AU2021290420B2

AU2021290420B2 - A latch assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2021290420B2
Application number: AU2021290420A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Brian Alchin
Original assignee: Azuma Design Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Azuma Design Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-15
Filing date: 2021-12-29
Publication date: 2023-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-06
Also published as: AU2024201680A1; AU2016204675A1; AU2021290420A1; AU2016204675B2

Abstract

A LATCH ASSEMBLY ABSTRACT A latch assembly (10) for use with a pivotally mounted window assembly having a sill member with a groove, the latch assembly (10) being adapted to engage a striker (15) that moves towards the latch assembly (10) in a strike direction (34), the latch assembly (10) including: a base (20) to be attached to the groove; a latch tongue (23) mounted on the base (20) with a pin (24) so as to be pivotally movable about an axis (25) between a retracted position and an extended position, the latch tongue (23) and the pin (25) further being movable in a first direction (18) transverse to the axis (25) and the strike direction (34) between a ready position and a non-engagement position, wherein, when the latch tongue (23) is in the extended and ready position, the striker (15) is engageable by the latch tongue (23) to prevent movement of the striker (15) in a direction opposite the striker direction (34) so as to retain the striker (15) adjacent the latch assembly (10), and, when the latch tongue (23) is in either the retracted position or the non-engagement position, the striker (15) is movable in the direction opposite the striker direction (34). Fig. 1 1/6 SI .2 1 m j N c~4~ 2 N ~ 0

Description

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A LATCH ASSEMBLY FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to latch assemblies, and more particularly to latch assemblies for pivotally mounted window panels.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Pivotally mounted window assemblies include a window frame to which there is pivotally attached a pivoted panel, typically a glass panel. The panel may pivot about a generally horizontal upper axis, or a generally vertical axis.

[0003] Pivotally mounted windows are also known as awning windows. Awning windows generally include a glass panel that is pivotally attached adjacent an upper frame member of the window frame and pivots about a generally horizontal axis.

[0004] Windows are generally increased in size, and this includes awning windows. This has created a number of problems, particularly with respect to high rise buildings, that the wind loads are considerable.

[0005] It is known for awning windows, particularly large awning windows, to oscillate between an open position and a closed position under heavy wind conditions. This includes the pivoted glass panel impacting against the window frame. This has the disadvantage that under repeated impact, the glass sheet can become dislodged from the supporting frame, with obvious safety problems, particularly in respect of high rise buildings.

SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially address one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative to the above window assemblies.

[0007] In a first aspect the present invention provides a latch assembly for use with a pivotally mounted window assembly having a sill member with a groove, the latch assembly being adapted to engage a striker that moves towards the latch assembly in a strike direction, the latch assembly including: a base to be attached to the groove; a latch tongue mounted on the base with a pin so as to be pivotally movable about an axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the latch tongue and the pin further being movable in a first direction transverse to the axis and the strike direction between a ready position and a non-engagement position, wherein, when the latch tongue is in the extended and ready position, the striker is engageable by the latch tongue to prevent movement of the striker in a direction opposite the striker direction so as to retain the striker adjacent the latch assembly, and, when the latch tongue is in either the retracted position or the non-engagement position, the striker is movable in the direction opposite the striker direction.

[0008] Preferably, the latch tongue and pin are urged toward the ready position by a spring located between the latch tongue and the base.

[0009] Preferably, the base is movable relative to the groove between a lock position and an unlock position, wherein, in the lock position, the movement of the base allows the latch tongue to move to the non-engagement position, and when moved to the unlock position, the movement of the base urges the latch tongue to move to the ready position.

[0010] Preferably, when the latch tongue is in the non-engagement position and the base is moved to the unlock position, a surface of the striker is engageable by the latch tongue to prevent movement of the latch tongue to the ready position, such that, when the striker is moved opposite the striker direction, the latch tongue is urged to the ready position by the spring.

