GB2391901A

GB2391901A - Lockable stay

Info

Publication number: GB2391901A
Application number: GB0314393A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Anthony Wellman; Peter James Harrison
Original assignee: J Banks and Co Ltd
Current assignee: J Banks and Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-21
Filing date: 2003-06-20
Publication date: 2004-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-20
Also published as: GB0314393D0; GB2391901B; GB0214438D0

Abstract

A stay comprising a lockable safety catch. The catch comprises a slotted arm 14 pivotally mounted to a base 12 and biased 32 towards an operative position. The catch also includes a peg 16, the slot 20 having an entrance 24 that a part of the peg 22 may pass through. The catch further has a lock member 50 that may be locked in a position to prevent passage of the peg 14 though the entrance 24. The lock member 50 may be mounted on the arm and may be slidable between a position in which the entrance is blocked and one in which it is open. The locking member 50 may be locked by a key 52 inserted into the key slot 66. The catch is particularly useful as a safety device to limit the distance that windows in multi-storey flats may be opened.

Description

- 1 - LOCKABLE RELEASABLE SAFETY CATCH

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

5 This invention relates to a lockable releasable safety catch, and particularly to a lockable releasable safety catch for the windows of multi-storey buildings such as high-rise flats. The catch can however be useful for windows at or below ground level. The catch can be used for 10 opening panels other than windows, but for simplicity the following description will refer only to windows

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The safety problems associated with hinged upper-storey windows in highrise flats have long been recognised, and have been highlighted by reports of children opening such windows and falling from considerable heights. It has 20 however proved unacceptable to the occupants to have the windows permanently sealed and unopenable.

An effective safety catch is thus required, operable to limit the distance by which the window or other panel may be 25 opened, but which is releasable to allow the window to be fully opened.

Usefully the safety catch will be suitable for use not only on side hung windows, but also on top hung windows, and on 30 "tilt/turn" window arrangements wherein the window is alternatively openable as a side hung or a top hung window.

Furthermore, it is now becoming increasingly common to have fully reversible windows, which can be swung about a 35 horizontal central axis to permit cleaning from the inside of the dwelling of the normally outer surface of the glass.

However, there are reports of people, particularly elderly people, pressing the top half of the window to swing it

- 2 - about its axis and perhaps themselves being carried on the window, and falling from the building.

Windows in particular are increasingly being made of 5 plastics materials, usually as extrusions. Each window manufacturer will usually have its own particular profile, and it is of course desirable that a safety catch be usable with many (and ideally all) of the different profiles. It is also desirable that the safety catch is usable with many 10 (and ideally all) of the different profiles of metal or timber windows also.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

A known releasable safety catch is described in U.K. Patent 2,263,934. The catch described therein includes a base plate which can be secured to a part of a frame surrounding an openable panel. The base plate carries a pivotable arm 20 having a slot and a side entrance part way along the length of the slot. The arm is spring-biassed towards an operative position relative to the base plate. The catch also includes a peg which can be mounted upon the panel in a location in which it can cooperate with the arm.

25 Specifically, the peg can pass through the side entrance and move along the slot as the panel is moved relative to the frame. Whilst the peg is retained within the slot the distance by which the panel may be moved relative to the - frame is limited by engagement of the peg with the end of 30 the slot; however, the window may be fully opened by releasing the peg from the slot through the slot side entrance. The above provides only a brief description of operation of

35 the prior art device, which operation is to large extent

shared by the present invention.

- 3 - This prior art safety catch is able to locate within the

"Euro-groove" of plastics windows, for example. Whilst the profiles of plastics windows vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, there are some elements of commonality to 5 accommodate the hinging and/or latching and locking systems typically employed on such windows; one such element is the "Euro-groove" which is similarly sized and positioned on most plastic window profiles. It will also be understood that some metal and timber windows also have elements of 10 commonality to accommodate the hinges and/or locking and latching systems; some aluminium windows for example incorporate a groove similar to the "Euro-groove" to accommodate hinges in the form of friction stays. The prior art safety catch, and the present invention, can be located 15 in the Euro-groove or equivalent - such location results in the safety catch being unobtrusive when the window is opened and not visible when the window is closed.

