GB2489916A

GB2489916A - An adjustable magnetic device for enhancing closure of a window or door

Info

Publication number: GB2489916A
Application number: GB201105676A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Giovanni Maria Laporta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-04
Filing date: 2011-04-04
Publication date: 2012-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-04
Also published as: GB201105676D0; GB2489916B

Abstract

An adjustable magnetic device comprising a magnetic first element adjustably mounted within a housing, the housing being mounted to one of a wing or frame in use. The first element cooperating via magnetic attraction with a second element in use mounted to the other of the wing or frame. Preferably the adjustment means comprises threaded screw 62 located within a through bore of the first element to engage in an internally threaded post 65 of the housing; the housing also preferably comprising protruding alignment pins 66 located within blind bores 68 with springs 67 to bias the magnetic first element wherein threaded screw 62 limits the projection of the magnetic element from the housing due to the springs 67. The magnetic element may have protruding ribs (72a, 72b, fig.6) which are slidably guided in channels in the housing which may have alignment indicia.

Description

A device for enhancing closure of a window or door

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device for enhancing closure of a window or door, the window or door having a leaf moveable relative to a frame between an open position and a ciosed position. The invention aiso relates to catches incorporating such a device. The invention also relates to methods for installing such devices/catches.

Background to the Invention

For window assemblies that include friction hinges (also known as friction stays), it is desirable to ensure that the window leaf is held in a tight seating arrangement in the frame, to seal more effectively against the window frame and help reduce draughts.

For most conventional hinges, when the pivoting member approaches its closed position, an end point of the pivoting member engages an end cap mounted at one end of the fixed member. Referring to figure 1, the proximal end of the pivoting member 12 has an angled end face 24 which engages a corresponding angled face of an end cap 26 on the end of the fixed member 10 when the hinge is in its closed position. Such angled end faces and end caps are well known in the prior art. The inter-engagement of these two components can help to improve the pull-in of the sash into the sash opening by providing a compressive force along the axis of the fixed hinge in the closed position, thereby improving the seal around the vent. Such improvement of the tight engagement of the sash in the frame is known as improving the "compression" of the window.

However, it would be desirable to have alternative means for improving window compression.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for enhancing closure of a window or door, the window or door having a leaf moveable relative to a frame between an open position and a closed position, the device comprising a first element and a housing to house the first element in use, the housing being on or mounted to the leaf or frame in use, the first element being adapted to cooperate with a second element via magnetic attraction between the first element and the second element when the leaf is in the closed position, the second element being on or mounted to the other of the leaf or frame in use, the device further comprising adjustment means to allow adjustment of the position of the first element relative to its housing.

The first and second elements are suitably mutually magnetically attracted to one another when brought together during closing the leaf. The device enhances closure of the window or door by means of the magnetic attraction between the first and second elements when the leaf is in the closed position, or close to the closed position. Thus, compression in the window/door is improved, irrespective of whether there is any means incorporated in the hinge for improving compression. The first element may be integral with the frame/leaf, or may be mounted to the frame/leaf in use. The second element may be integral with the frame/leaf, or may be mounted to the frame/leaf in use. The adjustment means allows adjustment of the position of the first element relative to its housing so that the first element can be easily positioned to suitably cooperate with the second element via magnetic attraction when the leaf is in the closed position.

The device is preferably for use with a window/door having an additional latch to releasably latch the window in the closed position, the device of the present invention only being used to enhance closure of the window/door.

Preferably the adjustment means is configured to allow the first element to be adjusted to a selected position and retained substantially at the selected position in normal use.

The adjustment means allows the first element to be adjusted such that a face of the first element which engages with a face of the second element when the leaf is in the closed position can be adjusted such that it is positioned relative to the housing at a selected position within a range of possible positions, and retained substantially at the selected position in normal use (i.e. in the absence of any forces being applied to the first element). The adjustment means allows the first element to be adjusted to a position within a range of possible positions and retained in that selected position, without replacing any parts of the device.

