GB2287744A

GB2287744A - Lock assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2287744A
Application number: GB9405351A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Alexander Gordon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-03-18
Filing date: 1994-03-18
Publication date: 1995-09-27
Also published as: GB9405351D0

Abstract

A lock assembly (100) comprises a latch (10) having a shank receiving portion (11) engageable on the shank (12) of handle (13) used to operate a window. The latch (10) is engageable in the first latch receiving portion or keep mounted in an outer frame of the window. When the handle of the window is positioned in an open position the latch (10) is positionable and concealed within the second latch receiving portion (16). <IMAGE>

Description

LOCK ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a lock assembly for locking a door or window securely in place in an outer frame, and particularly, but not exclusively, to a lock assembly for securely locking a window or a door formed from UPVC and positioned in an outer frame.

The invention particularly relates to a lock assembly of the type disclosed in my co-pending UK patent application number 22705374 the contents of which are included in the present application by reference thereto.

UPVC windows typically comprise a double glazed unit packed within a UPVC frame. The window is hingeably mounted within an outer UPVC frame.

The window may be locked in a closed position by means of, for example, a dead lock. In addition, espagniolettes formed in the window frame and locatable in the outer frame, provide added security. The espagniolettes are positioned within the window frame, when the window is in an open position. Movement of the window handle to close the window results in the espagniolettes being activated, and extending from the window frame into holes positioned in the outer frame, where they are locatable in order to add extra security to the window.

Despite the presence of locks and espagniolettes, it is well known that it is relatively easy for an unauthorised intruder who wishes to gain access to a building to open a door or window.

Typically, an intruder will use a screw driver or other similar tool, in order to prise the window out of the outer frame, thus gaining access to the building.

It is possible to prise the window from the frame due to the fact that the UPVC frame is deformable. In addition, the glazed unit within the window is often not correctly packed within the frame and this results in added deformability.

It is known to add to the security of an espagniolette window by the addition of a lock assembly which provides an additional stop or catch which may be attached to the spindle of the operating handle which operates the espagniolette system. A corresponding slot will be formed in the adjacent window frame such that when the handle is engaged to operate the espagniolette locking system, the additional stop or catch enters the slot and is retained thereby providing additional security.

A problem with known secondary lock mechanisms of this type, is that they can be difficult to install.

According to the invention there is provided a lock assembly for a window comprising: a handle mounted on a shank and operable to open and close the window within an outer frame; a latch mechanism comprising a latch having a shank engaging portion; and a first latch receiving portion formed in the outer frame, the latch being engageable and retainable within the latch receiving portion, characterised in that the lock assembly further comprises a second latch receiving portion positionable in the window frame wherein when the latch mechanism is in the unlocked position, the latch is contained within the second latch receiving portion.

The presence of the second latch receiving portion makes the installation of the lock assembly according to the present invention simpler and quicker, in that the latch positioned within the second latch receiving portion may be inserted into a cavity formed in the window frame.

Advantageously the second latch receiving portion is detachable from the outer frame.

The lock assembly according to the present invention may be used as a secondary locking system in conjunction with, for example, espagniolette locking mechanism, but it is particularly well adapted for use as a primary locking system of a window.

When the lock assembly according to the present invention is used as the primary locking mechanism, the second latch receiving portion may be inserted into a cavity in a door or window outer frame which would normally have been used to house a back set of an espagniolette locking system.

This makes installation of the lock assembly according to the present invention even simpler.

Advantageously, the latch comprises a hook portion, and the first latch receiving portion comprises a first aperture through which the latch is moveable on operation of a handle, and a second aperture with which the hook is engageable wherein movement of the window away from the outer frame in the vicinity of the latch enhances the engagement of the hook in the second aperture.

The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the latch according to the present invention; Figures 2a to 2d are schematic representations of the second latch retaining portion according to the present invention, and Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a lock assembly according to the present invention.

Referring to the Figures, a lock assembly according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 100. The assembly comprises a latch 10 comprising a shank receiving portion 11 which is engageable on the shank 12 of a handle 13 which is used to operate the window to which the latch mechanism is to be incorporated. The latch 10 also comprises a hook portion 14 at an opposite end to the shank receiving portion 11. The hook portion 12 is engageable in a first latch receiving portion or keep 15 which is mounted in an outer frame of a window assembly.

When the handle 13 of the window is positioned in an open position, the latch 10 is positionable and concealed within a second latch receiving portion 16. The second latch receiving portion 16 may be conveniently fitted within a cavity within the window frame. When the lock mechanism 100 is used as a primary locking system in place of, for example, an espagniolette locking system, the second latch receiving portion 16 may be conveniently positioned within a cavity which would normally have housed a back set of an espagniolette locking system.

Once the second latch receiving portion is in place, it may conveniently be held in position by means of screws 17.

The second latch receiving portion will conveniently be formed from a plastics material such as polyethylene.

Although the invention has been described in terms of a window, it is to be understood that the invention is equally applicable to doors of all kinds, including patio doors as well as windows. The term "window' is therefore to be construed as including a door, patio door or the like. In addition, although the invention has been described predominantly in terms of UPVC windows and doors, it is to be understood that the invention is equally applicable to doors and windows made from any suitable material, for example, wood.

Claims

1. A lock assembly for a window comprising: a handle mounted on a shank and operable to open and close the window within an outer frame; a latch mechanism comprising a latch having a shank engaging portion; and a first latch receiving portion formed in the outer frame, the latch being engageable and retainable within the latch receiving portion, characterised in that the lock assembly further comprises a second latch receiving portion positionable in the window frame wherein when the latch mechanism is in the unlocked position, the latch is contained within the second latch receiving portion.

2. A lock assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second latch receiving portion is detachable from the outer frame.

3. A lock assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the latch comprises a hook portion, and the first latch receiving portion comprises a first aperture through which the latch is moveable on operation of a handle, and a second aperture with which the hook is engageable wherein movement of the window away from the outer frame in the vicinity of the latch enhances the engagement of the hook in the second aperture.

4. A lock assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.