GB2310245A

GB2310245A - Locks for windows and doors

Info

Publication number: GB2310245A
Application number: GB9702143A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Alexander Gordon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-02-02
Filing date: 1997-02-03
Publication date: 1997-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2017-02-03
Also published as: GB2310245B; GB9702143D0

Description

LOCKS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS This invention relates to locks for use with doors or windows and particularly, but not exclusively, to locks for use with doors or windows made from UPVC.

It is known to lock a door or a window by means of a lock assembly comprising a latch, and a latch receiving means positionable in an outer frame in which the door or window opens and closes.

In a lock assembly of this type, the latch is typically mounted on a shank of a handle used to open the door or window. The latch receiving portion is mountable in an outer frame in which the door or window is hingeably mounted. The latch may move between a first, unlocked position in which the door or window may be freely opened and closed, and a second, locked position in which the door or window may be locked in either a closed or partially opened state. When the door or window is locked, the latch extends from the door or window frame into the latch receiving portion of the outer frame. The latch receiving portion typically comprises an aperture which receives the latch. A lock of this type is described in my British Patent 2 270 537.

It is also known to lock a door or window in a closed position by means of espagnolettes comprising studs or bolt portions provided in the window and locatable in the outer frame. Movement of the window handle to lock the window results in the espagnolettes engaging in holes positioned in the outer frame.

When an espagnolette is fitted to a UPVC window frame, it is often possible for an intruder to prise the window from the frame due to the fact that both the window frame and the outer frame which are made of UPVC are 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 espagnolette window by addition of a lock assembly of the type described above, which provides an additional latch which may be attached to a shank of the operating handle which operates the espagnolette system. A corresponding slot will typically be formed in the adjacent window frame such that when the handle is engaged to operate the espagnolette locking system, the additional latch enters the slot and is retained therein, thereby providing additional security.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide locks which may be used to provide additional security in windows and doors, especially when of UPVC, and or locks which may be particularly suitable for fitting to existing window or door installations.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lock for use in a window or door which opens and closes in a frame, the lock comprising a first latch member adapted to be mounted in or on the frame; a second latch member adapted to be mounted in or on the window or door and to interengage with the first latch member; and an actuating means adapted to be mounted on the window or door and arranged to move the second latch member relative to the window or door, into and out of a locking position in which it engages with the first latch member: each of said latch members being formed with a respective latch portion that projects from the window or door or the frame respectively and engages with the latch portion of the other of said latch members in said locking position.

Preferably, said actuating means comprises an elongate member which is arranged to slide longitudinally along or adjacent an edge of the window or door upon which it is mounted.

Preferably, said elongate member carries at least one additional locking member adapted to engage a respective keeper on or in the frame.

Preferably, said additional locking member comprises a stud which extends laterally of said elongate member.

Preferably, said additional locking member or one of said additional locking members comprises a bolt portion which extends longitudinally of said elongate member.

Preferably, said second latch member is arranged to slide along or adjacent an edge of the window or door upon which it is mounted.

Preferably, said second latch member is mounted on said elongate member and arranged to slide with it.

Preferably, at least one of said latch portions is generally hook shaped.

In this specification, the term "hook shaped" means a part that comprises at least a first portion and a second portion that extends transversely thereof, either in rectangular fashion or curved.

Preferably, at least one of said latch portions is substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

At least one of said latch portions may be formed with a slot to receive a portion of the other of said latch portions.

Both of said latch portions may be formed with respective slots which interengage in said locking position.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that, in use, when the window or door is closed in its frame, said latch portions are disposed side by side, and said actuating means is arranged to move the second latch member sideways into and out of said locking position.

A lock as above may comprise a plurality of said first latch members each with a respective interengaging said second latch member.

Preferably, the or each said latch portion is formed by a plate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of modifying a lock for a window or door, which lock comprises a moveable elongate member provided with at least one stud or bolt portion that is adapted to engage a respective keeper or recess which is provided in or on a respective frame of the door or window, the method comprising the steps of fitting to said elongate member a second latch portion as recited in any of the preceding aspects of the invention, and providing, for engagement with the second latch portion, a first latch portion as recited in any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

The invention extends to a lock that has been modified by such a method, and to a window or door which opens and closes in a frame and is provided with a lock according to any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of an espagnolette mechanism suitable for fixing to a door or window, and incorporating a lock embodying one example of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of first and second latch members of the lock of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional representation of a window in a closed position within a frame and having the lock of Figure 2 attached thereto; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a window in an open position fitted with an espagnolette as shown in Figure 1; and Figures 5 and 6 show respectively alternative locks to that shown in Figure 2.

In the figures, like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts.

