GB2233025A - Adjustable keeper - Google Patents

Abstract

A keeper 10, in or for a fastening for a wing such as a window or door is adapted to be mounted on a surface of a frame or surround of the wing, and comprises or is provided with means 24 for enabling more than one mounted position of the keeper relative to said surface to be achieved. Various forms of such means are disclosed e.g. rotatable elements 26 with stepped cam 30 or helical cam (126, Figures 10-12) rotatable eccentric elements (326, 426 Figures 14-20) rotatable grub screws (226 Figure 3) or insert elements (526, 626 Figures 21-24) enable changes in the mounted position of the keeper, in a direction extending generally away from said surface, to be achieved. Keepers may be used with espagnolette on UPVC window frame. Keeper may be of zinc alloy. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Adjustable Keeper Description of Invention This invention relates to a keeper (alternatively known as a "keep") for use in, or in conjunction with, a fastening for a wing, such as a window or door.

Typically a fastening for such a wing comprises a movable lock or latch member, typically provided on the movable frame or the like of the wing, which member in a wing-fastening position is required to cooperate with a fixed frame or surround of the wing. In order to enable such cooperat;on to occur and/or to increase the security of that cooperation. it is conventional to provide a keeper (or "keep") of suitable strength on that frame or surround.

with which keeper, in use, the latch or lock member cooperates when in its wing-fastening position.

In order to provide satisfactory operation of the fastening. the keeper must be positioned in such a way that sufficient such cooperation mav occur between the latch or lock member and the keeper when said member s in the wing-fastening position to provide adequate security, but such that when the latch or lock member has been moved to a wing-unfastened position. the keeper does not encroach upon basic opening and closing movement of the movable frame or the like. Thus it is important that the keeper should be accurately mounted on the fixed frame or surround. and this therefore tends to be a relatively high precision, and therefore time consuming and expensive, task.

It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved keeper which may be mounted more easily in a position which enables such satisfactory operation to be achieved.

According to the invention, there is provided a keeper in or for a fastening for a wing such as a window or door. the keeper being adapter to be mounted on a surface of a frame or surround of the wing. and comprising or being provided with means for enabling more than one mounted position of the keeper relative to said surface to be achieved.

Thus, initial mounting of a keeper in accordance with the invention simply involves selection of one of said positions which will provide for satisfactory operation of the wing and/or fastening, and should the initial selection of position be found to be unsatisfactory, or should the relative positions of the movable frame and the fixed frame or surround change over a period of time, leading to unsatisfactory operation, an alternative one of said positions may be selected such as to provide, or restore, satisfactory operation of the wing and/or fastening.

Preferably a change in the mounted position of the keeper mcv be effected at least in a direction extending generally away from said surface.

Preferably the keeper comprises an adjustment device which may be operated by a user to change the position of the keeper.

Preferably the or each adjustment device is adjustable by rotation thereof, preferably about a respective axis extending generally away from said surface, and preferably comprises a respective rotatable element which cooperates with the body (or an insert therein) of the keeper by way of a cam arrangement by which the position of the rotatable element along the respective axis may be changed.

Preferably said cam arrangement includes a stepped cam affording a plurality of discrete axial positions, or alternatively the cam arrangement may comprise an at least substantially step less, such as helical, cam surface.

Preferably, the rotatable element bears frictionally upon the keeper body (or said insert) in order to be retained in said positions at least bv such friction, but alternatively or additionally, coopeerable (e.g. resilientlv cooperable) formations may be provided on the rotatable element and/or the body/insert for positive retention of the rotatable element in each such posit ion.

The rotatable element may for example be adjusted by direct use of a user's fingers, for example by being provided with a generally radial projection which a user's fingers may grip, but preferably the rotatable element is formed such that a screwdriver or like tool is required to effect adjustment of its position, to minimise risk of accidental movement of the rotatable element from a desired position.

Preferably markings or formations which may serve as markings are provided on the rotatable element and on the insert/body. the visual alignment of which is indicative of the rotatable element being in a respective one of a number of pre-defined positions.

The rotatable element may for example comprise a hub portion and an enlarged flange portion on which the cam be provided, the rotatable element preferably being admitted to the body of the keeper by way of an aperture in a rear surface of the keeper in such a way as to prevent forward egress of the rotatable element from the keeper while at the same time permitting the rotatable element to be adjusted from the front even when the keeper is mounted, for example by way of an access aperture in a front surface of the keeper.

