IE87095B1

IE87095B1 - Shoot bolt guide device

Info

Publication number: IE87095B1
Application number: IE20170210A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Johnson Dave
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-06
Filing date: 2017-10-05
Publication date: 2020-05-13
Also published as: GB2554725A; GB201616998D0; GB2554725B; IE20170210A1

Abstract

A shoot bolt guide device suitable for use within a locking assembly in a door or window to guide the movement of a shoot bolt. The shoot bolt guide device has a body with a channel therein for receiving a shoot bolt, and a bearing surface for bearing against and guiding the position of the shoot bolt. The shoot bolt guide device can be used when installed to move the position of the shoot bolt to ensure good alignment and secure seating within a keep. <Figure 5>

Description

Shoot Bolt Guide Device Technical Field The invention relates to guide mechanisms for bolts and locks. More specifically, the invention relates to cleats for guiding shoot bolts in door or window leafs.

Background Modern door and window locking mechanisms comprise multiple bolts which retain the door or window leaf against the frame. In some mechanisms, shoot bolts are provided at the top and bottom of the leaf to provide additional security. The shoot bolts move from a retracted position, usually fully within the door or window leaf, to a projecting position where they are received in a keep in the sill, head or jamb.

Summary of Invention The inventors have appreciated that in order for the shoot bolts to engage fully with the keeps, it is necessary for the alignment and projection of the shoot bolt, relative to the 20 keep, to be accurate. This makes installing locking mechanisms somewhat complex, and satisfactory alignment and projection must be achieved in order for the mechanism to function at the desired level. Furthermore, as the window and doors age they are prone to minor warping and distortion. Since the shoot bolts are usually located away from other locking mechanisms in the door or window leaf, small variations in the door 25 or window leaf have a much greater effect on the alignment and projection of the shoot bolts than for other locking mechanisms.

The present invention hereby seeks to resolve or ameliorate the above problems, or provide an alternative thereto.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a shoot bolt guide device according to claim 1.

The shoot bolt guide device of the invention is advantageous, since it performs two 35 functions. Firstly, the bearing surface guides the movement of the shoot bolt during operation to ensure that the shoot bolt moves predictably and reliably to the same location each time the shoot bolt is actuated. Secondly, by moving the bearing surface, the extended position of the shoot bolt is movable relative to the channel, thus permitting users to adjust the alignment of the shoot bolt quickly and easily.

The shot bolt guide device may guide a shoot bolt moving between a retracted and an extended position. The channel may define an axis. The axis of the channel may be coaxial and/or parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shoot bolt.

The body may comprise at least part of a door or window leaf. For example, a door or window leaf may comprise a channel in which a shoot bolt may be housed in use, the door leaf forming the body. Alternatively, the body may comprise a housing attachable to a door or window leaf. For example, the housing may comprise a block with a channel extending therethrough, the block being connectable to a door or window leaf, or receivable within a recess in a door or window leaf. The housing may comprise one or more housing portions which may be connectable. The housing may be L-shaped.

The shoot bolt guide device may be configured so that moving the bearing surface moves the extended position of the shoot bolt axially, relative to the channel of the body. Thus, in use, the projection of the shoot bolt relative to the channel of the body may be adjustable.

The shoot bolt guide device may be configured so that moving the bearing surface moves the extended position of the shoot bolt laterally, relative to the channel of the body. In one series of embodiments, the extended position of the shoot bolt is movable laterally, relative to the axis of the channel of the body. Thus, the alignment of the shoot bolt relative to the channel of the body may be adjustable.

The bearing surface may be movable in, and bear upon the shoot bolt in, at least two axes. The two axes may be transverse to the axis of the channel.

The movement of the bearing surface may comprise rotating the bearing surface.

The bearing surface may be configured to prevent relative rotation of the bearing surface and the shoot bolt. The shoot bolt guide device may be configured so that rotation of the bearing surface rotates the shoot bolt. The rotation of the shoot bolt may be axial e.g. the shoot bolt may rotate about an axis which is coaxial and/or parallel to the axis of the channel.

