Title: Lock
Description of Invention
The present invention relates to a lock for fastening a window, and in particular (but not exclusively) it relates to a lock suitable for fastening a window in a 'night vent' position.
It is well known to provide windows with locks. For example, a window lock may be used to secure a window shut, to deter or prevent a burglar from forcing a window open in order to gain access to a property from outside, or to prevent a young child from opening the window from inside the property.
Window locks are commonly combined with and operated by a window handle, so that a user may use the handle to open and/or close the window, and then move the handle to a locking position, when the window is closed, to lock the window shut.
It is also known for a window to be securable in more than one position relative to its frame. In warm climates it may be desirable for a window to be left in an open position, to allow air to flow in and out of a building. At the same time, it is desirable for the window to be secured so that it cannot be opened fully (i.e. to prevent a burglar reaching or climbing through the window opening). To achieve this, the locking mechanism fitted to the window may be provided with a double keep, so that the locking mechanism of the window may be aligned with the window frame in two different positions. In other words, the locking mechanism mounted to the window sash (i.e. at the edge of the window) may align with a first keep when the window is firmly shut, and may align with a second keep when the window is slightly ajar relative to its frame. Such a configuration allows the window to be secured while it remains slightly ajar, so that the window cannot be forced open. The position in which the window can be secured whilst open is known as a 'night vent' position, since it allows a window to be locked at night while still providing ventilation.
A widely used window-locking system is known as an espagnolette locking system. The term espagnolette (commonly abbreviated to 'espag') refers to a rod mechanism, driven by a gearbox, that brings a pair of locking pins together (or, alternatively, forces them apart) to engage a corresponding pair of slots formed by a keep on or within the window frame. The locking assembly of such locking systems provides a track with carriages that move the pins lengthwise of the track, operated by a gearbox that is driven typically by rotation of the window handle.
The track of an espag locking system must be located within a groove that runs along the edge of the window sash. A popular standard for uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), aluminium and timber window frames is the Eurogroove standard, in which the groove has a width of 16mm (20mm for a timber frame). Depending on the placement of the groove, it is possible that the locking assembly located within the groove on the window cannot be aligned with more than a single keep disposed on the frame. For example, if the groove is located towards the outermost edge of the window sash (i.e. towards the outside surface of the window, facing outwards from the room), there may only be room to fit a single keep on the frame into which the locking parts of the system can be received. In such a situation, it has not been possible to provide a 'night vent' function, since no second keep can be provided to correspond with the night vent position of the window.
According to an aspect of the invention we provide a lock for fastening a window relative to a structure, the lock comprising: a locking arrangement securable to the window, the locking arrangement having a first locking assembly and a second locking assembly, each of the first and second locking assemblies being operable to move between respective locking and release configurations; and a keep arrangement securable to the structure; wherein the window is moveable between a first and a second position relative to the structure, such that: when the window is in its first position and the first locking assembly is in its locking configuration, the first locking assembly engages the keep arrangement so as to fasten the window to the structure, and when the window is in its second position and the second locking assembly is in its locking configuration, the second locking assembly engages the keep arrangement so as to fasten the window to the structure.
According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a locking assembly for use in a lock for fastening a window relative to a structure, the lock being of the type comprising: a locking arrangement securable to a window, the locking arrangement having a further locking assembly operable to move between a locking and a release configuration; a keep arrangement securable to the structure; and an operating assembly adapted to move the further locking assembly between its locking and release configurations; and the lock being configured such that when the window is in a first position and the further locking assembly is in its locking configuration, the further locking assembly engages the keep arrangement so as to fasten the window to the structure; the locking assembly being operable to move between a locking and a release configuration; and being configured for connection to the operating assembly such that the operating assembly is operable to move the second locking assembly between its locking and release configurations; such that when the window is in a second position and the locking assembly is in its locking configuration, the locking assembly engages the keep arrangement so as to fasten the window to the structure.
Further features of the various aspects of the invention are set out in the dependent claims appended hereto.
