AU2015264801A1 - A Lock System for a Louvre Window - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock system for a louvre window including at least one elongate operating bar for reciprocal movement within a gallery member, the at least one elongate operating bar associated with a number of rotatable bearings, each having a louvre blade associated therewith, the lock system including a lock plug having an associated tailpiece, at least one engagement shoulder provided on the at least one elongate operating bar to engage the tailpiece when the lock system is locked and to be free of the tailpiece when the lock system is unlocked and a lock housing located at least partially within the gallery member in order to mount the lock plug relative to the gallery member, the lock housing having a receiving formation through which a portion of the at least one elongate operating bar can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked. 36 )38 Figure 1

Description

A LOCK SYSTEM FOR A LOUVRE WINDOW TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock system for a louvre window and particularly to a substantially flush mounted lock system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Locking systems for louvre windows are conventionally available.

[0003] Generally, locking systems provided for louvre windows include a lock arrangement which is mounted to the gallery member adjacent the handle which is used to open and close the louvre windows. Normally, a separate press member is provided which stands proud of the gallery member and which requires depression in order to lock the louvre window.

[0004] The press member is normally biased into the unlocked condition, that is outwardly from the gallery member and when depressed, it is depressed against the biasing force. A key cylinder is typically provided in association with the press member order to unlock the press member which, when unlocked, then again extend outwardly from the gallery member.

[0005] Inside the Gallery member, most conventional louvre window assemblies have at least one operating bar which reciprocates, driven by the handle used to open and close the louvre windows and which in turn rotates a number of bearings which rotate louvre blades mounted relative thereto.

[0006] Conventional locking systems normally include a pin or similar which is attached to the operating bar and which, when the press member is pushed into the unlocked condition, is engaged by an arm, with the arm preventing movement of the operating bar whilst the press member is in the locked condition.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a lock system for a louvre window, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a lock system for a louvre window including at least one elongate operating bar for reciprocal movement within a gallery member, the at least one elongate operating bar associated with a number of rotatable bearings, each having a louvre blade associated therewith, the lock system including a lock plug having an associated tailpiece, at least one engagement shoulder provided on the at least one elongate operating bar to engage the tailpiece when the lock system is locked and to be free of the tailpiece when the lock system is unlocked and a lock housing located at least partially within the gallery member in order to mount the lock plug relative to the gallery member, the lock housing having a receiving formation through which a portion of the at least one elongate operating bar can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked.

[0010] In an alternative aspect, the present invention resides in a louvre window assembly including a lock system, the louvre window assembly including at least one elongate operating bar for reciprocal movement within a gallery member, the at least one elongate operating bar associated with a number of rotatable bearings, each having a louvre blade associated therewith, and the lock system including a lock plug having an associated tailpiece, at least one engagement shoulder provided on the at least one elongate operating bar to engage the tailpiece when the lock system is locked and to be free of the tailpiece when the lock system is unlocked and a lock housing located at least partially within the gallery member in order to mount the lock plug relative to the gallery member, the lock housing having a receiving formation through which a portion of the at least one elongate operating bar can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked.

[0011] The lock system of the present invention is directed towards providing a substantially flush mount of the components of the lock system with the gallery member (when the key is removed). This provides a more aesthetically pleasing aspect to the louvre window system and also minimises the components standing proud of the louvre window system. The flush mount lock system also means that there will be less likely to be damage to components or injury due to accidental contact during manufacture, assembly, transit and when in situ.

[0012] According to the present invention, the majority of components are mounted within the gallery member with only a preferred cover plate being mounted externally of the gallery member but the preferred cover plate is mounted with a substantially flush profile and components of the lock system are not required to move transversely into and out of the gallery member. Therefore, the present invention locking system provides minimal external dimension and external movement.

[0013] Although the lock system can have any configuration, it is preferred that a key lock is provided. The key may preferably be removable from the lock system provided in order to minimise the external dimension of the lock system. Alternatively, a hinged key or similar may be used. Hinged keys are commercially available and are used to minimise the external dimension of the key, especially when the key is left in the lock.

[0014] The louvre window system to which the lock system of the present invention is normally mounted, will normally include at least one elongate operating bar which is used to rotate a number of bearings, and through the bearings, the louvre blades themselves, between the open and closed conditions and vice versa. A single operating bar may be provided, or alternatively, more than one operating bar may be provided in any gallery member.

