GB2458736A

GB2458736A - Window arrangements with elements shaped to draw sash into frame

Info

Publication number: GB2458736A
Application number: GB0806131A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Charles Taylor
Original assignee: G T WINDOWS Ltd
Current assignee: G T WINDOWS Ltd
Priority date: 2008-04-04
Filing date: 2008-04-04
Publication date: 2009-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-04
Also published as: GB2458736B; GB0806131D0

Abstract

A window arrangement comprises a first element 17 fixed to the sash and a second element 21 fixed to the frame, the first and second elements shaped such that they cooperatively engage to draw the sash into the frame as the window closes, wherein one of the first and second elements is flexible. The arrangement may comprise a rigid wedge shaped member 17 fixed to a window frame 1 and a leaf spring 21 fixed to the sash 3 of the window. The member 17 and leaf spring 21 are shaped such that as the sash closes the window frame, the member 17 and leaf spring 21 cooperatively engage to draw the sash into the frame. The flexibility of the leaf spring 21 helps to direct the member 17 and leaf spring 12 into sliding engagement, thereby providing a progressively increasing force that draws the sash into the frame.

Description

1 2458736 Sash Lock This invention relates to a sash lock for drawing a sash into a window frame as the window is closed, and in particular but not exclusively to a sash lock for windows and sashes of the plastics coated extrusion type, aluminium, UPVC or timber.

A previously proposed sash locking wedges comprise a pair of rigid wedge shaped members fixed to the window frame and the sash respectively. The inclined surface of the wedge fixed to the window frame faces into the window and the inclined surface of the wedge fixed to the sash faces outwards, such that the respective inclined surfaces mate against one another in opposing relation. The position of the rigid wedge shaped members relative to one another and relative to the frame and sash is such that as the window closes, the wedges mate and act against one another to draw the sash into the seal of the frame.

A problem can arise in that due manufacturing tolerances, a window frame and its corresponding sash do not necessarily close in exactly the same or in a precisely predictable relative position. In other words the mating between the sash and the window frame can drift as the length of the hinged side increases. The consequence is that an initial contact point between the wedges on closing may vary so that, for example, instead of sliding into a mating contact to draw the sash into the frame, the wedges may clash against one another causing the sash to force the frame outwards away from the sash in the plane of the window. This problem is particularly evident in large opening windows or vents.

It is an aim of the present invention to alleviate this problem.

According to the present invention, there is provided a sash lock for securing a sash to a window frame, the sash lock comprising first and second elements fixed to the sash and the window frame respectively and shaped such that as the sash closes the window frame, the first and second elements cooperatively engage to draw the sash into the frame, wherein one or both of the first and second elements is flexible to facilitate initial engaging contact therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second elements cooperatively engage by way of mutually opposing surfaces that are inclined relative to the plane of the window. The opposing surface of the element fixed to the frame faces into the window, and the opposing surface of the element fixed to the sash faces out of the window such as the sash closes into the window frame, a progressively increasing force draws the sash into the frame by virtue of the cooperative engagement. The first and second elements may be substantially wedge shaped.

The mutually opposing surface of said one or both flexible one(s) of the first and second elements may comprise a contact portion for facilitating said initial contact and a closing portion for drawing the sash into the frame as the sash closes the window frame. The mutually opposing surface of the other one of the first and second elements has a profile that corresponds to the contact and closing portions of said flexible element.

The flexible element may comprise a leaf spring or a resilient material. In the case where one of the first and second elements is flexible, the other one is formed from a hard material or rigid.

According to the present invention, there is further provided a window frame comprising a sash and a sash lock as hereinbefore defined. Advantageously, the sash may be hinged to the window frame to open about either the vertical or the horizontal, the sash lock being positioned along the hinged side of thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that a degree of flexibility is introduced so that if, on initial closing, the first and second elements or wedge shaped members clash against one another instead of sliding into mating engagement, one of the elements can flex such as to move into a sliding position. This shifts the direction of the principal closing force between the sash and the frame to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the window instead of one that is principally in the plane of the window.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like elements designate like elements, wherein: Figures Ia to Ic show a frame and sash in three different closing positions according

to a prior art scenario;

Figures 2a to 2c show a frame and sash in three different closing positions according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3a to 3d show a rigid element that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention; Figures 4a to 4d show a flexible element that may be employed in embodiments of the present invention; Figures 5a to 5d show an alternative form of flexible element to that of Figures 4a to 4d; and Figure 6 is a perspective sectional view of a frame and sash according to an embodiment of the invention that adopts the flexible element of Figures 5a to 5c.