Embodiments of the invention are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking arrangement according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the locking arrangement of Figure 1; Figures 3, 4 and 5 are cross-sectional plan views of a lock according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the keep of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second locking assembly according to embodiments of the invention; and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second locking assembly of Figure 7.
With reference to the drawings, we provide a lock for fastening a window relative to a structure such as a window frame, for example. The lock comprises a locking arrangement 10 securable to the window and a keep arrangement 12 securable to the structure. The locking arrangement has one or more parts adapted to engage a portion of the keep arrangement 12, so as to fasten the window relative to the structure, so as to prevent movement of the window relative to the structure in one or more directions. In embodiments, and as shown in the Figures, the locking arrangement 10 is adapted to be secured to or within a sash (labelled 'W' in Figures 3 to 5) at an edge of a window, and the keep arrangement 12 is adapted to be secured to or within a jamb of a window frame (labelled 'F' in Figures 3 to 5), the jamb being disposed substantially parallel to the edge of the window.
For simplicity, we shall refer to the structure as a window frame. However, it should be understood that the window could alternatively be secured to structures other than its frame using the lock of the present invention.
The window is generally moveable relative to the frame, in any manner as is known in the art (i.e. sliding, hinged rotation, or any other mechanism). In the embodiments described, the window may move pivotally relative to the frame, so that the edge of the sash is held generally parallel to the jamb of the frame as the window is opened outwards from the frame, and the edge of the sash moves away from the jamb. However, the lock of the present invention is suitable for use with other styles of window and frame, and is intended for use with other styles of window. In relation to the embodiments described, the window is moveable between at least a first and a second position. In its first position the window is 'shut' relative to the frame. In its second position the window is slightly ajar, relative to the frame, so as to provide ventilation between the window and frame. It is envisaged, but not essential to the invention, that the window is moveable beyond the second position so that the window is more fully 'opened' relative to the frame.
The locking arrangement 10 has a first locking assembly 14 and a second locking assembly 16. Each of the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 is operable to move between respective locking and release configurations, in which they engage with or are released from the keep arrangement 12, respectively. Where the locking arrangement 10 is secured to the edge of the window and the keep arrangement 12 is secured to the window frame, the first locking assembly 14 lies adjacent the keep arrangement 12 when the window is in its first position (i.e. closed) relative to the window frame.
When the window is in its first position and the first locking assembly 14 is in its locking configuration, the first locking assembly 14 engages the keep arrangement 12 so as to fasten the window to the frame. This arrangement is shown in Figure 3, for example.
By the term 'fasten', we mean that the window is substantially prevented from moving relative to the frame in the direction of movement between its first and second positions. In a typical window and frame arrangement, where the window is hinged relative to the frame along the edge opposite to that providing the lock, fastening the window relative to the frame results in the window being held securely relative to the frame so that it cannot move.
When the window is in its second position and the second locking assembly 16 is in its locking configuration, the second locking assembly engages the keep 15 arrangement so as to fasten the window to the frame. This arrangement is shown in Figure 5, for example.
When both the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 are in their respective release configurations, the window is moveable between its first and second positions. This arrangement is shown in Figure 4, as described below.
The locking arrangement 10 further includes an operating assembly 18 adapted to move the first locking assembly 14 and the second locking assembly 16 between their respective locking and release configurations. The operating assembly 18 is operable to move between a locking configuration in which the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 are both in their respective locking configurations (see Figures 3 and 5), and a release configuration in which the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 are both in their respective release configurations (see Figure 4).
In embodiments, and as shown in the Figures, the operating assembly 18 includes an operating bolt 20 configured to operate the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 (i.e. to move them between their locking and release configurations). In embodiments, the operating bolt 20 has a non-circular cross-section, and in the example shown in the Figures, the operating bolt 20 has a square cross-section. In embodiments, the operating assembly 18 comprises a user-graspable handle 22 adapted to rotate the operating bolt 20. In this way, torque is transmitted from the handle 22 to the first and second locking assemblies 14,16, thereby operating them between their respective locking and release configurations. In embodiments, the operating bolt 20 may have a width of approximately 7mm.
