GB2586272A

GB2586272A - Security fitting for a window or door assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2586272A
Application number: GB1911771.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laporta Giovanni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-16
Filing date: 2019-08-16
Publication date: 2021-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-16
Also published as: GB2586272B; GB201911771D0

Abstract

A security fitting for a window or door assembly having an espagnolette lock with at least one slidable projection 1 which engages a slot of a keep mounted to the frame, the security fitting 10 comprising a support portion for mounting to the wing and an engagement portion 14 extending therefrom an receivable within an engagement slot 40b/d of a keep mounted to the frame when the wing is lifted while locked to gain access (e.g. during a burglary). The engagement portion may be fitted to the edge of the wing or a faceplate of the lock mechanism or may fit into a groove on the edge of the wing. It may be pin shaped and a flanged edge for engaging with a flanged rim on the slot of the keep. Preferably a security fitting is located at the top and bottom of the wing 10 110 and engage with corresponding keeps at either end. Also claimed is a keep for engaging with a fixed centralising pin on the wing, the keep having an entrance and two opposed slots each with a flexible platform or cover ( 242a/b Figures 4b-d) which is deflected by the pin and creates a blocked position.

Description

Security fitting for a window or door assembly

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns security fittings for window or door assemblies. In particular the present invention relates to security fittings that are used with locking systems for window or door assemblies incorporating espagnolette mechanisms or the like. The present invention also relates to keeps for use with said security fittings and systems comprising a combination of said security fitting with a corresponding keep. The present invention also relates to methods of installing such systems.

Background to the Invention

Modern window locks typically include an espagnolette security mechanism. In an espagnolette security mechanism the window leaf typically has a pair of espagnolette projections which are slidable longitudinally relative to the leaf edge, the sliding of the espagnolette projections being controlled by rotation of a window handle. In order to secure the window each espagnolette projection is moved into engagement with a corresponding keep on the window frame. These existing systems operate by simply engaging a lock point such as an espagnolette projecting into a locking keep.

A secure locking mechanism on windows and/or doors is desirable to prevent unwanted intruders. The espagnolette security mechanisms described above offer many advantages over other window locks in terms of security. However, there is always the need to improve security of espagnolette locking mechanisms as the methods of potential intruders become more sophisticated. Current espagnolette assemblies suffer from the disadvantage that a force applied parallel with longitudinal axis of travel of the espagnolette projections in the direction of withdrawal of the espagnolette projections from their corresponding keeps will withdraw the projections from their corresponding keeps. Once the projections have been forced out of their respective keeps, the window may be opened.

The present invention aims to improve upon the security of such locking assemblies.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a security fitting for a window or door assembly, the window or door assembly having a leaf that is moveable relative to a frame and a security mechanism having at least one projection slidable in a first direction relative to an edge of the leaf along a leaf edge axis for engagement, when the leaf is in a closed position, in an engagement slot of a keep mounted to the frame, and slidable in a second opposing direction for disengagement from the keep, the security fitting comprising: an engagement portion and a support portion, the support portion adapted to be mounted fixedly to said edge of the leaf and the engagement portion being adapted to be receivable within an engagement slot of a keep mounted to the frame.

In use, if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis, along said second direction when the leaf is in its closed position, at least part of the engagement portion is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep, such that opening of the leaf is prevented. Preferably the security fitting is adapted such that the engagement portion is spaced away from the edge of the leaf when the support portion is mounted to the leaf. In preferred embodiments a distal end of the engagement portion of the security fitting is spaced away from the edge of the leaf when the support portion is mounted to the leaf. Preferably the security fitting is structured such that at least part of the security fitting extends orthogonally from the edge of the leaf when the support portion is mounted thereto. The security fitting provides an additional security device which can be retrofitted to a window or door leaf in order to prevent forced opening of the leaf by means of automatic engagement of the security fitting in the corresponding keep if someone attempts to move the leaf to disengage the or each projection from its corresponding keep. The engagement portion of the security fitting is adapted to be receivable within an engagement slot of a keep mounted to the frame at a predetermined spacing from the security fitting such that if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis, along said second direction when the leaf is in its closed position, at least part of the engagement portion is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep, whereby opening of the leaf is prevented. The predetermined distance is selected so that it is the same or smaller than the distance that the or each projection must be moved to fully disengage it from its corresponding keep. The engagement portion is preferably arranged relative to the support portion so that the engagement portion extends from said edge of the leaf when the support portion is mounted thereto. The security mechanism is preferably an espagnolette mechanism. The or each projection is preferably an espagnolette projection. The or each projection of the security mechanism is suitably engageable in a corresponding espagnolette keep.

