GB2424033A

GB2424033A - A fastener, particularly a sash window lock

Info

Publication number: GB2424033A
Application number: GB0505041A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Owen; Robert Humphries
Original assignee: Caldwell Hardware UK Ltd
Current assignee: Caldwell Hardware UK Ltd
Priority date: 2005-03-11
Filing date: 2005-03-11
Publication date: 2006-09-13
Also published as: GB0505041D0

Abstract

A fastener for impeding relative movement between two parts of an object e.g. sash window comprising a fastener (12) adapted for attachment to a first part of the object e.g. lower sash and a keeper (14) adapted for attachment to a second part of the object e.g. upper sash, the fastener having a latch element (24) which is moveable preferably pivotally between an unlocking and locking position, the latch element having first and second outwardly projecting formations (28, 29) forming a channel therebetween, and the keeper having a slot (46) with a protruding tab (48) wherein when the latch element is moved into its locking position, the latch element is received in the slot, with the tab being received between the first and second outwardly projecting formations to secure the fastener to the keeper, thus impeding relative movement between the two pads of the object. Preferably the fastener includes two tabs 48,50 and two pairs of projecting formations.

Description

Title: Apparatus for Impeding Relative Movement Between Parts of an Object

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for impeding relative movement between parts of an object, for example a window or a door, and particularly, though not exclusively, to a device for impeding relative movement between lower and upper sashes of sash windows.

Sash windows are commonly used in buildings, particularly residential buildings such as houses. A sash window typically comprises a window frame with a lower and an upper sash, with the lower sash being disposed beneath and inwardly of the upper sash, such that there is an overlap between the two sashes. One or both of the sashes is slidable in a generally vertical direction along rails or other guide means positioned within the frame, so as to open and close the window.

Fastening means may be provided on an interior of the window to secure the window, by impeding relative movement between the lower and upper sashes.

This acts to restrain the window from being opened inadvertently or from being opened from its exterior. The fastening means typically comprises a sash lock attached to one of the sashes and a keeper attached to the other sash. The sash lock usually has a lever-operated element, part of which engages with a complementary receiving formation on the keeper, thus restraining relative movement of the sashes. A key-operated lock may also be provided, to prevent operation of the sash lock when the key- operated lock is activated.

Whilst fastening means of this type can be effective, it has been found that the lever-operated element is vulnerable to breakage, and the receiving formation on the keeper may bend, when sufficient force is applied, for example if the lower sash is forced upwards whilst the fastening means is in an operative position, for example in an attempt to break-in through the window.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for impeding relative movement between two parts of an object comprising a fastener adapted for attachment to a first part of the object and a keeper adapted for attachment to a second part of the object, the fastener having a latch element which is moveable between an inoperative position and an operative position, the latch element having first and second outwardly projecting formations, and the keeper having a slot with a tab which protrudes into the slot, wherein when the latch element is moved into its operative position, the latch element is received in the slot, with the tab being received between the first and second outwardly projecting formations to secure the fastener to the keeper, thus impeding relative movement between the two parts of the object.

Providing two outwardly projecting formations allows the tab of the keeper to be received between them, strengthening fastening between the latch element and the keeper. This impedes twisting of the latch element relative to the keeper and vice versa, allowing the apparatus to be effective in impeding relative movement between the parts of the object.

The latch element may be mounted on a spindle, for rotation with the spindle, for movement of the latch element between the inoperative and operative positions. A lever may be attached to the spindle, rotation of which causes rotation of the spindle and of the latch element.

The latch element may comprise a plate-like member. The plate-like member may be substantially semi-circular in shape. The first and second formations may project outwardly from a first side of the plate-like member. The first formation may comprise a lip projecting outwardly from at least a part of an outer edge of the plate-like member. When the platelike member is substantially semi-circular, the first formation may comprise a lip projecting outwardly from at least a part of a semicircular outer edge of the plate-like member. The second formation may comprise a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the first formation. When the plate-like member is substantially semi-circular, the second formation may comprise a wall extending radially inwardly of and having a substantially similar curvature to least a part of the first formation. The first and second formations may form a channel therebetween. The tab of the keeper may be received in the channel.

The latch element may have a third outwardly projecting formation. The third formation may project outwardly from a second side of the platelike member.

