AU2016100995A4 - A Catch Assembly Having A Vent Lock And A Method Of Use - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 3) The present invention relates to a catch assembly having a vent lock for a sliding window or door and a method of using the catch assembly when fitted to a sliding window or door. The catch assembly enables the sliding window or door to be secured in at least a partially opened position. The catch assembly includes a catch body, an actuator and latch operatively associated with the catch body and at least one locking member also operatively associated with the catch body and moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the sliding window or door to at least partially engage a surround frame and at least partially secure the sliding window or door in the at least partially opened position. Figure 1

Description

A CATCH ASSEMBLY HAVING A VENT LOCK AND A METHOD OF USE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a catch assembly having a vent lock for a sliding window or door and a method of using the catch assembly and vent lock when fitted to a sliding window or door.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Sliding windows and doors may be opened to allow ventilation and/or passage through the opened window or door, or closed to exclude inclement weather and/or to prevent passage through the window or door.

[0003] In some instances, a sliding window or door may be left in a partially opened position to prevent unwanted passage through the partially opened window or door but still allow ventilation. In such instances, the sliding window or door may be fitted with a vent lock to secure the window or door in the partially opened position or prevent the window or door being opened further.

[0004] Generally, vent locks include one or more outwardly moving members fitted to one of the sliding window or door and a surround frame, the one or more outwardly moving members being configured to abut against the other of the sliding window or door and the surround frame to secure the window or door in a partially opened position or prevent the window or door being opened further.

[0005] Typical practice is to fit a vent lock to a sliding window or door in addition to a handle or catch assembly for moving the window or door and securing the window or door in a closed position.

[0006] A problem with the above practice is that it is more complicated and labour intensive to separately assemble and fit a handle or catch assembly and a vent lock to a sliding window or door.

[0007] A further problem is that the separate fitting of the handle or catch assembly and the vent lock can mar the aesthetic appearance of the sliding window or door.

[0008] Yet a further problem is that in most instances both the handle or catch assembly and the vent lock may each include their own keyed lock. This can render the process of locking and unlocking the respective locks on the handle or catch assembly and the vent lock a complicated, time-consuming and confusing process.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a catch assembly having a vent lock for a sliding window or door and a method of using the catch assembly and vent lock when fitted to a sliding window or door, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above or which may provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a catch assembly having a vent lock for a sliding window or door for enabling the sliding window or door to be secured in at least a partially opened position, the assembly including: a catch body attachable to a frame member of the window or door; an actuator and latch operatively associated with the catch body, the actuator being moveable to move the latch between a locking position in which the latch engages a surround frame or an adjacent window or door to secure the sliding window or door in place and a free position in which the latch is freed from the surround frame or the adjacent window or door to allow movement of the sliding window or door; and at least one locking member operatively associated with the catch body and moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the window or door to at least partially engage the surround frame to at least partially secure the sliding window or door in the at least partially opened position.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one locking member for use with or when used with a catch assembly for a sliding window or door, the at least one locking member configured to be operatively associated with a catch body of the catch assembly and, in use, be moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the sliding window or door to at least partially engage a surround frame to at least partially secure the sliding window or door in an at least partially opened position.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a catch assembly for a sliding window or door, the catch assembly being for use with or when used with the at least one locking member as described above, the catch assembly including: a catch body attachable to a frame member of the window or door; and an actuator and latch operatively associated with the catch body, the actuator being moveable to move the latch between a locking position in which, in use, the latch engages a surround frame or an adjacent window or door to secure the sliding window or door in place and a free position in which, in use, the latch is freed from the surround frame or the adjacent window or door to allow movement of the sliding door or window.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a catch assembly and vent lock kit for use with a sliding window or door, said kit including: a catch body attachable to a frame member of the window or door; an actuator and latch operatively associated with the catch body, the actuator being moveable to move the latch between a locking position in which the latch engages a surround frame or an adjacent window or door to secure the sliding window or door in place and a free position in which the latch is freed from the surround frame or the adjacent window or door to allow movement of the sliding window or door; and at least one locking member operatively associated with the catch body and moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the window or door to at least partially engage the surround frame to at least partially secure the sliding window or door in the at least partially opened position.

[0014] Advantageously, the catch assembly of the present invention allows a sliding window or door to be secured in at least a partially opened position without the need for a separately fitted vent lock. As such, the catch assembly of the present invention is less complicated and labour intensive to fit to a sliding window or door compared to a separately fitted catch assembly and vent lock and, consequently, is a cost-effective alternative to a separately fitted catch assembly and vent lock. Moreover, the catch assembly of the present invention, once fitted to a sliding window or door, has a smaller visual footprint than a separately fitted catch assembly and vent lock. This, in turn, results in a more visually appealing sliding window or door than a sliding window or door separately fitted with a catch assembly and a vent lock. Lastly, the inclusion of the vent lock within the catch assembly of the present invention means only a single key is required to lock and unlock the catch assembly. As such, the process of locking and unlocking a sliding window or door fitted with the catch assembly is less complicated, time-consuming and confusing than the same process with a sliding window or door separately fitted with a catch assembly and a vent lock.

