GB2557684A

GB2557684A - A restrictor for a friction hinge

Info

Publication number: GB2557684A
Application number: GB1621392.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laporta Giovanni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-15
Filing date: 2016-12-15
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-15
Also published as: GB2557684B; GB201621392D0

Abstract

A restrictor 10 comprises a support member (20, fig. 4) to attach to a sash frame 11 and a track blocking member (30, fig. 4) to extend across part of a diameter of a track member 51 of a friction hinge 50. In a track blocking configuration, the track blocking member blocks the movement of a slider 54 along the track member to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge. The restrictor is designed to be retrofitted to a window without replacing the friction hinge. There may be a magnet (31, fig. 4) to hold the track blocking member to the track member 51.The support and track blocking members may be releasably connected, e.g. via screws through holes (24, 33; fig. 4) or via a cap member (60, fig. 4) with spring clips (61, 142; fig. 7) or magnets (141, fig. 8A).The restrictor may also include a cammed lock (270, fig. 10). There may be a second portion of the track blocking member (80, fig. 13B) that extends along the track. Independent claims are included for a kit for the restrictor and for a friction hinge including the restrictor.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A restrictor for a friction hinge

Abstract Title: Restrictor for limiting opening of a window friction hinge (57) A restrictor 10 comprises a support member (20, fig. 4) to attach to a sash frame 11 and a track blocking member (30, fig. 4) to extend across part of a diameter of a track member 51 of a friction hinge 50. In a track blocking configuration, the track blocking member blocks the movement of a slider 54 along the track member to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge. The restrictor is designed to be retrofitted to a window without replacing the friction hinge. There may be a magnet (31, fig. 4) to hold the track blocking member to the track member 51 .The support and track blocking members may be releasably connected, e.g. via screws through holes (24, 33; fig. 4) or via a cap member (60, fig. 4) with spring clips (61, 142; fig. 7) or magnets (141, fig. 8A).The restrictor may also include a cammed lock (270, fig. 10). There may be a second portion of the track blocking member (80, fig. 13B) that extends along the track. Independent claims are included for a kit for the restrictor and for a friction hinge including the restrictor.

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A restrictor for a friction hinge

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to restrictors for limiting the extent of opening of friction hinges for windows. The invention also relates to kits of parts for assembling into restrictors. The invention also relates to friction hinge assemblies including restrictors according to the invention.

Background to the Invention

It is desirable for window hinges, especially hinges which open widely, to be able to restrict the opening of the window in normal use, but to allow full opening of the window when desired. Windows are sometimes therefore provided with restrictors which allow the window to be opened up to a fixed angular position, but not to be opened further until the restrictor is released. Restrictors are provided as a safety feature, for example, to prevent children from falling from upper floor windows. They are often used in the windows of schools, public buildings, hotels, hospitals and care homes. They can also provide security advantages when fitted to ground floor windows as a restrictor can make it difficult for an intruder to open the window beyond the opening provided by the restrictor.

Figure 1 illustrates a standard friction hinge of a window with a restrictor mechanism which limits the opening movement of the hinge. The friction hinge includes a fixed member 10, and a lightweight sash member 12 coupled to the fixed member 10 by an arrangement of lightweight stays 14. A slider 16 slides in a channel of the fixed member 10. The front lips of the channel are formed with recesses 18 at predetermined positions corresponding to the predetermined open positions of the hinge. Attached to the slider 16 is a spring biased lever 20 with locking ramps 22 which lock in the recesses 18. In use, as the hinge is opened progressively, the slider 16 descends from its uppermost position until ramps 22 snap into locking engagement with the uppermost recesses 18. In this position, further opening of the hinge is blocked. In order to overcome the restrictor, the person opening the window has to press the lever 20 inwardly (i.e. towards the fixed member), to release the ramps 22 from the recesses 18 and to allow further movement of the slider towards the distal end of the fixed member. The shape of the ramps 22 enables the slider 16 and lever 20 to move past the recesses when travelling upwardly (i.e. during a closing movement of the hinge), but automatically locks the ramps in the recesses 19 when the slider is moving downwardly.

A problem with prior art restrictors 20 of the type shown in figure 1 is that in order to release the restrictor, the restrictor 20 must be depressed by the user, releasing the ears 22 from the recesses 18, and whilst the restrictor is depressed, the user must apply force to the sash to move the slider along the channel. The restrictor can be difficult to operate as the user must depress the restrictor and move the slider along the channel at the same time, to allow the restrictor to disengage fully from the recesses 18. Often, windows will have friction hinges on two opposing sides of a sash, therefore it will be necessary for the user to release two restrictors in order to fully open the window.

Another problem with prior art restrictors 20 of the type shown in Figure 1 is that the restrictor mechanism is built into the friction hinge and therefore restrictor action cannot be provided without replacing the entire friction hinge with a friction hinge that incorporates a restrictor mechanism. Cable restrictors are known that can be retrofitted to a window without replacing the friction hinge. An example of a cable restrictor is shown in WO2014108680. Such cable restrictors have a metal cable that has a plate on one end to be screwed to the window sash and a free end to be received releasably in a lock body which is screwed to the window frame. When the cable is attached to both the sash and the frame, the sash is prevented from opening up to the limit allowed by the length of the cable. Although cable restrictors are relatively straightforward to install, they have the disadvantage that they are unsightly. An improved restrictor that overcomes some of these disadvantages would be desirable.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a restrictor for limiting the extent of opening of a friction hinge, the friction hinge having a sash arm for attachment to a sash and a track member for attachment to a sash frame, the sash member for supporting the sash between a closed position in which the sash arm is substantially parallel to the track member and an open position in which the sash arm is angled relative to the track member, the friction hinge further comprising a first slider moveable along the track member, the restrictor having a track blocking configuration in which it limits the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor comprising: a support member adapted for connection to the sash frame; and a track blocking member, which is adapted to extend from the support member and to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member when the restrictor is in the track blocking configuration, whereby the track blocking member blocks the path of travel of the first slider so as to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge.

