GB2261697A

GB2261697A - Locking system

Info

Publication number: GB2261697A
Application number: GB9124738A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Geoffrey Charlt Whittall
Original assignee: PACE ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS
Current assignee: PACE ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS
Priority date: 1991-11-21
Filing date: 1991-11-21
Publication date: 1993-05-26
Also published as: GB9124738D0

Abstract

A locking system for a window, vent, or door, which comprises a transfer mechanism (fig 1) and at least one sliding catch 12 operably connected via link 9 to the transfer mechanism and moveable between open and locked positions, said transfer mechanism and sliding catch being adapted to be positioned between the fixed frame and the vent frame of the window, vent, or door, and means for operating the transfer mechanism being position externally of the fixed frame and the vent frame. The transfer mechanism, the sliding catch and the operator means may be provided as separate items which can be assembled and mounted onto an existing frame. <IMAGE>

Description

YOCKING SYSTEM This invention relates to locking systems, and more particularly to a locking system for windows, vents and doors.

Metal or PVC frame windows, vents and doors generally have a fixed frame and a vent frame, which in the closed condition are secured together by a locking system operated by a handle mounted on one or other of the frames.

Frequently such frames are secured together with a traditional cockspur type handle, but where multipoint locking is required, for example, on larger casement windows, the system of rods and levers involved with the cockspur system is both cumbersome and unsightly. Various concealed lock fittings have been proposed for locking aluminium and PVC framed windows, for example, espagnolette fittings may be provided which are mounted within internal recesses in specially extruded wide channels. In other cases, extruded profiles are provided with enlarged channels designed to accommodate various fittings including locking systems. Such expedients, however, lack versatility, and the locking systems proposed are too bulky to fit into the restricted space available in typical steel-framed windows, vents and doors.

The steel profiles from which such windows, vents and doors are conventionally manufactured tend to be of narrow width, and when closed there is relatively little space in the channel between the profiles of the frames to accommodate a concealed lock fitting.

There is therefore a continuing need for a more compact, concealed, locking system which can readily be adapted to multipoint locking, and which is of a size to fit into conventional frames.

The present invention provides a novel locking system having a transfer mechanism which can readily be fitted within the channel formed by the profiles of the fixed frame and vent frame of a conventional metal or PVC framed window, and which can be adapted to multipoint locking.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a locking system which comprises a transfer mechanism and at least one sliding catch operably connected to the transfer mechanism and moveable between open and locked positions, said transfer mechanism and sliding catch being adapted to be positioned between the fixed frame and the vent frame of a window, vent or door, and operator means for operating the transfer mechanism so as to move the sliding catch between open and locked positions, said operator means being positioned externally of the fixed frame and the vent frame.

The locking system is particularly suited to be made as a modular construction, and for example, the transfer mechanism, the sliding catch and the operator means can be provided as separate items which can be assembled and mounted onto an existing frame.

In another aspect, therefore, the invention provides a window, vent, or door having a fixed frame and a vent frame, and provided with a locking system comprising a transfer mechanism and at least one sliding catch operably connected to the transfer mechanism and moveable between open and locked positions, the transfer mechanism and the sliding catch being positioned between the fixed frame and the vent frame, and operator means for operating the transfer mechanism so as to move the sliding catch between open and locked positions, said operator means being positioned externally of the fixed frame and the vent frame.

Preferably the transfer mechanism is provided with one or more lugs which are mounted on the slide and which protrude from the channel region between the fixed frame and the vent frame, by means of which the transfer mechanism can be operated. The transfer mechanism may be attached to either the fixed frame or the vent frame as appropriate.

Suitable operator means may comprise, for example, an operating mechanism which is connected to or cooperates with the lug or lugs, or alternatively which has a projection extending into the region between the fixed frame and the vent frame so as to engage and operate the transfer mechanism. Preferably the operating mechanism is of the type which converts rotary action of a handle into linear movement of an actuator, and the actuator engages and moves the lug or lugs protruding from the frame.

The operator means is positioned externally of the fixed frame and the vent frame, that is to say, it is mounted on an external surface adjacent to the window, vent, or door, or preferably is mounted on an external surface of one of the frames, most preferably that frame to which the transfer mechanism is attached. For the purposes of this specification, an external surface of a frame is one which is accessible when the vent frame is in the closed position.

A number of sliding catches may be operably connected to the transfer mechanism so as to provide a multipoint locking system.

More than one slide may be provided in the transfer mechanism, and the same handle may operate two slides moving in opposite directions.