Preferably the keeper body is formed of metal, for example from Q zinc alloy, whereas the rotatable element (and for example said insert) may preferably be made of nylon or other plastics material.

Preferably at least one such rotatable element is provided. Where. for example, two such rotatable elements are provided, they mav advantageously be provided at or near opposite extremities of the keeper. Preferably however, at least three, and preferably four such rotatable elerrents are provided, disposed in a triangular or rectangular array or the lke. as appropriate, to provide increased stability of the mounted keeper.The rotatable element(s) may be provided in addition to such screws. bolts or the like as are normally provided for mounting of a keeper and the or each rotatable element may serve to maintain such spacing (if any) as is desired between the keeper and the surface on which the keeper is mounted at its respective location, the normal mounting means serving to hold the keeper on said frame or surround, and said spacing(s), where present, being maintained by the rotatable element(s).

If desired, the or each rotatable element may be combined in an appropriate manner with such mounting aperture as may be provided to accept the normal mounting means of the keeper.

An alternative form of rotatable element may comprise a helically threaded grub screw adjustably movable in a complimentarily helically threaded bore in said body (or insert).

In further alternative keepers in accordance with the invention.

adjustment of position in a direction generally away from said surface is achieved through use of a rotatable eccentric element mounted in the keeper for rotation about an axis generally parallel to said surface, the construction and arrangement being such that by rotating the element the separation between that part of the eccentric element which at any time bears directly or indirectly upon said surface, and said axis, may be adjusted.

Such a rotatable element may for example span a significant fraction of the width of the keeper, and may for example be in the form of a generally elongate element having either an enlarged eccentric portion intermediatte its ends or, alternatively, enlarged eccentric end portions. Preferably a tool such as a screwdriver or the like is required for rotation of the rotatable element.

Such a rotatable element may be mounted in a hollow formed in the rear surface of the keeper, and a retaining element or the like may be provided if desired to retain the rotatable element in the keeper.

Such eccentric rotatable element may for example comprise suitable "flats" which, following basic angular adjustment of the rotatable elemert.

may be brought to bear directly or indirectly against the surface when normal mounting means is subsequently tightened.

In a still further alternative keeper in accordance with the invention.

the change of position may be effected by insertion or re-positioning of an insert element in relation to a recess or other formation provided in the rear surface of the keeper. Preferably such insert is removable to enable it to be re-positioned should it be found that its first selected position is unsatisfactory.

In a yet further keeper in accordance with the invention. the means for changing position comprises a spacer element which may be inserted, for example in an end-wise direction, between the keeper body and said surface for example in the vicinity of the normal mounting means. in which latter case the spacer is preferably constructed such that it may be held in place by the normal mounting means.

Several embodiments of the invention will now be described. by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURES I to 4 are respectively front, rear, cross-sectional (on line Y X) and side views of a first keeper in accordance with the invention.

rotatable adjustment elements of said keeper being shown tn FIGURE 1 but being omitted from Figures 2 and 3 for clarity of illustration of the keeper body.

FIGURES 5 to 7 are respectively front side and rear views, to an enlarged scale, of one of the rotatable adjustment elements of said first keeper; FIGURE 8 and 9 are respectively rear and part sectional views (on the line Y-Y) to the same scale as FIGURES 5 to 7, of a bore in the keeper body which receives one of the elements of FIGURES 5 to 7, with said element omitted for clarity; FIGURES 10 to 12 are respectively perspective rear, enlarged rear, and enlarged cross-sectional (on line Z-Z) views of an end portion of an alternative keeper embodying the invention (opposite end portion corresponds); FIGURE 13 is a front view of a further keeper embodying the invention:: FIGURE 14 is an elevational view of an adjustment element of a further keeper embodying the invention, FIGURES 15 and 16 being respectively enlarged partial side and rear views of the keeper incorporating that element, and FIGURE 17 being an elevational view of an alternative element to that of FIGURE 14; FIGURE 18 is an elevational view of an adjustment element of another keeper embodying the invention, FIGURES 19 and 20 being partial enlarged rear perspective and rear views respectively of an end portion of that keeper: FIGURE 21 is a rear perspective view of a further alternative keeper in accordance with the invention. and an insert for that keeper FIGURES 22 and 23 being reduced-scale transverse cross-sections of that keeper showing that insert in alternative positions; and FIGURE 24 is a perspective front view of an end portion (opposite end portion corresponds) of a still further keeper in accordance wth the invention, and a spacer element for that keeper.

