IE83935B1 - Espagnolette lock arrangement with improved security - Google Patents

Description

Esnagnolette Lock Arrangement with Improved Security This invention relates to a lock arrangement for use in securing a moveable window vent or a door against movement. The invention is particularly suitable for use with uPVC framed windows and doors, but may also be used with other types of frame In one common type of locking arrangement, a rod or bar is slidably mounted along an edge of a window vent or door, the rod or bar being slidable, axially, upon the operation of a handle. The rod or bar carries a plurality of outwardly extending studs. The frame surrounding the moveable window vent or door carries a plurality of catch plages, each plate being provided with a slot, the slot extending in a ‘ direction parallel to the direction of movement of the rod or bar. The catch members are so positioned that, with the rod or bar occupying a position at one end of its range of sliding movement, the window vent or door can be opened or closed, sliding movement of the rod or bar away from this position when the window vent or door occupies its closed position causing the studs to enter respective ones of the slots. Such movement of the studs into the slots results in the door or window lock being secured in its closed condition. Lock arrangements of this type are commonly known as espagnolette lock arrangements.

One problem with espagnolette lock arrangements of the type described hereinbefore is that, if an appropriately directed load is applied to the door or window vent, the studs can be moved along and out of their respective slots without moving the rod or bar relative to the door or window vent. It will be appreciated that, as a result, unauthorised access to a building may be achieved.

It is an object of the invention to provide a lock arrangement of improved security.

According to the present invention there is provided a lock arrangement for use with a door or window vent moveable relative to a fixed frame, the lock arrangement comprising a slidable component carrying a stud, the stud being receivable within a first slot provided in a catch plate, the first slot extending in a ‘ direction parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the slidable component, and retainer means for restricting relative movement between the door or window vent and the fixed frame in the direction of sliding movement of the slidable component, the retainer means comprising inter—engageable components carried by the door or window vent and the fixed frame, one of the said inter-engageable components being mounted, in use, upon the door or window vent or fixed frame adjacent the slidable component and including a lip arranged to overlie part of the slidable component.

By providing retainer means to inhibit relative movement between the door or window vent and the fixed frame in this direction, it will be appreciated that the risk of someone gaining unauthorised access to a building is reduced.

The retainer mans conveniently comprises a projection carried by one of the door or window vent and the frame, the projection being receivable within a second slot formed in a housing, the second slot extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sliding movement of the slidable component.

The housing conveniently forms part of the catch plate.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective View of part of the lock arrangement of one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective View of another part of the lock arrangement.

Figure 1 illustrates part of the fixed part of a window frame. As shown in Figure 1, this comprises an extruded plastics member 10 adapted to be secured using any suitable technique to a wall of a building.

Figure 2 illustrates part of a member 12 forming part of the frame of a movable window vent. The member 12 is shaped to define a lip 14 having a recess 16 formed therein which, in use, would carry a seal member. Similarly, the member 10 is shaped to define a lip 18 within which a recess 20 is formed, the recess 20 receiving, in use, a seal member. The members 10, 12 are orientated, in use, such that when the window vent occupies its closed condition, the seal member associated with the member 10 is engageable with a surface 22 of the frame member l2 and the seal member associated with the member 12 is engageable with a surface 24 of the member 10. The engagement of the seal members with the respective surfaces 22, 24 is such as to form a substantially leak-tight and draughtproof seal between the members 10, 12.

The member 12 is further shaped to define a recess 26 within which a bar 28 is slidably mounted. The bar 28 is slidable in the direction denoted by arrow A in Figure 2 under the operation of a suitable actuator arrangement, for example in the form of a lockable handle. The bar 28 is covered by a face plate 29.

The bar 28 carries a plurality of stud members 30, only one of which is shown in Figure 2, each stud member 30 extending through a respective slot 31 formed in the face plate 29. Each stud member 30 includes an enlarged diameter head 32 at the end thereof remote from the bar 28. It will be appreciated that by operating the lockable handle or other actuator to cause the bar 28 to slide relative to the member 12, the position occupied by each stud 30 relative to the member 12 will change.