[0015] The catch assembly of the present invention is preferably for use with horizontally sliding windows and doors, most preferably horizontally sliding windows. As such, the catch assembly of the present invention will be described hereafter with respect to a horizontally sliding window but in no way is the present invention to be limited to use with solely horizontally sliding windows.

[0016] A horizontally sliding window typically includes a surround frame that is fixed into a wall cavity. The surround frame contains top and bottom surround frame members, also known as a “head” and a “sill”, respectively, and opposed vertical surround frame members or “jambs”.

[0017] The surround frame typically includes a fixed window or fixed sash and a sliding window or sliding sash. Of course, in some arrangements, a surround frame may include more than one fixed sash or more than one sliding sash.

[0018] Each sash typically contains an infill panel such as, for instance, one or more sheets of glass or glass equivalents such as clear plastic, i.e., polycarbonate, surrounded by opposed vertical frame members and upper and lower horizontal frame members also known as “rails”. Collectively, the opposed vertical frame members and the upper and lower horizontal frame members may be known as “frame members”. In some embodiments, the lower horizontal rail may contain at least a pair of rollers to assist in sliding a sliding sash.

[0019] The vertical frame members are often known as a lock stile and an interlock. As used herein, the term “lock stile” refers to the vertical frame member of the sliding sash nearest a jamb of a surround frame when the sliding sash is in a closed position. As used herein, the term “interlock” refers to the other opposed vertical frame member of the sliding sash nearest the fixed sash when the sliding is in the closed position.

[0020] Both the surround frame members and the frame members of the sashes include extrusions. The extrusions are typically made of metal or plastic, preferably metal, more preferably aluminium.

[0021] The surround frame members typically each define one or more channels sized and shaped to at least partially accommodate an edge of the sashes. For example, the top and bottom surround frame members may typically each include at least one channel sized and shaped to at least partially accommodate an edge of the upper and lower rails of the sliding sash. Likewise, at least one of the opposed vertical surround frame members may include at least one channel sized and shaped to at least partially accommodate an edge of the lock stile of the sliding sash when the sliding sash is in a closed position.

[0022] As indicated above, the catch assembly of the present invention includes a catch body attachable to a frame member of a sliding sash of a horizontally sliding window. The body may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0023] The body may be formed of a plastic and/or metal material or materials.

[0024] Generally, the body may be sized and shaped to at least partially house the actuator, the latch and the at least one locking member and be attachable to either a lock stile or an interlock of a sliding sash, preferably the interlock.

[0025] Typically, the body will be elongate having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, preferably substantially square-shaped.

[0026] The body may include an upper wall, an opposed lower wall, an outward facing wall, an opposed sash facing wall, an interlock engaging side wall and an opposed free side wall. Typically, the body may include an interlock engaging portion. Preferably, the interlock engaging portion may include at least part of the sash facing wall and at least part of the interlock engaging side wall.

[0027] The body is designed to be attachable to a sliding sash in any suitable way that cannot be easily removed and that can be readily handled by a user to open and close the sliding sash.

[0028] For example, in some embodiments, the body may be fastened to the interlock of a sliding sash using one or more fasteners such as, e.g., threaded fasteners or rivets.

[0029] In other embodiments, the body of the catch assembly may be “crimped” or otherwise attached to the interlock of the sliding sash, for example.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the body of the catch assembly may be slidingly attached to the interlock of a sliding sash. This type of attachment is known and typically includes a particular profile on the interlock and a complementary profile on at least a portion of the catch body to allow the body to be slidingly attached to the profile on the interlock of the sliding sash. The interlock engaging portion of the body may define the complementary profile.

[0031] Generally, the body may be attachable at any suitable location along a height of the interlock provided that the at least one locking member operatively associated with the catch body can move in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the sliding sash to at least partially engage either the head or sill of the surround frame.

[0032] Preferably, the catch body may be slidingly attached to an upper or lower portion of the interlock such that the at least one locking member may respectively at least partially engage the head or sill of the surround frame.

[0033] Once suitably positioned along a height of the interlock, the catch body may be secured in place. The catch body may be secured in place by any suitable means.

[0034] For example, in some embodiments, the catch body may be fastened to the interlock using one or more mechanical fasteners, such as, e.g., threaded fasteners or rivets.

