GB2537983A

GB2537983A - Locking bracket for window

Info

Publication number: GB2537983A
Application number: GB1604585.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hill Matthew; Moyes David
Original assignee: GREENHOUSE DIRECT Ltd
Current assignee: GREENHOUSE DIRECT Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-17
Filing date: 2016-03-17
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-17
Also published as: GB2537983B; GB2536624A; GB201604585D0; GB201504520D0; GB2536624B

Abstract

A locking bracket for a window of a greenhouse, the locking bracket comprising a plate component 102 having a plurality of angular parts 112 114 116 and a bolt component 104 operatively coupled to the plate component. The bolt component couples the plate component on a glazing bar preferably via tab 134 engaging with the channel (300 Fig 3) on the glazing bar. The plate component is configured, preferably via extended portion 116a to engage and disengage to a frame (206 Fig 3) of the window for locking and unlocking the frame with the glazing bar, preferably the extended portion engages with either the frame member itself or a cavity therein. The bolt component may comprise a shaft 120 and a knob 122 which is preferably manufactured from plastic or rubber and the shaft is preferably threaded to allow it to be rotated through an aperture in the first plate 112. The locking bracket is preferable used to lock a roof vent window on a greenhouse (206 Fig 2)

Description

I

LOCKING BRACKET FOR WINDOW

TECHNICAL FIELD

100011 The present disclosure relates generally to locking brackets, and more particularly to locking brackets for windows of greenhouse.

BACKGROUND

100021 Greenhouses are well known, for example arrays of greenhouses used by commercial growers for providing crops such as tomatoes and cut flowers, as well as private individuals purchasing one or more greenhouses for cultivating pot plants and for providing decorative garden conservatories. Primarily, such greenhouses include a base portion and a roof portion, constructed of glazing bars and panes (glass sheets) supported by the glazing bars. Further, such greenhouses include at least one window either arranged on the base portion or the roof portion of the greenhouse for ventilation.

100031 Typically, the greenhouses are built or located in open areas and are subjected in operation to harsh weather conditions such as storms, snow and hail. Greenhouses are also typically subjected to relatively high temperatures. Therefore, it is highly desirable that such greenhouses arc robust in construction for surviving the harsh weather conditions. For example, the greenhouses should be able to withstand high wind load or velocity. Further, in such conditions, essentially the windows of the greenhouses should be locked firmly to preclude any damage to the greenhouses. Generally, a window of a greenhouse is arranged with a mechanical or an electromechanical spring or another mechanism, for example an actuator, to lock the window in its closed position.

100041 However, such mechanical or electromechanical springs may not work effectively to negate completely the adverse effect of high wind velocity, for example a strong gust of wind may lift the window and cause damage to the greenhouse.

Moreover, such adverse conditions of wind velocity or relatively high temperatures may cause damage to the greenhouse or to the locking mechanism itself. For example, damage to any part of a greenhouse may be a result of strong gusts of wind and/or a relative rise in temperature inside the greenhouse, wherein both conditions potentially result in causing an increased pressure difference, or fluctuating pressure difference, between the outside and the inside of the greenhouse, which in turn potentially exerts a force outwards, resulting in opening of any window of the greenhouse. Therefore, in light of the foregoing problems in respect of known greenhouses and their windows, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of locking a window of a greenhouse in a more advantageous manner.

SUMMARY

100051 The present disclosure seeks to provide a locking bracket for a window of greenhouse for firmly locking the window.

[0006] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a locking bracket for a window of a greenhouse. The locking bracket comprises a plate component having a plurality of angular parts and a bolt component operatively coupled to the plate component. The bolt component supports the plate component on a glazing bar, of the greenhouse, adjacent to the window. The plate component is configured to engage and disengage to a frame of the window for locking and unlocking the frame with the glazing bar, thus defining a locked and an unlocked position.

100071 In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a greenhouse comprising an actuator mechanism coupled to the window of the aforesaid aspect, for remotely opening and closing the window.

