WINDOW OR DOOR LATCH

Abstract: A pivoting handle type window or door latch actuating handle (1, 2) and a pivoting stay type of window retaining latch (19, 20) for mounting on a movable frame of an openable door or window, and which is co-operable with a corresponding keeper on or in a surrounding fixed frame in order to latch the movable frame to the fixed frame. The latch comprises a latching element (23) which is movable into latching engagement with the keeper when the movable frame is in a closed position with respect to the surrounding fixed frame, and a locking mechanism is provided to lock the engagement of the latching element with the keeper. An elongate arm (1, 2; 19, 20) is coupled with the latching element, and at least two combination wheels (9) are mounted on the elongate arm and arranged to control the operation of the locking mechanism so that the latch element can only be released from locking engagement with the keeper when when a respective predetermined correct combination is set on each of the combination wheels. The arrangement of the combination wheels (9) on the elongate actuator handle arm (1, 2) and on the stay arm (19, 20) provides a secure mounting of the combination wheels, which cannot readily be interfered with by an intruder, and yet which provide an unobtrusive visual appearance, combined with easy manipulation by finger or thumb of an authorised user.

Description: WINDOW OR DOOR LATCH This invention relates to a latch for mounting on a movable frame of an openable door or window and which is co-operable with a corresponding keeper on a surrounding fixed f ame in order to latch the movable f ame to the fixed frame. Window latches of the type commonly used in private houses normally have a pivoting handle which is mounted on the movable frame of an opening window, and which cooperates with a keeper mounted on a fixed part of the surrounding window frame. Often, in conjunction with the pivoting handle, there is provided a retainer stay which is pivotally mounted on the movable window frame and which* can be engaged with one or more upstanding spigots or projections on the fixed frame in order to retain the window in any desired open position, or in a closed position in which case it supplements the latching in the closed position which is already provided by the pivoting handle. It is known to provide so-called "window locks" in order to provide an additional safety lock for a closed window against unauthorised attempts at entry via the window. ' These window locks include locks which are separate from, and which do not cooperate with existing window handles or stays, these locks having a key-operated locking element which is mounted on the movable frame and which engages with a keeper e.g. a slit or hole, in the surrounding fixed frame. There are also key-operated window locks which cooperate with existing window stays so as to lock the stays in any predetermined position. However, both of these types of window lock suffer from the disadvantage of requiring the use of a special • key, and this ought to be kept in a safe place, but it is often the case that the key is left near to the window lock, e.g. on a window cill, ready for use, and therefore is readily available to an intruder after breaking the window glass from the outside. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a locking mechanism which can cooperate with a releasable latch of a door or window and which does not require the use of a special key. Also, with the pivoting handle type of window latch, there is an elongate actuator arm for manual operation in order to operate and release a latching element (usually a plate or tongue from its keeper (a slot in the fixed frame), whereas with the pivoting retainer stay type window latch there is an elongate arm for manual operation in order to operate or release a latching element in the form of an apertured plate with respect to its keeper on the fixed frame, which comprises an upstanding spigot or projection. Similarly, a door handle type latch- has an elongate- actuator arm for manual operation in order to operate and release a latching element, usually in the form of a spring loaded cam, with respect to its keeper in the form of a slot formed in the fixed frame. Therefore, for the purposes of the present specification, the pivoting handle type latch for a window or door, and the pivoting stay type of window latch, will be referred to hereinafter as "a