WO1994015052A1

WO1994015052A1 - Panel locking arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO1994015052A1
Application number: PCT/GB1993/002578
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Townsend
Original assignee: Archibald Kenrick & Sons Limited
Priority date: 1992-12-21
Filing date: 1993-12-17
Publication date: 1994-07-07
Also published as: AU5836494A

Abstract

This invention relates to a panel locking arrangement, and in particular to a panel locking arrangement comprising a combined cockspur and shoot bolt locking system. The arrangement includes a cockspur having a locking tongue; a pivotable mounting for the cockspur; first and second drive members guided for linear movement, the said drive members being adapted to effect axial movement of respective cremone lock bars between a retracted condition and an extended condition, the lock bars in the extended condition being engageable with fixed keepers; an operating mechanism which includes first and second drive coupling means, the first coupling means connecting the cockspur to the first drive member whereby pivoting of the cockspur effects movement of the first drive member, the second coupling means connecting the first and second drive members whereby movement of the first drive member effects movement of the second drive member but in the opposed direction to that of the first drive member, the first and second coupling means include peg and slot arrangements. Cremone lock bars and associated drive members are adjustable in combined axial length, and guide means for the lock bars inhibit lock bar rotation and thus further adjustment of the combined axial length of a lock bar and drive member. There is also provided a method of mounting a panel locking arrangement.

Description

PANEL LOCKING ARRANGEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a panel locking arrangement, and in particular to an locking arrangement comprising a combined cockspur and shoot bolt locking system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The following description and disclosure will for convenience refer to top-hinged sash (opening casement) windows, and geometrical terms such as "upwards" and "upwardly" will refer to such a sash window mounting, though it will be understood that the invention (as for the prior disclosed arrangements) is applicable to side mounted sash windows.

It has been recognised for many years that an improved locking arrangement is required for hinged panels, such as sash windows. Many of the traditional locking arrangements have proved ineffective to stop experienced house breakers and the like, who can open the sash without need to break the glass.

One traditional locking arrangement utilises a pivoted lever (cockspur) mounted on the sash frame, the cockspur being engageable with a keeper in or on the fixed outer window frame. The cockspur is mounted on the so-called sash lock frame part, which is opposed to the sash hinge frame part and to which it is connected by sash connecting parts. A cockspur, however, provides only "single-point" locking.

One arrangement to provide "multi-point" locking is to fit two or more cockspurs side by side on the sash lock frame part. .The sash can however often still be opened relatively easily using a tool adapted to force the sash lock frame part (and thus the cockspurs) away from the cockspur keepers.

Another arrangement to provide multi-point locking is an espagnolette having a number of mushroom-headed bolts carried by a slide plate.

An alternative multi-point locking arrangement is to provide "shoot bolts" oppositely movable into locking engagement with respective opposed keepers in the upwardly-extending window frame members ("cremone"), the shoot bolts being moved simultaneously into and out of locking engagement by an operating mechanism. The keepers are a significant distance from the operating mechanism, and to inhibit unlawful entry (upon forcible release of the shoot bolts from the keepers) the shoot bolts need to be non-flexible. Such a cremone provides "two-position" locking, though still only requiring a single operating handle. For ease of fitting and assembly, usually the shoot bolts are connected to movable members of the operating mechanism, rather than forming part of the operating mechanism.

A favoured further security development is that of a combined cremone and cockspur locking arrangement and it is to an improved version of that arrangement to which this invention is directed. Thus concurrent with the above development of improved locking arrangements has been the introduction of sash frames of aluminium and plastics, which can be formed from long extruded lengths of largely-hollow profile. To provide the maximum glazing area the profiles are being made smaller in cross-section, and thus a suitable operating mechanism for a combined cremone and cockspur locking arrangement is required, particularly one of small height and depth and which if desired can fit within a hollow chamber of the profile, usefully the so-called "spare chamber".

We thus seek to propose an operating mechanism for a combined cremone bolt and cockspur locking arrangement which will be effective in operation but which will yet be of a size which can be fitted within an extruded sash profile, in particular within the "spare chamber" of the profile. DISCLOSURE OF THE PRIOR ART

An espagnolette comprising a number of mushroom-headed bolts carried by a slide plate is known from GB2,072,740. Mounting the operating mechanism for an espagnolette in the spare chamber of a hollow sash profile is known from GB2,130,628.

French patent publication 2,570,744 discloses a multi-point locking arrangement utilising a combination cremone and cockspur. The shoot bolts are movable members of the operating mechanism, in the form of racks. One disadvantage of the arrangement disclosed in this patent publication is that the operating mechanism includes a gearing which acts directly upon both racks, being located therebetween (so that the mechanism has a substantial height). Another disadvantage is that the cockspur carries the gearing in the form of multiple peripheral gear teeth, whilst the shoot bolts have corresponding recesses (so that the arrangement is of substantial depth) . Yet a further disadvantage is that the shoot bolts are in the form of non-flexible flat plates, which though of small height are of significant depth i.e. parallel to the axis of the rotatable operating handle. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

According to one feature of the invention, we provide an operating mechanism for a combination cockspur and cremone locking arrangement, the cockspur being a lever rotatable about a pivot axis and the cremone including two oppositely movable members characterised in that the lever engages with one of the members by a peg and slot arrangement. Preferably the peg is carried by the pivotable lever, usefully being integrally formed therewith, and the slot is in the movable member, usefully having one end open; the peg will project laterally of the lever i.e. in the depth direction.

In accordance with another feature, we provide an operating mechanism for a combination cockspur and cremone lock arrangement, the cockspur being a lever rotatable about a pivot axis and the cremone including a pair of oppositely movable members, characterised in that one of the members lies alongside part of the lever.

In accordance with yet another feature, we provide an operating mechanism for a combination cockspur and cremone lock arrangement, and which includes a pair of drive members, the cockspur being a lever rotatable about a pivot axis, means to connect the lever to one of the drive members, both drive members having a first dimension greater than that of a dimension perpendicular to said first dimension characterised in that the first dimension is perpendicular to the pivot axis. Preferably each of the drive members will be removably connected to a respective shoot bolt.

In accordance with a further feature, we provide an operating mechanism for a combined cockspur and cremone locking arrangement, the cremone including first and second movable drive members, the drive members being simultaneously oppositely movable with concurrent cockspur movement characterised in that the first and second drive members are connected by a transmission unit rotatable about a fixed axis, the transmission unit being spaced from the cockspur. Usefully the fixed axis is an upstanding stub portion of guide means having opposed surfaces providing respective guide surfaces for the members. Preferably the drive members are releasably connected to respective shoot bolts.

In accordance with yet a further feature, we provide an operating mechanism for a combined cockspur and cremone lock arrangement, the cremone including a pair of oppositely movable members, the arrangement being located in a housing having a base and side walls characterised in that one of the members has a cranked section spaced from the housing base and in that a cover plate for the housing has a recess aligned with said section and into which said section can fit. Preferably the remainder of the cover plate is planar, and co-planar with said section. Usefully the housing base has upstanding therefrom a pair of bosses tapped to receive connecting screws whereby to hold the cover plate on the housing, though in an alternative embodiment the bosses can project from a housing side wall. Preferably one of the bosses is shaped to provide a location surface for the other of the oppositely movable members.

According to another feature we provide a panel locking assembly including an operating member and operated member characterised by one of the members having a coupling hook. Usefully the hook is in the form of a rectangular tongue. Preferably the hook is within the projected cross section of the member.

According to yet another feature we provide a panel locking assembly including an operating member and operated member characterised by one of the members having a tongue and the other of the members having a groove, and by resilient means to urge the tongue and groove into coupling engagement. Usefully the resilient means is movable with one of the members. Preferably the spring means is a separate metallic spring, usefully mounted in or on the operating member, but alternatively in or on the operated member. In a preferred embodiment the operating member carries a separate coupling unit affixed thereto and which includes the tongue or groove. We also provide a coupling unit positioned between an operating member and an axially-extending shoot bolt characterised in that the member has an opening defined by an upstanding part, the unit having a lateral projection engageable behind said part, and spring means resiliently biassing the projection behind said part. Usefully the opening is axially facing. The spring means is compressible also to permit subsequent release of a head of or carried by the shoot bolt from behind said part. The unit can be of plastics material secured to a rack of a cremone actuating mechanism; the spring means can be a (plastics) leaf spring formed integrally therewith.

Preferably however, the lateral projection is on an intermediate adjuster threadedly connected to the shoot bolt whereby the bolt can be rotated to adjust its axial position relative to the upstanding part. Preferably the shoot bolt has the male thread.. Continuous (non-incremental) adjustment of the shoot bolt in the intermediate unit is made possible by the screwed connection, though if the other (outer) end of the shoot bolt has to adopt specified angular positions to engage properly in one or both of a profile guide cover for the shoot bolt tip or in the keeper the effective adjustment may be in incremental steps.

We also provide a panel comprising a frame part of hollow profile and a locking assembly within the profile^' which includes drive means, a housing for the drive means, an operating member responsive to the drive means, an operated member movable with the operating member and means releasably to couple the operated and operating member outside the housing characterised in that the said means releasably to couple the operated and operating member is non-rotatably located within the hollow profile.