[0015] Typically, each operating bar is elongate. Each operating bar may have any shape, and preferably, an operating bar which is substantially T-shaped or L-shaped bar is preferred with a first portion used to abut an inner surface of the gallery member for location of the operating bar and another portion which is substantially perpendicular thereto for engaging the respective bearings.

[0016] At least one of the operating bars is preferably provided with one or more engagement portions or shoulders in order to engage with a lock member or component, to lock the operating bar and therefore the louvre window system, but also to allow the mounting of one or more components of the lock system relative to the operating bar, particularly the lock housing. Preferably, one or more engagement shoulders are provided on the operating bar, preferably by forming a profile in the operating bar. The profile can be formed in any way such as by removal of portions from an existing operating bar or bespoke formation of an operating bar with the engagement shoulders formed therein.

[0017] It is particularly preferred that at least one lock notch is provided in the operating bar. According to a preferred embodiment, a single lock notch is provided but more than one lock notch may be provided in order to provide a user with the ability to lock the louvre window in a number of positions, rather than just in the closed and/or open positions. There could be more than one operating bar provided and there may be at least one lock notch in one or more operating bars. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one lock notch is preferably provided in the rear operating bar or the operating bar located on an opposite side of the gallery to the handle.

[0018] Any lock notch is preferably positioned relative to the lock plug and the lock housing such that when the louvre window is closed (preferably fully closed), the lock notch is immediately adjacent and engageable with (can receive) the tailpiece of the lock plug.

[0019] Typically, any lock notch is formed in the operating bar to have at least one, and preferably a pair of opposed engagement shoulders. The lock notch will normally be substantially U-shaped. The lock notch will preferably have a pair of substantially parallel side edges which are spaced from one another and which form abutment edges against which the tailpiece of the lock plug can abut and engage. The side edges typically limit or prevent movement of the operating bar in both directions.

[0020] The preferred lock notch is dimensioned to allow movement of the tailpiece into and out of the lock notch, preferably by rotation into and out of the lock notch, but not to substantially weaken the operating bar as the operating bar is still required to transmit load applied through the handle to the bearings in order to open and close the louvre window assembly.

[0021] There will preferably further be an assembly notch provided in the at least one operating bar. The assembly notch is typically larger than the lock notch and is provided to allow the lock housing to be located properly relative to the operating bar and the gallery without removal of the operating bar from the gallery. The assembly notch is preferably also U-shaped with a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart side edges. The assembly notch is preferably spaced from the lock notch by a portion of the operating bar between a side edge of the assembly notch and a side edge of the lock notch. This portion of the operating bar normally engages the lock housing and moves reciprocally within the receiving formation of the lock housing.

[0022] The assembly notch allows clearance between the gallery and the operating bar in order to insert the lock housing laterally into the gallery and the lock housing is then moved parallel to the operating bar, into position. Once the lock housing is in position, the lock housing is typically mounted or attached to the gallery and the operating bar can then be moved relative to the lock housing in use.

[0023] Normally, other portions are provided on or in relation to the operating bar in order to engage with the bearings and these are typically separated from both the lock notch and the assembly notch.

[0024] The majority of the components in the louvre window assembly and the lock system are typically mounted relative to gallery member. The gallery member is typically U-shaped and normally has a pair of sidewalls extending substantially perpendicularly from a face wall. In use, a pair of gallery members are provided, one at either side of the louvre window assembly and the louvre blades are mounted relative to end clips which are normally mounted adjacent the face wall of the respective gallery members.

[0025] The components of the louvre window assembly are normally mounted in an open, rear side of the gallery which is normally mounted adjacent to the periphery of the opening into which the louvre window assembly is fixed. Therefore, the components are normally mounted between the inner side of the face wall of the gallery member and the periphery of the opening defined by the free ends of the pair of sidewalls. Normally, bearings are provided and a portion of each bearing normally extends through a respective opening in the face wall to engage with an end clip, with the end clips normally mounting a louvre blade.

[0026] The lock plug of the present invention is normally mounted through one sidewall of the gallery member. Normally, the gallery is mounted such that one sidewall is mounted on an inside or room side of the louvre window assembly and one side wall is mounted to the outside or weather side of the louvre window assembly. The lock plug is preferably mounted through the sidewall on the inside or room side in order to be accessible from within the room but not to be accessible from outside the room.

[0027] Normally, an opening is provided in the sidewall of the gallery in order to mount the lock plug there through. The opening is typically shaped. The shape of the opening is preferably a circular portion of a first, smaller radius and a circular portion of a second, larger radius with step between the smaller radius opening portion and the larger radius opening portion in order to connect the two opening portions together to define a substantially continuous periphery.

