GB2302128A

GB2302128A - Lockable bolt for window or door handle

Info

Publication number: GB2302128A
Application number: GB9611535A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Wilfred Pearce; Stephen Weaver
Original assignee: WILLENHALL ENG Ltd
Current assignee: WILLENHALL ENG Ltd
Priority date: 1995-06-09
Filing date: 1996-06-03
Publication date: 1997-01-08
Also published as: GB9611535D0

Abstract

A security device (10) for a closure member C, the device (10) comprising a base member (12) mountable on one of a closure member C or a frame on which the closure member C is movable, for example pivotably about hinges, a handle (14) attached to the base member (12) and movable between a first position in which the handle (14) permits the closure member to be movable on the frame, and a second position in which the handle (14) extends from the base member (12) over the other of said frame or closure member to prevent movement of the closure member from over the frame, and lock means (16) operable to releasably lock the handle (14) on the base (12) in said second position.

Description

Securitv Devices The present invention relates to security devices, particularly but not exclusively to security devices for windows.

Conventional pivotally opening windows in buildings etc. comprise dosing handles pivotally mounted to the inside of the window. Such handles comprise a small projection which extends generally perpendicularly to the main part of the handle gripped by a user, and which locates in or across a side of the frame, to prevent pivotal movement of the window on the frame. The main part of the handle lies generally parallel to the side of the frame.

Such handles are relatively weak and present little security against unauthorised access through the window, even from outside the window.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device to increase the security of a closure member across a frame.

According to the present invention there is provided a security device for a closure member, the device comprising a base member mountable on one of a closure member or a frame on which the closure member is movable, and a handle attached to the base member and movable between a first position in which the handle permits the closure member to be movable on the frame and a second position in which the handle extends from the base member over the other of said frame or closure member to prevent movement of the closure member, and lock means operable to releasably lock the handle on the base in said second position.

Preferably the base member is mounted on the closure member, desirably on the side of the closure member opposite the general direction of opening of the closure member on the frame.

Preferably the handle is generally elongate, the longitudinal axis of which extends across the said frame and closure member when the handle is in said second position. The handle is preferably pivotally attached to the base to move between the first and second positions about a pivotal axis.

Preferably the lock means comprises a plunger member resiliently mounted for operation between the base member and the handle to be movable between a first condition in which relative movement between the handle and base member is permitted, and a second condition in which the plunger member prevents relative movement between the base member and handle when the handle is in said second position. Preferably the plunger moves automatically to the second condition when the handle is located in the second position.

Preferably biasing means such as a compression spring, is provided in or on the base and operable to urge the plunger to the second condition.

The plunger may locate against a side of the handle to prevent said movement. The plunger preferably locates against a leading side of the handle relative to the direction of movement of the handle to the first position.

Preferably the plunger is urged by the biasing means from the first condition to the second condition in which the plunger is located in a recess in the handle when the handle is in said second position, so that the plunger extends between a recess in the base member and the recess in the handle to prevent relative movement therebetween. The recess may be located across a side of the handle to receive a part of the external surface of the plunger.

Preferably the plunger is in a recess on a side of the handle to be accessible from outside the handle by a user, for selective actuation for example with a finger of the hand of a user, by pressing the plunger into the base away from the second condition to release the lock means. A recess may be provided on generally opposite sides of the handle to allow the device to be lockable in two directions, preferably 1800 relative to each other.

Alternatively the recess in the handle may comprise a hole in the handle, in which case the plunger may be accessible through an opening in the handle to be selectively movable away from the second condition to release the lock means to enable the handle to be moved from the second position. The opening may comprise a passage in the handle along which a tool may be inserted to locate the plunger and urge the plunger against the biasing means away from the second condition.

A further alternative or addition may be that the lock means comprises a tumbler mechanism or other means to enable locking with a key.

Releasable retaining means may be provided to retain the plunger in at least the second condition. The retaining means may comprise a threaded member threadedly selectively movable in a passage in the base to bear on the plunger to retain the plunger as aforesaid. The member may comprise a grub screw, perhaps with a hexagonal key socket provided therein to assist movement and tightening thereof on the plunger.

