GB2253007A - Stay arm assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

A stay arm assembly having an espagnolette fixing, such as may be used on doors or windows, has a stay arm (33, 34) fixed at two points to a frame and a window respectively, and at one of the points is provided an espagnolette fixing (23, 31). Restricted or unrestricted opening of a window, or locking of the window may be achieved, by providing an espagnolette fixing which is disengagable only when a window frame is in a closed position. <IMAGE>

Description

STAY ARM ASSEMBLIES This invention relates to stay arm assemblies, and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with stay arm assemblies for use on doors and windows.

At the present time, many doors and windows are provided with what are termed "espagnolette" fixings. This is particularly the case with doors and windows made from plastics, such as uPVC, although espagnolette fixings can be and are used with doors and windows of many different materials. A commonly used espagnolette fixing comprises at least one stud having an enlarged head, which engages with a slot. Typically, the stud is mounted on an opening window, for example, and the co-operating recess is mounted on a window frame. When a handle on the opening window is turned, the stud slides up and down, to engage with and disengage from the recess, so that the window may be locked shut, or opened.

Some espagnolette fixings are known which allow a window to be opened a very small amount - e.g. for night ventilation. However, apart from this, espagnolette fixings generally allow a window (or door) to be either completely closed or completely open, with nothing in between.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stay arm assembly comprising a stay arm having two fixing points adapted to be secured respectively to a closure member and to a frame in which the closure member is mounted for movement between open and closed positions, one of said points comprising an interengaging espagnolette stud and aperture which are relatively moveable such that they may be selectively engaged and disengaged, and are so arranged that they may be so relatively moved only when they are in a predetermined juxtaposition corresponding to the closure member being in a closed position in its frame, or nearly so.

Preferably, the espagnolette stud is moveable relative to said aperture, transversely of the axis of the stud.

Preferably, the espagnolette stud has a shank and, at one end thereof, a head which is enlarged relative to the shank.

Preferably, said stud has a non-circular shank and said aperture is a keyhole slot.

Preferably, said stud is further moveable into and out of engagement with a slot which serves to retain the stud in a locked position such that, in use, a respective closure member may be thereby locked in a closed position in its frame.

Preferably, said stay arm comprises two portions which are moveable relative to one another to vary the distance between said fixing points.

Preferably, said portions comprise two arms which are pivotally connected to one another.

There may be provided a plurality of espagnolette studs and respective apertures, arranged as aforesaid.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a closure member and frame provided with a stay arm assembly as above, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Said closure member may be a window or a door.

Preferably, the or each espagnolette stud is mounted on the closure member.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figures 1A to 1C illustrate a conventional espagnolette fixing; Figures 2A and 2B illustrate respectively a conventional espagnolette stud and one example of a modified espagnolette stud for use with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3A and 3B illustrate one example of a stay arm assembly embodying the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the stay arm assembly shown in Figure 3A, in a partially open position; Figure 5A is a plan view of an opening window and frame fitted with a stay arm assembly similar to that of Figures 3 and 4, in an open position; Figure SB shows first and second arms of the stay arm assembly of Figure SA, in side elevation;; Figure 6A is a side elevation of the stay arm assembly of Figure 5, showing also a fixing plate for the first arm of the assembly; Figures 6B and 6C are respectively side and end views of the fixing plate of Figure 6a, with first arm attached; Figures 7A and 7B are respectively side and plan views of the stay arm assembly of Figures 5 and 6, fitted to an opening window and frame when in a fully closed position; Figure 7C is an exploded partial view of the first arm and its fixing plate; Figure 8A is a perspective view of the stay arm assembly of Figures 5 to 7, in a fully closed position, and provided with a resilient snap-fastener; Figure 8B is a plan view similar to that of Figure 7B, but showing the snap-fastener of Figure 8A;; Figure 9 shows an example of a modified espagnolette stud for use with an embodiment of the invention, and provided with reinforcement; and Figures 1OA and lOB are partial side views showing succesive positions of an example of another modification of a stay arm assembly as shown in preceding figures; Figure 11A is a view similar to Figure lOA, but showing a yet further modification of a stay arm assembly, with first and second arms nested together; Figure 11B is another view of the stay arm assembly of Figure 11A, but showing the first and second arms in relatively displaced positions; Figure 12 is a partial view of a further modification of a stay arm assembly of the preceding figures;; Figures 13A and 13B are respectively side and end views of a modification of an abutment arrangement of a stay arm assembly as shown in Figures 6B and 6C; and Figure 13C is a view similar to Figure 13A, but showing a first arm of the assembly in an alternative position.

