GB2590049A

GB2590049A - A restrictor for a hinged panel

Info

Publication number: GB2590049A
Application number: GB1910991.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnson Dave
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-01
Filing date: 2019-08-01
Publication date: 2021-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-01
Also published as: GB201910991D0; GB2590049B; IE20200166A1

Abstract

The restrictor 10 comprises first 12 and second 18 stays which attach to a slide rail 24 at one end and to a pivot plate 26 at the other end, wherein the rail and plate pivot relative to one another about a fulcrum, near which the second stay is located. The slide rail may comprise adjustable stops 40, 42 to limit the sliding of both stays, comprising upstands extending from the slide rail. The restrictor may comprise a first group of location features in which both stay stops are locatable, and a second group in which a first stay stop is locatable when the second stay is detached. Also claimed is a hinged panel comprising the restrictor, and a kit of parts. The slide rail may be affixed to the window or door, and the pivot rail to the frame.

Description

A Restrictor for a Hinged Panel

Field of invention

The invention relates to a restrictor which can limit the opening angle of a hinged panel such as a door or window.

Background

Restrictors, also known as stays, are well known in the field of doors and windows.

Such devices act to limit the amount a door or window can open, primarily to prevent the door from colliding with other objects or straining the hinges when being opened or forced by the wind, for example.

Known restrictors take many different forms. One well known form used in particular for uPVC doors includes a bar which extends between the door and frame. One or other of the door or frame, normally the former, includes a track in which an end of the bar can slide whilst the door is being opened or closed. The other end of the bar is pivotably attached to the other of the frame or door. A stop is provided in the channel to limit the travel of the bar and thus the angle to which the door can open. Such devices are typically provided on the upper edge of the door local to the hinge.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved door restrictor.

Summary

The present invention provides a restrictor for a hinged panel according to the appended claims.

Disclosed herein is a restrictor for a hinged panel The restrictor may comprise: a first stay having a first stay slider end and a first stay pivot end; a second stay having a second stay slider end and a second stay pivot end, wherein the second stay is shorter in length than the first stay; a slide rail which receives the first stay slider end and the second stay slider end; and, a pivot plate to which the first pivot end and second pivot end are separately pivotably attached, wherein the first and second stays, slide rail and pivot plate are attached such that the slide rail and pivot plate pivot relative to one another about a fulcrum when in use, and the second stay is located proximal to the fulcrum.

The slide rail may comprise an elongate channel in which at least a portion of the first and second stay slider ends can be slidably received.

Either or both of the first and second slider ends may include a shuttle pivotably attached thereto. The shuttle may be located within the elongate channel.

The elongate channel may include at least one stop for limiting the sliding travel of either or both of the first and second slider ends in the elongate channel.

The at least one stop may be movable between a plurality of locations such that the sliding travel of either or both of the first and second slider ends can be adjusted.

The at least one stop may comprise at least one upstand which extends from a wall of the slide rail into the elongate channel to obscure a slide path of the first or second slider end.

The restrictor may further comprise a first stop for the first slider end and a second stop for the second slider end.

The first and second stops are arranged to restrict the travel of both the first and second stays when the slide rail and pivot plate are separated by a predetermined angle.

The angle may be between 90 degrees and 120 degrees.

The second stay may be shorter than the separation of the first and second pivot connections on the pivot plate.

The first stay and second stay may lie in a common plane.

The pivot plate and slide rail are in parallel planes separated by a gap in which the first and second stays are located.

The pivot plate may include a fixture for a second stay bearing, wherein the second stay bearing is not attached.

The slide rail may comprise a plurality of slide rail portions in which a first slide rail portion corresponds to the first stay and a second slide rail portion corresponds to a second stay.

The restrictor may further comprise a first group of location features in which a first stay stop and a second stay stop can be located, and a second group of location features in which a first stay stop can be located when the second stay is not in use.

The second stay may be detachably attachable (that is, removable) from the restrictor when the second stay is not in use so as to provide a single stay restrictor. Thus, disclosed herein there is restrictor having a first stay having a first stay slider end and a first stay pivot end; a slide rail which receives the first stay slider end; and, a pivot plate to which the first pivot end is pivotably attached, wherein the first stay, slide rail and pivot plate are attached such that the slide rail and pivot plate pivot relative to one another about a fulcrum when in use. The single stay restrictor may further comprise, a plurality of slide rail portions in which a first slide rail portion corresponds to the first stay and a second slide rail portion corresponds to a second stay which is detachably attachable to the restrictor. The restrictor may further comprise a first group of location features in which a first stay stop and a second stay stop can be located, and a second group of location features in which a first stay stop can be located when the second stay is not in use.

The second group of location features may be provided in the second stay slide portion.