[0035] In other embodiments, the catch body may be secured in place by one or more fasteners in the form of tags. Each tag may be adapted to be associated with the catch body, preferably via the upper or lower walls. Each tag may define at least one opening adapted to receive a mechanical fastener (e.g., threaded fastener or the like) for fastening the tag and thereby the catch body to the interlock. Each tag may be formed from metal and/or plastic material or materials, preferably plastic material or materials.

[0036] Each tag may include a catch body engaging portion and an opposed interlock abutting portion. The catch body engaging portion and the opposed interlock abutting portion may each be substantially planar. The catch body engaging portion may extend in a first planar direction and the opposed planar interlock abutting portion may extend in a second planar direction, preferably at right angles relative to the first planar direction.

[0037] The catch body engaging portion may include a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism to fasten the tag to the catch body. For example, a first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the catch body engaging portion may mate with or engage with a second part of the connecting mechanism that is associated with the catch body.

[0038] The connecting mechanism may include an interference (snap fit) connection, for example. Typically, the connecting mechanism involves a male formation engaging with a female formation. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism includes the catch body having a male formation that engages with a female formation of the catch body engaging portion. In another embodiment, the catch body has a female formation that engages with a male formation of the catch body engaging portion.

[0039] In preferred embodiments, the catch body engaging portion includes a male formation in the form of a shaped head configured to be at least partially inserted into a female formation in the form of a corresponding opening defined in the catch body, preferably on the upper and/or lower walls of the catch body.

[0040] The shaped head may include tapered or rounded opposed leading edges and/or sides to facilitate at least partial insertion of the shaped head into the corresponding opening.

[0041] The shaped head may further include opposed trailing lips configured to at least partially prevent withdrawal of the shaped head from the corresponding opening when inserted. The trailing lips may extend between the shaped head and an adjacent neck portion, which may have a reduced thickness relative to the shaped head.

[0042] The opposed interlock abutting portion may be of any suitable size and shape to at least partially abut against a side edge of the interlock of a sliding sash. The opposed interlock abutting portion may preferably define the at least one opening adapted to receive a mechanical fastener (e.g., threaded fastener or the like) for fastening the tag and thereby the catch body to the interlock.

[0043] The actuator of the catch assembly may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0044] The actuator may be associated with the catch body and the latch in any suitable way such that movement of the actuator moves the latch between the locking and free positions to respectively engage a fixed sash (or a jamb of a surround frame) to secure the sliding sash in place when the sliding sash is in a closed position and free the latch from the fixed sash (or jamb of the surround frame) to allow movement of the sliding sash.

[0045] Generally, as with the catch body, the actuator may be formed of a plastic and/or metal material or materials.

[0046] Typically, the actuator may be of a form that can be comfortably moved by a user’s hand between a locking position and a free position. The locking and free positions of the actuator respectively corresponding with the locking and free positions of the latch.

[0047] For example, in some embodiments, the actuator may include a button, lever, knob or snib that can be readily moved by a user’s hands or fingers between the locking position and the free position, preferably single-handedly.

[0048] In other embodiments, the actuator may include a “grip” type handle, a “lever” type handle, a “knob” type handle or the like.

[0049] Preferably, the actuator may be slideable relative to the catch body between the locking position and the free position. More preferably, the actuator of the present invention may be slid into the catch body from the locking position to the free position.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the actuator may include a “grip” type handle and at least one angled face. The handle and the angled face may be separately or integrally formed, preferably the latter.

[0051] Typically, the handle may extend from the at least one angled face, which may be enclosed within the catch body. The handle may at least partially protrude from a corresponding opening defined on either the interlock engaging side wall or the opposed free side wall of the catch body, preferably the interlock engaging side wall.

[0052] The latch of the catch assembly may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0053] Like with the actuator, the latch may be associated with the catch body and the actuator in any suitable way such that movement of the actuator moves the latch between the locking and free positions to respectively engage a fixed sash (or jamb of a surround frame) to secure the sliding sash in place when the sliding sash is in a closed position and free the latch from the fixed sash (or jamb of the surround frame) to allow movement of the sliding sash.

[0054] Generally, the latch may be formed of a plastic and/or metal material or materials.

[0055] The latch may include an elongate member having a fixed sash engaging portion at a first end and an actuator engaging portion at an opposed second end.

[0056] Typically, the fixed sash engaging portion may include an angled face and an opposed flat face to make the latch suitable to move over a corresponding locking rib, shoulder or the like on the fixed sash (or jamb of a surround frame) and then be secured to the fixed sash (or jamb of the surround frame) by the flat face which prevents retraction.

[0057] For example, in preferred embodiments, the fixed sash engaging portion may preferably include a chamfered or bevelled edge. The sloping edge of the chamfered or bevelled edge may constitute the angled face.

[0058] The actuator engaging portion may be of any suitable size and shape to be operatively associated with the actuator.