Preferably the adjustment means is configured to allow the first element to be adjusted to a selected position within a continuous range of possible positions.

Suitably, there may be a plurality of possible positions available to adjust the first element to, within the continuous range.

Preferably the first element is biased towards the selected position in use. The first element may be able to move away from the selected position to a small degree if a force is applied during use, but it will be urged back to the selected position once the force is removed.

Preferably the first element is resiliently biased towards the selected position.

Preferably the first element is resiliently biased towards the selected position by a spring. More preferably, the spring is a compression spring. Suitably the spring is a helical compression spring Preferably the first element is received in a recess in the housing.

Preferably the device further comprises a retaining member, the retaining member having a retaining portion for retaining the first element substantially in a selected position. Suitably, the retaining member also provides the adjustment means.

Preferably the device further includes biasing means, the biasing means biasing the first magnetic member towards the retaining portion in use.

Preferably the retaining member is a screw. Preferably the first element has a through bore, the screw being received in the through bore in use. Suitably the screw has a shank which is received in the through bore of the first element.

Preferably the housing further comprises a screw engagement member, the screw and screw engagement member having complementary screw threading such that the screw is threadedly engageable with the screw engagement member.

Suitably, the screw passes through the through bore of the first element and threadedly engages with the screw engagement member. The user can adjust the position of the first element relative to the housing by screwing or unscrewing the screw with respect to the screw engagement member.

Preferably the screw engagement member is a post having a threaded recess for threadediy receiving the screw therein.

Preferably the bore for receiving the retaining member has a countersunk aperture such that the head of the retaining member is flush against a surface of the first element in use.

Preferably the device further includes fixing means for fixing the housing to the frame or leaf. The fixing means may be one or more screws receivable in a bore in housing and attachable to the leaf/frame.

Preferably the fixing means and retaining member are discrete parts of the device.

Suitably the fixing means and retaining member are separate, discrete parts of the device. Suitably the first element is mounted to the housing using the retaining member and the housing is mounted to the leaf/frame using the fixing means, the retaining member and fixing means being distinct elements. Suitably the first element is not mounted to the housing using the fixing means that fix the housing to the leaf/frame. This means that the housing can be mounted to the frame or leaf and then the first element can be adjusted to a selected position whilst the housing is in position. The longitudinal axis of the fixing means is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of retaining member.

Preferably the housing includes at least one pin, the at least one pin being received in a corresponding bore in the first element in use.

Preferably the device further includes a helical compression spring received around said at least one pin in use, the spring and pin being received in the corresponding bore in the first element in use. The spring comprises a preferred biasing means.

Preferably there are two pins, one on either side of the retaining member, each pin having a spring received around it. By providing a biasing spring received around each of two pins, rather than around the retaining member, the first element can move stably relative to the housing.

Preferably the bore for receiving said pin and spring is a blind bore, the bore having a base and the spring bearing against the base in use. Suitably the spring biases the first element towards the retaining member, i.e. towards the selected position Preferably one of the first element and the housing has a protruding member and the other of the first element and the housing has a complementary guide channel for receiving the protruding member in use. Suitably, this provides smooth and stable movement of the first element to relative to the housing.

Preferably the housing has at least one marker for aligning with a part of the first element in use, to aid adjustment of the first element to a selected position.

Preferably the housing has at least one set of markers for aligning with a part of the first element in use, to aid adjustment of the first element to a selected position.

Each set of markers may be a row of marker lines.

Preferably the housing is elongate having a longitudinal axis, the housing being configured for mounting to a leaf or frame with its longitudinal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the leaf or frame.

Preferably the housing is configured for mounting in a channel of a frame member of a window or door.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a window or door having a leaf moveable relative to a frame between an open position and a closed position, the catch comprising a device according to any aspect of the first invention and a second element adapted to cooperate with the first element via magnetic attraction when the leaf is in the closed position.