Preferably the security fitting is adapted so that at least part of the engagement portion is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep if the leaf is moved by a predetermined distance parallel with the leaf edge axis, along said second direction when the leaf is in its closed position. Suitably the engagement portion of the security fitting does not engage in the engagement slot of the keep during normal opening and closing of the leaf, but the engagement portion of the security fitting is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis along said second direction. In certain embodiments the engagement slot of the keep has a mouth and the security fitting is preferably mounted at a predetermined spacing from the mouth of the engagement slot along the leaf edge axis such that the security fitting does not engage in the engagement slot of the keep during normal opening and closing of the leaf, but the engagement portion of the security fitting will move into an engagement with the engagement slot of the keep if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis along said first direction by at least a distance matching said predetermined spacing.

Preferably the engagement portion of the security fitting is shaped and sized to be receivable in the engagement slot of the keep. The engagement portion of the security fitting may be sized and shaped to be receivable in the engagement slot of a standard keep for an espagnolette security mechanism. Therefore a separate keep for the security fitting does not need to be separately manufactured.

Preferably the support portion of the security fitting has an aperture for receiving a fixing for mounting the security fitting relative to the leaf. The aperture may be adapted to receive a screw for mounting the security fitting relative to the leaf.

Preferably the security fitting is adapted to mount to a faceplate of the security mechanism, the faceplate being mountable to the edge of the leaf.

The support portion of the security fitting may have an aperture for receiving a fixing, such as a screw, for mounting the security fitting to the faceplate. Alternatively the support portion may comprise a shank adapted to be received by an aperture in the faceplate in order to fix the security fitting to the faceplate.

Preferably the support portion of the security fitting is shaped for mounting in an elongate mounting channel in the edge of the leaf that the security fitting mounts to. Mounting channels of this type are standard features in UPVC windows and other types of windows, such channels typically known as eurogrooves.

Preferably the support portion of the security fitting has an aperture for receiving a fixing therethrough that is for fixing to a faceplate of the security mechanism for the window / door assembly to the leaf. Preferably the aperture is an open aperture. Preferably the open aperture is an elongated open aperture so that the security fitting can be mounted in a range of positions relative to the fixing to be received through the aperture.

Preferably the engagement portion of the security fitting comprises a projecting element, at least part of which extends parallel with the leaf edge axis when the support portion is mounted to the leaf. The projecting element extends from the support portion in the second direction when mounted to the leaf. The support portion preferably comprises an upstanding portion configured to project orthogonally from the leaf edge when the security fitting is mounted thereto. The projecting element extends from the distal end of the upstanding portion. The support portion may further comprise a base portion configured to be mounted to said leaf edge (directly or indirectly), the upstanding portion projecting from the base portion.

Preferably the engagement portion of the security fitting has a flanged edge extending in the second direction when mounted to the leaf, the flanged edge of the security fitting being adapted to be receiveable under a flanged rim of the engagement slot of the keep. The flanged edge of the engagement portion suitably comprises said projecting element of the security fitting.

Preferably the engagement portion of the security fitting is pin shaped, the pin shaped engagement portion having a longitudinal axis extending parallel with that of the slidable projections when the security fitting is mounted to the leaf. In such an embodiment the support portion may comprise a shank adapted to be received by an aperture in the faceplate in order to fix the security fitting to the faceplate. In certain embodiments the support portion of the security fitting may be riveted to the faceplate in use.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a keep for use with a security fitting according to any aspect of the invention described above, the keep having a first engagement slot adapted to receive at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting.

The keep is suitably adapted to be mounted fixedly to the frame such that if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis, along said second direction when the leaf is in its closed position, at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep, such that opening of the leaf is prevented. The first engagement slot of the keep preferably has a longitudinal axis along which the engagement portion of the security fitting enters and exits the engagement slot, the keep being configured for mounting to the frame with the axis of the engagement slot substantially parallel with the leaf edge axis. The keep preferably has an elongate keep body for mounting to the frame with the axis of the keep body substantially parallel with the leaf edge axis, the axis of the engagement slot being parallel with the axis of the keep body. The first engagement slot of the keep preferably has parallel slot sides, the keep being configured for mounting to the frame with the slot sides substantially parallel with the leaf edge axis. The leaf edge has a first end towards which the at least one projection moves towards when sliding in the first direction and a second end opposing the first end, the engagement slot of the keep having a mouth, the keep being configured for mounting to the frame with the mouth facing the first end of the leaf edge.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a keep for a window or door assembly, the window or door assembly having a leaf that is moveable relative to a frame and a security mechanism having at least one projection slidable in a first direction relative to an edge of the leaf along a leaf edge axis for engagement in an espagnolette keep mounted to the frame when the leaf is in a closed position and slidable in a second opposing direction for disengagement from the espagnolette keep, said keep being for use with a security fitting mounted fixedly to said edge of the leaf, the security fitting comprising an engagement portion and a support portion, the keep comprising a first engagement slot adapted to receive at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting in use.

The keep is suitably adapted to be mounted fixedly to the frame such that if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis, along said second direction when the leaf is in its closed position, at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep, such that opening of the leaf is prevented.

Preferably the engagement slot of the keep is sized and shaped to receive said security fitting therein.