The restrictor can work with most, if not all, types of friction hinge, therefore can easily be retrofitted to a window with friction hinge already installed. The restrictor is a concealed device. In other words, it is fully concealed when the sash is in its closed position, and there are no unsightly fixings on surfaces of the window that are visible when the sash is in its closed position. Preferably the support member is adapted for connection to the sash frame at a position corresponding with a restricted open position of the hinge selected by the user. Preferably the track blocking member is adapted to extend across the track member in use, whereby on opening of the hinge, movement of the first slider is blocked by the track blocking member in use as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to the selected restricted open position. The track member has proximal and distal ends and lateral sides, and a diameter extending between the lateral sides, the track blocking member extending across at least part of a diameter of track member when the restrictor is in the track blocking configuration.

Preferably the track member and sash member are linked by one or more link arms in use. Preferably at least one of the link arms is pivotally coupled to the first slider. Preferably the track blocking member is sized such that it extends over at least part of the track member in use such that it forms a block in the path of travel of the first slider in use when the support member is connected to the frame at a selected position on the frame adjacent the track member. The restrictor is adapted such that when in the track blocking configuration, the support member is connected to the sash frame at a position adjacent and alongside the track member and the track blocking member extends transversely across the track blocking member. The track blocking member or at least part of the track blocking member is suitably mounted to the support member in a cantilever type fashion.

The restrictor is adapted to enable a user to set the extent to which the hinge can be opened at any extent between the hinge’s open and closed positions, depending on where the user decides to mount the support member along the frame.

Preferably the support member includes means for connecting it to the frame. The means for fixing the support member to the frame may be one or more apertures in the support member, each for receiving a screw or other suitable fixing, to connect the support member to the frame.

Preferably the support member is adapted for releasable connection to the frame. For example, in embodiments in which the support member is connected to the frame by screw fixing, it may be removed from the frame by removing the screws. Where a removable track blocking member is employed, the support member may be left in place when the track blocking member has been removed, so that the track blocking member can be easily re-positioned in its track blocking configuration without needing to re-install the support member.

Preferably the support member has at least one aperture for receiving a screw for connecting the support member to the frame.

Preferably the restrictor further comprises means for connecting the track blocking member to the support member.

Preferably the track blocking member is adapted for releasable connection to the support member.

Preferably the track blocking member comprises at least one aperture for receiving a screw for connecting it to the support member.

Preferably the track blocking member has a connecting portion adapted to overlie the support member when assembled, the connecting portion having at least one aperture for receiving a screw, the support member having a corresponding aperture for receiving the screw, said at least one aperture in the track blocking member aligning with the corresponding aperture in the support member, such that the track blocking member can be connected to the support member. Preferably said at least one aperture for receiving a screw in the track blocking member and the corresponding aperture in the support member are arranged such that a screw can be received in both aligning apertures and driven into the frame to anchor the track blocking member to the support member.

Preferably the restrictor further comprises clip means for releasably coupling the track blocking member to the support member.

Preferably the clip means comprises at least one spring clip for releasably coupling the track blocking member to the support member.

Preferably the restrictor further comprises a cap member adapted to overlie the support member with part of the track blocking member disposed between the cap member and the support member. Suitably the connecting portion of the track blocking member is disposed between the member and the support member when the restrictor is fully assembled.

Preferably the cap member has an underside for facing the track blocking member when assembled, the cap member having a spring clip fastener extending from its underside, the spring clip fastener being adapted to be insertable through an aperture in the track blocking member and an aperture in the support member and to releasably fasten thereto via a snap action.

The spring clip fastener forms a retention clip for fastening the cap member to the support member with the track blocking member disposed therebetween. The spring clip fastener is shaped to provide a spring-loaded ejection mechanism as the cap member is lifted off the support member.

Preferably the cap member has an underside for facing the track blocking member when assembled, the cap member having lift off means extending from its underside for lifting the track blocking member off the support member when the cap member is lifted away from the support member. This provides a quick release mechanism for removing the track blocking member when it is desired to open the window beyond the restricted open position.

Preferably the lift off means comprises at least one spring clip, said at least one spring clip having a deformable hook-shaped part at its distal end. As the cap member is being positioned on the support member, the deformable hook-shaped part of said at least one spring clip is adapted to elastically deform as it passes the side of track blocking member and is adapted to be retained under the track blocking member such that as the cap member is lifted away from the support member, the track blocking member is also lifted away from the support member. Preferably the lift off means comprises two spring clips, each arranged at opposing sides of the track blocking member.

Preferably the lift off means comprises at least one magnet mounted to the cap member, said at least one magnet being adapted to be releasably engageable with the track blocking member via magnetic engagement. Said at least one magnet suitably lifts the track blocking member away from the support member when the cap member is removed from the assembly because of magnetic engagement between said at least one magnet and the track blocking member. The track blocking member or at least part of the track blocking member is suitably made of is made of ferromagnetic material

Preferably the restrictor further comprises lock means for releasably locking the track blocking member in connection with the support member. When the lock means is locked the track blocking member cannot be removed from support member until the lock means is unlocked.