Spacing means may be provided on the handle to generally abut the frame or closure member over which the handle extends when in the second position.

Preferably the arrangement is operable on a window/window frame assembly, and desirably a pivotally operable assembly. The arrangement is preferably located on the inside of the window/window frame assembly relative to a structure in which the assembly is installed to prevent unauthorised access through the frame from outside, into the structure.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a security device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in a second position; Fig. 2 is a side view in the direction II of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the device of Fig. 1, in a first position; Fig. 4 is a side view in the direction IV of the device of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a side view similar to Fig. 4, with the base in cross-section; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a security device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a first position; Fig. 7 is a plan view of the device of Fig. 6, in a second position;; Fig. 8 is a cross-section along the line VIII-VIII of the device of Fig. 7 mounted on a window assembly in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 9 shows a security device according to the present invention in a second position on a window assembly.

Referring to the drawings, there is provided a security device 10 for a closure member C, the device 10 comprising a base member 12 mountable on one of a closure member C or a frame F on which the closure member C is movable, for example pivotably about hinges H (Fig. 9), a handle 14 attached to the base member 12 and movable between a first position in which the handle 14 permits the closure member C to be movable on the frame F, and a second position in which the handle 14 extends from the base member 12 over the other of said frame F or closure member C to prevent movement of the closure member C from over the frame F, and lock means 16 operable to releasably lock the handle 14 on the base 12 in said second position.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention the base 12 is generally rectangular in plan and comprises two countersunk through holes 18 through which screws S (Fig. 9) or similar means extend to locate in a closure member C or frame F to mount the device 10 thereto. Cover caps (not shown) may be provided to locate over the opening to the respective hole 18 to cover the screw S therein once the device 10 has been securely mounted.

The base 12 tapers generally toward the handle 14 to provide clearance for a spacing button 28 on the handle 14 (see later). The tapered sides 19,19b are recessed to provide access to the respective holes 18.

The handle 14 is generally elongate and of similar size as the base 12, and comprises a formation 24 to be gripped by the thumb and fingers of a user to effect movement of the handle 14. The handle 14 is pivotally attached for movement on the base member 12 at one end thereof about a pivot 26 (Fig. 5). The spacing button 28 (Figs. 4 and 5) is provided generally toward the other end of the handle 14, and acts to bear on the other of the frame F or closure C when the handle 14 is in the second position. The size of the button 28 may be varied, such that the button is selectively removable from on the handle 14 and may therefore comprise a stem 29 which is a friction fit in a corresponding hole 31 in the handle 14 (Fig. 5).

The tapered configuration of the base 12 allows relatively large buttons 28 to be used for example when there is a substantial distance to be bridged between the handle 14 and the surface of the frame F or closure C on which it is to bear.

With particular reference to Fig. 5, the lock means 16 comprises a plunger 30 attached at one end to a compression spring 32, which in turn is located in a recess 34 in the base member 12. The spring 32 acts to urge the plunger 30 from a first condition wherein the plunger presents no obstruction to movement of the handle 14, out of the recess 34 to a second condition in which the plunger 30 is part-way out of the recess 34, as shown in Fig. 2, and presents an obstacle to movement of the handle 14 from the second position to the first position.

The lock means 16 also comprises a recess 36 formed across one side of the handle 14. The recess 36 is formed in the side of the handle 14 which generally leads the handle during movement toward the first position. The recess 36 generally locates above the recess 34, and aligns therewith when the handle 14 is in the second position, such that when in the second condition the plunger is located by the spring 32 to extend between the recesses 34,36, to abut the outside of the handle 14 and thereby prevent rotation of the handle 14 on the base 12.

A threaded passage 38 is provided in a side of the base 12 which opens into the recess 34 to provide access to the plunger 30. A grub screw 39 is provided within the passage 38 for selective tightening onto the plunger 30 to enable selective retention of the plunger in at least the second condition. This provides further security.

In use, the base 12 is preferably mounted on the inside (the side opposite the general direction of opening of the window C) of a moving frame of a window C by driving screws S through the holes 18 into the moving frame of the window C. Once the device 10 is securely mounted the cover caps (not shown) are pushed into the openings to the holes 18 to cover the screws.