The releasable safety catch described above requires 20 sufficient manual dexterity that very young children are unable, or at least not likely to be able, to release the catch, so that opening movement of the window or other panel can effectively be limited to prevent such children falling out therefrom. The catch is of significant commercial 25 value. However, it is a recognized disadvantage that the catch can be released by older, more dexterous, children, and since those children may still be in danger of falling out of the window, additional security in the catch is often desired. Other releasable safety catches are known which are "surface mounted", i.e. they are fitted to the surface of the window panel and the frame. The safety catch is therefore visible when the window is closed, and so presents an aesthetic 35 concern to many users; some users may choose not to fit such a safety catch when it may otherwise be required. Also, the surface configuration of the different types of windows are not commonised, i.e. the size and depth of overlying lips

4 - and ledges, and the presence or otherwise of reinforcements to support the fixings, makes it necessary to have a safety catch configured for the particular window style, so increasing the number of different types of safety catch 5 which a manufacturer must make and store.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

10 The present invention seeks to overcome or reduce the disadvantages of the prior art releasable safety catches

described above. Specifically, it seeks to provide a safety catch having all of the advantages of the releasable safety catch of GB 2,263,934, but which can be lockable to reduce 15 the likelihood of unauthorized release thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a releasable safety catch including an arm adapted for fitment to a movable panel or the frame thereof and a peg 20 adapted for fitment to the other of the movable panel and frame, the arm being adapted normally to retain the peg but being releasable allowing release of the peg, the safety catch being adapted for location within the Euro-groove or equivalent of an opening panel, the safety catch having a 25 locked condition in which release of the peg is prevented.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a releasable safety catch having a base part and an arm pivotably mounted to the base part, the arm being 30 resiliently biassed towards an operative position relative to the base part, the catch including a peg, the arm having a slot which can accommodate a part of the peg, the slot having an entrance through which said part of the peg can be passed, the catch having a lock member, the lock member 35 having an operative position in which a part thereof prevents passage of said part of the peg through the entrance, the lock member being lockable in its operative position.

- 5 - Preferably, the lock member is mounted upon the arm.

Preferably also the lock member is slidable between an operative position in which the entrance is closed and an 5 inoperative position in which the entrance is open. When the lock member is in its inoperative position the safety catch can be released as is the safety catch of GB 2,263,934.

10 Desirably, the lock member carries a resiliently-biassed plunger, and the arm includes a surface behind which the plunger may locate to lock the lock member in its operative position. Accordingly, the lock member can automatically lock the device when moved to its operative position: the 15 key is not required to enable the lock member, the key is only required to disable the lock member allowing release of the safety catch.

Preferably, the base part includes an abutment portion which 20 can engage a part of the lock member. The abutment portion can be positioned so that it is engaged by said part of the lock member during movement of the arm. Accordingly, the lock member can be moved from its inoperative position to its operative position by movement of the arm towards its 25 inoperative position. In this way, when the safety catch has been released to allow full opening movement of the panel, subsequent closure of the panel can automatically lock the safety catch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.1 is a view of the components of the lockable releasable safety catch according to the invention;

- 6 - Fig.2 is a front view of the safety catch with the arm and lock member in their operative positions; 5 Fig.3 is a "rear" view of the safety catch as in Fig.2; Fig.4 is a front view of the safety catch with the arm in its inoperative position and the lock member in its operative position; Fig.5 is a "rear" view of the safety catch as in Fig.4; Fig. 6 is a front view of the safety catch with the peg released from the arm, as would occur during; 15 relative closure of the panel; Fig.7 is a front view as in Fig.6 during relative closure of the panel, slightly later than the view of Fig.6;! Fig.8 is a front view of the safety catch with the arm in its operative position and the lock member in its inoperative position; 3 25 Fig.g is a "rear" view of the safety catch as in Fig.8; and Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view through a part of a (plastics) window and frame fitted with a safety 30 catch according to the invention, with the window in the closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT;

Reference is made above to Figs. 3, 5 and 9 being "rear" views; it will be understood however, that only the rear of the locking member is shown in these drawings, the remainder

- 7 - of the safety catch is shown in front view. These views are shown for reasons of clarity, and do not represent views which are available in practice.

