Fastenings for closure members

Abstract

 A locking window fastener comprises a base (10) and a handle (40) each formed of a moulded plastics material, the base (10) being arranged to be fitted to a window casement and the handle (40) to a window frame. The handle (40) is mounted on the base (10) by a pivot arrangement 52) and has a locking arrangement comprising a lock (62) providing an arcuate end (64) internally of the handle (40), the end (64) co-operating with a pin (20) on the base (10). The lock (62) is rotatable by means of a key in a slotted upper end available externally of the handle 40), the lock (62) in one position providing engagement between the pin and the end (64) to prevent pivoting of the handle (40) away from a closed position, and in another condition allowing pivoting. A nose (50) which functions as a latch is formed on the handle (40) substan­tially centrally between the pivot arrangement (52) and the locking arrangement (62). End stops on the base (10) limit pivoting of the handle (40) by engaging with a lug (54).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus for fastening of a closure member in a fixture opening and is particularly concerned with casement fasteners for locking a window in a window frame.

[0002] According to the present invention there is provided handle apparatus for fastening of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, a handle pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position preventing movement, and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, and means for locking the handle in the closed position, the locking means comprising a formation of the handle and a projection on the base, the formation partly surrounding the projection in the closed position of the handle and, in that position of the handle, being rotatable in the handle between a locking position, wherein movement of the handle to the open position is prevented by engagement between the projection and the formation, and a release position wherein there is no such engagement.

[0003] Preferably the formation is of part circular form and is provided on a main body of the locking means, the projection being in the form of a pin. The locking means may have means for biassing the formation into a position co-axial with the pin, the biassing means being integrally formed with the main body. The main body with the biass­ing means may be formed of a plastics material, and the biassing means may comprise a spring loaded finger on the main body resiliently projecting therefrom whereby to engage in a recess in the handle. The recess may have an arcuate form, engagement of the finger with respective ends of the recess determining the extent of rotation of the main body in a respective direction. The main body preferably has an extension part presenting a slotted end accessible from externally of the handle for operative engagement by a key.

[0004] The invention also provides handle apparatus for fastening of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, a handle pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position prev­enting movement, and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, the base and the handle each being formed of a plastics material.

[0005] The present invention further provides handle apparatus for movement of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, a handle prov­ided with latch means which is co-operable with abutment means on the other of the fixture and closure member whereby to prevent movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, the handle being pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position preventing movement, and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, the locking means being laterally displaced from the handle pivot, and the latch means being positioned centrally between the locking means and the handle pivot.

[0006] The invention also provides handle apparatus for movement of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, a handle pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position preven­ting movement and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, a projection being formed on one of the handle and the base and being located in, for movement relative to a recess in the other of the handle and base upon pivoting of the handle between end stops, the position of the latter thereby determining the extent of pivotal movement of the handle in a respec­tive direction of rotation.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the apparatus of Fig. 1 but in exploded form;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view from above of a base of the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a locking part of the apparatus; and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a key for operation of the locking part.

[0008] Referring to the drawings, a locking window fastener comprises a base 10, preferably formed of a metal casting, which has a central section formed with an upstanding boss 12 defining a through hole 14, the boss 12 being profiled to have a pair of shoulders 16,18 formed on respective sides of the base 10 and operating as end stops as herein-­after described. Also on the central section there is defined an upstanding pin spaced from the boss 12, and an upstanding profiled lug 22 having an arcuate side face 24 spaced from and parallel to the curvature of the pin 20 to define an arcuate passage 26 therebetween, and another arcuate side face 28 spaced from and parallel to the curvature of the boss 12 to define a further arcuate passage 30 therebetween.

[0009] To each side of the central section, the base 10 is formed with a pair of longitudinally spaced countersunk holes 32 within a recess 34, each of the holes 32 being arranged to receive a locking member such as a screw for fixing the base 10 to a window casement. A cover 36 is provided to seat in each of the recesses 34 to thereby cover the screws.

[0010] A handle 40, preferably formed of a metal casting, comprises an elongate gripping part 42 integrally formed at one end with a mounting part 44. The latter has a through opening 46 offset from the connection with the gripping part 42, and an internal cavity 48 at the location of the end of the gripping part 42. The mounting part 44 is further provided with an integral nose 50 located substantially centrally between the opening 46 and the cavity 48 and extending to one side of the gripping part 42. The nose 50 is adapted to engage a striker (not shown) which is mounted on the window frame for a purpose hereinafter described.