Preferably the catch further comprises a housing for housing the second element.

Preferably one of the first and second elements is magnetic and the other of the first and second elements is ferromagnetic. The magnetic element may be a permanent magnet. Suitably, the ferromagnetic material will be attracted to the permanent magnet. Alternatively the magnetic element may be an electromagnet.

Alternatively the first and second elements may both be magnetic and have opposite magnetic polarities directed towards one another when the leaf is in the closed position.

Preferably the first element is ferromagnetic and the second element is magnetic.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a window or door having a device or catch according to any aspect of the first or second inventions, the window or door further comprising a frame for mounting in a window or door aperture, an openable window or door leaf being mountable in the frame and moveable between closed and open positions, the frame having a rebate facing the leaf and the leaf having a rebate facing the frame, said device being mounted in the space formed by the rebates in use. Accordingly, it is not necessary to form a recess in the frame and leaf to house the parts of the device or catch as there is already a space provided by the rebates for it to be located in use. Preferably, the face of the first element and the face of the second element that engage when the leaf is in the closed position are parallel with the plane of the leaf when the leaf is in the closed position.

Preferably the window or door further comprises a frame for mounting in a window or door aperture, an openable window or door leaf being mountable in the frame and moveable between closed and open positions, the device being mounted to an extrusion forming an edge member of a leaf or a frame member of a frame.

Suitably the leaf edge members and frame members are made from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC).

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a device according to the first, second or third aspects of the invention, the method including the steps of mounting the housing for the first element to the frame or leaf of the window or door and adjusting the position of the first element relative to its housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a prior art friction hinge; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an extruded window profile according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a side frame member of a fixed frame and a side leaf edge member of a window leaf mounted in the closed position, the sectional view being along line A-A in figure 3, and showing the upper end of a catch according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows an inside view of the window of figure 2 (i.e. viewed from the inside where the handle 14 is accessible); Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first and second devices making up the catch, the first and second devices facing one another as they would when the leaf is in the closed position, but being shown exploded from one another; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the first device along the line B-B in figure 11; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the first device as shown in figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the catch of figure 4, viewed from the opposite side to the view in figure 4; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second device, showing the first and front faces; Figure 9 is a plan view of the catch of figure 4, the plan view showing the first face 56 of the first device; Figure 10 is a plan view of the catch of figure 4, the plan view showing the rear face 85a of the second device; Figure 11 is a plan view of the front face of the first device; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the second device along the line C-C in figure 10.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of

example only.

Referring to figure 2, an extrusion forming a side frame member 30 (referred to hereafter as a frame member) of a fixed window frame is shown, with a sash or leaf of a window mounted in the fixed window frame. The frame member 30 is shown in use, with an extrusion forming a leaf side edge member 32 (referred to hereafter as a leaf member) of a window leaf, in the closed position, relative to the side frame member 30. The frame member 30 has a longitudinally extending rebate 33, having first and second perpendicular faces 34, 35. A longitudinally extending gasket 31a extends through a longitudinal channel 36 at one end of the second face 35 in use.

The leaf is mounted such that when closed, the rear face 37 of the leaf member 32 of the leaf abuts the gasket 31a received in channel 36. A similar gasket 31b on the leaf member 32 abuts the front wall 38 of the frame member 30 in a similar manner when the leaf is closed.

The leaf member 32 has a front face 39, which faces the outside when the window is installed. The leaf member 32 also has first and second rebates 41, 42, on opposite sides, which face away from one another, the first rebate 41 facing towards the frame member 30 when in the closed position and the second rebate 42 facing away. A glazing unit (not shown) is secured in the second rebate 42 in use.