Preferably the lock means has a locked configuration in which the track blocking member cannot be released from connection with the support member and an unlocked configuration in which the track blocking member is releasable from the support member.

Preferably the lock means has a rotatably mounted cam and the support member has a cam receiving aperture, the cam being rotatable between an unlocked position in which the cam can pass through the cam receiving aperture and a locked position in which the cam cannot pass through the cam receiving aperture, whereby when the cam has passed through the cam receiving aperture and rotated to the locked position, the track blocking member is locked in connection with the support member.

Preferably the restrictor further comprises a cap member adapted to overlie the support member with part of the track blocking member disposed between the cap member and the support member, wherein the cap member has an underside for facing the track blocking member when assembled, the cap member having a cam rotatably mounted thereto in use, and the support member having a cam receiving aperture, the cam being rotatable between an unlocked position in which the cam can pass through the cam receiving aperture and a locked position in which the cam cannot pass through the cam receiving aperture, whereby when the cam has passed through the cam receiving aperture and rotated to the locked position, the track blocking member is locked between the cap member and the support member.

Preferably the restrictor according to the invention is for use with a friction hinge wherein the track member is made of ferromagnetic material, wherein the restrictor further comprises a magnet which projects from the track blocking member in use and is adapted to be releasably engageable with the track member via magnetic engagement. The magnet suitably fixes the track blocking member to the track member. This assists during installation, in particular for top hung windows which have friction hinges arranged vertically on each side of the window, as it prevents the track blocking member from falling out of position while it is being secured to the support member and frame.

Preferably at least a portion of the track blocking member is made of ferromagnetic material, the magnet being adapted to releasably engage with said at least a portion of the track blocking member via magnetic engagement, the magnet being arranged in use between said at least a portion of the track blocking member and the track member.

Preferably the track blocking member has a first portion which has means for connection to the support member and which is adapted to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member and the track blocking member further comprises a second portion which is adapted for mounting adjackent the first portion, to extend along part of the track member in use, whereby on opening of the hinge, movement of the first slider is blocked by the second portion of track blocking member in use as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to a selected restricted open position. The second portion suitably extends the reach of the track blocking member, so that the support member can be mounted further distally along the frame member than it otherwise would need to be to limit movement of the first slider beyond a small limit of opening. The second portion of hte track blocking member may be adapted for connection to the first portion.

Preferably the track blocking member includes means for releasably connecting the second portion of the track blocking member to the first portion of the track blocking member.

Preferably the restrictor is for use with a friction hinge in which the track member is a channel, the second portion of the track blocking member being shaped such that at least part of it is receivable in the track member channel.

Preferably the restrictor is for use with a friction hinge in which the track member is a channel having a bottom, two side walls and a pair of inwardly facing flanges, the track blocking member having a distal side for engaging the side of the track member channel which is farthest from the support member when installed, the distal side of the track blocking member being shaped such that it can be received under the inward facing flange of the track member which is furthest from the support member when installed.

Preferably the restrictor further comprises a releasable cover adapted to be received over and around at least part of the support member and track blocking member.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for a restrictor for limiting the extent of opening of a friction hinge, the friction hinge having a sash arm for attachment to a sash and a track member for attachment to a sash frame, the sash member for supporting the sash between a closed position in which the sash arm is substantially parallel to the track member and an open position in which the sash arm is angled relative to the track member, the friction hinge further comprising a first slider moveable along the track member, the restrictor having a track blocking configuration in which it limits the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor comprising: a support member adapted for connection to the frame; and a track blocking member, which is adapted to extend from the support member and to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member when the restrictor is in the track blocking configuration, whereby the track blocking member blocks the path of travel of the first slider so as to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge.

Preferably the kit comprises two or more said track blocking members of different sizes and/or shapes.

Preferably kit further comprising a cap member adapted to overlie the support member with part of the track blocking member disposed between the cap member and the support member, the two or more said cap members, each cap member having differing means for attachment to the support member.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a friction hinge assembly having a sash arm for attachment to a sash and a track member for attachment to a sash frame, the sash member for supporting the sash between a closed position in which the sash arm is substantially parallel to the track member and an open position in which the sash arm is angled relative to the track member, the friction hinge further comprising a first slider moveable along the track member, the friction hinge assembly further comprising a restrictor for limiting the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor having a track blocking configuration in which it limits the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor comprising: a support member adapted for connection to the frame at a position corresponding with a blocking position selected by a user; and a track blocking member, which is adapted to extend from the support member and to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member when the restrictor is in the track blocking configuration, whereby the track blocking member blocks the path of travel of the first slider so as to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge.

Preferably the track member has a proximal end that the sash is convergent towards in use and a distal end, said first slider being configured to move towards the proximal end of the track member as the sash moves from its closed position to an open position.

The hinge in this case is an egress type hinge, i.e. a hinge which can be fully opened to a point where the sash member is roughly at 90° to the track. The hinge may have a second slider that is fixed to the track in normal use, at a position between the first slider and the proximal end of the track. The hinge preferably has one or more link arms coupled directly or indirectly to the sliders in use to provide a friction hinge movement of the sash arm relative to the track. In some embodiments the friction hinge has releasable locking means to lock the second slider against movement along the track. In such embodiments the releasable locking means is preferably convertible between an unreleased configuration and a released configuration. When the releasable locking means is in the released configuration, the hinge can be operated in “easy-clean” mode wherein the normally fixed second slider can be moved along the track towards the first slider until a point is reached wherein the first and second sliders abut one another (or are closely located with respect to one another) towards the distal end of the track. When the window is in this position, access to the outside surface of the sash is greatly improved so that it can be easily cleaned, for example from inside the building.