[0011] The handle 40 is mounted on the base 10 by means of a pivot pin arrangement 52 operatively located through the openings 14,46 when aligned. The lower face of the mounting part 44 of the handle 40 has a first projecting lug 54 formed with opposed arcuate faces 56,58 and spaced from the pivot opening 46. The curvature of the faces 56,58 and the spacing from the pivot opening 46 are such that the lug 54, when the handle 40 is pivotally mounted on the base 10, can locate in the groove 30 formed between the boss 12 and the lug 22 on the base 10. A further lug 60 is formed on the lower face of the mounting part 44 and engages the upper surface of the central part of the base 10 at the side thereof remote from the lug 22 when the handle 40 is pivotally mounted on the base 10 so as to support the handle 40. The latter is arranged to pivot between a closed position where the gripping part 42 is aligned substantially above one side of the base 10 with the lug 54 at the end of the passage 30 in engagement with the shoulder 16, and an open position which is determined by the movement of the lug 54 through the passage 30 into engagement with the shoulder 18, the lug 60 being profiled to be able to move past the latter and outwardly of the boss 12. In its closed position the nose 50 of the handle 40 engages the striker on the window frame to prevent opening of the window without pivoting of the handle 40.

[0012] To prevent unauthorised opening of the window, a locking arrangement is provided. This arrangement comp­rises a lock 62 having a substantially cylindrical form but having an axial opening at its lower end extending radially onto the circumference of the lock 62, whereby to define a lower end 64 somewhat of 'horseshoe' shape. The end 64 preferably has a metal reinforcement. Aligned with the peripheral opening, the lug 62 has cuts longitudinally along its length from the radial opening defining a finger 66. The lock 62 is preferably formed from a moulded plastics material with the finger 66 being biassed to deflect outwardly of the lock 62. At its upper end the lock 62 is formed with a key receiving part 68 which is preferably separate from, and is of smaller diameter than, the main body of the lock 62, the part 68 being formed with an arrangement of through slots 70. A corresponding arrangement of slots is formed in the upper face of the main body. The main body of the lock 62 is also formed at its upper end, substantially diametrically opposed to the finger 66, with a longitudinally extending lug 72.

[0013] The cavity 48 in the handle 40 is profiled to receive the lock 62 with the upper face 70 of the part 68 being accessible at the gripping part 42 through an aper­ture 74. To retain the lock 62 in the cavity 48, the latter, to that side remote from the pivot opening 46, is formed with an arcuate recess 75 of increased radius, and opposite the recess 74 is provided with a further recess 76 having end seatings 77. With the lock 62 in the cavity 48, the lug 72 locates in the recess 75, and the finger 66 is biassed into the recess 76. A locking shell 78 of suitable arcuate form is push fitted into the recess 75, having end shoulders 80 engaging on seatings (not shown) in the recess 75, and retaining the lock 62 in position.

[0014] The lower end 64 of the lock 62 projects downwardly below the lower face of the mounting part 44 of the handle 40 so as to function as a locking part. In the normal unlocked position of the lock 62, when the handle 40 is moved to its closed position, the lower end 64 of the lock 62 engages around the pin 20 on the base 10. The lock lower end 64 can disengage from the pin 20 to enable the handle 40 to be pivoted to its open position.

[0015] For locking of the handle in its closed position there is provided a key 82 having an operating part 84 profiled to fit through the slotted part 68 of the lock 62 through the opening 74. The respective slots in the part 68 and the main body have to be aligned before the key can extend into the main body and the lock operated. Rotation of the key 82 rotates the lock 62 within the handle 40 to the position shown in Fig. 2 and moves the lock lower end 64 around the pin 20, the respective section of the lower end 64 being so dimensioned as to engage in the arcuate passage 26 between the pin 20 and the lug 22, to such a position that the engagement between the pin 20 and the lower end 64 prevents pivoting of the handle 40 away from the closed position. This thereby locks the window in its closed position in the window frame until the key 82 is operated to release the lock 62. On rotation of the lock 62 the lug 72 travels in the recess 75 and engagement between the lug 72 and the ends of the recess 75 limits the rotation of the lock 62. The finger 66 moves in the recess 76 into a respective end seating 77 to retain the lock 62 in its end position, and by means of the finger 66 being resiliently biassed in the recess 76, the main body of the lock 62 is biassed to its operating position co­axially aligned with the pin 20.