We also disclose a method of assembling a shoot bolt to an actuator which includes the steps of providing a bolt end with one of a tongue and groove, feeding that bolt end towards the actuator, the actuator having the other of the tongue and groove, causing the bolt end to ride over a ramp whilst being subject to a resilient force, and permitting the bolt end to move in response to the resilient force to effect engagement of the tongue with the groove. Preferably the bolt end following approach movement in an axial direction parallel to its length is caused to ride over a ramp whilst being subject to the resilient force, prior to moving laterally into the tongue and groove locking engagement. Preferably the bolt end is an adjuster in the form of a nut threadedly fitted to the bolt to permit rotation of the bolt relative to the bolt end, for axial adjustment of the bolt relative to the bolt end and thus to the actuator. Usefully the actuator is a rack of a cremone operating mechanism, and located within a sash hollow profile; each cremone bolt will be independently locatable from outside the casement with an actuator, usually inside the spare chamber. It is an teaching that a multi-part elongate shoot bolt be provided, with two of the parts being relatively adjustable in axial position, whereby the shoot bolt is effectively two-part. It is another teaching that the two-part shoot bolt is adjusted to length prior to retention in the adjusted position by a part of the panel to which the two- part shoot bolt assembly is fitted.

One part of the shoot bolt is a rod, the other is a so- called bullet, which has a part adapted to be received in a keeper fixed in or to the window outer frame and a part which can be slidably guided relatively to the inner panel. It is a further teaching of the invention that the rod is non-rotatable, being suitably coupled to the actuating mechanism e.g. a rack, perhaps in known fashion, whereby to achieve this.

Thus we provide a shoot bolt which includes first and second ends, and a bullet connected to the said second end characterised by the shoot bolt being substantially inflexible and by axially adjustable connecting means for the bullet, whereby the axial distance between the said first end and the bullet can be set and maintained.

Usefully the first end includes a shaped coupling part adapted releasably to engage operating means for the shoot bolt, the shaped coupling part in use being adapted to transmit axial movement from the operating means.

We further provide a panel frame of hollow profile section, an annular guide mounted to the panel frame, a shoot bolt having a first end coupled within the profile to axial drive means and a second end slidably mounted in the annular guide, and a bullet connected to the second end characterised by means to adjust the axial position of the bullet relative to the second end to alter the separation between the first end and the bullet. Preferably the bullet is internally tapped so as to threadedly engage with an outer threaded portion of the shoot bolt second end (the outermost end in use) whereby the bullet is rotated for axial adjustment. Desirably the bullet external surface is acircular in cross section, preferably rectangular, and the opening of the annular guide is correspondingly shaped; thus after securement to the profile the annular guide can hold the bullet against rotation.

We further provide a window unit which includes an outer window frame and an inner sash frame of hollow profile section, an annular guide mounted to the sash frame, a keeper mounted to the outer window frame in a position opposed to the annular guide, a shoot bolt having a first end coupled within the profile to axial drive means and a second end slidably mounted in the annular guide, -and a bullet connected to the second end and movable into locking engagement with the keeper characterised in that the first end is non-rotatably coupled to the drive means, and in that the bullet is non-rotatably mounted in the annular guide. Preferably the bullet is internally tapped, so as to threadedly engage with an outer threaded portion of the shoot bolt second end (the outermost end in use) whereby the bullet is rotated for axial adjustment.

We also propose a shoot bolt guide for use on an openable panel which overcomes or reduces the problems encountered with the known guides. We thus propose a guide which will prevent, or reduce the possibility of, the shoot bolt tip falling inside the hollow chamber of the sash profile, even if the spacing between the sash and the window frame is substantially less than the axial movement of the shoot bolt.

We also provide a shoot bolt guide for a lockable panel of hollow profile section comprising a metal guide plate with a guide aperture characterised by a back plate engaged with the guide plate, the back plate having a through opening, the back plate having a protrubrance directed away from the guide plate, the protrubrance being annular and being aligned with the said guide aperture and the said through opening. Preferably the through opening and the annular protrubrance are selected to have dimensions no smaller than those of the guide aperture, usefully slightly larger so that the shoot bolt tip is a sliding fit therein. Preferably the back plate is of plastics material, of a form and colour to match the profile.

We additionally provide a hollow -profile frame for an opening panel, preferably for a pivoted sash window, which includes a shoot bolt held inside the profile, means to move a tip of the shoot bolt outside of the profile, and a shoot bolt guide retained by the profile, the shoot bolt guide being slidably engaged by the shoot bolt tip, the shoot bolt guide comprising a metal plate having a guide aperture characterised by a back plate between the metal plate and the profile, the back plate having a through opening, the back plate having a protrubrance directed away from the guide plate and located within the profile, the protrubrance being annular and being aligned with the said guide aperture and the said through opening, the guide aperture, the through opening and the annular protrubrance having dimensions substantially equal to but no smaller than those of the shoot bolt. Preferably the back plate is in butting engagement with the metal plate, but in an alternative embodiment the plate can be embedded in the back plate to form a unitary member. Whilst the metal plate is preferably planar, it can be shaped to provide extra bearing length with the shoot bolt and/or to provide extra strength.

A valuable feature is that the back plate can be secured and located relative to the profile simultaneously with the guide plate, as by retaining screws; when fitted the back plate will conceal the screw shanks, to result in a guide unit with probable greater customer appeal as well as one offering more security against unlawful window opening.

We thus propose an apparatus for holding a movable panel in an outer frame which overcomes or reduces the problems associated with the on-site fitting of the known shoot bolt keepers.

We also disclose apparatus for holding a movable panel in an outer frame which includes a keeper having a lock surface, a mounting surface, attachment means to hold the keeper with its mounting surface in contact with the frame, the attachment means being releasably mounted, a shoot bolt carried by the panel, and drive means adapted to drive an end of the shoot bolt into locking engagement with the lock surface of the keeper characterised in that the keeper has first and second separable parts, the first part including the said lock surface, the second part including the mounting surface.

Usefully the first and second parts are connected by the attachment means, said attachment means being adapted to permit the first part to move relative to the second part to a position with the lock surface in alignment with said end of the shoot bolt. Usefully the attachment means has a released condition permitting such relative movement and a secured condition preventing such relative movement. Preferably there are a number of permitted secured conditions, laterally spaced relative to the locking direction of the shoot bolt end; conveniently the first and second parts have inter-engaging formations defining said secured conditions, movement between secured positions being in incremental steps.

Preferably the attachment means mounts the keeper on the frame, but in an alternative embodiment can mount it in the frame i.e. in a recess or aperture of the frame.

Preferably the first part has first and second slots, parallel and spaced apart, whilst the second part has first and second holes, the first hole being aligned with the first slot and the second hole being aligned with the second slot so that the second part can be located in a predetermined position on or in the outer window frame, whilst the first part can be moved relative thereto; the attachment means is desirably a pair of screws, one passing through the first hole and slot and the other passing through the other hole and slot and adapted to secure the first and second parts in a selected relative disposition simultaneously with joint securement to the fixed outer frame. We also provide a shoot bolt safety latch which includes a guide plate mounted to the openable member, a keeper mounted to the support frame, a shoot bolt axially slidable through an opening in the guide plate into engagement with the keeper to hold the openable member in a locked condition, characterised in that the keeper has a first keeper flange, the guide plate has a guide plate first flange, the first keeper flange being directed towards the opening member frame and the first guide plate flange being directed towards the support frame in the locked condition of the openable member, the first keeper flange overlying the first guide flange to inhibit movement of the guide flange in a direction perpendicular to the shoot bolt axial slide direction.

Preferably the shoot bolt guide is secured adjacent a corner of the movable member or panel, and the first keeper flange will act to inhibit movement away from this corner in the locked condition of the first guide plate flange, and thus of the panel to which it is secured.

Usefully the keeper has a second keeper flange at an opposed position to the first keeper flange, the keeper flanges being similarly directed to form with the base portion of the keeper a channel. Thus according to a further feature we provide a shoot bolt safety latch which includes a guide plate mounted to the openable member, a keeper mounted to the support frame, a shoot bolt slidable through an opening in the guide plate into engagement with the keeper to hold the openable member in a locked condition, characterised in that the keeper has a channel with an open end, the channel running substantially in the opening direction of the openable member, and sized to receive a part of the guide member. Usefully both ends of the channel are open so that the keeper is non-handed and can be used for either of two oppositely drivable shoot bolts, usually adjacent a corner of the outer support frame.

Preferably the keeper has a first inturned portion adapted to overlie a part of the guide plate, and to inhibit movement of the guide plate (and thus of the movable panel to which it is attached) in the retraction direction of the shoot bolt. Desirably the first inturned portion lies parallel to the guide plate.