Preferably the track member as a proximal end that the sash is convergent towards in use and a distal end, said first slider being configured to move away from the proximal end of the track member as the sash moves from its closed position to an open position. The hinge in this case is a standard type hinge, rather than an egress type hinge.

Preferably the track blocking member has a first portion which has means for connection to the support member and which is adapted to extend across the track member and the track blocking member further comprises a second portion which is adapted for connection to the first portion and to extend along the track member in use, whereby on opening of the hinge, movement of the first slider is blocked by the second portion of track blocking member in use as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to the selected restricted open position.

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 2A is a top perspective view of a friction hinge and four restrictors according to various different embodiments’

Figure 2B is a top perspective view of a friction hinge and a restrictor according to a first embodiment mounted to a sash frame member;

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the restrictor of Figure 2B;

Figure 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the restrictor of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the restrictor of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the restrictor of Figure 3 without its cap member; Figure 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the restrictor according to a second embodiment;

Figure 8 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the restrictor of Figure 7;

Figure 8A is an exploded top perspective view of a restrictor according to a third embodiment;

Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the restrictor according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 10 is an exploded top perspective view of the restrictor of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the restrictor of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a top perspective view of different variants of track blocking members that can be used with any of the restrictors according to the invention described herein;

Figure 13A is shows a standard type friction hinge installed in a window with a restrictor according to the present invention installed;

Figure 13B shows a close-up view of the assembly of Figure 13A without the sash.

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.

Figure 2A shows four restrictors 10, 100, 200 according to various embodiments as will be described. The four restrictors are shown next to a friction hinge.

Figures 2B to 6 show a first embodiment of a restrictor 10 for limiting the extent of opening of a friction hinge of a window. In this embodiment the restrictor is designed to be installed in such a way that it permanently (or semi-permanently) limits the extent of opening of the window it is installed in. Referring to Figure 3, the restrictor 10 comprises a support member 20 (not visible in Figure 3 under cover 40) which is adapted to be mounted to a sash frame, and a track blocking member 30, which is adapted to extend from the support member.

In Figure 2B, the restrictor 10 is shown mounted to a sash frame member 11 to which a friction hinge 50 is also mounted. The friction hinge 50 has a track member 51 that attaches to the sash frame member 11, a sash member 52 which attaches to the sash (not shown) and supports the sash between open and closed positions. The pivoting sash member 52 is coupled to the fixed track member 51 by an arrangement of link arms 53. The track member 51 is formed as a channel and the hinge has a first slider 54 mounted slidably in the channel and one of the link arms 53 is pivotally mounted to the first slider 54.

The support member of restrictor 10 is mounted to the frame member 11 in a position such that the track blocking member 30 extends across the track member 51 of the hinge. The hinge in Figure 2B is an egress type hinge, i.e. a hinge which can be fully opened to a point where the sash member is roughly at 90° to the track member. The track member has a proximal end 55 that the sash converges towards in use and a distal end 56, the first slider being configured to move towards the proximal end 55 of the track member as the sash moves from its closed position to an open position. When the restrictor is mounted to the frame member 11 with the track blocking member extending across the track member 51, the movement of the first slider 54 will be blocked by the track blocking member 30 when the slider 54 reaches the track blocking member 30, thus limiting the extent that the sash can be opened. Restrictors according to the invention can be used with other types of friction hinges other than egress hinges, as will be described.

Referring to Figure 4, an exploded view of the parts of the restrictor 10 of Figure 1 are shown. The restrictor assembly of this embodiment comprises the support member 20, track blocking member 30, a cap member 60, a spring clip fastener 61, permanent magnet 31 and cover 40. The support member 20 has means for mounting it to the sash frame member, which in this embodiment are first and second apertures 21 for receiving screws (not shown), one at each end of the elongate support member 20. The support member 20 may be sized in its cross-section to be received in a hinge channel of the sash frame member. A hinge channel is a channel that is provided as a standard feature on most PVCu and aluminium frames (and is usually used for locating the window hinge).

Referring to Figure 6, the track blocking member 30 is adapted to be received on the upper surface 22 of the support member 20, which faces away from the frame 11 when installed and to extend laterally away from the support member 20. The support member 20 has first and second projecting lugs 23 that are received in correspondingly shaped holes 32 on the track blocking member 30 in order to locate the track blocking member 30 on the support member 20. The track blocking member has first and second apertures 33 for receiving screws. The apertures 33 align with first and second apertures 24 in the support member 20 when the track blocking member 20 is in place on the support member 20 such that a screw (not shown) can be received in each aperture 33, in each aperture 24 and be driven into the frame in order to couple the track blocking member 30 to the support member 20.

The support member 20 and track blocking member 30 could be integral rather than separate pieces, however in preferred embodiments the support member 20 and track blocking member 30 are separate pieces.

In this embodiment the track blocking member 30 is made of ferromagnetic material, such as steel, and the restrictor assembly includes an optional permanent magnet 31 which couples to the underside of the track blocking member. The magnet 31 is sized and shaped to engage the underside of the track blocking member and the base of the channel of the track member (which in most standard friction hinges will be made of steel) and magnetically holds the track blocking member 30 to the track member 51. This assists during installation, whilst the track blocking member 30 is being secured to the support member 20, especially if installing on vertically arranged friction hinges. In Figure 3 the magnet 31 is underneath the track blocking member 30, but dotted lines are shown to indicate the position of the magnet 31.