The espagnolette mechanism 1 that is shown in Figure 1 may be, for the most part, of a more or less conventional design. Thus, it comprises an elongate bar 2 which is adapted to be driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) within a drive casing 3, so as to be moveable longitudinally to and fro along its longitudinal axis, as illustrated by the arrow A. Typically, the mechanism 1 is mounted in or adjacent the edge of a window or door and, upon rotating a handle (not shown), the elongate bar 2 is caused to move to and fro in the direction of the arrow A, with respect to the window or door, by means of the aforementioned drive mechanism. The bar 2 may carry a plurality of mushroom-headed studs which extend transversely of the bar 2, and are adapted to engage in recesses formed in an outer frame in which the respective window or door opens and closes. Alternatively or additionally, the bar 2 may be formed at its opposite ends with bolt portions which may engage corresponding recesses formed or provided in the outer frame. This latter arrangement is particularly suitable where the elongate bar 2 is formed as two separate parts which are adapted to move in opposite directions, and such a locking arrangement is often referred to as a "shoot bolt".

All of these typical features of espagnolette or shoot bolt mechanisms are extremely well known to those skilled in the art, and have been used for very many years. Thus, a detailed description of these known features will not be given here, although certain of the features will be described briefly below with reference to Figure 4.

The novel aspect of the embodiment of Figure 1 is the provision of a lock 20 comprising first and second latch members 22 and 23. The first latch member 22 is adapted to be mounted in or on the frame in which the respective window or door opens, and the second latch member 23 is mounted on the elongate bar 2 - for example, by means of screws, bolts, rivets or any suitable means.

Each of the latch members 22, 23 comprises a mounting plate 24, 25 which is formed with respective apertures 30, 31, for securing the plate either to the window or door frame on the one hand, and the elongate bar 2 on the other. As may be seen in Figure 1, the elongate bar 2 is formed with a set of apertures 32 to register with the apertures 31 in the plate 25.

Formed integrally with each of the plates 24, 25, which may advantageously be pressed or otherwise formed of metal (or other suitable material), is a respective latch portion 26, 27 which, in cross-section, is generally hook shaped. That is, each latch portion 26, 27 is substantially L-shaped in crosssection, comprising a web 28, 29 which extends substantially at right angles to the respective plate 24, 25, and a respective arm 33, 34, which extends substantially at right angles to the respective web 28, 29 and is therefore substantially parallel to the respective mounting plate 24, 25.

Figure 1 shows one lock 20 in which the second latch member 23 is secured to a respective portion of the elongate arm 2. Another lock 20 is secured, in use, to that portion of the elongate arm 2 in which the holes 32 are formed, as seen in Figure 1. Accordingly, the espagnolette mechanism 1 of Figure 1 is provided with two locks 20. Any desired number, more or less than two, may be provided in alternative embodiments.

In use of the espagnolette mechanism 1, the first latch member 22 of each lock 20 is so positioned in the outer frame of the window or door that, when the espagnolette mechanism 1 is unlocked, the hook-like latch portion 26 of the first latch member 26 is spaced longitudinally from the latch portion 27 of the second latch member 23 which is mounted on the espagnolette bar 2. In this way, the window or door can be opened and closed and, when closed, the two latch portions 26, 27 of each lock 20 are disposed side by side. Then, upon actuating the espagnolette mechanism 1 to move the elongate bar 2, the second latch member 23 of each lock 20 slides sideways with respect to the first latch member 22, such that the latch portion 27 slides into engagement with the latch portion 26. In this latter condition, the two latch portions 26, 27 of each lock 20 are at least partially overlapping, and preferably, fully aligned.

Thus, because the latch portions 26, 27 each have at least one open end, they may be slid into and out of engagement by corresponding movement of the espagnolette bar 2. When engaged, the two arms 33, 34 prevent significant movement of the window or door in its frame, in a direction which extends in the plane of the window or door, thereby to prevent the window or door from being prised out of its frame. In fact, the two latch portions 26, 27 do not have to engage firmly with one another when the lock 20 is actuated, or even to be in physical contact at all. What is of importance is that the respective parts abut one another to resist an opening movement of the window or door in its frame, as mentioned above.

The greater the force that is applied to prise the window or door out of its frame, then the more the latch portions 26, 27 will engage.

Figure 3 shows one of the locks 20 secured to a window 35 in a frame 36. The first latch member 22 is secured to the window frame 36 by means of screws such as 37, and the second latch member 23 is secured to the espagnolette bar 2, as outlined above. It may be appreciated that a particular feature of this illustrated embodiment is that a lock 20 may readily be fitted to an existing espagnolette mechanism 1, in order to increase its security.

That is, whatever first level of security is provided by espagnolette studs, shoot bolts or the like, the provision of one or more locks such as 20 may significantly enhance the security of the overall locking mechanism. It may be necessary simply to form the espagnolette bar 2 with the holes such as 32, secure the second latch member 23 thereto by means of screws, bolts, rivets or the like, form the window frame 36 with pilot holes to receive the (for example) self-tapping screws 37 or other suitable means, and secure the first latch member 22 to the window frame 36.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a window 50 which is mounted in an outer frame 52 for opening and closing movement along a hinged edge 51. An espagnolette mechanism has two elongate, espagnolette bars 53 which are arranged to move in mutually opposite directions upon actuation of a handle 55. Each espagnolette bar 53 carries a respective headed stud 54 which is adapted to engage in a respective cammed recess 56 provided in the outer frame 52. This may be in a more or less conventional manner, as will be well known to those skilled in the art. At the end of each espagnolette bar 53 there is formed a respective bolt portion 58 which is adapted to engage a respective keeper plate 57 provided in a respective corner of the window frame 52. A respective lock 20 is provided on each of the espagnolette bars 53, and comprises a first latch member 22 secured to the window frame 52 and a second latch member 23 secured to the espagnolette bar 53.

