GB2210095A

GB2210095A - Fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2210095A
Application number: GB8722425A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jack Ernest Douglas; Nigel Philip Shenton
Original assignee: Hardware and Systems Patents Ltd
Current assignee: Hardware and Systems Patents Ltd
Priority date: 1987-09-23
Filing date: 1987-09-23
Publication date: 1989-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2007-09-23
Also published as: GB2210095B; GB8722425D0

Abstract

A fastener 14 for doors or windows comprises a keeper 20 with a groove 22 having offset end portions 24, 25 selectively engageable by a catch member 19 operable under the control of a rotatable handle 16 to secure the door or window in closed or vent positions. An intermediate portion 26 of the groove 22 connecting the end portions 24, 25 has a lateral entry 23 for passage of the catch member 19 and is arranged to guide the catch member 19 between the end portions 24, 25 on rotation of the handle 16 in opposed senses. <IMAGE>

Description

FASTENER This invention relates to fasteners for use with a closure member mounted on a fixed frame for movement relative thereto, and in particular to fasteners of the kind wherein at least one catch member is slidably mounted on a frame element of one of the closure member and fixed frame for sliding movement longitudinally of the frame element for engagement and disengagement with a keeper mounted on a frame element of the other of the closure member and fixed frame.

A fastener of the kind stated is known from U.K.

Patent Application No.2,072,740-A in which the keeper has a pair of grooves arranged side-by-side and extending longitudinally of the frame element, i.e.

parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the catch member. The catch member is engageable with one groove to secure the sash frame in the closed position and with the other groove to secure the sash frame in a partially open "vent" position sufficient for ventilation purposes whilst preventing access from the outside. The longitudinal grooves are connected by a tranverse groove intermediate the ends through which the catch member may pass to engage and disengage the keeper and select either the closed or vent pOsitiOns.

A disadvantage of such keeper is that the operating sequence to move the sash frame between the closed and night vent positions is complex requiring separate movement of the catch member longitudinally and transversely of the frame element.

More specifically, the catch member must be disengaged from one longitudinal groove by sliding longitudinally to align with the transverse groove followed by movement transversely of the frame element to pass out of the groove into the other longitudinal groove and finally engaged in the other groove by sliding longitudinally of the frame element.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastener of the kind stated which is operable to secure the closure member in both the closed and vent positions and which overcomes the disadvantage above-mentioned.

According to the present invention, there is provided a fastener for use with a closure member mounted on a fixed frame for movement relative thereto, the fastener comprising a keeper adapted for mounting on a frame element of one of the closure member and fixed frame and a catch member adapted for mounting on a frame element of the other of the closure member and fixed frame for sliding movement longitudinally of the frame element, the keeper having first and second formations longitudinally spaced apart and transversely offset relative to one another in the direction of sliding movement of the catch member for engagement by the catch member to secure the closure member in closed and vent positions respectively and, guide means for guiding the catch member between the first and second formations with longitudinal sliding movement of the catch member.

By the present invention, separate movement of the catch member longitudinally and transversely of the frame element is avoided by the provision of guide means which displace the catch member transversely simultaneously with longitudinal sliding movement thereof. As a result, operation of the fastener to move the closure member between the closed and vent positions is simplified.

Preferably the keeper has a groove in which the catch member is confined for sliding movement between the first and second formations and, an entry opening into the groove through which the catch member may pass to engage and disengage the keeper.

Conveniently, the first and second formations comprise opposed end portions of the groove and the guide means comprises an inclined portion of the groove between the end portions.

Advantageously the end portions extend parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the catch member.

In this way displacement of the catch member from the end portions by a force applied to the closure member transverse to the direction of sliding movement of the -catch member is prevented.

The fastener preferably includes a rotatable handle operatively connected to the catch member by drive transmitting means for converting rotary movement of the handle into sliding movement of the catch member.

Conveniently, the catch member is aligned with the entry in an unfastened position of the handle and the handle is rotatable to first and second fastened positions to slide the catch member lengthwise of the groove for engagement with the first and second formations respectively.

Advantageously, the entry opens into the groove intermediate the ends and the unfastened position is intermediate the first and second fastened positions.

In this way the handle is rotatable from the unfastened position in one sense to the first fastened position and in the opposed sense to the second fastened position. As a result, selection of the closed and vent positions on closing the closure member is facilitated.

Conveniently, the first and second fastened positions correspond to rotation of the handle through 900 and the intermediate unfastened position corresponds to rotation of the handle through 450 from each fastened position.

Advantageously a plurality of catch members are provided at spaced apart positions on a common drive element for effecting simultaneous sliding movement thereof for engagement and disengagement with a corresponding plurality of keepers.

Conveniently each catch member comprises a cylindrical bolt extending transversely to the direction of sliding movement thereof.

Preferably each catch member is mounted on the closure member and the corresponding keeper is mounted on the fixed frame.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of part of a window incorporating a fastener according to the present invention with the fastener handle being shown in the "unfastened" position and the window open; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 1, with the fastener handle being shown in a first "fastened" position and the window closed; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 1, with the fastener handle being shown in a second "fastened" position and the window partially open; and FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 are schematic views of the fastener showing the relationship between the handle, bolts and keepers in the fastener handle positions shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is shown part of a window comprising a rectangular fixed frame 1 and a rectangular sash frame 2 mounted on the fixed frame 1 by a pair of hinges (not shown) on one side of the window for hinging movement about a vertical axis.