The track blocking member has a connecting portion adapted to overlie the support member when assembled. The restrictor assembly has a cap member 60, which overlies the connecting portion of the track blocking member which overlies the support member, in order to cover the screws and provide a neat aesthetic appearance. In this embodiment the cap member 60 has a footprint of about the same size and shape as the support member 20. Referring to Figure 5, the cap member 60 has a spring clip fastener 61 fixed to its underside at a recess 62 shaped to receive the fastener.

The spring clip fastener 61 fastens the cap member 60 to the support member 20 so that it is stably held thereto when installed but allowing the cap member 60 to be removed when a pulling force is applied to the cap member, the spring clip fastener 61 providing a springloaded ejection mechanism that ejects the cap member 60 after an initial pulling force is applied to remove the cap member 60. The spring clip fastener 61 is has a bridging portion 64 and two opposing limbs 65 which extend substantially orthogonally from the bridging portion 64 and which are spring biased away from one another. The distal end of each limb 65 is bent such that the two limbs bend away from each other for a short distance, providing a shoulder 67 and then slope towards each other, providing a sloping portion 66 at the distal end. The sloping portions 66 of the limbs allow the spring clip fastener 61 to be easily inserted into the apertures 34, 26 until the shoulder 67 rests underneath the underside of the support member 20, thus retaining the cap member to the support member 20 and track blocking member 30, as shown in Figure 6. If a force is applied to the cap member 60 to remove it from the assembly, initially a force must be applied to overcome the action of the shoulder 67 retaining the spring clip fastener in engagement with the periphery of the underside of the aperture 26 in the support member 20, and once the limbs have been elastically deformed towards each other such that the shoulders 67 are released from engagement with the edge of the underside of aperture 26, the engagement of sloping portions 66 with the periphery of the apertures 26 and 34 and the action of the limbs 66 returning to their substantially orthogonal extension position provides a small ejection force as the cap member 60 is removed from the assembly.

The track blocking member 30 is generally planar and plate-like, but with various formations in it, for example to provide strength. The distal side 39 of track blocking member 30 is bent to form an elongate hook along its edge. The hook is adapted such that it can be received under the inward facing flange of the track member which is furthest from the support member 20 when installed.

Referring to Figure 5, the cover 40 is shaped to be received over and around the support member to provide a neat aesthetic appearance and has a recess 41 in one side to accommodate the track blocking member 30 extending from the support member 20.

Figures 7 and 8 show exploded views of a second embodiment of a restrictor that is adapted to include an easy-release function for the track blocking member such that the track blocking member can be easily attached to the support member and released so that a user can switch between a hinge with restrictor function or no restrictor function easily, once the support member has been installed. The restrictor of Figures 7 and 8 looks like the restrictor shown Figure 3 when the track blocking member is in its restrictor position and the cover 40 is in place. Referring to Figure 7 an exploded view of the quick-release restrictor 100 is shown. Like the restrictor of the first embodiment, restrictor 100 has a support member 20, track blocking member 30, magnet 31, cap member 160 and cover 40. The support member 20, track blocking member 30, magnet 31 and cover 40 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and like reference numerals are used to designate corresponding parts. The restrictor 100 also has a corresponding spring clip fastener 61, like that of the first embodiment, allowing fastening and ejection of the cap member 160 from the support member and track blocking member.

Unlike the first embodiment in which the track blocking member 30 was not intended for quick release and which would be fixed on to the support member 20 using screws received in apertures 33 and 24, in the second embodiment, the track blocking member 30 is fixed to the support member by means of the cap member 60 being placed over the connection portion of the track blocking member and by means of the spring clip fastener 61, instead of by screws. Referring to Figure 8, in this embodiment, the cap member 160 has two cylindrical protrusions 168 projecting from its underside, which are positioned and sized to be received in apertures 33, 24, which assist in locating the cap member 160 in place over the restrictor assembly.

The embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 additionally has first and second spring clips 142 which extend from the underside of the cap member 160. The spring clips 142 provide a mechanism for lifting off the track blocking member 30 when it is being removed from the assembly as will be described. The spring clips 142 each have a proximal portion 143 which is fixed to the underside of the cap member and a limb 144 extending substantially orthogonally from the proximal portion. The spring clips are arranged, one towards each end of the elongate cap member 160 and the limb 144 of each spring clip is bent to face the opposing spring clip, providing a distal portion 145 that slopes upwards and towards the opposing clip (like the hook end of an angular j shape). The spring clips 142 are spaced apart from one another on the cap member such that the distance between the limbs 144 of the two spring clips substantially matches the length of the track blocking member 30 along an axis parallel with the cap member axis when assembled. As the cap member 160 is secured to the assembly, the distal sloping portion 145 of each spring clip will deform elastically as it engages the corresponding edge of the track blocking member 30 and then the distal end of each limb will pass through aperture 25 in the support member, with the distal end portion of each limb 145 hooked under corresponding side edge of the track blocking member. When a user wishes to remove the track blocking member 30 from the assembly in order to remove the restrictor function, the user lifts cap member 160 away from the assembly. As the cap member 160 is being lifted away, the distal hook end of each spring clip 142 lifts the track blocking member away from the support member, helping to dislodge the track blocking member from the support member. When the track blocking member has been removed, the cap member and cover can be replaced on to the support member to be retained thereon until the user wishes to re-attach the track blocking member to the support member.

