GB2379952A

GB2379952A - Automatic catch for a door or window

Info

Publication number: GB2379952A
Application number: GB0122863A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glen Wallis
Original assignee: BRUNEL COMPONENTS Ltd
Current assignee: BRUNEL COMPONENTS Ltd
Priority date: 2001-09-22
Filing date: 2001-09-22
Publication date: 2003-03-26
Also published as: GB0122863D0

Abstract

A catch comprises a keeper 30 having a catch 40 arranged on the frame of a door or window and a striker 20 arranged on the opening leaf of the door or window. During closure of the window or door, the striker 20 engages the first jaw 42 of the catch 40 causing it to rotate against the bias of compression spring 80. As the catch 40 passes an over centre position the spring 80 draws the striker 20 and hence the door or window towards the frame to provide a tight seal. A locking member (110 fig 5) that can be manually or electrically operated can be provided to lock the catch 40 in the door-closed position. Also disclosed is an operating handle for activating the locking member.

Description

Retaining Means The present invention relates to retaining means, particularly, though not exclusively to retaining means for window and door assemblies.

Typical window and door assemblies comprise a leaf hinged within a frame. It is well known to provide such assemblies with at least one, generally at least two, locking means which can secure the leaf in the closed position. Such locking means generally comprise cams mounted on the leaf and keepers mounted on the frame.

The locking means are generally linked to a handle or other operating member by drive bars. When the leaf reaches its closed position the cams are aligned with the keepers and the handle is operated to bring them into engagement therewith. As the cams engage the keepers they draw the leaf towards the frame such that a seal is compressed therebetween. A lock may then be operated to prevent the cams being operated in the reverse direction.

The prior art locking system has several disadvantages. In the case of door assemblies it is generally necessary to provide an additional hook which is operated to engage with a heavy-duty keeper to provide an adequate level of security.

In the case of window assemblies it is often found that the locking system only causes compression of the seal in its close vicinity. Thus, particularly on large windows, and older windows that may have distorted, the wind and rain is able to ingress past the seal at points removed

from the locking means or hinges. Furthermore the window has vulnerabilities to unauthorised entry.

In addition, users of such prior art locking systems frequently forget to operate the locking mechanism thus leaving their premises insecure.

A further disadvantage of prior art devices is that in order to cause the cams to engage the keeper sufficiently to secure the leaf they must be moved through a significant distance. Thus the handle must also be moved a significant distance which can be inconvenient and awkward, particularly for elderly and/or infirm users.

The present invention aims to overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether discussed above or otherwise, by providing a novel retaining means for window and door assemblies and which may in addition be self locking.

According to the present invention there is provided a retaining means, arranged, in use, to be employed with a window or door assembly comprising a leaf coupled to a frame, wherein the retaining means comprises a keeper arranged on one of said leaf or frame and a striker arranged on the other of said leaf or frame such that movement of the leaf from an open to a closed position causes the striker to engage the keeper such that a latch thereof moves from a first position towards a second position, such that it draws the striker into the keeper, and consequently the leaf towards the frame, enabling a seal to be compressed therebetween, and can retain the leaf in a closed position.

Preferably, in the first position the latch is orientated such that it can receive the striker and in the second position the latch is orientated such that it can retain the striker.

Preferably, the latch can retain the striker until a predetermined force is applied to the latch as a result of an opening action applied to the leaf. Preferably, said predetermined force is greater than can be produced by the action of the wind.

Preferably, when the latch is in or near to the first position it is resiliently biased towards said first position.

Preferably, when the latch is in or near to the second position it is resiliently biased towards said second position.

Preferably, the latch is resiliently biased towards one of the first or second positions at any given time.

Preferably, the latch is biased by a biasing means. Preferably, the biasing means comprises a spring, for example a compression spring.

Preferably, the retaining means is arranged such that, in use, the striker engages the latch when it is in the first position and acts against the resilient bias towards the first position to cause the latch to move towards the second position.

Preferably, as the latch moves towards the second position the direction of bias switches towards the second position. Preferably, the latch is arranged such that as the direction of bias switches towards the second position the latch acts to draw the striker and consequently the leaf in the direction of the second position also.