With reference to the drawings. the keepers in accordance with the invention herein illustrated are of a particular type such as may be used in relation to a so-called "espagnolette" or the like, but this should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention, which in its broadest terms is applicable to keepers for any sort of fastening for a wing such as a window or door.

In more detail, the keepers illustrated are suitable for use in or in conjunction with fastenings of the basic kind in which a lock member in the form of a lug, typically carried on a movable frame of the wing. is movable between first and second positions, under action of an operating means, in a direction transverse to the direction of separative opening movement between the movable frame and a fixed frame or surround, the construction and arrangement being such that in the first position of the lug, the movable frame (in the absence of other impediment) may be moved generally freely to and from its closed position (and/or in these examples, to and from a ventilation position), whereas, with the movable frame in said closed (or ventilation) position, and the lug in its second position, movement of the movableframe from that position of the movable frame is prevented by cooperation of the lug with restraining means in the form of one of the keepers illustrated, which typically would be mounted on the fixed frame or surround. Said keepers each have a side entry opening through which. with the keeper satisfactorily mounted, the lug may pass (so as to permit opening and closing movement of the movable frame) when the lug is n said first position, and further comprise a plurality of recesses in communication with said slot, such that the lug when in its second position, and wtth the movable frame in either its closed position or a ventilation position, is trapped in one or other or the recesses by one or more appropriate side, or internal, walls of the keeper, so preventing movement of the movable frame from said closed or ventilation position.The keepers illustrated may for example be used in c fastening of multi-point "espagnolette" type, in which at least two such lugs are provided, spaced apart on a slide bar movable under action of operating means in the form of hand lever or handle, and in which a corresponding number of such keepers are provided, usually for generally simultaneous like cooperation with the respective lugs. Espagnolette-type fastenings are frequently fitted to wings, particularly windows, and particularly to relatively modern windows having UPVC frames.

With reference to Figures I to 9 of the drawings, a first keeper 10 in accordance with the invention is of the above described type. its side entry opening being designated by the numeral 12 and the recesses intended to accommodate one of said lugs to fasten the wing in its closed or ventilation positions being indicated respectively at 14 and 16. It will be appreciated that the form of the keeper 10 permits the lug (not shown) to move into either of the recesses 14, or either of the recesses I after entry through the opening 12, according to the particular circumstances of use.

The keeper 10 has a one-piece metal body, in the form of a zinc alloy casting, and is formed with through apertures 18 adjacent to opposite extremities thereof, adapted to receive conventional means, such as bolts.

screws or the like, for mounting the keeper 10 on a surface such as that of the fixed frame or surround.

The keeper 10 hos a generally flat rear surface, which in practice faces the surface (not shown) on which the keeper is mounted, the recesses 14 and 16 being accessible at least from the front of the keeper.

The keeper 10 has first side walls 20, internal dividing walls 22 and an opposite side wall 23, which walls between them define the recesses.

The problems encountered with conventional keepers are described in the introductory part of this specification.

In accordance with the present invention, the keeper 10 is provided with means for enabling more than one mounted position of the keeper !0 relative to the surface of the fixed frame or surround to be achieved.

In the keeper 10, said means takes the form of a plurality of adjustment devices 24, one of which is provided adjacent to each corner of the keeper, each of the devices 24 being user-opersble to effect a change in the mounted position of the keeper, relative to the surface on which the keeper is mounted, in a direction extending generally away from that surface.

Each device 24 comprises a respective rotatable element 26 which ;s rotatable about a respective axis extending generally away from said surface.

each element cooperating with the keeper body by way of a respective hub portion 28 and by way of a cam arrangement which causes the position of the element 26 along said axis to change when the element 26 is rotated.

(Alternatively, rather than having direct contact between elements 26 and the keeper body, the keeper body may have inserts mounted therein, with which the elements 26 may cooperate.) In use, the rotatable elements 26 are rotated to positions in which they protrude to respective desired extents from the rear surface of the keeper 10, the keeper 10 is then positioned against said surface of the fixed frame or surround, and mounting bolts or the like are passed through the apertures 18.

for example into pre-formed holes in said frame or surround, and tightened so as to bring the elements 26 to beor against said surface so as to provide, and maintain, appropriate spacings (if any) between the body of the keeper and said surface, at their respective locations. In this manner. the mounted position of the keeper in relation to said surface and in a direction extending generally away from the said surface, may be selected as appropriate. by suitable adjustment of the elements 26 prior to full tightening of said bolts or screws, to provide for satisfactory operation of the wing and/or fastening.