The first and second stays may be elongate plates.

The fulcrum may be defined by a hinge of the hinged panel.

Further disclosed herein is a hinged panel comprising a restrictor. The restrictor may be any restrictor having one or more of the features and/or combination of features as provided in this specification.

The hinged panel may be installed in and hingedly attached to a frame.

The slide rail may be affixed to the hinged panel and the pivot rail may be affixed to the frame.

The hinged panel may be a door leaf.

The frame may comprises a horizontal member and a vertical member to which the hinges are mounted to at least one thereof. Either the pivot plate or slide rail may be mounted to whichever of the horizontal or vertical member does not carry the hinge and abuts the other of the horizontal or vertical member of the frame which does carry the hinge to provide a positional location.

Further disclosed is a kit of parts for a hinged panel restrictor. The restrictor may be any restrictor as described herein. The kit of parts may comprise: a first stay having a first slider end and a first pivot end; a second stay having a second slider end and a second pivot end, wherein the second stay is shorter in length than the first stay; a slide rail which receives the first slider end and the second slider end; and, a pivot rail to which the first pivot end and second pivot end are pivotably attached, wherein the first and second stays, slide rail and pivot rail are attachable to each other such that the slide rail and pivot rail pivot relative to one another about a fulcrum when in use.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the aspects described herein may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect or example. Furthermore except where mutually exclusive any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

Brief Overview of Figures The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a and lb show perspective internal and external views of a hinged panel having a restrictor according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a side view of a restrictor; Figure 3a shows a bottom view of a restrictor an installed partially open configuration; Figure 3b shows a bottom view of the restrictor of Figure 3a in a fully open, restricted, configuration; Figure 3c shows an arrangement of location features for locating one or more stops; Figure 4a shows a bottom view of a restrictor of an installed in a partially open configuration; Figure 4b shows a bottom view of the restrictor of Figure 4a in a fully open, restricted, configuration; Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a restrictor showing dimensions; Figure 6 shows a bottom view of a restrictor with a stay removed; and, Figure 7 shows a bottom view of an alternative restrictor with a stay removed.

The reference numerals used in the drawings and throughout the description generally correspond throughout. Hence, although different examples and embodiments of the invention may be described, similar features will share similar reference numerals and the descriptions may not be repeated.

Detailed description

Figure la and lb show perspective internal and external views of a hinged panel 100 having a restrictor 10 according to the present disclosure. The restrictor 10 is for a hinged panel and may comprise: a first stay 12 having a first stay slider end 14 and a first stay pivot end 16 and a second stay 18 having a respective second stay slider end and a second stay pivot end 22. The second stay 16 is shorter in length than the first stay 12.

The restrictor 10 includes a slide rail 24 which receives the first stay slider end 14 and the second stay slider end 20 and may also include a pivot plate 26 to which the first stay pivot end and second stay pivot end are pivotably attached.

The first 12 and second stays 18, slide rail 24 and pivot plate 26 may be interconnected such that the slide rail 24 and pivot plate 26 pivot relative to one another about a fulcrum 28 when in use. The second, shorter stay 18 is located proximal to the fulcrum 28.

The hinged panel 30 may be a door, window or other hinged component having a range of movement which is to be restricted to a predetermined angular range. It will be appreciated that the hinged panel 30 may comprise multiple components such as a frame and one or more panels, and may or may not include glazing. The panel 30 may comprise an empty frame or may be frameless. The remainder of the description will be limited to the discussion of a door, or door leaf, for ease, but this should not be seen to be limiting and the term leaf, door or door leaf may be interchangeable with panel, glazing, frame and window, for example.

The panel cooperates with a frame 32 (also known as a casing) may provide a closure for an opening in the fabric of a building or similar and is generally conventional. The door shown in the Figures la and lb is of a uPVC type construction in which the door leaf 30 is recessed within the frame 32 when in the closed position so as to compress various seals.

The door leaf 30 is attached to the frame 32 via a plurality of hinges 34, typically two or three, which are distributed along the height of the leaf 30 and frame 32 to provide a suitable pivoting mount. Thus, the hinges 34 provide the fulcrum 28 about which the door leaf 30 can pivot between an open position (as shown) and a closed position (not shown). The hinges 34 may be attached to the frame 32 and panel 30 using any known technique such as a screws, rivets or bolts.

The frame 32 provides a suitably rigid and shaped aperture for receiving the door leaf 30 thereby providing an engineered opening against which the door leaf 30 can sealably sit to prevent the ingress of water and air (drafts) when in a closed position. The frame 32 is securely located within an opening of a building and sealed to prevent ingress of water and air. In the configuration of Figure la and lb, the door leaf 30 has the hinges 34 distributed along the hinge stile which is an upright member which provides the lateral vertical edge of the leaf 30. However, this is not restrictive, and the hinged panel may have the hinges on a horizontal member.