Preferably said engagement slot of the keep has a mouth, the keep being configured such that at least part of the security fitting is receivable by the keep adjacent the mouth during normal opening and closing of the leaf when the keep is mounted at said predetermined distance with respect to the security fitting, the keep further comprising a cover located at said mouth of said engagement slot, the cover being arranged to extend across said mouth such that the security fitting is received by the keep adjacent the mouth during normal opening and closing of the leaf and wherein if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis along said second direction the cover is configured such that at least part of the security fitting is moveable beyond the cover into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep.

Preferably said cover is a resilient panel. The resilient panel may be a flexible panel. The cover may be made of a plastic material. The thickness of the cover may be selected so that the cover is able to flex and return to its rest position. The cover may be formed integrally with the keep. The cover may have proximal side adjacent the main body of the keep and a free distal side. The proximal end of the cover may form a living hinge with the main body of the keep so that the cover can flex relative to the main body of the keep. In alternative embodiments the cover may comprise a sacrificial panel configured to break away from the main body of the keep if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis along said second direction. By means of providing said cover, the keep may perform a centralising / anti-sag function in normal use. However if the leaf is put under attack by attempts to move the leaf in the second direction, the force of the security fitting pushing against the cover will deflect the cover, allowing the security fitting to enter the engagement slot.

Preferably the keep further comprises an entryway adjacent said engagement slot, the entryway being configured such that at least part of the security fitting is receivable by the entryway during normal opening and closing of the leaf.

Preferably the keep comprises first and second engagement slots, each engagement slot having a mouth and each engagement slot having a cover arranged to extend across the corresponding mouth, the first and second engagement slots arranged so that the first and second mouths face each other with the entryway of the keep arranged between. By means of having first and second opposingly facing engagement slots the keep comprises a universal keep which may be used on a left or right handed window or door or with a leaf in which the slidable projection of the security mechanism slides in either direction along the leaf edge axis in order to secure the leaf.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a security system comprising a security fitting according to any aspect of the invention described above, the security system further comprising a keep for mounting to the frame, the keep comprising a first engagement slot for receiving at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting.

The security fitting is preferably for mounting at a location on the edge of the leaf, spaced apart from the keep in the first direction along the leaf edge axis, the security fitting and keep being structured such that if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis, along said second direction when the leaf is in its closed position, at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep, such that opening of the leaf is prevented. Preferably the security fitting is located at a location spaced slightly apart from the keep in the first direction along the leaf edge axis in use. The engagement portion of the security fitting and the first engagement slot of the keep are preferably sized so that the engagement portion of the security fitting is receivable within the engagement slot of the keep. The keep may comprise a first security fitting engagement slot and a first projection engagement slot, each engagement slot having a mouth, the mouths of said slots being arranged to face in opposing directions. A single keep can therefore be used to receive both the projections of the security mechanism when in order to lock the leaf against the frame and to receive the security fitting, if the leaf is under attack. The keep may be a standard keep for an espagnolette security mechanism and the engagement portion of the

B

security fitting may be sized and shaped to be receivable in the engagement slot of a standard keep for an espagnolette security mechanism. Therefore a separate keep for the security fitting does not need to be separately manufactured.

The security system may be a kit comprising at least one security fitting according to any relevant aspect described above and a corresponding keep according to any relevant aspect described above.

Preferably the security system further comprises a security mechanism for mounting to said edge of the leaf to which the security fitting is to be mounted to, the security mechanism having at least one projection slidable in a first direction relative to said edge of the leaf along a leaf edge axis for engagement, when the leaf is in a closed position, in a projection engagement slot of a or the keep mounted to the frame in use and slidable in a second opposing direction for disengagement from said keep.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a security system according to any aspect of the system described above, the method comprising mounting the security fitting to said edge of the leaf or mounting the keep to the frame relative to the other of the security fitting or keep such that the security fitting will not engage in the engagement slot of the keep during normal opening and closing of the leaf, but the engagement portion of the security fitting is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis along said second direction.

The terms "mounted", "attached', "connected to", "connected" are to be broadly understood and may relate to elements that may be directly connected or also connected indirectly by an intermediary element.

Spatially relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical", "upper", "lower", "upwards", "downwards', "left", "right" and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to another element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the assembly in addition to different orientations from those depicted in the figures.