The bearing surface may be movable when the shoot bolt guide device is installed in a door or window assembly. For example, at least a portion of the bearing surface may project beyond a surface of a door or window leaf or frame, so as to be manually operable. Thus, the bearing surface may be movable and the extended position of the shoot bolt adjusted, even after the shoot bolt guide device has been installed in a door or window assembly.

The shoot bolt guide device further comprises a latching mechanism for selectively restricting movement of the bearing surface.

In one series of embodiments, the latching mechanism comprises a slider movable from a disengaged position, wherein movement of the bearing surface is permitted, to an engaged position, wherein movement of the bearing surface is restricted.

The latching mechanism is operable when the shoot bolt guide device is installed in a door or window leaf. Operating the latching mechanism may comprise moving the slider between engaged and disengaged positions. The latching mechanism may further comprise a biasing means configured to bias the slider into the engaged position. The biasing means may comprise a spring.

The latching mechanism may comprise at least one recess configured to receive a tool for operating the latching mechanism. The recess may be located on the slider. For example, the tool may comprise a rod, screwdriver or other elongate tool. The latching mechanism may project or partially project from a face or edge of a door or window leaf. Thus, operation of the latching mechanism does not require the disassembly or removal of the shoot bolt guide device in order to make adjustments to the shoot boit guide device after installation in a door or window assembly.

In one series of embodiments, the body comprises a deflector comprising an aperture therethrough configured to receive at least part of the shoot bolt, and wherein the inner surface of the aperture comprises the bearing surface. The deflector may be rotatable relative to the body. The deflector may be received, or partially received, within the channel.

The aperture in the deflector may be positioned eccentrically, relative to the channel. For example, the aperture in the deflector may be positioned eccentrically relative to a central axis of the channel.

The shoot bolt guide device may further comprise a plug receivable within the aperture of the deflector, the plug comprising a further aperture for receiving at least part of the shoot bolt, and wherein the inner surface of the further aperture comprises the bearing surface. The plug may be removable. The shoot bolt guide device may comprise a plurality of interchangeable plugs. The plugs may be configured so as to adapt the shoot bolt guide device for use with different shoot bolts. For example, the plurality of piugs may comprise different sized and/or shaped apertures. In some embodiments, the apertures may have varying levels of eccentricity i.e. the offset distance between the centre of the aperture and the centre of rotation of the deflector and/or central axis of the channel may be different.

In some embodiments, the deflector may be accessible and movable when the shoot bolt guide device is installed in a door or window assembly. Thus the deflector can be moved and adjustments made to the extended position of a shoot bolt after installation. The deflector may be movable manually.

In one series of embodiments, the slider may comprise a tooth which engages the deflector when in the engaged position, and restricts movement thereof. The deflector may be rotatable relative to the body, and the slider may be configured to restrict rotation of the deflector. The deflector may comprise a plurality of grooves or slots for receiving the tooth of the slider. In one series of embodiments, the deflector is rotatable and the grooves or slots are provided around the exterior circumferential surface of the deflector for cooperating with the tooth of the slider.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a locking mechanism comprising: a shoot bolt, movable from a retracted position to an extended position; a gearbox configured to move the shoot bolt from the retracted to the extended position; and a shoot bolt guide device as previously described herein.

The locking mechanism may further comprise a keep for receiving the shoot bolt when in the extended position.

The shoot bolt may be an adjustable length shoot bolt.

The shoot bolt may comprise a first drive surface co-operable with a second drive surface, and configured so that rotation of the first drive surface relative to the second drive surface, moves the extended position of the shoot bolt axially, relative to the channel of the body.

The first and second drive surface may comprise any cooperating surfaces or components configurable to engage each other and cause relative axial movement of the drive surfaces when they are rotated relative to each other. For example, the first and/or second drive surface may comprise a screw thread. Alternatively, the first and second drive surfaces may comprise a sloping or helical path and a follower configured to travel along the sloping or helical path.

The gearbox may comprise the second drive surface. The shoot bolt may be rotatable relative to the gearbox. The locking mechanism may be configured so that rotation of the shoot bolt relative to the gearbox moves the extended position of the shoot bolt axially, relative to the channel of the body.

