanically coupling the roof mountable means and the frame mountable means together so that the roof mountable means is movable between an out of use storage position and an in use mounting position, wherein the location of the pivotal point of the hinge means is movable/adjustable. 
     Advantageously, the roof mountable means can be moved pivotally relative to the frame mountable means and therefore pivotally relative to the frame when the mounting bracket is mounted on the window frame. This means that the mounting bracket can be stowed substantially within the boundary of the frame during transport and hinged into the mounting position for installation. However, the design of the mounting bracket to facilitate movement of the pivotal point of the hinge means also allows the roof mountable means to be adjustable relative to the frame mountable means and consequently the window frame in a plane substantially parallel to a vertical surface of the window frame in use. 
     Ideally, the hinge means has guide means and slide means. Advantageously, the guide means and the slide means allows the position of the pivotal point of the hinge means to be easily moved in a controlled manner. This slide means and guide means also helps to ensure the adjustability of the mounting bracket between the out of use storage position and the in use mounting position is intuitive for the person installing the roof window. 
     Preferably, the location of the slide means is adjustable along the guide means. 
     Ideally, the mounting bracket has means for releasably fixing the location of the roof mountable means relative to the frame mountable means at one or more in use mounting positions. Advantageously, the releasable fixing means allows the installer to select the appropriate position for the roof mountable means to be fixed relative to the frame mounting means. A number of options are engineered into the mounting bracket based on a number of different types of roof covering materials with a different depth dimension. The off site prefixing of the position of the in use bracket mounting positions means that the installer has no measuring, awkward holding or additional screwing to do in situ on the roof. 
     Preferably, the guide means comprises a pair of spaced apart mutually opposing slots. 
     Ideally, the slide means comprises a pair of lugs for slidable engagement in the slots. Advantageously, the lugs and slots provide a simple mechanical engineering solution to allow the pivotal point of the hinge means to be adjusted along a preset track. This allows the roof mountable means to be intuitively adjusted between the out of use storage position and a range of in use mounting positions. 
     Ideally, the spaced apart slots are formed on the roof mountable means or the frame mountable means. Advantageously, the slots are prefabricated and preferably pressed into either component of the mounting bracket during the manufacturing process. 
     Preferably, the pair of lugs extend from the roof mountable means or the frame mountable means. Advantageously, the lugs are prefabricated into either component of the mounting bracket during the manufacturing process. 
     Ideally, the spaced apart slots are rectilinear or curvilinear. Advantageously, the curvilinear slots accommodate the roof mountable means to be stowed in an out of use position on an adjacent frame member of the roof window frame. 
     Preferably, the guide means comprises a guide pin and the slide means comprises a collar. 
     Ideally, the releasable fixing means comprises male and female members provided between the roof mountable means and the frame mountable means. Advantageously, the male and female releasable fixing members pre engineered into the mounting bracket accommodate quick and safe locating of the roof mountable means in one of a range of in use mounting positions subject to the specific roofing materials to be used. 
     Preferably, the releasable fixing means comprises one or more tongues for interaction with one or more grooves. 
     Ideally, the releasable fixing means comprises visible indicia means where the mounting bracket has two or more in use mounting positions. Advantageously, the roof window installation instructions will advise which visible indicia means corresponds to which roof covering material. Again, the technical advantage achieved is that the fitter installing the roof window does not have to measure the position each bracket should be set at for a particular roof covering material. The installer simply selects one of the prefixed positions as indicated on the installation instructions and clicks the mounting bracket into place. 
     Preferably, the visible indicia means comprises colour coded plugs formed for insertion into grooves. Advantageously, the installer is required to make a positive decision and action to remove a colour coded plug dependent on the roof covering material being installed on the roof. 
     Ideally, urging means are provided for urging the roof mountable means into either or both of the out of use storage position and the in use mounting position. Advantageously, the urging means removes the requirement for the roof mountable means to be temporarily fixed onto the frame in the storage position and also removes the requirement for temporary pinning means to hold the roof mountable means in the in use position. The urging means provides the mounting bracket with inbuilt flick fit technology giving the installer reassuring sensory feedback indicating a secure and accurate fitting of the mounting bracket. 
     Preferably, the urging means is provided by biasing means or magnetic means. 
     Ideally, the biasing means is a leaf spring acting on a portion of the roof mountable means. 
     Accordingly, the present invention also provides a roof window with a plurality of mounting brackets as outlined above. 