[0059] For example, in some embodiments, the actuator may slidingly engage against the actuator engaging portion of the latch to cause the fixed sash engaging portion of the latch to slide from the locking position in which it is able to engage with a fixed sash (or jamb of a surround frame) when the sliding sash is in a closed position to the free position in which the fixed sash engaging portion is held clear of the fixed sash (or jamb of the surround frame) thereby allowing movement of the sliding sash.

[0060] In preferred embodiments, the handle of the actuator may be at least partially slid into the catch body to thereby cause the at least one angled face of the actuator to slidingly engage with or against the actuator engaging portion of the latch to slide the fixed sash engaging portion of the latch from the locking position to the free position. Preferably, the actuator engaging portion of the latch may include at least one angled face complementarily shaped to slide against the at least one angled face of the actuator.

[0061] The catch assembly may further include a biasing mechanism for biasing the latch of the catch assembly into the engaging position. The biasing mechanism may typically be in the form of one or more springs. The biasing of the latch of the catch assembly into the engaging position may preferably in turn bias the actuator into the locking position.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, the biasing mechanism may be in the form of at least two helical springs located between an internal surface of the outward facing wall of the catch body and an end surface of the actuator engaging portion of the latch. In use, the at least two helical springs may bias the latch toward the sash facing wall of the catch body such that the fixed sash engaging portion of the latch may at least partially protrude from a corresponding opening defined in the sash facing wall of the catch body for engagement with a fixed sash (or jamb of a surround frame) when the sliding sash is in a closed position.

[0063] Moreover, the biasing of the latch towards the sash facing wall of the catch body may cause the at least one angled face of the actuator engaging portion of the latch to slidingly engage with the at least one angled face of the actuator and bias the actuator into the locking position such that the handle of the actuator is biased outward from the catch body.

[0064] The at least one locking member of the catch assembly may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0065] Generally, the at least one locking member may be of any size, shape and construction suitably adapted to be operatively associated with the catch body and be moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the sliding sash to at least partially engage a surround frame, preferably the head or sill of the surround frame.

[0066] Typically, the at least one locking member may be slideable relative to the catch body between a locking position in which the locking member at least partially engages the head or sill of the surround frame and a retracted position in which the locking member is held clear of the head or sill of the surround frame.

[0067] The locking member in the locking position may secure the sliding sash in one or more positions other than the at least partially opened position. For example, the locking member may be used to additionally secure the sliding sash in a closed position and/or fully opened position.

[0068] Generally, the at least one locking member may be formed of a plastic and/or metal material or materials.

[0069] The at least one locking member may include a shaft, a handle portion at a first end of the shaft and an engaging portion at an opposed second end of the shaft. The shaft may have a circular, rectangular or square-shaped cross sectional shape, preferably rectangular.

[0070] The handle portion may further include a handle fitted over the first end. The handle may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials. Typically, the handle may be of a form that can be comfortably moved by a user’s hand to slide the locking member between the locking and retracted positions.

Preferably, the handle may be in the form of a shaped body of plastic or rubber fitted over the first end to facilitate the user in sliding the locking member.

[0071] The at least one locking member may be partially enclosed within the catch body. Typically, the shaft of the locking member may extend through the catch body, preferably between the upper and lower walls. The handle portion may extend from a corresponding opening defined in one of the upper and lower walls of the catch body, preferably the upper wall. The engaging portion may extend from a corresponding opening defined in the other of the upper and lower walls of the catch body, preferably the lower wall.

[0072] Preferably, the engaging portion of the locking member may be off set relative to a longitudinal axis of a remainder of the locking member such that the engaging portion of the locking member may not be retracted into the catch body. Advantageously, this prevents the locking member from being overly retracted relative to the catch body. Typically, the shaft may include one or more kinks or bends near the engaging portion to provide the off set engaging portion of the locking member.

[0073] The engaging portion may be sized and shaped for engaging with the head or sill of a surround frame either directly or indirectly, preferably the sill.

[0074] For example, in some embodiments, the engaging portion may, in use, at least partially engage with at least one hole or opening defined in the sill. In such embodiments, the sill may include a plurality of holes or openings defined a long a length of the sill. Preferably, the holes or openings may be defined in specific locations along the sill such that the locking member may be used to secure the sliding sash in a closed position, the partially opened position and a fully opened position, for example.

[0075] In other embodiments, the catch assembly may further include a receiving member adapted to be attached to the surround frame. The receiving member may include one or more holes or openings for at least partially receiving the engaging portion of the locking member. Generally, the receiving member may have a substantially elongate body adapted to extend at least partially along the head or sill of the surround frame, preferably the sill. The elongate body may preferably be in the form of a strip.