In embodiments, the operating assembly 18 is securable in its locking configuration. The operating assembly 18 may include a latching mechanism that secures the operating assembly 18 in its locking configuration, and allowing movement from its locking configuration when unlatched. The latch may be spring-biased to its latched position, for example, and may be releasable by a user pressing against the biasing force. In addition, or alternatively, the operating assembly 18 may be securable using a key-operated locking mechanism. In embodiments, the latching mechanism and/or locking mechanism (shown generally at 24) may be provided on the handle 22, so as to secure the handle in a locking position, thereby securing the operating bolt 20 rotationally, and thus securing the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 in their respective locking configurations.
The operating assembly 18 also provides one or more apertures 34 for receiving respective screws 54, for connecting the assembly to the other parts of the lock and/or to the window.
The first locking assembly 14 comprises a first locking part 26a, 26b that is moveable along a first axis X orientated lengthwise of the edge of the window.
In embodiments, a track 28 is provided by the first locking assembly 14, such that the first locking part 26a, 26b is moveable lengthwise of the track 28, on sliding members 30 that slide relative to the track 28.
In embodiments, and as shown in the Figures, the first locking part 26a, 26b includes one or more locking pins 26a, 26b. The pins may be 'mushroom'-type pins, which -as shown in Figure 8 -have a wide head portion 62 that protrudes outwards from the narrower body 60 of the pin. The or each mushroom pin 26 is moveable in first and second opposite directions along the first axis X. The or each mushroom pin 26 is adapted to engage a corresponding mushroom keep 56 which is formed as a slot for receiving and retaining the head of a pin.
In embodiments, the first locking assembly 14 is an "espagnolette" locking assembly. The first locking assembly 14 may comprise a second mushroom pin 26b moveable relative to a second mushroom keep. The first and second mushroom keeps are configured such that movement of the first locking assembly 14 from its release to its locking configuration causes the first and second pins 26a, 26b to move in opposite first and second directions, into respective engagement with the first and second keeps. When engaged in the keeps, movement of the pins 26a, 26b in directions perpendicular to the first and second directions is resisted.
Each mushroom keep 56 is adapted to receive a portion of the mushroom pin 26a, 26b as it moves in its first direction. Each mushroom keep 56 has a wide recess for receiving the wide head 62 of a mushroom pin 26 as the pin 26 moves lengthwise of the slot (i.e. perpendicular to the central axis of the pin). The recess is formed between a pair of side walls 64, each having an outer lip 66. The lips 66 extend towards one another so as to form a narrow slot 68 through which the body 60 of the pin may extend. As a mushroom pin 26 slides lengthwise of the mushroom keep 56, the head 62 moves into the wider portion of the keep, and the body 60 of the pin slides within the narrow slot 68 of the keep 56. In this way, the pin 26 is prevented from being withdrawn 'outwardly' from the slot, in a direction axially of the pin 26, since the wide head 62 of the pin is wider than the gap formed between the pairs of lips 66, and so is retained by the lips 66 of the keep so as to hold the head 62 within the wider part of the slot.
The result of this configuration is that movement of the first locking assembly 14 from its release to its locking configuration causes movement of the pin 26a, 26b relative to the mushroom keep 56 in the first direction so as to engage the mushroom keep 56, such that movement of the pin in a direction perpendicular to the first direction is resisted. Rotation of the operating bolt 20 drives a gear mechanism 38 to cause movement of the or each mushroom pin 26a, 26b.
The second locking assembly 16 comprises a second locking part 32 that is moveable along a second axis Y disposed perpendicular to the first axis X. As shown in the Figures, in embodiments, the second locking part 32 comprises at least one locking bolt 32 that is moveable lengthwise along its axis (Y) (or, correspondingly, along axes parallel to Y if multiple bolts are employed).
In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second locking assembly 16 comprises a second locking part that is rotatable, such as a pivoting latch, for example.