The leaf is typically mounted to the fixed frame by a hinge (not shown), the hinge having an arm mounted to the frame member 30 and an arm mounted to the leaf member 32, such that the leaf is moveable between a closed position in which the leaf is parallel with the frame member 30 and an open position in which the leaf is at an angle relative to the side frame member 30. In the open position, the leaf may be at any angle within a continuous range of possible angles, relative to the frame member 30. The hinge is a concealed hinge, mounted in the rebate between the leaf and the side frame member 30. There may be a hinge on the other side of the window, mounted between the leaf and the opposite side frame member from that shown in figure 2.

Also mounted in the space formed by the rebate 33 in the frame member 30 and the rebate 41 in the leaf member 32 is a catch for improving closure of the window. The catch includes a first device 52 having a housing 53. Referring to figure 4, the housing 53 is elongate and has a recess 54 in which is located a block 55, made of ferromagnetic material such as a ferrous steel. The block 55 is elongate, having a longitudinal axis parallel with that of the elongate housing 53.

Referring to figures 2 and 4, the housing 53 is mounted in use to the first face 34 of frame member 30. The housing 53 has a first face 56, facing away from the frame member 30 when mounted, and a front face 57 facing towards the front of the window F in use. The recess 54 has openings in the first face 56 and front face 57.

The housing 53 is fixed to the frame member 30 by means of screws (not shown), receivable in first and second sunken bores 58a, 58b in the housing 53. The housing may of course be mounted to the frame member 30 using other suitable fixing means. The longitudinal axes of the first and second sunken bores 58a, 58b are parallel with the front face 57 and perpendicular to the first face 56 of the housing 53. The longitudinal axes of the first and second sunken bores 58a, 58b are also parallel with the major plane of the leaf when the leaf is in the closed position.

The catch has adjustment means such that the position of the block 55 is adjustable with respect to the housing 53, which will now be described.

The block 55 has a through bore 61 in which is received an adjustment screw 62.

Referring to figure 5, adjustment screw 62 has an enlarged head portion 62a and an elongate shank portion 62b, the shank being externally threaded. Bore 61 in the block 55 has a countersunk aperture in the front face 55a of the block 55, such that the head portion 62a sits in the countersunk aperture in use, and the top of the adjustment screw 62 is flush with the front face 55a of the block 55 in use. The diameter of the bore 61 is wider than the diameter of the shank 62b of the adjustment screw 62, such that the screw shank 62b can be inserted freely in bore 61. The housing 53 has an upstanding post 65 extending from the base of the recess 54, the post 65 having a tubular recess 64 therein. The tubular recess 64 in the post 65 is correspondingly internally threaded for threaded engagement with the shank 62b of the adjustment screw 62. The top of the screw head 62a includes a slot 69 allowing the screw to be turned by a driving tool such as a screw driver.

Referring to figure 5, the housing 53 further includes first and second upstanding pins 66a, 66b, extending from the base of the recess 54. Each pin 66a, 6Gb is a receivable in a corresponding blind bore 67a, 67b in the block 55. Received around each pin 66a, 6Gb and in each blind bore 67a, 67b is a helical compression spring 68a, 68b. Each arrangement of a pin, recess and spring provides biasing means which urges the block 55 towards the screw head 62a in use.

In operation the screw can be turned by the user to drive the screw into or out of the hollow post 65. In this way, the block 55 can be moved towards or away from the housing, to adjust the position of the top of the block 55 relative to the housing 53.

Not only does screw 62 act as an adjustment screw, allowing the position of the block 55 to be adjusted, but screw 62 also retains the block 55 against the housing 53 in use.

Referring to figure 8, the first face 56 of the housing 53 includes a set of line markings 74, along each side of the recess opening. The line markings 74 are equally spaced along each side of the opening. The base of the block 55 can be aligned with the line markings 74 during adjustment of the position of the block 55, in order to aid in selection of the desired position for the block 55 by the user.

Referring to figure 2, the housing 53 has two narrow notches or grooves 76 on its underside that correspond to and are each sized to receive one of two upstanding elongate linear protrusions 77 on the first face 34 of the frame member 30. The notches 76 in the housing 53 and linear protrusions 77 on the frame member 30 act to guide placement of the housing 53 into the correct position when mounting on the frame member 30.