     Accordingly, the present invention also provides a mounting bracket for a roof window comprising frame mountable means, roof mountable means and means for mechanically coupling the roof mountable means and the frame mountable means together so that the roof mountable means is movable between an out of use storage position and an in use mounting position and urging means for urging the roof mountable means into either or both of the out of use storage position and the in use mounting position. The advantages of the features highlighted above apply equally to the same features recited below in relation to this aspect of the invention. 
     Ideally, the mechanical coupling means is a hinge means. 
     Ideally, the urging means is provided by biasing means or magnetic means. 
     Preferably, the biasing means is a leaf spring acting on a portion of the roof mountable means. 
     Ideally, the location of the pivotal point of the hinge means is movable/adjustable. 
     Preferably, the hinge means has guide means and slide means. 
     Ideally, the location of the slide means is adjustable along the guide means. 
     Preferably, the mounting bracket has means for releasably fixing the location of the roof mountable means relative to the frame mountable means at one or more in use mounting positions. 
     Ideally, the guide means comprises a pair of spaced apart mutually opposing slots and the slide means comprises a pair of lugs for slidable engagement in the slots. 
     Preferably, the spaced apart slots are formed on the roof mountable means or the frame mountable means. 
     Ideally, the pair of lugs extend from the roof mountable means or the frame mountable means. 
     Preferably, the spaced apart slots are rectilinear or curvilinear. 
     Ideally, the guide means comprises a guide pin and the slide means comprises a collar. 
     Preferably, the releasable fixing means comprises male and female members provided between the roof mountable means and the frame mountable means. 
     Ideally, the releasable fixing means comprises one or more tongues for interaction with one or more grooves. 
     Preferably, the releasable fixing means comprises visible indicia means where the mounting bracket has two or more in use mounting positions. 
     Ideally, the visible indicia means comprise colour coded plugs formed for insertion into grooves. 
     A roof window with a plurality of mounting brackets as outlined above in relation to this aspect of the invention. 
     Conveniently, the roof mountable means is further adapted for attachment to a roof member such as a rafter or a lathe extending between adjacent rafters. 
     Advantageously, the roof mountable means is removably attachable to the frame mountable means. 
     Alternatively, the roof mountable means can be attached to the frame mountable means by hooks, catches, claps, screws, bolts or other suitable means. 
     Ideally, the frame mountable means is at least one mounting plate. 
     Preferably, the at least one mounting plate has at least one protruding tongue. 
     Alternatively, the frame mountable means is in the form of any one or more of, or combination of, the following: rail(s); recess(es); insert(s); pre-located or pre-drilled hole(s); pre-located screw(s); pre-located bolt(s); pre-located dowel(s); pre-machined locating slot(s). It should be appreciated that this is not exhaustive and that other suitable means can be used. 
     Conveniently, the at least one mounting plate is provided with one or more locating tabs. 
     Ideally, the one or more locating tabs project perpendicularly from one edge of the mounting plate to ensure accurate alignment of said mounting plate along the edge of a window frame member against which the tab or tabs engage. 
     Preferably, the roof mountable means comprises a substantially L-shaped bracket member having a first leg and a second leg. 
     Ideally, the first leg is coupled to the hinge means. 
     Preferably, the first leg has one or more grooves mountable onto the one or more tongues of the mounting plate. 
     Ideally, the second leg has means for coupling the L-shaped bracket member to the roof. 
     In a first embodiment, the first leg is adapted to reside substantially within a space defined by a cut-out portion on the mounting plate when the second leg is attached to the roof structure. 
     Preferably, on opposing side edges of the first leg there are provided opposing first and second pairs of lugs which extend laterally outwardly from said leg. 
     Conveniently, the first pair of lugs are adapted for slidable and pivotal cooperation with guide members provided on the mounting plate so that the L-shaped bracket can be moved laterally relative said mounting plate and can be pivoted relative said mounting plate. 
     Conveniently, the guide members provided on the mounting plate also provide the hinge means by which the L-shaped bracket is attached to the mounting plate. 
     Advantageously, the second pair of lugs function as stops which dwell within pairs of spaced part complementary recesses provided on the mounting plate when a desired mounting position is selected. 
     Advantageously, the complementary recesses provided on the mounting plate define predetermined first and second detent positions for the L-shaped bracket to observe, each detent position dependent upon the thickness of the type of roof covering the be used e.g. slate or tile, and which in turn determines the height of the window frame with respect to the surrounding roof surface. 
