GB2304146A - Security lock for UPVC and aluminium windows with catch plate attached to edge channel - Google Patents

Abstract

The security lock comprises a catch plate 9,104 which is secured to an edge face 4 of a window sash 106 by means of a bracket 3 (Fig 1) located in the channel 6 which accommodates the hinge fitments. A barbed spear 17,102 of the catch plate projects from the sash so as to extend through a hole 118 in a glazing upstand 120 of the window frame 114 when the window is closed. The spear 17,102 is received within a lock mechanism 100 (Fig 10) secured to the frame, for retention of the spear by a reciprocable latch plate 124. An alternative form of lock mechanism (33,Fig 5) includes a horseshoe spring (53), accommodated in a housing (51), which is arranged to clip over the spear 17 when the window is closed.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LOCKING DEVICES This invention concerns improvements in and relating to locking devices particularly, but not exclusively, window locks.

Aperture closings, particularly windows, but also doors, shutters and the like, frequently require the provision of additional locks after installation, to give security levels higher than those initially envisaged.

With such retrofit applications (as with new units), the effectiveness of the locking device is usually only as good as the security of its fixing to elements forming the unit, for instance a window sash and frame.

Significant problems exist in this regard, particularly in providing locks for fitment to extruded sash and frame profiles of UPVC (and other plastics materials) and aluminium. There are numerous different designs of extruded window profile in use, resulting in uncertainty as to the potential security of a fixing made at any given location. Some plastics profiles have steel or aluminium reinforcement, which theoretically provides opportunity for a more secure fixing, but others do not. The exact position of reinforcement, when present, varies from profile to profile; mis-directed drilling of reinforced profile can result in the drill skidding off the reinforcement, creating an elongated hole and an impossible fixing location, and possibly causing aesthetic damage to the unit.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a high security locking device which is well suited to retrofit application, being applicable to a very wide variety of frame profiles in current use.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a locking device for securing an openable window or other movable panel in a closed position adjacent to a frame member, the device comprising catch-forming means for securement to the panel and a lock mechanism for securement to the frame member whereby the catch-forming means can be releasably interengaged with the lock mechanism to secure the panel, the catch-forming means being arranged for securement to a panel edge face lying transversely of the plane of the panel and comprising a latching portion which projects transversely of the plane of the panel for introduction into the lock mechanism as the window is moved to its closed position.

The catch-forming means of the locking device preferably comprises a planar mounting portion arranged to locate in a shallow recess in the panel edge face. Most preferably, the catch member is suitably formed to locate in a parallel-sided groove of nominally 16mm width, which is a standard form of groove commonly provided in window profiles for the fitment of hinge mountings. Advantage can, therefore, commonly be taken of this profile feature.

The mounting portion may comprise an apertured mounting plate enabling the catch-forming means to be secured by screws (or other fastenings) extending into the panel through the plate and the panel edge face. By this manner of fixing, it is provided that loadings applied to the catch-forming means, should an attempt be made to force the secured window, will be counteracted by shear stresses in the screws. The lock mechanism may be arranged for securement to an outer face of the frame member which lies generally parallel to the plane of the panel, the lock mechanism so being arranged for reception of the latching portion of the catch-forming means through a passageway extending through the frame member from an inner face adjacent to the panel member. This arrangement would ordinarily be the case where a glazing upstand of the frame member overlaps the window sash.

In a preferred construction of device, the latching portion is a barbed spear-forming portion which enters the lock mechanism. The provision of a plurality of longitudinally-spaced barbs can enable the panel to be secured in any one of a plurality of substantially closed positions.

The lock mechanism may, in one preferred construction, comprise a latch member which is movable relative to the barbed spear between a first position in which the spear can extend freely through a clearance opening in the member and a second position in which the spear is retained by the member against withdrawal, a slot which extends longitudinally of the member from the clearance opening enabling the member to be moved from its first position to its second position with the spear inserted. The latch member may be arranged to operate a keyoperated lock which retains the latch member in its second position until released.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a locking device for restraining two elements relative to one another, the device comprising a first part and a second part, the device having a first state in which the first and second parts are restrainably engaged with one another and a second state in which the first and second parts are separable, the first part being adapted to attach to the first element and the second part being adapted to attach to the second element, the relative movement of the first and second elements being controlled by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being attached to the second element in a groove and wherein the second part is adapted to attach to the second element in said groove or in a similar groove in another part of the element.

