GB2153903A - Fastening means - Google Patents

Abstract

Fastening means for a closure member, for example a casement window, (13) comprises a carrier (10) to which is pivotally mounted a latch member (19) having an abutment surface (28) for engagement with a keeper (30). The arrangement of the fastening means with a latch axis (18) parallel to the surface of a closure member to which it is secured enables the design of a fastening means which engages a keeper to maintain the closure member in a closed position without the application of undue force thereby minimising distortion and damage to the fastening means and to the closure member itself. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Fastening members The present invention relates to fastening members primarily but not exclusively for use in securing closure members relative to a frame defining an opening closed by the clo sure member, an example of such closure member being a hinged casement window.

Until relatively recently window frames and casements were made from steel or wood.

Casements are generally secured in their closed position by a handle pivotally mounted on the casement and having an abutment surface which contacts a further abutment surface which may be a surface of a wedgeshaped keeper provided on the window frame.

The abutment surface on the handle may apply to the keeper a considerable force to maintain the casement closed relative to its frame. The amount of force applied depends on the strength of the person shutting the window and on the manner in which the casement has been hung relative to its frame.

This form of handle and keeper has proved generally satisfactory with windows and casements made from steel and wood until heavy handed use perhaos distorted the pivotal mounting of the handle or caused the pivotal mounting means connecting the handle to the casement to be damaged or broken.

Another problem with such fasteners is that a considerable downwards force is applied to the casement during a closing action which leads to distortion of the casement and possible damage to the casement hinges.

Windows and casements are now frequently made from aluminium alloy or a plastics material such as uPVC and since such windows and casements are often made from a plurality of extruded elements connected together the dimensions and the configuration of the window and frame are precise. Furthermore it is not uncommon for relatively soft sealing elements to be included between the frame and the casement to enhance the seal when the casement is in its closed position. It is therefore not desirable to have a large force applied to the casement forcing it into engagement with its frame.

Excessive force may not only damage the seals but can also cause considerable damage to the casement and frame itself since even though aluminium and uPVC have some desirable advantages over steel and wood, the former materials are significantly softer than steel and unless well treated can be easily damaged.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a fastening member that overcomes or minimises the abovementioned problems.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided fastening means for attachment to a closure member to maintain the closure member in a closed position relative to a frame, the fastening means comprising a carrier and a latch member mounted on the carrier for pivotal movement relative thereto about a latch axis, wherein the carrier is adapted for mounting on a surface of the closure member which is parallel to the latch axis.

Preferably, the carrier comprises a handle part for manual engagment to facilitate opening and closing of the closure member.

The handle part may extend from the latch member in opposite directions longitudinally of the latch axis. The latch member may be accommodated, at least partially, within a recess defined by the carrier.

The carrier is preferably formed from one or more extrusions which are separated into suitable lengths to form the carrier, and material is cut from that length to form the recess which accommodates the latch member associated with the carrier. Alternatively, two extruded lengths may be positioned on opposite sides of the latch member.

The carrier may be formed from two or more extrusions which are subsequently secured together by any suitable means, such as welding, riveting, adhesive etc.

The latch member may have a profile, as viewed in a direction along the latch axis, which conforms, at least in part, with the corresponding profile of the carrier when the latch member is in a position to hold an associated closure member in a closed position.

The latch member also may be formed of a length of extruded material. Alternatively, the latch member may be formed as a diecasting or as a molding of a plastics material.

Means are preferably provided for biasing the latch member relative to the carrier into a position in which the latch member holds closed an associated closure member. The biasing means may comprise a spring, a part of the spring bearing on the carrier and a further part bearing on the latch member.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly comprising a structure defining an opening and a closure member for the opening, the closure member being mounted for pivoting relative to the structure about a first axis between closed and open positions with respect to the opening, wherein there is provided on the closure member a latch member, the latch member is mounted for pivoting relative to the closure member about a latch axis between a retaining position in which an abutment surface of the latch member engages an abutment surface on said structure to hold the closure member in the closed position and a releasing position of the latch member in which it permits movement of the closure member to the open position and wherein the latch axis is parallel to the first axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new or improved construction of fastening member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastening means for attachment to a closure member, to maintain the closure member in a closed position relative to a frame, the fastening means comprising a carrier and a latch member mounted on the carrier for pivotal movement relative thereto about a latch axis, wherein the carrier comprises an assembly of two or more extruded members, said members being secured to each other.

Preferably, the carrier is adapted for mounting on a surface of the closure member which is parallel to the latch axis.