Figure 1 is a sectional view of part of a window frame I which is hinged (not shown) to a sash 3. The sash 3 comprises a sash frame 5, formed of a plastics coated aluminium extrusion, which supports a double glazed panel 7 via seals 9a, 9b. The sash is hinged to the window frame 1 such as to be movable between an open position in the direction of arrow 0 and a closed position in the direction of an arrow C. The window frame 1 and the sash 3 are shown in a closed position in Figure lb. The sash 3 is hinged to the frame I such that in the closed position, the sash 3 is drawn into the frame 1 such as to urge against an outer seal 11 and an inner seal 13 in the manner described below.

A pair of rigid wedge shaped members 15 and 17 is fixed to the sash 3 and frame I respectively. Each has an inclined face 1 5a, I 7a facing one another, the face of the wedge shaped member 17a facing the closing direction so that as the window closes, the inclined surfaces ISa and 17a slide against one another so as to draw the sash 3 into the frame 1, in the direction of arrow A, against the inner and the outer seals 11 and 12.

Owing to manufacturing tolerances in the window frame 1, the sash 3 and the hinging position, the problem referred to above in relation to the prior art can arise where the wedge shaped members 15 and 17 clash against one another at their tips 19 (see Figure Ic). Consequently, continued pressure to close the window by moving the sash 3 in the closing direction C causes the closing action to exert a force on the frame 1 that is predominantly in the direction of arrow D. Figures 2a to 2c show an embodiment of the present invention in which the wedge shaped member 15 is replaced by a flexible member, in this embodiment, in the form of a leaf spring 21. The leaf spring 21 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4a-4d and 5a-5d, but comprises a fixing portion 23 that is attached to the sash 3 by a screw, glue, compression fit or other suitable fixing means.

The fixing portion 23 is integrally formed with a flex portion 25 at an angular displacement 0, which in preferably in the order of 35°. The leading end of the flex portion 25 terminates in an upturn 27. During normal operation, the upturn 27 moves over the tip 19 of the wedge member 17 as shown in Figure 2a so that as the window is closed, the flex portion establishes a sliding engagement with the inclined surface I 7a as shown in Figure 2c. When in the closed position, the flex portion 25 of the leaf spring 21 is compressed to reduce the angle Oto W. The inherent tendency of the leaf spring 21 to restore the angular displacement to 0 causes the flex portion 25 to push against the inclined surface 17a and in turn urge the sash 3 into the seals 11 and 12 in the direction of arrow F. In the event that manufacturing tolerances cause the upturn 27 to establish initial contact with the tip 19 as shown in Figure 2b, the leaf spring 21 is flexed such that the angular displacement is reduced to 0" instead of establishing the clashing forces described above. As the frame 1 is moved progressively into the closed position, the free end of the flex portion 25 is able to slide over the tip 19 and into the closed contact position illustrated in Figure 2c. This helps to ensure that the action between the wedge member 17 and the leaf spring 21 is such as to urge the sash 3 into the seals 11 and 12 in the direction of the arrow F instead of urging the frame I in the direction of the arrow D. In an alternative embodiment, the relative positions of the wedge member 17 and the leaf spring 21 may be inverted such that the wedge member 17 is fixed to the sash 3 and the leaf spring is fixed to the window frame 1.

Figures 3a to 3c show the rigid wedge shaped member 15 or 17 in more detail. This member may be made of a hard or rigid moulded plastics material. A pair of holes 27a, 27b may be provided for fixing the member to the window frame or sash 3. The inclined surface iSa or 17a may comprise two portions 29a and 29b that are at angularly displaced relative to one another by a few degrees such that the gradient of the inclined surface is steeper (see reference numeral 29a) adjacent the tip 19. This is to provide a progressively increased drawing in force in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the window as the window is closed.

Figures 4a to 4c show a leaf spring 21 having a pair of elongate holes 3 Ia, 3 lb that provide attachment points so that the spring 21 can be screwed to the frame I or sash 3. The leaf spring 21 may be of sprung steel and about 0.7 1mm thickness. The flex portion 25 comprises two portions 33a, 33b angularly displaced such as substantially to correspond to the angular profile of the two portions 29a and 29b of the wedge shaped member 17. The sash seal embodying the invention can be designed to universally fit all 13mm and 17mm stack height profile systems. Figures 5a to Sb show an alternative form of leaf spring 41 having a flex portion 45 with a curved profile to provide a gradually increasing force in the direction of the arrow F as the window is closed. The spring 45 has a base plate 46 that has ribs 48 to provide additional support for fitting the leaf spring 45 across a "Euro-groove". Screw holes 49 are offset to facilitate fixing as close to the walls of the "Euro-groove" as possible.

