NZ554172A - A window fastener with lever handle and flap pivotally coupled to base - Google Patents

Abstract

A window fastener is disclosed. The window fastener comprises a lever handle 10 which is rotatably mounted to a base 14. The lever handle is selectively movable between a closed position, an open position, and a venting position. A flap 16 is pivotably coupled to the base. A drive element 26 is moveable by the lever handle to cause the flap to move from a closed position to an open position as the handle is moved from a closed position to an open position. A retainer element 20 is moveable to a retention position in response to the movement of the lever handle to retain the flap in an open position when the handle is moved to the venting position. The lever handle includes a first tongue 13 for maintaining the flap in the closed position, and a second tongue 28 which is engageable in use with a window frame when the lever handle is in the venting position.

Description

No: 554172 Date: 28 March 2007 A NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A WINDOW FASTENER WE, ASSA ABLOY NEW ZEALAND LIMITED a New Zealand company of 6 Armstrong Road, North Harbour Industrial Estate, Albany 0632, Auckland, New Zealand do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 3 0 MAY 2008 RECEIVED 2 TITLE OF THE INVENTION A WINDOW FASTENER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a fastener and more particularly a fastener of the type used for fastening a closure such as a window in a closed position.

Window fasteners of a type having a pivotally movable handle with a tongue which can 10 engage on a wedge element are known. The fastener will generally be fastened to the window sash and the wedge to the window frame. Such fasteners are commonly referred to as wedge fasteners.

It is also known to provide a wedge fastener with two spaced apart tongues, one being 15 intended to fasten the window in a closed position and the other fasten the window in a venting position. These fasteners have the advantage of providing a level of security against unauthorised entry through the window yet, at the same time, allow the window to be partially open in order to provide air flow into the building.

A further form of window fastener which has proved to be extremely popular is the so-called wedgeless fastener. This fastener relies on a movable flap to overlap the edge of the window frame when the sash is in the closed position. The flap is secured in this overlapping position by a tongue of the handle and thereby secures the sash in a closed position. The advantage of this form of fastener is that it is not necessary to have a separate 25 wedge element, nor the associated time taken to fit a wedge to the window frame and furthermore, ensure that the wedge is in the correct position for co-operation with the tongue of the fastener. 3 The so-called wedgeless fastener, however, does not provide a venting function. It is simply a means of fastening the window sash into the secure/closed position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a window fastener of the wedgeless type which can also provide a secure venting function.

Broadly according to one aspect of the invention there is provided a window fastener including a lever handle rotatably mounted to a base, and selectively movable to a closed position, an open position and a venting position, a flap pivotally coupled to the base, a drive element movable by the lever handle to cause the flap to move from a closed position to an open position as the handle is moved from its closed position to the open position, a retainer element movable to a retention position in response to movement of the lever handle to retain the flap in an open position when the handle is moved to the venting position, the lever handle including a first tongue for maintaining the flap in the closed position of the flap and a second tongue engageable, in use, with a window frame when the lever handle is in the venting position.

Preferably the lever handle includes a mounting section with which the first and second tongues are attached.

The first and second tongues are preferably longitudinally spaced apart relative to an axis of rotation of the handle and extend from the mounting section in substantially opposite 25 directions.

In one embodiment the second tongue includes a contact surface made of a material which will not cause damage to the window frame. 4 Preferably the drive element and the retainer element are mounted for relative movement therebetween in a lost motion manner.

In one preferred form the drive element includes a cam surface which is engageable with a 5 follower, the follower is coupled to the flap whereby in use the engagement between the cam surface and the follower effects movement of the flap.

Preferably the retainer element includes a flap stop which is engageable with the follower and prevents the flap from moving from its open position.

Preferably a stop element projects from the flap stop and is located in a groove in the base and is moveable to contact with one or other of the ends of the groove.

Preferably the drive element includes a pair of spaced apart surfaces between which is 15 located a projection coupled to the retainer element whereby relative movement between the drive element and retainer element will result in the projection coming into contact with one or the other of the spaced apart surfaces.

The drive element can be an annular element with a projection extending from the external 20 periphery thereof, the projection being adapted to engage with a follower which is drivingly coupled to the flap, the annular element being coupled to a spigot of the handle such that rotation of the handle relative to the base causes the peripheral projection to engage with the follower.

The retainer element can be an annular body rotatably mounted on the drive element, the retainer element has a flap stop which is adapted to engage with the follower to cause the flap to remain in the open position, the retainer element has a first engagement element located between spaced apart engagement surfaces of the drive element whereby respective of the said engagement surfaces can drivingly come into contact with the first engagement element depending on the direction of relative rotation between the drive element and retainer element.