In this way a high security locking device can be provided which is suitable for a wide variety of window profiles by using the more consistent fitting of the hinge groove. Additional thickness of the profile at this location can also provide a particularly secure fixing point.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a locking device for restraining two elements relatively to one another, the device comprising a first part and a second part, the device having a first state in which the first and second parts are restrainably engaged with one another and a second state in which the first and second parts are separable, the first part being adapted to attach to the first element, the second part being adapted to attach to the second element by attachment means wherein the attachment means are adapted to be introduced to the second element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the relative movement of the first and second parts in said second state.

In this way any force applied to the device in its locked state is transferred as a shear force by the second part to the second element attachment rather than as a tensile one which is more threatening to the fixing's integrity. A stronger system is thus provided. By the expression "substantially perpendicular" is meant preferably within 150 and most preferably within 100 of perpendicular.

Optional features of the first and/or second and/or third aspects include that preferably the second part comprises a bracket adapted to attach to the second element and a catch member extending therefrom.

Most preferably the catch member extends substantially perpendicular to the bracket.

Preferably the bracket is attached to the second element by releasable fasteners, such as screws. Most preferably elongate apertures are provided in the bracket. In this way positional adjustment can be effected as desired.

Preferably the bracket and catch member are adjustable in position relative to one another. Thus the bracket and catch member have a first state in which they can move relative to one another and a second state in which they are restrained in position relative to one another. The desired projection of the catch member can thus be set.

Preferably the catch member is provided with a longitudinally aligned elongate slot to provide adjustment. The bracket is preferably provided with a clamping plate to fix the position. Most preferably the slot and clamping plate are provided with serrated edges. This increases the degree of fixing.

Preferably a releasable fastener is provided to apply clamping force as required to the catch member and clamping plate. Most preferably the fastener is also adapted to engage the second element.

Preferably the catch member has a first part engaging portion at the end portion distal from the bracket. Most preferably this portion is toothed. Inclined portions are provided on the distal face of each tooth relative to the bracket. Substantially perpendicular edges must be provided opposing the bracket. Easy introduction and restrained withdrawal is thus provided.

The first part preferably comprises mounting means adapted to attach to the first element and second part engaging means. Preferably the second part engaging means comprise a housing adapted to receive the catch member of the second part.

Preferably the catch member receiving housing provides locking means, most preferably of a resilient nature. The locking means having a first position in which they engage with and retain the catch member and a second position in which the catch member is released.

Most preferably the transition from first to second position is effected by rotating the housing. A 900 rotation may be used to this end.

Preferably the locking means comprise a clip axially aligned within the housing, most preferably of U-shape, with end portions radially aligned. In this way the catch member upon entry with its inclined portions opens the arms of the clip which snap behind the tooth to restrain it.

Preferably biasing return means, such as a spring, are provided to return the locking means to the first position upon removal of the catch member. Most preferably the locking means remain in the second position, following the position change, until the catch member is removed. In this way fewer operating hands are required.

Preferably the first part is provided with a mounting plate adapted to abut with the first element.

Preferably the mounting plate is provided with an aperture complementary to the catch member. This aids in controlling the position in which the catch member is introduced to the first part.

Preferably the mechanism is provided with a deadlock function restraining transition of the locking means from the first to second position. Most preferably the restraint to the locking means is provided by a locking element which engages the locking means and the mounting plate or first element or housing.

Preferably dead-locking is effected by depressing a portion of the housing, such as a button, towards the mounting plate and/or first element and/or housing. The locking element may comprise one or more arms which engage with apertures in the mounting plate and/or first element and/or housing. Preferably the locking element is spring loaded.

Two embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a catch arrangement of a first window lock; Figure 2 is a rear view of the construction of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an underneath view of a lock mechanism of the first window lock; Figure 4 shows a mounting plate for the lock mechanism; Figure 5 is a sectional side view of the lock mechanism and mounting plate combined; Figure 6 is a partial cross-section of the lock mechanism and catch secured respectively to a window frame and sash; Figure 7 shows a lock mechanism of a second window lock, being a view in section on line VII - VII of Figure 8; Figures 8 and 9 are plan views of the second lock mechanism with a cover removed and a latch plate shown in outward and inward positions respectively; and Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 7 but showing the complete lock in use.