Referring to figure 8, the block 55 is elongate, having first and second ends, and having first and second protrusions 71a, 71b protruding from the first and second ends. Each protrusion 71a, 71b is received in use in a complementary guide channel 72a, 72b formed in the corresponding side of the housing 53. The engagement of protrusions 71a, 71b in the guide channels 72a, 72b in use acts to guide the block 55 as it slides in the recess 54, relative to the housing 53. The protrusions 71a, 71b and corresponding guide channels 72a, 72b prevent the block 55 from twisting in use in the plane perpendicular to the guide channel axes.

Referring to figure 6, the protrusions 71a, 71b protrude not only from the first and second ends of the block 55, but also from the base of the block 55. The base portions 72a, 72b of the protrusions 71 a, 71 b are receivable in corresponding oblong shaped apertures 73a, 73b in the base of the housing 53, to help locate the block 55 with respect to the housing 53.

Referring to figure 2, the catch includes a second device 82 having a housing 83 mounted to the leaf member 32 in use. Referring to figure 4, the housing 83 is elongate and has a recess 84 in which is located a magnet 85 in use. The magnet 85 is substantially cuboid in shape.

The housing 83 is mounted in use to a first face 46 of leaf member 32, which faces first face 34 of frame member 30. Referring to figures 4 and 7, the housing 83 has a first face 86, facing away from the leaf member 32 when mounted, and a rear face 87 facing towards the rear of the window in use. The recess 84 has openings in the first face 86 and front face 87.

Figure 2 shows a typical leaf member of extruded UPVC or other plastic. As is common, leaf member 32 is provided with what is commonly referred to as a "eurogroove" 29. The eurogroove 29 is provided in first face 46 of leaf member 32 and faces the frame member 30, extending longitudinally of the plastic section in which it is provided. The eurogroove is provided to accommodate hinges, and locking mechanisms such as espagnolette mechanisms, as is well known in the art.

The eurogroove is typically provided in a leaf extrusion with a standard width and depth. The housing 83 of the second device is received over the eurogroove 29, and located on the inward facing flanged edges 29a just below the eurogroove channel opening.

Referring to figure 12, the housing 83 is fixed to the leaf member 32 by means of screws (not shown), receivable in first and second sunken bores 88a, 88b in the housing 83. The housing may of course be mounted to the leaf member 32 using other suitable fixing means. The magnet 85 has a sunken bore 91 in its rear face 85a (the rear face 85 facing the rear of the window in use), the axis of bore 91 coinciding with the axis of a bore 92 in the housing 83. A further screw (not shown) is receivable in the bore 91 in the magnet 85 and in the bore 92 in the housing 83, and then in leaf member 32, to secure the magnet 85 and housing 83 together, and mount them to the leaf. The magnet may of course be mounted to the housing and/or leaf member using other suitable fixing means Referring to figure 7, the second device 82 includes a packer element 89, which is attachable to the housing 83 and is mountable between the housing 83 and the leaf member 32 in use. Similarly, the first device 52 has a packer element 59, which is attachable to the housing 53 and is mountable between the housing 53 and the frame member 30 in use. Each packer element 59, 89, spaces each housing 53, 83 away from the frame member 30 or leaf member 32. The packer elements are optional. Alternatively, thicker packer elements, or multiple packer elements may be assembled between each housing 53, 83 and the frame/leaf member, if the housing 53,83 needs to be spaced way further from the frame/leaf member.

In operation, after the catch has been installed, when the leaf is being moved from an open position to the closed position by the user, as the leaf reaches a position near to the closed position, the magnet 85 of the second device 82 will be brought into close proximity with the ferromagnetic block 55 on the first device 52. The magnetic attraction between the magnet 85 and block 55 will provide a small force, bringing the magnet 85 into engagement with the block 55 and therefore bringing the leaf into tight engagement with the frame. Referring to figure 4, the block has a front face 55a which faces the front (F in figure 2) of the window in use and the magnet 85 has a rear face 85a which faces the rear of the window in use. Faces 55a and 85a of the block and magnet face towards each other as the leaf is brought into the closed position, and the faces 55a, 85a engage one another when the leaf is in the closed position.

