GB2288631A

GB2288631A - Handle with latching lock

Info

Publication number: GB2288631A
Application number: GB9506318A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Patrick John Daly; Oliver St Clair Hood; Charles Cafferty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-03-28
Filing date: 1995-03-28
Publication date: 1995-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2015-03-28
Also published as: IES60832B2; GB2288631B; IES940267A2; GB9506318D0

Abstract

A fastener comprising a base plate for attachment to an object to be fastened, a handle pivotally mounted on the base plate so as to be movable between a fastened position and a released position, a cooperating latch and detent associated with the handle and base plate for releasably retaining the handle in the fastened position, and a lock for locking the handle in the fastened position, wherein the detent is provided on the base plate, the handle has a bore (22) extending therethrough, a lock element (30) is disposed in the bore and includes the latch (33) at one end thereof and a thumb control (32) at the other end and is pivotally movable within the bore between a latch engaged and a latch disengaged position, and biasing means (36) for biassing the lock element towards the latch engaged position, and a keeper element (40) disposed within the bore movable by means of a key between an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the lock element and a locked position preventing such pivotal movement. <IMAGE>

Description

FASTENER The present invention relates to fasteners and relates particularly though not exclusively to window fasteners.

One commonly available window fastener is locked by simply pushing a button. To open the lock requires the use of a key. Should the home owner wish to go out and leave a house vacant, then it is a simple matter to walk around the house depressing the button on each window fastener, and in this way lock all the windows. On return, the house holder must then use a key to unlock each lock.

It has been found that this locking arrangement is potentially hazardous in the event of a fire. In the panic which arises the home owner may accidentally depress the button and thus lock himself/herself in. Should this arise at night, for example in the case of a fire downstairs, with the occupant disturbed in his/her sleep upstairs, it may be difficult or impossible to find the key and the occupant may become trapped. It is not always possible to break a window particularly if the occupant is an elderly person or if the windows have strong panes or double glazing.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fastener including lock which cannot be locked except by means of a key, and which is of simple construction and is reliable in operation.

The invention provides a fastener comprising a base plate for attachment to an object to be fastened1 a handle pivotally mounted on the base plate so as to be movable between a fastened position and a released position, and a cooperating latch and detent associated with the handle and base plate for releasably retaining the handle in the fastened position, characterized in that the detent is provided on the base plate, the handle has a bore extending therethrough, a lock element is disposed in the bore and includes the latch at one end thereof and a thumb control at the other end and is pivotally movable within the bore between a latch engaged and a latch disengaged position, and biasing means are provided for biasing the lock element towards the latch engaged position.Preferably the fastener also includes a lock for locking the handle in the fastened position which comprises a keeper disposed within the bore movable by means of a key between an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the lock element and a locked position preventing such pivotal movement.

One preferred construction 0T tastener according to the invention is a window fastener, suitably of espagnolette or casement type. The lock element is pivotally movable within the bore by depressing the thumb control, i.e the lock element is pivotable about an axis transverse to the lengthwise direction of the bore, most suitably near to the end of the bore where the thumb control is located, preferably at one edge of the thumb control, and the latch is movable in a direction at right angles to both the pivot axis and the lengthwise direction of the bore. Preferably the lock element is pivotable about an axis which is substantially tangential to the bore. The biasing means preferably comprises a spring acting between the lock element and the keeper, the keeper being retained within the bore.The spring preferably is aligned with the direction of movement of the latch. The keeper preferably is received in a recess in the lock element. In the preferred embodiments the keeper has a slot and the lock element has a lengthwise rib which may be moved into and out of engagement with the slot. In the locked position1 relative movement of the keeper and the rib is prevented. In one embodiment, the keeper comprises two elements1 one turnable by the key and the other slidable against the action of the biasing means. It will be appreciated that the latch and lock comprises just two or three principal components and a biasing means. Thus the arrangement is easy to assemble and reliable in operation.

The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, two constructions of window fastener according to the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a base plate; Figure 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of a handle; Figures 3, 4 and 5 are top plan1 side elevation, and underneath plan views respectively of the lock element of the lock; Figures 6 and 7 are top plan and sectional side elevation views respectively of the keeper element of the lock; Figures 8 and 9 are side elevation and underneath plan views respectively af a key for operating the lock, and Figures 10 and 11 show the lock and keeper in the latch engaged and latch disengaged positions.

Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 are cletalied views, respectively top plan, transverse section, longitudinal section and underneath plan1 of a portion of the handle in which the locking means is mounted.

Figures 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are respectively top plan, side elevation, vertical section on the line A-A, front elevation and underneath plan of the lock element in a second embodiment.

Figure 21 is a transverse cross-section from below of the lock element on the line B-B.

Figure 22 is a transverse cross-section of the lock element on the line C-C.

Figures 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 are respectively top plan, vertical cross section on the line D-D, front elevation, rear elevation and side elevation of an upper keeper element of the second embodiment.

Figures 28, 29 and 30 are respectively top plan, side elevation and underneath plan of a lower keeper element of the second embodiment.

Figures 31 and 32 are respectively side elevation and end elevation of a key for operating the second embodiment, Figures 33 and 34 are detailed views, respectively side elevation and end elevation, of a portion of the key.

Figure 35 is a diagrammatic cross-section of the assembly of the elements of Figures 14, 18 and 24.

Referring initially to Figure 1, the base plate 10 is intended to be fitted to the frame of a window (not shown) and is provided for this purpose with two recesses 11, 12 and holes 13, 14 for receiving two securing screws (not shown). The base plate 10 includes a central bore 15 for receiving the handle as will be described below. The base plate 10 includes a recessed region 16 having gaps 17, 18 in each side wall thereof to allow a latch to enter the recessed region 16 from either side and including a detent 19 in which the latch may be engaged.

Referring now to Figure 2, the handle 20 is provided at the end thereof with a shank 21 of circular cross-section indicated by broken lines which mates into the central bore 15 of the base plate 10, and allows the handle 20 to pivot relative to the base plate 10. The shank 21 of the handle 20 is engaged in the central bore 15 of the base plate 10 by means which are well known in the art and will not be described and controls the movement of a espagnolette (not shown) in a manner which is well known and will not~be described further. When the handle 20 is aligned with the base plate 10 the espagnolette fastens the window. When the handle 20 is at right angles to the base plate 10, the espagnolette releases the window. Alternatively the handle may have a side projection for a casement-fastening of known type.

The handle 20 includes a bore 22 adjacent the shank for receiving a lock element and a keeper element. The bore 22 is not uniform. As shown in Figure 2, its front surface 28 is generally cylindrical, but it has an opening with right-angled corners at the rear. Near the top there is a pair of triangular ledges 26 bridging the rear corners and a rib 27 on the mid-line. There is an arcuate inward projection 23 below the ledges 26, and a shoulder 24 on the internal front surface (i.e.

nearer the shank 21) and at the bottom of the bore 22.

Referring now to Figures 3, 4 and 5, the lock element 30 comprises an integral plastics moulding to be fitted into the bore 22 of the handle 20. The lock element 30 is provided with a recess 31 which may be clearly seen in Figure 4 for receiving the keeper element which is also accommodated within the bore 22 of the handle 20. The lock element 30 has a thumb control 32 projecting proud of the top of the bore 22. The thumb control has the same shape as the mouth of the bore 22 so that it fits neatly therein. The lock element 30 has a latch 33 projects from the bottom of the bore 22 through aperture 25. The lock element 30 has a shoulder 34 whose rear corners sit on the ledges 26 in the bore, above the keeper element 40.The lock element 30 has a horizontal diametrical blind bore 35, shown by broken lines in Figure 4, for receiving a spring 36 and spring guide 37 which is a pin fitting inside the spring, also shown in Figure 4. The lock element 30 has a key hole 38 to allow a key to be inserted to engage the keeper element. Finally, the lock element 30 has a lengthwise rib 39.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the keeper element 40 comprises a single integral plastics moulding. The keeper element 40 is intended to fit generally within the recess 31 in the lock element 30. The keeper element 40 is generally hollow and cylindrical. The keeper element 40 itself is provided with a recess 41 which complements the projection 23, and the mating of the projection 23 and recess 41 locates the keeper element 40, and prevents axial movement of the lock element 30 and keeper element 40 along the bore 22. The keeper element 40 is provided with a slot 42 extending lengthwise along the circumferential wall and defining a pair of jaws 43 which may be moved into and out of engagement with the lengthwise rib 39 of the lock element 30. Finally, the base of the keeper element 40 is provided with a key receiving slot 44 for receiving the tooth of a key.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, the key 50 is of conventional design and will not be described further.

