GB2527920A

GB2527920A - Cable restrictor and method of installation

Info

Publication number: GB2527920A
Application number: GB1508013.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter James Harrison; Mark Leslie Cope
Original assignee: J Banks and Co Ltd
Current assignee: J Banks and Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-12
Filing date: 2015-05-11
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Also published as: GB201408356D0; GB201508013D0

Abstract

A cable restrictor 10 comprising a flexible cable 16 having a first end 24 connected to a first housing 20 and a second end having a fixing part 26 which is releasably connectable to a second housing 22, the first housing having a holder 50 which can retain the fixing part 26 such that during use the fixing part is connected/retained by both the second housing and the holder at the same time (Fig 2), preferably when the wing is in its closed position relative to the frame. Fixing part 26 may have a leading part which connects to the second housing and a trailing part 54 for retention in the holder. The cable restricts the amount of opening of the wing, e.g. a window, to help prevent children falling out. Also claimed is a method of installation in which the first and second housings are secured to the respective frame and movable panel with the position of the holder being adjusted during is installation so that the fixing part is connected to the second housing and retained by the holder when the panel is in its closed position.

Description

CABLE RESTRICTOR AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cable restrictor and to a method of installing the cable restrictor.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A cable restrictor typically comprises a short length of flexible (usually multi-stranded) wire, the ends of which are fitted to respective housings. One of the housings is adapted for securement to a movable panel such as a window, the other of the housings is adapted for securement to the fixed frame surrounding is the panel. The flexible cable is of a length, and the housings are suitably positioned, so that the panel may be moved (opened) only a relatively short distance before the cable becomes taut and further opening movement is prevented.

Typically, one of the housings has means for releasing the end of the cable so as to permit full opening of the panel when desired. The releasable end of the cable may for example be secured to its housing by a key-operated lock, so that insertion of the key is required to release the end of the cable.

A cable restrictor is therefore similar to a security chain which may be used to restrict the opening movement of a door, and cable restrictors are known to be used for such a purpose. However, cable restrictors are more commonly used to restrict the opening movement of windows, in particular if it is desired to prevent young children opening the window and perhaps falling out of the opened window.

Cable restrictors are therefore typically distinguished from security chains by using a length of flexible wire rather than a length of chain, and by providing primarily a safety function rather than primarily a security function. These products are, however, often interchangeable, although the use of a loose chain to restrict the opening movement of a window is not aesthetically acceptable to many users.

In an attempt to increase the aesthetic appeal of a security chain, it is known to locate the chain within a flexible sleeve. Even with this modification, however, cable restrictors having a flexible wire are generally more aesthetically pleasing, and therefore tend to be used to restrict the opening movement of windows.

In addition to their application in improving the safety of some windows, some io cable restrictors also provide an increase in security. For example, the lock which secures the releasable end of the cable to its housing can be a multi-disc type of lock, such locks being known to be relatively secure, although perhaps not totally secure against a person who is expert in picking locks. The provision of a key-operated lock makes it more difficult for the window to be opened so that an intruder can gain entry (or ease of egress) from a building, even if the intruder is able to access the cable restrictor.

Notwithstanding that a "cable restrictor" is distinguished from a security chain, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of a "cable", and could for example be used with a chain. Accordingly, the term "cable" when used in the following description and claims should be interpreted to encompass a wire, a loose chain, a chain within a protective sleeve, and any other elongate flexible securing member which is connected to respective housings for the purpose of restricting the opening movement of a movable panel.

Other devices are known to restrict the opening movement of a movable panel, for example the stays which are described in GB 2 263 934, GB 2 391 901 and EP 2 546. Stays such as those described in these documents are a class of restrictor utilising a rigid member which pivots as the panel is opened; they are therefore distinguished from cable restrictors by using a rigid member rather than a flexible cable.

Many of the known stays are designed to automatically re-engage. Thus, whilst the stay may be disabled in order to permit full opening movement of the panel, when the panel is closed the stay automatically becomes re-enabled, so that subsequent opening movement of the window is restricted.

Whilst the automatic re-engagement is a particularly desirable feature, the more widespread use of stays is hindered by their more limited applicability.