The user, on closing the leaf, will feel the magnetic attraction between the magnet and block 55, bringing the leaf into tight engagement in the frame. The catch acts to improve closure of the window by providing a small force that urges the leaf into a tightly closed position, thereby improving the seal around the leaf. By enhancing the closure of the leaf against the frame, the leaf is brought into the correct alignment against the frame, thus improving the sealing provided by gaskets 31a, 31b.

When installing the catch, the housing 53 of the first device 52 may be mounted to the frame member 32, and then the position of the ferromagnetic block 55 adjusted relative to the housing 53 by turning the adjustment screw 62, to ensure that the block 55 is positioned such that the magnet 85 properly engages with the block 55 when the leaf is in the closed position. The user can use the line markings 74 on the housing 53 of the first device to visually indicate how far the block 55 is protruding from the housing 53. If the block 55 extends slightly too far towards the front of the window when installed, the arrangements of a springs 68a, 68b, pins 66a, 6Gb and bores 67a,67b in the first device 52 allow the magnet 85 to force the block 55 further within the recess 54 when the leaf is in the closed position, against the force of the biasing springs 68a, 68b. In this way, the catch will not prevent the leaf from properly closing, if the block 55 protrudes slightly too far from the recess 54 in the housing 53. When the leaf is opened, the block 55 will return to the position relative to the housing 53 as selected by the user, by means of the biasing force provided by the springs GSa, 68b.

By means of the adjustment screw 62, circular motion in rotating the screw is converted into a small amount of linear motion in movement of the block 55 towards or away from the housing 53. The pitch of the screw thread will preferably be such that one turn of the screw will move the block 55 by a fraction of a millimetre. In this way, the position of the block 55 relative to the housing 53 can be very finely tuned.

The ability to adjust the position of the block 55 relative to the housing 53 (and therefore relative to the frame or leaf) compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the leaf and frame and in the parts of the catch itself. The position of the block 55 relative to the magnet 85 when the leaf is closed are important; if the leaf is overcompressed when the leaf is in the closed position, then it may be difficult for the user to open the leaf; conversely, if block 55 is too far from the magnet 85 when the leaf is in the closed position, there will not be sufficient magnetic attraction between the block 55 and the magnet 85 to provide sufficient compression. The adjustability of the position of the block 55 relative to the housing 53 allows the user to adjust the position of the block 55 to the desired position when in situ on the window/door, with the possibility to make successive adjustments until the block is in the best position to provide suitable compression.

When the leaf is in the closed position, the leaf can be moved to the open position by pushing on the leaf to overcome the magnetic attraction between the block 55 and the magnet 85. The catch does not act as a replacement latch mechanism for retaining the leaf in the closed position. The window would have one or more separate latches for retaining the leaf in the closed position; however, the catch herein described enhances the closure of the window.

The housings 53, 83 may be made of metal or plastic.

Instead of the first device being mounted to the outer frame and the second device being mounted to the leaf, the first device 52 may be mounted to the leaf member 32 and the second device 82 to the frame member 30.

In an alternative embodiment, a magnetic block may be assembled in the recess of the first device (the magnetic block having a position which is adjustable relative to the housing) and a ferromagnetic element may be assembled in the recess of the second device.

In another alternative embodiment, a first magnet may be assembled in the recess of the first device (the magnet having a position which is adjustable relative to the housing) and a second magnet may be assembled in the recess of the second device, the first and second magnets having opposite magnetic polarities directed towards one another when the leaf is in the closed position.

The second device may include means for adjusting the magnet relative to its housing.