In embodiments, the second locking part 32 comprises a locking bolt 32 that is moveable in third and fourth opposite directions along the second axis Y, towards and away from the keep arrangement 12, respectively. The keep arrangement 12 comprises a recess 57 for receiving a portion of the bolt 32, such that movement of the second locking assembly 16 from its release to its locking configuration causes movement of the bolt 32 relative to the keep 12 in the third direction so as to engage the keep 12, such that movement of the window W relative to the frame F is substantially prevented. In embodiments, the recess 57 may be the same as the wide recess for receiving the head 62 of the or each mushroom pin 26 (depending on the position of the window W relative to the frame F).
As shown in detail in Figures 7 and 8, the second locking assembly 16 includes a receiving member 42 for receiving a portion of the operating bolt 20. The second locking assembly 16 also includes a base member 40 that defines apertures for aligning respective parts of the second locking assembly 16 relative to each other. The receiving member 42 provides an aperture 44 through which the operating bolt 20 is inserted, the aperture having a profile corresponding to the cross-sectional profile of the bolt 20. In this way, the receiving member 42 is caused to rotate as the operating bolt 20 rotates. The second locking assembly 16 also provides an actuation member 48 that is spring-biased in the fourth direction. The spring-biasing may be provided by a compression spring 52, as shown in the example embodiments illustrated in the Figures. One or more locking bolts 32 are provided on (or otherwise attached to) the actuation member 48, so that movement of the actuation member 48 in the third and fourth directions causes the bolts 32 to move accordingly.
The operating assembly 18 and first and second locking assemblies 14, 16, are connected to one another by screws 54, extending through apertures defined in each respective part. In embodiments, spacer elements 36 are disposed between the base member 40 and the first locking assembly 14, so as to hold the second locking assembly 16 in position relative to the first locking assembly 14. This means that during installation, when screws 54 are inserted through the apertures and tightened, the spacer elements 36 resist deformation, thus holding the respective assemblies in the required positions.
The actuation member 48 provides a cam surface 50, and the receiving member 42 provides a cam follower 46, which is disposed against the cam surface 50. The second locking assembly 16 is configured so that rotation of the operating bolt 20 causes rotation of the receiving member 42. In turn, this rotation causes the cam follower 46 to move against the cam surface 50, thereby causing movement of the actuation member 48 relative to the receiving member 42 under bias of the spring 52.
In its locking configuration, the second locking assembly 16 is configured so that the cam follower 46 abuts the cam surface 50 in a first cam position (which may be a roughly central position relative to the cam surface 50), and the spring 52 is compressed between the actuation member 48 and a portion of the base member 40. Rotation of the operating bolt 20 in a first operating direction causes the receiving member 42 to rotate, and for the cam follower 46 to move in that respective direction, to a second cam position. As the cam follower 46 rotates, the force of the compressed spring 52 causes the actuation member 48 to move in the fourth direction, drawing the locking bolts 32 in that direction, moving the second locking assembly 16 to its release configuration. If the locking bolts 32 were previously engaged with the keep arrangement 12, such movement causes the locking bolts 32 to withdraw from the keep. Further rotation of the operating bolt 20 causes the cam follower 46 to abut a stop portion of the cam surface 50, adapted to prevent further rotation of the receiving member 42, so that the second locking assembly 16 is held in its release configuration.
When the second locking assembly 16 is in its release configuration, subsequent rotation of the operating bolt 20 in a second opposite operating direction causes the cam follower 46 to press against the cam surface 50 of the actuation member 48 so as to move from the second cam position to the first cam position. This movement causes compression of the spring 52 such that the actuation member 48 moves in the third direction under the force of the cam follower 46, so that the locking bolt(s) 32 moves in the third direction. In this way, the second locking assembly 16 is returned to its locking configuration.
Due to the configuration of the cam surface 50, the first cam position is a generally central position on that surface. Therefore, the cam follower 46 may be moved in either direction from the first cam position. This means that the operating bolt 20 may be rotated in either direction to operate the second locking assembly 16. Consequently, the second locking assembly 16 is suitable for use with either left or right-handed window locks, and corresponding left or right-handed handles.