[0028] The shaped opening in the gallery preferably defines a guide opening with the respective steps of forming an abutment edge at either end of rotation of the lock plug therein.

[0029] At least one, and preferably a pair of mounting openings are typically provided in the same sidewall for fasteners in order to engage the lock housing. Normally, the mounting openings are provided adjacent to the lock plug opening. There is normally one upper mounting opening and one lower mounting opening.

[0030] At least one and normally a pair of cover plate mounting openings are preferably provided in the sidewall of the gallery and spaced further from the shaped lock plug opening than the mounting openings. Again, normally one upper cover plate mounting opening will be provided and one lower cover plate mounting opening will be provided.

[0031] The cover plate of the preferred embodiment will preferably have at least one, and normally a pair of snap fit assemblies in order to engage with the cover plate mounting openings to prevent accidental removal of the cover plate from the gallery, but allow determined removal. The cover plate will normally have an indicator an external face thereof in order to indicate a locked position. A disengagement opening will normally be provided through the cover plate in order to allow disengagement of the lock plug from the gallery without requiring complete disassembly of the louvre window assembly.

[0032] In use, an elongate disengagement tool is preferably inserted through the disengagement opening in order to depress a preferably biased latching tongue provided on the lock plug in order to release the lock plug from the gallery. During assembly, the lock plug is typically pushed into the opening in the cover plate, thereby depressing the preferred latching tongue, and once the latching tongue has passed the periphery in the cover plate and preferably the periphery in the shaped opening in the sidewall of the gallery, the latching tongue will again extend laterally in order to latch the lock plug to the gallery through its abutment with an inner surface of the sidewall of the gallery.

[0033] The lock system of the present invention includes a lock plug having an associated tailpiece. The lock plug will normally be provided as a substantially cylindrical plug and preferably, will be provided as a key cylinder. In use, a user will normally rotate the key in one direction to lock the louvre window assembly and in the opposite direction to unlock the louvre window assembly. Rotation of the key typically rotates the lock plug within the lock housing with the rotation normally moving the tailpiece.

[0034] A particularly preferred embodiment includes a conventional key cylinder and a pin tumbler arrangement provided in the lock housing. A pin tumbler is commonly used in cylinder locks. In this type of lock, the lock housing or casing has a generally cylindrical hole in which the lock plug is housed. To open the lock, the lock plug rotates.

[0035] The lock plug has a straight-shaped slot known as the keyway at one end to allow the key to enter the lock plug; the other end preferably has or is associated with the tailpiece. The keyway often has protruding ledges that serve to prevent the key pins from falling into the lock plug, and to make the lock more resistant to picking. A series of key pins of various lengths are normally provided in association with the lock plug, which are typically rounded to permit the key to slide over them easily.

[0036] Above each key pin is a corresponding set of driver pins, which are spring-loaded within the housing. Simpler locks typically have only one driver pin for each key pin, but locks requiring multi-keyed entry, such as a group of locks having a master key, may have extra driver pins known as spacer pins. The lock housing normally has several vertical shafts, which hold the spring-loaded pins.

[0037] When the lock plug and lock housing are assembled, the pins are pushed down into the lock plug by the springs. The point where the lock plug and housing meet, is known as the shear point. With a key properly cut and inserted into the key way of the lock plug, the pins will rise causing them to align at the shear point. This allows the lock plug to rotate, thus opening the lock. When the key is not in the lock, the pins straddle the shear point, preventing the lock plug from rotating.

[0038] Preferably, a portion of the lock plug extends through the shaped opening in the gallery sidewall and normally, entirely through the lock housing. A tab or similar will preferably extend radially from the lock plug in a location corresponding with the shaped opening in the gallery when the lock plug is properly inserted or assembled. The tab will normally move within the portion of the shaped opening of larger dimension and either end of the tab will preferably abut the step at either end of the shaped opening in order to limit rotation of the lock plug and to provide a stop in the locked and unlocked conditions giving a user tactile feedback about the condition of the lock (whether locked, unlocked or between these two conditions).

[0039] The lock plug of the preferred embodiment is preferably generally cylindrical. The lock plug is preferably provided with a radially enlarged face plate in order to correspond to the opening in the cover plate and sit substantially flush relative thereto.