In one series of embodiments, the shoot bolt comprises first and second portions, wherein the first portion comprises the first drive surface and the second portion comprises the second drive surface.

The shoot bolt may comprise an engaging member for engaging with a keep; and a drive connector for connecting the engaging member and the gearbox. An end portion of the drive connector may be receivable within the engaging member and retainable by a mechanical fastener. Alternatively, the engaging member may comprise the first portion and the drive connector may comprise the second portion, or vice versa.

The bearing surface of the shoot bolt guide device may be movable when the locking mechanism is installed in a door or window leaf, For example, the locking mechanism may be configured so that the alignment or the projection of the shoot bolt, relative to the channel of the body of the guide device, may be adjustable when the locking mechanism is installed in a door or window assembly.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a door or window assembly comprising a door or window leaf receivable within a door or window frame, the door or window leaf comprising a shoot bolt guide device or a locking mechanism as previously described herein.

The door or window assembly may further comprise a door or window frame comprising a keep for receiving the shoot bolt therein and restricting relative movement of the door or window leaf and the door or window frame.

The door or window assembly may be configured so that the bearing surface is movable when installed in the door or window leaf or frame. For example, a portion of the bearing surface may project beyond an edge or face of a door or window leaf in which it is housed. In embodiments comprising a deflector, at least a portion of the deflector may project beyond an edge or face of a door or window leaf in which it is housed.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following Figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a guide device; Figure 2 is a side view of a guide device; Figure 3 is an end-on view of a guide device; Figure 4 is a cross-section through the line A-A of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a guide device; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a guide device; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism; Figure 8 is an end-on view of a locking mechanism; and Figure 9 is a cross-section through the line B-B of Figure 8.

Specific Description As described herein, all reference to directions such as upper, lower, side, front, rear etc. are for exemplary purposes and ease of comprehension only and are not to limit the application or invention in any way.

Figures 1 to 3 show a shoot bolt guide device 1 for use within a locking assembly (not shown). The shoot bolt guide device 1 has a body comprising an L-shaped housing 3 to permit easy installation into a corner region of a door or window leaf (not shown).

The housing 3 has a width W of approximately 10-30mm (e.g 16mm, 20mm, or 24mm), in order to fit within a conventional recess or channel in a door or window leaf used for housing an espagnolette-type multi-point locking assembly, without requiring additional routing or milling of the end face of the door or window leaf.

The housing 3 is formed from first and second housing portions 10, 12, which extend perpendicularly to each other. The abutting portions of the first and second housing portions 10, 12 are provided with a set of interlocking portions (not shown) in order to provide a secure connection.

The first housing portion 10 is sized to be received within a recess or channel in a leading or side face of a door or window leaf. The first housing portion 10 is approximately cuboidal, having a flat upper surface 101 and two side surfaces 103, 105. The front and rear surfaces 107, 109 are open rather than solid, as shown in Figure 1, The front surfaces 107 comprises a ridge 106 which projects beyond the edges of the side surfaces 103, 105, and extends flush with a lower region 143 of the channel 14 (see Figure 5). The rear surface 109 does not project beyond the edges of the side surface 103, 105 so that when installed in a door or window leaf, the rear surface 109 of the first housing portion 10 is able to sit flush against the face of the door or window leaf to which it is instalied. The first housing portion 10 is provided with mounting holes 102 which extend through the first housing portion 10 from the front surface 107 to the rear surface 109. The mounting holes 102 are able to receive mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws (not shown) therethrough to permit simple and secure installation into the door or window leaf to which it is to be fitted.

The lower surface (not shown) of the first housing portion 10 abuts the second housing portion 12. A channel 14 extends through both the first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 12, so as to form a single continuous channel through the shoot bolt guide device.