Preferably, the retaining means is arranged such that, in use, when the latch is in the second position it is resiliently biased towards said second position such that it retains the striker and consequently the leaf in position. Preferably the bias acts against any force to remove the striker from the keeper and causes the leaf to be retained against the frame in a closed position.

Preferably, when an opening force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the leaf the striker can transfer a force to the latch, which is greater than the biasing force towards the second position, and the latch can be moved towards the first position.

Preferably, as the latch moves towards the first position the direction of bias switches towards the first position.

The latch may thus be maintained in the open position after the striker exits the keeper until a closing force is applied to the leaf to cause the striker to engage the latch once more as described above.

Preferably, the latch is arranged such that it is biased towards the first position sufficiently to resist movement towards the second position during initial engagement by the striker. Preferably, the retaining means may thus be arranged, in use, such that it provides an initial stop

for the leaf, in a partially open position, until a predetermined closing force is applied thereto.

Preferably, the retaining means can be arranged, in use, such that the initial stop corresponds to the leaf being in a vent position, for example a night vent position.

Preferably, the retaining means can be arranged, in use, such that the initial stop corresponds to a leaf position in which auxiliary locking means of the leaf and frame are aligned such that the leaf can be secured in a partially open position.

Preferably, the latch comprises a mouth which is arranged, in use, to receive and retain the striker. Preferably, the mouth comprises a first jaw which engages the striker as it first enters the mouth. Preferably, the mouth further comprises a second jaw which engages the striker as the latch moves towards the second position. Preferably, the second jaw and the striker are engaged when the latch is in the second position such that the latch retains the striker in position.

Preferably, the keeper comprises a housing to which the latch is mounted. Preferably, the latch is mounted about a pivot.

Preferably, the housing comprises a first surface arranged to abut the latch and act as a stop to define the first position. Preferably, the housing comprises a second surface arranged to abut the latch and act as a stop to define the second position.

Preferably, the latch comprises a mouth on one side of the pivot and a bias receiving section on the other side thereof.

Preferably, the keeper further comprises a biasing link. Preferably said link is arranged to be attached to the bias receiving section of the latch.

The biasing link may be pivotally joined to the bias receiving section of the latch.

Preferably, the biasing link comprises a convex surface arranged to cooperate with a concave surface of the latch.

Preferably, the link may pivot and slide relative to the housing.

The biasing link may be movably held within the housing at a point removed from the latch. The biasing means may also be movably held within the housing at a point removed from the latch. The biasing means may be supported by the biasing link.

Alternatively, the retaining means may further comprise a second biasing link. The second link may be pivotally mounted to the housing at a point removed from the latch.

The first link may be arranged for sliding engagement with the second link and the biasing means may be housed therebetween.

Preferably, the seal comprises a weatherseal.

The striker may comprise a peg. Preferably the striker comprises a substantially cylindrical peg. Preferably, the peg is supported upon a body arranged to be secured to the frame or leaf of a window or door assembly.

According to the present invention there is further provided a retaining means substantially as hereinbefore described comprising locking means such that the latch can be locked in the second position.

Preferably, the locking means is arranged to engage the latch to prevent movement thereof when it is in the second position.

Preferably, the locking means can automatically lock the latch as it reaches its second position. The retaining means may thus be self-locking.

Preferably, the locking means comprises a locking member biased towards the latch.

Preferably, the locking means is arranged such that when the latch moves from the first position towards the second position it engages the locking member causing it to be displaced from a first position towards a second position.

Preferably, as the latch reaches its second position the locking member returns towards its first position such that it prevents the return of the latch towards its first position.

Preferably, the locking member comprises a ramped face arranged to engage the first jaw of the latch as it moves from the first position towards the second position.

Preferably, the locking member further comprises a step at the end of the ramped face arranged to engage the first jaw of the latch when the latch is in its second position and thus lock it in position.

Preferably, the locking member is biased towards the latch by a spring, for example a compression spring.

Preferably, the locking member can be moved towards its second position, by applying an external force thereto, in order to release the latch to allow it to be returned to its first position.