latch of the type specified", which will comprise an elongate arm, and a latching element engagable with a fixed keeper. According to the invention there is provided a latch of the type specified for.mounting on a movable frame of an openable door or window and which is co-operable with a corresponding keeper-on or in a surrounding fixed frame in order to latch the movable frame to the fixed frame, in which the latch comprises a latching element which is movable into latching engagement with the keeper when the movable frame is in a closed position with respect to the surrounding fixed frame, a locking mechanism operable to lock the engagement of the latching element with the keeper, an elongate arm coupled with the latching element, and at least two combination wheels mounted on the elongate arm and arranged to control the operation of the locking mechanism so that the latching element can only be released from locking engagement with the keeper when a respective predetermined correct combination is set on each of the combination wheels. Two main embodiments of latch of the type specified according to the invention wxii now be described i detail, by way o-f example only, wi h reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures i to 6 are illustrations of detailed component parts of a first embodiment of latch according to the invention in the form of a pivoting handle. < this form of the embodiment is sub—divided into three versions, namely ? a/ U.K. b/ European and c Door lock > . Figures 7 and S s.re * illustrations of detai ed • component parts of a second embodiment of latch according to the invention- in the fo m of a pivoting window retaining stay. There will now follow detailed description of the construction and advantages of the preferred embodiment of the invention, in comparison with exsistiπg designs of window ■ fastenings.. < these comparisons ΆΓS also applicable to the door lock version shown in fiσure ό. ). SUBSTITUTE SHEET General Advantages (cornαarec with e:,ιscιng fastenings.. 1 The pivoting handle is normally fitted to s de hung windows an tr.e side ocpasite to the πinges. and acts as a low grade of I r wren ina winαcw is cicse . Seme mαcels allow tne wirαo ™ to te nsic in ≤ii tlv ocen position. ue G not provice aπv metπαc a- loci mg wren in tms position. Tπere are many methods o* loc- ιr_ the previously mentioned pivoting handles. However they fail into c e a m oermanant _ as iπg i.e. ccj_:i _ 5 ΠOI ui i n nardi-S to tne w ncow -^rs.ne. or they ms 1 e use of a loc. irc αevire using a _ey of cnε sort or another. FrcDOsad Embodiment Tne proposed new lock has a combination system hεrsDv a set of thumbwheels s.re required to be set to a predetermined ΠU.ΏDSΓ before the pivoting loci-- can be oαened. The new lock does not require a key to be used to ooeπ or close it. so that no key can be mislayεd, or left in the lock to be used if the adjacent glass or wood panels a.re broken. ( It is usual -far a thief to still open a window after orea'ring its glass, rather tnaπ π s- being cut ci im___.._.nα over oroi- sn qi ass.. SUBSTITUTE SHEET General Acvaπtaqss (con . ϊ Ketaininα b ' tav tsisunq e retaining stay i_ either side— ung or top—hung windows, ihis type of stay acts as ; I ' csv level of lock when the window is closed, and as a method 01 ϊiCi q- tne i various c-si ti 1 ns Sii _c_i_ * ! » _ : CDsr CI many methods of locking the previously mentioned 1 S ii πi ϋ ; iL≤ ≥. However , they al so have the same •drawbacks as mentioned previously. 1 i i___i_- »__ iϊci^i ϊ__._i_ js 1 ns sec of thumbwheels sr-s required to be set to a prεαets mined window may be opened to any one αf a set number a-f positions and the retaining stay lock re—locked, so that, for example. an upstairs fanlight window may be left slightly open to provide ventilatio 5 but at the same time still be securely locked. The new lock does not require a key to be used to open or close it, so that no key can be misi yed, or left in the lock to be used if the window pane is broken. In normal use the Thumbwheel inner C5> and inu cwnεei outer -.9) airs held together by tne Soring -_b> and rotate together as one un .. Tne Sf__.ri.nq (6) also acts on tne Ξliαer '"5 ι to hole it in the has first to b-s u icckεα, to do tms the Sneer (5? is oveo to tne position shown i figures 3 arc 4. wπεn the Sli er -5' is in tne unloci- so po≤itiot; the er.