5 In common with the prior art releasable safety catch

described in GB 2,263,934, the lockable releasable safety catch 10 of Figs. 1-10 comprises a base part or base plate 12, an arm 14 pivotably mounted to the base plate, and a peg 16. The arm 14 has a slot 20 which can accommodate the neck 10 22 of the peg 16, and an entrance 24 through which the neck 22 can pass. The base plate 12 includes openings 26 by which it may be secured to a part 80 of a frame (Fig.10) surrounding an openable panel 82 (Fig.10). The peg 16 is connected to its own base plate 30 which has similar 15 openings 26 to allow the peg to be secured to the panel 82.

Clearly, the base plate 12 can instead be secured to the panel, and the base plate 30 to the frame, if desired. The arm 14 is resiliently biassed, by way of torsion spring 32 (only the end of which can be seen), towards its operative 20 position as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9, pivoting movement of the arm being limited by engagement of the arm with the abutment 34 carried by the base plate 12.

A full description of the operation of the releasable safety

25 catch is provided in GB 2,263,934, and reference can be made to that document if desired. However, a brief description

of the operation of the prior art device, and which

operation is shared by the present device, follows: 30 In the closed position of the window panel, arm 14 will lie substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base plate 12 (as in Figs. 4, 5 and 10 - the longitudinal axis being the axis perpendicular to the paper in the orientation of Fig.10)). It is arranged that the respective parts of 35 the safety catch are mounted upon the frame 80 and window panel 82 respectively so that in this condition the neck 22 of the peg 16 lies within the slot 20, quite close to (or

- 8 perhaps in contact with) the bottom end 36 (Fig. 3,5) of the slot 20.

As the window 82 is opened, the neck Z2 of the peg 16 moves 5 away from the longitudinal axis of the base plate 12, and the arm 14 pivots so that the neck 22 moves along the slot 20. It is arranged that the spring 32 provides sufficient force to move the arm 14 rapidly, and in particular more rapidly that the likely movement of the window.

10 Accordingly, during opening movement the neck 22 slides along the side surface 40 (Fig.5) of the slot 14, the spring 32 ensuring that the side surface 40 is maintained in contact with the neck 22 of the peg 16.

15 When the neck 22 of the peg 16 reaches the top end 42 (Fig 5) of the slot 20 (in the position shown in Fig.8), continued opening movement of the window is prevented, so that the length of the slot 20 (and its location relative to the axis of movement of the window) determines the desired 20 limit of opening movement of the window.

In this regard, it will be appreciated that a rectangular hinged window has a hinged edge, a locking edge opposed to the hinged edge and two connecting edges connecting the 25 hinged edge with the locking edge. Whilst it would be possible to fit the safety catch to the locking edge it is generally desired to fit it to one of the connecting edges, both to avoid the locking componentry which may lie within the Euro-groove of the locking edge and also to avoid the 30 requirement to accommodate the arcuate opening movement at the locking edge. (It is recognized that with plastics windows the terms "hinged edge" and "locking edge" may not be precise, since the "hinges" may comprise friction stays located upon the connecting edges, and the lock may comprise 35 the locking bar of a cremone or espagnolette which engages with keepers located upon the connecting edges; nevertheless, these terms will be sufficiently clear to the person skilled in this art).

9 - If full or further opening of the window is desired, the window must be partly closed until the neck 22 of the peg 16 is alongside the entrance 24; the arm 14 may then be pivoted 5 (manually, and against the bias of the spring 32) to allow the neck 22 of the peg 16 to pass through the entrance 24, so releasing the safety catch and allowing the window to be fully opened.

10 When the window is subsequently re-closed, as shown in Fig.6 the neck 22 of the peg 16 first strikes a part of the free end 44 of the arm 20; continued closing movement of the window forces the arm 14 to pivot away from its operative position and forces the neck 22 of the peg 16 to move along 15 the surface of the free end 44 of the arm 14 towards, and finally through, the entrance 24 (see Fig.7). As the neck 22 of the peg 16 passes through the entrance 24, the spring 32 causes the arm 12 to pivot until the neck 22 engages the side surface 40. The window may then be fully closed so 20 that the safety device adopts the inoperative position shown in Figs. 4, S and 10. When the window is re-opened the safety catch will limit opening movement of the window unless it is manually released once again.