In other words, when the cam follower 46 is in the first cam position, rotation of the operating bolt 20 in the second operating direction causes the cam follower 46 to move to a third cam position. This movement causes the actuation member 48 to move in the fourth direction under bias of the spring 52 so that the locking bolt(s) 32 moves in the fourth direction. This movement results in the second locking assembly 16 being in its release configuration. Subsequent rotation of the operating bolt 20 in the first operating direction causes the cam follower 46 to press against the cam surface 50 of the actuation member 48 so as to return from the third cam position to the first cam position. This movement causes movement of the actuation member 48 in the third direction under the force of the cam follower, and compression of the spring 52, so that the locking bolt(s) 32 moves in the third direction, such that the second locking assembly 16 moves to its locking configuration.
In embodiments, and as shown, the second locking part includes a plurality of locking bolts 32, each connected to or otherwise comprised by the actuation member 48. In embodiments, two locking bolts 32 are provided. The one or more locking bolts 32 may extend through apertures in the base member 40.
Since many typical 'night vent' locks comprise a single locking assembly in combination with two separate keep arrangements, it is considered that the locking assemblies of the present invention may be incorporated into existing locking systems. For example, an installed window lock may include a first locking assembly and an operating assembly, for use in combination with a keep defining first and second keep arrangements (i.e. when the first locking assembly is moved between two different positions). Such arrangements are typically referred to as 'double-stage' keeps, but herein we refer to separate first and second keep arrangements. It should be understood that the terms are generally interchangeable in this context.
The window lock may be disassembled, and a second locking assembly 16 added between the operating assembly and the first locking assembly 14, as explained and shown herein. This arrangement would allow an existing window lock installation to be updated to provide a 'night vent' locking position, by providing a second locking assembly 16. Doing so is likely to cost less than buying and installing an entirely new window locking system.
To this end, the second locking assembly 16 may be viewed as a locking assembly for use in a lock for fastening a window relative to a frame. The original lock to which the second locking assembly 16 is to be fitted is of the type comprising: a locking arrangement securable to a window, the locking arrangement having a further locking assembly operable to move between a locking and a release configuration; a keep arrangement securable to the structure; and an operating assembly adapted to move the further locking assembly between its locking and release configurations, all as previously described (where the 'further' locking assembly correlates to the 'first locking assembly').
The originally-installed lock is configured such that when the window is in a first position and the further locking assembly is in its locking configuration, the further locking assembly engages the keep arrangement so as to fasten the window to the structure.
The second locking assembly 16, as a retro-fitted additional lock, is operable to move between a locking and a release configuration. It is also configured for connection to the operating assembly such that the operating assembly is operable to move the second locking assembly between its locking and release configurations. In this way, when fitted to the original lock, the locking assembly engages the keep arrangement so as to fasten the window to the structure when the window is in a second position and the locking assembly is in its locking configuration.
To enable the second locking assembly 16 to fit into any existing window, the base member 40 may be formed as an extrusion, to allow the profile to be selected according to the configuration of the window into which it is intended to be installed.
Furthermore, a lock of the present invention may also provide enhanced locking security when the window is in its first position. Where a second keep arrangement is secured to the structure (i.e. 58), the lock may be configured such that when window is in the first position relative to the frame, and the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 are both in their respective locking configurations, the first locking assembly 14 engages the first keep arrangement 56 and the second locking assembly 16 engages the second keep arrangement 58. This is illustrated in Figure 3, for example.
In operation, where a first and a second keep arrangement are provided (i.e. the lock as shown in Figure 3), both the first and second locking assemblies 14, 16 engage their respective first and second keep arrangements 56, 58. A user operates the handle 22 to move the locking assemblies into their release configurations, disengaging the mushroom-pins 26 of the first locking assembly 14 from their respective mushroom keeps 56, and withdrawing the locking bolts 32 from the recess of the second keep arrangement 58, resulting in the configuration shown in Figure 4. The user then moves the window W into its second position, in which it is slightly ajar with respect to the frame F. As shown in Figure 5, the handle is operated by the user 22 so that the second locking assembly 16 -which is now aligned with the first keep arrangement 56 -engages that keep arrangement. In this way, the window W is fastened relative to the frame F even though the first locking assembly 14 does not align with a keep arrangement.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.