The conventional espagnolette fixing shown in Figures 1A to 1C comprises a plate 10 which, in use, is secured to an opening window (for example), and is formed with a pair of elongate slots 11, through each of which a respective espagnolette stud 12 projects. Each stud has a shank 13 of substantially circular cross-section, and an enlarged circular head 14. The studs 12 are mounted for vertical sliding movement in the slots 11, in response to turning of a handle 15 (Figure 1C). A pair of keeper plates 16 are secured, in use, to a window frame, and are each formed with an elongate recess 17, adapted to receive the shank 13 of a respective one of the studs 12.

The keeper plates 16 may be formed as respective parts of a single item which is secured to the window frame.

As illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C, the espagnolette fixing is in an open condition, with the studs 12 out of engagement with the keeper plates 16.

Thus, in use, the respective window may be opened and closed freely. When the window is brought into its closed position, the handle 15 is turned, to cause the espagnolette studs 12 to rise vertically, such that the shanks 13 thereof engage within the recesses 17. This locks the window in the closed position.

It is known to provide a pair of recesses such as 17 side by side, in each keeper plate 16. This allows the window (or door) to be opened a very small amount, for night ventilation, for example. However, apart from this, the window or door is essentially either locked closed or fully openable, depending upon the position of the handle 15. Any desired number of espagnolette studs and keeper plates 16 may be provided. Very often, they are provided as a pair, as illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C.

Turning now to Figure 2A, there is shown again an example of an espagnolette stud 12 in a plate 10, generally the same as in Figure 1A. By way of comparison, however, in Figure 2B there is shown a modified espagnolette stud for use with an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2B, the stud 22 has a generally circular head 24, much the same as the stud 12. However, the shank 23 of the stud 22 is formed with a respective flat on each side thereof, such that it is elongate in cross section, with its longer axis extending vertically, (as seen). Also, in Figure 2B, a respective plate 30 through which the stud 22 passes is formed with an elongate slot 31 which is longer than the slot 11 of Figure 2A.In Figure 2B, the stud 22 is mounted for vertical movement between a central position (as shown) and an upper position, which corresponds generally to the range of movement of the conventional stud 12 of Figures 1A and 2A. However, the stud 22 of Figure 2B is additionally moveable in a downward direction to the bottom of the extended slot 31.

The stay arm assembly shown in Figures 3A and 3B comprises an espagnolette stud 22 mounted in a plate 30, as illustrated in Figure 2B. The assembly also includes a keeper plate 36 similar to the keeper plate 16 of Figure 1B. A handle 35 is provided for causing movement of the stud 22 between its central position (as shown), its uppermost position in the slot 31, and its lowermost position in the slot 31.

Below the stud 22 there is mounted a collapsible stay arm 32, comprising a first arm 33 and a second arm 34. In use, the first arm 33 is pivotally secured at 37 to a window frame (for example). The first and second arms 33, 34 are pivotally secured together at 38. At its upper end (as shown), the second arm 34 is provided with a keyhole slot 40, having an enlarged circular portion 41 and, leading thereto, a narrower recess 42 having a flared mouth 43.