With the handle 14 in the first position as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 in which the handle 14 overlies the base 12, the device 10 presents no obstacle to the opening and closing of the window C on the fixed frame F.

When it is desired to secure the window C in a closed position over the frame F, the window C is closed and the handle 14 is pivotally rotated in the appropriate direction (clockwise with reference to the drawings) through 900 to the second position such that the handle 14 extends across from the window C over the frame F (Figs. 1, 2 and 9). The button 28 abuts the frame F to prevent any movement of the handle 14 against the frame F. As the handle 14 enters the second position, the recesses 34,36 align, and the spring 32 urges the plunger 30 out from the first condition within the recess 34 (where it was held by the handle 14) to locate between the recesses 34,36 to automatically lock the handle 14 in the second position. The window C is thus securely closed.It cannot be opened from the outside in a direction generally outward since the device 10 located on the inside of the window C prevents this by abutment between the handle 14 and the frame F.

For further security, for example when the window will not be required to be opened in an emergency, the grub screw 39 can be tightened using a suitable tool, such as a hexagonal key cooperable with a hexagonal socket in the screw 39, against the plunger 30 to retain the plunger in the second condition. Thus, even if a potential intruder smashes the window to access the plunger 30, the device 10 still cannot be unlocked, because the plunger cannot be depressed, without releasing the grub screw 39.

When it is desired to open the window, possible from the inside only, the lock means 16 is released by first of all releasing the grub screw 39 if necessary and then depressing the plunger 39 using a finger or the like into the recess 34. The handle 14 is then turned away from the second position, over the plunger 30 and thereby acts to hold the plunger 30 in the first position.

Figs. 6 to 8 show a security device 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The device 110 is generally similar to the device 110 and corresponding features are referenced with corresponding numerals, prefixed with "1".

The principal differences between the devices 10,110 reside in the way in which they are mounted to a frame F or closure member C, and the locking means.

In device 110, the base 12 is generally rectangular in plan, and has two blind holes 118 formed in the side thereof that abuts the closure member C or frame F on which the device 110 is mounted. The holes 118 are threaded to receive respective fixing pins 20 (Fig. 8). A fixing plate 22 also of generally elongate rectangular conformation has spaced apertures 23 formed therein to receive the pins 20, such that the pins 20 pass through the plate 22, through appropriate holes formed in the closure member C or frame F and into the base member 12 to clamp the device 110 in position.

The locking means 116 of the device 110 comprises a plunger 130 arrangement similar to that of device 10, but the recess 136 comprises a passage formed in the handle 114. The plunger 130 locates in an enlarged end 138 of the passage 36 when in the second condition. A tool, such as a screwdriver or similar can be pushed down the passage 136 from its other end to push the plunger 130 out of the end 138 against the biasing of the spring 132, thereby removing the plunger 130 from between the base member 112 and handle 114 to permit rotational movement of the handle 114 away from the second position, about the pivot 126.

In use, the device 110 is mounted on the inside, preferably of a moving frame of a window C by pre-drilling the frame (one side only of a hollow section frame), and then passing the pins 20 firstly through the fixing plate 22 then the window C, and into holes 118 in the base 112, to damp the window C between the base 112 and the fixing plate 22. This provides a secure mounting of the device 110 to the window C thereby mitigating the problems of unauthorised removal of the device from the window C. Fig. 8 shows the window C being a hollow plastics extrusion such as a uPVC glazed unit but it is to be appreciated that the device 110 can be attached to wood or other materials.

The operation of the security device 110 is essentially the same as described above with reference to the device 10. However, when it is desired to open a window, locked by the device 110, the lock means 116 is released by inserting an elongate tool (such as a small screwdriver or specifically produced tool) down the passage 136 to urge the plunger 130 from therewithin, fully into the recess 134 against the bias of the spring 132, whilst the arm is simultaneously turned toward the first position. Once the recesses 134,136 are no longer in alignment, the tool can be retracted, and the handle 114 can be freely rotated toward the first position.

