NZ628616B - Latch arrangement - Google Patents
Latch arrangementInfo
- Publication number
- NZ628616B NZ628616B NZ628616A NZ62861614A NZ628616B NZ 628616 B NZ628616 B NZ 628616B NZ 628616 A NZ628616 A NZ 628616A NZ 62861614 A NZ62861614 A NZ 62861614A NZ 628616 B NZ628616 B NZ 628616B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- formation
- strike
- latch arrangement
- latching member
- latch
- Prior art date
Links
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- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 199
- 230000005291 magnetic Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 230000005294 ferromagnetic Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract 2
- 230000002441 reversible Effects 0.000 abstract 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated Effects 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003302 ferromagnetic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Neodymium Chemical compound [Nd] QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052779 Neodymium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000006116 polymerization reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004642 transportation engineering Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B15/00—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
- E05B15/0053—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices means providing a stable, i.e. indexed, position of lock parts
- E05B15/006—Spring-biased ball or roller entering a notch
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B15/00—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
- E05B15/02—Striking-plates; Keepers; Bolt staples; Escutcheons
- E05B15/0205—Striking-plates, keepers, staples
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B15/00—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
- E05B15/10—Bolts of locks or night latches
- E05B15/101—Spring-retracted bolts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
- E05B17/20—Means independent of the locking mechanism for preventing unauthorised opening, e.g. for securing the bolt in the fastening position
- E05B17/2084—Means to prevent forced opening by attack, tampering or jimmying
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B15/00—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
- E05B15/02—Striking-plates; Keepers; Bolt staples; Escutcheons
- E05B15/0205—Striking-plates, keepers, staples
- E05B2015/023—Keeper shape
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
- E05B63/06—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with lengthwise-adjustable bolts ; with adjustable backset, i.e. distance from door edge
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
- E05B63/12—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with means carried by the bolt for interlocking with the keeper
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/08—Locks or fastenings for special use for sliding wings
- E05B65/087—Locks or fastenings for special use for sliding wings the bolts sliding parallel to the wings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B9/00—Lock casings or latch-mechanism casings ; Fastening locks or fasteners or parts thereof to the wing
- E05B9/02—Casings of latch-bolt or deadbolt locks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C19/00—Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
- E05C19/16—Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction
- E05C19/163—Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction a movable bolt being held in the striker by a permanent magnet
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C19/00—Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
- E05C19/16—Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction
- E05C19/166—Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction electromagnetic
- E05C19/168—Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction electromagnetic a movable bolt being electromagnetically held in the striker by electromagnetic attraction
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C7/00—Fastening devices specially adapted for two wings
- E05C2007/007—Fastening devices specially adapted for two wings for a double-wing sliding door or window, i.e. where both wings are slidable
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C7/00—Fastening devices specially adapted for two wings
- E05C7/04—Fastening devices specially adapted for two wings for wings which abut when closed
- E05C7/045—Sliding bolts mounted on or in the edge of a normally closed wing of a double-door or -window
Abstract
latch arrangement for a sliding wing or door. The latch arrangement (1000) includes a housing, a latching mechanism located in the housing and a strike (2000 in an abutting wing or door frame. A latching member (210) in the housing and the strike includes one or both of a magnet or a ferromagnetic portion. The latching member is moved between a first position, where the latching member is retracted within the housing, and a second position, where the latching member extends out of the housing to be received by the strike. When the door is moved towards the strike the latching member is moved from the first position to the second position by magnetic force. When the doors are abutted a snib on one side of the latch arrangement may move the latching member from a disengaged position to an engaged position by translating the latching member in a direction transverse to the first movement to the second position. The head of the latching member may passes through a receiving formation (2100) into a cavity (3500) in the strike. When it is further moved to the engaged position a neck of the latching member moves to an engaging formation (2200). A keyed lock can be used to prevent a reversal of this process. c portion. The latching member is moved between a first position, where the latching member is retracted within the housing, and a second position, where the latching member extends out of the housing to be received by the strike. When the door is moved towards the strike the latching member is moved from the first position to the second position by magnetic force. When the doors are abutted a snib on one side of the latch arrangement may move the latching member from a disengaged position to an engaged position by translating the latching member in a direction transverse to the first movement to the second position. The head of the latching member may passes through a receiving formation (2100) into a cavity (3500) in the strike. When it is further moved to the engaged position a neck of the latching member moves to an engaging formation (2200). A keyed lock can be used to prevent a reversal of this process.
Description
LATCH ARRANGEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a latch arrangement. More particularly but not
exclusively it relates to a magnetic latch arrangement for a sliding door or window.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Sliding doors, and especially sliding doors that are suspended from a rolling
carriage, have a tendency when moved to reach the end of their travel path, and rebound
off an end stop. The door then remains slightly ajar or not completely open.
Further, designing a simple latch for a sliding door, and in particular a sliding
door that is able to be received into a cavity for the door in its open condition, is
problematic. This is because the latch must preferably not extend transversely outwardly
from the direction of movement of the sliding door as it may damage the cavity into
which the door is receivable. It is preferable for such latches to extend outwardly from
the door in the plane of the door. However, in order to latch with a suitable strike, the
latch requires further movement transversely to the initial extension direction. Such
mechanisms are typically complex and hence costly.
For indoor sliding doors, and especially sliding doors receivable into a cavity,
there is a requirement for a clean looking, simple, latching system that may be moved to
a locked condition by a snib or key.
In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of
information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the
purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed,
in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form
part of the common general knowledge in the art.
For the purposes of this specification, the term “plastic” shall be construed to
mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization
products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.
For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in
sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be
chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of
interpreting the sequence.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a latch arrangement which
overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or
which at least provides the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a latch
arrangement for a sliding wing, the latch arrangement comprising
a) a housing;
b) a latching mechanism located in the housing, the latching mechanism
comprising a latching member comprising one or both of:
(i) a magnet,
(ii) a ferromagnetic portion,
the latching member being movable between
(i) a first position in which the latching member is at least partially
retracted within the housing, and
(ii) a second position in which the latching member extends at least
partially out of the housing for being received by a strike,
wherein the latching mechanism is movable from the first position to the second
position by magnetic force.
Preferably, the housing is configured to be secured at or towards a minor edge of a
sliding wing.
Preferably, the latching member, in the second position, is configured to extend from
a minor face of the housing, wherein the minor face of the housing is coplanar with
and/or parallel to a minor face of the sliding wing.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises a latch moving mechanism configured
and adapted for moving the latching member operationally in a direction substantially
transversely to the direction of movement of the latching member between the first
and second positions, the latch moving mechanism configured to move the latching
member between:
b) an engaged position and
c) a disengaged position.
Preferably, the latching member is biased towards the first position via a spring
formation.
Preferably, the length which the latching member extends from the housing in the
second position is adjustable by an adjustment mechanism.
Preferably, the length which the latching member extends from the housing in the
second position is adjustable by a threaded formation.
Preferably, the adjustment mechanism comprises a thread and nut arrangement.
Preferably, the adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the biasing force
exerted by the spring formation.