When the handle 35 is moved upwardly (as seen), the stud 22 moves downwardly to its lowermost position in the slot 31 and, in so doing, the shank 23 of the stud 22 enters the enlarged circular portion 41 of the keyhole slot 40, via the narrower recess 42 and flared mouth 43. With the stud 22 thus engaged in the keyhole slot 40, the window may be opened to a limited extent.

In the side view of Figure 4, the window frame (not shown) has been opened somewhat to the left (as seen), and the stud 22 entrains the second arm 34 such that it pivots anti-clockwise about the pivot point 38 and, at the same time, the first arm 33 pivots clockwise about the fixing point 37.

As may be seen in Figure 4, because the second arm 34 pivots with respect to the stud 22 as the window is opened and the stay arms 33, 34 open out, it is impossible to withdraw the stud 22 from the keyhole slot 40, because the inlet recess 42 of the slot 40 is not aligned with the shank 23 of the stud 22. It is to be appreciated that, in Figure 4, the head 24 of the stud 22 is omitted, in the interests of clarity - only the shank 23 is visible.

Figures SA and SB illustrate the stay arm assembly of Figures 3 and 4 in a fully opened position, and in rather more detail.

The stud 22 is shown fitted to a respective opening window 50, and the first arm 23 is shown pivotally secured at 37 to a fixed window frame 51.

When the window is in the open position, there is some play at the pivot point 37.

At the pivot point 38 of the first and second arms 33, 34, there is again some play, which is afforded by the second arm 34 being formed with a somewhat elongate slot 52, which engages with the pivot pin 38. In this region, the end part of the second arm 34 is bent somewhat, at 53. Another slight bend is provided on the second arm 34, in the region 54. The second arm 35 is formed with two projections 81, the purpose of which will be explained later.

The first arm 33 is formed adjacent to the pivot point 37 with a dimple 55. At opposite sides of the first arm 33, there are formed respective halfdimples 56.

The purpose of the bends 53, 54 in the second arm 34, and the degree of play that is provided at the pivot points 37 and 38, is to accommodate the angular displacement of the end of the opening window 50, as it moves in an arcuate path away from the window frame 51, as it is being opened. Also, as will be seen in Figure SA, the loose fit between the stud 22 and the keyhole slot 40 affords a further looseness of play.

The play and bending of the plates 33, 34 is especially useful for transom windows, to accommodate the arcuate travel of the window with respect to the frame.

In the side elevation view of Figure 6A, there can be seen in more detail the manner in which the first arm 33 is secured to the window frame 51. To this end, a fixing plate 60 is secured to the window frame 51, and the first arm 33 is in turn secured to the fixing plate 60 at the pivot point 37.

The fixing plate 60 has upstands 61 which provide abutments against which the half-dimples 56 may abut. The co-operation between the upstands 61 and the half-dimples 56 is seen in further detail in the partial views of Figures 6B and 6C.

As seen in Figure 6A, the window 50 is in a fully open position. Due to the relative positioning of the fixing plate 60 and the espagnolette stud 22 (which can not be seen in the view of Figure 6A), the first and second arms 33, 34 remain at a slight angle to one another - that is, they never reach the fully straightened position, in which they are co-axial. This ensures that, when the window 50 is closed again, the arms 33, 34 collapse in the correct orientation.

As will be readily appreciated by reference to Figures 6A to 6C, the abutment of the left half-dimple 56 against the upper upstand 61 (as seen in Figure 6A) ensures that the first arm 33 can pivot no more than 90 , when the window 50 is fully opened. The other half-dimple 56 and upstand 61 are not operative in the illustrated configuration. However, they are provided to allow opposite handing of the assembly, for different locations.

One reason for providing the half-dimples 56 to engage with the upstands 61 is to ensure that, when the stay arm assembly returns to the fully closed position, the upstands 61 do not interfere with the second arm 34 as it comes over the first arm 33.

Turning now to Figures 7A to 7C, the stay arm assembly is shown in the fully closed position. It should be understood that, in the view of Figure 7B, the curve of the second arm 34 has not been shown, in the interests of clarity.