Preferably, the latch may be released by moving the locking member by as little as lmm, preferably by between 2 and 5mm.

Preferably, the locking member can be actuated by actuating means which may be manually controlled.

The locking member may be actuated by any suitable means, for example it may be mechanically, pneumatically, electrically or manually actuated.

The actuating means and locking member may be operated by an operating means. The operating means may be adjacent to the retaining means. Alternatively the operating means may be at a point removed from the retaining means and may operate two or more locking members.

The locking member of the retaining means may be actuated by drive bars linked to the operating means.

Alternatively the locking member may be actuated directly

by a user. As a further alternative the locking member may be actuated by pneumatic means, for example by a series of pneumatic hoses, linked to an operating member.

Preferably, the locking member may be electronically actuated, for example by means of a solenoid. Preferably, the operating member may be remotely controlled.

According to the present invention there is further provided a window or door assembly comprising one or more retaining means as hereinbefore described.

Preferably, the window or door assembly comprises a leaf, a frame and a seal arranged to be compressed therebetween.

Preferably, the window or door assembly is arranged, in use, to be employed in a building structure.

Preferably, the window or door assembly comprises two or more retaining means.

Preferably, the window or door assembly comprises one or more retaining means of the locking type as hereinbefore described. Preferably, the window or door assembly comprises one or more retaining means of the self-locking type as hereinbefore described.

Preferably, the window or door assembly further comprises actuating means arranged, in use, to operate the locking member of the or each retaining means of the locking type.

Preferably, the window or door assembly further comprises operating means arranged in use to operate the actuating means.

The actuating means may comprise one or more drive bars linking the or each retaining means of the locking type to an operating means.

The operating means may comprise a handle, arranged to be fixed to the leaf of the window or door assembly, housing an operating member arranged, in use, to cause movement of the or each locking member.

Alternatively the operating means may comprise a handle, arranged to be fixed to the leaf of the window or door assembly such that, in use, movement of the handle causes movement of the or each locking member.

Preferably, a retaining means of the non locking type may be interposed between hinge and locking points of the window or door assembly to provide an improved seal therebetween.

According to the present invention there is further provided an operating mechanism arranged, in use, to be fitted to the leaf of a window or door assembly comprising a handle housing an operating member arranged, in use, to cause movement of the locking member of a retaining means in order to release a latch of the retaining means and allow movement thereof.

Preferably, the operating member is arranged, in use, to be linked to the retaining means by one or more drive bars.

Preferably, the handle of the operating mechanism is arranged, in use, to be fixed in position such that it cannot move relative to the leaf of the window or door assembly.

Preferably, the operating mechanism further comprises a mounting block arranged, in use, to be mounted to the leaf of a window or door assembly and onto which the handle can be mounted.

Preferably, the handle comprises securement means arranged to interlock with corresponding securement means of the mounting block.

Preferably, the mounting block comprises one or more apertures arranged, in use, to receive fixing means such that the handle can be secured thereto.

Preferably, the handle is arranged to be mounted to the mounting block such that no fixing means are visible to give the operating means improved aesthetics.

Preferably, the mounting block comprises a channel or groove arranged to receive a part of a drive bar or a link thereto.

Preferably, the handle comprises an aperture arranged to receive the operating member. Preferably, the operating member is arranged to slide within the aperture.

Preferably, the aperture is arranged such that the operating member is retained therein.

Preferably, the operating means is arranged, in use, such that the leaf can be closed by pulling on the handle and can be automatically locked in place by the retaining means.

Preferably, the operating means is arranged, in use, such that the leaf can be opened by moving the operating member to withdraw the locking member of the retaining means, and by then pushing the handle such that the leaf moves away from the frame.