Preferably, the latch arrangement is installed in the sliding wing such that the
latching member in the first position is configured to be located flush with an edge of
the sliding wing operationally.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises a snib for moving the latch moving
mechanism between the engaged position and disengaged position.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises a locking mechanism for locking
movement of the latch moving mechanism at least in the engaged position.
Preferably, the locking mechanism is a key barrel.
Preferably, the sliding member is composed of plastic.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises locking mechanism locating formations
for locating the locking mechanism at least partially within the lock housing.
Preferably, the locking mechanism locating formations configured for locating the
locking mechanism in an adjustable fashion.
Preferably, the locking mechanism locating formations configured for locating the
locking mechanism in a sliding adjustable fashion.
Preferably, the locking mechanism locating formations comprise securing formations
for securing locking mechanism in position.
Preferably, the latch moving mechanism comprises a guide arrangement for guiding
movement of one or more selected from
b) the snib; and
c) the latching member.
Preferably, the guide arrangement comprises at least one shaft and a sliding member
slidably movable along the shaft.
Preferably, the housing defines a pair opposed major faces, and at least one minor
face configured to be operationally coplanar with a minor face of sliding wing.
Preferably, the lock housing defines a handle formation.
Preferably, the handle formation is located on the minor face of the housing.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one or more shroud formations
extending from the minor face of the housing.
Preferably, the latching member defines a neck formation and a head formation.
Preferably, the housing comprises a chassis member and at least one cover member.
Preferably, the chassis member is an extruded member.
Preferably, the cover member(s) and chassis member are configured to be secured to
each other by adjustable securing formations, wherein the adjustable securing
formations include at least one slot formation for receiving at least one fastener in a
friction fit.
Preferably, the lock housing comprises a face cover member configured for covering
the chassis member along a plane coplanar with a minor face of the sliding wing.
Preferably, the housing comprises at least one shroud formation extending from the
minor face of the housing, the shroud formation configured and adapted to prevent
access to the latching member between the strike and the housing when the latching
member is in the second position.
Preferably, the shroud formation extends at least partially around an aperture in the
minor face of the housing, through which the latch member extends in the second
position.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms
configured to be accessible from opposed major faces of the sliding wing
operationally.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises a plurality of snibs configured to be
accessible from opposed major faces of the sliding wing operationally.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises an emergency snib arrangement
configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position by
application of suitable force to the emergency snib arrangement by a specialised tool.
Preferably, the emergency snib arrangement defines a small aperture engageable by
a sharp pointed tool.
Preferably, the shroud formation comprises one or both of:
a) a magnet,
b) a ferromagnetic portion;
the shroud being movable by magnetic force from a first shroud position in which it is
at least partially retracted within the housing to a second shroud position in which the
shroud formation extends at least partially from the housing.
Preferably, the shroud formation is movable from the second shroud position to the
first shroud position via engagement and movement with the latching member as the
latching member is moved from the second position to the first position.
Preferably, the shroud formation is biased towards the first shroud position via a
spring formation.
Preferably, the shroud formation in the first shroud position is configured to be
located flush with an edge of the sliding wing operationally.
Preferably, a magnetic arrangement providing said magnetic force for moving the
latching member is located in the strike.
In a second aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a
strike for a latching arrangement, the strike comprising a body comprising:
c) a cavity,
d) a receiving formation; and
e) one or both of of: a magnet and/or a ferromagnetic element,
wherein said magnet and/or ferromagnetic element is configured and dimensioned to
operationally magnetically attract and move a latching member, associated with a
sliding wing, in a first direction through said receiving formation and into said cavity
when the sliding wing is located at or adjacent the strike.
Preferably, the body further comprises an engaging formation for releasably engaging
the latching member moving operationally in a second direction transverse to the first
direction to prevent the latching member retracting from the strike.
Preferably, the receiving formation comprises one or more selected from a recess and
an aperture,
wherein the engaging formation comprises a slot formation, and
wherein the engaging formation extends from an edge of the receiving formation
such that the receiving and engaging formations define an aperture contiguous with
the cavity, the receiving formation defining a major lobe and the engaging formation
defining a minor lobe of the recess.
Preferably, the engaging formation comprises a slot formation configured and adapted
for engaging with a latch member in a manner that prevents movement of the latch
member in said second direction.
Preferably, the receiving formation is sized and configured to releasably receive a
head portion of the latch member, and wherein the engaging formation is sized and
configured to slidably receive a neck formation of the latch member while preventing
withdrawal of the head formation from the recess or aperture.
Preferably, the strike body defines a handle formation.
Preferably, the strike handle formation is located on the minor face of the strike body.
Preferably, the body and the magnetic element or ferromagnetic element are
integrally formed.
Preferably, the strike further comprises a strike chassis member.
Preferably, the strike chassis member is configured to be installed in a sliding wing.
Preferably, the strike further comprises at least one strike cover member, the strike
cover member and strike chassis member configured to be secured to each other by
adjustable securing formations including at least one or more slot formations for
receiving at least one or more fasteners in a friction fit.
Preferably, the strike chassis member is an extruded member.
Preferably, the receiving formation and the engaging formation are defined in a strike
face cover member configured for covering the strike chassis member along a plane
coplanar or parallel with a minor face of the sliding wing.
Preferably, the strike body defines a pair of opposed major faces, and at least one
minor face configured to be operationally coplanar or parallel with a minor face of the
sliding wing.
Preferably, the strike housing comprises at least one shroud formation extending from
the minor face of the strike body, wherein the shroud formation configured and
adapted to prevent access to the latching member between the strike and an
associated lock housing of the latching member when the latching member is
engaged with the strike.
Preferably, the shroud formation extends at least partially around the periphery of
one or more selected from the receiving formation and the engaging formation.
In one embodiment, the strike cover member comprises
o a side cover member for at least partially covering the chassis
member from view from at least one side of the sliding wing, and
o an adjustable engaging formation extending from the side cover
member, the adjustable engaging formation being configured for
adjustable engagement with the chassis member.
Preferably, the strike chassis member is configured for operationally presenting at
least one minor face extending in a direction substantially transversely to the
direction of movement of the sliding wing.
Preferably, the strike chassis member comprises fastening formations associated
with the minor face and configured for operational engagement with at least one or
more fasteners.
Preferably, the fasteners are threaded fasteners.
Preferably, the fastening formations are threaded holes.
Preferably, the adjustable engaging formation is configured for extending along
the minor face of the chassis member.
Preferably, the adjustable engaging formation comprises a slot formation.
Preferably, the slot formation is configured for receiving at least part of a fastener.
Preferably, the side cover member is configured for substantial alignment with a
major face of said sliding wing operationally.
Preferably, the minor face of the strike chassis member is configured and adapted
for operational alignment with a minor face of the sliding wing.
Preferably, at least part of the minor face defines an angled surface is configured
not to extend perpendicularly to the plane of a major face of the sliding wing
operationally.
Preferably, the angled surface extends vertically and in a range of between 80 to
90° out of plane of a major face of the sliding wing operationally.
Preferably, the minor face defines a ridge and a pair of angled surfaces that each
configured to extend in a range of between 80 to 90° out of plane of the opposed
major faces of the sliding wing operationally.