The term "open position" in relation to the leaf may refer to any position in which the leaf is not closed and an open position may encompass a range of continuous or discrete positions wherein the leaf is not closed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A shows a prior art espagnolette security mechanism; Figure 1B shows a close-up view of a keep for receiving a locking bobbin of the espagnolette security mechanism of Figure 1A; Figures 2A to 3C show a first embodiment of the invention in which: Figure 2A shows a perspective view of an espagnolette mechanism with first and second security fittings according to the invention shown in close-up, exploded from the espagnolette mechanism; Figures 2A shows a diagrammatic view of a keep with the first security fitting exploded from it; Figure 2C shows a diagrammatic view of a keep with the second security fitting exploded from it; Figure 2D shows a diagrammatic view of the system of keep and the second security fitting in an unacfivated state; Figure 2E shows a diagrammatic view of the system of Figure 2D in an activated state; Figure 3A shows a leaf with an espagnolette mechanism exploded from it, first and second security fittings shown in the positions relative to the espagnolette mechanism that they would take when installed; Figure 3B shows a perspective view of the first security fitting; Figure 3C shows a perspective view of the second security fitting; Figures 4A to 5C show a further embodiment of the invention in which: Figure 4A shows a perspective view of an espagnolette mechanism with a security fitting according to the invention shown mounted to it and in close-up, exploded from the espagnolette mechanism; Figure 4B shows a portion of the faceplate of the espagnolette mechanism; Figure 40 shows a keep for the security system; Figure 4D shows a diagrammatic view of the keep of Figure 4C with the security fitting received therein; Figure 4E shows a perspective view of the keep of Figure 4C; Figure 5A shows the assembly of Figure 4A but additionally showing the keep for the security fitting, the assembly being shown as if the leaf were closed and at rest (i.e. not under attack), the leaf and frame not being shown; Figure 5B shows a close-up of the assembly of Figure 5A; Figure 5C shows an alternate view of the assembly of Figure 5B.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

Referring to Figures lA and 1B, a prior art espagnolette security mechanism 8 for a window or door is shown. Such prior art mechanisms comprise one or more bobbins 1 (also known as projections, locking cams, mushroom headed locking pins etc) mounted on a slider 2 which is carried behind a faceplate 3. The bobbins 1 extend through and are captive in slots in the slider 2. The slider 2 is driven by a handle mechanism 4, which may be cam-, or rack-or lever-drive to convert rotational movement of a handle (not shown) to linear slider movement. The slider 2 is moveable between a non-locking position and a locking position. Movement of the slider from the non-locking position to the locking position in a first direction (as indicated by arrow 5) drives the locking bobbins 1 into locking engagement with respective keeps 6 that are fitted on the adjacent stile of the window frame. Movement of the slider 2 in a second, opposition direction drives the locking bobbins 1 out of locking engagement with the respective keeps 6. When the espagnolette mechanism 8 is installed the locking bobbins 1 project from the edge of the window leaf on which the handle is located.

Referring to Figures 2A to 3C a first embodiment of the invention will be described, the first embodiment involving first and second security fittings 10, 110 which mount to a window leaf with espagnolette mechanism 8 and associated keeps like that of Figures 1A and 1B, the security fittings providing enhanced security, as will be described. Figure 3A shows a standard espagnolette security mechanism 8 like that of Figure 1A mounted to the leading edge 12a of a leaf 12. The leaf 12 is a pivoting casement window which is movably mounted within a frame (not shown) by one or a pair of friction hinges or stays (not shown) mounted between the leaf and the frame, the leaf being moveable between a closed position and an open position. Windows in which the hinges are mounted between the leaf and frame upper and lower members are referred to as "side-hung". Windows in which the hinges are mounted between the leaf and the frame at opposite sides are referred to as "top-hung". The leading edge 12a of the leaf may also be referred to as the handle edge or the lock edge as it is the edge that the handle 13 and espagnolette mechanism 8 are located at. The opposing edge of the leaf may be referred to as the hinge edge. An edge of the leaf (such as the leading edge 12a of the leaf) refers to a part of the leaf which faces the frame when the leaf is closed and the leading edge 12a of the leaf is the edge of the leading part of the leaf.

The espagnolette mechanism 8 in the present embodiment has three sets or arrangements of locking bobbins 1. Referring to Figure 3A, each arrangement comprises a pair of locking bobbins 1. It will be understood that the espagnolette mechanism 8 may have any number of locking bobbins 1 along its length and they need not be provided in pairs (i.e. each arrangement of locking bobbins may only comprise one locking bobbin for example, as is shown in Figure 2A). The three arrangements of locking bobbins 1 are spaced along the slider 2, with one pair near each end of the slider 2 and one pair around midway along the slider. The slider 2 is moveable between a non-locking position and a locking position. Movement of the slider in a first direction denoted by arrow 5 (upwards in this embodiment) moves it from the non-locking position to the locking position in order to drive the locking bobbins 1 into locking engagement with corresponding keeps 6 mounted to the adjacent frame member (not shown). The adjacent frame member will have three keeps 6 mounted thereon, one aligned with each pair of locking bobbins 1 so that the locking bobbins 1 slide into locking engagement with the corresponding keep when the slider is in its locking position. Movement of the slider in a second, opposing direction (downwards in this embodiment) withdraws the locking bobbins 1 from engagement with their respective keeps.