An alternative embodiment 100’ is shown in Figure 8A, which is like the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, but instead of spring clips 142, the restrictor has magnets as a mechanism for lifting off the track blocking member 30. The cap member 160 has first and second magnets 141 fixed to its underside. The first and second magnets 141 are indicated by dotted lines shown on the upperside of the cap member 160 in Figure 8A. The first and second magnets 141 magnetically engage the track blocking member 30 when the cap member 160 is installed and magnetically hold the cap member 160 and track blocking member 30 together. The track blocking member, or at least part of it, is made of ferromagnetic material. When a user wishes to remove the track blocking member 30 from the assembly in order to remove the restrictor function, the user lifts cap member 160 away from the assembly and as it is being lifted away, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets 141 and the track blocking member 30 also lifts the track blocking member 30 away from the support member 20.

Referring to Figures 9 to 11, a fourth restrictor embodiment 200 is shown which has a cap member 260 which is lockable to the assembly in order to keep the track blocking member securely retained in its restricting position. The embodiment of Figures 9 to 11 is therefore tamper-resistant and hence useful in households with young children. The restrictor 200 looks like the restrictor shown Figure 3 when the track blocking member is in its restrictor position and the cover 40 is in place. Like the restrictor of the previous embodiments, restrictor 200 has a support member 20, track blocking member 30, magnet 31, cap member 260 and cover 40 (not shown in the figures). The support member 20, track blocking member 30, magnet 31 and cover are the same as those of the previous embodiments. The cap member 260 of the fourth embodiment differs however as it includes a locking means for locking the cap member to the support member with the track blocking member captured between.

Figure 9 shows the assembled restrictor 200 without its cover and with a key 271 inserted in a key hole in a lock barrel 270 in the cap member 260. Figures 10 and 11 show exploded views of the assembly of Figure 9 from the upperside and underside respectively. Referring to Figure 9, the cap member 260 has a circular aperture 269 for receiving the lock barrel 270 therein. The lock barrel 270 is fixed relative to the cap 260 using a circlip

272. At the distal end of the lock barrel 270 is a cam bolt 273. The cam bolt is rotatably mounted to the lock barrel 270 and is rotatable, by rotating the key 271 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam bolt 273 is sized and shaped such that it can be received through rectangular apertures 34, 26 in the track blocking member and support member when in its unlocked position, but not when it is rotated out of that orientation, such as to the locked position in which the cam bolt is rotated 90° from its unlocked position. The cam bolt 273 is an oval shape, the length of the oval cam bolt along its major axis being shorter than the length of a major side of the apertures 34, 26, but longer than the minor side of apertures 34, 26. When the cam bolt 273 is in its locked position with the major axis of the cam bolt 273 orthogonal to the elongate axis of the support member, the two ends of the cam bolt 273 are stably retained in their locked position by two opposing leaf springs 275 on the underside of the support member 260 (one is visible in Figure 11 and the other leaf spring is on the opposing side from the first spring member). Each leaf spring is elongate and mounted at each end to an inner wall of a skirt of the support member which extends from the support member underside, the leaf spring bending away from the inner wall of the skirt between its two ends, but with a mid-portion which is bent back towards the inner wall, and shaped to receive an oval end of the cam bolt 273 when the cam bolt 273 is in the locked position.

In operation, in order to install the cap member 260 on the assembly the cam bolt 273 must be in its unlocked position. As the cap member 260 is being positioned on to the assembly, the cam bolt 273 on the distal end of the lock barrel 270 will pass through apertures 34, 26 until the cam bolt 273 is protruding through the base of the support member 20. The user can then turn the key 271 in the lock barrel to rotate the cam bolt 273 by 90° to its locked position such that the cam bolt 273 is then oriented such that it can no longer pass through the apertures 26, 34. The cap member 260 is then securely fixed to the support member 20, with the track blocking member captured between. In order to remove the cap member 260, the user turns the key 271 to rotate the cam member to the unlocked position, allowing the cap member 260 to be lifted off the assembly. The cap member has two compression springs 274 extending from its underside, which in this embodiment are coil springs, which bias the cap member 260 away from the assembly to assist in lifting it off the assembly when the cam bolt 273 has been moved to its unlocked position. Different lock means may of course be provided, for example lock means that are operated other than with a key.

The support member 20, magnet 31 and cover 40 have been designed so that they can all be used with the different caps 60, 160, 260 of the three different embodiments. The restrictors can be provided as a modular kit of parts, wherein the installer can select the cap member 60, 160, 260 that suits the need for the particular window, depending on whether permanent restriction, quick-release restriction or lockable restriction function is desired. Referring to Figure 12, a plurality of different track blocking members 30, 30a30e can be provided in different sizes and shapes depending on the window at which they are to be installed. For example, the track blocking members 30a and 30b in Figure 12 have a longer and shorter dimension respectively between the proximal and distal sides of the track blocking member, to suit window frames of different depths.

Track blocking member 30e has no elongate hook at its distal end like the other track blocking members. Instead the portion of the track blocking member 30e at its distal end is planar. Track blocking member 30e is adapted for use with a track member of the friction hinge which is not a channel like that of the previous embodiments but wherein the slider(s) are shaped to extend around the lateral sides of the track to retain the slider(s) on the track.

Track blocking members 30c and 30d are similar to track blocking members 30a and 30b respectively, except that the apertures toward the proximal end of the track blocking members 30c and 30d are elongated compared to those of track blocking members 30a and 30b. The elongated apertures in track blocking members 30c and 30d are elongated along an axis that passes between the proximal end and distal end of the track blocking member. The elongated apertures allow for less precise placement of the support member of the restrictor relative to the hinge as the clips or screws that pass therethrough can pass through to attach the track blocking member to the support member can pass through at a range of points along the elongated axis of the apertures. Track blocking members 30c and 30d are provided with a longer and shorter dimension respectively between the proximal and distal sides to suit window frames of different depths (i.e. 70mm and 60mm window frames, which are typical standard frame sizes that are available).