Preferably the keeper first inturned portion has a second inturned portion adapted to overlie a guide plate second flange when the latch is in the locked condition. The guide plate second flange is oppositely directed to the guide plate first flange and as with the keeper second flange has a part which lies between different movable member and support frame surfaces to the guide plate first flange. The second inturned roof portion is directed in a similar direction to the keeper first flange. The latch of the invention provides restriction on relative movement between the movable panel (sash, door etc.) and the outer support frame member, in two perpendicular planes, and in conjunction with the shoot bolt in three perpendicular planes. This retention in the locking condition is repeated for each shoot bolt, whether slidably mounted internally of a hollow profile or externally of a solid profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig.l is a front elevation of a casement assembly, comprising an opening sash top hinged to an outer fixed- window frame, with an externally mounted cremone locking arrangement;

Fig.2 is a section of a hollow profile casement assembly, with an internally mounted locking arrangement;

Fig.3 is a plan view of a mechanism housing;

Fig.4 is a plan view of a cockspur; Fig.5 is a plan view of a first operating member;

Fig.6 is a plan view of a second operating member;

Fig.7 is a plan view of an assembled combined cockspur and cremone operating mechanism according to the invention;

Fig.8 is a plan view of the mechanism of Fig.7, but with the cover plate fitted;

Fig.9 is an enlarged view of an alternative peg and slot engagement for a first operating member;

Fig.10 is a left-hand end view of the embodiment of Fig. 8;

Fig.11 is an underside view of a connecting member;

Fig.12 is a right-hand end view of the embodiment of Fig. 8;

Fig.13 is a partial plan view of a modified operating mechanism, in the locking condition;

Fig.14 is a partial plan view of the operating mechanism of Fig.13 but in the non-locking condition; Fig.15 is a sectional view of an "internally glazed" sash window in the closed condition;

Fig.16 is a plan view of another embodiment of assembled combined cockspur and cremone operating mechanism according to the invention;

Fig.17 is a plan view of a further embodiment of assembled combined cockspur and cremone operating mechanism according to the invention;

Fig.18 is a perspective part view of a shoot bolt tip projecting from a sash;

Fig.19 is a side view of a cremone locking arrangement;

Fig.20 is a side view of one embodiment of rod coupling assembly;

Fig.21 is a side view of a housing to receive a rod coupling assembly, such as that of Fig.18;

Fig.22 is a perspective part view of another embodiment of rod coupling assembly;

Fig.23 is a side view of another embodiment of housing; Fig.24 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of rod coupling assembly;

Fig.25 is of a coupling arrangement according to the invention;

Fig.26 is a plan view of a further embodiment of housing, mounted on an operating rack;

Fig.27 is a view on the line C-C of Fig. 24;

Fig.28 is a view on the line D-D of Fig.24;

Fig.29 is a plan view of an alternative adjuster, threadedly connected to a threaded end of a shoot bolt;

Fig.30 is a view of the free end of a shoot bolt, to which an outer end cap is attached;

Fig.31 is a side partial view of an adjustment key;

Fig.32 is a section on the line E-E of Fig.29;

Fig.33 is a partial plan view of a gear housing with an alternative embodiment of panel locking assembly, with the locking members in their outwards (locking) condition; Fig.34 is a partial plan view of the panel locking assembly of Fig,31, but with the locking members in their withdrawn non-locking condition;

Fig.35 is a side view of a multi-part shoot bolt assembly, in use;

Fig.36 is a view on the line F-F of Fig.35;

Fig.37 is a partial view of another multi-part shoot bolt assembly;

Fig.38 is a part sectional view of a corner of a hollow profile, with a guide assembly;

Fig.39 is an enlarged view of part of Fig.39;

Fig. 0 is an isometric view of an alternative arrangement of shoot bolt guide assembly;

Fig.41 is an isometric view of another embodiment of shoot bolt guide assembly;

Fig.42 is a part sectional view of a guide according to the invention, the shoot bolt carrying an end cap; Fig.43 is an enlarged view of one corner of the window frame and sash frame of Fig.l;

Fig.44 is a plan view of an adjustable keeper;

Fig.45 is a sectional view on the line G-G of Fig.44;

Fig.46 • is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of adjustable keeper, and in a different secured condition;

Fig.47 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of adjustable keeper according to the invention;

Fig.48 is a sectional view on the line H-H of Fig.47;

Fig.49 Is a side view of a further alternative embodiment of latch;

Fig.50 is a plan view of the keeper of Fig.49 fixed to an outer support frame;

Fig.51 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of keeper suitable for use with the guide plate of Fig.49;

Fig.52 is a view on the line J-J of Fig.51; Fig.53 is a detail view of part of an openable member showing a guide member affixed thereto and the shoot bolt tip projecting therethrough;

Fig.54 is a detail view of part of a support frame showing a first embodiment of keeper secured thereto;

Fig.55 is a side view of a latch in the locking condition;

Fig.56 is a perspective part view of an openable panel with an alternative embodiment of guide member fitted;

Fig.57 is a perspective view of part of an outer support panel with an alternative embodiment of keeper fitted thereto;

Fig.58 is a section of an alternative latch in the locking condition;

Fig.59 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of shoot bolt guide member, secured to a movable frame member; Fig.60 is a perspective view of yet a further alternative embodiment of shoot bolt guide member, secured to a movable frame member;

Fig.61 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of keeper for use with the guide member of Fig. 12, or of Fig.13; and

Fig.62 is a side view of a latch, utilising the components of Fig.12 and Fig.14;

Fig.63 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of cockspur guide member, to be secured to a movable frame member;

Fig. 64 is a perspective view of yet a further alternative embodiment of cockspur guide member, to be secured to a movable frame member; and

Fig. 65 is a front view of a latch, utilising the cockspur guide of Fig.7 and the striker plate of Fig.8, fitted between a movable frame and a fixed frame and in the locking condition. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following drawings similar numbers are given to similar parts.

The window assembly includes an outer window frame 10 fixable into or fixed in a building wall (not shown). Top- hinged to the window fixed frame 10 by hinges 12 is an openable (sash) window 14 locating glazing 15.

The sash closure section 16 carries an actuating mechanism (for example that of Figs 5,6) operated by a locking handle 18 and located in housing 19. When the actuating mechanism is operated by manual rotation of the handle, shoot bolts 20 are moved outwardly and inwardly relative to the actuating mechanism into a respective locking and unlocking condition. Each shoot bolt second end during this movement slides in respective guide 22, and in the locking condition has a tip 23 standing proud of the profile and engaged in or on a keeper 24 fixed to outer window frame 10 in known fashion, whilst in the unlocked condition the tip 23 is withdrawn from the keeper to allow the casement comprising 14 and glazing 15 to be swung to an open position. As is well known in the art, the keepers 24 can be shaped and positioned to provide not only a closed window condition but also a secure partly-open (vent) window condition. In the embodiment of Fig.2 the outer window frame 10 and inner sash frame 14 are of hollow profile section. The housing 19 and its contained actuating mechanism is located in the so-called spare chamber 21 of the sash, as is most of each shoot bolt 20 i.e. except the tip portion.

The sash is closed in the direction of arrow "A", with engagement of longitudinally-extending seal 25 with the fixed outer frame 10.

The operating mechanism of the invention is located in housing 30 (Fig.3) having a base 31, and also having upstanding side walls 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d except at base peripheral portions 31b,31d; portions 31b,31d permit the operating members 50,70 as more fully described below to slide inwards and outwards of the housing, and help align these guide members relatively to the housing for balanced operation. Central portion 32e of the bottom side wall as viewed in Fig.3 is of less height than the remainder of that sidewall to permit cockspur 40 (Fig.4,Fig.7,Fig.13) to swing into and out of the housing. Also upstanding from base 31 are tapped bosses 33,34; boss 33 is connected to its adjacent side wall whilst boss 34 is spaced therefrom to assist in the location and guiding of the second operating member as further described below (Fig.7). In addition, an assembly having parallel side surfaces 35,36 and a pivot pin 37 upstands from base 31. Sides 35,36 help define the extent of respective peripheral portions 31b,31d; in an alternative embodiment side 36 can merge into the adjacent upstanding side wall 32d to assist in impact absorbtion from shaped end 55 of the first operating member. In alternative embodiments the dimensions of the bosses and of the assembly can be altered, and side surfaces 35,36 ^• can include recessed portions. To receive the shaft of handle 18, there is an aperture 38 in base 31, and this aperture 38 is located between bosses 33,34.

The cockspur 40 is shown in Fig. 4. It includes a terminal portion 41 which is adapted to swing into or behind a keeper in the adjacent outer frame section when rotated by the conventional rectangular shaft (not shown) of operating handle 18, when this shaft is fitted into and through recess 42 in known fashion. Drive peg 43 is secured to one face of the cockspur. In the embodiment shown, the cockspur 40 is designed to seat on a washer (not shown) both to facilitate its rotational movement and to lift it from housing base 31 to above the level of sidewall portion 32e i.e. sidewall portion 32e is retained to provide strength to the housing against deformation, but is of a reduced height to permit the cockspur 40 to swing between the locking condition of Fig. 7 and the non-locking or housed condition of Fig. 8. Recess 42 can be strengthened by an insert, which usefully projects from the cockspur face not seen in Fig. and is shaped to assist the cockspur to seat in the washer. The first operating member 50 (Fig. 5) is of rectangular cross section (see Fig. 10), with its larger dimension perpendicular to the axis of pivot pin 37, and thus to the respective centre lines of aperture 38 and of the tapped recesses of bosses 33,34. It has a first recess 51 of a size to receive drive peg 43 of cockspur 40, which peg 43 can thus move operating member 50 to the left and right as viewed (see also Figs 7,8,13,14). During this movement operating member 50 is guided on base 31 by surface 36, by the sidewall 32c and by the end edge of sidewall 32b. Because the sidewall section 32e is of reduced height, upstanding platform 52 provides an extra guide length.

The central section 53 of first member 50 is cranked upwardly as viewed, so as to ride above cockspur 40 (see Fig. 7).

The first operating member has a second recess 54, generally parallel to first recess 51 but of larger dimension. Recess 54 is sized slidably to receive peg 61 of interconnecting lever 60 (Fig.11), lever 60 in this embodiment being circular for convenience of manufacture and also to provide a large bearing area.

The second operating member 70 has a recess 71, oppositely facing to recess 54, and sized slidably to receive peg 62 of interconnecting lever 60, lever 60 has a central aperture 63 so that it can be rotatably mounted on peg 37 (Fig.3). When so rotably mounted, axial movement (left or right as viewed) of first operating member 50 initiated by rotation of cockspur 40 by handle 18 causes corresponding but oppositely directed axial movement of the second operating member 70.