α cf the Fivct comcira ion. > i ≡ accessible. To change the combination. tπa Fivot c__._r.bination change bar (7 J i ≡ lifted, tπ s bar has three projecting fingers, ore under each Thumowhεel inner _Ξ _. tne moveme t of trsse fings-'s _.i-τ:_: tne sc inεs cf the T uπvouheal mπe'-s '.5* out of endace.rtant with t s splines of the Thu_rcwheel outers ' ; . The Thumownaei outers (9/ sre thus free to be rotated to wπatever number is required, while the Thumbwheel inners S; are retained in τ.he unlocked position by the tongues a-f the Slider (Ξ) in the recesses of the Tr.ii.-_hw.ssl xnners S^ . when the Pivot co bmaticn change bar (7/ is released it returns to it s normal position due to action of the Spring (6- bearing on the serrated shoulder of the Thumbwheel inner C3) _ The Thumbwheel inner (S> is al o returned into engagement with the Thumbwheel outer .=. duos to the action cf the Spring (6) . To prevent detectic the surface of tne Thumbwheel iπnεrs (5) which comes into contact witr tha tcng es cf the Slider (5; is serrated so that tne recess in the Thumbwheel inner <S) is undetεctablε. The serrations are extended to the shouldrer-i- o_-_-? -rH_=s Thumbwπeei inner .cϋ so tnat tne action of the Spring <ώ> causes the rotation cf the tomoined Thumbwπesl inner- (3) ana outer (9' to DS in aεscretε steps matching the πumπeπnc arrangement on the Thumbwheel outer .? . To prevent the Slider (5; from being forced such trat it ε tongues sre distorted and the icc.-inς arrangement * is bv—passed the ι_.aα:a portion of tne Slider cΞ is attached to tne msi ca t at tne Slider .ΞI. e The previous description of the operation of the Pivoting Handle lock is common to the three versions mentioned, the following description is specific to each versions a/ U.K. Version This version is shown in figures i to 4, although the correspondi g wedge plate .12. is only shown in outline in figursl From figure 2 it is seen that the Catch CiO. is being held locked to the Pivot bass (3) by the Finger plats (ii) being in the recess of the Pivot base (3> . In this position the Catch (10) is locked, but the main pa_*t of the handle i.e. the Fivot handle upper (i 5- and lower (2) ≡ire ÷ ' rss to rotate, the curved portion of. the Slider (5) being in a slot i the Finger plats (lli to allow this movement to take place. When in the iccfceα position the free movement of the handle gives added security in that if the handle is forced passed it's norma.il operating position only the handle will be free to move, the Catch CiO; will still be locked tα the Pivot base (3) by the Finger plate (II). To unlock the Pivot Handle the Slider position shown in figure 3, this in turn moves the Finger plate (11) out of engagement in the recess in the Pivot base (3) and into engagement with the with a recess in the Pivot handle, lower (23- The Catch (10) therefore acts as a single unit with the Pivot handle and may be unlatched from the ύedce plate ( (shown in figure I only) by moving the Pivot handle, SUBSTITUTE «WFPT When this version of tne pivoting handle is locked the Catch plate _iύ; is in engagement with the l.ec e elate (12 ) . wn .π tne two are in engagement with each other the/ are prevented from sliding apart by the provision of a lip on aacn component t-πι=n restrain any traπslatiαnai movement Gf eitner the Catch plate (10; or the Wedge plate (12) . This version of the Fi oting handle lock also has orcvisicπ for an Outer reinforcing plate (13;. In use t--.ι= would be iccataz on the outside of the opening window frame and fastened to ifε Pivot base (3) by machine screws into the- blind self locking threaded holes in the protruding bosses. I is Cuter reinforcing plate (13) would be cαnsida-ad desirable he e the ooerirg winccw frame section was considered msuficient tc accect r .3.≡ .sz J l = : si -te wααoscrεws. b/ European Version This version is shown in figure 5, and is designed to suit windows having internal mechanisms operated by drive shafts passing through the centre of the pivot base, in this example using a square shaft into the Fεcassed drive member (15). The method of operation in this version is very simmiiar to that used in the U. K.. version. The Finger plate (14) locks the Recessed drive member (153 to the Pivot base (3). This is the position as shown in figure 5, As in the U.K. version the main part of the handle i.e. the Pivot ' handle, upper (1) &nά lower (23 To unlock the Pivot handle the Slider (5) is moved, this in turn moves the Finger plate (14-3 out of engagement with the Pivot base (3) an.d into engagement with the Pivot handle, lower C2) , the Pivot handle and Recessed drive member (153 now 3.czτ. as one unit and any drive shaft engaging in the lock would be rotated by rotation of the Pivot handle. SUBSTITUTE SHEET c/ Door Lock Version This version is shown ir figure a, and is designed tc suit doors having internal mechanisms operated bv drive shafts passing through the centre of the pivot base, in this example using a square shaft into the Drive member (IS). Tnε mεtπod of operation in this ■ that used in the ϋ.j- . s.nc Ξurooean versions. The Finger elate .1^. locks the Soigotted drive rr.