GB2258493A - Window lock - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking device (20) which facilitates partial opening of a window (2), while restricting complete opening of the window (2) when desirable, has a channel member (1) for mounting on the window (2) and a first member (4) for mounting on the window surround (10). The first member (4) includes an arm (6), one end of which suitably engages within the channel member (1) enabling only partial opening of the window (2). Dislocation of the arm (6) from the channel member (1) enables the window (2) to be fully opened. Upon closing the window (2) the arm (6) is automatically re-engaged within the channel member (1). A spring members, which may be constructed from a resilient plastics material, is connected by a centre section (12) to a base (7) of the first member (4). Dislocation of the arm (6) from the channel member (1) requires the arm (6) to be pushed against the spring member. <IMAGE>

Description

"Window Lock" This invention relates to a device adapted for use on a window or the like to facilitate partial opening of the window for ventilation purposes while providing a means for restricting the opening of the window when desirable. While the invention is discussed herein with reference to use in relation to windows it is not limited in this way and may also be adapted for use on any other opening member.

Often it is convenient to have a window only partially open and held in such position, thereby being prevented from closing or opening to a greater extent. In certain weather conditions, for example during gusty or strong winds or in the event or precipitation it may be desirable to use the opening facility of a window to provide ventilation means and yet maintain the window in a near closed position to shield an interior from the inclement weather conditions. Moreover, for safety purposes a means for restricting the opening of a window may be useful to prevent an object or person from falling through the opening. For example, without the use of such a device, a small child may lean against the window causing it to open and allow the child to fall therethrough.

According to the invention there is provided a locking device for facilitating partial opening of a window comprising a first member adapted to be mounted on a fixed frame or sill surrounding the window and a channel member adapted to be mounted on the opening part of the window, said first member having a base upon which a first end of an arm is pivotally connected, said arm including an engaging means towards its opposite end to the first end for engaging with a channel in said channel member, said first member also having a spring member wherein the pivotal movement of the arm is limited by said spring member and wherein forcible action of said arm on said spring member causes said spring member to deform elastically enabling disengagement of said engaging means with said channel.

Preferably, said channel member and said first member are screwed into said window and said frame or sill respectively.

Preferably, said spring member comprises a resilient plastics element including a left spring and a right spring connected by a middle portion, said middle portion being attached to said base.

Preferably, said channel provides low friction resistance to the sliding of said engaging means therein.

Preferably, said locking device is adaptable for use in relation to other opening apparatus, including doors and chute guards.

Preferably, said locking device includes a spacer for ensuring said first member is level.

Preferably, a marker is provided on said channel member for locating said spring member in correct alignment.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention adapted to a window in a closed position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view corresponding to Fig. 1 wherein the window is in a partially open position, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to Figs. 1 and 2, wherein the window is released from said locking device to enable unrestricted opening thereof.

In this description, reference to a window should be construed as a reference to the opening part of a window or any other opening apparatus such as doors or chute guards.

A locking device, generally referenced 20, has a channel member 1 which is screwed or otherwise mounted to a window 2. The channel member 1 incorporates a channel 3 of a defined length.

The locking device 20 also incorporates a first member 4 adapted to be screwed or otherwise mounted on a frame or sill 10 surrounding the window 2. A wedged spacer, not shown, may be used to level the first member 4 when the frame or sill 10 is sloping. The first member 4 has a spring member 5 and an arm 6 pivotally mounted on a base 7 of said first member 4. At the opposite end of the arm 6 to said pivotal connection is an engaging means 8 which is sized and adapted for engaging with said channel 3. The ability of the arm 6 to pivot in relation to said base 7 of the first member 4 enables the engaging means 8 to slide along the channel 3.

This action enables the window 2 to be partially opened.

The extent of pivotal movement of the arm 6 is restricted by the spring member 5. The spring member 5 includes a left spring 9 and a right spring 11 connected by a middle portion 12, wherein the left spring 9 restricts movement of the arm 6 in a left direction and the right spring 11 restricts movement of the arm 6 in a right direction such that the engaging means 8 is maintained within the channel 3. However, upon deformation of the left spring 9 or the right spring 11 the engaging means 8 may be forced out of a respective end of the channel 3.