By way of example, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front view of retaining means in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, in a first position; Figure 2 is a front view of the retaining means of figure 1 between a first and second position; Figure 3 is a front view of the retaining means of figure 1 in a second position; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the retaining means of figure 1; Figure 5 is a front view of the retaining means of a selflocking embodiment of the invention, in a first position;

Figure 6 is a front view of the retaining means of figure 5 between a first and second position; Figure 7 is a front view of the retaining means of figure 3 in a second position; Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the retaining means of figure 1; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a striker in accordance with the first and second embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 is a front view of an operating member in accordance with the present invention; Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the operating member of figure 10; Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the operating member of figure 10 together with a mounting block; Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the operating member of figure 10 together with the mounting block; and Figure 14 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of operating member.

As best illustrated by figure 1 retaining means 10 is provided comprising a striker 20 and a keeper 30. The keeper 30 comprises a latch 40 mounted to a housing 50 about a pivot 60.

The latch 40 has a mouth 41 formed by a first jaw 42 and a second jaw 43 on one side of the pivot 60. The latch 40 also has a bias receiving section 44 on the other side of the pivot 60. The bias receiving section 44 comprises a second pivot 45 about which the head 71 of a biasing link 70 is mounted.

A leg 72 of the biasing link 70 is housed within an aperture 51 in the housing 50 at a point removed from the latch 40 and supports a spring 80. The aperture 51 provides a pivot for the biasing link 70 which is also arranged to slide within the aperture 51.

The housing 50 has an aperture 52 arranged to receive a screw such that it may be secured to the leaf or frame of a window or door assembly.

The latch 40 is arranged to move between a first position shown in figure 1 in which the mouth 41 is orientated to receive the striker 20 and a second position shown in figure 3 in which the striker 20 is retained within the mouth 41.

The latch is biased towards the first position, shown in figure 1, by the spring 80 which forces the head 71 of the biasing link 70 towards the latch 40 until the second jaw 43 of the latch 40 abuts against a first face 53 of the housing 50 when the leaf of a window or door assembly is in the open position.

As the leaf is moved towards the frame the striker 20 engages the first jaw 42 of the latch 40 causing it to

rotate about the pivot 60 and move towards the second position as shown in figure 2.

As the latch 40 rotates the head 71 of the biasing link 70 is forced towards the housing 50 such that the spring 80 is compressed. Initial movement of the latch is thus resisted and this can be useful in allowing the retaining means to accurately locate a leaf in a partially open position in which it may be secured by auxiliary locking means, for example to define a position known as a night vent position.

As the latch 40 is moved towards its second position as shown in figure 3, the head 71 of the biasing link 70 moves past an over centre position relative to the pivot 60 such that it lies on the other side thereof. The bias then switches from towards the first latch position to towards the second latch position as shown in figure 2.

At the same time the second jaw 43 of the latch 40 engages the striker 20.

The spring 80 then expands causing the head 71 of the bias link 70 to move towards the latch 40. The latch 40 is then caused to move towards the second position such that it draws the striker 20 in and consequently the leaf towards the frame. The leaf is then held closed under the spring pressure of the latch 40. Even if a seal (not shown) wears and collapses over time, any slack is taken up by the spring pressure of the latch, so that sealing pressure is maintained, without any need to adjust or refit the seal.

The second latch position is defined by the second face 53 of the housing 50 against which the bias receiving section 44 of the latch 40 is arranged to abut.

When a sufficient opening force is applied to the leaf the latch 40 is caused to move towards the first position and the steps described above are substantially reversed.

Figures 5 to 8 show an alternative embodiment of the retaining means. The key elements of the retaining means are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment and have been accorded like reference numerals.

The bias link 70 comprises a head 71 having a substantially cylindrical portion which engages a concave cavity 46 in the bias receiving section of the latch 40.

The biasing link 70 is thus pivoted relative to the latch 40.

The retaining means 10 further comprises a second biasing link 90 mounted to the housing 50 about a pivot 100. The first link comprises three legs 72 which are arranged in sliding engagement with two legs 92 of the second link 90 and house two springs 80 therebetween.

As the latch 40 moves towards its second position, shown in figure 7, the first link 70 is displaced towards the second link 90 such that the springs 80 are compressed as shown in figure 2.

The arrangement of the links 70, 90 allows the head 71 of the first link to lie on one side of the pivot 60 when the latch is in its first position and on the other side of

the pivot 60 when the latch is in its second position.