A window may have one or more catches as herein described, for example mounted at opposite sides of the window.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for enhancing closure of a window or door, the window or door having a leaf moveable relative to a frame between an open position and a closed position, the device comprising a first element and a housing to house the first element in use, the housing being on or mounted to the leaf or frame in use, the first element being adapted to cooperate with a second element via magnetic attraction between the first element and the second element when the leaf is in the closed position, the second element being on or mounted to the other of the leaf or frame in use, the device further comprising adjustment means to allow adjustment of the position of the first element relative to its housing.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means is configured to allow the first element to be adjusted to a selected position and retained substantially at the selected position in normal use.
3. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustment means is configured to allow the first element to be adjusted to a selected position within a continuous range of possible positions.
4. A device according to either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first element is biased towards the selected position in use.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the first element is resiliently biased towards the selected position.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the first element is resiliently biased towards the selected position by a spring.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first element is received in a recess in the housing.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a retaining member, the retaining member having a retaining portion for retaining the first element substantially in a selected position.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the device further includes biasing means, the biasing means biasing the first magnetic member towards the retaining portion in use.
10. A device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the retaining member is a screw.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the first element has a through bore, the screw being received in the through bore in use.
12. A device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the housing further comprises a screw engagement member, the screw and screw engagement member having complementary screw threading such that the screw is threadedly engageable with the screw engagement member.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the screw engagement member is a post having a threaded recess for threadedly receiving the screw therein.
14. A device according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the bore for receiving the retaining member has a countersunk aperture such that the head of the retaining member is flush against a surface of the first element in use.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further includes fixing means for fixing the housing to the frame or leaf.
16. A device according to claim 15 when dependent on any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the fixing means and retaining member are discrete parts of the device.
17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes at least one pin, the at least one pin being received in a corresponding bore in the first element in use.
18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the device further includes a helical compression spring received around said at least one pin in use, the spring and pin being received in the corresponding bore in the first element in use.
19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the bore for receiving said at least one pin and spring is a blind bore, the bore having a base and the spring bearing against the base in use.
20. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first element and the housing has a protruding member and the other of the first element and the housing has a complementary guide channel for receiving the protruding member in use.
21. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing has at least one marker for aligning with a part of the first element in use, to aid adjustment of the first element to a selected position.
22. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing has at least one set of markers for aligning with a part of the first element in use, to aid adjustment of the first element to a selected position.
23. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is elongate having a longitudinal axis, the housing being configured for mounting to a leaf or frame with its longitudinal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the leaf or frame.
24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the housing is configured for mounting in a channel of a frame member of a window or door.
25. A catch for a enhancing closure of a window or door, the window or door having a leaf moveable relative to a frame between an open position and a closed position, the catch comprising a device according to any preceding claim and a second element adapted to cooperate with the first element via magnetic attraction when the leaf is in the closed position.
26. A catch according to claim 25, the catch further comprising a housing for housing the second element.
27. A catch according to claim 25 or 26, wherein one of the first and second elements is magnetic and the other of the first and second elements is ferro-magnetic.
28. A catch according to claim 28, wherein the first element is ferro-magnetic and the second eiement is magnetic.
29. A window or door having a device or catch according to any preceding claim, the window or door further comprising a frame for mounting in a window or door aperture, an openable window or door leaf being mountable in the frame and moveable between closed and open positions, the frame having a rebate facing the leaf and the leaf having a rebate facing the frame, said device being mounted in the space formed by the rebates in use.
30. A window or door having a device or catch according to any preceding claim, the window or door further comprising a frame for mounting in a window or door aperture, an openable window or door leaf being mountable in the frame and moveable between closed and open positions, the device being mounted to an extrusion forming an edge member of a leaf or a frame member of a frame.
31. A method of installing a device according to any of claims 1 to 24, the method including the steps of mounting the housing for the first element to the frame or leaf of the window or door and adjusting the position of the first element relative to its housing.