Having now described the components, the interaction of the lock element 30, keeper element 40 and spring 36 will now be described.

Figure 10 shows the relative positions of the lock element 30 and keeper element 40 after assembly. On insertion within the bore 22 of the handle, the keeper element is pushed into the recess 31, compressing the spring 36. The shoulder 34 rests on the ledges 26 and the rear edge of the keeper element is in line with the rear edge of the thumb control 32. The projection 23 enters the recess 41. Figure 11 shows an alternative relative position, the components 30, 40 having moved against the spring bias by pivotal movement of the lock element in the bore. It will be noted that in the alternative position the thumb control 32 is depressed, the latch 33 has moved horizontally, and the rib 39 of the lock element 30 has entered into the slot 42 between jaws 43.Inside the bore 22, the rear edge of the keeper element is maintained in line with the rear edge of the thumb control 32 by virtue of their positions within the bore.

A window (not shown) is fastened by pivoting the handle 20 into alignment with the base plate 10. As the handle 20 is pivoted towards the fastened position, the latch 33 follows a curved path and comes into engagement with the base plate 10, in particular comes into engagement with the shoulder 60 of the base plate 10 just at the gap 17 which allows entry of the latch 33 into the recessed region 16.

Pushing the handle 20 further causes the latch 33 to move from the normal relative position shown in Figure 10 against the action of the spring 36 towards the alternative relative position shown in Figure 11, so as to pass by the shoulder 60 and through the gap 17 in the side wall of the base plate 10, following which the action of the spring causes the latch 33 to move back to the normal relative position and to engage in the detent 19, thereby fastening the window.

A window is unfastened by depressing the thumb control 32 and simultaneously pivoting the handle 20 out of alignment with the base plate 10. Depressing the thumb pad 32 causes the latch 33 to move against the action of the spring 36 out of engagement with the detent 19.

A window may be locked by first moving the handle 20 to the fastened position, then fully inserting the key 50 into the key hole 38 in the lock element 30 so that the tooth 51 of the key 50 engages the tooth receiving slot 44 at the base of the keeper element 40, rotating the key 50 clockwise through forty five degrees (450) thereby rotating the keeper element 40 by the same distance, partially withdrawing the key 50 so that the tooth 51 no longer engages the tooth receiving slot 44, and then rotating the key 50 anti clockwise through forty five degrees (450) so that the tooth 51 is re-aligned with the keyhole 38 in the lock element 30, and then withdrawing the key 50.

When the keeper element 40 is in the rotated position as described above, the slot 42 and jaws 43 of the keeper element 40 are no longer aligned with the rib 39 of the lock element 30, instead the outer circumferential wall of the keeper element 40 engages the rib 39, preventing any relative movement of the keeper element 40 and the lock element 30.

Unlocking a window is accomplished by partially inserting the key 50 into the keyhole 38, then rotating the key 50 clockwise through forty five degrees (450), then fully inserting the key 50 so that the tooth 51 of the key engages the tooth receiving slot 44, rotating the key 50 so as to bring the keeper element 40 back to its original orientation with the slot 42 aligned with rib 39, and then withdrawing the key.

From a consideration of the foregoing description it will be appreciated that the locking mechanism is extremely simple1 comprising just two moulded plastics elements 30, 40 and a spring 36 and spring guide 37. Thus the components are simple to manufacture.

Assembly is also simple. The locking element 30, spring 36 and spring guide 37 and keeper element 40 are assembled into their normal relative position as shown in Figure 10, and the assembly is simply pushed into the bore 22 towards the base plate. It will be noted that the lower rear face 70 of the keeper element 40 has a wedge or saw tooth shape so as to facilitate entry but so as to prevent withdrawal.

The operation of the window fastener is extremely reliable because there are so few moving parts involved.

One further feature worth mentioning is best seen by reference to Figure 6. It will be observed that the keeper element 40 is not quite circular as seen in plan view, but instead includes a cusp 75. The purpose of this cusp 75 is to limit the rotation of the keeper element 40 by engagement against the rib 27 on the bore, in particular the keeper element 40 may rotate from the unlocked position through forty five degrees (450) in the clockwise direction to the locked position and back again. The keeper element 40 cannot rotate in the other direction from the unlocked position, that is to say anti clockwise from the unlocked position. This is desirable in order to prevent the person using the key 50 from fumbling around, trying to rotate the key 50 first in one direction and then in another and finding difficulty in achieving the correct alignment.