[0040] As mentioned above, a latching tongue used to releasably attach the lock plug relative to the gallery member is typically provided. The latching tongue is normally provided further along (toward the tailpiece) the lock plug than the tab. As mentioned above, the latching tongue is typically depressible and is biased radially outwardly from the lock plug.

[0041] The tailpiece of the lock system of the present invention preferably extends from one end of the lock plug. Normally, the tailpiece is fixed directly to the lock plug such that rotation of the lock plug results in rotation of the tailpiece. The tailpiece is preferably offset to one side of a central axis of rotation of the lock plug. The tailpiece is preferably solid.

[0042] The tailpiece has a particular shape in order to provide the preferred functionality. In particular, the shape of the tailpiece should preferably allow clearance to rotate the tailpiece into or out of the lock notch but also to provide abutment surfaces to prevent accidental dislodgement of the tailpiece from the lock notch in the at least one operating bar. The preferred shape of the tailpiece is a pair of arcuate ends with a pair of flattened or planar side surfaces. In use, the arcuate ends will preferably allow more clearance during rotation of the tailpiece into and out of the lock notch than squared ends and may also assist with aligning the tailpiece with the operating bar and thereby pulling the operating bar fully into position when locked if the operating bar is slightly out of the fully locked condition. The flattened or planar side surfaces will preferably provide abutment surfaces against which the side edges of the lock notch but in use and in the locked condition in order to prevent or minimise dislodgement or movement of the tailpiece out of the lock notch, for example, if a burglar jiggles or rattles the louvre window assembly seeking to dislodge the tailpiece out of the lock notch to gain entry.

[0043] The tailpiece is preferably of sufficient length so as to be received some way into the lock notch for increased security. The tailpiece may be provided with engagement formations which engage with the side edges of the lock notch in order to provide tactile feedback of the engagement in the locked and unlocked condition and movement between the two conditions. One mechanism by which this could be achieved is the provision of a groove in one or both of the flattened or planar side surfaces of the tailpiece which could then engage with the side edge of the lock notch during movement into and out of the locked condition.

[0044] The lock system of the present invention also includes a lock housing located at least partially within the gallery member in order to mount the lock plug relative to the gallery member, the lock housing having a receiving formation through which a portion of the at least one elongate operating bar can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked.

[0045] The lock housing preferably receives the lock plug at least partially thereinto. Normally, the lock plug extends substantially perpendicularly to the receiving formation.

[0046] The lock housing is typically solid. Components of the lock system and/or the lock mechanism are preferably received or housed within the lock housing. The lock housing includes a bore for the lock plug. The bore preferably extends completely through the housing. The bore is typically circular in cross-sectional shape.

[0047] A pin mechanism may be provided in the lock housing in order to allow and prevent rotation of the lock plug relative thereto as required. Normally, the openings will be provided on a face side of the lock housing in order to align with openings on the sidewall of the gallery to receive the fasteners to mount the lock housing relative to the gallery. A locating groove may preferably be provided in order to align with a central rib provided on the rear of the gallery face wall.

[0048] Further, a sidewall opening may be provided in the lock housing in order to access the lock plug when installed into the lock housing and without requiring removal of the lock plug or, in order to facilitate removal of the lock plug from the lock housing.

[0049] The lock housing includes a receiving formation through which a portion of the at least one operating bar can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked. The receiving formation will typically be provided as an elongate groove or channel through the lock housing. According to a preferred embodiment, an elongate groove or channel is typically provided into a rear face of the lock housing which is normally the face located furthest from the key.

[0050] The bore provided in the lock housing will typically intersect with the receiving formation. When the lock is unlocked, the tailpiece of the preferred embodiment is typically rotated to be positioned within a portion of the bore which is substantially parallel to the operating bar but is adjacent to the operating bar. In this position, the operating bar can slide reciprocally in the receiving groove without being obstructed by the tailpiece. When the lock is locked, this will typically rotate the tailpiece into engagement in the lock notch of the operating bar, braced by or against a portion of the lock housing which minimises or prevents the operating bar from moving thereby locking the window assembly.

[0051] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0054] Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a louvre gallery with a locking system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention associated therewith.

[0055] Figure 2 is a detailed exploded isometric view of the locking system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a hinged key which may find use according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the louvre gallery illustrated in Figure 1 in the assembled configuration with the locking system in the unlocked condition.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0058] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention a lock system for louvre window and a louvre window including a lock system is provided.