     Optionally, the mounting plate may be provided with additional complementary recesses so that additional predetermined detent positions for the L-shaped bracket to observe are provided thereby enabling a greater degree of mounting bracket adjustability. 
     Conveniently, the mounting plate is further provided with an elongate tab which extends at least partially over the cut-out portion of said mounting plate and which contacts the upper surface of the first leg in an overlapping manner when the mounting bracket is in an in-use position. 
     Advantageously, the tab provides additional rigidity to the mounting bracket and prevents the L-shaped bracket from rotatably moving or flexing relative the mounting plate when the mounting bracket is fastened to a window frame member and a roof member. 
     Advantageously, the L-shaped bracket can be pivoted backwardly over the mounting plate so that a roof window assembly incorporating the mounting brackets of the invention can be pre-packaged and delivered on-site with said mounting brackets already mounted in position and the L-shaped brackets conveniently stowed away without protruding outwardly from the window assembly. 
     In a second embodiment of the invention, the mounting plate is mountable over a groove or channel provided on the window frame member, the channel being provided with an urging means such as a spring which is insertable therein and which is engageable with the first leg of the L-shaped bracket when the mounting bracket is mounted to the window frame member. It will of course be appreciated that the groove or channel is one way of providing sufficient space for the urging means to function and is not an essential feature for the mounting bracket with an urging means to function properly. 
     In the second embodiment of the invention, the spring means is a leaf spring. 
     Advantageously, the spring bias of the leaf spring acting upon the L-shaped bracket enables said bracket to be movable between, and maintainable at any one of or any combination of, a stowed position, an intermediate equilibrium position and an in use mounting position. 
     In the second embodiment of the invention, the mounting plate is provided with a tongue which is engageable with one of a plurality of complementary grooves provided in the first leg of the L-shaped bracket. 
     Advantageously, the tongue acts as a stop when the bracket is moved into an in use mounting position by dwelling within one of the complementary grooves/recesses provided on the first leg of the L-shaped bracket when a desired mounting bracket position is selected. 
     Advantageously, the complementary recesses provided on the L-shaped bracket define predetermined first and second detent positions for the bracket to observe, each detent position dependent upon the thickness of type of roof covering to be used e.g. slate of tile, and which in turn determines the height of the window frame with respect to the surrounding roof surface. 
     Conveniently, in the second embodiment of the invention the bracket is supplied with colour-coded plugs, the plugs being insertable within the respective complementary grooves/recesses and each representing a selectable window height setting in accordance with printed instructions provided with the mounting bracket or on the window frame. 
    
    
     
       The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, four embodiments of a mounting bracket in accordance with the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a mounting bracket in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is schematic illustration of the underside of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 1  shown with the mounting plate in position on a window frame member; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 1  shown with the mounting plate in position on a window frame member and the bracket shown in position against a roof member; 
         FIG. 5 a    to  FIG. 5 d    are schematic illustrations of a second embodiment of the mounting bracket in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 5 e   ,  FIG. 5 f    and  FIG. 5 g    are cross-sectional illustrations of  FIGS. 5 b , 5 c  and 5 d    respectively; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of mounting bracket in an out of use storage position; 
         FIG. 7  is a third perspective view of the third embodiment of mounting bracket in transit between the out of use storage position and the in use mounting position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the third embodiment of mounting bracket in an in use mounting position; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of mounting bracket in an out of use storage position; 
         FIG. 10  is a first perspective view of the fourth embodiment of mounting bracket in transit between the out of use storage position and the in use mounting position; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of mounting bracket in an in use mounting position. 
     
    
    
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , there is shown a first embodiment of a mounting bracket indicated generally by the reference numeral  1  for mounting a roof window to a roof, the mounting bracket  1  having a mounting plate  2  and a L-shaped bracket  3 , the L-shaped bracket  3  being adapted for hinged attachment to the mounting plate  2 . The mounting plate  2  is adapted for attachment to a window frame member  50  (see  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 ) and the L-shaped bracket  3  is further adapted for attachment to a roof member such as an rafter of a lathe  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) extending between adjacent rafters. Two apertures  27  enable mounting plate  3  to be secured to a window frame member  50  with screws or other suitable fasteners. Two locating tabs  26  project perpendicularly from one edge of the mounting plate  2  to ensure accurate alignment along the edge of the window frame member  50  against which said locating tabs  26  engage as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . 