Specifically, stays cannot be fitted to all opening panels, particularly as a retro-fitment to an existing panel. The presence of rails, channels and other features in the profile of the panel or its frame will often preclude the fitment of a stay. Cable restrictors on the other hand are more universal because of the flexibility of the cable, i.e. the precise positioning of the housings of a cable restrictor is not required and any rails, channels or other features in the profile can usually be avoided. A cable restrictor can therefore be fitted to almost any window or door (and in some cases the cable length can be chosen by the manufacturer or is installer in order to match the application). There is presently therefore often a compromise between a desire to install stays because of their automatic re-engagement feature, and a desire to fit cable restrictors because of their compatibility with most (if not all) panel and frame configurations.

This compromise is more significant if it is desired to retro-fit a restrictor to an existing panel. Whilst cable restrictors are readily suited to retro-fitment, the likelihood of achieving the successful and reliable retro-fitment of a stay is significantly lower.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is therefore a need to provide a restrictor which benefits from the more universal applicability of a cable restrictor, and yet provides the automatic re-engagement which has previously only been available with stays.

According to the invention there is provided a cable restrictor comprising a flexible cable having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cable being connected to a first housing, the second end of the cable having a fixing part, the cable restrictor further comprising a second housing to which the fixing part is releasably connectable, a holder connected to the first housing and adapted to retain the fixing part, the fixing part being connectable to the second housing and retainable in the holder at the same time during use.

In use of the cable restrictor, it is arranged that the fixing part is connected to the second housing and is retained by the holder when the panel is closed.

Preferably the holder has a detent mechanism to retain the fixing part. Preferably io also the second housing has a lock mechanism to releasably secure the fixing part. It is thereby arranged that when the lock mechanism is in its locked condition and the panel is opened, the fixing part is secured to the second housing and is released from the holder. The cable therefore extends between the first housing and the second housing and can restrict the separation of the is housings, and consequently restrict the opening movement of a panel.

Alternatively, when the lock mechanism is in its unlocked condition and the panel is opened, the fixing part is held by the holder and is released from the second housing. There is then no restriction to the separation of the housings, nor any consequential restriction to the opening movement of the panel.

Each time the panel is closed the fixing part moves back into engagement with the second housing, whereby the cable restrictor can automatically re-engage.

Desirably, the holder is carried by an arm connected to the first housing. The arm projects from the first housing and can therefore project beyond the frame part to which the first housing is (typically) mounted, and specifically can project over the second housing. Desirably also the arm is adjustably mounted upon the first housing whereby to permit adjustment in the position of the holder.

Preferably, the fixing part has a leading end and a trailing end, both of the leading and trailing ends being tapered. Preferably also the second housing has a spring-biased lock plate, and the holder has a spring-biased detent mechanism, so as to enable automatic engagement (and re-engagement) of the fixing part with the second housing and with the holder respectively. Desirably, the second housing has a key-operated lock, the lock having a lock body and a projecting boss, the boss engaging the lock plate.

There is also disclosed a method of installing a cable restrictor between a frame and a movable panel, the cable restrictor comprising a flexible cable having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cable being connected to a first housing, the second end of the cable having a fixing part with a leading end and a io trailing end, the cable restrictor further comprising a second housing to which the leading end of the fixing part is releasably connectable, a holder connected to the first housing and adapted to retain the trailing end of the fixing part, the method comprising the steps of: {i} mounting the second housing securely upon one of the frame and the movable panel; {ii} connecting the leading end of the fixing part to the second housing; {iii} choosing a mounting location for the first housing on the other of the fixed frame and the movable panel, in which location the holder is adjacent to the trailing end of the fixing part, and positioning the first housing in the mounting location; {iv} with the movable panel in its closed position relative to the frame, adjusting the position of the holder so that the trailing end of the fixing part is retained by the holder whilst the leading end of the fixing part is connected to the second housing; and {v} securing the first housing and holder in the adjusted position.

The step of adjusting the position of the holder can comprise moving the first housing relative to the frame and/or moving the holder relative to the first housing.