[0059] As illustrated in the Figures, the louvre window assembly 10 including at least one elongate operating bar 11 for reciprocal movement within a gallery member 12. The elongate operating bar 11 is associated with a number of rotatable bearings 13, each having a louvre blade end clip 14 and a louvre blade (not shown) associated therewith. The lock system of the illustrated embodiment includes a lock plug 15 having an associated tailpiece 16, a lock notch 17 having a pair of engagement shoulders provided on the elongate operating bar 11 to engage the tailpiece 16 when the lock system is locked and to be free of the tailpiece 16 when the lock system is unlocked and a lock housing 18 located within the gallery member 12 in order to mount the lock plug 15 relative to the gallery member 12, the lock housing 18 having a receiving channel 19 through which a portion of the elongate operating bar 11 can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked.

[0060] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the majority of components of the lock system are mounted within the gallery member 12 with only a cover plate 20 being mounted externally of the gallery member 12 mounted with a substantially flush profile and components of the lock system are not required to move transversely into and out of the gallery member 12 or the cover plate 20. Therefore, the present invention locking system provides minimal external dimension and external movement.

[0061] Although the lock system can have any configuration, it is preferred as illustrated, that a key lock is provided. The key 21 is normally removable from the lock system provided in order to minimise the external dimension of the lock system. Alternatively, a hinged key such as that illustrated in Figure 3 may be used.

[0062] As illustrated, only a single elongate operating bar is provided. The operating bar which is substantially T-shaped has a first portion used to abut an inner surface of the gallery member 12 for location of the operating bar 11 and another portion which is substantially perpendicular thereto for engaging the respective bearings 13.

[0063] The illustrated operating bar 11 is provided with a pair of engagement notches, one notch (the lock notch 17) used to lock the operating bar and therefore the louvre window system, and a second notch (the assembly notch 22) to allow the mounting of the lock housing 18 relative to the operating bar 11. Preferably, engagement shoulders are provided on the operating bar 11, by forming a profile in the operating bar 11. The profile can be formed in any way such as by removal of portions from an existing operating bar, or bespoke formation of an operating bar 11 with the engagement shoulders formed therein.

[0064] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, a single lock notch 17 is provided. The lock notch 17 is positioned relative to the lock plug 15 and the lock housing 18 such that when the louvres are closed (preferably fully closed), the lock notch 15 is immediately adjacent and engageable with the tailpiece 16 of the lock plug 15 as illustrated particularly in Figure 4.

[0065] The lock notch 17 is formed in the operating bar 11 to have at a pair of opposed engagement shoulders. The lock notch 17 is substantially U-shaped with a pair of substantially parallel side edges which is spaced from one another and which form engagement shoulders against which the tailpiece 16 of the lock plug 15 can abut and engage. The side edges of eth lock notch 17 typically limit or prevent movement of the operating bar 11 in both directions.

[0066] The preferred lock notch 17 is dimensioned to allow movement of the tailpiece 16 into and out of the lock notch 17 by rotation into and out of the lock notch 17, but not to substantially weaken the operating bar 11 as the operating bar 11 may still transmit load applied to the bearings 13 in order to open and close the louvre window assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the lock notch is provided in the rear operating bar or the operating bar located on an opposite side of the gallery to the handle.

[0067] The assembly notch 22 provided in the operating bar 11 is typically larger than the lock notch 17 and is provided to allow the lock housing 18 to be located properly relative to the operating bar 11 and the gallery member 12 without removal of the operating bar 11 from the gallery member 12. The assembly notch 22 illustrated is also U-shaped with a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart side edges. The assembly notch 22 is spaced from the lock notch 17 by a portion of the operating bar 11 between a side edge of the assembly notch and a side edge of the lock notch. This portion of the operating bar normally engages the lock housing and moves reciprocally within the receiving formation of the lock housing 18 as shown in Figure 4.

[0068] The assembly notch 22 allows clearance between the gallery member 12 and the operating bar 11 in order to insert the lock housing 18 laterally into the gallery 12 and the lock housing 18 is then moved parallel to the operating bar 11 into position. Once the lock housing 18 is in position, the lock housing 18 is mounted to the gallery 12 and the operating bar 11 can then be moved relative to the lock housing 18 in use.

[0069] As illustrated, the gallery member 12 is U-shaped and normally has a pair of sidewalls 23 extending substantially perpendicularly from a face wall 24. In use, a pair of gallery members 12 are provided, one at either side of the louvre window assembly and the louvre blades are mounted relative thereto in the louvre end clips 14 which are normally mounted adjacent the face wall 24 of the respective gallery members 12.