The door leaf 30 is shown in an open configuration in which the leaf is pivoted open about the hinge 34 such that a person or objects can pass therethrough. The extent to which the door can open freely about the hinges 34 may be unrestricted in conventional doors with the range of opening restricted solely by surrounding objects, such as an adjacent wall or the frame 32 which in the absence of other obstructions would otherwise be contacted by the door leaf when opened to approximately 180 degrees. In order to limit the extent of the opening, for example, to prevent damage to the surround building fabric or door etc, it may be useful to provide a restrictor 10.

The restrictor 10 is located in an orthogonal relation to the fulcrum 28. In the example of Figure lb, the restrictor is located on the top rail which is a horizontal member which extends between the lateral edges of the leaf 30, e.g. the hinge stile and lock stile, and defines the upper edge of the door 30. Again, this is not restrictive and restrictor 10 may be located on an vertically orientated member. The restrictor 10 may be located on either or both of the top and bottom rails of a leaf 30. In Figures la and 1 b, the restrictor is shown as being located on the top rail only.

The restrictor 10 includes two stays 12 and 18 in the form of rigid members which extend between the leaf 30 and frame 32. The purpose of the stays 12 and 18 is to restrict the angle to which the leaf 30 can open when pivoting on the hinges 34. Thus, the stays 12 and 18 may offer no noticeable resistance to the opening and closing of the door 30 until the permitted limit is reached, at which time the stays 12 and 18 will prevent further pivoting movement of the door 30 (within normal operating conditions).

The stays 12 and 18 may be elongate members having a first end and a second end. The first end may include a slider and is referred to herein as a slider end 14, 20. The slider end 14, 20 may be located at a terminal end of the stay 12, 18, or local to the terminal end. The slider end may be additionally defined by the inclusion of a body or formation which is configured to slide against a corresponding portion of the panel 30.

The second end of the stay may include a pivoting connection and is referred to herein as a pivot end 16, 22. The pivoting connection may be located at a terminal end of the respective stay 12, 18, or local to a terminal end.

The slider ends 14 and 20 of the first and second stays may slidably engage with a slide rail 24. The slide rail 24 may be provided by a channel or protuberant track along which the sliders of the first and/or second stays 12, 18 can travel longitudinally. Thus, the channel or track may be elongate and extend in the direction of the leaf member 30 to which it is mounted to define the direction of travel for the slider ends 14 and 20. The slide rail 24 may comprise a single channel or protuberant track or may comprise discrete rails each associated with one of the first and second stay slider ends 14, 20. The slide rail 24 may, in some examples, be part of the hinged panel 30 (or frame) so as to be integrally formed therewith. For example, the slide rail 24 may be a moulded or machined feature of the panel or frame. Thus, the recessed channel may form part of the door leaf or be part of the restrictor 10 which is attached to the door frame of door leaf.

In the example shown in Figure la and 1 b, the slide rail 24 is provided by a single recessed channel which is attached to the door leaf 30. The slide rail 24 may receive the first slider end 14 and the second slider end 20 prior to or after attachment to the door leaf 30 or frame. The slide rail may be constructed from a suitable material which may be wear resistant, weather resistant and allow relative friction-free movement of the slide end(s). The material may be a hard plastic, plated steel or stainless steel, for example.

The pivot ends 16, 22 of the first and second stays 12, 18 may be individually attached to the door frame 32. Thus, each pivot end 16, 22 may include a suitable fixing which can be mounted to the door leaf 30 which allows the rotating connection to provide the pivot. The attachment to the door leaf 30 may be provided by one or more intermediary members such as one or more pivot plate 26 to which the first stay pivot end 16 and/or second stay pivot end 22 are pivotably attached. The one or more pivot plate 26 may be in the form of a plate which is attached to the door leaf.

The slide rail 24 may include a first and second slide rail portion 36, 38 (shown in more detail in Figure 3a). The first and second slide rail portions 36, 38 may correspond to the first and second stay slider ends 14, 20 such that the first stay slider end 14 travels along the extent of the first slide rail portion 36 and the second stay slider end 20 travels along the extent of the second slide rail portion 38. The slide rail portions 36, 38 may each be defined by a stop 40, 42 (best seen in Figure 3a) which is proximal to the hinge end of the slide rail 24 and which defines the slide rail portion 36, 38 and limits the travel of the respective slider end 14, 20. The distal end of the slide rail portions 36, 38 may be opened ended and defined by the limit of the travel of the slider end when in use. In particular, the travel of the slider ends 14, 20 along the slide rail 24 will be limited by the length of the respective stay 12, 18 when the panel 30 is in a closed position and the stay 12, 18 is aligned with the slide rail 24. The end of the second slide rail portion 38 may coincide with or be local to the proximal end of the first slide rail portion 36. In some examples, the end of the second portion will coincide with the proximal end of the first portion stop 40. The second slide rail portion 36 may be limited to the same length or less as the distance between the centres of the pivot connections on the pivot plate 26.