The latch element may have a fourth outwardly projecting formation. The fourth formation may project outwardly from a second side of the platelike member. The third formation may comprise a lip extending along at least a part of an outer edge of the plate-like member. When the platelike member is substantially semi-circular, the third formation may comprise a lip extending along at least a part of a semi-circular outer edge of the plate-like member.

The fourth formation may comprise a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the third formation. When the platelike member is substantially semi-circular, the fourth formation may comprise a wall extending radially inwardly of and having a substantially similar curvature to least a part of the third formation. The third and fourth formations may form a channel therebetween.

The keeper may have a second tab. When the latch element is moved into its operative position, the second tab may latch with the third outwardly projecting formation. When the latch element is moved into its operative position, the second tab may be received between the third and fourth outwardly projecting formations. The second tab may be received in the channel between the third and fourth formations. The second tab may protrude into the slot of the keeper. The tabs of the keeper may protrude into the slot from opposite sides thereof so that they are substantially in line with each other. Provision of two tabs impedes twisting of the keeper, and further strengthens fastening between the latch element and the keeper.

The fastener may include a lock having a locking formation which is engageable with a locking formation of the latch element to restrain movement of the latch element when it is in its operative position. The lock may be key- operated, or push-button operated, or the like.

The fastener may comprise a housing. The latch element may be attached to and received within the housing, when the element is in its inoperative position. The latch element may be attached to and partially received within the housing, when the element is in its operative position. The fastener may include a base plate which attaches to the housing of the fastener when the fastener is installed for use. This may prevent the latch element from digging into the part of the object to which the fastener is attached. This may restrain tilting of the fastener, as may occur for example if it is attempted to force the two parts of the object apart when the apparatus is operative, thus improving the effectiveness of the apparatus.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for impeding relative movement between two parts of an object comprising a fastener adapted for attachment to a first part of the object and a keeper adapted for attachment to a second part of the object, the fastener having a latch element which is moveable between an inoperative position and an operative position, the latch element having first and second outwardly projecting formations, and the keeper having a slot with first and second tabs which protrude into the slot, wherein when the latch element is moved into its operative position, the latch element is received in the slot, with the first tab latching with the first outwardly projecting formation and the second tab latching with the second outwardly projecting formation to secure the fastener to the keeper, thus impeding relative movement between the two parts of the object.

Providing two tabs impedes twisting of the keeper, and strengthens fastening between the latch element and the keeper, allowing the apparatus to be effective at impeding relative movement between the parts of the object.

The first and second tabs of the keeper may protrude into the slot from opposite sides thereof so that they are substantially in line with each other.

The latch element may comprise a plate-like member. The plate-like member may be substantially semi-circular in shape. The first and second formations may project outwardly from opposite sides of the plate-like member. The first and second formations may each comprise a lip extending along at least a part of an outer edge of each side of the plate-like member. When the plate- like member is substantially semi-circular, the first and second formations may each comprise a lip extending along at least a part of a semi-circular outer edge of each side of the plate-like member.

The fastener may comprise a third formation, which projects outwardly from the side of the plate-like member from which the first formation projects. The third formation may comprise a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the first formation. When the plate-like member is substantially semi-circular, the third formation may comprise a wall extending radially inwardly of and having a substantially similar curvature to least a part of the first formation. The first and third formations may form a channel therebetween. The first tab of the keeper may be received in the channel.

The fastener may comprise a fourth formation, which projects outwardly from the side of the plate-like member from which the second formation projects.

The fourth formation may comprise a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the second formation. When the plate-like member is substantially semi-circular, the fourth formation may comprise a wall extending radially inwardly of and having a substantially similar curvature to least a part of the second formation. The second and fourth formations may form a channel therebetween. The second tab of the keeper may be received in the channel.

The object may be a sash window, and the fastener may be adapted for attachment to a first sash of the window, e.g. a lower sash, and the keeper may be adapted for attachment to a second sash of the window, e.g. an upper sash, It will be appreciated that the object may be an object other than a window, for example a door, It will further be appreciated that the apparatus may be used to impede relative movement between two objects.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a window comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is moveable relative to the other, the window being provided with an apparatus for impeding relative movement between the at least two parts according to the first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a window comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is moveable relative to the other, the window being provided with an apparatus for impeding relative movement between the at least two parts according to the second aspect of the invention.