[0070] The components of the louvre window assembly are normally mounted in an open rear side of the gallery 12 which is normally mounted adjacent to the periphery of the opening into which the louvre window assembly is fixed. Therefore, the components are normally mounted between the inner side of the face wall 24 of the gallery member 12 and the periphery of the opening defined by the free ends of the pair of sidewalls 23. Normally, bearings 13 are provided and a portion of each bearing 13 normally extends through a respective opening in the face wall 24 to engage with an end clip 14 with the end clips 14 normally mounting a louvre blade.

[0071] The lock plug 15 is normally mounted through one sidewall 23 of the gallery member 12. Normally, the gallery 12 is mounted such that one sidewall 23 is mounted on an inside or room side of the louvre window assembly and one side wall is mounted to the outside or weather side of the louvre window assembly. The lock plug 15 is mounted through the sidewall 23 on the inside or room side in order to be accessible from within the room but not to be accessible from outside the room.

[0072] Normally, an opening 25 is provided in the sidewall of the gallery in order to mount the lock plug 15 therethrough. The opening is typically shaped with a circular portion of a first, smaller radius 26 and a circular portion of a second, larger radius 27 with a step 28 between the small radius opening portion 26 and the larger radius opening portion 27 in order to connect the two opening portions together to define a substantially continuous periphery.

[0073] The shaped opening 25 in the gallery 12 defines a guide opening with the steps 28 forming an abutment edge at either end for rotation of the lock plug 15 therein.

[0074] A pair of mounting openings 29 are provided in the same sidewall for fasteners 30 in order to engage the lock housing 18. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the mounting openings 29 are provided adjacent to the lock plug opening 25.

[0075] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a pair of cover plate mounting openings 31 are provided in the sidewall of the gallery 12 and spaced further from the lock plug opening 25 than the mounting openings 29. Again, an upper cover plate mounting opening and a lower cover plate mounting opening are provided.

[0076] The cover plate 20 of the illustrated embodiment has an opening 35 for the lock plug 15 and a pair of snap fit assemblies 32 on a rear side in order to engage with the cover plate mounting openings 31 to prevent accidental removal of the cover plate 20 from the gallery 12 but not determined removal. The cover plate 20 has an indicator 33 an external face thereof in order to indicate a locked position for the key 21.

[0077] Although not illustrated, an opening is normally be provided through the cover plate 20 on the external face in order to allow disengagement of the lock plug 15 from the gallery 12 without requiring complete disassembly of the louvre window assembly. In use, an elongate disengagement tool is inserted through the disengagement opening (not shown) in order to depress a biased latching tongue 34 provided on the lock plug 15 in order to release the lock plug 15 from the gallery 12. During assembly, the lock plug 15 is typically pushed into the opening 35 in the cover plate 20, thereby depressing the latching tongue 34 and once the latching tongue 34 has passed the periphery in the cover plate 20 and the periphery of the lock plug opening 25 in the sidewall of the gallery 12, the latching tongue 34 extends laterally in order to latch the lock plug 15 to the gallery 12 through its abutment with an inner surface of the sidewall of the gallery 12.

[0078] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in particular, the lock plug 15 is provided as a substantially cylindrical key cylinder or plug. In use, a user will normally rotate the key 21 in one direction to lock the louvre window assembly and in the opposite direction to unlock the louvre window assembly. Rotation of the key 21 typically rotates the lock plug 15 within the lock housing 18 with the rotation normally moving the tailpiece 16 into and out of the lock notch 17.

[0079] A particularly preferred embodiment includes a conventional key cylinder and pin tumbler arrangement provided in the lock housing. A pin tumbler is commonly used in cylinder locks. In this type of lock, the lock housing 18 has a generally cylindrical bore 36 in which the lock plug 15 is housed. To open the lock, the lock plug 15 rotates in the housing if the correct key is inserted to disengage the lock pins.

[0080] The lock plug 15 has a straight-shaped slot or key way at one end to allow the key to enter the lock plug 15; the other end preferably has or is associated with the tailpiece 16. A series of key pins of various lengths are provided in association with the lock plug, which are typically rounded to permit the key to slide over them easily.

[0081] Preferably, a portion of the lock plug 15 extends through the lock plug opening 25 in the gallery 12 and the tailpiece 16 extends from the rear of the lock housing 18.