As shown in Figure 1 catch-forming means 1 comprises a generally planar, strip-like mounting plate forming a fixing bracket 3. The bracket is provided with a number of elongate adjustment slots 5 to accommodate screw fastenings, (not shown), for attaching the bracket 3 to an edge surface 4 of a window sash; the edge surface 4 lies perpendicular to the plane of the window. The bracket 3 has a raised bridging portion 7 which accommodates a catch plate 9. The catch plate 9 extends transversely of the bracket 3 (and perpendicular to the plane of the window) and is clamped to the bracket 3 by means of a clamping element 11 which comprises a raised serrated component 13 which co-operates in a similarly serrated slot 15 which is aligned longitudinally in the catch plate 9.Until application of the clamping element, the catch plate 9 can be freely adjusted relative to the fixing bracket 3 to obtain a desired positioning of a barbed spear-forming latching portion 17 of the catch plate 9 projecting laterally of the fixing bracket. Once in the desired position, the catch plate 9 can be rigidly fixed in position by means of the clamping element 11 and a fixing screw 12 which secures the element and the plate within the bridging portion 7 of the fixing bracket.

If desired, additional support for the bracket 3 can be achieved by inserting a reduced width tongue 19 of the bracket 3 through a slot in a transversely-extending support bracket 23. The supporting bracket, illustrated by the dotted outline in Figures 1 and 2, is fastened to an adjacent edge surface of the window sash (perpendicular to that to which the bracket 3 is secured) utilising apertures 25.

The window sash is constructed in a conventional manner of four lengths of UPVC profile. The bracket 3 is configured to locate within the same locating channel 6 as is provided in the edge surface 4 of the profile to accommodate hinge fitments for the window. Thus the bracket is adapted to locate in a substantially standard parallel-sided groove in the profile, usually of nominally 16mm width, which is to be found provided in a wide variety of otherwise non-standard window profiles. The location of the bracket in this channel ensures that when under load a shear force is applied to the fixings, as opposed to a tensile load which is characteristic of prior art face-mounted (as opposed to edge-mounted) products. Additional strength in the fixing is thus achieved.

The location of the bracket 3 and catch member 9 relative to the window sash 31 is clearly illustrated in Figure 6.

A lock mechanism 33 is mounted on an outer face 34 of a window frame 35 (being an "outer" face relative to an "inner" face lying adjacent to the window sash) and in particular on a portion 37 of the frame forming a glazing upstand. The face 34 lies generally parallel to the plane of the window (in the closed position). A clearance hole 39 is drilled through the upstand 37 to provide a passageway through the frame for the barbed spear 17 of the catch plate 9 to extend to the inside of the lock mechanism 33. The glazing upstand 37 is a particularly preferred location of the access hole as this does not contain reinforcement in any normal window design and therefore does not cause a problem during drilling.

As illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, a mounting plate 41 with elongate fastening slots 43 is used to attach the lock mechanism 33 to the glazing upstand 37. This provides the necessary level of adjustment in a direction perpendicular to that enabled by the adjustment slots 5 in the fixing bracket 3, so allowing the spear of the catch plate 9 to be lined up with an aperture 45 in the mounting plate 41. Correct positioning of the lock mechanism 33 and catch plate 9 relative to each other are thus ensured. The mounting plate 41 is secured relative to the glazing upstand 37 by means of screws 47.

The lock mechanism 33 (Figure 5) comprises a base plate 49 and an upstanding cylindrical housing 51 which accommodates a horseshoe spring 53. The horseshoe spring 53 is arranged to clip over the barbed spear 17 of the catch plate 9 when the window is in the closed position.

To unlock the mechanism the cylindrical housing 51 can be rotated through 90 so that flats 55 on the horseshoe spring 53 correspond with flat side surfaces 52 of the spear 17. In this position the spear can be moved out of the horseshoe spring 53, so permitting the window to be opened. The horseshoe spring 53 is maintained in this position by depressing the button 59.

Once the window has been opened such that the catch plate spear 17 is clear of the horseshoe spring 53 the cylindrical housing 51 is returned to the activated position by two wire-formed springs 57 contained in the base plate 49 of the lock mechanism 33. These are released from the restrained open position, that is with the button 59 depressed, by a slight rotation of the housing 51.

