GB2272482A

GB2272482A - Hinged window assembly with reinforcing element

Info

Publication number: GB2272482A
Application number: GB9223039A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George G Williams; Martin Woodcock
Original assignee: GARDEN STATE CONSERVATORIES LI
Current assignee: GARDEN STATE CONSERVATORIES LI
Priority date: 1992-11-04
Filing date: 1992-11-04
Publication date: 1994-05-18
Also published as: GB9223039D0

Abstract

A composite window hinge includes a first strut 10 secured to a window frame and a second strut 12 secured to one edge of a window. The upper end of strut 12 is formed with a shaped nose 14, while a complementary socket 16 is fitted to the strut 10, whereby in the closed position of the window the nose 14 enters and fits within the socket 16. In order to prevent unauthorised opening of the window from outside (i.e. by displacing the two struts sideways), a right angled or triangular reinforcing element 26 is secured to the top 22 of the window frame. The element has a flat face 20 engaging the open side of the socket 16, and reinforcing webs 26 to strengthen the element. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Improved Hinged Window Assembly Field of the Invention This invention concerns hinged windows particularly of the type in which a compound motion is achieved whereby the window is not only rotated about one axis but the position of the axis of rotation also moves.

Background to the invention Composite hinges for windows as aforesaid typically comprises an assembly of hinged struts one element of which is adapted to be secured to the window frame and the other to the window. The elongate element adapted to be secured to the window typically includes a shaped free end which is adapted to be received in a socket situated at the adjoining end of the strut member which is secured to the frame. The inter engagement is intended to render the hinge more secure in that once engaged the hinge cannot be sprung thereby enabling the window to be opened.

Unfortunately where there is sufficient lateral space between the side face of the window and the corresponding side wall of the window frame, a suitably inserted blade can be used to force the free end of the first mentioned strut away from the strut containing the socket and out of the socket, so that the hinge can thereby be sprung open thereby reducing the security of the window assembly.

It has been proposed that to provide an alternative hinge in which the socket is formed with an integral side cheek so that once the struts are aligned and the remote end of one strut is engaged in the socket on the other, they cannot be laterally moved apart.

Whilst this represents a distinct advantage for new windows which are still to be made, the adaptataion of existing window assemblies is both time consuming and costly if the existing hinge assemblies have to be replaced by new hinge assemblies.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative solution.

Summary of the invention According to the present invention in a window frame and window assembly in which the window is hinged to the frame by means of compound hinge assemblies, one element of each of which is aligned with another in the closed position, with an end thereof received in a socket in other element from which it can be sprung laterally, a reinforcing element is provided separate from the hinge but adapted to be secured to the window frame alongside the socket to prevent movement of the one element laterally out of the socket in the otherCthe window is in its closed position within the frame and the two struts are aligned.

The reinforcing element typically comprises a right angled member formed from metal or plastics or timber suitably apertured to receive a screw or rivet or otherwise adapted to be secured to the inside of the window frame as by an adhesive.

Preferably self tapping screws are employed~~fór screwing the reinforcing elements to the frame and'preferably screws having a drill bit tip and self tapping thread profile are employed.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view, and Figure 2 is an edge view of compound hinge assembly such as is employed to secure opening lights in window frames Figures 3 and 4 are similar views to a larger scale of the upper ends of the two struts which engage on closing the window, with a reinforcing element in accordance with the invention shown secured alongside the hinge strut secured to the frame, and Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings illustrate the reinforcing element from different angles.

In the drawings the compound hinge includes a first strut 10 adapted to be secured to the window frame and a second strut 12 adapted to be secured to one edge of a window. A similar hinge handed if necessary is secured to the opposite edge of the window and the other side of the opening within which the window is fitted.

The upper end of the strut 12 includes a shape nose 14 typically of plastics material. A complementary socket 16 is fitted to the end of the strut 10. The nose and socket 14 and 16, the length of the strut 12 relative to the length of the strut 10, and the hinging positions, are all selected so that in the closed position the nose 14 just enters and fits snugly within the socket 16. Such hinges are well known, one brand being known as the Saracen Security Hinge.

As will be appreciated by viewing Figure 2, the strut 12 can be displaced sideways if a blade of a screwdriver or the like is inserted between the two struts and twisted.

In this event the nose 14 will be displaced laterally out of alignment with the socket 16. The window can now be pulled, springing the hinge in an overcentre manner. If such a blade is applied to the hinges on both sides of the window, the latter can be opened.

In accordance with the invention, a reinforcing element is fitted adjacent the socket 16. The reinforcing element is generally in the form of a right angled member which is fitted with one flat face 20 against the underside of the top opening 22 of the window frame and with the other flat right angled face 24 secured against the open side of the socket 16. Reinforcing webs such as 26 may be provided to strengthen the element and as shown it is secured to the frame surface 22 by means of a self tapping screw 28.

Typically the reinforcing element is formed from moulded plastics material, preferably a hard plastics material which cannot readily be damaged by means of a screwdriver blade or the like.

It is an advantage of the invention that the reinforcing element can be fitted to a window frame possibly without even removing the opening light so that the advantage of the flanged security hinge (in which the end 14 is held captive in a modified socket) can be gained without the need to replace existing hinges in existing windows.

Claims

Claims:

1. In a window frame and window assembly in which the window is hinged to the frame by means of compound hinge assemblies, one element of each of which is aligned with another in the closed position, with an end thereof received in a socket in other element from which it can be sprung laterally, a reinforcing element is provided separate from the hinge but adapted to be secured to the window frame alongside the socket to prevent movement of the one element laterally out of the socket in the other when the window is in its closed position within the frame and the two struts are aligned.

2. A window frame and window assembly according to claim 1, in which the reinforcing element comprises a right angled member formed from metal or hard plastics or timber, and securing means to secure the member to the inside of the window frame.

3. A window frame and window assembly according to claim 2, in which the securing means comprises an aperture in the element to receive a securing screw or rivet.

4. A window frame and window assembly according to claim 3, in which the securing screw is a self-tapping screw for screwing the reinforcing element to the frame.

5. A window frame and window assembly according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the securing screw incorporates a drill bit tip and a self-tapping thread profile.

6. A window frame and window assembly according to claim 2, in which the reinforcing element is adapted to be secured to the inside of the window frame by an adhesive.

7. A window frame and window assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the right angled member comprises a reinforcing or strengthening web.

8. A window frame and window assembly substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, Figure 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.