When the stay arm assembly is in the fully closed position, the dimple 55 on the first arm 33 comes to abut a square protrusion 71, which is provided on the fixing plate 60. This is shown in additional detail in Figure 7C. A wedge-shaped abutment 72 is secured to the opening window 50.

As the window 50 is brought into the fully closed position, the dimple 55 comes to bear on the protrusion 71, and the second arm 34 comes to bear against the wedge 72. The respective inclined face of the wedge 72 serves to urge the second arm 34 towards the first arm 33. Likewise, the interengagement of the dimple 55 and the protrusion 71 serves to urge the first arm 33 towards the second arm 34. The wedge 72 also serves to determine the end position of the second arm 34 and to ensure that it is in, for example, an upright position, parallel to the window 50.

Thus, it will be appreciated that, as the stay arm assembly is brought into the fully closed position, the play that was otherwise evident in the joints is taken up, and the whole assembly is tightly brought together. It not only provides a reassuring feel of security to the user, but also ensures that, as far as possible, the whole assembly is pushed together into the smallest possible space, which is important since the assembly has to occupy a relatively small area between the opening window and its frame. Just by way of example, the gap shown in Figure 7A between the window 50 and its frame 51 may be of the order of 8 mm. Each of the arms 33, 34 may have a thickness of the order of 2 to 3 mm.

As an alternative to the square protrusion 71 illustrated in Figure 7C, an extended protrusion may be provided, so that the dimple 55 engages with that protrusion over a longer length of its travel. Alternatively or additionally, the dimple 55 may be extended to a longer, arcuate protrusion.

The closed stay arm assembly is shown again in Figures 8A and 8B.

However, in these figures, an additional resilient snap-fastener is illustrated, in the form of a spring 80 which engages around both arms 33 and 34 when closed, and is formed with an aperture 82 which snap engages with the protrusions 81 formed on the second arm 34. If desired, the protrusions 81 may have a shallower angle in the closing direction than in the opening direction, to help hold the stay arm assembly closely shut. In this way, the assembly may provide a distinct, positive "click" when the stay arm assembly reaches its fully closed position. The spring 80 is secured to the window frame 51. For example, it may be secured simultaneously with the fixing plate 60.

As shown in Figure 9, a reinforcement 91 may be provided around the slot 31, to provide local strengthening of the plate 30. This may be considered desirable, to overcome any possible effects of weakening of the plate 30, due to the lengthening of the slot 31.

Thus, stay arm assemblies that are constructed in accordance with the invention, and along the lines of the above described embodiments, may provide a means of allowing limited opening of a window or door, with respect to a frame. Preferably, the limited opening is such that the passage of an average or small human body therethrough is not possible. If a hand can be passed through the open gap, then this is of little avail, since the window or door has to be closed (or nearly so), in order to disengage the espagnolette stud from the recess in which it engages.

Although the illustrated and above described embodiments of the invention utilise an existing espagnolette stud (or a plurality of such studs), in an alternative arrangement there could be provided quite separate espagnolette studs (in addition to existing conventional studs) simply to engage and disengage from the second arm 34, for example, in order to provide either restricted or unlimited opening of the window or door. If one or more additional espagnolette stud is/are provided, then weakening of a plate such as 30 due to elongation of slots such as 31 may be avoided. In another alternative arrangement, only one espagnolette stud or set of studs may be provided, which may be moveable between a "locked" position (e.g. engaging a keeper plate such as 36) and a "restricted opening" position (e.g. engaging a second arm such as 34).If it is desired to open the window or door freely beyond the restricted opening, then the arm such as 34 may be removed from the espagnolette stud such as 22. This, again, would avoid the necessity of providing a slot such as 31 which is significantly longer than a conventional slot for an espagnolette stud.