Referring to Figure 3A, first and second security fittings 10,110 are mounted to the leading edge 12a of the leaf. The first security fitting 10 is rigidly mounted to the leaf 12 near a first arrangement of locking bobbins la, the first security fitting 10 being arranged so that the first arrangement of locking bobbins moves towards the first security fitting 10 as the slider moves in the first direction. The second security fitting 110 is fixedly mounted to the leaf 12 near a second arrangement of locking bobbins lb, the second security fitting 110 being arranged so that the second arrangement of locking bobbins moves towards the second security fitting 110 as the slider moves in the first direction. In this embodiment the first arrangement of locking bobbins la is near the top end of the espagnolette mechanism 8 and the second arrangement of locking bobbins lb is near the bottom end of the espagnolette mechanism 8. The first security fitting 10 is spaced away from its corresponding arrangement of locking bobbins la when in the locking position by substantially the same distance as the spacing between the second security fitting 110 and its corresponding arrangement of locking bobbins lb when in the locking position.

Referring to Figure 3B, the first security fitting 10 has a support portion 11 and an engagement portion 14, the support portion 11 for mounting to the leaf 12 and supporting the engagement portion 14 to project from the leaf and the engagement portion 14 for engaging with a keep when the security system is activated (when the leaf is under attack by an intruder). The support portion 11 is adapted to be mounted fixedly to the leading edge 12a of the leaf and the engagement portion 14 extends away from the support portion 11, and therefore from the leading edge 12a of the leaf, when the security fitting 10 is mounted thereto. Referring to Figures 2B to 2E, each keep 6 which the first and second arrangements of locking bobbins la, lb engage with can also engagingly receive the engagement portion of the corresponding security fitting 10, 110. The keeps 6 are standard keep units that are available off the shelf for receiving locking bobbins 1 of standard espagnolette mechanisms. Standard keeps 6 for use with espagnolette mechanisms are typically cast of zinc alloy (but may be made of other suitable materials such as glass filled nylon (GFN)) and in this example have four keep engagement slots 40a-40d. Keep 6 in the embodiment of Figures 2A to 3C, as with a standard espagnolette keep of Figure 1B, has a first engagement slot 40a and a second engagement slot 40b, the first engagement slot having a mouth 41a which faces in the opposing direction from the mouth 41b of the second engagement slot. The first and second engagement slots 40a, 40b have elongate axes which are parallel with one another. The provision of first and second oppositely facing engagement slots 40a, 40b allows the keep 6 to be 'universal', meaning that the keep 6 may be used for a left handed or right handed leaf, the keep being mounted to the frame in one orientation, with the elongate axes of the engagement slots 40a, 40b parallel with the elongate axis of the frame member to which it is mounted, for one type of leaf (right or left handed) and in an inverted orientation 0.e.

inverted 1800) for the other type of leaf. In the assembly shown in Figures 2A to 30, the first engagement slot 40a will receive an arrangement of locking bobbins 1 when the slider 2 is in its locking position and the second engagement slot 40b will receive the engagement portion 14, 114 of the corresponding security fitting 10, 110 if the leaf is lifted sufficiently far (e.g. if the leaf is under attack), as will be further described.

In this embodiment the keep 6 has a further pair of opposing engagement slots 40c, 40d shaped and sized to match first and second engagement slots 40a, 40b, but positioned adjacent the first and second engagement slots. The further pair of opposing engagements slots 40c, 40d are provided in standard espagnolette keeps of this type as night vent engagement slots for locking bobbin(s) of the espagnolette mechanism (again with the universality of two opposing engagement slots so that a single keep can be manufactured to fit to a left or right handed leaf). Whilst the further pair of engagement slots 40c, 40d may receive locking bobbin(s) of the espagnolette mechanism to allow the leaf to be locked in a night venting position, the pair of engagement slots 40c, 40d are not involved in the enhanced security provided by the security fitting 10, 110 as described herein.

The espagnolette mechanism 8 is mounted to the leaf in use and three corresponding keeps 6 are mounted to the frame in use, the keeps being aligned and positioned so that the locking bobbins 1 will engage in the corresponding engagement slot of the respective keep when the slider is in its locking position. Referring to Figure 2B, the first security fitting 10 is mounted to the leading leaf edge 12a and positioned so that when the leaf is closed and at rest (i.e. not under attack) an engagement end 15 of the engagement portion 14 is spaced away from the mouth of the second engagement slot 40b on the corresponding keep 6 mounted on the frame by a small distance X. The security fitting 10 aligned above but spaced part by spacing X from the mouth of the second engagement slot 40b can also be seen in Figure 2D. If an intruder subjects the leaf to manual attack by moving the leaf downwards relative to the frame in order to withdraw the locking bobbins 1 from the corresponding keeps 6 then the security fitting 10 mounted fixedly to the leading leaf edge 12a will be activated by means of being moved down relative to the keep 6 into engagement with the second engagement slot 40b as shown in Figure 2E. Once in this configuration, even if the locking bobbins 1 have disengaged from the corresponding keeps 6, opening of the leaf will be blocked by engagement of the security fitting 10 with the second engagement slot 40b. The distance X is selected to be large enough such that the security fitting 10 does not inadvertently impinge against the keep 6 when the leaf is being opened and closed but small enough such that if the leaf is moved far enough in the second direction (i.e. downwards in this embodiment) so that the locking bobbins disengage from the respective keeps, the security fitting will have engaged with the corresponding engagement slot of the keep 6 to prevent opening of the leaf. The installer can test and make suitable adjustment of the placement of the security fitting(s) on the leaf during installation to optimise the placement of the security fitting(s).