The above steps do not all need to be carried out in the sequential order stated, i.e. the leading end of the fixing part can be connected to the second housing after a mounting location has been chosen for the first housing, if desired. Also, in some embodiments there may be sufficient adjustment possible for the holder relative to the first housing to allow the first and second housings to be secured to the respective panel and frame before the position of the holder is adjusted as required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.1 shows a perspective view of part of a movable panel and its surrounding frame, fitted with a cable restrictor according to the present invention, with the panel slightly open; is Fig.2 shows a view similar to that of Fig.1, with the panel closed; Fig.3 shows a view similar to that of Fig.2, with part of the cover of the second housing part removed; Fig.4 shows a view similar to that of Fig.1, but with the fixing part released from the second housing, and showing a part of the holder and arm in section; and Fig.5 shows a perspective view during installation of the restrictor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The cable restrictor 10 of the present invention has been designed primarily for use with an opening panel such as window 12 which can be opened relative to its surrounding (fixed) frame 14. The window 12 is a pivoting window, but it will be understood that the restrictor 10 could alternatively be used upon a tilt and turn window, or a sliding window, or a door, as desired.

The cable restrictor 10 includes a flexible cable 16 in the form of a multi-stranded wire sheathed in a plastic covering, so that the cable matches that of known cable restrictors. The cable restrictor 10, like the known cable restrictors, is not primarily intended as a security product, notwithstanding that it does increase the security of the window 12. Instead, the cable restrictor 10 is designed primarily to provide additional safety, for example for windows in high-rise buildings where it is desired to prevent the inadvertent full opening of the window, such as by young children. Thus, it will be understood that when the cable restrictor 10 is in its io locked or enabled position as shown in Figs. 1-3, the window 12 may be only partially opened before the cable 16 becomes taut and further opening movement is prevented. In order to permit full opening of the window 12 the restrictor 10 must be unlocked or disabled, as explained below.

is The cable restrictor 10 comprises a first housing 20 and a second housing 22. In this embodiment the first housing 20 is mounted upon the fixed frame 14 and the second housing 22 is mounted to the movable panel 12, but these locations may be reversed if desired. The first end 24 of the cable 16 is secured (substantially permanently) to the first housing 20. The securement may be made by any known means, and may facilitate some adjustment in the length of the cable 16 at the factory or manufacturing location. Alternatively, the manufacturer may stock cables of differing lengths for the customer to choose the appropriate length for each installation. In any event, once the length of the cable has been determined by the manufacturer, it is intended that no further adjustment of the length of the cable 16 (for example by the user) is possible.

The second end of the cable 16 is secured (substantially permanently) to a fixing part 26. Any suitable means of securing the second end of the cable to the fixing part 26 could be used, it being necessary that the connection is sufficiently secure to resist attempts to forcibly open a restricted panel.

In known fashion, the first and second housings 20, 22 each have mounting holes by which they may be secured to the respective panel 12 and frame 14 by suitable fixings. The mounting holes are obscured by plugs as part of the installation procedure whereby to increase the aesthetic appeal of the fitted cable restrictor.

The second housing 22 has a lock mechanism 32, which is best seen in Fig.3.

The lock mechanism 32 (Fig.3) comprises a lock body or cylinder 34 which has a number of pins or discs and is adapted to receive a key 36. When the correct key 36 has been inserted the lock body 34 may be rotated through approximately 1800 from the locked condition of Figs. 1-3.

The lock body 34 has a projecting boss (not seen) which is offset from the rotational axis of the lock body. The projecting boss lies within an oversized hole in a lock plate 40.

is As seen in Fig.4, the leading end of the fixing part 26 has a groove 42, the groove being of a width slightly larger than the thickness of the lock plate 40. In the locked condition, as shown in Fig.3, a part of the lock plate 40 lies within the groove 42 and secures the fixing part 26 to the second housing 22. The window panel 12 may therefore be opened only as far as the position in which the cable 16 becomes taut.

The lock plate 40 is biased into its locking position by a compression spring 44.