The window may be a sash window, and the parts of the window may be sashes of the window.

The invention, in its various aspects, will now be described, in greater detail, but strictly by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for impeding relative movement between two parts of an object according to the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of a fastener of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of the fastener shown in Figures 1 and 2, and FIGURE 4 is a side view of a keeper of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus for impeding relative movement between two parts of an object is shown generally at 10, and comprises a fastener 12 and a keeper 14. The apparatus will be described with reference to impeding movement between two sashes of a sash window, but is not limited to this type of object.

The fastener 12 is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3, and has a housing 16 which is die cast from any suitable metal or alloy. Holes 18 are provided in the housing, enabling the fastener 12 to be attached to a frame of a sash.

The fastener 12 comprises a bush (not shown) provided within the housing 16 and fixed thereto. A spindle 19 is mounted within the bush, so that the spindle rotates within the bush, and first and second ends of the spindle project from opposite ends of the bush. The first end of the spindle 19 projects through an opening in the housing 16, and a lever 20 is mounted thereon. The lever is moveable in a clockwise direction and an anti clockwise direction to rotate the spindle 19. The fastener 12 may comprise a base plate (not shown) attached to the housing 16, such that when the fastener 12 is installed on a frame of a sash, the plate is interposed between the housing 16 and the frame.

The fastener 12 comprises a latch element 24 attached to the second end of the spindle 19. The latch element 24 is die cast from any suitable metal or metal alloy. Preferably the latch element is die cast from stainless steel, which improves the strength of the latch element and impedes twisting thereof, therefore strengthening the fastening between the latch element and the keeper. The latch element 24 and the spindle 19 are preferably cast together as one piece, this reduces the likelihood of failure of the spindle if, for example, it is attempted to force the sashes apart. The latch element 24 comprises a substantially semicircular plate-like member 25. The plate-like member 25 has a first side 26 and a second side 27. When the fastener 12 is installed on a sash frame, the first side 26 faces towards a part of the frame, and the second side 27 faces away from the frame. First and second outwardly projecting formations are mounted on the first side 26 (Figure 2).

The first outwardly projecting formation is in the form of a lip 28 which projects outwardly from a semi-circular outer edge of the first side 26 of the plate-like member 25. The second outwardly projecting formation is in the form of a wall 29, which extends radially inwardly of and has a substantially similar curvature to the lip 28. The first and second outwardly projecting formations form a channel 30 between them. Third and fourth outwardly projecting formations are mounted on the second side 27 of the plate-like member 25 (Figure 3).

The third outwardly projecting formation is in the form of a lip 36, which projects outwardly from a part of a semi-circular outer edge of the second side 27 of the plate-like member 25. The fourth outwardly projecting formation is in the form of a wall 37, which extends radially inwardly of and has a substantially similar curvature to the lip 36. The third and fourth outwardly projecting formations form a channel 38 between them.

The latch element 24 is attached to the spindle 19, such that rotation of the spindle, by movement of the lever 20, causes rotation of the platelike member through substantially 180 degrees. The plate-like member 25 moves from an inoperative position, where a planar outer edge of the member is substantially aligned with an opening 35 in the housing 16 and the plate-like member is received within the housing, to an operative position, where a semi- circular outer edge of the member protrudes through the opening 35 in the housing 16 of the fastener 12. In the latter position, the latch element 24 is able to engage with the keeper 14.

The latch element 24 is provided with a locking formation 32 (Figure 2). This is engageable with a locking formation 34 of a barrel lock 22 attached to the housing 16. When so positioned, the locking formations act together to restrain movement of the latch element 24, and thus of the spindle 19 and the lever 20.

Referring to Figure 4, the keeper 14 comprises a substantially planar body 40.

This is pressed from any suitable material. Preferably the keeper is manufactured from stainless steel. This improves the strength of the keeper and impedes twisting thereof, strengthening the fastening between the latch element and the keeper. The planar body 40 is provided with holes 42, enabling the keeper 14 to be attached to a surface of a frame of a sash.