Preferably, the shroud formation comprises one or both of:
f) a magnetic portion,
g) a ferromagnetic portion;
the shroud being movable by magnetic force from a first shroud position in which it is
at least partially retracted within the strike body to a second shroud position in which
the shroud formation extends at least partially from the strike body.
Preferably,the shroud formation is biased towards the first shroud position via a
spring.
Preferably, the strike further comprises at least one lip protruding forwards in the
direction of the sliding wing, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the receiving
formation along the second direction.
Preferably, the strike further comprises a lip protruding in the direction of the sliding
wing, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the engaging formation along the second
direction.
Preferably, the strike comprises a top lip and a bottom lip, wherein the top lip is
positioned above the receiving formation and the bottom lip is positioned below the
engaging formation.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a latching arrangement
comprising a latch arrangement as described, and a strike as described.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a sliding door
arrangement comprising:
d) a sliding wing comprising a latch arrangement as described, and
e) a doorframe comprising a strike as described.
Preferably, the latch arrangement comprises a latching member comprising a
ferromagnetic portion,
wherein the strike comprises a magnet, and
wherein said magnet attracts the latching member in the first direction into the
receiving formation of the strike when the sliding wing is located at or adjacent the
strike.
In another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a
latch arrangement for a sliding wing, the latch arrangement comprising:
a housing including
o locking mechanism locating formations configured and adapted
for locating a locking mechanism at least partially within the
housing in an adjustable fashion; and
o a securing arrangement for securing locking mechanism in a
plurality of positions.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism locating formations are configured
for locating a locking mechanism in a slidably adjustable fashion.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism locating formations are configured
for locating a locking mechanism in a slidably adjustable fashion in a direction
substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the sliding wing.
In one embodiment, the latch arrangement comprises a latching mechanism
located in the housing, the latching mechanism comprising:
o a latching member comprising a magnetic portion,
o the latching member being movable by magnetic force in
operation between
a first position in which it is at least partially retracted
within the housing, and
a second position in which latching member extends at
least partially out of the housing for being received by a
strike.
In one embodiment, the housing is configured to be secured at or towards a
minor edge of a sliding wing.
In one embodiment, the latching member is configured to extend from a plane
of the lock housing coplanar with and/or parallel to a minor face of the sliding wing in its
second position.
In one embodiment, the latch arrangement comprises a latch moving
mechanism configured and adapted for moving the latching member operationally in a
direction substantially transversely to the direction of movement of the latching member
between
an engaged position and
a disengaged position.
In one embodiment, the latching member is biased towards its first position.
In one embodiment, the latching member is biased by a spring formation.
In one embodiment, the length which the latching member extends from the
housing in its second position is adjustable.
In one embodiment, the length which the latching member extends from the
housing in its second position is adjustable by an adjustment mechanism.
In one embodiment, the length which the latching member extends from the
housing in its second position is adjustable by a threaded formation.
In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a thread and nut
arrangement.
In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the
biasing force exerted by the spring formation.
In one embodiment, the latching member in its first position is configured to be
located flush with an edge of the sliding wing operationally.
In one embodiment, the latch arrangement comprises a snib for moving the
latch moving mechanism between its engaged position and disengaged position.
In one embodiment, the latch arrangement comprises a locking mechanism for
locking movement of the latch moving mechanism at least in its engaged position.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is a key barrel.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism locating formations configured for
locating the locking mechanism in a sliding adjustable fashion.
In one embodiment, the latch moving mechanism comprises guide
arrangement for guiding movement of one or more selected from
the snib; and
the latching member.
In one embodiment, the guide arrangement comprise at least one or more
shafts and a sliding member slidably movable along the at least one or more shafts.
In one embodiment, the sliding member is composed of plastic.
In one embodiment, the latching member defines a neck formation and a head
formation.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises a chassis member and at least one
or more cover members.
In one embodiment, the chassis member is an extruded member.
In one embodiment, the opposed cover members and chassis members are
configured to be secured to each other by adjustable securing formations.
In one embodiment, the adjustable securing formations include at least one or
more slot formations for receiving at least one or more fasteners in a friction fit.
In one embodiment, the lock housing comprises a face cover member
configured for covering the chassis member along a plane coplanar with a minor face of
the sliding wing.
In one embodiment, the housing defines a pair opposed major faces, and at
least one minor face configured to be operationally coplanar with a minor face of sliding
wing.
In one embodiment, the lock housing defines a handle formation.
In one embodiment, the handle formation is located on the minor face of the
housing.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one or more shroud
formations extending from the minor face of the housing.
In one embodiment, the shroud formations configured and adapted to prevent
access to the latching member between the strike and the lock chassis when the latching
member is in its second position.
In one embodiment, the shroud formations extend at least partially around an
aperture in the minor face of the housing, through which the latch member extends in its
second position.
In one embodiment, the latch arrangement comprises a plurality of locking
mechanisms.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanisms are configured to be accessible
from opposed major faces of the sliding wing operationally.
In one embodiment, the latch arrangement comprises a plurality of snibs.
In one embodiment, the snibs are configured to be accessible from opposed
major faces of the sliding wing operationally.
In one embodiment, the latch arrangement may comprise an emergency snib
arrangement.
In one embodiment, the emergency snib arrangement may be configured to be
moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position by application of suitable
force to the emergency snib arrangement by a specialised tool.
In one embodiment, the emergency snib arrangement defines a small aperture
engageable by a sharp pointed tool.
In another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a
housing for a latch arrangement for a sliding wing, the housing comprising
a chassis member for at least partially enclosing the latch arrangement,
at least one cover member configured for adjustable operational
engagement with the chassis member;
a fastening arrangement configured and adapted for securing the
adjustable engaging formation to the chassis member operationally in
an adjustable manner, to allow the width of the housing to match the
width of the sliding wing.
In one embodiment, the cover member comprises
o a side cover member for at least partially covering the chassis
member from view from at least one side of the sliding wing, and
o an adjustable engaging formation extending from the side cover
member, the adjustable engaging formation being configured for
adjustable engagement with the chassis member.
In one embodiment, the chassis member is configured for operationally
presenting at least one minor face extending in a direction substantially transversely to
the direction of movement of the sliding wing.
In one embodiment, the chassis member comprises fastening formations
associated with the minor face and configured for operational engagement with at least
one or more fasteners.
In one embodiment, the fasteners of threaded fasteners.
In one embodiment, the fastening formations are threaded holes.
In one embodiment, the adjustable engaging formation is configured for
extending along the minor face of the chassis member.
In one embodiment, the adjustable engaging formation comprises a slot
formation.
In one embodiment, the slot formation is configured for receiving at least part
of a fastener.
In one embodiment, the side cover member is configured for substantial
alignment with a major face of said sliding wing operationally.
In one embodiment, the minor face of the chassis member is configured and
adapted for operational alignment with a minor face of the sliding wing.
In one embodiment, at least part of the minor face defines an angled surface is
configured not to extend perpendicularly to the plane of a major face of the sliding wing
operationally.
In one embodiment, the angled surface extends vertically and in a range of
between 80 to 90° out of plane of a major face of the sliding wing operationally.