The second security fitting 110 similarly has a support portion 111 and engagement portion 114 and is activated in the same way as the first security fitting 10 if the leaf is subjected to forces attempting to withdraw the locking bobbins from their respective keeps.

Further details of the structure of the engagement portion 14 of the first security fitting 10 will be described with reference to Figure 3B. The engagement portion 114 of the second security fitting 110 is similarly configured to that of the first security fitting 10. The engagement portion 14 of the first security fitting 10 is shaped and sized to be received by the engagement slot of a standard espagnolette keep 6 that is designed to receive locking bobbins of an espagnolette mechanism. The engagement portion 14 comprises a projecting element 14a having a distal end 15, the projecting element 14a arranged relative to the support portion 11 to extend from the security fitting parallel with the axis of the leaf edge 12a when the first security fitting 10 is mounted thereto. In use the first security fitting 10 is mounted to the leaf in use so that the projecting element 14a extends from the support portion in the second direction, i.e. towards the keep when the leaf is closed. The support portion 11 comprises a base portion 16 and an upstanding portion 17 projecting away from the base portion 16, the upstanding portion 17 being configured so that it projects orthogonally from the leading leaf edge 12a when the security fitting is mounted thereto. The projecting element 14a of the security fitting 10 forms a flanged edge extending from the upstanding portion 17 in the second direction when installed. Referring to Figure 2E (which shows the second security fitting 110, but which has the same shaped engagement portion), this flanged edge shape of the projecting element 14a is adapted to be received under the flanged rim of the engagement slots 40a, 40b of the keep 6. Referring to Figure 2E, the projecting element 14a does not protrude far into the corresponding engagement slot of the keep when engaged therein when the security filling is activated, but it protrudes far enough to prevent the leaf from being opened. The security fittings 10, 110 may of course take other shapes that are configured to be receivable in the engagement slots 40a, 40b of the keep 6, such as being a similar shape to the locking bobbins with mushroom shaped heads projecting from the leaf.

Fixing of the security fittings 10, 110 to the leaf 12 will now be described. Each of the first and second security fittings 10, 110 has an aperture 20, 120 for receiving a fixing for mounting the security fitting to the leaf. The apertures 20, 120 may be sized and shaped to each receive a screw or other suitable fixing. Referring to Figure 3A, the first security fitting 10 is configured to be mounted behind the espagnolette mechanisms, i.e. between the elongate plates of the espagnolette mechanism 8 and the leading leaf edge 12a. The base portion 16 of the first security fitting 10 is an elongate planar member configured to be received in the standard eurogroove channel which is provided around the profile of the leaf to accommodate hinges and locking mechanisms (such as to accommodate the espagnolette mechanism 8). The width w of the base portion 16 therefore matches or is smaller than the width of the eurogroove channel in the leading leaf edge 12a. The base portion 16 of the first security fixing 10 has a proximal end configured to be mounted underneath the upper end of the espagnolette faceplate 3, the proximal end having two legs 18 extending along the longitudinal axis of the first security fitting away from the upstanding portion 17, an elongate slot formed between the pair of legs. Referring to Figure 3A, the legs 18 are configured to be received around the screw 19 or other suitable fixing which fixes the top end of the faceplate 3 to the leaf. By means of the open elongate slot formed between legs 18, the first security fitting 10 may be easily adjusted towards or away from the faceplate 3 during installation, in order to optimise positioning of the first security fitting 10 relative to the corresponding keep 6 during installation.

Referring to Figure 3A, the second security fitting 110 is adapted to be mounted on top of the faceplate 3. As with the first security fitting 10, the support portion 111 of the second security fitting 110 has a base portion 116 and an upstanding portion 117, the base portion 116 extending away orthogonally from the upstanding portion 117 in the first direction, when installed. The aperture 120 for receiving a fixing, for mounting the fitting 110 to the faceplate 3 is in the base portion 116. The upstanding portion 117 is the same shape as that of the first security fitting 10 and has the same shaped projecting element 114a extending from it in the second direction when installed, for engagement in the corresponding engagement slot of the keep 6.

Each security fitting 10 / 110 and corresponding keep 6 forms a security system. The first and second security fittings 10, 110 are made of any suitable material, such as moulding of nylon, glass filled nylon (GFN) or similar tough plastics polymer or metal.