25 The above brief description of the operation of the

releasable safety catch of GO 2,263,934 is shared by the present invention when the lock member 50 is rendered inoperative. 30 The present invention differs by virtue of the lock member 50, the key 52 (Fig.l) used to unlock it, the extended and enlarged form of the slot 20 which accommodates a part of the lock, and the lock surface 64 (Fig.3) provided in the arm 14.

The lock member 50 comprises a plate which is slidably mounted upon the arm 14; the lock member can slide between an operative position shown in Figs. 2-5, and an inoperative

- 10 position shown in Figs. 1 and 6-9. In the operative position a part of the lock member obscures the entrance 24, effectively closing the entrance and preventing the passage of the neck 22 therethrough; in the inoperative position the 5 entrance 24 is open and the neck 22 can pass therethrough.

The lock member includes an open-ended slot 56 which matches and overlies a part of the slot 20, and so can accommodate the neck 22 of the peg 16 therein.

10 The arm 14 includes an enlarged slot 58 which is an extension of the slot 20. The lock member also includes a plunger 60 which is located within the enlarged slot 58 and which is biassed by compression spring 62 (see Figs. 3, 5 and 9). The end of the plunger 60 engages the side surface 15 68 of the enlarged slot 58, and can locate within a recess 64 provided therein. It is arranged that the lock member 50 is in its operative position (i.e. the entrance 24 is closed) when the plunger 60 engages the recess 64 One wall of the recess 64 provides the lock surface 54 (Fig.9), and 20 prevents unauthorized movement of the lock member 50 relative to the arm 14, so that the lock member 50 is locked in position. A house occupant, or suitable adult, could ensure that the lock member 50 was in its operative and locked position before leaving young children unattended, 25 secure in the knowledge that the children could not release the device and open the window more than the desired distance without insertion of the key 52.

As is clear from Fig.10, when the safety catch is used with 30 a plastics window the base plate 30 (or alternatively the base plate 12) will desirably be located within the Euro-

groove 84 of the window 82, with the other base plate (12 or 30) located within a corresponding groove 86 of the frame 80. When the window is closed as in Fig.10, the safety 35 catch is not visible from inside or outside the window.

When it is desired to unlock the safety catch, the window must be opened so that the lock member 50, and the key slot

- 11 66 therein, are visible. The key 52 may then be inserted into the key slot 66. The tapered leading end of the key 52 engages the end surface 70 of an aperture 72 in the plunger (Fig.3) (which end surface may be chamferred if desired); 5 full insertion of the key 52 (which does not require any rotation) forces the plunger 60 out of the recess 64. When the plunger 60 has been released from the recess 64 the lock member 50 may be moved relative to the arm 14, away from its operative position. This opens the entrance 24 and allows 10 the safety catch to be released by the required manual manipulation. It will be noted that the key slot 66 is shaped so as to avoid or reduce the possibility of release of the plunger 60 15 by a flat blade or tool such as a screwdriver or the like.

It is a particularly desirable feature of this embodiment that the safety catch 10 is automatically locked when the window is closed. Accordingly, if the safety catch has been 20 released and the window fully opened, when the window is subsequently closed the neck 22 of the peg 16 will subsequently xc-enter the slot 20 through the entrance 24 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Alternatively, if the locking member has merely been unlocked, but the safety catch not 25 subsequently released, the neck 16 of the peg 22 will lie within the slot 20 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. As the window is closed for closed further) peg 16 causes the arm 14 to pivot relative to the base plate 12. During that pivoting movement the wall 74 of the locking member 50 engages and 30 subsequently slides across the end wall 76 of the base plate 12. The end wall 76 is shaped so that the locking member 50 is caused to move relative to the arm 14, and by the time the window is closed (Fig.10) the locking member has reached its operative position as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. In that 35 position, the spring 66 causes the plunger 60 to enter the recess 64 to render the lock member operative; if the window is subsequently re-opened the key 52 must be inserted to allow the peg 16 to be released from the slot 20.