32. A device, a catch, a window, a door, and a method as hereinbefore described with reference to any suitable combination of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A compression enhancing device for enhancing compression of a window or door, the window or door having a leaf moveable relative to a frame between an open position and a closed position, the device being for enhancing compression when the leaf is in the closed position, the device comprising a first element and a housing to house the first element in use, the housing being on or mounted to the leaf or frame in use, the device further comprising a second element adapted to cooperate with the first element via magnetic attraction between the first element and the second element when the leaf is in the closed position, the second element being on or mounted to the other of the leaf or frame in use, the device further comprising adjustment means to allow adjustment of the position of the first element relative to its housing, wherein the device is mounted in use in a window or door having one or more additional separate latches for retaining the leaf in the closed position. r2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means is configured O to allow the first element to be adjusted to a selected position and retained substantially at the selected position in normal use.3. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustment means is configured to allow the first element to be adjusted to a selected position within a continuous range of possible positions.4. A device according to either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first element is biased towards the selected position in use.5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the first element is resiliently biased towards the selected position.6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the first element is resiliently biased towards the selected position by a spring.7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first element is received in a recess in the housing.8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a retaining member, the retaining member having a retaining portion for retaining the first element substantially in a selected position.9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the device further includes biasing means, the biasing means biasing the first magnetic member towards the retaining portion in use.10. A device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the retaining member is a screw.11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the first element has a through bore, the screw being received in the through bore in use.12. A device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the housing further comprises a screw engagement member, the screw and screw engagement member having complementary screw threading such that the screw is threadedly engageable with the screw engagement member.13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the screw engagement member is a 0 post having a threaded recess for threadedly receiving the screw therein.14. A device according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the bore for receiving the retaining member has a countersunk aperture such that the head of the retaining member is flush against a surface of the first element in use.15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further includes fixing means for fixing the housing to the frame or leaf.16. A device according to claim 15 when dependent on any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the fixing means and retaining member are discrete parts of the device.17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes at least one pin, the at least one pin being received in a corresponding bore in the first element in use.18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the device further includes a helical compression spring received around said at least one pin in use, the spring and pin being received in the corresponding bore in the first element in use.19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the bore for receiving said at least one pin and spring is a blind bore, the bore having a base and the spring bearing against the base in use.20. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first element and the housing has a protruding member and the other of the first element and the housing has a complementary guide channel for receiving the protruding member in use.21. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing has at least one marker for aligning with a part of the first element in use, to aid adjustment of the first element to a selected position. r22. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing has at least O one set of markers for aligning with a part of the first element in use, to aid adjustment of the first element to a selected position.23. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is elongate having a longitudinal axis, the housing being configured for mounting to a leaf or frame with its longitudinal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the leaf or frame.24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the housing is configured for mounting in a channel of a frame member of a window or door.25. A device according to any preceding claim, the device further comprising a housing for housing the second element.26. A device according to claim 25, wherein one of the first and second elements is magnetic and the other of the first and second elements is ferro-magnetic.27. A catch according to claim 26, wherein the first element is ferro-magnetic and the second element is magnetic.28. A window or door having a device or catch according to any preceding claim, the window or door further comprising a frame for mounting in a window or door aperture, an openable window or door leaf being mountable in the frame and moveable between closed and open positions, the frame having a rebate facing the leaf and the leaf having a rebate facing the frame, said device being mounted in the space formed by the rebates in use.29. A window or door having a device or catch according to any preceding claim, the window or door further comprising a frame for mounting in a window or door aperture, an openable window or door leaf being mountable in the frame and moveable between closed and open positions, the device being mounted to an extrusion forming an edge member of a leaf or a frame member of a frame.30. A method of installing a device according to any of claims I to 27, the method including the steps of mounting the housing for the first element to the frame or leaf of the window or door and adjusting the position of the first element relative to its housing.31. A device, a window, a door, and a method as hereinbefore described with 0 reference to any suitable combination of the accompanying drawings.