The first and security fittings 10, 110 may be retrofitted to a leaf with a standard espagnolette mechanism. The first and security fittings 10, 110 are preferably adapted to engage with the standard espagnolette keeps 6 as in the embodiment of Figures 2A to 3C, however they may be configured to engage in a custom designed keep. Only one security fitting, of a type similar to the first security fitting 10 or second security fitting 110, may be installed on a leaf to provide improved security, however preferably first and second security fittings will be installed on the leaf in use.

Referring to Figures 4A to 50 a further embodiment of a security system is shown. The security system comprises a security fitting 210 and a keep 206 with which the security fitting 210 is engageable. The security system is configured to be installed in a leaf assembly in which a standard espagnolette mechanism 8 is installed. The security fitting 210 and keep 206 are configured to operate in the same manner as the security system of Figures 2A to 30 in that the security fitting 210 mounts to the leading leaf edge and the keep 206 mounts to the frame and if the leaf is moved parallel with said the leaf edge in the second direction when the leaf is in its closed position, the security fitting 210 will move into engagement with an engagement slot of the keep 206, whereby opening of the leaf is prevented. Therefore, even if the locking bobbins 1 of the espagnolette mechanism 8 have been withdrawn from their corresponding keeps 6 by movement of the leaf in the second direction, the engagement of part of the security fitting 210 in the engagement slot of the keep 206 will block opening of the leaf.

The security fitting 210 comprises a steel pin adapted to be mounted to the faceplate 3. The security fitting 210 may of course be made of rigid materials other than steel. The security fitting 210 may be rigidly mounted to the faceplate 3 by riveting the base of the security fitting 210 to an aperture in the faceplate 3, the riveted portion of the security fitting forming a support portion for the fitting. Extending therefrom is an engagement portion 214, which comprises a shaft of the pin, which is configured to extend orthogonally away from the faceplate 3 when mounted thereto. The security fitting 210 may of course be rigidly mounted to the faceplate 3 by means other than riveting.

The keep 206 comprises a body 250 with a T-shaped recess formed therein, the recess having an entryway 251 having an open end. The keep 206 is for mounting to the frame member adjacent the leading leaf edge so that the open end of the entryway faces the security fitting 210 as the leaf is being closed. The entryway 251 forms the post of the T-shaped recess, the T-shaped recess also having a T-bar portion which is oriented parallel with the axis of the frame member when mounted thereto. The T-bar portion of the recess has first and second arms, each extending away from the entryway 251, one being a first engagement slot 240a and the other being a second engagement slot 240b. Each engagement slot has a mouth, the keep 206 including a flexible platform or cover 242a, 242b arranged to extend across the mouth of each engagement slot 240a, 240b. Each cover 242a, 242b comprises a resilient panel, each cover having a proximal side attached to the body 250 of the keep, but otherwise having free sides so that the covers may flex relative to the body 250 if deflected, but then returning to their rest position covering the corresponding engagement slots if the deflecting force is removed.

In use the keep 206 is mounted to the frame so that it aligns with the security fitting 210 so that the security fitting 210 is received in the entryway 251 when the leaf is closed. When the leaf is closed and the leaf is at rest (i.e. not under attack) the security fitting 210 will sit in the entryway 251, between the first and second covers 242a, 242b, as shown in Figure 4D. In this way the security fitting 210 acts as a centralising pin when the leaf is at rest, to centre the leaf and espagnolette mechanism 8 relative to the espagnolette keeps, counteracting any tendency of the leaf to sag under its own weight. If the leaf is subjected to manual attack in which the leaf is moved in the second direction to attempt to withdraw the locking bobbins 1 from engagement with the corresponding espagnolette keeps 6, the security fitting 210 will be carried by the leaf in the second direction (i.e. downwards). As the security fitting 210 moves in the second direction relative to the fixed keep 206 the security fitting 210 deflects the cover 242a, moves past it and engages in the first engagement slot 240a (the activated security fitting 210 being shown in dotted lines in Figure 4D). Once the security fitting 210 is engaged in the first engagement slot 240a, if attempt to open the leaf is made, the sides of the engagement portion of the security fitting 210 will butt against the sides of the engagement slot 240a, preventing the leaf from opening.

By having two opposing engagement slots 240a, 240b extending in opposing directions orthogonally from the entry axis of the entryway 241 the keep 206 is universal in that it can be used for a left or right handed window. Of course, the keep 206 need not be universal and instead could be formed as a left handed or a right handed keep with only one engagement slot extending orthogonally from the entryway 251, the recess forming an L-shape. The engagement slots 240a, 240b may be referred to as blocking compartments, as once the engagement portion of the security fitting 210 has entered an engagement slot of the keep, the leaf is blocked from being opened.

The system of the security fitting 210 and keep 206 may be retrofitted to a leaf with espagnolette mechanism. If the espagnolette mechanism already has a centralising pin, this can be employed as security fitting 210 and a keep 206 may be mounted to the frame in a position along the frame axis such that it interacts with the security fitting 210 as described above. The keep 206 will be shaped and sized to receive the centralising pin in the same way as described in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 4A to 5C.