Second operating member 70 has a platform 72 which engages the housing side wall 32a, and is also guided by the side surface 35 and the edge of upstanding wall 32d. Cranked portion 74 ensures that the outer terminal portions of the operating members are aligned in the height direction "h" and as can be seen from a comparison of Figs 9,11 the members are also aligned in the depth direction "d", for balanced minimum-strain operation.

Usefully both outer terminal portions have a recess 75 for the securement of a separate shoot bolt 20, though in an alternative embodiment the terminal portion can be of extended length to provide an integral shooting bolt.

Following assembly of the components in the housing (as best seen in Fig. 7), the cover plate 80 is affixed by screws into tapped bosses 33,34, retaining the internal components. Usefully the handle 18 is simultaneously secured to the housing by the same screws, sandwiching the cover plate.

By reason of the design freedom given by the invention, the dimensions "d" and "h" have been reduced to permit the operating mechanism to fit wholly within the known sizes of spare chamber 21, permitting however the cockspur terminal portion 41 (and the terminal portion of each shoot bolt) to enter and exit therefrom during use. Thus one-handle multi¬ point locking utilising both the locking (transom) frame member and the connecting (mullion) members is possible, yet with the locking assembly "fully enclosed" within the profile if so desired, except for the outer terminal portions of the shoot bolts.

In the alternative embodiment of Fig.9 the recess 51 has an abutment surface 52, angled such that attempted lock opening movement initiated by the first operating member rather than the cockspur is resisted by the cockspur i.e. the component "R" of the axial return force "F" of the first operating member (left to right as viewed) on peg 43 is insufficient to turn the cockspur. In alternative embodiments, peg 43 can be of cam peripheral outline, and/or can be a raised part integral with the cockspur body part. Thus unlawful release of the locking mechanism by inward pressure from the shoot bolt terminal ends by a known house breaking tool is inhibited.

In the alternative embodiment of Figs.13,14 the first operating member 150 has a groove 180 into which tongue 182 on adjuster 184 can slidingly fit. Thus during assembly the shoot bolt 196 and adjuster 184 carried thereby are fed towards the housing 30, until the tongue 182 is aligned with groove 180, whereupon the tongue is resiliently biassed by spring 186 (downwardly as viewed) into engagement with the groove to provide a positive mechanical connection of the adjuster 184 and first operating member 150.

The adjuster 184 can be released from engagement with the first operating member 150 by a reverse method step i.e. by compression of spring lδ6 (by upwards movement as viewed of the adjuster head or the inwards end with tongue 182) and retraction leftwards.

The spring 186 is located by boss 188 upstanding from housing base 31.

The outwards movement of first operating member 150 is limited by its abutment with inwardly formed upstanding base part 30a. Alternatively this abutment can be considered an extension of sidewall 32c (Fig.3); in this embodiment sidewall 32b is however cut short or of smaller extent to help guide into and allow entry into the housing of the tongue 182 of adjuster 184.

The engagement of adjuster 194 with second operating member 170 is effected similarly.

As seen in the non-locking condition of Fig.14, inward movement of the first operating member 150 and of the second operating member 170 is restricted by engagement of these members at 190. The adjuster 194 is identical with adjuster 184 and mounted so as to be aligned therewith for balanced shoot bolt actuation, with both the first and second operating members having a location and guiding surface slidingly engaged with upstanding sidewall 32e to help with positive alignment.

Each adjuster 184,194 has an opening through which can be seen the innermost end of threaded shoot bolt 196, so the the fitter can be satisfied both that the shoot bolt end has been inserted sufficiently far into the adjuster to accept the tensile forces and that the shoot bolt 196 has not been inserted too far with the result that adjustment in the length reduction direction after assembly in the sash is not possible.

Because the adjuster tongue 182 is fitted with minimum play in groove or recess 180, axial movement between the adjuster and operating member is minimised, preferably avoided, so that all the adjustment needed for correct positioning of the shoot bolt 196 (for engagement into a keeper in the locking condition and withdrawal flush with the sash frame in the non-locking condition) occurs by the screw thread engagement of the shoot bolt in the adjuster i.e the adjuster is internally threaded (not shown) , preferably only over a short length, and so acts as a nut inwardly and outwardly of which the externally threaded shoot bolt 196 can be screwed by adjustment rotation of its outermost end (remote from the adjuster) . In the embodiment of Fig.15, glazing 19 is mounted to sash frame 14 from internally of the building. Spare chamber 228, and thus housing 30 of the operating mechanism, and handle 18 are. to the same side of the sash frame 214 as the glazing beading 215.

In the embodiment of Fig.16, circular lever 360 lies between operating members 350,370 and the base 331. Pegs 361,362 thus project away from base 331 into recesses 354,374 of operating members 350,370 respectively.

As shown, lever 360 includes aperture 363 by which it is mounted upon a central peg, though in alternative embodiments lever 360 rests in a circular recess in base 331, or within a full or partial circular upstand from the base. As also shown in Fig.16, recess 351 is oppositely directed to recess 51 of Fig.7. Thus, drive peg 343 of cockspur 340 is a greater distance from handle drive recess

• 342 than the corresponding dimension of the Fig.7 embodiment, so that for a given rotation of handle 18, the lateral movement of operating members 350,370 is increased.

The recess 351 can have an angled surface corresponding to the surface 52 of Fig.9, whereby to prevent retraction of the shoot bolts by force on their tips which project from the profile. Preferably, in the locking condition with cockspur 340 swung out of housing 300, the peg or drive pin 343 is separated from slot 351 i.e. the drive pin is no longer in contact with the rack.

In the embodiment of Fig.17, the peg and recess drive arrangements are replaced by rack and pinion arrangements. Cockspur 440 carries drive rack 450, the teeth of which are in driving engagement with rack 452 of operating member 450. Angular rotation of handle 18 will thus cause lateral movement of rack 450; this will cause secondary rack 461 to drive pinion 460, with in turn pinion 460 driving rack 462 of operating member 470. Thus there is a balanced drive, with the rack portions 474 aligned.

It will be understood that any of the means disclosed to connect the cockspur to one of the drive members, may be used with any of the disclosed units for transmitting movement of one of the operating members to the other of the operating members.

As shown in Fig.18, a shoot bolt is guided and supported in outer wall 26 of a connecting sash frame member by cover member 27, which in this embodiment is firmly but removably located in the outer wall 26. Thus the cover member 27 has a rectangular opening to match the rectangular section of the shoot bolt tip 23.

One suitable operating mechanism is schematically shown in Fig.19. The operating members 540,541 are racks movable by a gear 543 (upon rotation by handle 18) from the outwards (locking) condition shown wherein the tips 23 of shoot bolts 544 are into keepers 545, to a retracted non-locking condition with tips 23 withdrawn from keepers 545. The major part of each rack is located in operating mechanism housing 546, but each rack has an section 547 aligned with the corresponding section of the other rack and in this embodiment outside the housing 546; the aligned section directly or indirectly as hereinafter described provides part of the coupling assembly of the invention, releasably and adjustably to retain shoot bolt 544.

As shown in Fig.20 the inner end 549 in use of a shoot bolt 544 i.e the end opposite bolt tip 23, is threaded. In an alternative embodiment the shoot bolt 544 is threaded along its entire length, and in a further alternative embodiment has weakened sections so that a shoot bolt or a shoot bolt pair can readily be provided in one of a number of pre¬ selected discrete lengths, each with a threaded end.

In use, and as more fully described below, for accurate axial positioning of the shoot bolt tip relative to the window fixed frame 10, necessary so that in the shoot bolt outwards (locking) condition the tip 23 fully engages in a recess in the frame 10 or in a keeper secured in known fashion thereto, the inner shoot bolt end 549 is received in an adjuster 551 forming part of or secured to an operating member such as operating member 541. In the embodiments shown the adjuster 551 is secured to section 547 of operating member 541, this section being outside the housing 546, and so not relying on the housing for retention.

In the embodiment of Fig.20 the adjuster 551 has an internally threaded end portion 550. Thus shoot bolt 544 can be screwed into and out of the outer threaded end (in use) of adjuster 551 to alter the length of the combined assembly. In an alternative embodiment, more suited for possible use where space is not at a premium, perhaps outside the profile, the inner shoot bolt end 549 carries a fixed nut engagable with an externally threaded end portion of adjuster 551.

In one method of assembly, the shoot bolt is fed through an opening (not shown) cut in outer wall 26 of a hollow profile sash connecting member (right to left as viewed in Fig.18) prior to being coupled to adjuster 551. Subsequent to insertion and coupling of a shoot bolt, the opening is closed by a cover member 27, which can also help guide the shoot bolt tip towards and away from its locking condition. In a less preferred embodiment, the adjuster 551 can be connected to the (rack) operating section 547 of member 541 prior to insertion of shoot bolt 544 through wall 26, the hollow profile adjacent the housing 546 being additionally cut away to permit the (inner) shoot bolt end then to be engaged with the adjuster. However in the preferred method of assembly the adjuster 551 is threadedly engaged with the operated member e.g. shoot bolt 544 outside the profile, with the adjuster and operated member fed into the profile with the adjuster leading, with the adjuster having a coupling part engagable with a corresponding part on or of the operating member e.g. tongue and groove, for coupled engagemen .

There are separate means as more fully described below for the preferred method of assembly then to locate and hold the adjuster 551 against rotation and axial movement relative to the operating member after such insertion whilst permitting relative rotation of the shoot bolt 544 for axial (threaded) position adjustment.