As described above, the restrictor 10 may include one or more stops 40 and 42 for restricting the sliding movement of the slider ends 14, 20 relative to the leaf 30, in particular, to the slide rail 24. A stop 40, 42 provides a terminal end to the travel of the respective slider end 14, 20 and it may be the engagement between the stop 40, 42 and the stay 12, 18 which restricts further opening of the hinged panel 30. Thus, the stops 40, 42 may be positioned relative the first and second stays 12, 18 such that further movement is prevented after a predetermined angle of opening.

The stops 40, 42 may be provided by a discrete part which is attached to the slide rail 24 at a predetermined position, or the slide rail 24 may include one or more integral features which define a limit to the travel of the slider ends 14, 20 with respect to the stays 12, 18. Hence, the slide rail 24 may include one or more protuberant features which extend into the travel path of the stay 12, 18 and prevent further movement thereof.

One or more of the stops 40, 42 may be moveable to different positions to allow the terminal position of the slide rail 24 to be altered. The positions may be predetermined and defined by features of the slide rail 24. For example, the slide rail 24 may include a plurality of stop receiving portions distributed along a length of the slide rail 24. The stop receiving portions may comprise one or more engagement features for receiving or locating the stops 40, 42. For example, the slide rail 24 may include a plurality of locating features in the form of locating holes each of which may provide a location for a stop 40, 42. The stop 40, 42 may be located by features of the stop 40, 42 or slide rail 24, or may be positioned with a fixture such as a bolt or screw. Alternatively, or additionally, the location of the stops 40, 42 may be provided by a protuberant feature such as a step or bollard or the like which is received within an aperture or against an edge of the respective stop 40, 42.

As described above, the first and second stays 12, 18 may each be provided by rigid members. The stays may take any suitable form such as an elongate bar, rod or plate which can provide the necessary limiting connection between the slide rail 24 and pivot plate 26. In the example shown, the first and second stays 12, 18 are each elongate plates which extend between the first end and second end which provide the pivot ends 16, 22 and slider ends 14, 20 respectively. The stays 12, 18 will typically be made from metal, such as stainless steel, but other metals and materials may be possible.

The pivot plate 26 may comprise a plate member to which the pivoting connections of the first and second stays are connected. The connection may be provided by any suitable mechanism which provides the pivoting connection. For example, the pivot may comprise a shaft 54 located in a bearing 50, 52. The bearings 50, 52 may be plain bearings provided by a hole in the pivot plate 26 or by an intermediate bearing part which is located on or forms part of the pivot plate 26.

The pivot plate 26 may include a hinge end 56 and a distal end 58 (which may also be referred to as a panel end). The hinge end 56 may be provided with an abutment edge 56a or surface which abuts a location feature of the frame 32, when in use. The abutment edge 56a may be used to provide a datum and accurate positioning of the restrictor 10 relative to the frame and hinges 34 of the panel 30. The abutment edge 56a may be provided by a terminal end of the pivot plate 26. The abutment with the door leaf may be provided by a suitably located step, ridge or other protuberant feature which is sufficient to provide a positive engagement when the pivot plate 26 is offered up to the frame 32 during installation.

The first and second stays 12, 18 will be distributed along the length of the pivot plate 26. Thus, the pivot plate 26 may comprise a hinge end 56, a second stay pivot end 22, a first stay pivot end 16 and a second end 58, in series. The pivot plate 26 may additionally include one or more bearings 50, 52 for receiving the first and second stay pivot shafts 54. The bearings 50, 52 may be provided by holes in the pivot plate 26 or bearings which are attached to the pivot plate 26 which engage with a pivot connection, e.g. a shaft, of the respective stay 12, 18.

With reference to the side view shown in Figure 2, it can be seen that the stays 12, 18 may be located in a common plane with the pivot connection provided on a first side 60 and the slider end provided on a second side 62. The first side 60 may be a frame facing side and the second side may be the leaf facing side. Thus, when viewed from the side, the restrictor 10 may comprise a stack of slide rail 24, the first and second stays 12, 18, and the pivot plate 26. As such, the pivot plate 26 and slide rail 24 may be separated so as to define a gap therebetween, wherein the gap is sufficient to receive and stays 12, 18 with adequate clearance to allow the panel 30 to pivot without any fouling between the stays 12, 18 and the pivot plate 26 and slide rail 24. Hence, when installed (and in use), the only contact between the slide rail 24 and stays 12, 18 may be provided by the slide ends 14, 20 only, and the contact between the pivot plate 26 and the stays 12, 18 may be provided by the pivot connection only. In a closed configuration, the stays 12, 18 may be longitudinally aligned with slide rail 24.

