AU2013260746A1 - Window Locking Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A window locking apparatus comprising: a window contact; a window frame or sill contact; and locking means; the apparatus formed so that when it is in use the window 5 contact is able to releasably engage a window, and the window frame or sill contact is able to releasably engage a window frame or sill associated with the window and the locking means is able to releasably lock the window frame or sill contact to a window frame of sill associated with the window, with the result that the window is locked in an open disposition. Figure 1

Description

TITLE Window Locking Apparatus. FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a window locking apparatus. A preferred form of the apparatus may be removably engaged with a window and can be used to secure a partially opened window. BACKGROUND Well ventilated structures allow fresh air to circulate and prevent rooms becoming overly hot in warm climates. Good ventilation also prevents moisture build-up and mould growing in damp climates. In domestic houses windows can be opened to allow fresh air to circulate. Open windows can however cause security issues when the occupants of the house leave it unattended. For this reason window stays have been developed which are permanently bolted or screwed into a window frame and which engage with the sash window. These prior art window stays are permanently installed and designed to operate with a single type of window. Although existing window stays perform effectively they cannot be used in all situations where a secure well ventilated structure is desirable. For example, in the case of rental accommodation the owner of a property may not necessarily wish to go to the expense and trouble of buying and installing a number of permanently mounted window stays. Tenants may wish to have the use of window stays but may not have the building owner's permission to install these systems. With short stay accommodation - such as motel or hotel rooms - guests may again wish to have access to window stays to ventilate their rooms securely. In these applications the room occupant is unlikely to have the desire or permission to install a permanent window stay. It would therefore be of advantage to have improvements over the prior art which addressed the above issues or at least provided the public with an alternative choice. It would also be of advantage to have an improved window locking apparatus which allowed a window to be 2 partially opened yet still to be secured against being fully opened by an unauthorised person. It would be of advantage to have an improved window locking apparatus which could be easily and quickly installed on and removed from a window frame without damaging the window frame. A removable window locking apparatus which could also be installed or removed without the need for any hand tools would also be of advantage. The term "comprising" and derivatives thereof, eg "comprises", if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement "comprises" certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, optionally, have additional parts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a window locking apparatus comprising: * a window contact; * a window frame or sill contact; and * locking means; the apparatus formed so that when it is in use the window contact is able to releasably engage a window, and the window frame or sill contact is able to releasably engage a window frame or sill associated with the window and the locking means is able to releasably lock the window frame or sill contact to a window frame or sill associated with the window, with the result that the window is locked in an open disposition. Preferably, the window locking apparatus is adapted to be suitable for use with an awning window. Preferably, the window locking apparatus is adapted to be suitable for use with a casement window. Preferably, the window locking apparatus is adapted to be suitable for use with a sliding window. 3 Preferably, the window contact is adapted to engage a handle or latch of a window. Preferably, the window contact is adapted to engage with a sash of a window. Preferably, the window contact is adapted to engage with an edge of a sash of a window. Preferably, the window contact is adapted to engage with the glass of a window. Preferably, the window frame or sill contact has a hook like part which engages with a window frame or sill. Preferably, the window contact has a hook like part which engages with a window. Preferably, the window contact has clamping means adapted to clamp a window. Preferably, the window frame or sill contact has clamping means adapted to clamp a window frame or sill of a window. Preferably, the window contact and the window frame or sill contact are movable relative to one another. Preferably, the window frame or sill contact is adapted to engage with an interior sill of the window. Preferably, the window frame or sill contact is adapted to engage with a sash stop. Preferably, the window contact and window frame or sill contact have apertures that enable them to be moved and locked with respect to one another so that the window can be locked at varying degrees of openness. Preferably, the window frame or sill contact comprises two parts connected together by the locking means. 4 Preferably, the window frame or sill contact comprises a channel by which the window contact engages with it. Preferably, the locking means locks the window locking apparatus to a window frame or sill. Preferably, the locking means is a clamping lock. Preferably, the locking means comprises a rotatable handle and a threaded bolt. Preferably, the locking means can be manipulated by hand to be locked or unlocked. Preferably, the locking means locks the movement of the window contact relative to the window frame or sill contact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of a window locking apparatus; Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus; Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a second alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus; Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a window contact which forms part of a third alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus; Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a fourth alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus; Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the window locking apparatus shown in figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view illustrating a fifth alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus; Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a sixth alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus; and Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the window contact which forms part of 5 the window locking apparatus shown in figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to figure 1, a window locking apparatus 1 has a window contact arm 2, a window sill mount 3 and a lock 4. The contact arm 2 is substantially elongate and extends between the sill mount 3 and a window 5. The contact arm 2 is connected to the sill mount 3 at one end by the lock 4. The other end of the contact arm 2 has a hook 6 which engages with and hooks under a bottom edge 7 of a window sash 8 of the window 5. In some embodiments (not shown) the contact arm 2 can reach around each side of the window and clamp onto the glass. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a window sash 8 comprises a frame to hold a panel or panels of glass. References to a window throughout the specification relate to any type of window, for example a sliding window or a swinging window such as an awning or casement window. Reference to a window in the specification may also encompass the window sash, a window handle or latch and panes of glass. The sill mount 3 engages a window sill 9 and a sash stop 10. References to a sash stop 10 throughout this specification may encompass elements of a window assembly or window frame such as a blocking element or raised lip which restricts the travel or motion of a window sash. The sill mount 3 in the embodiment shown has two parts, namely a block 11 and a plate 12. The block 11 lays on top of the window sill 9 and also contacts an interior face of the sash stop 10. The block 11 has a channel (not shown) in it which receives the contact arm 2. The underside of the sill mount 3 may incorporate a thin layer of dense foam rubber or other suitable material to help protect the window sill 9 from scratching or damage. The plate 12 of the sill mount 3 at least in part lays on top of the block 11. The plate 12 also hooks into the sash stop 10. The two parts block 11 and plate 12 are connected to one another by the lock 4. The part mount 11 and plate 12 are movable relative to one another when the lock 4 is unlocked and in that case the plate 12 can slide with respect to the block 11. This movable characteristic allows the position of the sill mount 3 to be adjusted for different configurations, dimensions and arrangements of types of windows and window frames. In some embodiments (not shown) the window sill mount 3 engages with a channel of a window frame and can expand outwards into the channel to engage the walls of the channel such that the apparatus is secured to the window frame. This embodiment is preferably used on sliding windows. 6 The lock 4 can be arranged to connect or lock in place the contact arm 2 to the sill mount 3. It can also lock the sill mount 3 to the window sill 9 by clamping the sill mount 3 to the window sill 9 and sash stop 10. In the embodiment shown the lock 4 comprises a threaded bolt (not visible) which has an associated rotatable knob on the end. The contact arm 2 and the plate 12 have apertures (not shown) which allow the threaded bolt to pass through them and lock them all together. In some embodiments (not shown) a key can be used to lock the apparatus 1 to the window. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the window locking apparatus 1 is releasably engageable with the window and window frame which means that it is not permanently fixed to the window with the use of screws, bolts or the like. Most preferably it can be attached and removed without the need for any hand or power tools to do the job. When the lock 4 is unlocked this allows the block 11 and plate 12 to be moved into contact with the sash stop 10. The contact arm 2 is also moved into contact with the window 5 when open such that the hook 6 engages with and hooks the bottom edge 7 of the window sash 8. Once the desired position of the open window has been reached the lock 4 is tightened which secures the apparatus 1 to the window frame and locks the window 5 in the open disposition. It means that while locked the window cannot be opened any further and cannot be closed any further. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus 1. In the embodiment shown the contact arm 2 engages a window handle or latch 13. The contact arm 2 has a hook 14 which hooks over the top of the handle 13. The sill mount 3 also has a hook 15 which hooks over and engages with the exterior face of the sash stop 10. Figure 3 shows another alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus 1. In the embodiment shown the contact arm 2 has two tube like pieces 16 and 17 which are each connected at one end to a hook 18 and are connected to the sill mount 3 at their other end. The hook 18 hooks over a window handle or latch 13. The sill mount also has a hook 15 which hooks over and engages with the exterior face of the sash stop 10. The sill mount 3 has notches 19 in it and also contains a loop 20 which allows the contact arm 2 to be adjusted in length. More particularly, the contact arm 2 can be adjusted in length by lifting up the loop 20 which allows the tube pieces 16 and 17 to be moved to a different notch 19. 7 Figure 4 shows part of the contact arm 2 of an alternative embodiment in more detail. The hook 14 of the contact arm 2 engages with and hooks over the window handle or latch 13 when it has been pivoted downwards. This hook 14 is pivotally connected to the contact arm 2. In use the hook 14 hooks over the handle 13 from above and prevents rotation and movement of the handle 13. Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 has the window contact arm 2, the sill mount 3 and the lock 4. The sill mount 3 is also adapted to hook right around a window sill (not visible in figure 5) and engage with the interior window sill. Those skilled in the art will understand that the interior sill of a window is provided by the interior portion of a horizontal member defining the bottom section of a window frame. Figure 6 shows the embodiment of figure 5 in more detail. The sill mount 3 has an interior sill contact hook 21 which is adapted to engage with an interior window sill 22. In the embodiment shown the interior sill contact hook 21 is connected to the sill mount 3 by way of a telescoping mounting element 23 which slides within an interior section of the sill mount 3. This movable characteristic allows the apparatus 1 to be adjusted for different configurations e.g. so that the window can be opened to varying degrees. The position and arrangement of the sill mount 3 can also be adjusted as it has a sash stop contact 24 which is adapted to engage with the exterior surface of the sash stop 10 and is able to move towards the exterior face of the window sash stop 10. The window contact arm 2 has a hook 25 and a window latch or handle lock 26 both of which can slide towards and away from the window sash 8. In use, once the desired open position of the window 5 has been reached the handle 13 is pivoted downwards into the hook 25 and the window latch lock 26 is slid into contact with the window sash 8 and prevents further rotation of the window handle 13. Figure 7 shows a similar window locking apparatus to that shown in figure 6. However the window contact arm 2 has an additional hook 27 which is arranged to capture a section of the lower portion of the window sash 8. The interior vertical side walls of the hook 27 are lined with a non-slip coating to allow the hooks to grip the edge of the window sash 8. Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the window locking apparatus 1. In the embodiment shown the window contact arm 2 has a hook like part 28 which engages with a 8 window handle or latch 13 by hooking to the latch 13 when the latch 13 has been pivoted upwards. Once the hook like part 28 has hooked over the latch 13, the latch 13 can be pivoted downwards. The sill mount 3 hooks over the top of the sash stop 10 and engages with the interior face of the sash stop 10. The window contact arm 2 engages with the exterior face of the sash stop 10. The window contact arm 2 and the sill mount 3 and connected together by the locking means 4 and can clamp the apparatus 1 to the sash stop 10. The window contact arm and the sill mount 3 are movable relative to one another when the locking means 4 is unlocked. This movable characteristic allows the window locking apparatus 1 to be adjusted for different configurations, dimensions and arrangements of types of windows and window frames. Figure 9 shows the hook like part 28 of the window contact arm 2 shown in figure 8 in more detail. The hook like part 28 is pivotally connected to the window contact arm by way of projections 29 on each end. In some embodiments (not shown) these projections 29 can be can be located at the top ends of the hook like part instead of at the bottom ends. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention. 9