[0011] Preferably, the latch assembly includes an actuator located between the spring and the latch tongue, the latch tongue having a cam surface, wherein the actuator engages the cam surface to urge the latch tongue toward the extended position.

[0012] Preferably, the latch tongue and the pin are mounted in a housing that is slidably mounted on the base, so as to be movable in the first direction.

[0013] Preferably, the housing includes a slot for receiving the pin.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides, in combination, the latch assembly of the first aspect, and a lock assembly, the striker having a striker portion, and the lock assembly including: a lock base to be attached to the groove and movable relative to the groove in the first direction between a lock position and an unlock position; and a lock member mounted on the lock base such that the lock member, in the lock position, engages the striker portion to prevent movement of the striker in the direction opposite the strike direction, and, in the unlock position, allow movement of the striker in the direction opposite the strike direction.

[0015] Preferably, the lock base and the base move in the first direction in unison.

[0016] Preferably, the lock base and the base are integrally formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of a latch assembly;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the latch assembly of Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the latch assembly as shown in Figure 2 sectioned along the line 3-3;

[0021] Figure 4 is a further schematic plan view of the latch assembly of Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the latch assembly as shown in Figure 4 sectioned along the line 4-4;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation of the latch assembly of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the latch assembly of Figure 6 sectioned along the line 7-7;

[0025] Figure 8 is a further schematic side elevation of the latch assembly of Figure 1; and

[0026] Figure 9 is a schematic sectioned end elevation of the latch assembly as shown in Figure 8 sectioned along the line 9-9;

[0027] Figure 10 is a parts exploded isometric view of a modification of a latch assembly and lock assembly described with reference to Figures 1 to 9;

[0028] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 10;

[0029] Figure 12 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 11 sectioned along the liner 12-12;

[0030] Figure 13 is a further schematic top plan view of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 10; and

[0031] Figure 14 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 13 sectioned along the line 14-14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a latch assembly 10. In this embodiment the latch assembly 10 is intended to be used with a lock assembly 11. The latch assembly 10 and the lock assembly 11 are intended to be used with a pivotally mounted window, such as an awning window. More particularly, the latch assembly 10 and the lock assembly 11 are intended to be used in a "Euro Groove" window assembly.

[0033] The latch assembly 10 and the lock assembly 11 are particularly intended to be mounted in the groove of a sill member of a Euro Groove frame assembly.

[0034] The lock assembly 11 includes a base 12 that would be fixed in the groove of the window sill member. Slidably mounted on the base 12 is a bar to which there is fixed a lock pin (lock member) 14. The lock pin 14 is intended to engage a striker 15. The striker 15 includes a base 16 that is attached to the pivotally mounted window panel, and a striker portion 17. The striker portion 17 is fixed to the base 16.

[0035] In operation of the above described lock 11, the pin 14 is moved in the direction 18 between a position engaging the striker portion 17 to retain the window in a closed position, and a position at which the striker portion 17 is released so that the window panel can be moved.

[0036] Typically the bar 13 would extend to a pivotally mounted lock handle that operates the lock 11.

[0037] The latch assembly 10 is intended to engage a striker 19. The striker 19 would be attached to the pivotally mounted panel.

[0038] The latch assembly 10 includes a base 20 that would be fixed to the window sill. Like the base 12, the base 20 would be secured within the groove of the "Euro Groove" window sill. Slidably mounted on the base 20 is a housing 21 fixed to the bar 13 by a further bar 22.

[0039] As the housing 21 is attached to the pin 14 by the bars 13 and 22, the housing 21 moves in unison with the pin 14 and therefore is moved by operation of the abovementioned lock handle.

[0040] Mounted in the housing 21 is a latch tongue 23. In particular, the tongue 23 is pivotally attached to the housing 21 by means of a pivot pin 24. Accordingly, the latch tongue 23 is angularly movable about an axis 25 that is generally transverse to the direction 18.

[0041] The pin 24 is also slidably mounted in the housing 21 for movement in the direction 18 as a result of the pin 24 passing between aligned slots 26 in the side walls of the housing 21.