Each frame 1,2 is constructed from respective frame elements 1',2' cut to length from extrusions of aluminium alloy, mitred and joined at the ends by corner cleats (not shown) or any other suitable means.

The fixed frame elements 1' each have a longitudinal web 3 extending between the opposed inner and outer faces 4 and 5 respectively and a longitudinal flange 6 contiguous with the inner face 4. In the assembled frame 1, the flanges 6 define an internal rebate 7 open to the outside of the window in which the marginal edge of the sash frame 2 is received on closing the window.

In known manner, the flanges 6 may each have a longitudinal groove (not shown) in the outer face, which in the assembled frame, define a continuous groove extending around the rebate 7 in which a weatherstrip (not shown) is mounted to provide a weather tight seal with the inner face of the sash frame 2 in the closed position.

The sash frame elements 2' each have a longitudinal web 8 extending between the opposed inner and outer faces 9 and 10 respectively and a longitudinal flange 11 contiguous with the inner face 9. In the assembled frame, the flanges 11 define an internal rebate 12 open to the outside of the window in which-the marginal edge of a sealed double glazing unit 13 is received and retained by clip-on beads (not shown).

Mounted on the other side of the window, is an espagnolette fastener 14 for securing the sash frame 2 in either a closed position shown in Figure 2 or a partially open "vent" position shown in Figure 3. In the vent position, the marginal edge of the sash frame 2 is still received in the rebate 7 of the fixed frame 1 but the inner face 9 of the vertical sash frame element 2' is spaced a small distance from the opposed longitudinal flange 6 of the vertical fixed frame element 1'. The resultant gap 15 is sufficient for ventilation purposes whilst preventing access to the inside of the window from the outside.

The espagnolette fastener 14 includes a rotatable handle 16 mounted on the inner face of the vertical sash frame element 2' and operatively connected to an elongate bar 17 mounted on the web 8 of the vertical sash frame element 2', for example in a longitudinal groove (not shown) in the outer surface, by drive transmitting means (not shown) for converting rotary movement of the handle 16 into sliding movement of the bar 17 longitudinally of the frame element 2'. The drive transmitting means may be of any known kind suitable for the purpose stated, for example a pinion rotatable with the handle and engaging a rack on the bar.

Mounted adjacent to each end of the bar 17 is a respective catch member 18 comprising a cylindrical bolt 19 extending transversely with respect to the length of the bar 17 for engagement and disengagement with corresponding fixed keepers 20 mounted on the opposed web 3 of the vertical fixed frame element 1' at longitudinally spaced apart positions corresponding to the spacing of the bolts 19 on the bar 17.

Each keeper 20 is similar and comprises a rectangular body 21 having a pair of holes (not shown) by means of which the body 21 is attached to the web 3 by screws or the like. Formed in the outer surface of the body 21 facing the bar 17 is a groove 22 and a lateral entry 23 opening into the groove 22 intermediate the ends through which the corresponding bolt 19 may pass to engage and disengage the keeper 20 in an unfastened position of the handle 16 (Figures 1 and 4).

Each groove 22 has offset parallel end portions 24,25 connected by an inclined centre portion 26 into which the lateral entry 23 opens. The end portions 24,25 extend parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the bar 17 and the corresponding bolt 19 is engageable in one end portion 24 in a first fastened position of the handle 16 (Figures 2 and 5) to secure the sash frame 2 in the closed position and in the other end portion 25 in a second fastened position of the handle 16 (Figures 3 and 6) to secure the sash frame 2 in the night vent position.

The centre portion 26 extends at approximately 450 to the direction of sliding movement of the bar 17 and provides guide means for guiding the corresponding bolt 19 smoothly between the end portions 24,25 on rotation of the handle 16 to select either the first or second fastened positions.

As will be appreciated each bolt 19 is simultaneously displaced longitudinally and transversely by the inclined centre portion 26 of the associated keeper 20 on sliding the bar 17 lengthwise of the sash frame element 2'. In this way, the sash frame 2 can be moved between and secured in either the closed or vent positions by rotation of the handle 16 only.

Additionally, the transverse displacement of each bolt 19 by the inclined centre portion 26 of the associated keeper 20 serves to draw the sash frame 2 towards the fixed frame 1 (pull-in action) on rotation of the handle 16 to the first fastened position to ensure that the necessary close fit for weather tight sealing between the sash frame 2 and fixed frame 1 is obtained in the closed position and, to urge the sash frame 2 away from the fixed frame 1 (break-seal action) on rotation of the handle 16 from the first fastened position to overcome any frictional resistance to initial movement of the sash frame 2 away from the fixed frame 1. Such pull-in and break-seal action is particularly beneficial in avoiding application of undue force or loads to the handle 16, especially when weatherstrips are provided.