εmoεr _lά) tα the Fivot base (. /. As in the ϋ.. . and European versions the main part of the handle i.e. tne Pivot handle, uppεr (1) and lower (2) are free to rotate. To uπioc. the Pivot handle tne Slider .5,* is mo ed, this in turn moves tne Finger piate 114) out of engagement with t~.e FΪ .o base (4 1 T is is the arrangement as shown in figure __•• Tnε Pivot hanc_.e and Spigottad drive member (16) now act as one unit and any rotation of the Pivot Handle causes the Soigotted drive shaft ( 1 6 ) tα rotate. As this lock is designed for use cn doors, it should be a requirement that the drive shaft into the internal mεchanism should bs free tα rotate if the handle on the opposite sids of the door is operated. Tα allow for this the Drive member (IS) is free to bac;-. rotate against a Ξprmq (17) with the lost motion beino SUBSTITUTE SHEET taken by the Spigottεd drive εmbεr (16) having a member acting in an oversized recess in the Drive member (IS), i.e. the Drive member (IS) only rotates when the Pivot Handle is unlocked and rotated, or when the drive shaft passing. through the door is rotated from the opposite side handle. —sion of the lock i. _. _____ additional spring will be require drooping s.nά although not shown in figure 6 it is fsasabie to fit a spring between the Pivot base (4) and the Pivot handle,lower (23 In figure 6 the Pivot base (43 is shown with provision to accept counter-sink screws, as in this version of the lock the " • screws will be accessible it is proposed that either, vandal—proo÷ screws, a cli on shield, through screws from the reverse side of the door or s.n a..tεndεd skirt projecting from the lower part of the Pivot handle,lowsr (Ξ) will be provided. SUBSTITUTE SHEET Method of Odεraticn etaming Stay The rπetπαα of operation of this loci- is based on tne same concept- as used in tne Fi voting handle. An iew of the Retaining Stay is sπown in figure 7 and a pa t sectional view is snαwπ in figure S In figure 7 an Outer reinforcing plate .27) i≡ 5-.c r , this is tα __-= ussα as previous! cescπoeα i tne LJ.l . ve sio 1- of the F vcting Hanαie loc. 1 .. Figure 3 shows the "component parts ef the Retaining Stay loc'r . In operation, the Ξoigαt .. 6 1 which has a bulbous heaα . is nslc z 3.D t z. va bv the s-eyhole slot in tne Siider-stav .23' . To lift tne Stav handle, i- cc-ar (i?, 1 a c lower (20' c f tne Edi ct ( c/ , tne Slioer-stav (23) must be moved towards tne hinge and cf the stay, against the effect of the Spring (25; , by pressing on the End_ fitting (24). Movement of the End fitting (24) and there f ore tne Slider -stav ( '23) is onlv possible when the recesses in the Tnumbwheel innεrs (S3 are aligned so that the projecting tongues of the Slider—sta (23) av enter. With the recesses in alignment the Slider-stay (23) may be moved so that the enlarged portions of the J-ayhoia slots ars in alignment with the recesses in the retaining stav. I tnis oosition the Retaining stay mav bs lifted >-f the Sdidα (26,' . the wincαw cpened tc a different posi ion nd tnε ne.sini.ng stay r<Ξl πz> ≡d onto a Spigot -,26) . The method of changing the combination of the lock is changed from that used in the Pivoting Handle in one way only, i'.e. In the Retaining Stay, the Stay combination change bar (28) is actuated via a small hole on the underside of the Stay handle, lower (20) . The Stay combination change bar (28) is only accessible through the hole when the Retaining stay is unlocked, and the Slider-stay has been moved towards the hinge end of the Retaining: stay Figure 8 also shows the Anti-sawing rods (29) inserted in suitable longitudinal recesses in the lock bodies, to provide resistance to attack e.g. hacksaw etc. A similar arrangement may be adapted to protect the remaining areas of the lock,i.e. a central rod fitted inside the Spi-got * (26) , etc. It is anticipated that the above would only be offered