In order to release the fixing part 26 from the second housing 22 it is necessary to insert the correct key 36 into the lock body 34, and rotate the lock body through approximately 180° During this rotation, the projecting boss rotates within the oversized hole in the lock plate 40, but because the boss is offset it also translates, and causes the lock plate 40 to move (upwardly as drawn in Fig.3), compressing the spring 44 and withdrawing the lock plate 40 from the groove 42.

The fixing part 26 is thereby released from the second housing 22 and the opening movement of the window 12 is not restricted.

Unlike a conventional cable restrictor, the fixing part 26 can be retained by a holder 50, which in this embodiment is connected to the first housing 20. As most clearly seen in Fig.4, the holder 50 comprises a recess 52 which can accommodate the trailing end 54 of the fixing part 26. The holder 50 is mounted on an arm 56 which is connected to the first housing 20.

The trailing end 54 of the fixing part has a shallow groove 60 with a curved profile (Fig.3) which can accommodate a ball bearing 62 (or the like) which is biased by a compression spring 64 (Fig.4). The holder 50 therefore has a detent mechanism io which can temporarily retain the fixing part 26.

When the window 12 is closed as seen in Fig.2, the leading end of the fixing part 26 is located within the second housing 22 and the trailing end 54 is located within the holder 50. In the locked condition as shown the fixing part is secured to the is second housing, i.e. the lock plate 40 engages the groove 42. The trailing end 54 is retained in the holder 50 by way of the detent mechanism, i.e. the ball bearing 62 lies within the groove 60.

During normal (restricted) opening of the window, the window latch (not seen) is released and the window panel 12 is pushed open by the user. The detent force provided by the holder 50 is relatively small, and as the window 12 is opened the force of the spring 64 is overcome and the fixing part 26 is pulled from the holder 50, as shown in Fig.1.

If on the other hand it is desired to open the window fully (or at least without restriction), the key 36 is inserted and rotated to the unlocking position in order to release the lock plate 40 from the groove 42. As the window panel 12 is pushed open the trailing end 54 of the fixing part 26 is retained by the holder 50 and the fixing part 26 moves out of the second housing 22, as shown in Fig.4.

In the embodiment shown the lock plate 40 remains in its released position until the key 36 is rotated back to its locking position. Thus, it is arranged that the spring 44 cannot move the lock plate 40 (downwardly as drawn in Fig.3) unless the lock body 34 is rotated to the locking position by the user. Also, it is arranged that the key 36 can only be removed from the lock body 34 when the lock body is in its locking position, thereby reducing or avoiding the likelihood that the cable restrictor 10 is left in its disabled condition inadvertently.

If repeated unrestricted opening of the window panel 12 is desired the user can leave the key 36 in the unlocking position so that the reslriclor 10 remains disabled regardless of the number of opening/closing cycles of the panel 12, but that is not expected to be a normal situation. Instead, it is expected that a user will want unrestricted opening movement only infrequently, for example when cleaning the window panel 12.

When unrestricted opening of the panel 12 is desired, the user will (typically) insert and rotate the key 36 to the unlocking position so as to release the leading end of the fixing part 26 from the lock plate 40. The user will then push the window panel 12 open by a small amount, and then rotate the key 36 back to its locking position and remove the key. This is ordinarily a two-handed operation, and the requirement for the user to use both hands is a desirable feature.

During unrestricted opening movement the fixing part 26 is retained by the holder 50, and therefore remains in position relative to the fixed frame 14. It will be understood that when the window panel 12 is subsequently closed the leading end of the fixing part 26 enters the second housing 22. As the fixing part 26 is moved into the second housing 22 its tapered leading end engages the lock plate 40 and causes the lock plate 40 to move upwardly as drawn in Fig.3. The oversized hole in the lock plate 40 allows the lock plate 40 to move without any consequential movement of the lock body 34, and upon full insertion of the fixing part 26 the spring 44 drives the lock plate 40 into the groove 42. Providing the lock body 34 is in its locking position, therefore, the cable restrictor automatically re-engages each time the window panel 12 is fully closed.

In this embodiment the trailing end 54 of the fixing part 26 is also tapered so as to allow automatic re-engagement with the holder 50. Thus, each time a restricted ii window is closed the situation of Fig.2 is resumed, subsequently allowing either the restricted or unrestricted opening of the window panel 12 as desired by the user.