The restrictors of the present invention can be used with standard type friction hinges as well as egress friction hinges as shown in Figure 2. When fitting the restrictor at a friction hinge that is in situ on a window, the sash is opened to the extent of opening that the user wishes to limit to and the support member is positioned at a selected position along the frame member that corresponds to the restricted open position that the user wishes to select. Referring to Figure 2B, for an egress type hinge, the restrictor is installed such that the track blocking member extends across the track member immediately proximally of the first slider 54 of the egress hinge when the hinge is opened to the extent of opening that the user wishes to limit to.

Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, which show a standard type friction hinge 150, the first slider 154, which is towards the proximal end of the track member, slides back and forth along the track member when the hinge is being opened and closed and second slider 157 is fixed relative to the track member. When fitting the restrictor to a standard type friction hinge that is in situ on a window, the sash is opened to the extent of opening that the user wishes to limit to. Where the hinge is mounted to a sash frame member 11’ that is very long (for example as shown in Figure 13A), it may be difficult to connect the support member to the frame as the support member would ordinarily need to be mounted to the frame such that the track blocking member extends across the track member immediately distally to the first slider 154, but when the sash is not open very far, there is not much space to access this region. Figure 13B shows an optional feature that may be included in the restrictor assembly when using the restrictor with a standard type friction hinge which is mounted to a very long frame member. In such situations the track blocking member 30’ can include a first portion 30, like that of other embodiments, and a second portion 80 which is adapted for connection to the first portion 30 and to extend along the track member in use, whereby on opening of the hinge, movement of the first slider 154 is blocked by the second portion of track blocking member in use as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to a selected restricted open position. The second portion 80 therefore extends the reach of the track blocking member, so that the support member 20 can be mounted further distally along the frame member than it otherwise would need to be to limit movement of the first slider 154 beyond a small limit of opening. The second portion 80 of track blocking member may be made of plastic and may be cut to any desired length by the installer.

Referring to Figure 2A, the second portion 80 of the track blocking member is shown separate from the frame. The second portion 80 has a protrusion 81 at its distal end adapted for connecting the second portion 80 to the first portion 30 of the track blocking member. The protrusion 81 clips under the track blocking member to retain the second portion 80 to the assembly. The opposite end of the second portion 80 from the protrusion is kept in place relative to the hinge by the hinge arms. The second portion 80 of the track blocking member is shaped in cross-section such that it has a lower portion for facing the track member which is shaped to be received in the channel of the track member and an upper portion for facing away from the track member which is shaped to be received over the inwardly facing flanges of the track member.

While the preferred embodiment and various alternative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1. A restrictor for limiting the extent of opening of a friction hinge, the friction hinge having a sash arm for attachment to a sash and a track member for attachment to a sash frame, the sash member for supporting the sash between a closed position in which the sash arm is substantially parallel to the track member and an open position in which the sash arm is angled relative to the track member, the friction hinge further comprising a first slider moveable along the track member, the restrictor having a track blocking configuration in which it limits the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor comprising:

a support member adapted for connection to the sash frame; and a track blocking member, which is adapted to extend from the support member and to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member when the restrictor is in the track blocking configuration, whereby the track blocking member blocks the path of travel of the first slider so as to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge.

2. A restrictor according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes means for connecting it to the frame.

3. A restrictor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member has at least one aperture for receiving a screw for connecting the support member to the frame.

4. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the restrictor further comprises means for connecting the track blocking member to the support member.

5. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the track blocking member is adapted for releasable connection to the support member.

6. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the track blocking member comprises at least one aperture for receiving a screw for connecting it to the support member.

7. A restrictor according to claim 6, wherein the track blocking member has a connecting portion adapted to overlie the support member when assembled, the connecting portion having at least one aperture for receiving a screw, the support member having a corresponding aperture for receiving the screw, said at least one aperture in the track blocking member aligning with the corresponding aperture in the support member, such that the track blocking member can be connected to the support member.

8. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the restrictor further comprises clip means for releasably coupling the track blocking member to the support member.

9. A restrictor according to claim 8, wherein the clip means comprises at least one spring clip for releasably coupling the track blocking member to the support member.

10. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the restrictor further comprises a cap member adapted to overlie the support member with part of the track blocking member disposed between the cap member and the support member.

11. A restrictor according to claim 10, wherein the cap member has an underside for facing the track blocking member when assembled, the cap member having a spring clip fastener extending from its underside, the spring clip fastener being adapted to be insertable through an aperture in the track blocking member and an aperture in the support member and to releasably fasten thereto via a snap action.

12. A restrictor according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the cap member has an underside for facing the track blocking member when assembled, the cap member having lift off means extending from its underside for lifting the track blocking member off the support member when the cap member is lifted away from the support member.

13. A restrictor according to claim 12, wherein the lift off means comprises at least one spring clip, said at least one spring clip having a deformable hook-shaped part at its distal end.

14. A restrictor according to claim 12, wherein the lift off means comprises at least one magnet mounted to the cap member, said at least one magnet being adapted to be releasably engageable with the track blocking member via magnetic engagement.

15. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the restrictor further comprises lock means for releasably locking the track blocking member in connection with the support member.

16. A restrictor according to claim 15, wherein the lock means has a locked configuration in which the track blocking member cannot be released from connection with the support member and an unlocked configuration in which the track blocking member is releasable from the support member.

17. A restrictor according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the lock means has a rotatably mounted cam and the support member has a cam receiving aperture, the cam being rotatable between an unlocked position in which the cam can pass through the cam receiving aperture and a locked position in which the cam cannot pass through the cam receiving aperture, whereby when the cam has passed through the cam receiving aperture and rotated to the locked position, the track blocking member is locked in connection with the support member.