Thus when using a cover member, such as the cover member 27 of Fig 18, the permitted axial adjustment is incremental i.e. the tip 23 can be angularly located after one or more half turns. In an alternative embodiment, with a circular opening in wall 26 so that the cover member can be retained in any angular position, there is a permitted universal axial adjustment; it will be understood that the associated keeper (not shown) may then need to be shaped to cater for e.g. a tip 23 which is rectangular in cross section, or preferably the tip 23 is itself circular in cross section to be received in a circular keeper 545 recess or behind a keeper plate. The inner end of operated member or adjuster 551 has an engagement head 552 with a groove 553 in surface 554. Opposed to grooved surface 554 is a pressure surface 555 against which spring 560 (Fig.21) can press when head 552 is inserted into section 547 of operating member 541 through axial opening 562, until the groove 553 is aligned with the upstanding part or tongue 563, whereupon groove 553 is sprung into tight axial location about tongue 563. Any required relative axial movement between the shoot bolt 544 and section 547 of operating member 541 is now controlled by the threaded connection at the adjuster 551.

The inner shoot bolt end 549 is located by the adjuster, by way of the operating member and thus indirectly rather than directly by the housing 546 or the operating gears or equivalent. A shoot bolt is not require to engage with the gear housing 546, for sliding guidance or for retention. •

Release of the adjuster can be effected by lateral movement (upwards as viewed) of the adjuster relative to the section 547, first to compress spring 560, followed by outwards movement (to the left as viewed); once the locking apparatus is properly fitted into a sash window such removal should however rarely be needed.

In the embodiment of Fig.20, head 552 is of tapered form in cross section, to aid in the insertion into the- axial opening 562. The operated member (adjuster) 551 and operating member (rack) 541 are coupled at 561, as by tongue 562 and groove 553 outside the housing 546 (Fig.19) for the drive means 543, and in use can be non-rotatably located in a hollow profile such as that of Fig.2.

In the embodiment of Fig.22, the head 572 is of smaller cross section than the remainder of the adjuster, and pressure surface 575 lies in a plane parallel to the adjuster longitudinal plane. Adjuster movement inwards relative to the section 547 is restrained by engagement of surfaces 576 and 586, and in an alternative embodiment by surfaces 577 and 587. Outwards movement is restrained by engagement between surfaces 578,588.

In the embodiment of Fig.21 the spring 560 is trapped between part 568 and part 569, thereby to be mounted in cantilever. In the embodiment of Fig.23, the spring 580 is trapped by its ends in housing recess 581, thereby to become a convex leaf spring.

In the embodiment of Fig.24 the head 592 is a generally rectangular extension to the adjuster 591, but of smaller section. It includes recess 593, and a side ramp 599 angled so that when engaged during insertion by a lateral projection (not shown) inside the housing opening 562 the head will be lifted over a retaining peg or the like carried by the housing i.e. lifting of the head in this embodiment is effected independently of the retaining peg. Furthermore, in this embodiment spring 590 is carried by adjuster 591, to engage opening 562.

In an alternative embodiment the head 592 is resiliently biassed sideways as viewed, with for instance the ramp urging the head into the paper against the action of a spring acting against the back face of the head; in a further embodiment, the head has a tongue 594, the head being lifted as by a ramp until the tongue 594 can drop sideways into a groove in the housing wall.

In one alternative embodiment to that of Fig.21 the opening 562 is cut e.g. drilled into the end of a bar; in an alternative embodiment the opening 562 is formed into one side of a bar and is covered and enclosed by a separate plate which acts also to hold the spring in position. If the spring is located in the adjuster, as in the embodiment of Fig.24, a cover plate may be not be necessary.

In the embodiment of Fig.25, there is a housing 601 of plastics moulded to the section 547 of the operating rod, but with metal inserts 606,607 to absorb the initial insertion impact loading. In an alternative embodiment insert 607 can be an exposed end of the operating rod 541. The housing opening 562 has lead-in or chamfered surfaces 603 to assist in guiding the adjuster towards the engaged position. The bias spring 600 is integrally formed with the housing.

In the embodiment of Figs 26-28, the housing 701 is a "click-fit" by means of dimples 702 in recesses 547a in section 547 of the shoot bolt 541. Since in this embodiment the section 547 is rectangular in cross section, the housing is held against rotation and against axial movement relative to section 547. In an alternative embodiment the dimples and recesses are spaced apart, to provide additional resistance to relative rotation and twisting of the adjuster and operating rod; following assembly, rotation of the shoot bolt even during window locking and unlocking will be resisted by cover member 27.

In this embodiment the adjuster will have a tongue which is resiliently biassed into the groove 703 by spring 700, formed integrally with housing 701 of plastics but preferably of spring steel. The outward face (to the left as viewed) of the groove 703 can be undercut.

Lip 705 prevents the housing 701 sliding along the section 547, perhaps as a result of the housing fouling the inside of the spare chamber as the shoot bolt is moved and overcoming the retention of dimples 702; in an alternative embodiment the lip 705 may be removed and the housing 701 instead pinned or otherwise securely affixed to section 547. The sides 704 of the housing alongside the groove 703 can be inset so as closely to embrace the adjuster head 752, which as seen in the embodiment of Fig. 29 can be narrower than the remainder of the adjuster. As shown, and as an important feature of the invention, the adjuster has an opening 756 through which can be viewed the end 549 of the shoot bolt 544, so that prior to insertion of the adjuster and shoot bolt into the profile the manufacturer and/or fitter, on-site or preparatory to factory sash assembly, firstly can check that the shoot bolt has been threadedly engaged with sufficient bearing length in the adjuster; and secondly can check that the shoot bolt has not been inserted too far such that further inward screw adjustment of the shoot bolt is prevented, as may be necessary on-site by the window fitter or otherwise after the arrangement has been assembled in a sash. In an alternative embodiment the opening 756 is on a side surface or in the base of the adjuster (i.e. rather than in the roof); and in yet a further embodiment the single opening 756 is replaced by two openings corresponding to the minimum and maximum predetermined allowable "insertion" shoot bolt positions before introduction to the sash, or by a series of holes so that the closeness of the shoot bolt inserted end to the minimum and maximum positions can be judged.

The arrangement is inserted in a profile, and the tongue and groove on head 552,572,592,752, and section 547 or housing 601,701, engaged as above described. At the factory, the fitter can turn handle 18 so that the shoot bolts are outwardly moved to their locking condition, and the shoot bolt tip 23 (Fig.18) or outer end cap 759 (Fig.30) can be rotated by key 760 (Fig.31.) until key face 762 is in contact with the sash outer surface, ^• whereby to ensure that in use the bolt tip 23 or end cap 759 will project for locking the required amount yet when the handle is turned to the unlocked condition the cap will be retracted substantially flush with the sash outer surface or preferably with a combined guide and cover member 27.

In Fig.33, the spring 800 is located in the gear housing 546, being retained by boss 801. The adjuster 851 has a tongue 852 which closely fits into groove 853 in section 547 of rack 541. Thus the shoot bolt (not shown) and the adjuster 851 mounted to the inner end (in use) thereon are fed towards the housing 846 during initial window fitting, with the head of adjuster 851 depressing spring 800 until the tongue 852 is aligned with groove 853, whereupon the tongue is resiliently biassed into the groove by spring 800. The tongue and groove are thereafter held in engagement by the spring 800.

The outwards movement of rack 541 is limited by engagement of section 547 with inturned housing end 546a. This outwards movement is effected by a handle 18 (Fig.l) which in this embodiment has a square projecting portion which fits into square recess 42 in cockspur 40. The relative position of rack 547 in Fig.34 can be contrasted with that of rack 541 in Fig.33 i.e. rack 547 is shown in the inwards non-locking condition for the adjuster and associated shoot bolt. Further inwards movement (to the left as viewed) of rack 547 is prevented by abutment with rack 541.

It will be understood from the respective drawings that the adjuster 751 of Fig.29 has a limited-length internally threaded portion 750, rather than the full-length internal thread of adjuster 551 (Fig.20). This can provide all the thread engagement necessary, and the cost and complication of full-length tapping of the adjuster is avoided.

Although it is possible to utilise a shoot bolt with only a limited-length external thread, we prefer a shoot bolt threaded for its full length.

Because the adjuster is closely coupled (without play) to the rack or equivalent operating member, all or substantially all the axial adjustment controlling the shoot bolt extension from the adjuster necessary for full engagement with a keeper mounted on or in the outer window frame 10 in known fashion can be effected by rotation of the outermost end of the shoot bolt i.e. the end remote from the adjuster. The retraction movement is controlled by the throw from handle 18. In an alternative and preferred embodiment these functions are reversed i.e. the retracted shoot bolt position is set by screwing the shoot bolt into or out of the adjuster, by rotation of the shoot bolt outer end, whilst engagement in or with a keeper is determined by the handle rotation and gearing throw.

In the embodiment according to Fig.35, each shoot bolt has a first end 930 and a second end 932. First end 930 has a tongue 954, for a purpose described above. Second end 932 is threaded, and is rotatably mounted within a tapped recess 934 of bullet 936. Thus the bullet can be adjusted in position along the shoot bolt whereby to alter the length of the shoot bolt assembly.

Surface 938 of the bullet is part of an acircular outer peripheral cross section, which in use can slide within a correspondingly shaped opening 940 in a metal plate 942 fixed to the outer facing wall 944 of sash profile 14, and aligned with an enlarged opening opening 946 in profile 14.