[0008] In another aspect, the plate component comprises a first angular part arranged substantially perpendicular, for example in a range of 80e to 100e, more optionally in a range of 85' to 95', to a second angular part and connected to the second angular part. The plate component further comprises a third angular part arranged at least perpendicular or non-perpendicularly (namely "angularly") to the second part and connected to the second angular part. The first and third angular parts arc arranged on opposing sides of a plane defined by the second angular part.

[0009] In another aspect, when the plate component is in its locked position, the third angular part is operable, and designed, to perform a function of a safety component for reducing, for example preventing, damage to the window and/or the frame, and/or the

S

other parts of the locking bracket or to any part of the greenhouse in contact with the locking bracket in the locked position.

[0010] To perform as a safety component, the third angular part comprises at least one portion which has a lower mechanical resistance, for example a lower mechanical resistance to bending or to breaking apart from the locking bracket, wherein the mechanical resistance is herein defined as a lowest threshold force that causes a material of the bracket to deform permanently or break permanently.

[0011] Optionally, the portion of lower resistance of the third angular part is arranged to be thinner or smaller with respect to its width than a remainder of the third angular part.

[0012] Optionally, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is arranged, for example designed, to have a mechanical resistance which is proportional to 1/2 of the force.

[0013] Optionally the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is arranged, for example designed, to have a mechanical resistance that is proportional to the mechanical resistance of any of the parts in contact with the locking bracket when the angular part is in its locking position.

[0014] Preferably, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is arranged, for example designed, to have a mechanical resistance lower than the mechanical resistance of an actuator mechanism for remote opening or closing of a 20 window.

100151 Preferably, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is arranged, for example designed, to have a mechanical resistance that is lower than the mechanical resistance of the window. More preferably, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is arranged, for example designed, to have a mechanical resistance, of approximately one half (1/2) of the mechanical resistance of a glass portion of the window.

[0016] A material subjected to a force up to half of its mechanical resistance to permanently deform or to break, is significantly less likely to suffer from fatigue failure, which is an effect wherein the material fails, or in other words, perinanently deforms or breaks, after repeatedly being subjected to a force below its (nominal) mechanical resistance.

[0017] Optionally. the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is made of a material of lower resistance than the remaining of the third angular part.

100181 Optionally, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is joined to the third angular part via use of a method for joining materials, for example, welding or glue.

[0019] Optionally, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is made of a material capable of permanent deformation (often referred to as "plastic deformation"), for example permanent bending, for example in a metallic material.

100201 Optionally, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is made of a material capable of returning to its original shape after deformation (nonpermanent deformation, also often referred to as "elastic deformation").

100211 Optionally, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is arranged, for example designed, to deform, for example, bend, and return to its original position after repeated actions of deformation, for example when conditions of strong winds or relative high temperature occur and/or repeat during a period of time.

[0022] Optionally, the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is made of a metallic material, for example Aluminium, or a polymeric material, for example common plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride polymer, polyethylene polymer or polypropylene polymer, or of a composite materials, for example a composition of a metallic material with a polymeric material, for example achieved by coating or welding or by using a glue, for example by way of a laminated multi-layer structure.

[0023] Optionally the third angular part has a larger width than the first and second angular parts and a smaller length than the first and second angular parts.

100241 More optionally, the third angular part is arranged at least parallel or inclined towards the first angular part.

[0025] Optionally, the third part of die plate component engages and disengages to the frame of the window for locking and unlocking the frame with the glazing bar.

[0026] Optionally the bolt component comprises a shaft extending through the plate component and configured to move linearly with respect to the plate component. The shall includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and a tab configured on the second end. The bolt component further comprises a knob coupled to the first end of the shaft. The knob is configured to be rotated linearly to move the shaft with respect to the plate component.

[0027] Optionally, the tab of the shaft is slidably received by the glazing bar of the greenhouse.

[0028] More optionally, the shaft is extending perpendicularly through the first angular part and configured to move linearly with respect to the first angular part.

100291 Optionally, the bolt component is threadably coupled to the plate component.

100301 Optionally the plate component and the shaft of the bolt component are made of metal.

100311 Optionally the knob of the bolt component is made of non-metal including rubber, plastic or combination thereof.

[0032] Optionally, the plate component has a thickness of about 2-3 mm.