The second housing portion 12 is also broadly cuboidal, comprising an upper surface 121, two side surfaces 123, 125, a front surface 127 and a rear surface 129. The lower surface 124 of the second housing portion 12 is provided opposite the upper surface 121, and is provided with a first cut out 126. Two further mounting holes 122 extend from the upper surface 121 through the second housing portion 12 to the first cut out 126 in the lower surface 124. The first cut out 126 permits additional room for the head of any mechanical fasteners inserted through the mounting holes 122 of the second housing portion 12. The upper surface 121 of the second housing portion 12 is provided with a second cut-out potion 128 which abuts the lower surface of the first housing portion.

During installation, the L-shaped housing 3 makes locating the shoot bolt guide device 1 in the comer of a door or window leaf straightforward. Typical door or window leafs will have a continuous groove running along the leading face, and often the side faces, which further simplifies locating the shoot bolt guide device 1. The first housing portion 10 is typically located in the leading face of a door or window leaf, since this is the face which will be fitted with a locking mechanism. As described herein, the leading face is intended to mean the face located opposite to the hinged face of the door or window leaf.

The second housing portion is also provided with a deflector 16 and a latching mechanism 18 which will be described further with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

Figure 4 is a cross-section through the shoot bolt guide device 1 in the plane A-A of Figure 3. The channel 14 extends through both the first housing portion and the second housing portion 12. The lower end of the channel 14 is provided with a sleeve 141 which extends between the first and second housing portions 10, 12. The inner surface of the sleeve 141 is parallel with the inner surface of the channel 14 adjacent to the sleeve so as to provide a single continuous surface within the channel 14. Since the sleeve 141 extends into the second housing portion 12, the sleeve 141 aids the connection between first and second housing portions 10, 12 and provides a smooth surface against which a shoot bolt (not shown) may slide.

The deflector 16 is received and retained within the second housing portion 12, and projects beyond the lower surface 124. The deflector 16 partially blocks the lowermost end of the channel 14, and is provided with an aperture 161 which extends through the deflector 16 so as to receive a shoot bolt in use. The deflector 16 comprises a bearing surface 18, which is the inner surface of the aperture 161. Thus, the bearing surface 18 is able to surround a shoot bolt and thus act upon it in two axes (i.e. the plane) perpendicular to the axis of the channel 14.

The deflector 16 has a circular cross section (in a plane transverse to the axis of the channel 14) so as to permit rotation of the deflector 16 relative to the housing 3. The aperture 161 has a cross-section with a rounded square shape in order to receive a shoot bolt (not shown) of equivalent size and shape. The exterior surface of the deflector 16 lies flush with the lower region 143 of the channel 14, extending slightly beyond the otherwise planar front surfaces 107, 127 of the first and second housing portions 10, 12. This projection permits easier access to the edge of the deflector 16 when installed in a door or window leaf.

The deflector 16 is provided with a series of slots 163 in the outer circumferential surface. The slots 163 are provided at 90° to one another and thus mark quarter rotations of the deflector 16.

The second housing portion 12 is also provided with a latching mechanism 20. The latching mechanism comprises a slider 201 which is movable in the axis “X”. The slider 201 has a tooth 203 located between curved arms 205, which are curved to match the exterior surface of the deflector 16. The tooth 203 is sized and shaped to be received within one of the slots 163 in the deflector 16. The slider 201 is movable between an engaged position as shown in Figures 4 and 5, wherein the tooth 203 is received within one of the slots 163 of the deflector 16, and a disengaged position (not shown) wherein the slider 201 is separated from the deflector 16 in the axis X. A biasing means, the spring 207, is provided to apply a biasing force onto the slider 201 in the direction of the deflector 16. Thus, the default location of the slider 201 is in the engaged position.

The sides of the slider 201 are provided with a pair of recesses 209 arranged on each side. Each recess 209 is approximately square and extends the depth of the slider 201. The recesses 209 are designed to receive a tool head, for example a screwdriver tip, so that the slider 201 can be moved without requiring the space for a user to access the latching mechanism 20 by hand. In use, the shoot bolt guide device 1 will be fitted into the edge of a door or window leaf, and thus there is only a small clearance between the edge of the door or window leaf and the frame. With the recesses 209, a larger clearance is not necessary. In order to move the slider 201 into the disengaged position, a user can insert a tool into a recess 209 and push the slider 201 away from the deflector 16 against the biasing force of the spring 207. When the force is removed, the spring 209 will return the slider 201 into the engaged position.