Thus the springs 80 and the links 70,90 act to bias the latch in the appropriate direction.

The retaining means 10 further comprises a locking member 110 biased towards the latch 40 by a spring 120. The locking member 110 comprises a ramped face 111 and a step 112.

As the latch 40 moves between its first and second positions the first jaw 42 engages the ramped face 111 of the locking member 110. The locking member 110 is thus displaced away from the latch 40 compressing the spring 120 as shown in figure 2. As the latch 40 reaches its second position the end 47 of the first jaw 42 reaches the step 112 of the locking member 110. The locking member 110 thus returns towards the latch 40 due to the expansion of the spring 120. The latch 40 is then locked in position by the blocking action of the step 112 against the end 47 of the first jaw 42, as shown in Figure 7.

The locking member 110 has an aperture 113 by which it may be linked to actuating or operating means to allow the latch 40 to be released by drawing the locking member 110 away from the latch 40, to free the end 47 of the first jaw 42.

Figure 9 shows a striker 20 in more detail. The striker 20 comprises a substantially cylindrical peg 21 and a body 22 defining an aperture 23. The aperture 23 may receive fixing means to secure the striker to the leaf or frame of a window or door assembly. It is the peg 21 which engages with the jaws 42 and 43.

Figures 10-13 show an operating means 200 suitable for use with a self-locking retaining means as shown in figure 5- 8.

The operating means 200 comprises a handle 210 defining an aperture 211 which receives an operating member 220. The operating member 220 has a pin 221 extending therefrom which engages a drive bar or a link to a drive bar 300.

The handle 210 is mounted to a mounting block 230 which in turn is mounted to the leaf of a window or door assembly.

The mounting block 230 defines two cutaway sections 234 arranged to receive securement pegs 211, having heads 212, extending from the underside of the handle 210.

The mounting block 230 further defines two grooves 232 and cutaway portions 233, one set of which is arranged, in use, to accommodate the drive bar or drive bar link 300 as well as the peg 221 of the operating member 220. In use the other groove 232 and cutaway portion 233 is redundant, it is provided so that the mounting block is unhanded and can thus be used on both left and right hand opening leaves.

The mounting block 230 has apertures 231 arranged to receive fixing means by which it can be secured to the handle 210.

In use the leaf can be closed by pulling on the handle and then locked in the closed position automatically by the self-locking retaining means.

The leaf can be opened by sliding the operating member within the handle to withdraw the locking member and release the latch and by then pushing the leaf open. Thus in use the operating member 220 can be used to move the locking member 110 from the position shown in Figure 7 to the position shown in Figure 5.

The leaf may easily be unlocked by moving the operating member only 3 or 4 millimetres as this is sufficient to cause the locking member 110 to be withdrawn.

Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the operating means 200.

A handle 210 is mounted to the leaf 400 by a mounting block 220 comprising a pivot 221 about which the handle 210 can pivot. The operating means further comprises an operating member 230 attached to the handle 210 about a second pivot 240. The operating member 230 cooperates with linkage components and drive rods, shown collectively as 250. The leaf is closed by pulling on the handle 210 which is prevented from pivoting too far from the leaf by the operating member 220 and the links 250. As the leaf reaches the closed position the retaining means (not shown) automatically lock.

The leaf can be opened by pressing on the handle, which causes the operating member 220 and links 250 to withdraw the locking member 110 and release the latch, and by then pushing the handle to open the leaf.

The present invention thus provides retaining means which conveniently provide a robust and economical method of improving the weathertight closure of window and door assemblies. The retaining means of the locking type, and operating devices for use therewith, provided by the present invention also provide a convenient means of securing a leaf to a frame which is easy to operate.