[0076] Typically, the receiving member may include or define a plurality of holes or openings extending along a length of the member. Preferably, the holes or openings may be defined in specific locations along the length of the member to, in use, at least partially receive the engaging portion of the locking member and secure the sliding sash in a closed position, the partially opened position and a fully opened position, for example.

[0077] The receiving member may be attached by adhesive or one or more mechanical fasteners to the head or sill.

[0078] In yet further embodiments, the sill or the receiving member may further define one or more recessed channels or shelves extending longitudinally along the sill or the receiving member, preferably between the holes. The one or more recessed channels or shelves, like the holes, may be configured to at least partially receive the engaging portion of the locking member. When the engaging portion of the locking member is at least partially received in one of the one or more recessed channels or shelves, a sliding range of movement of the sliding sash may be limited between differing partially opened positions as defined by the longitudinal ends of the recessed channel or shelf.

[0079] In some embodiments, the at least one locking member may also be operatively associated with the actuator. In such embodiments, movement of the at least one locking member between the locked and retracted positions may first require the actuator to be moved from the locking position to the free position.

[0080] The at least one locking member may be operatively associated with the actuator in any suitable way. The actuator may be directly or indirectly associated with the locking member, preferably indirectly.

[0081] For example, in some embodiments, the catch assembly may further include a retaining member located between the actuator and the locking member for retaining the locking member in place when the actuator is in the locking position. Typically, the retaining member may be directly associated with the actuator, preferably abut against the actuator.

[0082] In preferred embodiments, the shaft of the locking member may include one or more recessed or notched portions extending along one or more side edge portions of the shaft. Moreover, the retaining member may include a retaining finger that is configured to be at least partially received in one of the one or more recessed or notched portions to retain the locking member in place relative to the catch body.

[0083] Generally, when the actuator is biased into the locking position by the biasing mechanism biasing the retaining finger of the retaining member may be biased at least partially into one of the one or more recessed or notched portions to retain the locking member in place.

[0084] Conversely, when the actuator is moved to the free position, the retaining finger of the retaining member may be moved clear of the one or more recessed or notched portions extending along the shaft of the locking member thereby allowing the locking member to be moved.

[0085] In some embodiments, the catch assembly may further include a lock barrel. The lock barrel may be operatively associated with the actuator such that the actuator can be locked against movement, preferably when the actuator is in the locked position. Generally, the lock barrel may be a keyed barrel and locking/unlocking may be achieved by insertion and turning of a key within the lock barrel to thereby turn a cam associated with the lock barrel. Typically, the cam of the lock barrel may directly or indirectly lock the actuator in the locked position, preferably indirectly.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the cam of the lock barrel may turn between a locking position in which the cam interferes with the operation of the retaining member to thereby lock the actuator in the locked position and an unlocking position in which the cam does not interfere with the retaining member and the actuator is moveable between the locking position and the free position.

[0087] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a sliding window or door fitted with the catch assembly of the first aspect in an at least partially opened position, said method including: moving the at least one locking member in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the window or door such that the at least one locking member engages with a surround frame and at least partially secures the window or door in the at least partially opened position.

[0088] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the catch assembly as described hereinbefore.

[0089] For example, the method may include an initial step of moving the actuator from the locking position to the free position to allow the at least one locking member to be moved.

[0090] The method may further include another initial step of aligning the at least one locking member with a receiving hole or opening defined in the sill or head or a receiving member adapted to be attached to the sill or head prior to moving the locking member.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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

[0093] 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 Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0094] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a catch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention fitted to and securing a sliding sash of a horizontally sliding window in a closed position; [0095] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the catch assembly as shown in Figure 1; [0096] Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of the catch assembly and window as shown in Figure 1 save that the sliding sash of the window is now secured in at least a partially opened position; [0097] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective front view of the catch assembly as shown in Figures 1 to 3; [0098] Figure 5 is a sectional top view through an interlock frame member of the sliding sash as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4 showing the catch assembly fitted to the interlock; and [0099] Figure 6 is a sectional side view through an adjacent fixed sash of the horizontally sliding window shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5 showing the catch assembly fitted to the interlock of the sliding sash.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00100] Figures 1 and 3 to 6 show a catch assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention fitted to an interlock (616) of a sliding sash (610) of a horizontally sliding window (600). Figure 2 shows an exploded view of components of the catch assembly (100) as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 6.

[00101] Referring to Figure 1, the catch assembly (100) has a catch body (110) attachable to the interlock (616) of the sliding sash (610) of the horizontally sliding window (600). The catch assembly (100) includes an actuator (120), a latch (130; not visible) and biasing mechanism operatively associated with the catch body (110) for biasing the actuator (120) into a locking position. The actuator (120) is slidable from the locking position to a free position. In the locking position, the latch (130; not visible) is able to engage a vertical frame member of a fixed sash (620) of the horizontally sliding window (600) to secure the sliding sash (610) in place when in a closed position. In the free position, the latch (130; not visible) is freed from the vertical frame member of the fixed sash (620) to allow sliding movement of the sliding sash (610).