Turning to Figure 6, the assembly of the shoot bolt guide device will be described. For ease of description, the shoot bolt guide device has been inverted to clearly show the features on the lower surface. However, the shoot bolt guide device may be used in any orientation, for example for shoot bolts on the upper edge, or side edges of a door or window leaf, and such references to directions are not limiting.

The lower surface 104 of the first housing portion 10 is provided with a pair of locating slots 111, each of which receives a locating arm 112 on the upper surface 121 of the second housing portion. The locating arms 112 and locating slots 111 lock together through friction or adhesive to provide a simple but strong connection. The side faces 103, 105 of the first housing portion has mitred edges 113A which extend into mitred projections 113B which extend beyond the lower surface 104 of the first housing portion 10. The side surfaces 123 and 125 have cooperating mitred slots 114A which abut the mitred edges 113A. The mitred slots 114A and mitred edges 113A ensure that the first and second housing portions 10, 12 are aligned at the correct angle to each other (i.e. 90°) when the first and second housing portions 10, 12 are connected.

The slider 201 is provided with a slider foot 202 which has a T-shaped cross-section in the plane perpendicular to axis X. The lower surface 124 of the second housing portion 12 is provided with a corresponding T-shaped foot channel 204 which is configured to receive the foot 202 and permit sliding in the axis X.

A fixing block 206 is inserted through a corresponding hole 206 in the second housing portion 12, which extends from the upper surface 121 and opens into the T-shaped foot channel 204. The fixing block has a lip 208 which houses one end of the biasing spring 207. Because the fixing block 206 is retained within the second housing portion 12, the spring 207 has a solid surface against which it can apply the biasing force for the slider 201.

Turning now to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown a locking assembly 2 comprising a shoot bolt guide device 1 and a shoot bolt 4. The locking assembly 2 further has a gearbox (not shown) located at the opposite end of the shoot bolt 4 relative to the shoot bolt guide device 1.

The gearbox can be any conventional lock gearbox configured to drive the movement of a locking bolt, such as a shoot bolt 4, between locked and unlocked positions. I.e. the gearbox is operably connected to the shoot bolt 4, and is able to move the shoot bolt 4 between an extended position (wherein the shoot bolt 4 projects from the shoot bolt guide device 1) and a retracted position (wherein the shoot bolt 4 does not project from the shoot bolt guide device 1, or at least, projects from the shoot bolt guide device 1 by an insignificant distance). In use, the extended position will typically comprise when the shoot bolt 4 is received within a keep in a door or window frame. Typically, the retracted position is when the shoot bolt 4 is not received within a keep in a door or window frame. During actuation of the locking assembly, the shoot bolt 4 is movable relative to the shoot bolt guide device 1 in the axis Y.

Typically, the extended position is the position of the tip of the shoot bolt 4 when the gearbox is fully actuated e.g. the position of maximum throw, or wherein the shoot bolt 4 can be moved no further. Similarly, the retracted position is typically the opposite, wherein the shoot bolt 4 is retracted as far as possible within the shoot bolt guide device 1 and/or door or window leaf. However, the present invention may also find use in alternative assemblies where further movement of a shoot bolt is possible.

The shoot bolt 4 comprises two portions: an engaging member 47 and a drive connector 43. The engaging member 47 has a channel 49 therein for receiving the terminal portion 41 of the drive connector 43. The terminal portion 41, is smooth-sided and housed within the channel 49. The engaging member 47 is retained on the terminal portion 41 by a mechanical fastener 42 which also prevents relative rotation of the terminal portion 41 and engaging member 47.

The engaging member 47 has a rounded square-shaped cross-section in order to cooperate with the cross section of the aperture 161 in the deflector 16. Thus, rotation of the deflector 16 causes rotation of the whole shoot bolt 4. The exterior surface of the engaging member 47 is smooth in order to permit easy sliding of the shoot bolt 4 within the shoot bolt guide device 1 during movement between extended and retracted positions. The engaging member 47 may comprise a plastics material chosen for its low friction or hard-wearing properties. The tip of the engaging portion 47 has rounded edges 47A in order to promote easy engagement of the engagement member 47 with a keep (not shown). An end portion 47B of the engaging member 47 is housed within the channel 14 within the first housing portion 10, thus it is important that the width of the engaging member 47 at its widest point is less than the diameter of the channel 14 in order to permit easy rotation.