[0033] Optionally, the plate component further includes a coating thereon.

[0034] Optionally, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a greenhouse comprising a base, a roof supported by the base and at least one window arranged on one of the roof or the base. The greenhouse is characterized with at least one locking bracket arranged on a glazing bar of one of the base or the roof for locking a frame of the least one window with the glazing bar.

100351 Optionally, the at least one window is a roof vent. [00361 [0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an advantage of protecting the greenhouse structure and/or any of its parts, including but not limited to the frame, the 5 window, the locking mechanism for remote opening of the window, for example an actuator, or the other components of the locking bracket itself.

100381 Embodiments of the present disclosure also substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, the aforementioned problems elucidated in the foregoing, and enable firm locking of a window of a greenhouse to withstand harsh weather and/or relatively high pressure conditions. The locking bracket of the present disclosure can firmly lock a window in its closed condition to withstand any of the abovementioned adverse effects while providing a safety mechanism to prevent damage to the greenhouse.

[0039] [0040] Further, a particular embodiment of the present disclosure allows a degree of self-control of internal pressure and/or temperature of the greenhouse, that, for example, results in improved conditions for, for example, plants or vegetables within the greenhouse. Such conditions occur when the portion of lower mechanical resistance of the third angular part is arranged, for example designed, to bend, including repeated bending and, thus, respectively, lower and upper degrees of pressure drop inside the greenhouse are thereby limited to safe limits.

100411 Further, the locking bracket is simple and economical in construction due it's simple deign and materials used. Moreover, the coating provided on the plate component of the locking bracket provides better grip when arranged on the glazing bar and avoids scratching of window pane. Additionally, the locking bracket is easily operable and can be used in conjunction with any conventional greenhouse, which is made of glazing bars and has at least one window. Also, in general the locking bracket of the present disclosure can be used for locking a window on any enclosed structure (apart from a greenhouse) which is made of glazing bars.

100421 Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0043] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to 5 being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

100441 The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now he described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG I is a perspective view of a locking bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG 2 is a schematic illustration of a greenhouse adapted to use the locking bracket of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG 3 is a schematic illustration of the locking bracket arranged on a glazing bar of the greenhouse in an unlocked state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the locking bracket in a locked state, in accordance

with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG 5 (a and b) are a perspective view of an angular part of a locking bracket pursuant to the present disclosure, [0046] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms 'first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, hut rather denole the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0049] Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, FTG. 1 and FIG 5, wherein each is a perspective view of a locking bracket 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The locking bracket 100 includes a plate component 102 and a bolt component 104 operatively coupled to the plate component 102.

[0050] The plate component 102 includes a plurality of angular parts. In the present embodiment, the plate component 102 includes a first angular part 112, a second angular part 114 and a third angular part 116. The first angular part 112 is arranged perpendicular to Me second angular part 114 and connected to the second angular part. 114. Further, in the present embodiment, the third angular part 116 is arranged angular to the second angular part 114 and connected to the second angular part 114. Therefore, the third angular part 116 is arranged inclined towards the first angular part 112. However, it may be evident to those skilled in the art that the third angular part 116 can be arranged perpendicular to the second angular part 114 such that the third angular part 116 is parallel to the first angular part 112. Moreover, the first and third angular parts 112, 116 are further arranged on opposing sides of a plane P' defined by the second angular part 114.

[0051] As shown, in the present embodiment, the third angular part 116 has a larger width than the first and second angular parts 112, 114. Specifically, the third angular part 116 appeal-to have an extended portion 116a causing non-uniformity in the widths of the third angular part 116 with respect to the first and second angular parts 112, 114. Further, as shown, in the present embodiment, the third angular part 116 has a smaller length than the first and second angular parts 112, 114.

[0052] The third angular pail 116 may comprise an extended portion of lower resistance than a remaining of the third angular part 116, for example by having a portion with a smaller width 116b or a portion made of a lower resistance material 116c including first, second, or third angular parts.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the bolt component 104 includes a shaft 120 and a knob 122. The shaft 120 includes a first end 130, a second end 132 opposite to the first end 130 and a tab 134 configured on the second end 132. The knob 122 is coupled to the first end 130 of the shaft 120. As shown, the bolt component 104 of the present disclosure includes similar constructions that of a crop-head bolt, but with a head thereof replaced with the knob 122.