In one embodiment, the minor face defines a ridge and a pair of angled
surfaces that each configured to extend in a range of between 80 to 90° out of plane of
the opposed major faces of the sliding wing operationally.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a latch arrangement,
substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one or more of the
accompanying drawings.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a strike, substantially
as herein described, and with reference to any one or more of the accompanying
drawings.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a latching
arrangement, substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one or
more of the accompanying drawings.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a sliding door
arrangement, substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one or
more of the accompanying drawings.
Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following
description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.
As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of
the noun.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification [and claims] means
“consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification and
claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all
need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as
“comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.
This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and
features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or
collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or
features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents
in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be
incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference
to the drawings in which:
Figure 1: shows a side isometric view of a latch housing with a cover plate
removed, and the key barrel exploded.
Figure 2: shows a side isometric view of a latch housing with a cover plate
removed, and the key barrel located in the latch chassis.
Figure 3: shows a side isometric assembly view of a latch housing with a
cover plate removed, and the key barrel engaged in the latch chassis.
Figure 4: shows a side isometric view of a latch of a latch housing, with a
latching member extended.
Figure 5: shows a side perspective view of a latch of latch housing, with a
latching member in an engaged position.
Figure 6: shows a side view of a latch housing with a cover plate removed,
and a strike.
Figure 7: shows a side view of a latch housing with a cover plate removed,
with a latching member partly extended towards a strike.
Figure 8: shows a side view of a latch housing with a cover plate removed,
with a latching member extended into a strike.
Figure 9: shows a side view of a latch housing with a cover plate removed,
with a latching member extended into a strike, in an engaged locked position.
Figure 10: shows a side view of a latch housing with a cover plate removed,
with a latching member extended into a strike, in an engaged unlocked position.
Figure 11: shows a top schematic view of a latch housing engaged with a
sliding wing.
Figure 12: shows a rear perspective view of a latching member.
Figure 13: shows a front perspective view of a chassis member configured for
a non-engageable latch member.
Figure 14: shows a front perspective view of a chassis member configured for
an engageable latch member.
Figure 15: shows a front perspective view of a chassis member configured for
a lockable engageable latch member.
Figure 16: shows a front perspective view of a chassis member configured to
house a strike.
Figure 17: shows a rear perspective view of a sliding member and associated
snib.
Figure 18: shows a rear perspective view of a sliding member and associated
snib with emergency snib arrangement.
Figure 19: shows a front isometric view of an exploded latch without a front
cover, and a sliding wing.
Figure 20: shows a front isometric view of a latch without a front cover , and a
sliding wing.
Figure 21: shows a front isometric view of an exploded latch and a sliding
wing.
Figure 22: shows a front isometric view of a latch that is not moveable into an
engaged position and a sliding wing.
Figure 23: shows a front isometric view of a strike.
Figure 24: shows a front exploded isometric view of a strike.
Figure 25: shows a front and rear view of a strike.
Figure 26: shows a front and rear view of a strike with a magnetic
arrangement in a different position.
Figure 27: shows a front and rear view of a strike with a magnetic
arrangement in another position.
Figure 28: shows a front perspective view of a strike and a latch arrangement
configured for each being mounted to opposed sliding wings.
Figure 29a: shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
latch arrangement with a selectively extendable shroud.
Figure 29b: shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 29a, with
the shroud extended.
Figure 30a, 30b and 30c show side views of the latch arrangement of Figure
29 with shroud in the retracted, partially extended and fully extended positions
respectively.
Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the latch arrangement of Figure 29,
with face cover member removed.
Figure 32 shows a perspective view of the shroud in isolation.
Figure 33 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover member for a strike.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)
With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally
indicated by similar numerals, a latch arrangement according to a first aspect of the
invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.
In one embodiment now described, there is provided a latch arrangement 1000
comprising a housing 100 and a latching mechanism 200 as shown in figures 21 – 22.
The latching mechanism 200 is generally located within the housing 100 as shown in
figures 1 - 10. The latch arrangement 1000 is envisaged as being particularly suitable
for use with sliding wings 5000, such as sliding doors and/or sliding windows that move
between an open position and a close position in a sliding manner. Further, the latch
arrangement is envisaged as being particularly suitable for such sliding wings 5000
where the sliding wing moves into a recessed cavity (not shown) in its open position.
The housing 100 is configured to be secured at or towards a minor edge of a
sliding wing as shown in figure 22, such as a sliding door or sliding window. Preferably,
the housing 100 will be configured to be received within a recess or aperture in the
sliding wing 5000 adjacent or at a minor face 5010 of the sliding wing.
The housing 100 defines a pair of opposed major faces 140 and at least one
minor face 150. In operation, when the housing is received within a recess or aperture in
the sliding wing, the minor face 150 will preferably be aligned with a minor face of the
sliding wing 5000, and the major faces 140 will be aligned with the major faces of the
sliding wing.
The housing 100 comprises a chassis member 110 and a pair of cover members
120. The cover members 120 are configured to be secured to the chassis member 110 on
opposed sides of the chassis member 110 to define the major faces 140 of the housing
100. The cover members 120 comprise a generally planar side cover member 124 and a
lip 122 extending from at least part of the periphery of the side cover members. Each of
the side cover members 124 is configured for alignment operationally with a major face
of the sliding wing. Although it is envisaged that the side cover member 124 may extend
out of plane of the major face of the sliding wing, this would present difficulties where the
sliding wing is configured to be received into a cavity.
In one embodiment, chassis member 110 may itself define a minor face 150 of
the housing 100, however in a preferred embodiment, a face cover member 170 is
provided to be mounted to the chassis member 110, and which defines the minor face
150. The minor face 150 is configured to generally align with a minor face of sliding wing
5000.
The face cover member 170 is configured for covering the chassis member 110
operationally along a plane coplanar with a minor face of the sliding wing 5000.
The chassis member 110 preferably defines a handle recess 112, and the face
cover member 170 defines a handle aperture 172 that aligns with the handle recess 112
operationally to define a handle formation on the minor face of the housing, through
which a user can insert their fingers to pull the sliding wing 5000 closed, for example
where the sliding wing moves into a recessed cavity (not shown) in an open position. It is
also envisaged that one or more of the opposed cover members can include a handle
formation, however would not be preferred where sliding wing moves into a recessed
cavity in an open position.
In one preferred embodiment, the chassis member 110 is extruded and
preferably composed of aluminium, although it is also envisaged that it could composed
of any other extruded material.
The opposed cover members 120 and chassis member 110 are preferably
configured to be secured to each other by adjustable securing formations 130. The
adjustable securing formations comprise a plurality of fasteners in the form of screws 134
that are mountable in threaded holes 114 in the chassis member 110, and which
receivable into open-ended slots 132 in the lip 122 of the cover members 120.
The open-ended slots 132, the screws 134 and the threaded holes 114 together
comprise a fastening arrangement configured and adapted for securing the adjustable
engaging formation to the chassis member operationally in an adjustable manner, to
allow the width of the housing to match the width of the sliding wing.