In one the method of adjustment, with the casement closed the bullet is positioned in opening 946, and the handle 18 gently turned to drive the shoot bolts 20 towards the locked (outwardly extended) condition. If a bullet fouls its keeper before the handle is fully turned, the casement is. opened (to allow access to the bullet) which is then rotated in the angular direction to shorten the shoot bolt-bullet assembly; if the bullet fails to engage properly the keeper, the cassement is also first opened, and the bullet is rotated to lengthen the assembly. When the fitter is satisfied, the plate 942 is slid over the bullet and secured to the outer facing wall 944 of the (plastics) profile 14.

In an alternative method of assembly, and with however the handle 18 first turned to the full locking condition, the bullet is rotated by a key which has a recess of a pre¬ determined depth corresponding to full locking engagement of the bullet with the keeper, the recess being of a cross- section to fit closely around the bullet. The key is rotated together with the bullet until the key engages the profile outer facing wall 944, which sets the required length of the shoot bolt bullet combination, whereupon the plate 942 is secured to the outer wall 944 of profile 14.

The bullet may be screwed to the shoot bolt by the manufacturer. We therefore provide means to view that the bullet is fitted with at least a required bearing length, as by the provision of aperture 970 in a bullet wall. To permit the bullet to be further screwed onto the threaded bolt end during assembly of the locking arrangement to a panel, a second aperture can provided to ensure that adjustment movement is still possible. In an alternative embodiment the shoot bolt can be threaded along its full length even though only part of the thread will be used. An important feature of this invention is that the shoot bolt is not itself rotated. This is achieved both by its substantially non-flexible construction and by the mounting arrangement for its first end 930.

In the embodiment of Fig.37 the tongue is on a separate part screw-threaded to rod 930 but secured thereafter non- rotatably together, as by adhesive or by being pinned.

In an alternative actuating mechanism each shoot bolt is connected to the rack outside the housing 30, possibly rigidly in known fashion; it will be understood that this will require a longer routed hole (upwardly as viewed in Fig. 2) whereby to enable not only the housing 30 to be inserted into the profile (being thereafter retained by the screws for handle 18, with the profile wall sandwiched therebetween), but also to allow access to permit connection of the shoot bolt to the rack.

Preferably, and as shown in Fig.36, the bullet outer periphery is square in cross section (as therefore is the opening 940 in plate 942) and so can be rotated in discrete steps of 90 degrees i.e. prior to the metal guide and side thrust resisting plate 942 being affixed to the profile wall 944. In alternative embodiments the bullet may be hexagonal or octagonal. In use the bullet is guided by one or both of the openings 940,942 and when so guided is prevented from rotating. Thus each shoot bolt is guided and supported in an outer wall 944 of a connecting sash frame member (extending upwardly as viewed in Fig.l) by guide and cover member 942, which in the Fig.35 embodiment is shown as a plate but could alternatively be differently shaped and/or have a backing, perhaps of plastics coloured as wall 944, to provide a longer guiding length for the shoot bolt and to help fill crevices in the outer face of wall 944 as extruded by the proprietary profile manufacturer (extruder).

As shown in Fig.39, the outer end (in use) of each shoot bolt is guided in a guide assembly 1030 comprising a metal plate 1032 and a plastics back plate 1034. The back plate 1034 includes a protrubrance or boss 1036 which extends into the sash frame 14, in this embodiment into the spare chamber 21.

The metal plate 1032 has a guide aperture 1040 through which the shoot bolt tip 23 slidingly fits, and which is secured by screws (not shown) through screw holes 1056 (Fig.40,41) to the adjacent outer surface of the sash frame. When so fitted the plate 1032 acts to limit the permitted lateral movement of the tip, as viewed in Fig.l vertically and perpendicular to the paper. Boss 1036 is annular, with its hollow tubular portion in alignment with guide aperture 1040, and sized closely to embrace the tip 23; thus when the boss 1036 is fitted into the spare chamber 21, it provides an extended retention length for tip 23 whereby to inhibit the tip 23 from falling free of the guide plate into spare chamber 21.

In the embodiment of Fig.40 the back plate 1134 also has a lateral extension 1150 which fits snugly into a corresponding recess in the outer surface of a proprietary profile; whilst the back plate 1234 of Fig.41 has two lateral extensions 1252,1254, to fit another proprietary profile. Other shapes can be selected for the back plate, for other prorietary profiles. Thus these back plates, as for the back plate of Fig.38,39, conceal the shanks of the securement screws (not shown) ;

The securement screws are fed through screw openings 1056 in the plate 1132,1232 (of Figs. 40 and 41 respectively), and through corresponding screw openings (preferably pre-formed) in the back plate 1134,1234, whereby to secure the guide assembly to profile 14, with the back plate 1034,1134,1234 sandwiched between the plate 1032,1132,1232 and walls of the spare chamber 21.

In the embodiment of Fig.42, plate 1332 and back plate 1334 are mounted to a sash frame 1314 having a narrow spare chamber 1321 e.g. of 6mm. Thus, spare chamber 1321 is of a - 5l ^' -

width only slightly larger than the width of shoot bolt 1320. It is thus necessary to drill recess 1370 into the walls of the sash frame 1314, of a size to accept boss 1336 of back plate 1334.

This embodiment also shows end cap 1380 threaded and secured to shoot bolt 1320. Shoot bolt 1320 is correspondingly threaded at its end. Prior to the introduction of the shoot bolt into the spare chamber, end cap 1380 is placed onto the end of shoot bolt 1320, and secured by way of adhesive or by pinning, and thereafter may be used to rotate the shoot bolt 1320.

Rotation of end cap 1380, by way of key slots 1382, may be used to adjust the length of shoot bolt 1320, with precision, to within one turn of the key. The required length may be judged in one embodiment by way of a spacer between plate 1332 and the underside of cap 1380, with the shoot bolt operating mechanism in its outward (locking) condition. Enlarged head 1384 of end cap 1380 prevents end cap 1380 and thus shoot bolt 1320 falling into spare chamber 1321.

In an alternative but less preferred adjustment method, preferably utilising a long boss 1336, end cap 1380 provides a means of accurate adjustment of the length shoot bolt 1320 with the shoot bolts retracted i.e. with the respective shoot bolt held by the actuating mechanism in its retracted condition, end cap 1380 may be rotated by way of keyway 1382, until head 1384 engages the surface of plate 1332.

Thus the guide assembly of the invention provides strength against window opening forces, such as those (vacuum forces) associated with side winds. It also inhibits unauthorised springing of the shoot bolt tip from the keeper, whilst reducing the possibility of the shoot bolt becoming free of the guide and falling into the spare chamber, yet without requiring an enlarged gap for fitment of the guide assembly between the (inner) sash profile and the outer fixed (window) frame.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a sash window, it can be used also as part of the locking arrangement for other openable panels against a fixed frame such as patio windows, doors, and roof lights. The guide assembly may be mounted (together with the shoot bolt and- actuation) either in the panel as described, or in the (outer) frame.

As shown in Fig.43, at their ends opposite the locking mechanism 19, each of the shoot bolts 20 is slidably located within a respective guideway 22.

For the embodiment of Fig.43, axial movement of shoot bolt 20 causes the tip 23 of the shoot bolt alternately to engage with and disengage from the lock surface 1428 of adjustable keeper 1424, so that the sash 14 is respectively in a locked and unlocked condition relative to the outer frame 10. Thus when the sash window is in the locked condition, the engagement of tip 23 with lock surface 1428 prevents hinged opening movement of the sash 14 with respect to the window frame 10, in the opening direction i.e. into the paper as viewed in Fig.l.

The adjustable keeper 1424 comprises a first part 1432 and a second part 1434. The first part 1432 includes the lock surface 1428, the second part 1434 includes the mounting surface 1436.

Second keeper part 1434 is substantially rectangular in plan view, and is sized so that the mounting surface 1436 fits between upstanding ribs 1438 on the inwardly facing surface of the outer frame 10, in this embodiment of proprietary design, and seats against the surface part 1440 therebetween. The positioning and spacing of ribs 1438 is chosen by the frame manufacturer, who is often an extruder of frames of hollow profile section (plastics or aluminium) with ribs 1438 positioned for strength and function; second part 1434 is designed to fit between the ribs of many proprietary window frames, but in an alternative embodiment may be designed to fit snugly a single proprietary window frame. Second part 1434 has a serrated surface 1444 opposite the mounting surface 1436. As viewed in Fig.45, first part 1432 has a serrated lower surface 1442, adapted to mate with the serrations of the surface 1444. The serrations provide discrete adjustment positions (leftwards and rightwards as viewed) , and thus incremental secured conditions of the first part 1432 with respect to the second part 1434.

First part 1432 has slots 1452 passing therethrough. Two circular holes 54 pass through second part 1434. Thus as best seen in Fig.45 the first and second parts can be held in a selected adjusted position when each screw 1446 is tightened in slot 1452 and hole 1454 to hold keeper 1424 in position on surface part 1440.

As seen in the embodiment of Fig.46, the second part 1532 of keeper 1530 has an additional surface 1528 parallel to surface 1428 and defining a partly-open vent sash condition; as shown the shoot bolt tip 23 is in engagement with this additional surface 1528, so that hinged sash outward opening movement is prevented thereby, with inward movement inhibited by the rear surface 1429, which is a continuation of surface 1428.