In this embodiment of the invention the retainer element includes a lug which projects from 5 the flap stop and is located between end stops of the base whereby upon the lug coming into contact with an end stop following movement of the drive element and retainer element together relative movement between the drive element and retainer element can occur.

In the preferred form the drive element and retainer element are coupled to a spigot 10 mounting of the handle, the spigot mounting in turn being rotatably coupled to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following more detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention 15 reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is an elevation view of the fastener according to the present invention when in a closed position, Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the fastener as shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a rear plan view of the fastener as shown in Figures 1 and 2, Figure 4 is detail A of Figure 3, Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the fastener in the open position, Figure 6 is a rear plan view of the fastener as shown in Figure 5, Figure 7 is detail A of Figure 6, Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the fastener when in a venting position, Figure 9 is a rear plan view of the fastener as shown in Figure 8, Figure 10 is detail A of Figure 9, Figure 11 is a front isometric view of the base of the fastener, Figure 1 2 is a rear isometric view of the base, Figure 13 is a rear plan view of the base, Figure 14 is an isometric view of the stop washer of the fastener, Figure 1 5 is a side elevation view of the stop washer, Figure 16 is an isometric front view of the cam washer of the fastener, Figure 1 7 is a bottom plan view of the cam washer, Figure 1 8 is a front elevation view of the cam washer, Figure 19 is a side elevation view of the cam washer, Figure 20 is a rear elevation view of the cam washer, Figure 21 is an isometric rear view of the cam washer, Figure 22 is a front elevation view of the cam and stop washer assembly in the closed position, Figure 23 is a back plan view of the arrangement of Figure 22, Figure 24 is a side elevation view of the arrangement in Figures 22 and 23, Figure 25 is a further side elevation view of the assembly of Figures 22-24, Figure 26 is a top plan view of the cam washer and stop washer assembly when the assembly has been moved from the closed position to the open position, Figure 27 is a bottom plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 26, Figure 28 is a top plan view of the cam washer and stop washer assembly when the assembly has been moved from the open position to the vented position, Figure 29 is a bottom plan view of the arrangement as shown in Figure 28, Figure 30 is a top plan view of the cam washer and stop wash assembly when the assembly has moved from the vented position back to the open position, Figure 31 is a bottom plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 30, and Figure 32 is a perspective view of a modified form of the lever handle. 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The wedgeless fastener according to the present invention is based on the wedgeless fastener construction as described and claimed in New Zealand patent 500423. The fastener therefore includes a lever handle 10 formed by a lever 11 and a boss or mounting section 1 2. Projecting from the boss section 1 2 is a tongue 13.

The lever handle 10 is pivotally mounted to a base or chassis 14. To this base 14 is pivotally coupled a latching tongue or flap 16. In the preferred form of the invention a cover 1 7 is engaged over the base 14. This is primarily for aesthetic purposes e.g. it provides a more pleasing appearance to the base portion of the fastener. In particular, the cover 1 7 covers the fasteners which are engaged through the openings 18 in the base 14. The fasteners fasten the base to the window sash.

The fastener is therefore largely of the construction as described in New Zealand patent specification 500423, the content of which is herein incorporated by specific reference.

As described in New Zealand patent specification 500423, a spigot 12a (see Figure 32) of the boss 12 engages through an opening 19 in the base 14. This spigot 12a is engaged with a cam washer 20 which engages in a shaped recess 21 in the underside of the base 14. The cam washer 20 has a turret 22 the distal stepped end 22a of which rotatably engages in the bore 19.

The middle stepped portion 22b of the turret 22 is provided with a pair of spaced apart shoulders 36 that function, as hereinafter described, as an internal stop/driver for the stop washer 30. 9 The stop washer 30 is essentially an annular element 31 which has projecting from its external periphery a flap or wedge stop 32. Substantially opposite the flap stop 32, but projecting from the internal periphery of the annular ring 31, is a lug or projection 33. Projecting from the underside of the flap stop 32 is a stop element 34.

As can be seen for example in Figures 22-25 the stop washer 30 is placed on the turret 22 so that it engages against surface 37 of the cam washer 20.

Thus with the cam washer 20 and stop washer 30 combined together and placed in the 10 shaped recess 21 with the spigot of the boss 12 engaged therethrough (as described above) the stop element 34 will be engaged in the groove 35 in the floor of the recess 21. When the cam washer 20 and stop washer 30 assembly is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 22-25, the lug 33 is located in the area between the stop shoulders 36 though as more particularly shown in Figure 23 it is against one of the stop shoulders 36 which form 15 engagement surfaces.