In one preferred embodiment, the minor face defines a centrally located ridge
152 running vertically, and an angled surface 154 extending to either side of the ridge
152 towards opposed major faces 180 of the housing 100. The angled surfaces are
configured not to extend perpendicularly to the plane of a major face of the sliding wing
operationally, and instead extend vertically alongside the ridge 152 and in a range of
between 80 to 90° out of plane of a major face of the sliding wing operationally.
During installation, the fasteners 134 obviously received into the threaded
holes in the chassis member 110. The cover members 120 are then mounted to either
side of the chassis member 110 and the fasteners 134 are each located in a slot 132. The
cover members 120 are adjusted to match the width of the sliding wing, with the
fasteners 134 sliding along the slots 132. The fasteners 134 are then tightly secured to
the chassis member 110 by turning them in, to thereby hold the cover members 120
securely in place relative to the chassis member 110 in a friction fit.
As shown in figure 11, when the screws 134 are turned into the threaded
holes 114, they apply a force on to the lip 122, pushing the lip 122 against one of the
angled surfaces 154 until a distal end of the lip 122 abuts against one of the angled
surfaces 154. In this way a turning moment is applied to the cover member 120,
ensuring that the side cover member 124 is pushed against the sliding wing 5000 to
engage snugly with it.
In this way, a smaller number of sizes of chassis members can be produced,
but which can still fit a large variety of sliding wing widths. The reduction of part
numbers allows for reduced stock, reduced transportation costs, and increased efficiency.
Installation time may be reduced and the convenience of installation increased.
The latching mechanism 200 comprises a latching member 210 as shown in
figure 12. The latching member 210 is movable between a first position in which it is
retracted to a position within the housing 100, and a second position in which the
latching member 210 extends out of the housing 100 to be received by a strike 2000. In
a preferred embodiment, latching member 210 extends through a latch aperture 174 in
the face cover member 170 when moving between its first position and second position.
The latching member 210 comprises a portion 240 that may be magnetically
moved to move the latching mechanism between its first position and second position. In
a preferred embodiment, the entire latching member 210 will be composed of
ferromagnetic material such as iron or steel. In an alternative embodiment, it is
envisaged that a permanent magnet (not shown) may be embedded in the latching
member to enhance its magnetic attraction.
In a preferred embodiment, the latching member 210 defines a head formation
250 and a neck formation 260. The head formation 250 and neck formation 260 are
configured for being receivable within a slot formation on an associated strike 2000 as
will be described below.
In a preferred embodiment, the latching member 210 is biased by a spring 220
to move it towards its first position. The latching member 210 is movable against the
biasing force of the spring 220 by being magnetically attracted by a magnet or
electromagnet in an associated strike 2000 shown in Figures 6 - 9.
In an alternative case where a permanent magnet is embedded in the latching
member 210, the associated strike 2000 may comprise a ferromagnetic material which
would be similarly magnetically attracted to the latching member, so that the latching
member is movable against the biasing force of the spring 220 towards the strike.
Alternatively or additionally, the strike may comprise a magnet which is
sufficiently strong to attract the latching member together with the entire sliding wing
when the sliding wing is close to the strike, such that the sliding wing may be pulled
close by the magnet in the last part of its movement towards the strike.
Preferably, the latching member 210 is configured to extend from a face of the
housing 100 coplanar with and/or parallel to a minor face of the sliding wing when the
latching member 210 in its second position.
In a preferred embodiment, the latching mechanism 200 comprises an
adjustment mechanism 230 by which the length that the latching member 210 extends
from the housing 100 in its second position is adjustable. It is envisaged that the
adjustment mechanism 230 will comprise a nut 232 movable on a thread formation 234
as shown in Figure 1.
Additionally, by adjusting the extent to which the spring formation is pre-
compressed, the adjustment mechanism 230 will also allow for adjustment of the biasing
force exerted by the spring formation. In this way, the sensitivity of the latching member
210 to being magnetically drawn out of the housing 100 may be adjusted. However, it is
preferable that a relatively weak spring is used to allow high sensitivity to the latch
member being drawn out of the housing.
The latch arrangement 1000 further comprises a latch moving mechanism 300.
The latch moving mechanism 300 is configured and adapted for moving the latch
member in operation preferably in a vertical direction, between an engaged position in
which the head and neck formation is operationally engaged with complementary
engaging formations on a strike 2000 (as will be discussed below), and a disengaged
position in which the latch member is retracted into the housing 100 to sit flush with a
face of the housing 100. The latch moving mechanism 300 moves the latch member 210
in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the latching
member 210 between its first position and second position.
In one preferred embodiment, the latch moving mechanism 300 comprises
guide arrangement 310 for guiding movement of one or both of the snib 400 and the
latching member 210. In a preferred embodiment, the guide arrangement 310 comprises
a nylon, or similar plastic sliding member 314 that is slidably movable along a pair of
shafts 312.
It is anticipated that the latch moving mechanism 300 may move under force of
gravity from its engaged position towards its disengaged position as the sliding wing
5000 is being opened from a closed condition (when the latch arrangement 1000 abuts
strike 2000) to an open condition. This would occur before the latching member 210 has
had a chance to move from its second position to its first position (in which the latching
member is prevented from moving downwardly).
It is further anticipated that the latch moving mechanism 300 may move back
from its disengaged position to its engaged position by being attracted to the magnet or
ferromagnetic arrangement 2300 on the strike 2000 after a user has moved the latch
moving mechanism 300 to its engaged position and released the snib 400.
For this reason, in a preferred embodiment, the latching moving mechanism
300 comprises a holding arrangement (not shown) for holding the latch moving
mechanism in place in either of its engaged position or disengaged position against these
relatively weak forces.
The holding arrangement will preferably comprise a ball (not shown) located in
a bore (not shown) in the sliding member 314 that is biased towards a shaft 312. The
shaft 312 has locating formations in it, in the form of small notches (not shown). As the
latch moving mechanism 300 moves into its engaged position or its disengaged position,
the ball will locate in one of the notches, thereby providing sufficient holding force to
prevent the latch moving mechanism 300 from being moved by gravity or magnetic
attraction.
The latch moving mechanism 300 will still be able to be manually manipulated
between its engaged position and disengaged position when the ball is located in a notch.
In one preferred embodiment shown in figure 1, the latch arrangement 1000
comprises one or more snibs 400 disposed towards and accessible from one or both sides
of the sliding wing. The snib 400 comprises a manually manipulable handle 410
connected or coupled to the sliding member 314 by a connecting formation 420, as
shown in figures 17 - 18. Each snib 400 is movable, preferably in a vertical direction,
between an engaged position and a disengaged position which corresponds with the
engaged position and disengaged position of the latch moving mechanism 300
respectively as shown in figure 1 and 5 respectively. Each snib 400 is preferably
directly connected to the sliding member 314 for moving the latch moving mechanism
300 between its engaged position and disengaged position.
In this way, moving a snib 400 in a vertical direction causes similar movement
of the latching member 210 in a similar direction.
In one preferred embodiment shown in figure 18, it is envisaged that the
latch moving mechanism 300 may comprise an emergency snib arrangement 700. The
emergency snib arrangement 700 preferably comprises an emergency engaging
formation 710 that is accessible from at least one major face of the housing 100. The
emergency engaging formation 710 is connected or coupled to the sliding member 314
by a connecting formation 720, and is movable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position corresponding to the engaged position and disengaged position of
the latch moving mechanism 300.