Conveniently, the arrangement of the fastening means and associated latch is aforedescribed.

Preferably the carrier is mounted on a surface of the closure member which is parallel to said axes.

The closure member may be slidably movable from a closed to an open position relative to its frame.

The latch member preferably includes a handle portion which is moved in a direction away from the closure member when the latch member moves from the retaining position to the releasing position.

Said structure may be provided with two abutment surfaces, one for engagement by the latch member to hold the closure member in the closed position and the other for engagement by the latch member to prevent movement of the closure member to the fully open position from a slightly open position.

It is further envisaged that locking means may be provided for locking the latch member against movement relative to the closure member. The locking means may be disposed within the latch member, within the carrier or partly within each of these.

Examples of fastening means in accordance with the invention incorporated in an assembly in accordance with the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 a perspective sectional view of the fastening means in isolation; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the fastening means secured to a casement window; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the fastening means shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with the latch member moved to a position to allow opening of the window; Figure 4 shows the latch member retaining the casement slightly ajar from its surrounding frame; Figure 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment of fastening means; Figure 6 is a sectional view of the carrier part of the fastening means shown in Fig. 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fastening means shown in Figs. 5 and 6;; Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of fastening means; Figure 9 is a section through the fastening means shown in Fig. 8; Figure 10 is a side elevation of the fastening means shown in Fig. 8.

The fastening means comprises a carrier part 10 which conveniently can be made as an extrusion from an aluminium alloy. The carrier has a flat surface 11 for engaging in face to face contact a surface 1 2 of a closure member 1 3 to which the carrier is secured by adhesive, threaded fasteners, or any other suitable means. The closure member is a casement hinged to a window frame. The carrier 10 is provided with an upwardly extending handle 14 which affords a manually engagable surface 1 5 to enable the carrier 10 to be held in order to move the closure member 1 3 betwen open and closed positions.

The carrier 10 is also provided, during extrusion, with channels 1 6 and 17, the latter of which affords locating means for a pin 1 8 to enable pivotal mounting of a hollow latch member 1 9 in the carrier 1 0. The latch member 1 9 has an opening 20 through which a pin 1 8 passes to secure the pivotal member 1 9 to carrier 10.

The channel 1 6 of the carrier 10 accomodates pin 21 to which is secured a spring member 22, one end 23 of which bears an internal surface 24 of latch member 19.

The spring 22 is disposed inside the latch member 1 9 and causes the latch member to take up the retaining position shown in Figs.

1 and 2.

The latch member 1 9 has an upper surface part 25 which, when the latch member is in the position to which it is biassed by spring 22 conforms with the upper surface of mounting part 10 and has a handle portion 26 of similar configuration to the handle 14. The portion 26 presents a manually engageable surface 27 which faces generally towards the casement. As viewed along the axis of the pin 18, the carrier and the latch member have respective profiles which partly coincide when the latch member is in the retaining position.

The upper regions of the latch member 1 9 therefore conform to the general outline of the mounting part 10 to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The latch member 1 9 has a curved surface 28 which engages with a complementary surface 29 provided on the keeper 30 which is fastened to the window frame 31.

When the latch member 1 9 is in its retaining position as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, it holds the casement 1 3 is in its closed relationship to the frame member 31. In order to open the casement, a user pulls the latch in a direction away from the casement causing pivotal movement the latch 1 9 about the axis of pin 18. As soon as the abutment surface 28 is out of engagement with the abutment surface 29 of keeper 30 the window may be pushed open, provided that the latch 1 9 is maintained in the releasing position as shown in Fig. 3.

The casement 1 3 may then be opened to whatever extent is required. The latch 1 9 may then be released and it will take up its aesthetically pleasing position relative to the mount ing part 10 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

It will be noted that the direction of move ment of that part of the casement 1 3 to which the carrier 10 is secured, from the closed position of the casement towards the open position, is perpendicular to the axis of the pin 18, on which the latch member 19 pivots.

The general direction in which the surface 28 of the latch member 29 is moved from the retaining position to the releasing position is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the adjacent part of the casement from the closed position and is perpendicular to the plane of an interface at which the casement and window frame engage one another. Although the abutment surface 28 of the latch member is curved, its centre of curvature does not coincide with the axis of the pin 1 8 and lies somewhat above that axis, so that a clearance space is opened up between the surfaces 28 and 29 when pivoting of the latch member from its retaining position is commenced, provided the casement remains stationary relative to the frame. The axis of the pin 1 8 is parallel to the surfaces 28 and 29.Pivoting of the latch member 19 relative to the carrier 10 is limited by the pin 21 to a range of angular movement which does not exceed 50 .