A headed fastener (not shown) is inserted (shank first) through the centre opening through the cam washer/stop washer assembly to engage in a bore 12c (Figure 32) in the spigot 1 2a of the boss 1 2. In this way the cam washer 20 is coupled to the lever handle 10. The cam 20 washer 20 thus retains the boss 12 on the base 14. The fastener has a head which locates in the mouth 23 of the cam washer.

An angular profile (see Figure 32) on the spigot 12a engages in the angular opening 24 in the cam washer 20. A recess 25 in this opening 24 engages with a similarly shaped 25 projection 12b of the spigot 1 2a.

Consequently, as the lever handle 10 is rotated the cam washer 20 will rotate with it. As a result, when the lever handle 10 is moved to the open position, projection 26 with cam surface 27 engages with a follower 38 (see Figure 7) coupled to or forming part of the hinge arrangement of the flap 16. The projection 26 can thereby move the flap from the closed position to the open position. This is in the same manner as described in New Zealand patent specification 500423.

This movement of the lever handle 10 from the closed position to the open position drives the cam washer 20 from the position shown in Figure 22 to the position shown in Figure 26. As a consequence of this movement the stop shoulder 36 adjacent the lug 33 will move away from the lug 33 and ultimately the other of the stop shoulders 36 will come into contact with the lug 33. As the cam washer 20 rotates so does the stop washer 30 so that at the position 10 shown in Figures 26 and 27 the wedge stop 32 remains beneath the stop washer 20 as shown.

As will be appreciated there is nothing actually driving the washers 20 and 30 together during rotation from the closed to open positions. They stay together due to the friction 15 imparted in the joint.

Unlike the arrangement described in patent specification 500423, the tongue 13 is formed as part of or mounted directly to the boss form 12.

According to the present invention there is a second tongue 28 which, once again, is connected to or formed with the boss form 12.

As can be seen from Figure 9, the tongues 13 and 28 are substantially in an opposed outwardly directed position. Tongue 1 3 is disposed such that it comes into contact with the 25 flap 16 as the lever handle 10 is moved back into the closed and latching position. Consequently, the tongue 13 moves the flap 16 into the position shown in Figures 1-3 whereby the flap 16 will overlap with the edge of the frame of the window and thereby hold the sash (to which base 14 is mounted) in the closed position. 11 The purpose of the second tongue 28 is to provide a venting function. Thus, the lever handle 10 can be moved from the position shown in Figures 1 to 3 to the position shown in Figures 5 and 6 where the flap 16 has been moved by the cam washer 20 to the open position. In this position of handle 10 the window sash can be moved to an adjusted open 5 position relative to the window frame. This is in accordance with the window fastener of New Zealand patent specification 500423.

However, according to the present invention, the lever handle 10 can then be moved to the position shown in Figures 8 and 9 whereupon the second tongue 28 will overlap and via 10 surface S will engage against the window frame. This enables the sash to be held in a vented position. The venting distance i.e. the distance the sash will be from the frame is effectively the distance indicated by the dimension D of Figure 8.

It will be observed from Figures 8 and 9 that when in the vented position the flap 1 6 remains 15 in the open position. This retention of the flap in the open position is achieved by stop washer 30 in the following manner.

As can be observed when comparing Figures 26 and 27 with Figures 28 and 29 the continued rotation of the cam washer 20 pulls with it the flap stop 32. As a result the flap 20 stop 32 provides a continuing force acting on the follower 38 to thereby retain the flap 16 in the open position. However, as explained below, there is a point in the rotation that the stop washer 30 is prevented from further rotation. As a result the projection 26 and flap stop 32 separate because the projection 26 moves away from the flap stop 32. The new relative position is shown in Figures 28 and 29 which shows the vented position with flap 25 stop 32 in a position which maintains the wedge flap 16 in the raised position.

In the floor of the recess 21 there is formed a groove 35 into which is engaged the stop element 34 of the stop washer 30. The end walls of the groove 35 form end stops. The relative positions of the projection 26 and the flap stop 32 will be as shown in Figures 28 12 and 29 when the stop element 34 has come into contact with the end 39 of the groove 35 and hence prevented from rotation as explained above.

Upon the lever handle 10 being moved back from the vented position to the "open" position 5 the stop/driver shoulder 36 (which in the vented position is in contact with the lug 33) wilt move away from the lug 33. Therefore there will be no drive applied to the stop washer 30 until the other of the stop/driver shoulders 36 come in contact whereby it holds the flap 16 in the open position until the projection 26 comes into contact with follower 38 to thereby take over the holding function. As shown in Figure 30 and 31 the flap stop 32 will have 10 moved forward away from the follower 38.