The emergency engaging formation 710 is purposely not conveniently manually
engageable by a person's hand, and preferably requires a specialised tool to engage with
the emergency engaging formation 710. In one preferred embodiment, the emergency
engaging formation 710 defines a small aperture 712 that is engageable by a small
pointed tool, such as a pen or the like to apply suitable force to move the latch moving
mechanism 300 between its engaged position and disengaged position. It is envisaged
that the emergency snib arrangement 700 will be provided on an outside of a sliding
wing for use where, for example, a small child has locked themselves into a room. In
ordinary use, the emergency snib arrangement 700 would not be required to be
manipulated with any convenience. The inconvenience of operation of the emergency
snib arrangement 700 discourages abuse of privacy in normal use.
In another preferred embodiment, is envisaged that the latch arrangement
1000 and comprise a locking mechanism 600, preferably in the form of a key barrel 610,
for locking the movement of the latch moving mechanism 300 by means of a key (not
shown). It is envisaged that the locking mechanism 600 will be configured to lock the
latch moving mechanism 300 at least in its engaged position, although it is envisaged
that the locking mechanism may lock the latch moving mechanism 300 in other
positions.
It is aesthetically desirable to have a locking mechanism, such as a key barrel,
sitting flush with an outer surface of the housing 100. In one aspect of the invention, the
latch arrangement 1000 comprises locating formations 620 for locating the locking
mechanism 600 that least partly within the housing 100 in a variety of positions. The
locating formations 620 preferably generally define a channel formation within which the
locking mechanism 600 is slidable. Securing formations 630, in the form of a threaded
bolt 632 movable through a threaded aperture 634 (shown in figure 3), serve to secure
the locking mechanism 600 in position once it has been slidably adjusted. In this way,
the key barrel 610 can be adjusted to align flushly with an outer surface of the housing
100, and one size locking mechanism 600 can be provided for latch arrangements 1000
that have housings 100 of different widths (for example to fit flushly with doors of
varying widths).
The locking mechanism 600, preferably in the form of a key barrel 610,
comprises a pivoting extension member 612 that can be locked by use of a key. When
unlocked, movement of the key in the key barrel 610 causes pivoting movement of
pivoting extension member 612. The pivoting extension member 612 is received into a
receiving formation 316 on the sliding member 314 so that when something extension
member 612 pivots, it sliding member 314 to slide along the shafts 312, thereby causing
the latch moving mechanism 300 to move between its engaged position and disengaged
position. In this way, turning movement of the key causes movement of the latching
member 210 in a vertical direction.
When the key barrel is locked by the key, pivoting movement of the pivoting
extension member 612 is prevented. This in turn prevents sliding movement of the
sliding member 314 on the shafts 312, thereby locking vertical movement of the latching
member 210.
The latch arrangement 1000 is generally intended for operation
together with a dedicated strike 2000.
The strike 2000 comprises a body 2010 and a magnet or ferromagnetic element
2300 as shown in figures 23 - 24. The body 2010 includes a cavity 3500, a receiving
formation 2100, and an engaging formation 2200. The cavity 3500 spans the receiving
formation 2100 and the engaging formation 2200 within the strike body. It is envisaged
that the body 2010 and the magnetic arrangement 2300 may be integrally formed.
The receiving formation 2100 is for releasably receiving the latching member
210 moving operationally in a first direction, and preferably horizontally. It is envisaged
that the receiving formation 2100 will generally comprise one or more selected from an
aperture and a recess. As shown in figure 24, the receiving formation is embodied as a
generally circular aperture 2120, the shape of the receiving formation being
complementary to the shape of the latching member 210.
The strike 2000 can either be located within a doorframe, or in a sliding wing
that abuts against the minor face 5010 of the sliding wing 5000 comprising the latching
mechanism 1000. An example of a strike 2000 intended to be mounted on a sliding wing
is shown in figure 28. In this regard, it is envisaged that a strike chassis member 2015
(shown in figure 16) similar to the chassis member 110, used to support the latching
mechanism 200, may be used as a body 2010 for the strike 2000. This is advantageous
as the strike chassis member 2015 is already configured to use the same style cover
members 120 as the latch arrangement 1000. It is envisaged that the strike chassis
member 2015 could include features similar to any of the features of the chassis member
110, for example
a handle recess
threaded holes 2021for engagement with cover members similar to
those of the latch arrangement 1000, and/or
a minor face that comprises a ridge with one or more angled surfaces .
As shown in figure 28, it is anticipated that the strike 2000 could also include
strike cover members 2020 with a strike lip formation 2040, and a strike face cover
member 2030 for engagement with the strike chassis member 2015, having similar or
identical features to the cover members 120 and /or face cover member 170, in order to
present a similar appearance to the latch arrangement 1000 when viewed at least from
the side of the sliding wing 5000.
Similarly, the strike chassis member 2015 can include a strike minor face 2060
with a strike ridge 2050 and angled surfaces 2052 similar to the chassis member 110 of
the latch arrangement, as shown in figure 16.
The engaging formation 2200 is for releasably engaging the latching member
210 when it moves operationally in a second direction transverse to the first direction,
and preferably vertically, to prevent the latching member 210 retracting from the strike
2000. In a preferred embodiment, the engaging formation 2200 comprises a slot
formation 2220 that is configured and dimensioned for allowing movement of the neck
formation 260 of the latching member 210 along the slots formation 2220, while
engaging with the head formation 250 to prevent retraction of the latching member into
its first position under action of the spring 220. The slot formation 2220 extends from an
edge of the receiving formation 2100, so that the receiving formation 2100 defines a
major lobe and engaging formation 2200 defines a minor lobe. In a preferred
embodiment, the major and minor lobes generally define a keyhole shape.
Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the head 250 of the latching member
is moved in the first direction, through the receiving formation 2100 into cavity 3500.
The latching member is then moved in the second direction such that the neck 260 enters
the engaging formation 2200, while the head 250 remains in the cavity 3500. The
latching member is therefore engaged in the engaging formation 2200 and prevented
from moving back into its first position.
The element 2300 is preferably embodied as being a strong permanent magnet
2310, such as a neodymium or similar magnet, located in alignment with the receiving
formation 2100 so that when the sliding wing 5000 moves to a close position in which the
latch arrangement 1000 is adjacent to or in abutment with the strike 2000, the magnetic
portion 240 of the latching member 210 will be attracted by the magnetic arrangement
2300 to move the latching member 210 to its second position in which at least the head
formation 50 of the latching member 210 is received within the receiving formation 2100.
In an alternative embodiment, is envisaged that the magnetic arrangement
2300 could be electromagnetic in nature, and consist of an electromagnet (not shown),
including a core, conductive windings and a connection to a power source. However, this
embodiment is not preferred, as it increases cost and complexity of the strike 2000.