[0054] The shaft 120 extends through the plate component 102. Specifically, the shaft 120 extends perpendicularly through the first angular part 112 of the plate component 102. Further, the shaft 120 is configured to move linearly with respect to the first angular part 112. For example, the bolt component 104 of the present disclosure is threadbly coupled to the plate component 102. Specifically, the shaft 120 includes external threads (not numbered) threadbly coupled to internal threads provided around an opening, of the first angular part 112, through which the shaft 120 extends.

Therefore, when the knob 122 is rotated the shaft 120 moves linearly (back and forth) with respect to the first angular part 112 of the plate component 102.

[0055] In one embodiment, the locking bracket 100 is substantially made of metal. For example, the plate component 102 and the shaft 120 of the bolt component 104 are made of metal, which includes but not limited to steel, iron and aluminium. Further, the knob 122 of the bolt component 104 is made of non-metal including but not limited to rubber, plastic or combination thereof. However, it may he evident to those skilled in the art that the entire locking bracket 100 can be either completely made of the metal or the non-metal. Moreover, the plate component 102 has a thickness of about 2-3 mm Additionally, the plate component 102 of the present disclosure includes a coating thereon. The coating may be made of rubber, plastic or combination thereof.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a schematic of a greenhouse 200 adapted to use the locking bracket 100 (not shown) of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As show, the greenhouse 200 includes a base 202, a roof 204 supported by the base 202 and an at least one window, such as a window 206. In one embodiment, the window 206 is arranged on the roof 204 of the greenhouse 200. For example, the window 206 is a roof vent (shown in open position) configured on the roof 204. Otherwise, the window 206 can be arranged on the base 202 of the greenhouse 200, i.e. the window 206 can be a vent or opening configured on the base 202.

100571 As show, the greenhouse 200 is primarily made of glazing bars, such as glazing bars 212 and 214 (of the roof 204 and the base 202, respectively), and panes (glass sheets), such as panes 216 and 218, supported by the glazing bars 212 and 214.

respectively. It may be evident to those skilled in the art that the greenhouse 200 can also include other structural of functional elements, which includes but not limited to a louvre assembly, a peripheral gutter arrangement, at least one door, a shelving arrangement and electronic implements.

[0058] As mentioned above, the locking bracket 100 of the present disclosure is configured to be used in conjunction with the greenhouse 200. Specifically, the locking bracket 100 of the present disclosure can be used for firmly locking the window 206 in its closed position. This is further explained in greater detail in conjunction with subsequent FIGS. 3-4.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is the locking bracket 100 arranged on a glazing bar 212 of the greenhouse 200 (shown in FIG. 2) in an unlocked slate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the bolt component 104 of the locking bracket 100 supports the plate component 102 on the glazing bar 212 and adjacent to the window 206. For example, the tab 134 of the shaft 120 (shown in FIG. 1) is slidably received by a channel 300 of the glazing bar 212.

Thereafter, the knob 122 is rotated to move the shaft 120 linearly with respect to the first angular part 112 for coupling the locking bracket 100 to a portion 302 of the glazing bar 212. For example, the knob 122 is rotated in an anticlockwise direction for allowing the portion 302 of the glazing bar 212 to be pressed between the tab 134 and the first angular part 112. This couples the locking bracket 100 to the portion 302 of the glazing bar 212.