Flaps 44 extend at substantially 90 degrees to the plane of the body 40, and are provided with holes (not shown) to enable the keeper to be secured to a further surface of the frame. The keeper 14 comprise a slot 46, and first and second tabs 48, 50, which protrude into the slot 46. Strengthening tabs 52, 54 are also provided, positioned adjacent the tabs 48, 50 and extending in substantially the same direction as the flaps 44.

In use, the apparatus is installed on a sash window. The latch element 24 is placed in its inoperative position (i.e. where it is received within the housing 16 of the fastener 12), and the fastener is attached to a frame of a lower sash, such that the housing 16 lies in a generally horizontal plane. The keeper 14 is attached to a frame of an upper sash, such that the slot 46 lies in a generally vertical plane. With the lower and upper sashes both in their closed positions, the slot 46 is positioned adjacent the opening 35 in the housing 16 of the fastener 12.

With the latch element 24 of the fastener 12 in its inoperative position, relative movement between the lower and upper sashes is possible. To impede such relative movement, the fastener 12 is engaged with the keeper 14. The lever 20 is rotated in a clockwise direction, which rotates the spindle 19 and the latch element 24, and causes movement of the latch element from its inoperative position to its operative position. As the lever 20 is rotated, the plate-like member 25 of the latch element 24 is rotated, such that the semi- circular outer edge of the member travels in an arc and protrudes out of the opening 35 of the housing 16. A leading portion of the semi-circular edge enters the slot 46 of the keeper 14 and passes behind the first and second tabs 48, 50. The first tab 48 is received in the channel 30 between the lip 28 of the first outwardly projecting formation and the wall 29 of the second outwardly projecting formation. The second tab 50 is received in the channel 38 between the lip 36 of the third outwardly projecting formation and the wall 37 of the fourth outwardly projecting formation. When the plate-like member of the latch element 24 is fully rotated into its operative position, the first tab is located between the first and second outwardly projecting formations and the second tab is located between the third and fourth outwardly projecting formations. Thus the fastener 12 is secured to the keeper 14, and relative movement between the inner and outer sashes is impeded.

With the apparatus 10 in this condition, the key-operated barrel lock 22 may be operated to bring the locking formation 34 into engagement with the locking formation 32 on the latch element 24, thus to restrain movement of the latch element 24, etc. To disengage the fastener 12 from the keeper 14, the key-operated barrel lock must first be disengaged, moving the locking formation 34 out of engagement with the locking formation 32 on the latch element 24. The lever 20 is then moved in an anti clockwise direction, which rotates the spindle 19 and the latch element 24, and causes the latch element to move from its operative position to its inoperative position. This causes rotation of the plate- like member 25 of the latch element24, such that the semi-circular outer edge of the member travels in an arc and is retracted into the housing 16. When the plate-like member 25 of the latch element 24 is fully rotated into its inoperative position, it is received within the housing 16, and the outwardly projecting formations of the latch element are disengaged from the tabs 48, 50 of the keeper 14. The fastener 12 is thus no longer secured to the keeper 14, permitting relative movement between the inner and outer sashes.

The apparatus described above comprises two outwardly projecting formations on each side of the plate-like member of the latch element, and two tabs on the keeper. This provides a very effective apparatus for impeding relative movement between the sashes of the window. As each tab is located between two outwardly projecting formations, twisting of the latch element relative to the keeper and vice versa is impeded. Additionally, the provision of two tabs on the keeper impedes twisting of the keeper. This strengthens the fastening between the fastener and the keeper, allowing the apparatus to be effective in impeding relative movement between the sashes. It will be appreciated, however, that the advantages of the various aspects of the invention are provided by other arrangements of the outwardly projecting formations and the tabs. For example, first and second outwardly projecting formations may be provided on only one side of the plate-like member of the latch element and only one tab provided on the keeper, to be received between the formations. Alternatively, only one outwardly projecting formation may be provided on each side of the plate-like member of the latch element and two tabs provided on the keeper, each tab latching with only one formation. Either of these arrangements or a combination thereof will strengthen the fastening between the fastener and the keeper, allowing the apparatus to impede relative movement of the sashes.

Although the apparatus has been described in the above example for use in relation to sash windows, it will be appreciated that it may also be used on other objects such as other types of windows or doors. The apparatus is suitable for use with window or door frames made from any suitable material, for example wood, extruded aluminium or uPVC.