Figure 3a and 3b show the restrictor 10 in a part open and fully open configuration. By fully open it is meant that the stays are at the limit of their respective throws and abutting their respective stops 40, 42. Figure 3a is larger than 3b simply to aid the explanation of the features of a restrictor 10, some of which are optional.

The panel is represented by the first and second members shown in part in section and connected by the hinge 34. The remaining parts of the panel and frame have been removed for clarity.

The pivot plate 26 may include two pivot connections, each of which may comprise a bearing 50, 52, as previously described. Either or both of the first and second bearings 50, 52 may be of the fixed type or removable type. For example, the first stay 52 bearing may be permanently fixed to and/or integrally formed with the pivot plate 26. By permanently fixed to, it is meant that the bearing 52 has been permanently attached to the pivot plate 26 such it cannot be detachably attached. Hence, the permanent bearing 52 may adhered, welded or riveted to the pivot plate 26 for example. By integrally formed, it is meant that the bearing is a cast or a subtractively formed (e.g. machined) feature of the pivot plate 26.

The second bearing 50 may be detachably attached to the pivot plate 26 such that the bearing 50 can be removed when not required. The second bearing 50 may not be required where the restrictor 10 is used with a single stay 12, for example. In the embodiment of Figure 3a, the removable bearing 50 is located within a recess of the pivot plate 26. The recess may be provided by a suitable indent, aperture or channel for example. As shown, channel may be provided be a first and second sidewall 64a,b and a base 64c. The base 64c may be provided by a surface of the plate wall, with the first and second sidewalls 64a,b being peripheral walls which define the edge of the pivot plate 26.

The bearings 50, 52 are shown as having an optional round circumferential edges into which may be machined one or more flats or other engagement features for mating with one or more corresponding features or surface of the recess. In the example of Figure 3a, the bearings 50, 52 includes machined flats which engage with the sidewalls 64a,b of the channel. The machined flats may provide rotational and lateral restraint of the bearing 50, 52 in use and whilst the pivot member (e.g. shaft) of the stay is received. The bearing includes a bore for receiving the pivoting member of the respective stay. The bearing hole is aligned with a corresponding hole in the pivot plate through which the pivoting member can pass so as to be received within the bearing.

In the case where the bearing 52 is removable, the bearing 52 may be retained within the channel by gravity, the engagement with the pivot end of the stay or by some other fixing means such as a screw or bolt. It will be appreciated that other ways of retaining the bearing may be possible.

The pivot plate 26 may additionally include one or more caps or other features to cover or close the ends of the pivot plate and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance or seal to help prevent the ingress of dust or debris which may affect the operation of the pivots. Further, the pivot plate may additionally include one or more apertures for receiving fixing screws or the like.

As previously described, the stays 12, 18 extend from a pivot end 16, 22 to a slider end 14, 20 which is engages with the slide rail 24. Each slider end 14, 20 may include a shuttle 14a, 20a which is pivotably attached and which rides on or in the slide rail in use. The shuttles 14a, 20a may comprise a suitable material which provides a required level of frictional engagement and wear during use. The material may be, for example, plastic or metal. In the example of Figure 3a, the shuttles 14a, 20a are provided by a blocks of hard plastic which is received within the channel of the slide rail 24.

The slide rail 24 may include a base 24a and first 24b and second 24c sidewalls which extend along the length of the slide rail 24 on the lateral edges of the base 24a to provide an elongate channel within which the shuttles 14a, 20a may be located and slide. The base 24a may comprise a wall which having an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface may define the channel; the external surface may be mounted to the panel when in use.

As described above, the slide rail 24 may include one or more stops 40, 42 for limiting the throw (i.e. the travel) of the slide ends 14, 20 in a first direction. The first direction is that which the slide end(s) travel relative to the panel 30 when the panel 30 is being opened. Thus, the respective stops 40, 42 are located at the hinge end and define the slide portions 36, 38 of the first and second stays 12, 18.

The first stay stop 40 may be located between the first stay slide end 14 and the second stay slide end 20. The first stay stop 42 located between the second stay slide end 20 and the hinge end of the slide rail. As the stops 40, 42 dictate the travel of the stay 12, 18 and opening angle of the panel 30, the location of the stops are predetermined to provide a restricted amount of travel such that the opening of the leaf 30 may be limited. In some examples, it may be advantageous to provide a restrictor 10 which can be adjusted to provide different amounts of opening. Thus, the first stop and second stop may located in a plurality of discrete locations along the length of the slide rail. To enable the stops to be moved the slide rail 24 the one or more stops 40, 42 and/or channel may comprise one or more locks 40a which engage with the slide rail to prevent longitudinal movement. The locks 40a may be in the form of a retractable pin or bolt or some other form of retractable projection.