[0060] FIG. 3 further illustrates the locking bracket 100 in the unlocked state. Specifically, the locking bracket 100 is simply shown coupled to the portion 302 of the glazing bar 212 and not engaged to the window 206. Further, the locking bracket 100 is shown coupled to left of the window 206, i.e. when the window 206 includes a single pane. In case when a window includes multiple panes, the locking bracket 100 should be coupled to a glazing bar such that the locking bracket 100 is positioned at a centre with respect to such window.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a schematic of the locking bracket 100 in a locked state. As shown, the plate component 102 is engaged with a frame 400 of the window 206 for locking the frame 400 with the glazing bar 212. The locking state is attained by moving or shifting the locking bracket 100 with respect to the glazing bar 212. Specifically, the locking bracket 100 is uncoupled from the portion 302 of the glazing bar 212 and further coupled to a portion 402 of the glazing bar 212. For example, the knob 122 is rotated clockwise to move the shaft 120 linearly with respect to the first angular part 112 for decoupling the locking bracket 100 from the portion 302. Thereafter, the locking bracket 100 is slidably moved along the channel 300 to the portion 402 of the glazing bar 212 and coupled thereto by further rotating the knob 122 in the anticlockwise direction.

[0062] In such instance, the plate component 102 engages with the frame 400 and locks the frame 400 with the glazing bar 212. Specifically, the third angular part 116, particularly extended portion 116a, of the plate component 102 engages with the frame 400 of the window 206 for locking the frame 400 with the glazing bar 212. It is to be understood that die frame 400 of the window 206 should include at least a frame member or a cavity adapted to he engaged with or receive the extended portion 116a of the third angular part 116. Further, the plate component 102, particularly, the second angular part 114 should have a length such that when the third angular part 116 engages with the frame 400, the frame 400 and the glazing bar 212 are snugly coupled. Accordingly, the locking bracket 100 of the present disclosure enables in firmly locking the window 206 in its closed position. Further, for unlocking the locking bracket 100 to open the window, the knob 122 can he rotated in the clockwise direction and the locking bracket 100 can be slidably moved along the channel 300 from the portion 402 to the portion 302 for disengaging the third angular part 116, particularly extended portion 116a, from the frame 400 (as shown in FIG. 3).

[0063] Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", CC consisting or, "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to he present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A locking bracket for a window of a greenhouse, characterized in that the locking bracket comprises: a plate component having a plurality of angular parts; and a bolt component that is operatively coupled to the plate component, wherein the bolt component is operable to support\ the plate component on a glazing bar, of the greenhouse, adjacent to the window, and the plate component is configured in operation to engage and disengage to a frame of the window for locking and unlocking the frame with the glazing bar.
2. A locking bracket of claim 1, characterized in that the locking bracket includes a portion thereof that is operable to undergo a permanent plastic deformation when strained beyond a threshold strain,
3. A locking bracket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plate component comprises: a first angular part arranged substantially perpendicular to a second angular part and connected to the second angular part; and a third angular part arranged at least substantially perpendicular, or angular to, the second part and connected to the second angular part, wherein the first and third angular parts are arranged on opposing sides of a plane defined by the second angular part.
4. A locking bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that the third angular part has a larger width than the first and second angular parts, and a smaller length than the first and second angular parts.
5. A locking bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that the third angular part is arranged at least parallel or inclined towards the first angular part.
6. A locking bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that die third part of the plate component is operable to engage and disengage to the frame of the window for locking and unlocking the frame with the glazing bar.
7. A locking bracket according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the bolt component comprises: a shaft extending through the plate component and configured to move linearly with respect to the plate component, the shaft having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and a tab configured on the second end; and a knob coupled to the first end of the shaft, wherein the knob is configured to be rotated linearly to move the shaft with respect to the plate component.
8. A locking bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that the tab of the shaft is slidably received in operation by the glazing bar of the greenhouse.
9. A locking bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that the shaft extends substantially perpendicularly through the first angular part and configured to move linearly with respect to the first angular part.
10. A locking bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bolt component is threadbly coupled to the plate component.
11. A locking bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate component and the shaft of the bolt component are made of metal.
12. A locking bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that the knob of the bolt component is made of a non-metal material, wherein the non-metal material includes rubber, plastics material or a combination thereof.
13. A locking bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate component has a thickness of in a range of 2 to 3 mm.
14. A locking bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate component further includes a coating thereon.
15. A greenhouse comprising a base, a roof supported by the base and at least one window arranged on at least one of the roof or the base, characterized in that at least one locking bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is arranged on a glazing bar of at least one of the base and the roof, for locking a frame of the least one window with the glazing bar.
16. A greenhouse according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one window is a roof vent.