[0016] There is thereby provided a very efficient and aesthetically pleasing locking window fastener which is designed to prevent unlocking by other than the specially designed key 82. Many of the components of the fastener can be formed from a moulded plastics material such as acetal resin. By avoiding the use of barrel locks and the like, a much simplified locking arrangement can be used, being sufficiently strong by virtue of the force on the lower operating end 64 of the lock 62 being distributed throughout the handle 40. Extra security is provided by the forming of the part 68 separately from the main body. In this way inadvertent operation of the lock, for example by means of a screwdriver or a tool other than the special key, is prevented.

[0017] The arrangement of the nose 50 centrally of the handle mounting part 44, with the lock axis laterally offset from the pivot axis, enables a plate of the striker to be fixed centrally on the window frame relative to the handle, which is aesthetically desirable. Also the nose 50 can move through a greater arc on pivoting of the handle and therefore can be clear of the screw holes 32 to afford ready access thereto. The lug 56 ensures that, in its open position, the handle 40 is retained clear of the screw openings 32 in the base 10. The lug 56 is operable substantially internally between the base 10 and the handle 40 to thereby further improve the aesthetics of the apparatus.

[0018] Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the designs of the components may differ from that described and shown provided the components function as desired. Also it should be appreciated that the relative dimensions can be altered to suit different types of windows and window casements, and the base may be mounted on the window casement while the handle may be mounted on the window frame. It also should be appreciated that the invention may be utilised with other closure members in fixture openings and is not necessarily restricted to windows. The components can be made of different materials. The main components may be made of plastics.

Claims

1. Handle apparatus for fastening of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, a handle pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position preventing movement, and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, and means for locking the handle in the closed position, characterised in that the locking means comprises a formation (62,64) of the handle (40) and a projection (20) on the base (10), the formation (62,64) partly surrounding the projection (20) in the closed position of the handle (40) and, in that position of the handle (40), being rotatable in the handle (40) between a locking position, wherein movement of the handle (40) to the open position is prevented by engagement between the projection (20) and the formation (62,64), and a release position wherein there is no such engagement.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the formation (64) is of part circular form and is provided on a main body (62) of the locking means, the projection being in the form of a pin (20).

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that the locking means has means (66) for biassing the formation (64) into a position coaxial with the pin (20).

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, characterised in that the biassing means (66) is integrally formed with the main body (62).

5. Apparatus according to Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the main body (62) with the biassing means (66) is formed of a plastics material, the biassing means compris­ing a spring loaded finger (66) on the main body (62) resiliently projecting therefrom whereby to engage in a recess (76) in the handle (40).

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, characterised in that the recess (76) has an arcuate form, and engagement of the finger (66) with respective ends (77) of the recess (76) determines the extent of rotation of the main body (62) in a respective direction.

7. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the main body (62) has a separate extension part (68) presenting a slot arrangement (70) accessible from externally of the handle (40) for opera­tive engagement by a key (82) when aligned with a slot arrangement in the main body.

8. Handle apparatus for fastening of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, a handle pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position preventing movement, and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, characterised in that the base (10) and the handle (40) are each formed of a plastics material.

9. Handle apparatus for movement of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, a handle provided with latch means which is co-operable with abutment means on the other of the fixture and closure member whereby to prevent movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, the handle being pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position preventing movement, and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, characterised in that the locking means (62) is laterally displaced from the handle pivot (52), and the latch means (50) is positioned centrally between the locking means (62) and the handle pivot (52).

10. Handle apparatus for movement of a closure member in a fixture opening, the apparatus comprising a base for mounting on one of the fixture and the closure member, and a handle pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a closed position preventing movement and an open position enabling movement of the closure member relative to the fixture, characterised in that a projection (54) is formed on one of the handle (40) and the base (10) and is located in, for movement relative to, a recess (30) in the other of the handle (40) and the base (10) upon pivoting of the handle (40) between end stops (16,18), the position of the latter thereby determining the extent of pivotal movement of the handle (40) in a respective direction of rotation.

Drawing