In the example shown in Figure 3a, the stop 40, 42 may be located on the slide rail by engaging with one of a plurality of location features in the form of location holes 44 provided in the slide rail base 24. The stops 40, 42 may take the form of a block which is received within the channel and located in place (axially in relation to the longitudinal axis of the slide rail 24). The stops 40, 42 may be snugly received within the slot of the slide rail 24 to prevent lateral movement or twisting of the stops 40, 42 relative to the channel. Further, the channel walls may be profiled to prevent the withdrawal of the stop 40, 42 from the channel slot opening. Thus, the channel may include one or more lips or flanges which are received on top of or within corresponding grooves in the stops 40, 42 (not shown). Hence, the stops 40, 42 may be received and withdrawn only via the ends of the channels before being slid down the length of the channel to the stop location where they are restrained from further travel by a suitable attachment or fixture, such as the aforedescribed locking pins 40a.

In Figure 3a the first stay stop 40 is provided by an elongate block having a longitudinal axis in line with the longitudinal axis of the slide rail 24. The stop 40 includes at least one pin 40a which can be moved from a retracted position in which the stop 40 is free to slide along the slide rail 24, to an engaged position in which the pin 40a is located within a socket to prevent sliding movement. The socket may be provided by an aperture in the base wall of the slide rail 24 and may comprise the location holes described above. The pin 40a may be friction fitted within the stop 40 and/or the slide rail location hole 44 so as to be retained in the engaged position to prevent accidental withdrawal.

There may be a plurality of location holes 44 provided in the base wall 24a of the slide rail channel. Thus, as shown in Figure 3a, there is a distribution of location holes 44 arranged within the first 36 and second 38 stay slide portions. The position of each of the location holes 44 can be predetermined to provide a required restriction position for the stop 40. The number of location holes may be between 1 and 10, for example.

The slide rail may include a further stop at the distal end of the first stay slide portion to close the channel.

Either or both of the first stay stop 40 and the second stay stop 42 may include a plurality of locks. Thus, as shown in Figure 3a, there is shown a first aperture 40a for receiving first locking pin and a second aperture 40b for receiving a second locking pin. The plurality of locks may be used to provide a more resilient stop and/or to provide different options for positioning the stop within the channel using a common location hole 44.

Where a plurality of locks are provided to increase the strength of the stop 40, 42, it will be appreciated that the corresponding location features, e.g. the location holes, may be provided in pairs.

As shown in Figure 3c, the location features, (e.g. location holes 44) may be sub-divided into groups. The first group 44' may correspond to the stop positions for the first and second stays 12, 18 in a restrictor 10 comprising a plurality of stays 12, 18. The second group 44" may provide a plurality of stop positions for a single stay (as shown in Figure 7 and 8). Thus, the first group 44' of location features may comprise location features for the first stay stop 40 and second stay stop 42. The first group may include a plurality of first stay location features 45 and a plurality of second stay location features 47. The first group of location features may be the most distal of the location features in a slide rail 24. For the avoidance of doubt, the hinge end of the slide rail 24 is to the right hand side of the page in Figure 3c, with the first group of location features 44' on the right being for the second stay 18, and the first group 44' on the left being for the first stay 12.

Separating the location features within a group, e.g. holes 45 and 47, provides options for adjusting the extent to which the panel 30 may be opened in use. Thus, if the first stay stop 40 and second stay stop 42 are located by their respective first location features 45 of the first group 44' then the leaf will open by a first angle a, wherein in a may be any desired angle. The angle a may be any between 90 degrees and 115 degrees for example. If the first stay stop 40 and second stay stop 42 are located by the second location features 47 in the first group, the panel 30 may be restricted to open to a second angle p, wherein p is greater than a. The angle p may be any between 95 degrees and 120 degrees for example.

In one example, the first group of stop location features in which a plurality of stays are used may be provided for opening angles of between 90 degrees and 120 degrees. The angles may be any of, for example, 90, 95, 100, 110, 115 and 120.

In the example of Figures 3a and 3c, the first group of location features 44' is provided by location holes 45, 47 within the first slide end portion 36 and second slide end portion 38. The location holes 45, 47 of the first group are obstructed from view in Figure 3a but are located in line with the stop apertures 40a and the corresponding apertures shown in stop 42. Thus, there are first 45 and second 47 location features of the first group under stop 40, and first 45 and second 47 location features of the first group under and to the rear of stop 42. The location holes 45, 47 may be provided in pairs with each hole in the pair providing a stop position for a first and second opening angle as described immediately above. Thus, setting each stop 40, 42 at the position using the hole proximate to the hinge provides a first restriction position, and setting each stop at the position using the respective distal hole in each will provide a second restriction position.