The modification illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B show such a latter arrangement. The shank 23 of the espagnolette bolt is arranged for movement between only two positions - an upper, locked position and a lower, restricted opening position. A spring or other resilient bias means (not shown) on the opening window urges the second arm 34 into an upright position. A pin 100 having a button head 104 passes through a hole 101 in the window frame 51 and abuts the second arm 34. The pin 100 may be formed with a barb or protrusion or other suitable means to retain it captive within the hole 101.

A user may push the button head 104 of the pin 100 to the right (as seen in Figure 10A) and, when the shank 23 of the espagnolette stud is in its upper, locked position (above that shown in Figure 10A), this causes the second arm 34 to pivot clockwise (as seen) about the pivot point 38, against the resilient bias of the spring or other bias means (not shown) on the opening window.

Then, upon the user turning the window handle to bring the espagnolette stud down into the normally restricted position, as shown in Figure 10A, the shank 23 engages the left side (as seen) of the second arm 34, to pivot the arm 34 further clockwise, and/or to maintain it in such a displaced position, as shown in Figure 10A.

Now, upon the user opening the window, the shank 23 moves to the right, as seen in Figures 10A and 10B, and continues to pivot the second arm 34 clockwise until it reaches the position illustrated in Figure 10B, when the shank 23 of the espagnolette stud passes over the top of the second arm 34.

From then on, the window can be opened freely, to its fullest extent. The maximum pivoting of the second arm 34 is limited by a stop 102, against which the arm 34 abuts, as shown in Figure 1013. An opposite stud 103 is also provided, for fitting of the stay arm assembly in an oppositely handed situation.

Upon closing the opened window, the spring (or other resilient bias means) on the window engages the second arm 34 and, after the shank 23 of the espagnolette stud has cleared the top of the second arm 34, the spring bears against the second arm 34 to cause it to pivot anticlockwise, back towards its original upright position. (In alternative arrangements, other abutment means and/or mechanisms can be employed to return the second arm 34 towards its original position.) To complete closing of the window, when the opening window has been returned fully into the frame 51, the user turns the handle to raise the shank 23 of the espagnolette stud into its locked position. As the shank 23 clears the second arm 34, the arm 34 is free to return fully into its upright position, under the resilient bias of the spring on the window. The stay arm assembly is then in its normal condition, ready for use. During movement of the second arm 34 in the above described process, the first arm 33 may remain in its upright, normally closed position, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. Means may be provided for constraining the first arm 33 to remain in such a position.

Thus, in use of the modification of Figures 10A and 10B, a user may turn the handle between two positions, which respectively allow locking or restricted opening of the window. In order to allow unrestricted opening of the window, it is necessary simply to press the button 104 as the handle is turned into the restricted opening position. This can only be done when the window is in a closed position. Upon re-closing and locking the window, the stay arm assembly is automatically reconfigured for normal operation between locked and restricted opening positions.

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a modification of the arrangement illustrated in Figures 10A and 1013.

In Figures 1 lA and 1 1B, the first arm 33 is formed with a part circular recess 110 in the lower end thereof (as may be seen in Figure 11B). A spring-loaded detent 111 is resiliently urged by a spring 112 upwardly (as seen). The detent 111 and spring 112 are mounted in a housing 113 which is arranged to be secured to the window frame.

The second arm 34 is also formed with a recess 115 at its lower end (as seen). The recess 115 is relatively shallow, having curved ends and, at its centre, there is formed an accentuated recess 116. The resiliently biassed detent 111 is arranged to engage both in the shallow recess 115 and the accentuated recess 116.

In use of the variant of Figures 1 lA and 11B, the spring-loaded detent 111 tends to engage within the accentuated recess 116, to snap-retain the first and second arms 33 and 34 in a nested, upright position, as shown in Figure 11A, when the window is closed.