Said lug on the movable frame must be capable of entering sufficiently deeply into the recesses to provide acceptable security, but on the other hand there must be adequate clearance between the keeper and movable-frame components other than the lug.

Should the initial selection of keeper position be found to be unsatisfactory, or should the relative positions of the movable frame and the fixed frame or surround change over a period of time, leading to unsatisfactory operation, the mounting bolt (or the like) may be slackened if necessary and alternative positions of the elements 26 may be selected the mounting bolts (or the like) then being tightened or re-tightened, so as to secure the keeper in a thus-selected new position, such as to prov;de, or restore, satisfactory operation of the wing and/or fastening.

Use of a keeper in accordance with the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of UPVC plastics-framed wings, for example windows, where significant sagging or other distortion over a period of time may occur, which can be particularly serious, as regards fasteninglkeeper operation, where the keeper has to be mounted on a lower horizontal frame member or surround. Where for example the keeper is on a lower fixed frame member or surround, its height may be positioned initially (by way of the elements 26) so as to be spaced above said frame or surround. and by subsequently adjusting the elements 26, its height may be lowered slightly after a period of time, to compensate for any sagging of the movable frame, thereby maintaining satisfactory operation.

For each of the elements 26, said cam arrangement includes a stepped cam 30 (Figures 5 to 7) comprising three generally horizontal steps 30a. 30b.

30c, at respective different discrete heights, linked by relatively short inclined "runs" 31 for facilitating step-to-step adjustment. The steps are of generally equal size. In each of the four bores 90 (only one of which is shown in figures 8 and 9) in the keeper body which accommodates a respective such element 26, there is provided a respective stepped annular abutment surface having a form generally complementary to the cam 30 and in particular having three generally horizontal steps 32 at successive different heights.

For each such element 26, one or more of the steps 30a. 30b. 30c is/are selectively engageable with one or more of the steps 32, according to the angular position of the element, to provide the desired height adjustment.

For each element 26, the change in axial position of the element 26. from step to step, is approximately one millimetre, which provides sufficient adjustment for most purposes.

Each rotatable element 26 has an enlarged flange portion on which the respective cam 30 is provided, and during assembly is admitted to the respective bore from the rear of the keeper, said bore being shaped such as to prevent forward egress of the rotatable element 26 from the keeper while at the same time permitting the rotatable element to be rotated from the front by way of an access aperture A in a front surface of the keeper, through which a tool such as a screwdriver may be inserted to engage a tool slot 33 in the element 26, to rotate the element 26. (Since a tool is required to effect adjustment, risk of accidental movement of the element 26 is minimised.) Each rotatable element 26 (and, if provided, each said insert) is made of nylon or other plastics material.

At least the hub 28 of each rotatable element 26 bears frictionally upon the respective bore in the keeper body and is retained in said positions at least by such frictional engagement. A protruding ridge 34, provided on an arcuate web 36 defined between the hub exterior and a hollow 38 formed in the hub, is urged against the surface of the bore, due to the resilience of the web 36 and the presence of the ridge 34, so increasing said frictional engagement. Additionally, a plurality of depressions/dimples 35 generally complementary to the ridges 34, are provided in the cylindrical bore surfaces.

which depressions 35 cooperate with the ridges 34 in pre-defined positions of the element 26 to positively retain the rotatable elements in said pre-defined positions.

Markings 40, 42 visible from the front of the keeper are provided respectively on each of the rotatable elements 26 and on the body adjacent thereto, the visual alignment of which is indicative of the rotatable element being in a respective one of said pre-defined positions.

Rather than being stepped, the cam arrangement may comprise an at least substantially step less, such as helical, cam surface, but the stepped cam is preferred, being relatively difficult to displace accidentally from a set position.

Although the keeper 10 has four elements 26 disposed in a rectangular array, in general terms a keeper having one, two, three (e.g. in trianaular array), or any other number of such elements, preferably at or near extremities of the keeper, will remain within the scope of the invention.