18. A restrictor according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the restrictor further comprises a cap member adapted to overlie the support member with part of the track blocking member disposed between the cap member and the support member, wherein the cap member has an underside for facing the track blocking member when assembled, the cap member having a cam rotatably mounted thereto in use, and the support member having a cam receiving aperture, the cam being rotatable between an unlocked position in which the cam can pass through the cam receiving aperture and a locked position in which the cam cannot pass through the cam receiving aperture, whereby when the cam has passed through the cam receiving aperture and rotated to the locked position, the track blocking member is locked between the cap member and the support member.

19. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, for use with a friction hinge wherein the track member is made of ferromagnetic material, wherein the restrictor further comprises a magnet which projects from the track blocking member in use and is adapted to be releasably engageable with the track member via magnetic engagement.

20. A restrictor according to claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the track blocking member is made of ferromagnetic material, the magnet being adapted to releasably engage with said at least a portion of the track blocking member via magnetic engagement, the magnet being arranged in use between said at least a portion of the track blocking member and the track member.

21. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the track blocking member has a first portion which has means for connection to the support member and which is adapted to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member and the track blocking member further comprises a second portion which is adapted for mounting adjackent the first portion, to extend along part of the track member in use, whereby on opening of the hinge, movement of the first slider is blocked by the second portion of track blocking member in use as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to a selected restricted open position.

22. A restrictor according to claim 21, wherein the track blocking member includes means for releasably connecting the second portion of the track blocking member to the first portion of the track blocking member.

23. A restrictor according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the restrictor is for use with a friction hinge in which the track member is a channel, the second portion of the track blocking member being shaped such that at least part of it is receivable in the track member channel.

24. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the restrictor is for use with a friction hinge in which the track member is a channel having a bottom, two side walls and a pair of inwardly facing flanges, the track blocking member having a distal side for engaging the side of the track member channel which is farthest from the support member when installed, the distal side of the track blocking member being shaped such that it can be received under the inward facing flange of the track member which is furthest from the support member when installed.

25. A restrictor according to any preceding claim, wherein the restrictor further comprises a releasable cover adapted to be received over and around at least part of the support member and track blocking member.

26. A kit for a restrictor for limiting the extent of opening of a friction hinge, the friction hinge having a sash arm for attachment to a sash and a track member for attachment to a sash frame, the sash member for supporting the sash between a closed position in which the sash arm is substantially parallel to the track member and an open position in which the sash arm is angled relative to the track member, the friction hinge further comprising a first slider moveable along the track member, the restrictor having a track blocking configuration in which it limits the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor comprising:

a support member adapted for connection to the frame; and a track blocking member, which is adapted to extend from the support member and to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member when the restrictor is in the track blocking configuration, whereby the track blocking member blocks the path of travel of the first slider so as to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge.

27. A kit for a restrictor according to any of claims 1 to 25.

28. A kit according to claim 26 or 27, the kit comprising two or more said track blocking members of different sizes and/or shapes.

29. A kit according to any of claims 26 to 28, the kit further comprising a cap member adapted to overlie the support member with part of the track blocking member disposed between the cap member and the support member, the two or more said cap members, each cap member having differing means for attachment to the support member.

30. A friction hinge assembly having a sash arm for attachment to a sash and a track member for attachment to a sash frame, the sash member for supporting the sash between a closed position in which the sash arm is substantially parallel to the track member and an open position in which the sash arm is angled relative to the track member, the friction hinge further comprising a first slider moveable along the track member, the friction hinge assembly further comprising a restrictor for limiting the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor having a track blocking configuration in which it limits the extent of opening of the friction hinge, the restrictor comprising:

a support member adapted for connection to the frame at a position corresponding with a blocking position selected by a user; and a track blocking member, which is adapted to extend from the support member and to extend across at least part of a diameter of the track member when the restrictor is in the track blocking configuration, whereby the track blocking member blocks the path of travel of the first slider so as to limit the extent of opening of the friction hinge.

31. A friction hinge assembly having a sash arm for attachment to a sash and a track member for attachment to a sash frame, the sash member for supporting the sash between a closed position in which the sash arm is substantially parallel to the track member and an open position in which the sash arm is angled relative to the track member, the friction hinge assembly further comprising a first slider moveable along the track member, the friction hinge further comprising a restrictor according to any of claims 1 to 25.

32. A friction hinge assembly according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the track member has a proximal end that the sash is convergent towards in use and a distal end, said first slider being configured to move towards the proximal end of the track member as the sash moves from its closed position to an open position.

33. A friction hinge assembly according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the track member as a proximal end that the sash is convergent towards in use and a distal end, said first slider being configured to move away from the proximal end of the track member as the sash moves from its closed position to an open position.

34. A friction hinge assembly according to claim 33, wherein the track blocking member has a first portion which has means for connection to the support member and which is adapted to extend across the track member and the track blocking member further comprises a second portion which is adapted for connection to the first portion and to extend along the track member in use, whereby on opening of the hinge, movement of the first slider is blocked by the second portion of track blocking member in use as the hinge reaches an open position corresponding to the selected restricted open position.

35. A friction hinge assembly according to claim 34, wherein the track blocking member includes means for releasably connecting the second portion of the track blocking member to the first portion of the track blocking member.

36. A restrictor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any suitable combination of the accompanying drawings.

37. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any suitable 5 combination of the accompanying drawings.

38. A friction hinge assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any suitable combination of the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1621392.8 Examiner: Monica Wright