Upon continued movement of the lever handle 10 back to the "closed" position the stop/driver shoulder 36 will push on the lug 33 so that the flap stop 32 moves in conjunction with the projection 26 back to the closed position as shown in Figures 22-25. 15 As this action occurs the stop element 24 will come into contact with the other end 39a of groove 35 which wil! push the flap stop 32 back under the projection 26 of the cam washer 20, i.e. the assembly will once again be as shown in Figures 22 and 25.

The interaction of the stop washer 30 and the cam washer 20 thus provides, in a lost motion 20 fashion, movement of the flap stop 32 so as to maintain a force on the follower 38 and thereby hold the wedge flap 1 6 in the open position when the handle is moved from the open position to the vented position. As a result a compact operating mechanism is provided for control of the flap 16 and in such a way that the base 14 can be as compact in size as is required for a fastener to be fitted to a window sash.

Consequently, it is possible due to the invention to have a wedgeless fastener which provides the multi-functions of being able to latch a window sash in the closed position, unlatched so as to be openable to any adjusted open position and a latched but vented 13 position. Thus the advantages of providing a somewhat secure vented position hitherto only achieved with a wedge fastener is achievable in a wedgeless fastener thereby making the wedgeless fastener more multi-functional than has previously been possible.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the invention is open to modification within the scope of the invention as defined b y the following claims. For example, other constructions of a drive and retention assembly for control of the flap can be employed.

Figure 32 shows a further embodiment of the invention where tongue 28 includes a pad 40 10 of a material (e.g. a plastics material) which is unlikely to cause damage to the window frame. The pad 40 is preferably a one piece moulded unit which has a contact surface 41. The pad 40 is attached to the tongue 28 in a tongue and groove type attachment. In the illustrated form a groove 42 is formed in the tongue 28 and a complementary shaped dovetail tongue 43 can be slid into the groove 42. 14

Claims (11)

1. A window fastener including a lever handle rotatably mounted to a base, and selectively movable to a closed position, an open position and a venting position, a 5 flap pivotally coupled to the base, a drive element movable by the lever handle to cause the flap to move from a closed position to an open position as the handle is moved from its closed position to the open position, a retainer element movable to a retention position in response to movement of the lever handle to retain the flap in an open position when the handle is moved to the venting position, the lever 10 handle including a first tongue for maintaining the flap in the closed position of the flap and a second tongue engageable, in use, with a window frame when the lever handle is in the venting position.

2. A window fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lever handle includes a 15 mounting section with which the first and second tongues are attached.

A window fastener as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first and second tongues are longitudinally spaced apart relative to an axis of rotation of the handle and extend from the mounting section in substantially opposite directions.

A window fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the second tongue includes a contact surface made of a material which will not cause damage to the window frame. 3. 20 25 5.

A window fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the drive element and the retainer element are mounted for relative movement therebetween in a lost motion manner. 15

6. A window fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the drive element includes a cam surface which is engageable with a follower, the follower is coupled to the flap whereby in use the engagement between the cam surface and the follower effects movement of the flap, 5

7. A window fastener as claimed in claim 6 wherein the retainer element includes a flap stop which is engageable with the follower and prevents the flap from moving from its open position. 10

8. A window fastener as claimed in claim 7 wherein a stop element projects from the flap stop and is located in a groove in the base and is moveable to contact with one or other of the ends of the groove.

9. A window fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the drive element 15 includes a pair of spaced apart surfaces between which is located a projection coupled to the retainer element whereby relative movement between the drive element and retainer element will result in the projection coming into contact with one or the other of the spaced apart surfaces. 20

10. A window fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the drive element is an annular element with a projection extending from the external periphery thereof, the projection being adapted to engage with a follower which is drivingly coupled to the flap, the annular element being coupled to a spigot of the handle such that rotation of the handle relative to the base causes the peripheral projection 25 to engage with the follower.

11. A window fastener as claimed in claim 10 wherein the retainer element is an annular body rotatably mounted on the drive element, the retainer element has a flap stop which is adapted to engage with the follower to cause the flap to remain in the open 16 position, the retainer element located between spaced apart engagement surfaces of the drive element whereby respective of the said engagement surfaces can drivingly come into contact with the first engagement element depending on the direction of relative rotation between the drive element and retainer element. A window fastener as claimed in claim 11 wherein the retainer element includes a lug which projects from the flap stop and is located between end stops of the base whereby upon the lug coming into contact with an end stop following movement of the drive element and retainer element together relative movement between the drive element and retainer element can occur. A window fastener as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the drive element and retainer element are coupled to a spigot mounting of the handle, the spigot mounting in turn being rotatably coupled to the base. A window fastener substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 3 0 MAY 2008 RECEIVED