Claims

Claims 1. A security fitting for a window or door assembly, the window or door assembly having a leaf that is moveable relative to a frame and a security mechanism having at least one projection slidable in a first direction relative to an edge of the leaf along a leaf edge axis for engagement, when the leaf is in a closed position, in an engagement slot of a keep mounted to the frame, and slidable in a second opposing direction for disengagement from the keep, the security fitting comprising: an engagement portion and a support portion, the support portion adapted to be mounted fixedly to said edge of the leaf and the engagement portion being adapted to be receivable within an engagement slot of a keep mounted to the frame.
2. A security fitting according to claim 1, wherein the security fitting is adapted so that at least part of the engagement portion is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep if the leaf is moved by a predetermined distance parallel with the leaf edge axis, along said second direction when the leaf is in its closed position.
3. A security fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement portion of the security fitting is shaped and sized to be receivable in the engagement slot of the keep.
4. A security fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the support portion of the security fitting has an aperture for receiving a fixing for mounting the security fitting relative to the leaf.
5. A security fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the security fitting is adapted to mount to a faceplate of the security mechanism, the faceplate being mountable to the edge of the leaf.
6. A security fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the support portion of the security fitting is shaped for mounting in an elongate mounting channel in the edge of the leaf that the security fitting mounts to.
7. A security fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the support portion of the security fitting has an aperture for receiving a fixing therethrough that is for fixing to a faceplate of the security mechanism for the window! door assembly to the leaf.
8. A security fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement portion of the security fitting comprises a projecting element, at least part of which extends parallel with the leaf edge axis when the support portion is mounted to the leaf.
9. A security fitting according to any preceding claim, the engagement portion of the security fitting having a flanged edge extending in the second direction when mounted to the leaf, the flanged edge of the security fitting being adapted to be receiveable under a flanged rim of the engagement slot of the keep.
10. A security fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement portion of the security fitting is pin shaped, the pin shaped engagement portion having a longitudinal axis extending parallel with that of the slidable projections when the security fitting is mounted to the leaf.
11. A keep for use with a security filling according to any preceding claim, the keep having a first engagement slot adapted to receive at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting.
12. A keep for a window or door assembly, the window or door assembly having a leaf that is moveable relative to a frame and a security mechanism having at least one projection slidable in a first direction relative to an edge of the leaf along a leaf edge axis for engagement in an espagnolette keep mounted to the frame when the leaf is in a closed position and slidable in a second opposing direction for disengagement from the espagnolette keep, said keep being for use with a security fitting mounted fixedly to said edge of the leaf, the security fitting comprising an engagement portion and a support portion, the keep comprising a first engagement slot adapted to receive at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting in use.
13. A keep according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the engagement slot of the keep is sized and shaped to receive said security fitting therein.
14. A keep according to any of claims 1110 13, wherein said engagement slot of the keep has a mouth, the keep being configured such that at least part of the security fitting is receivable by the keep adjacent the mouth during normal opening and closing of the leaf when the keep is mounted at said predetermined distance with respect to the security fitting, the keep further comprising a cover located at said mouth of said engagement slot, the cover being arranged to extend across said mouth such that the security fitting is received by the keep adjacent the mouth during normal opening and closing of the leaf and wherein if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis along said second direction the cover is configured such that at least part of the security fitting is moveable beyond the cover into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep.
15. A keep according to claim 14, wherein said cover is a resilient panel.
16. A keep according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the keep further comprises an entryway adjacent said engagement slot, the entryway being configured such that at least part of the security fitting is receivable by the entryway during normal opening and closing of the leaf.
17. A keep according to claim 16, wherein the keep comprises first and second engagement slots, each engagement slot having a mouth and each engagement slot having a cover arranged to extend across the corresponding mouth, the first and second engagement slots arranged so that the first and second mouths face each other with the entryway of the keep arranged between.
18. A security system comprising a security fitting according to any of claims 1 to 10, the security system further comprising a keep for mounting to the frame, the keep comprising a first engagement slot for receiving at least part of the engagement portion of the security fitting.
19. A security system comprising security fitting according to any of claims 1 to 10 and a keep according to any of claims 11 to 17.
20. A security system according to claim 18 or 19, the security system further comprising a security mechanism for mounting to said edge of the leaf to which the security fitting is to be mounted to, the security mechanism having at least one projection slidable in a first direction relative to said edge of the leaf along a leaf edge axis for engagement, when the leaf is in a closed position, in a projection engagement slot of a or the keep mounted to the frame in use and slidable in a second opposing direction for disengagement from said keep.
21. A method of installing a security system according to any of claims 18 to 20, the method comprising mounting the security fitting to said edge of the leaf or mounting the keep to the frame relative to the other of the security fitting or keep such that the security fitting will not engage in the engagement slot of the keep during normal opening and closing of the leaf, but the engagement portion of the security fitting is moveable into an engagement configuration with the engagement slot of the keep if the leaf is moved parallel with the leaf edge axis along said second direction.