Instead of being mechanically operated, the locking member 110 may be electrically operated, for example by means of a solenoid.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A retaining means, arranged, in use, to be employed with a window or door assembly comprising a leaf coupled to a frame, wherein the retaining means comprises a keeper arranged on one of said leaf or frame and a striker arranged on the other of said leaf or frame such that movement of the leaf from an open to a closed position causes the striker to engage the keeper such that a latch thereof moves from a first position towards a second position, such that it draws the striker into the keeper, and consequently the leaf towards the frame, enabling a seal to be compressed therebetween, and can retain the leaf in a closed position.
2. A retaining means according to claim 1, wherein in the first position the latch is orientated such that it can receive the striker and in the second position the latch is orientated such that it can retain the striker.
3. A retaining means according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the latch can retain the striker until a predetermined force is applied to the latch as a result of an opening action applied to the leaf.
4. A retaining means according to any preceding claim, wherein when the latch is in or near to the first position it is resiliently biased towards said first position.
5. A retaining means according to any preceding claim, wherein when the latch is in or near to the second position it is resiliently biased towards said second position.

<Desc/Clms Page number 23>
6. A retaining means according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the latch is biased by a biasing means.
7. A retaining means according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the retaining means is arranged such that, in use, the striker engages the latch when it is in the first position and acts against the resilient bias towards the first position to cause the latch to move towards the second position.
8. A retaining means according to claim 7, wherein as the latch moves towards the second position the direction of bias switches towards the second position and wherein the latch is arranged such that as the direction of bias switches towards the second position it acts to draw the striker and consequently the leaf in the direction of the second position also.
9. A retaining means according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means is arranged such that, in use, when the latch is in the second position it is resiliently biased towards said second position such that it retains the striker and consequently the leaf in position.
10. A retaining means according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein when an opening force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the leaf the striker can transfer a force to the latch, which is greater than the biasing force towards the second position, and the latch can be moved towards the first position.

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11. A retaining means according to any of claims 4 to 10, wherein the latch is arranged such that it is biased towards the first position sufficiently to resist movement towards the second position during initial engagement by the striker.
12. A retaining means according to claim 11, wherein the retaining means is arranged, in use, such that it provides an initial stop for the leaf, in a partially open position, until a predetermined closing force is applied thereto.
13. A retaining means according to any preceding claim, wherein the latch comprises a mouth which is arranged, in use, to receive and retain the striker.
14. A retaining means according to any preceding claim, wherein the keeper comprises a housing to which the latch is mounted.
15. A retaining means according to claim 14, wherein the housing comprises a first surface arranged to abut the latch and act as a stop to define the first position.
16. A retaining means according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the housing comprises a second surface arranged to abut the latch and act as a stop to define the second position.
17. A retaining means according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises locking means such that the latch can be locked in the second position.

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18. A retaining means according to claim 17, wherein the locking means can automatically lock the latch as it reaches its second position.
19. A retaining means according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the locking means comprises a locking member biased towards the latch.
20. A retaining means substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. A window or door assembly comprising one or more retaining means according to any preceding claim.
22. A window or door assembly according to claim 21, wherein the window or door assembly comprises one or more retaining means comprising locking means according to any of claims 17 to 19.
23. A window or door assembly according to claim 22, wherein the window or door assembly further comprises actuating means arranged, in use, to operate a locking member of the or each retaining means.
24. An operating mechanism arranged, in use, to be fitted to the leaf of a window or door assembly comprising a handle housing an operating member arranged, in use, to cause movement of a locking member of a retaining means in order to release a latch of the retaining means and allow movement thereof.

<Desc/Clms Page number 26>
25. An operating mechanism according to claim 24, wherein, the operating member is arranged, in use, to be linked to the retaining means by one or more drive bars.
26. An operating mechanism according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the handle of the operating mechanism is arranged, in use, to be fixed in position such that it cannot move relative to the leaf of the window or door assembly.
27. An operating mechanism according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the handle comprises an aperture arranged to receive the operating member.
28. An operating mechanism according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the operating mechanism is arranged, in use, such that the leaf can be closed by pulling on the handle and can be automatically locked in place by the retaining means.
29. An operating mechanism according to any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the operating mechanism is arranged, in use, such that the leaf can be opened by moving the operating member to withdraw the locking member of the retaining means, and by then pushing the handle such that the leaf moves away from the frame.
30. An operating mechanism substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
31. A window or door assembly comprising an operating mechanism according to any of claims 24 to 30.