Claims (24)

1. A window locking apparatus comprising: * a window contact; * a window frame or sill contact; and * locking means; the apparatus formed so that when it is in use the window contact is able to releasably engage a window, and the window frame or sill contact is able to releasably engage a window frame or sill associated with the window and the locking means is able to releasably lock the window frame or sill contact to a window frame of sill associated with the window, with the result that the window is locked in an open disposition.

2. A window locking apparatus according to claim 1, adapted to be suitable for use with an awning window.

3. A window locking apparatus according to claim 1, adapted to be suitable for use with a casement window.

4. A window locking apparatus according to claim 1, adapted to be suitable for use with a sliding window.

5. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window contact is adapted to engage a handle or latch of a window.

6. A window locking apparatus according to any one of claims claim 1-4, wherein the window contact is adapted to engage with a sash of a window.

7. A window locking apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6 wherein the window contact is adapted to engage with an edge of a sash of a window.

8. A window locking apparatus according to claim any one of claims 1-4, wherein the window contact is adapted to engage with the glass of a window. 10

9. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window frame or sill contact has a hook like part which engages with a window frame or sill.

10. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window contact has a hook like part which engages with a window.

11. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window contact has a clamping means adapted to clamp a window.

12. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window frame or sill contact has clamping means adapted to clamp a window frame or sill of a window.

13. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window contact and the window frame or sill contact are movable relative to one another.

14. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window frame or sill contact is adapted to engage with an interior sill of a window.

15. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window frame or sill contact is adapted to engage with a sash stop.

16. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window contact and window frame or sill contact have apertures that enable them to be moved and locked with respect to one another so that the window can be locked at varying degrees of openness.

17. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window frame or sill contact comprises two parts connected together by the locking means.

18. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the window frame or sill contact comprises a channel by which the window contact engages with it.

19. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the locking means locks the window locking apparatus to a window frame or sill. 11

20. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the locking means is a clamping lock.

21. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the locking means comprises a rotatable handle and a threaded bolt.

22. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the locking means can be manipulated by hand to be locked or unlocked.

23. A window locking apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the locking means locks the movement of the window contact relative to the window frame or sill contact.

24. A window locking apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. AJ Pietras & Co Attorney for the Applicant 12