     The L-shaped bracket  3  has a first leg  31  and a second leg  32 , the first leg  31  being adapted to reside substantially within the space defined by a cut-out portion  21  on mounting plate  2  when the second leg  32  is attached to the roof structure  60 . The second leg  32  has apertures  36  defined therein for receiving screws or other suitable fasteners which extend through apertures  36  as indicated in  FIG. 4  to fix the mounting bracket  1  to the lathe  60 . On opposing side edges  33  of first leg  31 , there are provided opposing pairs of lugs  34 ,  35  which extend laterally from said leg. A first pair of lugs  34  are adapted for slidable and pivotal cooperation with guide members  22  provided on mounting plate  2  so that the L-shaped bracket  3  can be moved in a plane substantially parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate  2 . The lugs  35  function as stops which dwell within spaced apart pairs of complementary recesses  23 ,  24  provided on the mounting plate  2  when a desired bracket mounting position is selected. Recesses  23  and  24  define predetermined first and second detent positions for the L-shaped bracket  3  to observe, each position dependent upon the type of roof covering to be used e.g. slate or tile or upon on the thickness of particular roof covering material, which in turn determines the height of the window frame within the roof and with respect to said surrounding roof covering. When L-shaped bracket  3  is moved into a first detent position with lugs  35  in engagement with recesses  24  as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the roof window upon which mounting brackets  1  are attached will sit slightly lower relative to the surrounding roof structure than would be the case when lugs  35  are placed into the second detent position in recesses  23 . In this way the mounting bracket  1  is afforded with ready adjustability which removes installer discretion and thereby mitigates against incorrect installation. 
     Mounting plate  2  is further provided with an elongate tab  28  which extends at least partially over cut-out portion  21  and which contacts the upper surface of leg  31  in an overlapping manner when mounting bracket  1  is in an in-use position as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 . Tab  28  provides additional rigidity to mounting bracket  1  and prevents L-shaped bracket  3  from rotatably moving or flexing relative to the mounting plate  2  when the mounting bracket  1  is fastened to a window frame member and a roof member. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 a  to 5 g    there is shown a second embodiment of mounting bracket indicated generally by the reference numeral  41  for mounting a roof window to a roof. In the second embodiment of the invention, the mounting plate  2   a  is mountable over a groove or channel  52  provided on the window frame member  50 . The channel  52  is provided with a spring  53  in the form of a leaf spring which is inserted in the channel  52  and which is engaged with the underside of the first leg  31  of the L-shaped bracket  3   a  when the mounting bracket  41  is mounted to the window frame member as shown in the Figures. Leaf spring  53  is biased so that the spring force acts against L-shaped bracket  3   a  while said L-shaped bracket  3   a  is pivoted backwardly over mounting plate  3   a  as shown in  FIG. 6 a    so that it can be maintained in a stowed position ( FIGS. 5 b  and 5 e   ), an intermediate equilibrium position ( FIG. 5 c    and  FIG. 5 f   ) and an in use position ( FIG. 5 d    and  FIG. 5 g   ). This enables an installer to simply flick the bracket  3   a  from the stowed position to the in use position without the requirement of having to remove any separate pinning means which would usually have been used to maintain the L-shaped bracket  3   a  in the stowed position. The spring also obviates the requirement for additional fastening members to maintain the bracket in the in use position as it is being moved into position by the installer. 
     In the second embodiment of the invention and as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 a  to 5 d   , mounting plate  2   a  is provided with a spur  70  which is engageable with one of two complementary recesses  72 ,  73  provided in the first leg  32  of the L-shaped bracket  3   a . Spur  70  acts as a stop when the L-shaped bracket  3   a  is moved into an in use position ( FIG. 5 d   ) by dwelling within one of the complementary recesses  71 ,  72  provided on the mounting plate  2   a  when a desired bracket mounting position is selected. Each complementary recess  71 ,  72  provided on the L-shaped bracket  3   a  defines alternative first and second detent positions for the L-shaped bracket  3   a  to observe in use, each detent position determining a desired height of the window frame with respect to the surrounding roof surface. The desired height is dependent upon the thickness of the type of roof covering to be used e.g. slate or tile. 