Figures 3a and 4a demonstrate the stops 40, 42 being provided in the first locating 45 hole(s) and second locating hole(s) 47 of the first group of location features 44' respectfully. Thus, in Figure 3a the stops 40, 42 are located by a location holes which provides an opening of first angle a, and in Figure 4a, the stops 40, 42 are located by locations holes which provides an opening angle p. Figures 3b and 4b shows the panels in the fully opened (restricted) positions in which the first and second stays abut their respective stops. In these examples, the angle a is 90 degrees and the angle p 100.

The first stay locations features of the first group shown in Figures 3a and 4a comprise two pairs of holes 45, 47 (left hand side), with each pair defining a separate stop position. The second stay location features of the first group include two location holes 45, 47 (right hand side), each of which provide a separate stop position. It will be appreciated that the distance between the different stop positions will be determined by the relative movement required of each slider end 14, 20 and the terminal end of the slider portions 36, 38 for a required angle a, 13.

The second group of location features 44" may be distributed along the length of the slide rail 24 and may be located between first stay location holes and the second stay location holes 44'. As mentioned above, the second group of location features are for use when the second stay 18 has been removed (or not installed) and the restrictor is operating on a single stay. It will be appreciated that the first and second stay location holes may appear as a single line of holes without a clear differentiator as to which belongs to which group. However, the first group of first stay holes may be limited to the number of location holes provided for the second stay, which in the case of Figure 3a, is two, or two pairs. Thus, the number of holes (or pairs of holes where a double lock stop is used) may correspond to the number of holes in the second stay holes.

The second stay holes 45, 47 may be differentiated from the second group holes 44" by a clear separation of slide rail 24 with no location features for a stop. That is, the first group of location features will comprise a discrete group of location features at the proximal end of the slide rail 24. The separation of the second stay location features and the second group of location features may be greater than the separation of the location features in the second stay location features. Thus, as can be seen in Figure 3c, the location features 44' for the second stay, may be separated by a first distance. The first distance may be less than the separation between the first location features and the second group of location features. There may be a maximum of two location features in the second stay location features. Alternatively, there may be a maximum of three in some examples, or four in other examples.

The second group of location features 44" may be defined relative to the second slide portion 38 of slide rail 24. That is, any location features 44" which are located within the travel path of the second stay slide end may be considered to be part of the second group 44'. There may be a plurality of second group location features distributed along the length of the slide rail 24. The number of location features will be dependent on the number of discrete opening positions are required for the restrictor. In the example shown in Figure 3c, there are seven positions which allow for seven discrete opening angles. The opening angles may range from 90 degrees to 150 degrees, for example, Each location feature may represent a difference of 10 degrees from the adjacent location feature, for example. There may be more or fewer positions in other examples.

It will be appreciated that there may be an overlap of the first group of location features and the second group of location features for the first stay in some examples.

In addition to providing different stop location features, it may be possible to adjust the opening angle by providing different lengths of stays. Thus, a first set of stays haying first respective lengths may be used to provide a first opening angle, and a second set of stays having second respective lengths may be provide a second opening angle. Figure 5 and Table 1 below show some typical dimensions of restrictors according to this disclosure.

A(mm) B(mm) C(mm) D(mm) y(deg) 6(deg) E(deg) ( (deg) 1 113 85 302 100 90 70 9 61 2 114 85 317 98 85 68 10 58 3 119 85 335 103 80 67 12 55 4 127 85 371 107 70 64 15 49 132 85 388 112 65 62 16 46 6 135 85 405 116 60 60 17 43

Table 1

In Figure 1 and Table 1, A represents the separation between the pivot connections centres; B represents the distance between the second stay pivot connection and the abutment edge of the pivot plate 26; C represents the length of the first stay between the slider end centre and the pivot centre; D represents the length of the second stay between the slider end centre and the pivot centre; y represents the external opening angle of the panel; 6 represents the angle between the second stay and the pivot plate/frame when fully opened; E represents the angle between the first stay and the second stay when fully opened; and ( represents the angle between the first stay and the pivot plate/frame when fully opened.

It will be appreciated from the above that various other measurements may be possible to obtain using the geometrical relationships provided. Additionally, ratios of the different angles and lengths may be calculated in order that the restrictor may be differently defined and/or scaled. The dimensions given above are approximate.

The specific lengths and angles may be determined by standard geometric considerations, as are known to the skilled addressee.