It will be understood that the relative positioning of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 is critical to the successful and reliable operation of the cable restrictor 10. Depending upon the material and construction of the window panel 12 and frame 14 the installer will typically have a large degree of freedom to move the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 in the upwards and downwards io directions as drawn in Fig.2. However, the freedom of movement in the left and right directions are likely to be limited by the structure of the particular frame and panel profiles. In order to overcome any fitment limitations in this embodiment the arm 56 is movable relative to the first housing 20, in the direction of the double-headed arrow shown in FigS. It is preferred that the adjustment of the arm 56 is relative to the housing 20 will be undertaken only upon initial installation. The possibility of adjustment of the arm 56 makes this embodiment particularly suitable as a retro-f it to an existing window.

In addition, Fig.5 shows several packers 66 which are used to set the "height" of the holder, i.e. the distance between the holder 50 and the panel 12. For retro-fitment in particular it is intended to provide the installer with a set of packers 66 having varying thicknesses so that the installer can fit the required packers in order to adjust the height of the holder 50 to match the position of the fixing part 26 for the particular panel and frame.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable restrictor comprising a flexible cable having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cable being connected to a first housing, the second end of the cable having a fixing part, the cable restrictor further comprising a second housing to which the fixing part is releasably connectable, a holder connected to the first housing and adapted to retain the fixing part, the fixing part being connectable to the second housing and retainable in the holder at the same time during use.
2. A cable restrictor according to claim 1 in which the holder has a detent mechanism to retain the fixing part.
3. A cable restrictor according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the second housing has a lock mechanism to releasably secure the fixing part.
4. A cable restrictor according to any one of claims 1-3 in which the holder is carried by an arm connected to the first housing.
5. A cable restrictor according to claim 4 in which the arm projects from the first housing.
6. A cable restrictor according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the arm is adjustably mounted upon the first housing.
7. A cable restrictor according to claim 6 in which the arm is adjustable only during installation of the first housing.
8. A cable restrictor according to any one of claims 1-7 in which the fixing part has a leading end and a trailing end.
9. A cable restrictor according to claim 8 in which the leading end of the fixing part is tapered.
10. A cable restrictor according to claim 8 or claim 9 in which the trailing end of the fixing part is tapered.
11. A cable restrictor according to any one of claims 1-10 in which the second housing has a spring-biased lock plate.
12. A cable restrictor according to claim 11 in which the second housing has a key-operated lock having a lock body and a projecting boss, the projecting io boss being located in an opening in the lock plate.
13. A cable restrictor according to claim 12 in which the opening in the lock plate is larger than the projecting boss so as to accommodate movement of the lock plate without movement of the lock body.
14 A method of installing a cable restrictor between a frame and a movable panel, the cable restrictor comprising a flexible cable having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cable being connected to a first housing, the second end of the cable having a fixing part with a leading end and a trailing end, the cable restrictor further comprising a second housing to which the leading end of the fixing part is releasably connectable, a holder connected to the first housing and adapted to retain the trailing end of the fixing part, the method comprising the steps of: {i} mounting the second housing securely upon one of the frame and the movable panel; {D} connecting the leading end of the fixing part to the second housing; {iH} choosing a mounting location for the first housing on the other of the frame and the movable panel, in which location the holder is adjacent to the trailing end of the fixing part, and positioning the first housing in the mounting location; {iv} with the movable panel in its closed position relative to the frame, adjusting the position of the holder so that the trailing end of the fixing part is retained by the holder whilst the leading end of the fixing part is connected to the second housing; and {v} securing the first housing and holder in the adjusted position.
15. A method according to claim 14 in which the step of adjusting the position of the holder comprises one or more of: {i} moving the first housing across the frame or the movable panel to which it is to be mounted; {U} inserting at least one spacer between the first housing and the frame or io the movable panel (0 which it is to be mounted; and {Di} moving the holder relative to the first housing.
16. A cable restrictor constructed and arranged substantially as described in relation to the accompanying drawings.