[0082] As illustrated best in Figure 2, a tab 37 extends radially from the lock plug 15 in a location corresponding with the lock plug opening 25 in the gallery 12 when the lock plug 15 is properly inserted or assembled. The tab 37 moves within the larger dimensioned portion 27 of the lock plug opening 25 and either end of the tab 37 will abut the step 28 at either end of the larger dimensioned portion 27 of the lock plug opening 25 in order to limit rotation of the lock plug 15 and to provide a stop in the locked and unlocked conditions giving a user tactile feedback about the condition of the lock (whether locked, unlocked or between these two conditions).

[0083] The preferred lock plug 15 is provided with a radially enlarged face plate 38 in order to correspond to the opening 35 in the cover plate 20 and sit substantially flush relative thereto.

[0084] As mentioned above, a latching tongue 34 used to releasably attach the lock plug 15 relative to the gallery 12 is provided further along (toward the tailpiece 16) the lock plug 15 than the tab 37. As mentioned above, the latching tongue 34 is depressible and is biased radially outwardly from the lock plug 15.

[0085] The tailpiece 16 extends from one end of the lock plug 15 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is fixed directly to the lock plug 15 such that rotation of the lock plug 15 results in rotation of the tailpiece 16. The tailpiece 16 is preferably offset to one side of a central axis of rotation of the lock plug 15 and is preferably solid.

[0086] The shape of the tailpiece 16 should allow clearance to rotate the tailpiece 16 into or out of the lock notch 17 but also to provide abutment surfaces to prevent accidental dislodgement of the tailpiece 16 from the lock notch 17 in the operating bar 11. The preferred shape of the tailpiece is therefore a pair of arcuate ends with a pair of flattened or planar side surfaces. In use, the arcuate ends allow more clearance during rotation of the tailpiece 16 into and out of the lock notch 17 and may also assist with aligning the tailpiece 16 with the operating bar 11 and thereby pulling the operating bar 11 fully into position when locked if the operating bar 11 is slightly out of the fully locked condition. The flattened or planar side surfaces provide abutment surfaces against which the side edges of the lock notch 17 abut in use and in the locked condition in order to prevent or minimise dislodgement or movement of the tailpiece 16 out of the lock notch 17 for example if a burglar jiggles or rattles the louvre window assembly seeking to dislodge the tailpiece 16 out of the lock notch 17 to gain entry.

[0087] As illustrated in Figure 4 in particular, the tailpiece 16 is of sufficient length so as to be received some way into the lock notch 17 for increased security.

[0088] The lock housing 18 receives the lock plug 15 at least partially thereinto and as illustrated in Figure 2, the lock plug 15 extends substantially perpendicularly to the receiving channel 19 within the bore 36.

[0089] The housing is typically solid and components are received or housed within the lock housing 18. The lock housing 18 includes a bore 36 for the lock plug 15. The bore 36 extends completely through the housing 18 and is circular in cross-sectional shape in the illustrated embodiment.

[0090] Openings 39 are provided on a face side of the lock housing 18 in order to align with openings 29 on the sidewall of the gallery 12 to receive the fasteners 30 to mount the lock housing 18 relative to the gallery 12. A locating groove 40 is also provided in order to align with a central rib 41 provided on the gallery 12.

[0091] Further, a sidewall opening 42 is provided in the lock housing 18 in order to access the lock plug 15 when installed into the lock housing 18 and without requiring removal of the lock plug 15 or, in order to facilitate removal of the lock plug 15 from the lock housing 18.

[0092] The lock housing 18 includes a receiving channel 19 through which a portion of the operating bar 11 reciprocates when the lock system is unlocked. As illustrated, the receiving channel 19 is provided into a rear face of the lock housing 18 which is normally the face located furthest from the key 21.

[0093] As illustrated in Figure 2, the bore 36 provided in the lock housing 18 intersects with the receiving channel 19. When the lock is unlocked, the tailpiece 16 is rotated to be positioned within a portion of the bore 36 which is substantially parallel to the operating bar 11 but is adjacent to the operating bar 11. When this position, the operating bar 11 can slide reciprocally in the receiving channel 19. When the lock is locked, this rotates the tailpiece 17 into engagement in the lock notch 17 of the operating bar 11 and be braced within the bore 36 of the lock housing 18 which minimises or prevents the operating bar 11 from moving thereby locking the window assembly.