Closing the window once more causes the spear 17 of the catch plate 9 to pass through the aperture 39 in the glazing upstand 37 and to enter the lock mechanism 33. Inclined leading faces 54 of barbs of the spear displace the flat portions 55 of the horseshoe spring 53. In this locked position the window is retained until the cylindrical portion 51 is rotated, since the flats on the back of the teeth abut the flats 55.

The lock mechanism can be deadlocked in this locked state by pushing in the button 59 forming the top of the lock mechanism 33.

Pushing the lock button 59 inwards pushes the locking plate 61, with which the button 59 abuts, past the flats 55 of the horseshoe spring 53 such that projections 63 on the locking plate 61 go beyond and restrain the flat portions 55 of the horseshoe spring 53. The horseshoe spring 53 is thus retained in the closed position even when load is applied. The ends of the locking plate 61 and the projection 63 carried thereon also pass through slots 65 in the retaining slot 45 in the mounting plate 41 so preventing the cylindrical portion 51 of the lock mechanism 33 being rotated.

When the lock mechanism is under load it is pulled against the glazing upstand 37 and thus does not require strong fixing in itself, fixing being provided by means of fasteners, not shown, which pass through apertures 67 in the base portion 49 of the lock mechanism 33 and in the mounting plate 41.

In the case of particularly large windows it may be desirable to fit two or more such mechanisms for extra security. However, the design of this mechanism ensures that once the cylindrical portion 51 of any such unit is rotated into the opening position the mechanism will release the catch plate and will remain in that state until the member disengages and re-engages. Thus hands-free operation of the system is possible contrary to many prior art self-latching products where each mechanism needs to be maintained in the open state manually thus requiring one hand for each latch and a further hand to open the window, an undesirable situation.

As described above the system provides a strong and yet easily operated lock mechanism which is suited to the vast majority of window systems, particularly UPVC window systems, as well as other applications, due to the use of a standard size fastening location. The alternative orientation of the forces applied to the device during any attempted forced opening are also advantageous against the directions employed in the prior art systems.

A second embodiment of lock mechanism 100 is illustrated in Figures 7 to 10. As with the first embodiment, the mechanism is adapted to retain, releasably, a barbed spear-forming latching portion 102 of a catch plate 104, the catch plate being secured to a window sash 106 in suitably adjusted position; the catch plate is secured in a very similar manner to that of the first embodiment. As can be seen in Figure 10, a tongue 108 of a fixing bracket (not itself shown) is inserted through a slot in a transversely-extending supporting bracket 110 secured to the sash 106 at right angles to the fixing bracket.

The lock mechanism comprises a housing formed by a base 112, which is adapted to be secured to a window frame 114, and a cover 116.

A clearance hole 118 drilled through a glazing upstand 120 of the frame provides a passageway for the catch plate spear 102 to enter the lock mechanism through an aligned entry hole 122 in the base.

The mechanism comprises a latch plate 124 which is held between the cover 116 and the base 112 by means of an overlying retaining bar 126 secured to the base; the retaining bar serves also as a retaining catch for securing the cover to the base (as illustrated by Figure 7). The latch plate 124 comprises an operating portion which projects from the housing and forms an operating handle 128 by means of which the plate can be pushed and pulled to move inwardly and outwardly of the housing between an outward spear-releasing position (shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10) and an inward spear-retaining position (Figure 9). The latch plate is formed with an opening 130 which is of similar form to the entry hole 122 in the base, and which is aligned with the hole when the plate is in its outward position.A spear-retaining slot 132 extends longitudinally of the latch plate from the clearance opening 130 towards the operating handle, the slot being of similar width to that of the spear shaft (between barbs) and being arranged to lie over the hole 122 in the base when the latch plate is in its inward position. The arrangement is thus such that with the latch plate 124 in its outward position, the spear 102 can be introduced into the mechanism, the spear projecting with clearance through the opening 130 in the plate. Upon pushing the latch plate to its inward position, the spear shaft becomes accommodated in the slot 132 and withdrawal of the spear is so prevented by engagement of overlying barbs of the spear with portions of the latch plate bordering the slot.

The latch plate 124 can also move to some degree laterally (in its plane) to compensate for any misalignment of the catch plate spear 102 with the retaining slot 132, the latch plate being deflected through engagement of the spear with angled corners 133 on the catch plate at the entry to the slot 132. In the automatic release motion, the catch plate is guided back to a central position by means of outer angled edges 135 on the catch plate 102 which bear against corresponding angled edges of the base 112.