When the window is opened, in an unrestricted mode, the shank 23 of the espagnolette stud engages the upper part of the second arm 34, as shown in Figure 11B, to cause it to pivot clockwise. The force supplied by the shank 23 is sufficient to pivot the arm 34 clockwise, and overcome the resilient detent effect of the detent 111. When the second arm 34 has pivoted sufficiently for the shank 23 to clear it, the resilient detent 111 is positioned substantially at one end of the shallow recess 115, where it serves as a light detent to stop the second arm 34 from pivoting any further (e.g. under its own weight).

Upon subsequently closing the window, the second arm 34 is engaged substantially as before, to return it to its upright position as illustrated in Figure 11A, where the detent 111 again snap-engages the arm 34, to positively locate it in a substantially upright position.

When the espagnolette shank 23 engages in the keyhole slot 40, the second arm 34 is entrained thereby such that, as the window is opened, both the second arm 34 and the first arm 33 are caused to pivot respectively, generally as before, and the force applied via the espagnolette shank 23 is sufficient to overcome the spring-detent effect of the detent 111. When the window is subsequently closed, the detent 111 serves again to snap-engage the recesses 110 and 116, to retain the arms 33, 34 in a nested, generally upright position, as shown in Figure 11A.

The recess 115 extends to either side of the central accentuated recess 116, to allow for opposite handing of the stay arm assembly.

In the variant shown in Figure 12, a plate 120 is secured on the opening window, adjacent the espagnolette shank 23. The purpose of the plate 120 is to effectively cover the open end of the keyhole slot 40, to prevent interference therewith, when the window is open.

In Figures 13A to 13C, an alternative mechanical arrangement to that of Figures 6B and 6C is shown. The fixing plate 60' in Figures 13A to 13C is provided with an upstanding lug 130, against which an abutment surface 131 of the first arm 33 is arranged to engage, to limit the pivoting movement of the first arm 33. As may be seen in Figure 13C, there are provided two similar symmetrically arranged abutment surfaces 131, for opposite handing of the stay arm assembly.

In the illustrated embodiments, the arrangement of the various components is preferably such that fixing elements (e.g. screws, rivets, etc) become covered by parts of the assembly (e.g. the plates 33, 34), at least when the window or door is at least partly open. This may discourage attempts to remove various parts of the assembly by would-be intruders.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (18)

1. A stay arm assembly comprising a stay arm having two fixing points adapted to be secured respectively to a closure member and to a frame in which the closure member is mounted for movement between open and closed positions, one of said points comprising an interengaging espagnolette stud and aperture which are relatively moveable such that they may be selectively engaged and disengaged, and are so arranged that they may be so relatively moved only when they are in a predetermined juxtaposition corresponding to the closure member being in a closed position in its frame, or nearly so.

2. A stay arm assembly according to claim 1, wherein the espagnolette stud is moveable relative to said aperture, transversely of the axis of the stud.

3. A stay arm assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the espagnolette stud has a shank and, at one end thereof, a head which is enlarged relative to the shank.

4. A stay arm assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said stud has a non-circular shank and said aperture is a keyhole slot.

5. A stay arm assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said stud is further moveable into and out of engagement with a slot which serves to retain the stud in a locked position such that, in use, a respective closure member may be thereby locked in a closed position in its frame.

6. A stay arm assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said stay arm comprises two portions which are moveable relative to one another to vary the distance between said fixing points.

7. A stay arm assembly according to claim 6, wherein said portions comprise two arms which are pivotally connected to one another.

8. A stay arm assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising plurality of espagnolette studs and respective apertures, arranged as aforesaid.

9. A stay arm assembly substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2B of the accompanying drawings.

10. A stay arm assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figures 3 to 8 or 13 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A stay arm assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figures 10 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A stay arm assembly substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings.

13. An espagnolette stud substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A closure member and frame provided with a stay arm assembly according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

15. A closure member and frame provided with an espagnolette stud according to claim 13.

16. A closure member and frame according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said closure member is a window.

17. A closure member and frame according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said closure member is a door.

18. A closure member and frame according to claim 14, 15, 16 or 17, wherein the or each espagnolette stud is mounted on the closure member.