[00102] The catch assembly (100) further includes a locking member (140) operatively associated with the catch body (110) and a receiving member (150) attachable to a sill (604) of a surround frame of the horizontally sliding window (600). The receiving member (150) at least partially extends along a length of the sill (604). The locking member (140) is slideable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the sliding sash (610) to be at least partially received in one of a plurality of openings (152) defined in the receiving member (150) to secure the sliding sash (610) in at least one of the closed position (as shown in Figure 1) and one or more partially opened positions (as shown in Figure 3). The locking member (140) is operatively associated with the actuator (120) such that movement of the locking member (140) requires the actuator (120) to be moved from the locking position to the free position.

[00103] As indicated above, the horizontally sliding window (600) includes a surround frame that is fixed into a wall cavity. The surround frame includes a head (i.e., a top surround frame member), a sill (604; i.e., a bottom surround frame member) and opposed jambs (i.e., vertical surround frame members).

[00104] The surround frame houses the sliding sash (610) and the fixed sash (620) of the horizontally sliding window (600).

[00105] Each sash (610, 620) includes an infill panel bordered by frame members including an upper rail (i.e., an upper horizontal frame member), an opposed lower rail (i.e., a lower horizontal frame member) and opposed vertical frame members.

[00106] The vertical frame members of the sliding sash (610) include the interlock (616) and an opposed lock stile. The lock stile is the vertical frame member nearest a jamb of the surround frame when the sliding sash (610) is in the closed position. The interlock (616) is the vertical frame member nearest the fixed sash (620) when the sliding sash (610) is in the closed position.

[00107] The head, sill (604) and jambs of the surround frame of the horizontally sliding window (600) each define one or more channels sized and shaped to accommodate edges of the frame members of the sliding sash (610) and the fixed sash (620).

[00108] Referring to Figure 2, the catch body (110) of the catch assembly (100) is formed of plastic and attachable to the interlock (616; not shown) of the sliding sash (610; not shown). The catch body (110) is sized and shaped to at least partially accommodate the actuator (120), the latch (130) and part of the at least one locking member (140).

[00109] The catch body (110) is elongate having a substantially square-shaped profile shape. The catch body (110) includes an upper wall (111), an opposed lower wall (112), an outward facing wall (113), an opposed sash facing wall (114), an interlock engaging side wall (115) and an opposed free side wall (116). At least part of the sash facing wall (114) and the interlock engaging side wall (115) form an interlock engaging portion (117) of the catch body (110). The sash facing wall (114) includes access panel (119) for accessing internal components of the catch assembly (100).

[00110] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the catch body (110) is slidingly attached to the interlock (616).

[00111] This type of attachment is well known in the art and as best shown in Figure 5 includes a particular profile on the interlock (616) and a complementary profile on the interlock engaging portion (117) of the catch body (110) that allows the catch body (110) to be slidingly attached to the profile on the interlock (616).

[00112] Referring to Figure 6, the catch body (110) is slidingly attached to a lower portion of the interlock (616) of the sliding sash (610) such that the locking member (140) of the catch assembly (100) is able to be at least partially received in one of the plurality of openings (152) defined in the receiving member (150) located on the sill (604) of the surround frame of the horizontally sliding window (600).

[00113] The catch body (110) is further secured in place on the interlock (616) by a tag (510). The tag (510) includes catch body engaging portion (512; not visible) and an opposed interlock engaging portion (514) defining an opening for receiving a mechanical fastener for fastening the tag (510) to the interlock (616).

[00114] Referring back to Figure 2, the catch body engaging portion (512) and the interlock engaging portion (514) of the tag (510) are each substantially planar with the interlock engaging portion (514) extending in a first planar direction and the interlock engaging portion (514) extending in a second planar direction at right angles relative to the first planar direction.

[00115] As also shown in Figure 2, the catch body engaging portion (512) of the tag (510) includes a male formation in the form of a shaped head that is configured to be at least partially inserted into a female formation in the form of a corresponding opening defined in the lower wall of the catch body (not shown). The shaped head of catch body engaging portion (512) of the tag (510) includes tapered or rounded opposed leading edges and/or sides (515) to facilitate insertion into the corresponding opening. Opposed trailing lips (516) extending between the shaped head and an adjacent neck portion having a reduced thickness or width relative to the shaped head are configured to at least partially prevent withdrawal of the shaped head of the catch body engaging portion (512) of the tag (510) from the corresponding opening when inserted.

[00116] The actuator (120) is formed of plastic and is of a form that can be comfortably slid by a user’s hand from the locking position to the free position. The actuator (120) includes a handle (122) and at least one angled face (124).