     In the second embodiment of the invention bracket  3   a  is supplied with two colour-coded plugs  73 ,  74  each plug being inserted into complementary recesses  71 ,  72 , respectively, and each representing a selectable window height setting in accordance with printed instructions provided with the mounting bracket  41  or on the window frame. For example, when the window is to be used on a roof which will incorporate thin tiles the window should therefore be placed at a lower height within the roof. In this case, in accordance with the instructions, it will be clear to a user that plug  74  having a particular colour should be removed to make recess  72  available to spur  70  as shown in  FIG. 5 d   . Conversely, where the window is to be mounted to a roof which will incorporate thick tiles, it will be clear to a user that plug  73  which has a different colour should be removed to make recess  71  available to spur  70 . The chamfered walls of recesses  71  and  72  and the wedged-shaped nature of plugs  73 ,  74  as shown in  FIG. 5 a    are such that said plugs fit tightly within said recesses  71 ,  72  cannot be pushed out by spur  70  which ensures that the bracket can only be set to a desired in use position by a user who has followed the installation instructions as described above. The same guide members  22  and lugs  34  are used as in the first embodiment to provide the hinge arrangement. 
     Beneficially, the use of the of the various embodiments as described above enables reliable fitment of a window to a roof structure with excellent accuracy and reproducibility. In this way, a roof window to which the mounting brackets  1 ,  41  are attached can be readily accommodated in a roof irrespective of the type of roof covering used or to be used and without the need for excessive skill or judgement on the part of the person or persons installing said window. 
     Referring to the drawings and now to  FIGS. 6 to 8 , there is shown a third embodiment of mounting bracket indicated generally by the reference numeral  91 . The mounting bracket  91  for a roof window  92  has a frame mountable member  93 , a roof mountable member  94  and a hinge arrangement  95  for mechanically coupling the roof mountable member  94  and the frame mountable member  93  together so that the roof mountable member  94  is movable between an out of use storage position see  FIG. 6  and an in use mounting position, see  FIG. 8 . The location of the pivotal axis of the hinge assembly  95  is movable/adjustable. 
     Advantageously, the roof mountable member  94  can be moved pivotally relative to the frame mountable member  93  and therefore pivotally relative to the roof window frame  92  when the mounting bracket  91  is mounted on the roof window frame  92 . This means that the mounting bracket  91  can be stowed substantially within the boundary of the roof window frame  92  during transport and subsequently hinged into the mounting position for installation. However, the design of the mounting bracket  91  to facilitate movement of the pivotal axis of the hinge assembly  95  also allows the roof mountable member  94  to be adjustable relative to the frame mountable member  93  and consequently the roof window frame  92  in a plane substantially parallel to a vertical surface  90  of the roof window frame  92  in use. 
     The hinge assembly  95  has a guide arrangement  97  and a slide arrangement  98 . Advantageously, the guide arrangement  97  and the slide arrangement  98  ensure that the adjustability of the mounting bracket  91  between the out of use storage position and the in use mounting position is intuitive for the person installing the roof window frame  92 . The position of the slide arrangement  98  is slidably adjustable along the guide arrangement  97 . 
     The mounting bracket  91  also has a male member  101  and two cooperating female members  102  for releasably fixing the location of the roof mountable member  94  relative to the frame mountable member  93  at two in use mounting positions. It will of course be appreciated that additional in use mounting positions can be added by simply adding additional female members  102 . Advantageously, the releasable fixing arrangement  101 ,  102  allows the installer to select the appropriate position for the roof mountable member  94  to be fixed relative to the frame mounting member  93 . A number of predetermined positions are engineered into the mounting bracket  91  based on a number of different types of roof covering materials with a different depth dimension. The off-site prefixing of the position of the in use bracket mounting positions means that the installer has no measuring, awkward holding or additional screwing to do in situ on the roof. 
     The guide arrangement  97  comprises a pair of spaced apart mutually opposing elongate slots  105  and the slide arrangement  98  comprises a pair of lugs  116  for slidable engagement in the slots  105 . Advantageously, the lugs  116  and slots  105  provide a simple mechanical engineering solution to allow the pivotal axis of the hinge assembly  95  to be adjusted along a preset track. This allows the roof mountable member  94  to be adjusted between the out of use storage position and a range of in use mounting positions. The spaced apart slots  105  are formed on the frame mountable member  93 . Advantageously, the slots  105  are prefabricated into the mounting bracket  91  during the manufacturing process. The slots  105  are pressed. The pair of lugs  116  extend from the roof mountable member  94 . Advantageously, the lugs  116  are also prefabricated into the mounting bracket  91  during the manufacturing process. The spaced apart slots  105  are curvilinear defining a 90 degree bend section along which the lugs  116  extend. The roof mountable member  94  is an L-shaped bracket and in combination with the curvilinear slots  105 , these features allow the L-shaped bracket  94  to be stowed in an out of use position on an adjacent frame member  107  to the frame member the mounting plate  93  is mounted on. 