Positioning of the first member 4 on the frame or sill 10 should be done so as to ensure the spring member 5 is correctly aligned and located. This in itself is dependent upon the direction the window opens, that is at which side of the window the hinges or pivoting means are located. In the embodiment shown, the window is left hand opening with the hinges located in a direction left of the figures 1 and 2. The left spring 9 is therefore positioned in near orthogonal relationship with the window.

Where the window was right hand opening, the right spring would preferably be in near orthogonal relationship with the window.

In the embodiment shown the channel member 1 bears markers 13 which assist in correctly locating the first member 4. The left spring 9 is aligned between the two markers, as shown.

By way of example only, the spring member 5 is made from a resilient plastics material where only the middle portion 12 is fixed to the base 7 of the first member 4. The resilient property of the left spring 9 and right spring 11 provide a means for the springs to be deformed by pivoting about their respective lines of connection with the middle portion 12. The middle portion 12 need only be as large an necessary to ensure sufficient strength of the connection between the spring member 5 and the base 7.

In use, when the window 2 is in a closed position the arm 6 rests against the right spring 11 with the engaging means 8 positioned inside the channel 3 but at the right-hand end thereof. As the window 2 is opened the engaging means 8 slides along the channel 3 as the arm 6 pivots about its point of connection to the base 7 of the first member 4.

Once the window 2 has been opened to a pre-defined extent the arm 6 comes into contact with the left spring 9 simultaneously with the engaging means 8 reaching the left-hand end of the channel 3. In this position the application of pressure on the window 2 will not cause it to open further by reason of the arm 6 having an approximately orthogonal relationship with said window 2.

To facilitate further opening of the window 2 it is necessary to push the arm 6 against the left spring 9 so as to deform the left spring 9 by a sufficient amount to enable disengagement of the engaging means 8 from the channel 3. This then frees the channel member 1 from the first member 4 removing any restriction in movement of the window 2 caused thereby.

Once the pressure on the arm 6 has been released the elastic deformation of the left spring 9 causes the arm 6 to be pivoted at least partially back towards the right spring 11. When it is desired to close the window 2 the action of the channel member 1 bearing upon the engaging means 8 ensures that the arm 6 is pressed against the right spring 11. Accordingly, under sufficient pressure the arm 6 will deform the right spring 11 in an outward direction until the engaging means 8 is forced into the channel 3 under the influence of the resilient property of the right spring 11. Thus, closing the window causes automatic re-engagement of the device for further use.

The invention therefore provides a means for limiting the extent a window or the like may be opened when pushed against in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the window. Yet, the invention also provides a means for allowing the window to be opened to a greater extent by the application of a force on the arm 6 in a direction parallel to the plane of the window.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims (8)

1. Claims

   1A locking device for facilitating partial opening of a window comprising a first member adapted to be mounted on a fixed frame or sill surrounding the window and a channel member adapted to be mounted on the opening part of the window, said first member having a base upon which a first end of an arm is pivotally connected, said arm including an engaging means towards its opposite end to the first end for engaging with a channel in said channel member, said first member also having a spring member wherein the pivotal movement of the arm is limited by said spring member and wherein forcible action of said arm on said spring member causes said spring member to deform elastically enabling disengagement of said engaging means with said channel.
2. 2 A locking device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said channel member and said first member are screwed into said window and said frame or sill respectively.
3. 3 A locking device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said spring member comprises a resilient plastics element including a left spring and a right spring connected by a middle portion, said middle portion being attached to said base.
4. 4 A locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein said channel provides low friction resistance to the sliding of said engaging means therein.
5. 5 A locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein said locking device is adaptable for use in relation to other opening apparatus, including doors and chute guards.
6. 6 A locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims including a spacer for ensuring said first member is level.
7. 7 A locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein markers are provided on said channel member for locating said spring member in correct alignment.
8. 8 A locking device substantially as described or illustrated herein.