[00117] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, the handle (122) extends from the at least one angled face (124; not visible) which is enclosed within the catch body (110). The handle (122) at least partially protrudes from a corresponding opening defined in the interlock engaging side wall (115; not visible in Figure 6) of the catch body (110).

[00118] Referring again to Figure 2, the latch (130) of the catch assembly is also formed of plastic and includes an elongate member have a fixed sash engaging portion (132) at a first end and an actuator engaging end (134) at an opposed second end.

[00119] As best shown in Figure 5, the fixed sash engaging portion (132) of the latch (130) at least partially protrudes from a corresponding opening defined on the sash facing wall (114) of the catch body (110).

[00120] The fixed sash engaging portion (132) includes an angled face (133) and an opposed flat face (135). The angled face (133) allows the fixed sash engaging portion (132) of the latch (130) to move or slide over a corresponding locking rib, shoulder or the like (622) on a vertical frame member of the fixed sash (620) to thereby secure the latch (130) to the vertical frame member of the fixed sash (620). The flat face (135) prevents the latch (130) being slid back over the locking rib, shoulder or the like (622) without the latch (130) first being moved from an engaging position to a free position by sliding the actuator (120) from the locking position to the free position.

[00121] Referring back again to Figure 2, the actuator engaging end (134) of the latch (130) includes two substantially parallel angled faces (136) complementarily shaped to engage with and slide against the at least one angled face (124) of the actuator (120). In use, sliding of the actuator (120) from the locking position to the free position, causes the at least one angled face (124) of the actuator (120) to slide against the two substantially parallel angled faces (136) of the actuator engaging end (134) of the latch (130) to at least partially retract the fixed sash engaging portion (132) of the latch (130) into the catch body (110) and into the free position.

[00122] As mentioned, the catch assembly (100) includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the actuator (120) into the locking position. The biasing mechanism is in the form of at least two helical springs that extend between an internal surface of the outward facing wall (113) of the catch body (110) and an end surface of the actuator engaging end (134) of the latch (130). The helical springs bias the latch (130) and its fixed sash engaging portion (132) into the engaging position.

[00123] The biasing of the latch (130) and its fixed sash engaging portion (132) into the engaging position also biases the actuator (120) into the locking position.

[00124] As indicated above and as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the locking member (140) of the catch assembly (100) is slideable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the sliding sash (610) to be at least partially received in one of the plurality of openings (152) defined in the receiving member (150) to thereby secure the sliding sash (610) in at least one of the closed position and one or more partially opened positions.

[00125] Referring back to Figure 2, the locking member (140) is formed of metal and includes a shaft (142), a handle portion (144) at a first end of the shaft (142) and an engaging portion (146) at an opposed second end of the shaft (142). The shaft (142) has a substantially rectangular profile shape.

[00126] The handle portion (144) includes a handle (145) fitted over the first end. The handle (145) is of a form that can be comfortably moved by a user’s hand to slide the locking member (140) relative to the catch body (110) between a locking position in which the engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) is able to be at least partially received in one of the plurality of openings (152; shown in Figures 1 and 3) of the receiving member (150; shown in Figures 1, 3 and 6) and a retracted position in which the engaging portion (146) is held clear of the receiving member (150; shown in Figures 1, 3 and 6).

[00127] The engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) is sized and shaped to be at least partially received in one of the plurality of openings (152; shown in Figures 1 and 3) defined in the receiving member (150; shown in Figures 1, 3 and 6).

[00128] The shaft (142) of the locking member extends through corresponding openings defined in the upper and lower walls (111, 112) of the catch body (110).

[00129] As shown in Figure 2, the engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) is off set relative to the remainder of the shaft (142) to prevent the locking member (140) from being overly retracted from the locking position to the retracted position.

[00130] As also shown in Figure 2, the shaft (142) of the locking member (140) includes four pairs of opposed retaining notches (143; i.e., recessed or notched portions) extending along opposed sides edges of the shaft (142). The retaining notches (143) are used to retain the locking member (140) in place relative to the catch body (110) when the actuator (120) is in the locking position.

[00131] The catch assembly (100) further includes a retaining member (160) located between the actuator (120) and the shaft (142) of the locking member (140). The retaining member (160) includes a retaining finger (162) configured to be at least partially received in one of the retaining notches (143) of the shaft (142) to retain the locking member (140) in place relative to the catch body (110) when the actuator (120) is in the locking position.

[00132] In use and as mentioned above, the actuator (120) is biased into the locking position by the biasing mechanism, which, in turn, biases the retaining finger (162) of the retaining member (160) into one of the retaining notches (143) of the shaft (142) of the locking member (140).