The restrictor 10 may be provided with a single stay or a plurality of stays. Figures 6 and 7 show two examples of a double stay restrictor in which only one stay 12 has been installed. The single stay 12 is used with a stop 40 which is provided by the second group of location features 44". The smaller image in Figures 6 and 7 correspond to the panel being fully opened in the restricted position, the larger image shows a partially open configuration. Figure 6 shows an opening of 110 degrees, Figure 7 shows an opening of 150 degrees. Thus, the opening of the panel may be increased when only a single restrictor is used.

It is to be noted that the slide rail 24 of the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7 include location features 44' and 44" for a double stay restrictor and a single stay restrictor. This is particularly advantageous as it allows a manufacturer to provide a single slide rail for multiple products. Thus, a restrictor may be supplied with the option of having a plurality of stays which are then later selected depending on the installation and restraint required in question, or may be supplied on the basis of a pre-selection of having a single stay or a double stay.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A restrictor for a hinged panel, comprising: a first stay having a first stay slider end and a first stay pivot end; a second stay having a second stay slider end and a second stay pivot end, wherein the second stay is shorter in length than the first stay; a slide rail which receives the first stay slider end and the second stay slider end; and, a pivot plate to which the first pivot end and second pivot end are separately pivotably attached, wherein the first and second stays, slide rail and pivot plate are attached such that the slide rail and pivot plate pivot relative to one another about a fulcrum when in use, and the second stay is located proximal to the fulcrum.
2 A restrictor as claimed in claim 1, the slide rail comprises an elongate channel in which at least a portion of the first and second stay slider ends can be slidably received.
3. A restrictor as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein either or both of the first and second slider ends include a shuttle pivotably attached thereto.
4. A restrictor as claimed in claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the shuttle is located within the elongate channel.
A restrictor as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the elongate channel includes at least one stop for limiting the sliding travel of either or both of the first and second slider ends in the elongate channel.
6 A restrictor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one stop is movable between a plurality of locations such that the sliding travel of either or both of the first and second slider ends can be adjusted.
7 A restrictor as claimed in claims 5 or 6, wherein the at least one stop comprises at least one upstand which extends from a wall of the slide rail into the elongate channel to obscure a slide path of the first or second slider end.
8. A restrictor as claimed in claims 5 to 7, further comprising a first stop for the first slider end and a second stop for the second slider end.
9 A restrictor as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second stops are arranged to restrict the travel of both the first and second stays when the slide rail and pivot plate are separated by a predetermined angle.
10. A restrictor as claimed in claim 9, wherein the angle is between 90 degrees and 120 degrees.
11. A restrictor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein second stay is shorter than the separation of the first and second pivot connections on the pivot plate.
12. A restrictor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first stay and second stay lie in a common plane.
13. A restrictor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pivot plate and slide rail are in parallel planes separated by a gap in which the first and second stays are located.
14. A restrictor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein pivot plate includes a fixture for a second stay bearing, wherein the second stay bearing is not attached.
15. A restrictor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the slide rail comprises a plurality of slide rail portions in which a first slide rail portion corresponds to the first stay and a second slide rail portion corresponds to the second stay.
16. A restrictor as claimed in any of claims 5 to 15, further comprising a first group of location features in which a first stay stop and a second stay stop is locatable, and a second group of location features in which a first stay stop is locatable when the second stay is not in use.
17.A restrictor as claimed in claim 16 when dependent on claim 15, wherein the second group of location features are provided in the second stay slide portion.
18. A restrictor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second stays are elongate plates.
19. A restrictor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fulcrum is defined by a hinge of the hinged panel.
20. A hinged panel comprising the restrictor of any preceding claim.
21.A hinged panel as claimed in claim 18, wherein the hinged panel is installed in and hingedly attached to a frame.
22. A hinged panel as claimed in claim 19, wherein the slide rail is affixed to the hinged panel and the pivot rail is affixed to the frame.
23. A hinged panel as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the hinged panel is a door leaf.
24.A hinged panel as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the frame comprises a horizontal member and a vertical member to which the hinges are mounted to at least one thereof, wherein either the pivot plate or slide rail are mounted to whichever of the horizontal or vertical member does not carry the hinge and abuts the other of the horizontal or vertical member of the frame which does carry the hinge to provide a positional location.
25. A kit of parts for a hinged panel restrictor, comprising: a first stay having a first slider end and a first pivot end; a second stay having a second slider end and a second pivot end, wherein the second stay is shorter in length than the first stay; a slide rail which receives the first slider end and the second slider end; and, a pivot rail to which the first pivot end and second pivot end are pivotably attached, wherein the first and second stays, slide rail and pivot rail are attachable to each other such that the slide rail and pivot rail pivot relative to one another about a fulcrum when in use.