     The male member  101  in the form of a punched tongue with an upturned lip is provided on the frame mountable member  93  and the female members  102  are provided on a first leg of the L-shaped bracket  94  in the form of two grooves. Advantageously, the male and female releasable fixing members  101 ,  102  are engineered into the mounting bracket  91  to accommodate quick and safe location of the roof mountable member  94  in one of two in use mounting positions subject to the specific roofing materials to be used. The grooves  102  in the first leg of the L shaped bracket  94  are brought into alignment with the tongue  101  on the frame mounted plate member  93  by their relative positioning on their respective components in combination with the positioning of the guide members  97  and slide members  98 . 
     The grooves  102  are formed for receiving visible indicia members where the mounting bracket  91  has two or more in use mounting positions. Advantageously, the roof window installation instructions will advise which visible indicia member corresponds to which roof covering material. Again, the technical advantage achieved is that the fitter installing the roof window does not have to measure the position each mounting bracket  91  should be set at for a particular roof covering material. The installer simply selects one of the prefixed positions as indicated on the installation instructions and clicks the mounting bracket  91  into place. The visible indicia members are colour coded plugs formed for insertion into the grooves  102 . Advantageously, the installer is required to make a positive decision and action to remove a colour coded plug dependent on the roof covering material being installed on the roof. 
     An urging member  114  is provided for urging the L-shaped bracket  94  into either or both of the out of use storage position and the in use mounting position. Advantageously, the urging member  114  removes the requirement for the L-shaped bracket  94  to be temporarily fixed onto the roof window frame  92  in the storage position and also removes the requirement for temporary pinning fixtures to hold the L-shaped bracket  94  in the in use position. The urging member  114  provides the mounting bracket  91  with inbuilt flick fit technology giving the installer reassuring sensory feedback indicating a secure and accurate fitting of the mounting bracket  91 . The urging member  114  is provided by a biasing member such as a spring or a magnet or both. 
     Referring to the drawings and now to  FIGS. 9 to 11 , there is shown a fourth embodiment of mounting bracket indicated generally by the reference numeral  121 . The mounting bracket  121  for a roof window  122  has a frame mountable member  123 , a roof mountable member  124  and a hinge arrangement  125  for mechanically coupling the roof mountable member  124  and the frame mountable member  123  together so that the roof mountable member  124  is movable between an out of use storage position see  FIG. 9  and an in use mounting position, see  FIG. 11 . The location of the pivotal point of the hinge assembly  125  is slidably movable/adjustable along a guide pin  127 . 
     Advantageously, the roof mountable member  124  can be moved pivotally relative to the frame mounted member  123  and therefore pivotally relative to the roof window frame  122  when the mounting bracket  121  is mounted on the roof window frame  122 . This means that the mounting bracket  121  can be stowed substantially within the boundary of the roof window frame  122  during transport and subsequently hinged into the mounting position for installation. However, the design of the mounting bracket  121  to facilitate movement of the pivotal point of the hinge assembly  125  also allows the roof mountable member  124  to be adjustable relative to the frame mountable member  123  and consequently the roof window frame  122  in a plane substantially parallel to a vertical surface of the roof window frame  122  in use. 
     In this embodiment, the hinge assembly  125  has the guide member  127  in the form of a guide pin and the slide member  126  comprises a collar. The frame mountable arrangement has a first plate  128  mechanically fixed to the frame  122  at an upper edge of the frame  122  with a tubular housing  129  for housing one end of the guide pin  127  and a second plate  128  mechanically fixed to the frame  122  at the lower edge of the frame  122  with a second tubular housing  129  for hosing the other end of the guide pin  127 . Each plate  128  has a protruding male member  131  with an upturned lip. The roof mountable member  124  is an L-shaped bracket having a first leg  135  with the collar  126  attached along a lateral edge of the first leg  135  to support the main plane of the first leg  135  in a plane substantially parallel to the main plane of the mounting plates  128  in a stored position and a mounting position. The L-shaped bracket has a second leg  139  substantially perpendicular to the first leg  135  pointing towards the centre of the frame  122  in a stored position and pointing away from the frame  122  in a mounting position. Two female members  132  are provided as grooves on the first leg  135  which are alignable with the male members  131  on both mounting plates  128  in the stored position see  FIG. 9  and the two mounting positions see  FIG. 11 . 
     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.