Furthermore, and as an important feature of this invention, the first part 1432,1532 is not limited in size to the dimensions of second part 1434,1534, but as seen in Fig.46 can be larger, with the second part also being of a height (vertically as viewed) such that the first part 1532 is clear of ribs 1438.

In use, and for the first embodiment and with the sash 14 in the open condition, the second part 1434 is placed between ribs 1438, with its mounting surface 1436 in engagement with surface 1440 of the window frame 10; first part 1432 is placed against the second part 1434 so that the respective serrations are in engagement; screws 1446 (of which only one is shown) are passed through slots 1452 and holes 1454 and into the window frame 10, so that the first part 1432 and second part 1434 are tightly secured to the window frame 10.

The sash 14 is then brought into the closed condition and the locking mechanism 19 gently operated, so that the tips 23 of the shoot bolts slowly move towards the lock surface 1428 (or 1528) .

If the lock surface 1428 is incorrectly positioned, so that either there is a permitted excessive "free" movement of the "locked" sash window, or the tip 23 fouls the lock surface 1428 leading to excessive force clearly being necessary to turn fully the operating handle 18, then it will apparent that it is necessary to adjust the keeper 1424, specifically to adjust the position of first part 1432 and thus of surface 1428. This indication function is another important feature of the invention, and the Fig.46 embodiment is particularly useful in this respect in that offset mounting of the first part 1532 will result in fouling of one or other of surfaces 1428,1528, preventing full turning of handle 18.

Keeper adjustment is achieved by (a) re-opening the sash window, partially releasing the screws 1446, so allowing the respective serrations 1442,1444 to disengage or to be disengaged; (b) moving the first part 1432,1532 relative to the second part 1434,1534; and {c} re-tightening the screws 1446 so that the first part and the second part are in a different respective secured condition. This process may be repeated until the desired secured condition, and thus the desired position of the lock surface 1428 (and/or 1528), is achieved.

In an alternative fitting method, the screws 1446 may initially be only partially tightened, so to locate the lock surface 1428 with respect to the window frame; the screws being fully tightened only when the desired position of the lock surface 1428 is achieved, by testing with the shoot bolt tip as above described. This method of fitting will limit the possible damage to the window frame 10 and in particular of surface 1440, caused by repeated full- tightening and releasing of the screws 1446.

As shown in Figs.47,48, adjustable keeper 1630 is of the "sunken" type; it has a night-vent facility, in that there are two lock surfaces 1628a,1628b, and these lock surfaces are provided upon recesses 1640a,1640b sunken into a recess 1642 in surface 1640 of the window frame. Recess 1642 may be a recess present within the profile, or may alternatively be provided by routing out a portion of the surface 1640.

Second part 1634 is generally of "C" shape in plan, part of which includes serrations 1644 to mate with corresponding serrations (not shown) on the under-face of first part 1632.

First and second parts 1632,1634 may be secured together and to the window frame surface 1640 by screws (not shown) passing through slot 1652 in first part 1632, hole 1654 in second part 1634 and into surface 1640. Thus, first part 1632 has several discrete secured conditions with respect to second part 1634, defined by the serrations.

In the embodiments of Figs. 43-48 the keeper surfaces 1428,1528,1628a,1628b are planar, and as viewed in Figs 1,43,44,47 extend upwardly (as viewed in Figs 45,46,48 into the paper); thus if an attempt is made unlawfully to open the sash by lifting the window upwardly towards hinges 12, as by the use of a "jemmy", one or both shoot bolt tips 23 remains in contact with the surface 1428,1528,1628a,1628b to prevent or render less likely the lifting of the window "above" the surface (which it will be understood would permit the sash to be swung clear of the keeper(s) without need to (noisily) break the glazing 15. In addition, since the lock surface has a large lateral dimension relative to the shoot bolt tip 23, accurate positioning of the lock surface is required in one dimension only i.e. in the dimension perpendicular to the planar lock surface 1428,1528,1628a,1628b.

However, in the embodiments of Figs. 49-52, shown for a hollow profile sash, the lock surface is provided by an aperture, adapted to closely engage the shoot bolt tip 23; thus accurate positioning of the lock surface, and adjustment of the keeper, is required in two perpendicular dimensions i.e. perpendicular to the lock surface and parallel to the lock surface.

As shown in Fig.49, shoot bolt 20 is located within the hollow profile of sash frame 14. Shoot bolt guideway 1624 is adapted to guide shoot bolt 20 as it exits the hollow profile. Guideway 1624 includes a mushroom head 1666 carried by stem or shank 1667. Shank 1667 slides within slot 1668, whilst mushroom head 1666 slides in a wider slot defined by an undercut slot 1669, covered by ledges 1670,1672.

With the shoot bolt tip engaged within aperture 1640 and thus engaging lock surface 1628, attempts to "jemmy" the window by forcing the sash frame 1614 in the axial direction of the shoot bolt 20 (seeking to release tip 23 from aperture 1640) will be resisted by the mushroom head 1666 engaging overhanging ledges 1670,1672 partly covering undercut slot 1668.

The ledges 1670,1672 are provided by routing an undercut 1668 in the keeper 1630. However, in an alternative embodiment, the ledges . could be provided upon walls upstanding from the surface of the keeper 1630.

Figs. 51,52 show a keeper, adjustable in two directions, and including undercut slot 1768. This keeper includes a first part 1732 and a second part 1734. First part 1732 includes aperture 1740 having lock surface 1728, and slots 1752, to accept screws or the like by which first part 1732 may be adjustably and releasably connected to second part 1734. First part 1732 also includes a slot 1774, to accept for instance the stem 1667 of mushroom head 1668, which is connected to a shoot bolt guideway (not shown).

Second part 1734 includes serrations 1744 to mate with corresponding serrations on first part 1732, and slots 1754 to accept screws or the like by which it may be adjustably mounted to surface 1740 of the window frame. Second part 1734 also includes enlarged slot 1778, to accept mushroom head 1766. It will be understood in this embodiment that adjustment of the keeper 1730, and thus of the position of the lock surface 1728, may be effected in two dimensions, i.e. parallel to the lock surface 1728 by way of slots 1754, and perpendicular to the lock surface 1728 by way of slots 1752. Adjustment parallel to the lock surface is universal within the limits of the size of the slots 1754, whereas perpendicular to the lock surface there are discrete secured conditions defined by the serrations.

It will be noted that only the first part 1632 of adjustable keeper 1630 is shown in Figs. 49,50. Preferably, a second part will be provided, to allow adjustment of the position of the lock surface 1628 in two dimensions, i.e. as in the Fig.51,52 embodiments. However, if accurate positioning could be guaranteed by the window installer, perhaps by use of a jig designed for a given profile, in-situ adjustment would not be necessary and so a second part would not be required for this embodiment.

It will be understood that the size and spacing of the serrations on the first and second parts respectively will determine the number of different secured conditions for the adjustable keeper. Thus, smaller, more closely spaced serrations will provide a greater number of secured conditions, allowing finer adjustment of the position of the lock surface.

The serrations may in alternative embodiments be replaced by other profiles, such as a saw-tooth profile, or a square toothed profile, or the surface may have a general roughness, as required by the particular manufacturer or user. In an alternative embodiment of the adjustable keeper, varying thickness second parts may be provided, or spacer plates of varying thicknesses may be placed between the mounting surface of the second part and the window frame, to provide adjustment of the position of the lock surface in the direction of axial movement of the shoot bolt. This latter embodiment may be necessary where there is a large gap between the sash frame and the window frame and the axial movement of the shoot bolts, even with the full permitted rotation of handle, is insufficient to ensure adequate engagement of the shoot bolt tip with the lock surface. It will thus be understood that our invention may provide adjustment of the position of the lock surface in three perpendicular dimensions.

The embodiment of Fig.53 is of a hollow profile sash frame 14. The guide plate 1822 of Fig.53 has screw holes 1825 through which it is secured to an outwardly facing panel edge adjacent a corner of frame 14, and an opening 1826 through which protrudes the shoot bolt tip 23. Shoot bolt tip 23 enters aperture 1831 (Fig.54) of keeper 1824, keeper 1824 being held to the outer frame 10 by screws through openings 1835, and cooperates therewith to effect normal locking, the shoot bolt tip 23 and aperture 1831 being sized and shaped as well known in the art to prevent (when so cooperating) opening movement of the casement 14 i.e. into the paper as viewed in Fig.l). Guide plate 1822 has a guide plate first flange 1827, directed away from the openable member. Keeper 1824 has a keeper first flange 1832 directed away from the surface of support frame. 10 to which it is screwed. As best seen in Fig.55, the keeper flange 1832 has a part which overlies guide plate first flange 1827 and which therefore in the condition shown inhibits movement of the guide plate 1822 and thus of the openable member 14 upwardly as viewed in Fig.l i.e. away from corner 14a of movable member 14.

As seen in Fig.54, the keeper 24 has a keeper second flange 33 which extends substantially parallel to the keeper first flange 32 but spaced therefrom. Thus the keeper first and second flanges form a guide channel for the shoot bolt guide plate 22 during casement movement near to and from the locked condition of Fig.l.

As also seen in Fig.54, the keeper second flange has a first inturned portion 1834, directed generally towards the keeper first flange 1832 and parallel to the base 1830 of keeper 1824. As beeter seen in Fig.55, part of the inturned portion 1834 overlies part of guide plate 1822, whereby to inhibit movement of the guide plate 1822 and thus of the movable member 14 away from the respective keeper i.e. in a direction parallel to the axial movement of the shoot bolt 20, in a direction inwardly of the opening formed by the outer support frame 10. Thus the arrangement of this embodiment inhibits movement of the openable member in the opening direction (shoot bolts 20); and in addition in directions perpendicular thereto, to inhibit springing of the shoot bolts tip 23 out of aperture 1831. In alternative embodiments aperture 1831 can be a recess, or an upstanding wall, perhaps convex (into the paper as viewed in Fig.l) to help pull the movable frame towards a weather seal.