It is to be appreciated that any number of latching devices 10,110 can be provided on a window C, and moreover that the devices 10,110 may be mounted on the fixed frame, with appropriate modification of the devices 10 to prevent outward movement of the window (for example provision of a larch member m which the handle locates). It is also to be appreciated that the devices 10,110 can be used to secure other closure means such as doors, hatches etc.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, a lock tumbler or other device may be incorporated into the device in addition to or in place of the aforesaid plunger arrangement, to provide for locking with a key. The recesses 36 on the outside of the handle 14 may be provided on opposite sides of the handle 14 as shown in the drawings to allow locking of the handle 14 in two different second positions approximately 180 apart. This allows the device 10 to be used on any appropriate side of an opening window etc. Features of the above embodiments may be interchanged.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A security device for a closure member, the device comprising a base member mountable on one of a closure member or a frame on which the closure member is movable, and a handle attached to the base member and movable between a first position in which the handle permits the closure member to be movable on the frame and a second position in which the handle extends from the base member over the other of said frame or closure member to prevent movement of the closure member, and lock means operable to releasably lock the handle on the base in said second position.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the base member is mounted on the closure member.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, in which the base member is mounted on the side of the closure member opposite the general direction of opening of the closure member on the frame.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the handle is generally elongate, the longitudinal axis of which extends across the said frame and closure member when the handle is in said second position.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the handle is pivotally attached to the base to move between the first and second positions about a pivotal axis.

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lock means comprises a plunger member resiliently mounted for operation between the base member and the handle to be movable between a first condition in which relative movement between the handle and base member is permitted, and a second condition in which the plunger member prevents relative movement between the base member and handle when the handle is in said second position.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, in which the plunger moves automatically to the second condition when the handle is located in the second position.

8. A device as claimed in any of claims 6 or 7, in which biasing means is provided in or on the base and operable to urge the plunger to the second condition.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, in which the biasing means comprises a compression spring.

10. A device as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, in which the plunger locates against a side of the handle to prevent said movement.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, in which the plunger locates against a leading side of the handle relative to the direction of movement of the handle to the first position.

12. A device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, in which the plunger is urged by the biasing means from the first condition to the second condition in which the plunger is located in a recess in the handle when the handle is in said second position, so that the plunger extends between a recess in the base member and the recess in the handle to prevent relative movement therebetween.

13. A device as claimed in claim 12, in which the recess is located across a side of the handle to receive a part of the external surface of the plunger.

14. A device as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which the plunger is locatable in a recess on a side of the handle to be accessible from outside the handle by a user, for selective actuation for example with a finger of the hand of a user, by pressing the plunger into the base away from the second condition to release the lock means.

15. A device as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14, in which a recess is provided on generally opposite sides of the handle to allow the device to be lockable in two directions, preferably 1800 relative to each other.

16. A device as claimed in claim 12, in which the recess in the handle comprises a hole in the handle in which case the plunger may be accessible through an opening in the handle to be selectively movable away from the second condition to release the lock means to enable the handle to be moved from the second position.

17. A device as claimed in claim 16, in which the opening comprises a passage in the handle along which a tool may be inserted to contact the plunger and urge the plunger against the biasing means away from the second condition.

18. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lock means comprises a tumbler mechanism or other means to enable locking with a key.

19. A device as claimed in any of claims 6 to 18, in which releasable retaining means is provided to retain the plunger in at least the second condition.

20. A device as claimed in claim 19, in which the retaining means comprises a threaded member threadedly selectively movable in a passage in the base to bear on the plunger to retain the plunger.

21. A device as claimed in claim 20, in which the member comprises a grub screw.

22. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which spacing means is provided on the handle to generally abut the frame or closure member over which the handle extends when in the second position.

23. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the arrangement is operable on a window/window frame assembly.

24. A device as claimed in claim 23, in which the arrangement is operable on a pivotally operable assembly.

25. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the arrangement is located on the inside of the window/window frame assembly relative to a structure in which the assembly is installed to prevent unauthorised access through the frame from outside, into the structure.

26. A window assembly comprising a security device as claimed in any preceding claim.

27. A door assembly comprising a security device as claimed in any preceding claim.

28. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

29. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

30. A window assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

31. A door assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

32. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.