[00133] Conversely, when the actuator (120) is slid to the free position, the retaining finger (162) of the retaining member (160) is moved clear of the retaining notches (143) of the shaft (142) of the locking member (140) such that the locking member (140) can be slid relative to the catch body (110).

[00134] Referring back to Figure 1, the receiving member (150) apart from defining the plurality of openings (152) for receiving the engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) for securing the sliding sash (610) in the closed position and one or more partially opened positions, further includes one or more recessed shelves (154) extending in a longitudinal direction along a length of the receiving member (150).

[00135] In use, the one or more recessed shelves (154) are configured to also at least partially receive the engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) and thereby limit a sliding range of movement of the sliding sash (610) between partially opened and closed positions. The partially opened and closed positions are defined by the respective longitudinal ends of the one or more recessed shelves (154).

[00136] The receiving member (150) is fastened with two or more threaded fasteners to the sill (605) of the surround frame of the window (600).

[00137] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and best shown in Figure 2, the catch assembly (100) of the present invention further includes a lock barrel (170) for locking the actuator (120) against movement and thereby locking the latch (130) and the locking member (140).

[00138] Referring to Figure 2, the lock barrel (170) is a keyed barrel whereby locking and unlocking is achieved by insertion and turning of a key within the lock barrel to thereby turn a cam (172) associated with the lock barrel (170).

[00139] In use, when the lock barrel (170) is locked, the cam (172) of the lock barrel interferes with operation of the retaining member (160) to thereby lock the actuator (120) in the locked position. Conversely, when the lock barrel (170) is unlocked, the cam (172) does not interfere with operation of the retaining member (160) and the actuator (120) is thereby slidable between the locking and free positions.

[00140] A method of securing and unsecuring a sliding sash (610) of a horizontally sliding window (600) fitted with the catch assembly (100) of the present invention in a fully closed or partially opened position as respectively shown in Figures 1 and 3 is now described in detail.

[00141] To secure the sliding sash (610) in a fully closed or partially opened position, the sliding sash (610) is slid to either the fully closed or partially opened positions.

[00142] The engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) is then aligned with an opening (152) defined in the receiving member (150) that corresponds with either the fully closed or partially opened positions.

[00143] The actuator (120) of the catch assembly (100) is slid from the locking position and held in the free position while the locking member (140) is slid from the retracted position to the locking position such that the engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) is at least partially received in the relative opening (152).

[00144] The actuator (120) of the catch assembly (100) can then be released to return to the locking position to retain the locking member (140) in place.

[00145] Optionally, the catch assembly (100) can further be locked by inserting and turning a key in the lock barrel (170).

[00146] To unsecure the sliding sash, the catch assembly (100) may optionally need to be unlocked by inserting and turning a key in the lock barrel (170).

[00147] The actuator (120) of the catch assembly (100) is then slid from the locking position and held in the free position while the locking member (140) is slid from the locking position to the retracted position such that the engaging portion (146) of the locking member (140) is removed and held clear of the relative opening (152) in the receiving member (150).

[00148] If the sliding sash (610) is in a partially opened position, the actuator (120) of the catch assembly (100) can be released to return to the locking position, and the sliding sash (610) is slidable.

[00149] If the sliding sash (610) is in a fully closed position, the actuator (120) needs to be held in the free position to free the latch (120) from the vertical frame member of the fixed sash (620) to allow the sliding sash (610) to be slid. Once the catch assembly (100) is clear of the vertical frame member of the fixed sash (620), the actuator (120) can be released to return to the locking position.

[00150] 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.

[00151] 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.

[00152] 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 (5)

1. A catch assembly having a vent lock for a sliding window or door for enabling the sliding window or door to be secured in at least a partially opened position, the assembly including: a catch body attachable to a frame member of the window or door; an actuator and latch operatively associated with the catch body, the actuator being moveable to move the latch between a locking position in which the latch engages a surround frame or an adjacent window or door to secure the sliding window or door in place and a free position in which the latch is freed from the surround frame or the adjacent window or door to allow movement of the sliding window or door; and at least one locking member operatively associated with the catch body and moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a sliding direction of the window or door to at least partially engage the surround frame to at least partially secure the sliding window or door in the at least partially opened position.

2. The catch assembly of claim 1, wherein the catch body is attachable to a lock stile or interlock of a horizontally sliding window or door.

3. The catch assembly of claim 2, wherein the catch body is attachable to the interlock of the horizontally sliding window or door.

4. The catch assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a receiving member defining a plurality of holes or openings for at least partially receiving an engaging portion of the at least one locking member, said receiving member being attachable to the surround frame such that it extends at least partially along the surround frame.

5. The catch assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one locking member is operatively associated with the actuator such that movement of the at least one locking member requires the actuator to be moved. Date: 4 July 2016