In a preferred embodiment, the latch moving mechanism 300 will only be
movable between its engaged position and disengaged position when the latching
member 210 is in its second position. This will prevent misalignment of the magnetic
portion 240 with the receiving formation 2100. It will be appreciated that the latching
member 210 will only extend from the housing 100 when the sliding wing 5000 is in a
closed position with the housing 100 located adjacent the strike 2000. In this way, users
will not be able to snag clothes or the like on the latching member 210. Further, by first
requiring movement of the latching member 210 to its second position before the latch
moving mechanism 300 is movable to its engaged position, this means that the latching
member 210 will not be accidentally bent or deformed when the sliding wing is closed.
It is anticipated that when the sliding wing is in a close position, and the latch
moving mechanism is in its engaged position, the latch arrangement 1000 may be
subject to interference or tampering from at least one side of the sliding wing by
attempting to access the latching member 210 via an interface created by the abutment
between the housing 100 and the strike 2000. For example, known methods of such
access include using a planar formation such as a credit card that is slipped between the
housing 100 and the strike 2000, in an attempt to move the latching member 210 from
its engaged position to its disengaged position, thereby allowing movement of the sliding
wing to its open position.
In order to prevent such unauthorised access, the housing comprises a shroud
formation 105 that extends around the latch aperture 174 from the housing 100. The
shroud formation 105 is configured and adapted to prevent access to the latching
member 210 between strike and the housing when the latching member is in its second
position, and the latch moving mechanism 300 is in its engaged position. In a preferred
embodiment, the shroud formation 105 extends from the face cover member 170,
although it is envisaged that it could also extend from the chassis member 110. In an
alternative embodiment (not shown), a similarly configured shroud formation could
extend from the strike 2000 to be at least partially received into the latch aperture 174 or
other apertures specially provided. However, where the door or window frame includes a
lip preventing access to the interface between the strike and the housing, then such a
shroud formation 105 may not be necessary.
In a second embodiment as shown in Figures 29 to 31, the shroud formation
105 is magnetically extendable from the housing 100, and retractable into the housing
100, or face cover member 170 or chassis member 110 if provided. That is, the shroud
formation is movable under magnetic force from a first position in which it is at least
partially retracted within the housing, to a second position in which it extends at least
partially from the minor face of the housing. The shroud formation 105 may be composed
of ferromagnetic material such as iron or steel. Alternatively, a permanent magnet (not
shown) may be embedded in the shroud formation to enhance its magnetic attraction.
Magnetic shroud formation 105 is preferably actuated by the magnetic
arrangement 2300 in the strike 2000, such that it extends in concert with latching
member 210 when the sliding wing 5000 is moved to a closed position in which the latch
arrangement 1000 is adjacent to or in abutment with the strike 2000.
The magnetic shroud formation 105 and latching member 210 are preferably
configured so that the two components engage with each other as the latching member is
retracting into housing 100. For example, the head formation 250 of latching member
210 may be substantially frustoconical in shape, so that the wider portion of the head
250 engages with the a lip 3100 of the shroud formation 105, pulling it back into the
housing as the latching member 210 is itself retracted into the housing (e.g., under the
bias of spring 220).
Alternatively, the magnetic shroud formation 105 may have its own biasing
mechanism such as a spring (not shown) to retain the shroud 105 in the housing 100
except when it is acted upon by the magnetic arrangement 2300 in strike 2000.
It will be appreciated that the magnetically extendable shroud formation 105 of
the second embodiment in combination with a magnetically actuable latching member
210 will enable all components of the lock to be retracted into the housing 100 when the
door wing is open. As discussed previously, this will enhance the appearance of the door,
and prevent snagging of clothes or the like on the latching member 210 and/or the
shroud formation 105.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a magnetic shroud formation may
be provided within strike 2000, to be actuable by a magnet in housing 100 (not shown),
so that when the shroud is extended it is at least partially received into the latch aperture
174 or other apertures specially provided.
Additionally, it is envisaged that when the door is in the closed and locked
position, the latch could potentially be tampered with by lifting the entire sliding wing
such that the latching member 210 is lifted out of the engaging formation 2200 and into
the receiving formation 2100. The door would then be openable.
Accordingly, an alternative strike 2000 may comprise an alternative cover
member 2020' having an anti-tamper feature as shown in Figure 33. The alternative
cover member 2020' may comprise at least one outwardly protruding formation such as
lips 3000. Specifically, the lips 3000 extend forwards towards the direction of the latch
arrangement 1000 when the sliding wing is closed (i.e., adjacent the strike).
Preferably, outwardly extending upper lip 3000a and/or lower lip 3000b are
positioned adjacent or near to the top edge of receiving formation 2100 and the bottom
edge of engaging formation 2200 respectively. That is, the lip(s) is/are located adjacent
the receiving formation 2100 and/or the engaging formation 2200 along the second
direction of movement of the latching member 210 (preferably vertical), to prevent
tamper of the latching member in the second direction, while the shroud formation 105 is
extended. For example, if an attempt is made to tamper with the door by lifting the
sliding wing, the shroud formation 105 would abut against the upper lip 3000a,
preventing the latching member 210 from being lifted out of the engaging formation
2200.
Alternatively, if the configuration of the receiving formation 2100 and engaging
formation 2200 of the strike 2000 is reversed, such that latching member 210 is raised
instead of lowered in order to lock the latch within the strike, bottom lip 3000b may be
provided to prevent the tampering by lowering the sliding wing. Alternatively, both top
and bottom lips 3000a and 3000b may be provided. Further, while the anti-tamper
feature is shown as lips 3000, it may alternatively be any other suitable formation, such
as a narrow ridge or other protrusion on the strike 2000.
It is envisaged that the latch arrangement could be presented with a wide
variety of configurations, including a pair of key barrels, with one key barrel accessible
from each major face of the sliding wing. Alternately, the latch arrangement could
present a snib and/or emergency snib arrangement accessible from each major face of
the sliding wing, or any combination of snibs, emergency snib arrangements and key
barrels. It is envisaged that the latch arrangement 1000, even if provided without a latch
moving mechanism 300, snibs 400 or locking mechanism 600, will still provide the
desirable benefit of holding the sliding wing 5000 in a closed position by virtue of the
magnetic arrangement 2300 attracting the magnetic portion 240 of the latching member
210. This may be particularly beneficial where, for example a sliding wing has been set
on a track (not shown) that is not perfectly horizontal. To this extent, it is envisaged that
the strike 2000 need not include the receiving formation 2100 or the engaging formation
2200, but may merely provide for a magnetic arrangement 2300.
Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or
integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were
individually set forth.
Although the invention has been described by way of example and with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or
improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of
Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby
described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
Claims (35)
1. A latch arrangement for a sliding wing, the latch arrangement comprising a) a housing; b) a latching mechanism located in the housing, the latching mechanism comprising a latching member comprising one or both of: (i) a magnet, (ii) a ferromagnetic portion, the latching member being movable horizontally along a first direction between (i) a first position in which the latching member is at least partially retracted within the housing, and (ii) a second position in which the latching member extends at least partially out of the housing for being received by a strike, wherein the latching mechanism is automatically movable from the first position to the second position by magnetic force, and c) a latch moving mechanism configured and adapted for manually moving the latching member, along a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction, the latch moving mechanism configured to translate the latching member between: (i) an engaged position in which the latching member is prevented from retracting from the strike and returning to the first retracted position within the housing, such that the sliding wing is fixed with respect to the strike, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the latching member is movable to retract from the strike and return to the first position, such that the sliding wing is movable with respect to the strike.
2. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be secured at or towards a minor edge of a sliding wing.
3. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the latching member, in the second position, is configured to extend from a minor face of the housing, wherein the minor face of the housing is coplanar with and/or parallel to a minor face of the sliding wing.
4. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching member is biased towards the first position via a spring formation.
5. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length which the latching member extends from the housing in the second position is adjustable by an adjustment mechanism.
6. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein the length which the latching member extends from the housing in the second position is adjustable by a threaded formation.
7. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the biasing force exerted by the spring formation.
8. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch arrangement is installed in a sliding wing such that the latching member in the first position is configured to be located flush with an edge of the sliding wing operationally.
9. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch arrangement comprises a snib for moving the latch moving mechanism between the engaged position and disengaged position.
10. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch arrangement comprises a locking mechanism for locking movement of the latch moving mechanism at least in the engaged position.
11. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is a key barrel.
12. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the latch arrangement comprises locking mechanism locating formations for locating the locking mechanism at least partially within the lock housing.
13. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the latch moving mechanism comprises a guide arrangement for guiding movement of one or more selected from a) the snib; and b) the latching member.
14. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein the guide arrangement comprises at least one shaft and a sliding member slidably movable along the shaft.
15. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the latching member defines a neck formation and a head formation.
16. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the housing comprises a chassis member and at least one cover member.
17. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 16, wherein the chassis member is an extruded member.
18. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the cover member(s) and chassis member are configured to be secured to each other by adjustable securing formations, wherein the adjustable securing formations include at least one slot formation for receiving at least one fastener in a friction fit.
19. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 16 to 18, wherein the lock housing comprises a face cover member configured for covering the chassis member along a plane coplanar with a minor face of the sliding wing.
20. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 19, wherein the housing comprises at least one shroud formation extending from the minor face of the housing, wherein the shroud formation at least partially surrounds the latching member to prevent access to the latching member between the strike and the housing when the latching member is in the second position, and wherein the latching member extends beyond the length of the shroud formation when the latching member is in the second position.
21. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 20, wherein the shroud formation extends at least partially around an aperture in the minor face of the housing, through which the latch member extends in the second position.
22. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the latch arrangement comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms configured to be accessible from opposed major faces of the sliding wing operationally.
23. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the latch arrangement comprises a plurality of snibs configured to be accessible from opposed major faces of the sliding wing operationally.
24. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the latch arrangement comprises an emergency snib arrangement configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position by application of suitable force to the emergency snib arrangement by a specialised tool.
25. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein the emergency snib arrangement defines a small aperture engageable by a sharp pointed tool.
26. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the shroud formation comprises one or both of: a) a magnet, b) a ferromagnetic portion; the shroud being movable by magnetic force from a first shroud position in which it is at least partially retracted within the housing to a second shroud position in which the shroud formation extends at least partially from the housing.
27. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 26, wherein the shroud formation is movable from the second shroud position to the first shroud position via engagement and movement with the latching member as the latching member is moved from the second position to the first position.
28. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the shroud formation is biased towards the first shroud position via a spring formation.
29. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the shroud formation in the first shroud position is configured to be located flush with an edge of the sliding wing operationally.
30. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein a magnetic arrangement providing said magnetic force for moving the latching member is located in the strike.
31. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the assembly further includes a strike having a body comprising: a) a cavity, b) a receiving formation c) an engaging formation; and d) one or both of: a magnet and/or a ferromagnetic element, wherein said magnet and/or ferromagnetic element is configured and dimensioned to operationally magnetically attract and move the latching member along said first direction, through said receiving formation and into said cavity, wherein the latching member is in said second position, when the sliding wing is located at or adjacent the strike, and wherein the engaging formation engages the latching member when the latching member is translated along said second direction to said engaged position.
32. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 31, wherein the receiving formation comprises one or more selected from a recess and an aperture, wherein the engaging formation comprises a slot formation, and wherein the engaging formation extends from an edge of the receiving formation such that the receiving and engaging formations define an aperture contiguous with the cavity, the receiving formation defining a major lobe and the engaging formation defining a minor lobe of the recess.
33. A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 32, wherein the receiving formation is sized and configured to releasably receive a head portion of the latch member, and wherein the engaging formation is sized and configured to receive a neck formation of the latch member when the latch member is translated from said disengaged position to said engaged position, to prevent withdrawal of the head formation from the recess or aperture.
34. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the body of the strike and the magnetic element or ferromagnetic element of the strike are integrally formed.
35. A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising a strike chassis member. 36 A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 35, wherein the strike chassis member is configured to be installed in a second sliding wing. 37 A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 35 or 36, further comprising at least one strike cover member, the strike cover member and strike chassis member configured to be secured to each other by adjustable securing formations including at least one or more slot formations for receiving at least one or more fasteners in a friction fit. 38 A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the strike chassis member is an extruded member. 39 A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the receiving formation and the engaging formation are defined in a strike face cover member configured for covering the strike chassis member along a plane coplanar or parallel with a minor face of the sliding wing. 40 A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 39 wherein the strike body defines a pair of opposed major faces, and at least one minor face configured to be operationally coplanar or parallel with a minor face of the sliding wing. 41 A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 40, wherein the strike housing comprises at least one shroud formation extending from the minor face of the strike body, wherein the shroud formation at least partially surrounds the latching member to prevent access to the latching member between the strike and an associated lock housing of the latching member when the latching member is engaged with the strike. 42 A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 41, wherein the shroud formation extends at least partially around the periphery of one or more selected from the receiving formation and the engaging formation. 43 A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 41 or 42, wherein the shroud formation comprises one or both of: a) a magnetic portion, b) a ferromagnetic portion; the shroud being movable by magnetic force from a first shroud position in which it is at least partially retracted within the strike body to a second shroud position in which the shroud formation extends at least partially from the strike body. 44 A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the shroud formation is biased towards the first shroud position via a spring. 45 A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the strike further comprises at least one lip protruding in the direction of the sliding wing on which the latching member is located, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the receiving formation along the second direction. 46 A latch arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 45, wherein the strike further comprises a lip protruding in the direction of the sliding wing on which the latching member is located, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the engaging formation along the second direction. 47 A latch arrangement as claimed in claim 46, wherein the strike comprises a top lip and a bottom lip, wherein the top lip is positioned above the receiving formation and the bottom lip is positioned below the engaging formation. 48 A sliding door arrangement comprising a latch arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching mechanism is located in a sliding wing and the strike is located in a doorframe. 49 A latch arrangement, substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 50 A strike, substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 51 A latching arrangement, substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 52 A sliding door arrangement, substantially as herein described, and with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361859432P | 2013-07-29 | 2013-07-29 | |
US61/859,432 | 2013-07-29 | ||
PCT/IB2014/063496 WO2015015405A1 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2014-07-29 | Latch arrangement |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ628616A NZ628616A (en) | 2017-10-27 |
NZ628616B true NZ628616B (en) | 2018-01-30 |
Family
ID=
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