Figure 6 shows the flex portion 45 fixed to the window frame I by way of screws 47 through the screw holes 49 stamped in the flex portion 45. In this embodiment, the rigid wedge shaped member 15 is fixed to the sash 3.

Variations to the above may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the flexible element may be of an elastomeric material instead of a leaf spring or other material or configuration that is capable of yielding on contact with an opposing relatively rigid member.

Claims

Claims: 1. A sash lock for securing a sash to a window frame, the sash lock comprising first and second elements fixed to the sash and the window frame respectively and shaped such that as the sash closes the window frame, the first and second elements cooperatively engage to draw the sash into the frame, wherein at least one of the first and second elements is flexible to facilitate initial engaging contact therebetween.
2. A sash lock according to claim 1, wherein said first and second elements cooperatively engage by way of mutually opposing surfaces that are inclined relative to the plane of the window, the opposing surface of the element fixed to the frame facing into the window, and the opposing surface of the element fixed to the sash facing Out of window such as the sash closes into the window frame, a progressively increasing force draws the sash into the frame by virtue of the cooperative engagement.
3. A sash lock according to claim 2, wherein the mutually opposing surface of said at least one flexible of the first and second elements comprises a contact portion for facilitating said initial contact and a closing portion for drawing the sash into the frame as the sash closes the window frame.
4. A sash lock according to claim 3, wherein the mutually opposing surface of the other one of the first and second elements has a profile that corresponds to the contact and closing portions of said flexible element.
5. A sash lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible element comprises a leaf spring.
6. A sash lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible element comprises a resilient material.
7. A sash lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first and second elements is flexible and the other one of said first and second elements is rigid.
8. A sash lock according to any one of claims I to 6, wherein both of the first and second elements are flexible.
9. A sash lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second elements are substantially wedge shaped.
10. A window frame comprising a sash and a sash lock according to any one of the preceding claims.
11. A window frame according to claim 10, wherein the sash is hinged to the window frame to open about either the vertical or the horizontal, the sash lock being positioned along the hinged side of thereof.
12. A sash lock substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2a to 2c of the accompanying drawings or as modified by Figures 5a to 5d.
13. A window frame comprising a sash lock according to claim 12.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows Claims: 8 1. A sash seal for securing a sash to a window frame, the sash seal comprising first and second elements fixed to the sash and the window frame respectively and shaped such that as the sash closes the window frame, the first and second elements cooperatively engage to draw the sash into the frame, wherein at least one of the first and second elements is flexible to facilitate initial engaging contact therebetween, and said first and second elements cooperatively engage by way of mutually opposing surfaces that are inclined relative to the plane of the window, the opposing surface of the element fixed to the frame facing into the window, and the opposing surface of the element fixed to the sash facing Out of window such as the sash closes into the window frame, a progressively increasing force draws the sash into the frame by virtue of the cooperative engagement..2. A sash seal for securing a sash to a window frame such as to universally fit 13mm and 17mm stack height profile window frame systems, the sash seal comprising first and second elements fixed to the sash and the window frame respectively and shaped such that as the sash closes the window frame, the first and second elements cooperatively engage to draw the sash into the frame, wherein at least one of the first and second elements is flexible to facilitate initial engaging contact therebetween.3. A sash seal according to claim 2, wherein said first and second elements *:::: cooperatively engage by way of mutually opposing surfaces that are inclined relative *.* to the plane of the window, the opposing surface of the element fixed to the frame * *s,.facing into the window, and the opposing surface of the element fixed to the sash * *.1 facing out of window such as the sash closes into the window flame, a progressively increasing force draws the sash into the frame by virtue of the cooperative * engagement.*.( ** * S * * S. * * * S 4. A sash seal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mutually opposing surface of said at least one flexible of the first and second elements comprises a contact portion for facilitating said initial contact and a closing portion for drawing the sash into the frame as the sash closes the window frame.5. A sash seal according to claim 4, wherein the mutually opposing surface of the other one of the first and second elements has a profile that corresponds to the contact and closing portions of said flexible element.6. A sash seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible element comprises a leaf spring.7. A sash seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible element comprises a resilient material.8. A sash seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first and second elements is flexible and the other one of said first and second elements is rigid.9. A sash seal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein both of the first and second elements are flexible.10. A sash seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second elements are substantially wedge shaped.11. A window frame comprising a sash and a sash seal according to any one of the preceding claims. * .* e * . 12. A window frame according to claim 11, wherein the sash is hinged to the window frame to open about either the vertical or the horizontal, the sash seal being * *, positioned along the hinged side of thereof.r.: 13. A sash seal substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures *....: 2a to 2c of the accompanying drawings or as modified by Figures 5a to 5d. * I14. A window frame comprising a sash seal according to claim 13.