Each sliding catch preferably comprises a catch mounted on a slide which moves laterally within a guide channel and the sliding catches may be connected to each other and to the slide of the transfer mechanism by means of link bars. The sliding catches preferably engage slidably with fixed catches positioned on the frame opposite to that frame to which the transfer mechanism is attached. Several sliding catches connected by link bars may be operated by a single slide. The sliding catch or catches will usually be attached to that frame to which the transfer mechanism is attached.

The locking system of the invention may be fitted to either the vent frame or the fixed frame of the window, vent or door, depending upon which ever desired mode of opening is required, that is, either inward or outward opening of the vent frame.

A variety of locking configurations can be achieved using the novel locking system of the present invention. Examples of possible configurations with respect to the vertical frame include: 1. Single point locking, at handle, or any other position, but usually central.

2. Single point locking, remote from handle. Catch can be central with handle at a higher or lower position.

3. Two point locking, at handle in low position and remote locking at high position.

4. Two point locking, at remote high and low positions, with handle central.

5. Three point locking, at handle central, and remote high and low positions.

6. Three point locking, at handle in low position, with two remote high locking positions.

7. Four point locking, at handle in central position with two remote high positions and two remote low locking positions.

8. Four point locking, at handle, at one remote low position, and at two remote high positions.

9. Five point locking, at handle in central position, with two remote low positions and two remote high positions.

10. Five point locking, with handle at any position, and four remote locking positions.

A particular advantage of the locking system of the present invention is that the parts can be made of such symmetry that the system can be used directly in both right handed and left handed applications.

In situations where the operator means is fitted to an external surface of the fixed outer frame, it may be necessary on single opening casements to offset the handle to obtain the required clearance on the masonry/plaster line. On other types of windows set with a mullion it is possible to use a handle with no offset.

Certain embodiments of the invention, in which the transfer mechanism is provided with a protruding lug, may have a particular advantage in connection with fire escape routes, in that should a fire arise, the transfer mechanism can be operated to open the vent by moving or striking the lug. Thus the vent can be opened even if the handle has been removed for any reason.

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a transfer mechanism according to the invention in exploded perspective view; Figure 2 shows a sliding catch adapted to be connected to the transfer mechanism of Figure 1 also in exploded perspective view; Figure 3 shows in perspective view a dual operation transfer mechanism according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a horizontal section through a vertical side of a steel-framed window having a transfer mechanism as depicted in Figures 1 and 2 mounted on the fixed frame thereof; Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a fixed frame of a steel-framed window having a transfer mechanism and sliding catch of a locking system according to the invention mounted thereon, and showing the attachment of the operating mechanism; and Figure 6 shows upper and lower perspective views of an operating mechanism for a locking system according to the invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, the transfer mechanism comprises a slide 1 which is laterally moveable within a guide channel 2 and is provided with a transfer lug 3 having an extended lug portion 4. The transfer lug is connected to the slide by means of rivets 5. The slide is provided with longitudinally extending slots 6 within which there are positioned screws 7 by which the transfer mechanism is fixed to the frame (not shown). The ends of the slots therefore define the limits of the lateral movement of the slide 1. The extended lug 4 protrudes out of the channel region between the fixed and vent frame profiles and is engaged by a handle mechanism (not shown).

At each end of the slide 1, tapped holes 8 are provided for the attachment of link bars 9 with screws 10. Referring to Figure 2, the link bars are connected at their other ends to a slide 11 of a sliding catch via screws 10. Mounted on the slide 11 is a sliding catch 12 which cooperates with a fixed catch 13 mounted on the opposing frame. The slide 11 moves laterally within a guide channel 14 and is provided with longitudinally extending slots 15. Screws 16, which attach the sliding catch to the frame, are positioned within the slots 15 and thereby define the limits of movement of the sliding catch.

In Figure 1 there is illustrated a single operation transfer mechanism. Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a dual operation transfer mechanism, which is particularly suitable for inward opening windows and doors. In this embodiment, the transfer lugs 17 and 18 move in opposite directions to each other and are each connected to locking catches via link bars in the same way as the single operation mechanism described in Figures 1 and 2. The extended lug portions 19 and 20 protrude from the region between the profiles of the fixed and vent frames, and are urged in opposite directions by a single handle mechanism (not shown).