on a special high security version of the locks. Also shown in figure 8 is a method of joining the Stay handle, upper (19) to the Stay handle, lower (20) without the use of screws or rivets. Each of the projections shown can be formed during the casting process, without the need for additional movable cores in the mould. During the assembly process the upper (19; and lower (2 1 halves of tne bodv s,ra brcugnt together, and during tπis the projections interfere with each other. With a moderate amount of fores applied to close the upper (19; and lower (20; halves, the projections deflect, tnis deflection increases as the • two halves of the loc;. are brouqnt closer toαathe , until tne two s eos on the projections overlac each other and the projections appro;-1mate!v return to t~sιr original shape. The upper (19) .and the lower (20ι halves of tha body are new iocr-ec tccether, with the σnlv w=y tα gain access to tha inside of tne bodies being bv destruction cf the loci- i.e. t'-.sr ε ~ rs no rivets ar screws tα form a wear point in tne loci occy. -__. ϊftjf _L π _z 1 zL _s- Fio.2 • ic.-i Chanαε ot Uαrnhi nation. - _£__.L -QDS≤n i-ii ϊ sectional Lθtκaσ, Fig.6 Door Lock, Sectional view. Unlocked, Fio.7 Window Retain!nq Stav. General _-. = __. fciiii _-.- riy. — — — ^._.ϊ_ t- .3. _j. ■<_£___ Vitri i i, u Kai SUBSTITUTE SHEET rt Co " Lfl U IJ ID Ul '..4 \ ) 3 VD 3 ro Comp oπ sn t .-itt - (coπi uoαr Spigottεd drive member Door bcπnq — αc IS Door Liπve memoer. 1 Stay- Stay handle, upper. ____. '-./ St y Stay case. Stay HIRQS fitting. Stay Slider — stay r End fitting. Spring — stay _3t Spigot. Stay Outer Reinforcing plats, outline. 23 Stay Stay combination change bar. 29 stay Anti—sawing rods.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A latch of the type specified for mounting on a movable frame of an openable door or window and which is co-operable with a corresponding keeper on or in a surrounding fixed. frame in order to latch the movable frame to the fixed frame, in which the latch comprises a latching element which is movable into latching engagement with the keeper when the movable frame is in a closed position with respect to the surrounding fixed frame, a locking mechanism operable to lock the engagement of the latching element with the keeper, an elongate arm (1, 2; 19,20) coupled with the latching element, and at least two combination wheels (9) mounted on tne elongate arm and arranged to control the operation of the locking mechanism so that the latching element can only be released from locking engagement with the keeper when a respective predetermined correct combination is set on each of the combination wheels. 2. A latch according to Claim 1, in which the elongate arm comprises an actuator handle (1, 2) of a pivoting handle type window or door latch. 3. A latch according to Claim 1, in which the elongate arm (19, 20) forms part of a pivoting stay type of 4. A latch according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the combination wheels (9) are mounted substantially mid-way throughout the depth of the elongte arm (1, 2; 19, 20), and a portion of the periphery of each wheel projects laterally to one side of the arm to be available for manual manipulation. 5. A latch according to any one of the preceding claims, including a slide actuator (5, 24) mounted on the elongate arm (1, 2; 19, 20) and movable longitudinally of the arm, when a correct combination has been set on the combination wheels (9), to effect release of the latching element. 6. A latch according to any one of the preceding cllaiirrs, and comprising a pivoting handle type door or window latch (Figures 1 to 6) . 7. A latch according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, and comprising a pivoting stay type window latch (Figures 7 and 8). 8. A latch according to Claim 7, including anti- sawing rods (29) extending internally of and along the length of the elongate arms (19, 20). S A latch according to any one of the preceding darπrsv including a combination change bar (7, 28) arranged i_π the elongate arm and operable to lift the combination wheels (9) and thereby permit free rotation of the wheels to a required new combination setting, and then to lower the wheels into position with " their new setting.

Inventors: KNIGHT ROBERT WILLIAM, KNIGHT, ROBERT, WILLIAM
Applicants: KNIGHT ROBERT WILLIAM, KNIGHT, ROBERT, WILLIAM
Application year: 1987
Main classification: E05B13
IPC codes: E05B13, E05B37, E05C17