In the embodiment of Fig.56, the guide plate 1822 has a guide plate second flange 1829, directed oppositely to guide plate first flange 1827. In the embodiment of Fig.57, the first inturned portion 1834 of the keeper plate 1824 has a second inturned portion 1838 perpendicular thereto and directed towards keeper base 1830 i.e. oppositely directed to keeper first flange 1832. As best seen in Fig.7, a part of second inturned portion 1838 overlies guide plate second flange 1829, to further inhibit relative movement of the casement 14 i.e. in an upwards direction as viewed in Figs. 1 and 58.

Second inturned portion 1838 also adds strength to the first inturned portions 1834, but in an alternative (handed) embodiment these portions 1834,1838 and keeper second flange 1833 can be joined at one end (that end furthest away as viewed in Figs.54,57.

Base plate 1920 of guide plate 1922a,b (Fig.59,60 respectively) can be secured to a movable frame 14 by screws through openings 1825 (Fig.60). There is a corresponding base plate (not shown) at the opposed position on the other frame connecting section. Base plate 1920 has an opening 1826 of a size and shape to permit sliding movement therethrough of shoot bolt tip 23, with the tip held against rotation.

Parallel with base plate 1920 and joined thereto by connecting section 1929 is an integral secondary plate. In the embodiment of Fig.59 the secondary plate 1921a is of the same length as the base plate 1920, whilst in the embodiment of Fig.60 the secondary plate 1921b is of shorter length than the base plate. The connecting section 1929 faces in the opening direction of the sash.

In the embodiment of Fig.59, secondary plate 1921a has an opening 1926 aligned with opening 1826.

As seen in Fig.61, keeper 1924 has openings 1835 to receive screws for securement to support frame 10. Keeper 1924 has a cranked section 1924a joined integrally to connecting sections 1924b, and thereby stands proud of the support frame 10. Cranked section 1924a has an opening 1831 of a size and shape to receive the shoot bolt tip 23.

In use, as movable frame 14 is swung towards the closed condition (arrow A of Fig.59,61), secondary plate 1921a or 1921b moves between the cranked section 1924a and support frame 10. When so positioned, the keeper acts by its cranked section 1924a to inhibit movement of the secondary plate 1921a,b and thus also of the movable frame away from the support frame 10; the keeper also acts by its connecting sections 1924b to inhibit movement of the secondary plate 1921a,b and thus also of the movable member in a plane parallel to the cranked section 1924a i.e. upwardly as viewed in Fig.62.

When the actuating mechanism is operated to move shoot bolt tip 23 to the locking position shown in Figs.59,60 and Fig.62, the secondary plate will in addition be held against movement in all planes parallel to the cranked section 1924a. In the embodiment of Fig.59 the shoot bolt slides through openings 1826,1831,1926; in the embodiment of Fig.60 the shoot bolt in the locking condition engages openings 1826,1831. In addition, the shoot bolt tip 23 may enter an aligned recess in the frame 10.

Usefully opening 1831 has a lead-in surface to assist in the reception of shoot bolt tip 23, and such that when tip 23 is fully home in opening 1831 the movable member is pulled more tightly against a resilient seal carried as is normal in this art by an inwardly directed upstand of the outer frame against which the sash abuts in the closed condition.

In an alternative embodiment, a wider keeper can be used with a second opening in the cranked section 1924a and through which the shoot bolt tip 23 can pass in order that the sash may be held in a partly-closed (vent) condition i.e. the second opening is to the left of opening 1831 as viewed in Fig.61.

In the closed condition of the sash 14,. the keeper 1924 and the guide plate 1922a,b are obscured from view i.e. they are mounted in the bottom left and bottom right corners of a top pivoted sash window.

In the embodiment of Fig.63, cockspur guide plate 2018 has a base 2010 which is slotted at 2011, and a roof 2014 which is slotted at 2015. Slots 2011 and 2015 are aligned.

Base 2010 has screw holes 2017 for securement of guide plate 2018 to an outwardly facing surface of the movable frame 14 i.e. a surface facing the support frame 10 in the locked condition of Fig.65. As shown there are access holes 2019 in the roof aligned with the screw holes 2017, but in an alternative embodiment the base is extended so that the roof does not overlie the screw holes 2017.

Fig.64 is of a striker plate 2028, which can be secured to the support frame 10 through screw holes 2029 in base 2030. striker 2028 is cranked to provide a section 2032 which as seen in Fig.65 is spaced in use from the support frame 10. Cranked section 2032 has a slot 2034, which in this embodiment is partly defined by convex surface 2034a which acts in the locking condition of Fig.65 to press the cockspur face plate 2040 further towards the closed window condition i.e. out of the paper as viewed in Fig.64. Thus the sash 14 is pressed into sealing engagement with a resilient seal carried in known fashion by a surface facing in the sash opening direction of support frame 10.

In use, when the movable frame is swung into the closed condition, base 2010 and roof 2014 fit to either side (above and below as viewed in Fig.65) of the cranked section 2032 of the striker plate 2028. Thus in conjunction with cranked section 2032 roof 2014 can inhibit attempted lifting of the movable frame towards its hinges i.e. upwardly as viewed in Fig.65, whilst base 2010 can, if required, assist in limiting possible forced movement of the sash 14 away .from hinges 12.

In the locking condition the cockspur can be turned by handle 18 to swing face plate successively through slots 2011,2034,2015; and in an alternative embodiment also into an aligned aperture in the support frame 10. Thus the cockspur is engaged to inhibit movement of the sash 14 in the opening and closing directions, into and out of the paper.

Claims

1. A panel locking arrangement which includes

(a) a cockspur having a locking tongue;

(b) a pivotable mounting for the cockspur;

(c) first and second drive members guided for linear movement, the said drive members being adapted to effect axial movement of respective cremone lock bars between a retracted condition and an extended condition, the lock bars in the extended condition being engageable with fixed keepers;

(d) an operating mechanism which includes first and second drive coupling means, the first coupling means connecting the cockspur to the first drive member whereby pivotting of the cockspur effects movement of the first drive member, the second drive coupling means connecting the first and second drive members whereby movement of the first drive member effects movement of the second drive member but in the opposed direction to that of the first drive member characterised in that the first and second drive coupling means include peg and slot arrangements, in that the cremone lock bars and associated drive members are adjustable in combined axial length, and in that guide means for the lock bars inhibit lock bar rotation and thus further adjustment of the combined axial length a lock bar and drive member.

2. A panel locking arrangement according to claim 1 characterised in that the second drive coupling means connects an end part of the first drive member to an end part of the second drive member, the second coupling means being alongside said end parts.

3. A panel locking arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that first and second drive members are guided in a housing, and in that the pivotable mounting for the cockspur is within said housing.

4. A panel locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-3 characterised in that the second drive coupling means includes first and second coupling pegs carried by a lever, the first peg being received in a coupling slot in the first drive member and the second coupling peg being received in a coupling slot in the second drive member.

5. A panel locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-4 characterised in that non-rotatable adjustment coupling means connect a respective drive member and lock bar.

6. A panel locking arrangement according to any of claims 1-5 characterised in that the guide means includes a guide plate fixed to a panel part, the guide plate having a guide aperture, and a back plate with a guide opening, the back plate being secured to the guide plate and having a protuberance directed away from the guide plate and towards a drive member, the protuberance being annular and being aligned with the guide aperture and the through opening.

7. A frame assembly comprising a support frame defining an opening and a planar closure panel carried by the support frame and adapted to close at least part of said opening, the closure panel mounting a panel locking arrangement, the locking arrangement including cremone lock bars movable between a locking condition with each lock bar having an end part projecting beyond a panel edge, and a retracted condition, a lock bar opening in the panel edge through which the lock bar can move between the locking and retracted conditions, and a frame base plate mounted upon a support frame member which faces said panel edge in the closed panel condition, characterised in that the locking arrangement is as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, in that an extension arm is carried by the panel base plate, said extension arm being aligned with part of the frame base plate when the closure member is in the panel closed condition whereby to inhibit more than a predetermined relative movement of the panel base plate and a frame base plate in the plane of the panel.

8. A frame assembly according to claim 7 characterised in that the closure panel is hingedly connected to the support frame to swing about a hinge axis, in that the said panel base plate extension arm is directed away from the said panel edge, and in that the frame base plate has an oppositely directed frame base plate extension arm, the base plate extension arm being nearer the hinge axis than the panel base plate extension arm.

9. A method of assembling a panel locking arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1-6 into a panel with hollow frame members which includes steps of:

(a) placing an operating member into one frame member of the panel;

(b) inserting axially an inner end part of an operated member into said one frame member through another frame member of the panel; and

(c) engaging the inner end part of the operated member with the operating member within the said one frame member to effect a coupling of the members; characterised by the further step after said coupling has been effected of rotating an outer end part of the operated member about the axis to effect adjustment of the combined axial length of the operating member and the operated member.

10. A method according to claim 9 characterised by the subsequent step of fitting combination holding and guiding means for the operated member into said another frame member whereby to hold the outer end part of the operated member against further rotational adjustment, whilst permitting guiding of the outer end part during axial movement between a locking and a retracted condition.