The drive connector 43 has a first drive surface 45, in the form of a screw thread, formed around its circumference. The locking assembly 2 is also provided with a second drive surface (not shown), configured so that rotation of the shoot bolt 4, and thus the first drive surface 45, relative to the second drive surface, moves the shoot bolt 4 axially (i.e. in the axis Y). The second drive surface may comprise a second screw thread, or it could comprise a projection, tooth or aperture which bears against the first drive surface 45. Since the first drive surface 45 is a helical screw thread, rotation of the thread against a fixed point will drive a further extension of the shoot bolt 4 in addition to the movement driven by the actuation of the gearbox.

In other embodiments (not shown) the first drive surface 45 comprises a pair of lugs or flanges which extend radially from the surface of the drive connector 43, and the second drive surface comprises a pathway (for example a helical slot). Thus, rotation of the shoot bolt 4 and thus the first drive surface 45 causes the lugs or flanges to travel along the pathway and drive the extension of the shoot bolt 4.

The second drive surface may be provided on the gearbox. Alternatively, the shoot boit 4 may comprise first and second portions, with each of the first and second portions being provided with the first and second drive surfaces respectively e.g. the shoot bolt 4 may be an adjustable length shoot bolt. Thus, rotation of one part relative to the other will cause the shoot bolt 4 to extend, and the extended position to be moved relative to the channel 14 of the shoot bolt guide device 1.

In a further embodiment (not shown) the mechanical fastener 42 is omitted, and the engaging member 47 is connected to the terminal portion 41 by way of a pair of cooperating screw threads. Thus, rotation of the engaging member 47 would drive the extension and retraction of the engaging member 47 relative to the rest of the shoot bolt 4.

The movement of the shoot bolt 4 due to the operation of the first drive surface 45 and second drive surface is independent of the movement of the shoot bolt 4 due to actuation of the gearbox. Thus, with the present invention, it is possible to adjust the extended position of the shoot bolt 4. Since the distance the shoot bolt 4 travels during actuation by the gearbox is typically fixed, adjustments to the extended position of the shoot bolt 4 will make corresponding adjustments to the retracted position.

The method of operation will now be described with reference to the locking assembly in Figures 6 to 9. When installed in a door or window assembly (not shown), the locking assembly 2 will extend along one of the edges of a door or window leaf. The shoot bolt guide device 1 will typically be located in a corner region of the door or window leaf. The locking assembly 2 can be actuated by a user operating the gearbox, for example by turning a handle, thus moving the shoot bolt 4 between the retracted and extended positions. The shoot bolt 4 is in the extended position when the gearbox is in the fully actuated position, and the shoot bolt 4 is in the retracted position when the gearbox is in the non-actuated position. The extended and retracted positions of the shoot bolt 4 are thus properties of the actuation of the gearbox.

Either during installation, or over time as the door or window assembly ages and warps or settles, it is necessary to adjust the extended position of the shoot bolt 4 in order to ensure that the tip of the shoot bolt 4 engages reliably with a keep in the door or window frame and the door or window leaf is safely locked.

In order to do so, a user can insert a tool into one of the recesses 209 and disengage the latching mechanism 20 by pushing/pulling the slider 201 into the disengaged position. The deflector 16 is thus freely rotatable by the user. Because the deflector 16 has a bearing surface 18 in the inner surface of the aperture 161, which bears upon and restricts the rotation of the shoot bolt 4, the user is able to rotate the shoot bolt 4.

The extended position of the shoot bolt 4 therefore moves relative to the shoot bolt guide device 1, as the shoot boit 4 is either moved to project further from the shoot bolt guide device 1, or retracted further into the shoot bolt guide device 1. Thus, the extended position of the shoot bolt 4 is moved, and the user can ensure that satisfactory locking of the locking assembly 2 is achieved.