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.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for impeding relative movement between two parts

of an object comprising a fastener adapted for attachment to a first part of the object and a keeper adapted for attachment to a second part of the object, the fastener having a latch element which is moveable between an inoperative position and an operative position, the latch element having first and second outwardly projecting formations, and the keeper having a slot with a tab which protrudes into the slot wherein when the latch element is moved into its operative position, the latch element is received in the slot, with the tab being received between the first and second outwardly projecting formations to secure the fastener to the keeper, thus impeding relative movement between the two parts of the object.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the latch element is mounted on a spindle, for rotation with the spindle, for movement of the latch element between the inoperative and operative positions.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the latch element comprises a plate-like member.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 in which the first and second formations project outwardly from a first side of the plate-like member.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4 in which the first formation comprises a lip projecting outwardly from at least a part of an outer edge of the plate-like member.
6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the second formation comprises a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the first formation.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 in which the first and second formations form a channel therebetween, and the tab of the keeper is received in the channel.
8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the latch element has a third outwardly projecting formation.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 in which the third formation projects outwardly from a second side of the plate-like member.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 in which the third formation comprises a lip extending along at least a part of an outer edge of the plate- like member.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the latch element has a fourth outwardly projecting formation.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 in which the fourth formation projects outwardly from a second side of the plate-like member.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 in which the fourth formation comprises a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the third formation.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 in which the third and fourth formations form a channel therebetween.
15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the keeper has a second tab.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15 as dependent from any of claims 8 to 10 in which, when the latch element is moved into its operative position, the second tab latches with the third outwardly projecting formation.
17. An apparatus according to claim 15 as dependent from any of claims 11 to 13 in which, when the latch element is moved into its operative position, the second tab is received between the third and fourth outwardly projecting formations.
18. An apparatus according to claim 15 as dependent from claim 14 in which the second tab is received in the channel between the third and fourth formations.
19. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18 in which the tabs protrude into the slot from opposite sides thereof so that they are substantially in line with each other.
20. An apparatus for impeding relative movement between two parts of an object comprising a fastener adapted for attachment to a first part of the object and a keeper adapted for attachment to a second part of the object, the fastener having a latch element which is moveable between an inoperative position and an operative position, the latch element having first and second outwardly projecting formations, and the keeper having a slot with first and second tabs which protrude into the slot, wherein when the latch element is moved into its operative position, the latch element is received in the slot, with the first tab latching with the first outwardly projecting formation and the second tab latching with the second outwardly projecting formation to secure the fastener to the keeper, thus impeding relative movement between the two parts of the object.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20 in which the first and second tabs of the keeper protrude into the slot from opposite sides thereof so that they are substantially in line with each other.
22. An apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 in which the latch element is mounted on a spindle, for rotation with the spindle, for movement of the latch element between the inoperative and operative positions.
23. An apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 22 in which the latch element comprises a plate-like member.
24. An apparatus according to claim 23 in which the first and second formations project outwardly from opposite sides of the plate-like member.
25. An apparatus according to claim 24 in which the first and second formations each comprise a lip extending along at least a part of an outer edge of each side of the plate-like member.
26. An apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 25 in which the fastener comprises a third formation, which projects outwardly from the side of the plate-like member from which the first formation projects.
27. An apparatus according to claim 26 in which the third formation comprises a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the first formation.
28. An apparatus according to claim 27 in which the first and third formations form a channel therebetween, and the first tab of the keeper is received in the channel.
29. An apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 28 in which the fastener comprises a fourth formation, which projects outwardly from the side of the plate-like member from which the second formation projects.
30. An apparatus according to claim 29 in which the fourth formation comprises a wall extending substantially parallel to and inwardly of at least a part of the second formation.
31. An apparatus according to claim 30 in which the second and fourth formations form a channel therebetween, and the second tab of the keeper is received in the channel.
32. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the object is a sash window, and the fastener is adapted for attachment to a first sash of the window, and the keeper is adapted for attachment to a second sash of the window.
33. A window comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is moveable relative to the other, the window being provided with an apparatus for impeding relative movement between the at least two parts according to any of claims I to 19 or claim 32.
34. A window comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is moveable relative to the other, the window being provided with an apparatus for impeding relative movement between the at least two parts according to any of claims 20 to 32.
35. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.