In an alternative keeper 110, (Figures 10 to 12) in accordance with the invention, there are just two nylon rotatable elements 126, each of helical cam form, disposed in association with mounting apertures 118 provided to accept the normal mounting bolts or screws. The elements 126 are directly rotatable (through about 1800) by a user's fingers. by virtue of each being provided with a respective generally radial projection 129which the user's fingers may grip. Ridges 134 are provided to help hold the elements 126 in position, but the helix angle is only about 20, so that friction will hold the elements 126 firmly in position when said bolts or the like are tightened.

About 2 mm total lift is achieved.

In a further keeper 210 (Fig. 13) in accordance with the invention, more closely resembling the keeper 10, the corresponding rotatable elements 226 each comprise a helically threaded grub screw adjustably movable in a complimentarily helically threaded bore in the keeper body.

In further keepers 310, 410 (Figures 14 to 20) in accordance with the invention, the adjustment of position in a direction generally away from said surface of a frame or surround is achieved through use of nylon rotatable eccentric elements 326, 426 respectively, mounted in the keepers for rotation about axes generally parallel to said surface, the construction and arrangement being such that by rotating such an element, the separation between that part of the eccentric element which at any given time bears directly or indirectly upon said surface, and said axis. may be adjusted.

In the keepers 310 and 410, the rotatable elements span a significant fraction of the width of the keepers. The element 326 has an enlarged eccentric portion intermediate its ends and the alternative element 426 has enlarged eccentric end portions. A tool such as a cross-head screwdriver or the like is required for rotation of the rotatable elements 326 and 426. Each element 326 and 426 is mounted in a respective hollow formed in the rear surface of the respective keeper, and a respective retaining element 35 1, 45 1 or the like is employed to retain the respective rotatable element in the keeper concerned. An alternative element 327 may be used instead of the element 326, with some modification to the keeper, avoiding the narrow "necks" of element 326.

Such eccentric rotatable elements may further comprise suitable flats (not shown) which, following basic angular adjustment, may be brought to bear against said surface when the normal mounting means is subsequently tightened.

In a further alternative keeper 510 in accordance with the invention (Figures 21 to 23), the change of position is effected by insertion or repositioning of an insert element 526 in a recess 560 provided in the rear surface of the keeper 510. The insert 526 is removable by being prised free, to enable it to be re-positioned in the keeper 510. There are two such recesses 560, in each of which such an insert 526 may be accommodated.

Thus the keeper 510, as sold, may be supplied with two such inserts 526. for use as appropriate.

In a still further keeper 610 (Fig. 24) in accordance with the Invention the means for changing position comprises a spacer element 626 which may be inserted, for example in an end-wise direction, between the keeper body and said surface, in the vicinity of the normal mounting means, the spacer 626 being formed with a "V" shaped slot 680 having an inner end 681 of enlarged diameter to snap-fit around the normal mounting means (e.g. a bolt), so as to be held in place by the normal mounting means.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, 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, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (35)

CLAIMS:

1. A keeper in or for a fastening for a wing such as a window or door, the keeper being adapted to be mounted on a surface of a frame or surround of the wing, and comprising or being provided with means for enabling more than one mounted position of the keeper relative to said surface to be achieved.

2. A keeper according to Claim I wherein a change in the mounted position of the keeper may be effected at least in a direction extending generally away from said surface.

3. A keeper according to Claim 2 wherein the keeper comprises an adjustment device which is operable by a user to change the position of the keeper.

4. A keeper according te Claim 3 wherein the or each adj'jstment device s adjustable by rotation thereof.

5. A keeper according to C!aim 4 wherein such rotat;on s about a respective axis extending generally away from said surface.

6. A keeper according to Claim 5 wherein the or each adi!lstment device comprises a respective rotatable element which cooperates with the bodv (or an insert therein) of the keeper by way of a cam arrangement by which the position of the rotatable elernent along the respective axis may be changed.

7. A keeper according to Claim ó wherein said cam arrangement includes a stepped cam affording a plurality of discrete axial positions.

8. A keeper according to Claim 6 wherein the cam arrangement comprises an at least substantially step less, such as helical, cam surface.

9. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to S wherein the rotatable element bears-frictionally upon the keeper body (or said insert) in order to be retained in said positions at least by such friction.

10. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to a wherein cooperable (e.g. resiliently cooperable) formations are provided on the rotatable element andior the body/insert for positive retention of the rotatable element in each such position.

II. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to 10 wherein the rotatable element is adjustable by direct use of a user's fingers, for example by being provided with a generally radial projection which a user's fingers mav grip.

12. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to 10 wherein the rotatable element is formed such that a screwdriver or like tool is required to effect adjustment of its position.

13. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to 19 wherein markings or formations which serve as markings are provided on the rotatable element and on the insert 'body, the visual alignment of which s indicative of the rotatable element being in a respective one of a number of Dre-He; ned positions.

14. A keeper according to anv one of Claims 6 to 13 wherein the rotatable element comprises a hub portion and an enlarged change portion on which the cam is provided.

15. A keeper according to Claim 14 wherein the rotatable element is admitted to the body of the keeper by way of an aperture in a recr surface of the keeper in such a way as to prevent forward egress of the rotatable element from the keeper while at the same time permitting the rotatable element to be adjusted from the front even when the keeper is mounted.

16. A keeper according to Claim 15 permitting such adjustment from the front by way of an access aperture in a front surface of the keeper.

17. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to 16 wherein the keeoer body is formed of metal, for example from a zinc alloy.

18. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to 17 wherein the rotatable element (and for example said insert) is made of ny!on or other plastics material.

19.. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to 18 wherein at least one such rotatable element is provided.

20. A keeper according to Claim 19 wherein two such rotatable elements are provided, at or near opposite extremities of the keeper.

21. A keeper according to Claim 19 wherein at least three, and preferably four, such rotatable elements are provided, disposed in a triangular or rectangular array, or the like, as appropriate.

22. A keeper according to any one of Claims 6 to 21 wherein the rotatable element(s) is or are provided in addition to such screws. bolts or the like as are normally provided for mounting of a keeper and the or each rotatahle element serves to maintain such spacing (if am) as s desired between the keeper and the surface on which the keeper is -nounted at ;ts respective location, the normal mounting means serving to nola the keeper on said frame or surround, and said spacinq(s), where present, being maintained bv the rotatable element(s).

23. A keeper according to Claim 22 wherein the or each rotatable element is combined in an appropriate manner with such mounting aoerture as ;s provided to accept the normal mounting means of the keeper.

24. A keeper according to Claim 5 wherein the or each adjustment device comprises a respective rotatable elernent which comprises a he!icallv threaded grub screw adjustably movable in a complimentar?lv helically threaded bore in said body (or an insert therein).

25. A keeper according to Claim 4 wherein adjustment of position in a direction generally away from said surface is achieved through use of a rotatable eccentric element mounted in the keeper for rotation about an axis generally parallel to said surface, the construction and arrangement being such that by rotating the element the separation between that part of the eccentric element which at any time bears directly or indirectly upon said surface, and said axis, may be adlusted.

26. A keeper according to Claim 25 wherein such a rotatable element spans a significant fraction of the width of the keeper, and may for example be in the form of a generally elongate element having either an enlarged eccentric portion intermediate its ends or, alternatively, enlarged eccentric end portions.

27. A keeper according to Claim 26 wherein a tool such as a screwdriver or the like is required for rotation of the rotatable element.

28. A keeper according to any one of Claims 25 to 27 wherein such a rotatable element is mounted in a hollow formed in the rear surface of the keeper, and a retaining element or the like may )e provided if desired to retain the rotatable element in the keeper.

29. A keeper according to any of of Claims 25 to 28 wherein such eccentric rotatable element comprises suitable "flats" which, following basic angular adjustment of the rotatable element, may be brought to becr directly or indirectly against the surface when normal mounting means is subsequentlY tightened.

30. A keeper according to Claim 2 wherein the change of position is effected by insertion or re-positioning of an insert elernent in relation to a recess or other formation provided in the rear surface of the keeper.

31. A keeper according to Claim 30 wherein such insert is removable to enable it to be re-positioned should it be found that its first selected position is unsatisfactory.

32. A keeper according to Claim 2 wherein the means for changing position comprises a spacer element which may be inserted, for example in an endwise direction, between the keeper body and said surface.

33. A keeper according to Claim 32 wherein the spacer element mav be so inserted in the vicinity of the normal mounting means, the spacer being constructed such that it is held in place by the normal mounting means.

34. A keeper substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accornpanying drawings.

35. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.