The member 12 further carries a first retainer member 34, the member 34 being secured to the member 12 in use by screws or other fixing devices. As shown in Figure , the retainer member 34 comprises a base plate region having a lip 36 overlying part of the bar 28 thus assisting in retaining the bar 28 within the recess 26. In addition, the first retainer member 34 includes an upstanding projection 38 having an outwardly extending flange 40, the upper and lower surfaces of which are angled to form ramps.

As shown in Figure l, a catch plate 42 is mounted upon the member 10, the catch plate 42 being secured in position, in use, using screws or any other suitable fastener devices. The catch plate 42 is shaped to define a first slot 44 which extends in a direction parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the bar 28, in use. The first slot 44 is open at one end thereof to permit the stud 30 to slide into the slot 44, in use.

An inwardly extending flange 46 is provided around the edge of the slot to retain the enlarged diameter head 32 of the stud 30 within the slot 44. The catch plate 42 further defines a second retainer member region in which is formed a second slot 48 which extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sliding movement of the bar 28, the second slot 48 being dimensioned to receive the flange 40 of the projection 38. An inwardly extending flange 50 is provided around the periphery of the slot 48, the inner surface of the flange 50 being angled to define a ramped surface.

In use, as the movable vent of the window is moved towards is closed position, the flange 40 of the projection 38 locates within the second slot 48. It will be appreciated that such location of the flange 40 within the second slot 48 ensures that the movable vent is restrained against movement in the direction A relative to the fixed part of the frame. Once the movable vent has reached its fully closed position, the handle is moved, causing the bar 28 to move the stud 30 into the first slot 44. Once the stud 30 is located within the first slot 44, it will be appreciated that movement of the movable vent to open the window is not permitted. Clearly, with the lock arrangement in this condition, as the window is held closed by the presence of the stud 30 within the first slot 44 and is held against movement in the direction A by the co-operation between the flange 40 and second slot 48 the risk of someone gaining unauthorised access is reduced. Additionally, both the first and second slots 44,48 are provided with inwardly extending flanges 46, 50 which co-operate with the enlarged head 32 and the flange 40 to prevent removal of the stud 30 and the projection 38 from the respective ones of the slats 44, 48, further enhancing the security of the lock arrangement. The provision of the ramped surfaces further ensures that the moveable vent is precisely located relative to the frame.

In addition to the features described hereinbefore, an additional slot 52 is provided adjacent the first slot 44 enabling the movable vent to be locked in a slightly open, night vent position. Another feature is that the catch plate is provided with a recess 54 located to assist in location of the catch plate upon the frame member 10. The recess 54 is positioned such that, during assembly, the position of the catch plate upon the frame member 10 can be adjusted until the stud 30 is received within the recess 54, with the bar 28 held in the position occupied when the handle is in its locked condition (as shown). Once this position has been reached, the catch plate is secured in position.

Although described with reference to a moveable window Vent, the invention is also applicable to doors.

Claims (6)

1 . A lock arrangement for use with a door or window vent moveable relative to a fixed frame, the lock arrangement comprising a slidable component carrying a stud, the stud being receivable within a first slot provided in a catch plate, the first slot extending in a direction parallel to the direction of sliding movement of the slidable component, and retainer means for restricting relative movement between the door or window vent and the fixed frame in the direction of sliding movement of the slidable component, the retainer means comprising inter-engageable components carried by the door or window vent and the fixed frame, one of the said inter-engageable components being mounted, in use, upon the door or window vent A. or fixed frame adjacent the slidable component and including a lip arranged to overlie part of the slidable component.

2. A lock arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the retainer means comprises a projection carried by one of the door or window vent and the frame, the projection being receivable within a second slot fonned in a housing, the second slot extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sliding movement of the slidable component

3. A lock arrangement as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the housing forms part of the catch plate.

4. A lock arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the catch plate is provided with a further slot parallel to the first slot.

5. A lock arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a recess formed in the catch plate the recess being co-operable with the stud to assist in the location of the catch plate during assembly.

6. A lock arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DERMOT P. CUMMINS & CO., Applicant’s Agents, 47 Merrion Square,