In order to close the casement 13, the user engages the surface 1 5 of handle 14 which provides a highly satisfactory surface for grasping by the users finger tips. Engagement of the outer corner 35 of the window frame by the surface 36 of latch 1 9 causes pivotal movement of the latch towards the releasing position shown in Fig. 3 until movement of the casement 1 3 relative to the frame 31 has been sufficient for the abutment surfaces 28 of latch 1 9 and 29 of keeper 30 to come into engagement with each other.The latch 1 9 will then move to its retaining position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and the casement 1 3 will be firmly secured without excessive, possibly damaging force occurring between the casement 13 and its surrounding frame 31.

Window frames are often provided with an outer ridge 37 so that there are two engagement surfaces on each of the casement 1 3 and on the frame 31 to enhance the sealing between the casement and the frame. Conveniently the outer ridge 37 may be engaged by the abutment surface 28 of the latch 19, hence maintaing the casement 1 3 in a partially open "ajar" position illustrated in Fig. 4.

The spring 22 maintains the latch 1 9 in the position shown in Fig. 4. Further opening movement of the casement 1 3 can be enabled by pivotal movement of the latch 1 9 in an anticlockwise direction so that the abutment surface 28 thereof moves out of engagement of the ridge 37. Similarly the window can be closed by grasping the handle 14 provided on the carrier 10 and pulling the casement 1 3 towards the frame enabling reengagement of the abutment surfaces 28 on the latch and 29 on the keeper 30.

It is envisaged that the generally the fastening means will be secured to the edge region of the closure member opposite to the edge region nearest to and generally parallel with the pivotal axis of the closure member. It is envisaged, however, that the fastening means may be provided on the edge of a closure member adjacent to the edge parallel to the pivotal axis and, in such circumstances, the abutment surfaces 28 on the latch 1 9 and 29 on the keeper 30 may be slightly inclined relative to the surface of the closure member so that these surfaces are generally parallel to a line passing along the abutment surfaces there between and through the pivotal axis of the closure member.

Referring now to Fig. 5, 6 and 7, another embodiment of the fastening means of the present invention is illustrated.

Referring first to Fig. 5, the fastening means comprises a carrier part generally indicated at 40 made from two extrusions 41 and 42 which are subsequently secured together through interengaging surface portions at 43, 44, 45 and 46.

The latch member 48 is mounted for pivotal movement on the carrier member about axis 49 and is provided with a handle portion 50 and a keeper engaging surface 51 which engages keeper 54 (see Fig. 7).

The latch 48 is biased to a position in which the handle portion 50 extends outwardly from the carrier part 40 in a direction towards the window to which it is to be fitted so that to open the window, the latch 48 is released by squeezing together the handle part 50 of latch 48 and handle part 52 of carrier 40, thus causing clockwise pivotal movement of the latch 48 moving the surface 51 out of contact with the keeper 54 and enabling the window to be opened by pushing on the handle part 52 of carrier 40.

The latch 48 is biased into the position shown in Figs. 5 and 7 and in order to close the window, the handle part 52 of carrier 40 is merely pulled in a direction to close the window until the latch 48 moves into a position in which its surface 51 engages with the keeper.

To enhance manual engagement of the handle 52, a lip 53 is provided.

Whereas the construction of the carrier part is shown as having been made from two extrusions 41 and 42, it is envisaged that more than two extrusions may be used and which extrusions may be made from different materials for example plastics material and aluminium alloy so as to be suitable for different applications, and also to provide fastening means of differing aesthetic appeal.

The fastening means shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 comprises a carrier part 60 which conveniently can be made as an extrusion from an aluminium alloy.

Unlike the fastening means shown in Figs.

1 to 7, the extrusion "direction" forming the carrier part 10 extends away from the casement substantially at right angles thereto.

The carrier part 60 has an end surface 61 engaged in face-to-face contact with the surface of a closure member, for example the casement, and the carrier part 60 may be secured to the closure member by any suitable means, for example adhesive and/or fastening members. The carrier part 60 has secured thereto an elongate moulding 62 which may be made from a plastics material, the moulding 62 having along its length a part which is inserted into the carrier part 60 to locate the moulding 62 relative to the carrier part 60.

The moulding 62 has two end portions 63 and 64 and a central part 65 which partly accommodates a latch member 66.

The latch member 66 is similar to the latch members of the other embodiments described and is provided with a lip 67 to permit of better manual engagement, a curved abutment surface 68 which engages with a keeper which may be substantially the same as the keeper 30 in Fig. 2, for example.