[0042] Located internally of the housing 21 is an actuator 28, which is slidable relative to the housing 21 in the direction 18. A spring 29 extends between the actuator 28 and the housing 21 to urge the actuator 28 in the direction 30 relative to the housing 21.

[0043] The actuator 28 has an end surface 31 that engages a cam surface 32 of the tongue 23.

[0044] The latch assembly 10 engages the latch striker 19 when the latch striker 19 moves relative to the latch assembly 10 in a predetermined direction 34, due to movement of the pivoted window panel. The latch striker 19 includes a base 35 fixed to the window panel, and a striker portion 36. The striker portion 36 has ramp surfaces 37 that engage the tongue 23 when the window panel, with the latch striker 33 attached thereto, moves in the direction 34 to engage the tongue 23.

[0045] In operation of the above described latch assembly 10, when the window is in the open position and moved in the direction 34, the latch striker 19 engages the tongue 23 causing it to pivot angularly about the axis 25 from an extended (engaging) position, to a retracted position enabling the striker portion 36 to pass the tongue 23. Once the surface 37 of the striker portion 36 passes the tongue 23, the tongue 23 pivots to the extended (retaining positions). The tongue 23 is urged to the retaining position by means of the actuator 28 and the spring 29.

[0046] However, when the window is to be opened and the abovementioned lock handle operated, the lock handle moves the bar 13 to move the pin 14 from engagement with the striker portion 17, with the bar 13 taking with it the bar 22. The bar 22 causes movement of the housing 21 so that the tongue 23 is moved in the direction 18. As best seen in Figure 5, the tongue 23 can abut an external end face 51 of the striker portion 36, so upon the abovementioned handle being operated to move the lock pin 14 from engagement with the striker 15, the lock tongue 23 engages the surface 51, so that the spring 29 is compressed, that is the tongue 23 is urged to move in the direction 18. Upon the window moving to the open position, the spring 29 moves the tongue 23 to the position shown in Figure 1, ready to engage the striker 19.

[0047] In respect of the above described striker portion 36, the striker portion 36 may include a hollow 40 into which the tongue 23 projects when the window is in the closed position and the lock assembly 11 is in the locked position. The tongue 23 engages a surface of the portion 36, when moved by the bar 22, to cause the tongue 23 to pivot to the retracted position.

[0048] Preferably, the housing 21 has a passage 39 within which the actuator is slidably mounted for guiding movement relative to the housing 21, and within which at least part of the spring 29 is located.

[0049] The axis 25 is transverse (preferably perpendicular) to the direction 18.

[0050] The slots 26 extend in the direction 18 and are also transverse relative to the axis 25.

[0051] The pin 24 provides for angular movement, relative to the base 12, and housing 21, of the latch tongue 23 as described above, with the angular movement 33 of the latch tongue 23 about the axis 25 being generally transverse of the direction 18 and generally transverse of the direction 34. Movement of the latch tongue 23 in the direction 18 is relative to the base 12 and housing 21.

[0052] In the embodiment of Figure 14, the latch assembly 10 is more integrally formed with the lock assembly 11. In this embodiment the housing 21 is formed integral with the bar 13. The pin 14 is a rotatable member rotatably mounted on a pin 50 attached to the bar 13.

[0053] The housing 21 includes a pair of side wall and end walls 41 formed integral with the bar 13. The side walls 41 are provided with the slots 26, with a cap 43 fixed to the side walls 41 by threaded fasteners 44. The cap 43 has a slot 45 through which the latch tongue 23 can project.

[0054] The base 35 of the striker 19 is integrally formed with face 16 of the striker 15. The striker portion 17 includes a striker mounting flange 46 from which there projects a flange 47 that is engaged by the pin (lock member) 14. The mounting flange 46 is serrated, to cooperate with serrations on the base 16, so that the position of the striker portion 17 may be adjusted. The striker portion 17 is held in position by means of threaded fasteners 48.