As shown in Figures 12 to 15, the bore 22 has a semicylindrical front wall 28 (nearer the shank 21) and a rear wall which is shaped to cooperate with the lock and keeper elements, as described above. Below the projection 23 there is a transverse abutment. The bottom of the bore is formed as a generally rectangular aperture 25 with a forward portion 29 which is of slightly reduced width. The latch 33 rests in this portion 29 when it is in the engaged position but it can move rearwardly in the aperture 25 which it is moved to the disengaged position.

If desired, the fastener may have the latch mechanism as described herein but may omit the lock. For example the keyhole 38 may be omitted.

Figures 16 to 34 show a second embodiment of the invention. The same reference numerals are used for parts which are similar to those of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the keeper is formed as two parts, an upper keeper element 81 which can be rotated by means of a key and a lower keeper element 82 which is slidable to-and-fro against the action of spring 36, the upper and lower keeper elements 81, 82 being interconnected. Each part of the keeper is an integral plastics moulding.

As shown in Figures 16 to 22, the lock element 80 is similar to the lock element 30 of Figures 3 to 5, with the following variations: the keyhole 88 has radial extensions on diametrically opposed front and rear edges; the semi-circular thin-walled shell 83 surrounding the rib 39 has a rebated upper portion; the rib 39 is stepped; a small fillet 84 is provided alongside the rib 39, at the junction between the rib 39 and the shell 83, on one side of the rib 39 (the left hand side when viewed forwardly); and the latch 33 has a chamfered rear edge.

The upper keeper element 81, shown in Figures 23-27, is interconnected with the lower keeper element 82 shown in Figures 28 to 30, by a boss 90 on the upper element 81, which engages in a slot 89 in the lower element 82.

The lower keeper element 82 is similar to the lower part of the keeper element 40 of the first embodiment and has a pair of jaws 43 defining a slot 42 which may be slid relative to the vertical rib 39 of the lock element 80. The lower face of the element 82 is formed as a projection 91 with a recess 92 facing forwardly to house the rear end of the spring 36 in the same manner as for the first embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 10 to 11. The projection 91 has a wedge shape rear surface 94, at the top of which there is a step 93, similar to the first embodiment.

The upper keeper element 81 has a generally cylindrical body 95 from which a flange 96 projects.

The flange 96 extends around one side of the body 95 for almost a semicircle but it does not reach the diameter, so that at each end 96a, 96b of the flange there is a vertical butting surface 97a, 97b parallel to but spaced from the diameter. The underneath surface of the flange forms a step 98. At one end of the diameter, the surface 99 of the body below the step 98 is inclined axially inwardly. At the opposite end of the diameter the body is cut away to provide a vertical slot 100.

The body 95 is hollow with a cylindrical chamber 101 which is open at the top. At the base of the chamber a transverse triangular ridge 102 is provided.

The key 103 shown in Figures 31 to 34 has a rectangular head 104 which is dimensioned to fit tightly into the chamber 101 and a V-shaped notch which cooperates with the ridge 102.

The boss 90 on the bottom of the body 95 fits into the slot 89 on the lower keeper element 82 to form the keeper element assembly. The step 98 and 93 then define a recess similar to the recess 41 in the first embodiment, which complements the projection 23 on the bore 22.

The keeper assembly is brought together with the lock element 80, a spring 36 and spring guide 37 being installed between the blind bore 35 and the projection 91 on the lower keeper element. One end 96a of the flange is introduced alongside the rib 39 on the lock element, the butting surface 97a resting against the rib 39. Part of the flange 96 near to the end 96a is accommodated in the rebated portion of the shell 83. A circular neck portion 105 on top of the upper keeper element is accomodated in a groove 106 on the underneath of the thumb portion 32.

The assembly of lock element and keeper can then be pushed into the bore 22 from the top in the manner described for the first embodiment. The inclined rear surface of the projection 91 encounters the projection 23 on the bore, the spring 36 is compressed as the assembly is pushed downwardly, and the step 93 snaps rearwardly below the projection 23 to hold the assembly against withdrawal.

The inclined surface 99 of the keeper body is then adjacent to the projection 23.