Referring to Figure 4, the window frame comprises a fixed frame 21 and a vent frame 22 and is of conventional construction. The vent frame opens in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Attached by screws (not shown) to the fixed frame is a transfer mechanism as shown in Figure 1, comprising a slide 1, a guide channel 2, and a transfer lug 3 having an extended lug portion 4 protruding through a slot 23 in the wall of the fixed frame. A sliding catch 12 operably connected by a link bar (not shown) to the slide 1 is shown engaged with a fixed catch 13 mounted on the vent frame 22 by means of a bolt 24.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a fixed frame of a typical steel-framed window provided with a locking system according to the invention. Using the same reference numerals as on previous figures, the fixed frame 21, has mounted thereon by means of screws 7 a transfer mechanism comprising a guide channel 2 and a slide 1. The slide 1 has riveted thereto a transfer lug 3 having an extended lug portion 4 which protrudes through a slot 23 in the fixed frame. The movement of the slide is limited by the screws 7 which are positioned within slots 6 in the slide 1. The slide 1 is attached by a connecting link bar 9 to a slide 11 which moves in a guide channel 14 and has a sliding catch 12 mounted thereon. The limits of movement of the sliding catch are determined by fixing screws 16, which are positioned within slots 15 of the slide 11.Positioned externally of the fixed frame 21 is an operating mechanism indicated generally at 25. The operating mechanism, which is described in more detail with reference to Figure 6, is mounted on an external surface of the frame 1 as shown.

Turning now to Figure 6, the operating mechanism 25 comprises a body 26 provided with holes 27 for attachment to an external surface of the fixed frame. The operating mechanism is provided with a sliding adaptor plate 28 having a slot 29 adapted in use to engage with the extended lug portion 4 of the transfer lug, as shown in Figure 5. The adaptor plate 28 is connected to a gear mechanism (not shown) within the body 26. A handle 29 is attached to the body 26 and operates the sliding adaptor plate 28 through the gear mechanism.

In use, turning the handle 29 produces linear movement of the sliding adaptor plate 28, actuating the transfer mechanism via the lug 3, which in turn moves the sliding catch 12 laterally towards or away from the fixed catch 13 thus enabling the window to be locked or unlocked.

The locking system according to the invention may be manufactured from any suitable materials, although to avoid problems with corrosion it is preferred that at least the transfer mechanism is constructed from stainless steel.

Claims

cTTMS

1. A locking system which comprises a transfer mechanism and at least one sliding catch operably connected to the transfer mechanism and moveable between open and locked positions, said transfer mechanism and sliding catch being adapted to be positioned between the fixed frame and the vent frame of a window, vent, or door, and operator means for operating the transfer mechanism so as to move the sliding catch between open and locked positions, said operator means being positioned externally of the fixed frame and the vent frame.

2. A locking system according to claim 1 in which the transfer mechanism, the sliding catch, and the- operator means are provided as separate items which can be assembled and mounted onto an existing frame.

3. A locking system according to claim 1 or 2, in which the transfer mechanism comprises a guide channel and a slide slidable in the guide channel.

4. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the transfer mechanism is provided with one or move lugs which are mounted on the slide and which, in use, protrude from the channel region between the fixed frame and the vent frame.

5. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the operator means comprises a handle mechanism which is connected to or cooperates with the lug or lugs.

6. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims in which the handle mechanism is of the type which converts rotary action of the handle into linear movement of an actuator, and the actuator engages and moves the lug or lugs protruding from the channel region between the fixed frame and the vent frame.

7. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims in which the operator means is mounted on an external surface of that frame to which the transfer mechanism is attached.

8. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sliding catch comprises a catch mounted on a slide which moves laterally within a guide channel.

9. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims, in which one or more sliding catches are connected to each other and to the slide of the transfer mechanism by means of link bars.

10. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims, which is provided with one or more fixed catches adapted to engage with the sliding catch or catches, and to be positioned on the frame opposite to that frame to which the transfer mechanism is attached.

11. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims in which the operator means is mounted on an external surface of that frame to which the transfer mechanism is attached.

12. A locking system according to any of the preceding claims in which the parts are made of such symmetry that the system can be used for both right handed and left handed applications.

13. A window, vent, or door having a fixed frame and a vent frame, and provided with a locking system comprising a transfer mechanism and at least one sliding catch operably connected to the transfer mechanism and moveable between open and locked positions, the transfer mechanism and the sliding catch being positioned between the fixed frame and the vent frame, and operator means for operating the transfer mechanism so as to move the sliding catch between open and locked positions, said operator means being positioned externally of the fixed frame and the vent frame.

14. A window, vent, or door according to claim 13 provided with a locking system according to any of claims 1 to 11.

15. A window, vent, or door according to claim 13 or 14, having multipoint locking.

16. A steel-framed window having a concealed locking system.

17. A locking system, window, vent or door substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.