[0100] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0101] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0102] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (24)

1. A lock system for a louvre window including at least one elongate operating bar for reciprocal movement within a gallery member, the at least one elongate operating bar associated with a number of rotatable bearings, each having a louvre blade associated therewith, the lock system including a lock plug having an associated tailpiece, at least one engagement shoulder provided on the at least one elongate operating bar to engage the tailpiece when the lock system is locked and to be free of the tailpiece when the lock system is unlocked and a lock housing located at least partially within the gallery member in order to mount the lock plug relative to the gallery member, the lock housing having a receiving formation through which a portion of the at least one elongate operating bar can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked.

2. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one lock notch is provided in the at least one elongate operating bar.

3. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one lock notch is provided in an operating bar located on an opposite side of the gallery member to an operating handle.

4. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the at least one lock notch is substantially U-shaped having a pair of substantially parallel side edges which are spaced from one another and which form abutment edges against which the tailpiece of the lock plug can abut and engage.

5. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including an assembly notch provided in the at least one operating bar to allow the lock housing to be located properly relative to the operating bar and the gallery without removal of the operating bar from the gallery.

6. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 5 wherein the assembly notch is substantially U-shaped with a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart side edges.

7. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the assembly notch is spaced from the lock notch by a portion of the operating bar between a side edge of the assembly notch and a side edge of the lock notch to engage the lock housing and allow movement reciprocally within the receiving formation of the lock housing.

8. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the assembly notch allows clearance between the gallery and the operating bar in order to insert the lock housing laterally into the gallery and the lock housing is then moved parallel to the operating bar, into position such that the lock housing is mounted to the gallery and the operating bar can then be moved relative to the lock housing in use.

9. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock plug of the present invention is mounted through one sidewall of the gallery member.

10. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 9 wherein a shaped opening is provided in the sidewall of the gallery member in order to mount the lock plug there through, the opening having a circular portion of a first, smaller radius and a circular portion of a second, larger radius with a step between the smaller radius opening portion and the larger radius opening portion in order to connect the two circular portions together to define a substantially continuous periphery.

11. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 10 wherein the shaped opening in the gallery defines a guide opening with the respective steps forming an abutment edge at either end of rotation of the lock plug therein.

12. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one mounting opening is provided in the one sidewall for fasteners in order to engage the lock housing.

13. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one cover plate mounting opening is provided in the one sidewall of the gallery.

14. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a cover plate having at least one, snap fit assemblies in order to engage with at least one cover plate mounting opening to prevent accidental removal of the cover plate from the gallery, but allow determined removal.

15. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 14 wherein the cover plate has an indicator an external face thereof in order to indicate at least a locked position.

16. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein a disengagement opening is provided through the cover plate in order to allow disengagement of the lock plug from the gallery without requiring complete disassembly of the louvre window.

17. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein, a portion of the lock plug extends through the shaped opening in the gallery sidewall, with a tab extending radially from the lock plug in a location corresponding with the shaped opening in the gallery when the lock plug is properly inserted or assembled such that the tab can move within the portion of the shaped opening of larger dimension and either end of the tab will abut the step at either end of the shaped opening in order to limit rotation of the lock plug and to provide a stop in the locked and unlocked conditions giving a user tactile feedback about the condition of the lock.

18. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 9, claim 10 or claim 17 wherein the lock plug further includes a latching tongue used to releasably attach the lock plug relative to the gallery member,

19. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in claim 18 wherein the latching tongue is depressible and is biased radially outwardly from the lock plug.

20. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the shape of the tailpiece is a pair of arcuate ends with a pair of flattened or planar side surfaces.

21. A lock system for a louvre window as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock housing is solid including a bore for the lock plug extending through the housing and a sidewall opening in order to access the lock plug when installed into the lock housing and without requiring removal of the lock plug or, in order to facilitate removal of the lock plug from the lock housing.

22. A louvre window assembly including a lock system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

23. A louvre window assembly including a lock system, the louvre window assembly including at least one elongate operating bar for reciprocal movement within a gallery member, the at least one elongate operating bar associated with a number of rotatable bearings, each having a louvre blade associated therewith, and the lock system including a lock plug having an associated tailpiece, at least one engagement shoulder provided on the at least one elongate operating bar to engage the tailpiece when the lock system is locked and to be free of the tailpiece when the lock system is unlocked and a lock housing located at least partially within the gallery member in order to mount the lock plug relative to the gallery member, the lock housing having a receiving formation through which a portion of the at least one elongate operating bar can reciprocate when the lock system is unlocked.

24. A louvre window assembly as claimed in claim 22 or 23 further including a hinged key.