[0055] In operation of the above described lock assembly 10, and latch assembly 11, when the pin (lock member) 14 is in the lock position engaged with the striker portion 17, maintaining the window in the closed position, the tongue 23 is positioned so as to not engage the striker 19 to retain the window closed. However, when the pin 14 is moved to a position of non-engagement with respect to the striker portion 17, the tongue 23 is moved to a position at which it can engage the surface 51 of the striker 19. As the striker portion 17 moves further in the direction 34, the tongue 23 is released to move in the direction 18 to move to a position ready to retain the window in the closed position. When the window is to be locked in a closed position, the pin 14 is again moved to engagement with the flange portion 17.

[0056] As best seen in Figure 14, when the window is to be moved to the open position, the pin 50 is moved from engagement with the striker 17. The tongue 23 abuts the external surface 51 so as to compress the spring 29. Upon the window being opened, the spring 29 moves the tongue 23 in the direction 18 so that it occupies a position ready to engage the striker 19 when the window begins to move to the close position.

[0057] The above described preferred embodiment has the advantage that should the pivoted window panel be moved in a closing direction, whether by an operator, or by wind, the latch assembly 10 is operated to retain the window panel in the closed position, until the tongue 23 is retracted by operation of the lock handle. As the panel has been moved to the open position, the lock pin 14 is not in a position to engage the striker 15. This allows the panel to move to the closed position by engagement with the tongue 23, and subsequent engagement of the tongue 23 with the striker 19 to retain the panel closed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A latch assembly for use with a pivotally mounted window assembly having a sill member with a groove, the latch assembly being adapted to engage a striker that moves towards the latch assembly in a strike direction, the latch assembly including: a base to be attached to the groove; a latch tongue mounted on the base with a pin so as to be pivotally movable about an axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the latch tongue and the pin further being movable in a first direction transverse to the axis and the strike direction between a ready position and a non-engagement position, wherein, when the latch tongue is in the extended and ready position, the striker is engageable by the latch tongue to prevent movement of the striker in a direction opposite the striker direction so as to retain the striker adjacent the latch assembly, and, when the latch tongue is in either the retracted position or the non-engagement position, the striker is movable in the direction opposite the striker direction.

2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the latch tongue and pin are urged toward the ready position by a spring located between the latch tongue and the base.

3. The latch assembly of claim 2, wherein the base is movable relative to the groove between a lock position and an unlock position, wherein, in the lock position, the movement of the base allows the latch tongue to move to the non-engagement position, and when moved to the unlock position, the movement of the base urges the latch tongue to move to the ready position.

4. The latch assembly of claim 3, wherein, when the latch tongue is in the non-engagement position and the base is moved to the unlock position, a surface of the striker is engageable by the latch tongue to prevent movement of the latch tongue to the ready position, such that, when the striker is moved opposite the striker direction, the latch tongue is urged to the ready position by the spring.

5. The latch assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the latch assembly includes an actuator located between the spring and the latch tongue, the latch tongue having a cam surface, wherein the actuator engages the cam surface to urge the latch tongue toward the extended position.

6. The latch assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the latch tongue and the pin are mounted in a housing that is slidably mounted on the base, so as to be movable in the first direction.

7. The latch assembly of claim 6, wherein the housing includes a slot for receiving the pin.

8. In combination, the latch assembly of any one of claims I to 7, and a lock assembly, the striker having a striker portion, and the lock assembly including: a lock base to be attached to the groove and movable relative to the groove in the first direction between a lock position and an unlock position; and a lock member mounted on the lock base such that the lock member, in the lock position, engages the striker portion to prevent movement of the striker in the direction opposite the strike direction, and, in the unlock position, allow movement of the striker in the direction opposite the strike direction.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the lock base and the base move in the first direction in unison.

10. The combination of claim 8 or 9, wherein the lock base and the base are integrally formed.

Azuma Design Pty Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person LMW IP Pty Ltd