When the thumb control 32 is depressed, the lock element pivots about the ledges 26. The keeper assembly is pushed by the rear wall of the bore 22 and the projection 23 into the recess 31 as the lock element pivots rearwardly. The end 96a of the flange 96 can slide forwardly alongside the rib 39. The rib 39 enters the slot 42 while the spring 36 is compressed, in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 11. The inclined surface 99 on the upper keeper element facilitates a change in the inclination of the upper keeper element relative to the projection 23.

The latch moves rearwardly to disengage the base plate as described for the first embodiment. Removal of the thumb pressure allows the spring to restore the lock/keeper assembly to its rest position as in Figure 10.

To lock the assembly, the key 103 is inserted via the keyhole 88 into the chamber 101 in the upper keeper element, where the head 104 engages the chamber wall and the ridge 102. The key is then turned through 1800. The upper keeper element 81 rotates through 1800 and the opposite end 96b of the flange 96 is brought alongside the rib 39 where its edge touches the small fillet 84. The vertical walls of the body 95 on either side of the slot 100 then rest against the projection 23. The key 103 can be withdrawn again through the keyhole 88 to leave the assembly in the locked position.

If pressure is applied on the thumb control 32, the lock element 80 cannot move relative to the upper keeper element 81 because the fillet 84 buts against the flange end 96b. The upper keeper element therefore blocks movement of the latch 33. This is the position shown in Figure 35.

While the invention has been described with particular reference to a window fastener1 it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in relation to other fasteners, for example door fasteners1 or indeed fasteners for any two relatively moving parts.

Claims

I. A fastener comprising a base plate for attachment to an object to be fastened, a handle pivotally mounted on the base plate so as to be movable between a fastened position and a released position, and a cooperating latch and detent associated with the handle and base plate for releasably retaining the handle in the fastened position, characterized in that the detent is provided on the base plate, the handle has a bore extending therethrough, a lock element is disposed in the bore and includes the latch at one end thereof and a thumb control at the other end and is pivotally movable within the bore between a latch engaged and a latch disengaged position, and biasing means are provided for biasing the lock element towards the latch engaged position,
2.A fastener according to claim 1 including a lock for locking the handle in the fastened position, which comprises a keeper element disposed within the bore movable by means of a key between an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the lock element and a locked position preventing such pivotal movement
3. A fastener according to clamm I cr 2 in which the lock element comprises an integral moulded plastics component.
4. A fastener according to any of the preceding claims wherein the keeper element comprises one or two integral moulded plastics components.
5. A fastener according to any of the preceding claims wherein the lock element is pivotable about an axis transverse to the lengthwise direction of the bore, at the edge of the thumb control.
6. A fastener according to claim 2 wherein the biasing means comprises a spring acting between the lock element and the keeper, the keeper being retained within the bore.
7. A fastener according to claim 2 or 6 wherein the keeper is received in a recess in the lock element.

7. A fastener according to claim 2 or 6 wherein the keeper is received in a recess in the lock element.

8. A fastener according to claim 2, 6 or 7 wherein the keeper has a slot and the lock element has a lengthwise rib which may be moved into and out of engagement with the slot.

9 A fastener substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A fastener comprising a base plate for attachment to an object to be fastened1 a handle pivotally mounted on the base plate so as to be movable between a fastened position and a released position, and a cooperating latch and detent associated with the handle and base plate for releasably retaining the handle in the fastened position3 characterized in that the detent is provided on the base plate, the handle has a bore extending therethrough, a lock element is disposed in the bore and includes the latch at one end thereof and a thumb control at the other end and is pivotally movable within the bore about an axis transverse to the lengthwise direction of the bore, between a latch engaged and a latch disengaged position1 and biasing means are provided for biasing the lock element towards the latch engaged position, 2. A fastener according to claim 1 including a lock for locking the handle in the fastened position3 which comprises a keeper element disposed within the bore movable by means of a key between an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the lock element and a locked position preventing such pivotal movement.

3. A fastener according to claim 1 or 2 in which the lock element comprises an integral moulded plastics component.

4. A fastener according to any of the preceding claims wherein the keeper element comprises one or two integral moulded plastics components.

5. A fastener according to any of the preceding claims wherein the lock element is pivotable about an axis at the edge of the thumb control.

6. A fastener according to claim 2 wherein the biasing means comprises a spring acting between the lock element and the keeper the keeper being retained within the bore.