- 12 Accordingly, with the embodiment described a parent or guardian can leave a child unattended in a room, in the knowledge that if the window is closed the releasable safety catch will be locked, and will require the key to unlock it.

It will be appreciated from Fig.10 that the window cannot be closed with the key 52 within the key slot 66, i.e. if the key 52 is left within the key slot 66 as the window is closed, a part of the window 82 will foul the head of the 10 key 52. Thus, in this embodiment is it not possible to retain the lock member in an inoperative condition, and the lock will be rendered operative every time the window is fully closed.

15 Clearly, in other less desirable embodiments manual movement of the locking member into its operative position is required, or else the locking plate is resiliently biassed towards its operative position; however, the above-described automatic movement is preferred.

As shown in Fig.10, the safety catch 10 lies between the window B2 and the frame 80, the window 82 and frame 80 in this embodiment being formed as plastic extrusions. In this embodiment the safety catch lies between a connecting edge 25 of the window 82 and the corresponding connecting edge of the frame 80, so that opening movement of the window 82 in the plane of the paper is linear, in the direction A. The Euro-groove 84 is of somewhat standard dimensions, the majority of extruded plastics window designs having a Euro 30 groove 84 with a width w of 16 mm. Also, in most window designs the spacing s between the corresponding parts of the window 82 and frame 80 is between 11 mm and 17 mm. The safety catch 10 is therefore designed to fit within the space available so that its base plates 12, 30 may be fitted 35 within the Euro-groove of most plastic windows.

Some aluminium windows, and in particular those employing friction stays as hinges, have a groove somewhat similar to

- 13 the Euro-groove of plastic windows! and into which the safety catch may be located without modification of the frame. Other aluminium windows (and also timber and plastic windows) without an appropriate groove can usually be 5 modified to accommodate the safety catch between the window and frame. If such modification is not possible or desirable, however, the safety catch may be surface mounted, though as above indicated such fitment will usually require a increase in componentry and inventory.

It will be understood that Fig.10 shows only the profiles of the frame 80 and window 82, and does not show the glazing within the window, the brickwork surroundng the frame, or any of the seals lying between the frame and window. The 15 profiles shown include reinforcing formations 90, 92 for reinforcing the profiles where the fixings for the base plates 12, 30 will be located. Such reinforcement is typical to allow the securement of certain types of locking componentry in the Euro-groove 84.

Claims

CLAIMS I

1 A releasable safety catch having a base part and an arm pivotably mounted to the base part, the arm being: resiliently biassed towards an operative position! relative to the base part, the catch including a peg, the arm having a slot which can accommodate a part of the peg, the slot having an entrance through which said part of the peg can be passed, the catch having a lock member, the lock member having an operative position in c which a part thereof prevents passage of said part of the peg through the entrance f the lock member being lockable in its operative position.

2. A releasable safety catch according to claim 1 in which the lock member is mounted upon the arm. D

3. A releasable safety catch according to claim 2 in which the lock member is slidable between an operative position in which the entrance is closed and an inoperative position in which the entrance is open.

4. A releasable safety catch according to any one of claims 1-3 in which the lock member carries a locking part, and the arm includes a surface which is engageable by the locking part to secure the lock member in its operative position.

5. A releasable safety catch according to claim 4 in which the lock member is linearly movable relative to the arm, and the locking part is linearly movable relative to the lock member, the direction of movement of the locking part being substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lock member

6. A releasable safety catch according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the locking part is resiliently biassed into engagement with said surface.

- 15

7. A releasable safety catch according to any one of claims 1-6 in which the base part includes an abutment portion which can engage a part of the lock member.

8. A releasable safety catch according to claim 7 in which the abutment portion is positioned so that it is engaged by said part of the lock member during movement of the arm, movement of the arm away from its operative position causing movement of the lock member towards its operative position.

9. A releasable safety catch constructed and arranged substantially as described in relation to Figs. 1-9 of the accompanying drawings.

10. Use of a releasable safety catch to secure a panel to a frame substantially as described in relation to Fig.10 of the accompanying drawings.