The latch member 66 is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis 69 and may be mounted on the pin similar to the pin 1 8 shown in Fig. 2, the pin being located in end portions 63 and 64 of the moulding 62.

It is envisaged that alternatively the pin may be located in formations provided in the extruded carrier part 60.

Biasing means for the latch in the form of a spring is shown schematically at 70, one end 71 of the spring bearing on the central portion 65 of the moulding 62, the other end bearing on the latch member 66.

The end portions 63 and 64 of the mould ing 62 is provided with apertures 72 and 73 respectively, which apertures are covered by cover plates 74 and 75 respectively. The apertures 72 and 73 permit of fasteners to pass through aligned through bores in both the moulding 62 and the carrier member 60 so as to secure not only the moulding 62 to the carrier part 60 but the complete fastening means to the surface of a casement for example. The fastening members can then conveniently be concealed by the securing of cover members 74 and 75 at the positions illustrated.

The cover member 75 may have a circular aperture to permit of access by a key to the barrel 76 of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operative when in its locked position to prevent movement of the latch member 66 thus providing functional and aesthetically unobtrusive security means.

A significant advantage is provided by the central part 65 of the moulding 62 since it permits of a squeezing operating to open the latch rather than a pulling operation, thus it is a simple operation for a person opening a casement to which such fastening means is fitted, since simultaneous with the squeezing operation to open the latch member 66, the fastening means may be pushed with, for example, the palm of the hand, to open the casement.

Whereas the moulding 62 is shown having two end portions 63 and 64 and a central portion 65, it is envisaged that the profile of the moulding 62 may be substantially the same along its length and still serve to partly accommodate the latch member 66 to permit of the aforementioned squeezing motion to move the latch member out of abutment with a keeper.

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 perform ing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (18)

1. Fastening means for attachment to a closure member to maintain the closure mem ber in a closed position relative to a frame, the fastening means comprising a carrier and a latch member mounted on the carrier for pivotal movement relative thereto about a latch axis, wherein the carrier is adapted for mounting on a surface of the closure member which is parallel to the latch axis.

2. Fastening means according to Claim 1 wherein said carrier comprises a handle part for manual engagement to facilitate opening and closing of the closure member.

3. Fastening means according to Claim 2 wherein said handle part extends from the latch member in opposite directions longitudi nally of the latch axis.

4. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said latch member is accommodated, at least partially, within a recess defined by the carrier.

5. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the carrier is formed from one or more extrusions separated into suitable lengths to form the carrier, and wherein material is cut from said length to form the recess to accommodate said latch member.

6. Fastening means according to Claim 5 wherein two extruded lengths of material are provided each length being positioned on respective sides of the latch member.

7. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the latch member has a profile, as viewed in a direction along the latch axis, conforming at least in part with the corresponding profile of the carrier when the latch member is in a position to hold an associated closure member to which it is secured in a closed position.

8. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein biasing means are provided to bias said latch member relative to the carrier into a position in which the latch member holds closed a closure member to which it is secured.

9. Fastening means according to Claim 8 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring, one part of the spring bearing on the carrier and another part of said spring bearing on the latch member.

10. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims adapted to be secured to a closure member wherein said closure member is mounted for pivotal movement between an open and closed position about a first axis and wherein said fastening means is adapted to be secured to said closure member in a manner such that said latch axis is substantially parallel to said first axis.

11. Fastening means adapted for securing to a closure member, the closure member being mounted for pivoting movement relative to said structure about a first axis between closed and open positions with respect to an opening in said structure wherein said fastening means comprises a latch member mounted for pivoting relative to the closure member about a latch axis between a retaining position in which an abutment surface of the latch member engages an abutment surface on said structure to hold the closure member in the closed position and a releasing position of the latch member in which it permits movement of the closure member to the open position and wherein the latch axis is parallel to the first axis.

1 2. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the latch member includes a manually operable portion movable in a direction away from the closure member when the latch member moves from the retaining position to a releasing position.

1 3. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein locking means are provided for locking the latch member against movement.

14. Fastening means according to Claim 1 3 wherein said locking means is mounted in said carrier.

1 5. Fastening means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a manually operable part of said latch member projects from said carrier member when said latch is in a closure memebr retaining position and wherein said manually operable member is movable into a recess provided in said carrier member or part associated therewith on movement of the latch member to a closure member releasing position.

1 6. Fastening means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

1 7. Fastening means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

18. Fastening means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.