Thus, upon actuating the handle 55 to cause longitudinal movement of the espagnolette bars 53, all three locking mechanisms are operated, for a very high degree of security. Thus, the espagnolette studs 54 engage in their keepers 56, the shoot bolts 58 engage in their respective keepers 57, and the first and second latch members 22, 23 of each lock 20 interengage.

Figure 5 shows a lock 60 that is similar in many respects to the lock 20, but has alternative latch portions 26, 27.

As for the lock 20, the latch portion 27 of the second latch member 23 in Figure 5 is substantially L-shaped but, in this example, the arm 34 is formed with a slot 61 or recess which extends substantially longitudinally of the latch member 23, and is open at one end thereof. The latch portion 26 of the latch member 22 is likewise substantially L-shaped, and is likewise formed with a slot 62 or recess which extends longitudinally of the latch member 22 and is open at one end. If desired, the second latch portion 26 may comprises only the web 28.

In use of the lock 60, the arm 34 engages with the web 28 such that the slots 61 and 62 interengage and, when in the fully locked position, the unslotted portion of the arm 34 is engaged within the recess 62 and the unslotted portion of the web 28 is engaged in the recess 61. Thus, in the lock 60, a more positive interengagement is provided, in the locked position.

Figure 6 shows another similar lock 70 but, in this embodiment, the web 28 is enlarged and provided with a closed slot 71 with which the slotted arm 34 engages, whilst the arm 33 is also provided with an open slot 72 which engages with the web 29. In use of the lock 70, the arm 34 is brought to pass through the slot 71 as the window is closed in a pivoting action, and then the respective espagnolette bar is activated, to slide the second latch portion 27 into engagement with the first latch portion 26, with the respective arms and webs 34, 28 and 33, 29 interengaging as outlined above.

In an alternative arrangement, an alternative latch member such as 27 may be adapted for angular movement into and out of engagement with a correspondingly adapted latch member such as 26 and may be driven, for example, by a gear actuated by a rack or worm.

Embodiments of the invention may be applied to both sliding and pivoting windows and doors.

In this specification, terms of absolute orientation are used conveniently to denote the usual orientation of items in normal use and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, such items could be disposed in other orientations, and in the context of this specification, terms of absolute orientation, such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "vertical" or "horizontal", etc. are to be construed accordingly, to include such alternative orientations.

In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A lock for use in a window or door which opens and closes in a frame, the lock comprising a first latch member adapted to be mounted in or on the frame; a second latch member adapted to be mounted in or on the window or door and to interengage with the first latch member; and an actuating means adapted to be mounted on the window or door and arranged to move the second latch member relative to the window or door, into and out of a locking position in which it engages with the first latch member: each of said latch members being formed with a respective latch portion that projects from the window or door or the frame respectively and engages with the latch portion of the other of said latch members in said locking position.

2. A lock according to claim 1, wherein said actuating means comprises an elongate member which is arranged to slide longitudinally along or adjacent an edge of the window or door upon which it is mounted.

3. A lock according to claim 2, wherein said elongate member carries at least one additional locking member adapted to engage a respective keeper on or in the frame.

4. A lock according to claim 3, wherein said additional locking member comprises a stud which extends laterally of said elongate member.

5. A lock according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said additional locking member or one of said additional locking members comprises a bolt portion which extends longitudinally of said elongate member.

6. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second latch member is arranged to slide along or adjacent an edge of the window or door upon which it is mounted.

7. A lock according to claim 6 together with any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said second latch member is mounted on said elongate member and arranged to slide with it.

8. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said latch portions is generally hook shaped.

9. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said latch portions is substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

10. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said latch portions is formed with a slot to receive a portion of the other of said latch portions.

11. A lock according to claim 10, wherein both of said latch portions are formed with respective slots which interengage in said locking position.

12. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement is such that, in use, when the window or door is closed in its frame, said latch portions are disposed side by side, and said actuating means is arranged to move the second latch member sideways into and out of said locking position.

13. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of said first latch members each with a respective interengaging said second latch member.

14. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each said latch portion is formed by a plate.

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

16. A method of modifying a lock for a window or door, which lock comprises a moveable elongate member provided with at least one stud or bolt portion that is adapted to engage a respective keeper or recess which is provided in or on a respective frame of the door or window, the method comprising the steps of fitting to said elongate member a second latch portion as recited in any of the preceding claims, and providing, for engagement with the second latch portion, a first latch portion as recited in any of the preceding claims.

17. A lock that has been modified by a method according to claim 16.

18. A window or door which opens and closes in a frame and is provided with a lock according to any of the preceding claims.