In the embodiment above-described, the first and second fastened positions of the handle 16 correspond to rotation of the handle 16 through 900 and the unfastened position of the handle 16 is intermediate and corresponds to rotation of the handle 16 through 450 from either of the fastened positions.

As a result, on closing the sash frame 2 in the unfastened position of the handle 16, each bolt 19 is aligned with and passes through the lateral entry 23 of the corresponding keeper 20 to engage the centre portion 26 of the groove 22 from where the bolt 19 is guided to engage either the end portion 24 on clockwise rotation of the handle 16 to the first fastened position or the end portion 25 on anticlockwise rotation of the handle 16 to the second fastened position.

In this way positive selection of either the closed or vent positions is obtained on closing the sash frame 2 by requiring rotation of the handle 16 in opposed senses from the unfastened position to select either the first or second fastened positions.

The invention is not limited to the particular construction and operation of the embodiment abovedescribed. For example, the number and disposition of catch members and keepers may be selected as desired.

Thus, in its simplest form the invention consists in a fastener having one catch member and associated keeper only to provide single point fastening. In more complex forms the invention may consist in a fastener having a plurality of catch members and a corresponding plurality of keepers to provide multi-point fastening.

Where a plurality of catch members and keepers are provided these may be provided on one side of the window as above-described or on two or more sides. In known manner the common drive element for catch members on two or more sides may comprise respective bars on each side connected by flexible corner connectors or a flexible strip or cable extending entirely around the window.

The groove end portions may extend parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the bar as abovedescribed or at an angle thereto. For example one or both end portions may extend in the same direction as the centre portion.

The inclination of the groove centre portion may be varied from the 450 above-described and may be varied along the length of the centre portion but should be less than 900 and preferably in the range 150 0 to 75 to ensure the bolt is smoothly guided between the end portions as above-described.

In place of the lateral entry intermediate the ends of the groove, an entry may be provided at one end of the groove. In this construction the operating sequence of the handle will be altered with the handle being rotatable from the unfastened position in one sense to select both the first and second fastened positions.

Each bolt may comprise a cylindrical body rotatably mounted on a headed stud fixed to the bar or similar drive element.

The handle may incorporate a device such as a lock for securing the handle in one or both of the fastened positions and the angular separation of the fastened and unfastened positions of the handle may be selected as desired.

The catch member(s) may be mounted on the fixed frame and the keeper(s) on the sash frame.

Finally, although the invention has been described with particular reference to a window, it will be understood that the invented fastener has application to all types and constructions of closure members mounted for hinged or pivotal movement relative to a fixed frame about a horizontal or vertical axis.

Claims

Claims:

1. A fastener for use with a closure member mounted on a fixed frame for movement relative thereto, the fastener comprising a keeper adapted for mounting on a frame element of one of the closure member and fixed frame and a catch member adapted for mounting on a frame element of the other of the closure member and fixed frame for sliding movement longitudinally of the frame element, the keeper having first and second formations longitudinally spaced apart and transversely offset relative to one another in the direction of sliding movement of the catch member for engagement by the catch member to secure the closure member in closed and vent positions respectively and, guide means for guiding the catch member between the first and second formations with longitudinal sliding movement of the catch member.

2. A fastener according to Claim 1 wherein the keeper has a groove in which the catch member is confined for sliding movement between the first and second formations and, an entry opening into the groove through which the catch member may pass to engage and disengage the keeper.

3. A fastener according to Claim 2 wherein the first and second formations comprise opposed end portions of the groove and the guide means comprises an inclined portion of the groove between the end portions.

4. A fastener according to Claim 3 wherein the end portions extend parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the catch member.

5. A fastener according to any one of Claims 2 to 4 wherein the fastener includes a rotatable handle operatively connected to the catch member by drive transmitting means for converting rotary movement of the handle into sliding movement of the catch member.

6. A fastener according to Claim 5 wherein the catch member is aligned with the entry in an unfastened position of the handle and the handle is rotatable to first and second fastened positions to slide the catch member lengthwise of the groove for engagement with the first and second formations respectively.

7. A fastener according to Claim 6 wherein the entry opens into the groove intermediate the ends and the unfastened position is intermediate the first and second fastened positions.

8. A fastener according to Claim 7 wherein the first and second fastened positions correspond to rotation of 0 the handle through 90 and the intermediate unfastened position corresponds to rotation of the handle 0 through 45 from each fastened position.

9. A fastener according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein a plurality of catch members are provided at spaced apart positions on a common drive element for effecting simultaneous sliding movement thereof for engagement and disengagement with a corresponding plurality of keepers.

10. A fastener according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein each catch member comprises a cylindrical bolt extending transversely to the direction of sliding movement thereof.

11. A fastener according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein each catch member is mounted on the closure member and the corresponding keeper is mounted on the fixed frame.

12. A fastener for doors or windows comprises a keeper with a groove having offset end portions selectively engageable by a catch member operable under the control of a rotatable handle to secure the door or window in closed or vent positions and, an intermediate portion of the groove connecting the end portions has a lateral entry for passage of the catch member and is arranged to guide the catch member between the end portions on rotation of the handle in opposed senses.

13. A fastener substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.