The mechanism comprises a key-operated locking arrangement for securing the latch plate in its inward, spear-retaining position. An inner end portion 134 of the latch plate provides for coupling of the plate to a slide block 136, the latch plate and slide block moving together against the action of a return spring 138 when the plate is pushed inwards; the spring is accommodated between an end wall 140 of the base and a springreceiving bore 142 within the block. A camming groove 144 is formed in a top surface 148 of the block to receive an operating stud 146 which projects from a rotatable barrel 148 of a key-released lock 150. The lock is secured in the housing cover 116 above the block. Owing to the interengagement between the stud 146 and the block 136, movement of the block causes rotation of the barrel 148; the barrel is shown in broken lines in Figures 8 and 9 to illustrate the rotation which occurs. When the latch plate is pushed inwards to its spear-retaining position (Figure 9) against the action of the return spring 138, the barrel 148 becomes rotated to a position in which the lock engages to prevent outwards return movement of the latch plate. The lock can be released by means of a key, permitting the slide block and latch plate to be driven outwards by the return spring 138 and the spear 102 so released for withdrawal.

The spear 102 comprising a number of barbs, the lock mechanism can be operated to secure the window sash at any one of a plurality of fully closed and nearly closed positions.

Claims (14)

1. A locking device for securing an openable window or other movable panel in a closed position adjacent to a frame member, the device comprising catch-forming means for securement to the panel and a lock mechanism for securement to the frame member whereby the catchforming means can be releasably interengaged with the lock mechanism to secure the panel, the catch-forming means being arranged for securement to a panel edge face lying transversely of the plane of the panel and comprising a latching portion which projects transversely of the plane of the panel for introduction into the lock mechanism as the window is moved to its closed position.

2. A locking device according to claim 1 in which the catch-forming means comprises a mounting portion arranged to locate in a shallow recess in the panel edge face.

3. A locking device according to claim 2 in which the mounting portion is arranged to locate in a parallel sided groove formed in the panel edge face.

4. A locking device according to claim 3 in which the mounting portion is arranged to locate in a groove of nominally 16mm width.

5. A locking device according to any one of claims 2,3 and 4 in which the mounting portion comprises an apertured mounting plate enabling the catch-forming means to be secured by fastenings extending into the panel through the plate and the panel edge face.

6. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the lock mechanism is arranged for securement to an outer face of the frame member which lies generally parallel to the plane of the panel when the panel is in its closed position, the lock mechanism so being arranged for reception of the latching portion of the catch member through a passageway extending through the frame member from an inner face adjacent to the panel member.

7. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which the lock mechanism comprises a latch member which is movable relative to the latching portion of the catch member between a first position in which the latching portion can extend freely through a clearance opening in the plate and a second position in which the latching portion is retained by the member against withdrawal, a slot which extends longitudinally of the member from the clearance opening enabling the member to be moved from its first position to its second position with the latching portion projecting through the clearance opening.

8. A locking device according to claim 7 in which the latch member is arranged to operate a lock which retains the latch member in its second position until released.

9. A locking device according to claim 8 in which the lock is keyoperated for release.

10. A locking device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the latching portion is in the form of a barbed spear.

11. A locking device according to claim 10 in which the latching portion presents a plurality of longitudinally-spaced barbs enabling the panel to be secured by the lock mechanism in any one of a plurality of substantially closed positions.

12. A locking device for restraining two elements relative to one another, the device comprising a first part and a second part, the device having a first state in which the first and second parts are restrainably engaged with one another and a second state in which the first and second parts are separable, the first part being adapted to attach to the first element and the second part being adapted to attach to the second element, the relative movement of the first and second elements being controlled by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being attached to the second element in a groove and wherein the second part is adapted to attach to the second element in said groove or in a similar groove in another part of the element.

13. A locking device for restraining two elements relatively to one another, the device comprising a first part and a second part, the device having a first state in which the first and second part are restrainably engaged with one another and a second state in which the first and second parts are separable, the first part being adapted to attach to the first element, the second part being adapted to attach to the second element by attachment means wherein the attachment means are adapted to be introduced to the second element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the relative movement of the first and second parts in said second state.

14. A locking device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference either to Figures 1 to 6 or Figures 7 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.