One advantage of the invention is that both the latching mechanism 20 and the bearing surface 18 can be operated when the shoot bolt guide device 1 is installed in the door or window leaf. The latching mechanism 20 and deflector 16 are designed to project 5 slightly from the edges of the door or window leaf, and since they have only a low profile, they do not impinge upon the movement or seal of the door or window.

Compared to existing products, which require disassembly of the locking mechanism in order to modify the length of the shoot bolt 4, the present invention can achieve the modification of the extended position in situ. Such adjustments are quick and easy, and 10 take only seconds. Due to the simple construction, it is not necessary to be able to see the guide device 1, and the operation can be carried out by touch alone.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the shoot bolt guide device 1 is configured to move the extended position axially. In a further embodiment (not shown) it is possible to move the extended position laterally, relative to the channel 14 of the shoot bolt guide device 1, and thus relative to the door or window leaf.

The bearing surface 18 in Figures 1 to 9 is located on the inner surface of an aperture 161 in a deflector 16. In the further embodiment, the aperture 161 is located eccentrically in the deflector 16. I.e. the bearing surface 18 is located eccentrically relative to the central axis of the channel 14 or shoot bolt 4. The movement of the eccentric aperture in the deflector 16 thus defines a circle in a plane perpendicular to the axis Y. When the deflector 16 rotates, the bearing surface 18 bears upon the side of the shoot bolt 4 and pushes it laterally. Thus the lateral alignment of the shoot bolt 4 is configurable.

The lateral adjustment is possible in combination, or separately from the axial adjustment shown in Figures 1 to 9. For example, if you wished to keep the lateral position fixed, but adjust the projection of the shoot bolt 4, a series of full rotations of 30 the deflector 16 can be made. On the other hand, a single rotation of the deflector 16 would not make a large impact in the extension of the shoot bolt 4, and thus the lateral position can be adjusted by making fractions of a turn while only making a small or inconsequential adjustment to the extension of the shoot bolt 4.

In a further embodiment, the deflector 16 is configured to receive a plug (not shown) which has an aperture therethrough. The aperture in the plug may be centrally located or eccentric. The aperture may comprise the bearing surface 18 as described above, or it may modify the shape of the aperture 161 in the deflector 16. For example, the plug may be receivable within the aperture 161 of the deflector 16. This allows a single shoot bolt guide device 1 be configured for use with different shoot bolts 4, since the manufacturer can produce a variety of plugs to correspond to each. The plugs may be removable and/or interchangeable. Variations between plugs may include the size and/or shape of the further aperture, for example, to make the shoot bolt guide device 1 adaptable to a range of shoot bolts. In some embodiments (not shown) the plugs may have eccentric apertures with different offsets (i.e. the distance between the centre of the aperture and the centre of rotation of the deflector). Thus, if a user needs to increase the lateral adjustment of the shoot bolt 4 in order to locate effectively within a keep, a plug with an increased offset could be used. In some embodiments, the deflector 16 may be removable and replaceable.

In further alternative embodiments, the latching mechanism 20 may be provided as a separate discrete latching unit, which can be attached to the housing 3 and configured to restrict movement of the bearing surface 18.

In some embodiments the latching mechanism 20 additionally or alternatively comprises an indexing means (not shown), wherein rotation of the deflector 16 is restricted when the indexing means is engaged. The indexing means may be configured to restrict rotation when a rotation force below a preselected threshold is applied to the deflector 16. For example, the indexing means may comprise an angled or rounded projection or a ball bearing and a biasing means for biasing the angled or rounded projection or ball bearing into a groove on the deflector. When the indexing means is engaged, movement of the deflector 16 is restricted in response to a small rotation force such as accidental knocks to the deflector 16 or door, but the indexing means may be easily overcome and the deflector 16 easily be adjusted by a user applying a larger rotation force.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are only examples of the invention, and that other configurations are envisaged. Furthermore, and feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature in accordance with the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A shoot bolt guide device for guiding a shoot bolt as it moves from a retracted position to an extended position, the shoot bolt guide device comprising: a body comprising a channel for receiving at least part of the shoot bolt; and a bearing surface for bearing against and guiding the position of the shoot bolt; wherein the shoot boit guide device is configured so that movement of the bearing surface moves the extended position of the shoot bolt relative to the channel of the body, and wherein the shoot bolt guide device comprises a latching mechanism for selectively restricting movement of the bearing surface, said latching mechanism being operable when the shoot bolt guide device is installed in a door or window leaf.

2. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 1, configured so that moving the bearing surface moves the extended position of the shoot bolt axially, relative to the channel of the body.

3. The shoot bolt guide device according to either one of the preceding claims, configured so that moving the bearing surface moves the extended position of the shoot bolt laterally, relative to the channel of the body.

4. The shoot bolt guide device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing surface is be movable in, and bears upon the shoot bolt in, at least two axes.

5. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 4, wherein the two axes are transverse to the axis of the channel.

6. The shoot bolt guide device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the bearing surface comprises rotating the bearing surface,

7. The shoot bolt guide device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing surface comprises an aperture with an equivalent size and shape as the shoot bolt, configured to prevent relative rotation of the bearing surface and the shoot bolt.

8. The shoot bolt guide device according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the bearing surface is rotatable axially and configured so that rotation of the bearing surface rotates the shoot bolt axially.

9. The shoot bolt guide device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching mechanism comprises at least one recess configured to receive a tool for operating the latching mechanism.

10. The shoot bolt guide device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a slider movable from a disengaged position, wherein movement of the bearing surface is permitted, to an engaged position, wherein movement of the bearing surface is restricted.

11. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 10, further comprising a biasing means configured to bias the slider into the engaged position.

12. The shoot bolt guide device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a deflector comprising an aperture therethrough configured to receive at least part of the shoot bolt, and wherein the inner surface of the aperture comprises the bearing surface.

13. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 12, wherein the deflector is rotatable relative to the body.

14. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 13, wherein the aperture in the deflector is positioned eccentrically, relative to the channel.

15. The shoot bolt guide device according to either claim 13 or 14, further comprising a plug receivable within the aperture of the deflector, the plug comprising a further aperture for receiving at least part of the shoot bolt, and wherein the inner surface of the further aperture comprises the bearing surface.

16. The shoot bolt guide device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, when dependent upon either claim 12 or 13, wherein the slider may comprise a tooth which engages the deflector when in the engaged position, and restricts movement thereof.

17. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 16, wherein the deflector is rotatable relative to the body, and the slider is configured to restrict rotation of the deflector.

18. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the deflector comprises a plurality of grooves or slots for receiving the tooth of the slider.

19. The shoot bolt guide device according to claim 18, wherein deflector is rotatable and the grooves or slots are provided around the exterior circumferential surface of the deflector for cooperating with the tooth of the slider.

20. A locking mechanism comprising: a shoot bolt, movable from a retracted position to an extended position; a gearbox configured to move the shoot bolt from the retracted to the extended position; and a shoot bolt guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The locking mechanism according to claim 20, wherein the shoot bolt comprises: an engaging member for engaging with a keep, and a drive connector for connecting the engaging member and the gearbox.

22. The locking mechanism according to either claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the shoot bolt comprises a first drive surface co-operable with a second drive surface, and configured so that rotation of the first drive surface relative to the second drive surface, moves the extended position of the shoot bolt axially, relative to the channel of the body.

23. The locking mechanism according to claim 22, wherein the first and/or second drive surface comprises a screw thread,

24. The locking mechanism according to either claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the gearbox comprises the second drive surface.

25. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the shoot bolt comprises first and second portions, wherein the first portion comprises the first drive surface and the second portion comprises the second drive surface.

26. The locking mechanism according to claim 25, wherein the engaging member comprises the first portion and the drive connector comprises the second portion, or vice versa.

27. A door or window assembly comprising a door or window leaf receivable within a door or window frame, the door or window leaf comprising, a shoot bolt guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, or a locking mechanism according to any one of claims 20 to 26.