An espagnolette assembly

Abstract

An espagnolette assembly for a window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess, preferably a eurogroove recess, which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, the first and second side walls each having an inner face having at least one retaining feature thereon, the drive rail having at least a first projecting portion arranged relative to the drive gearbox mechanism such that, when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, the at least first projecting portion of the drive rail is spaced apart from the retaining features of the recess, toward the recess base.

Description

[0001] An espagnolette assembly

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to espagnolette assemblies for windows or doors. The invention also relates to methods of installing an espagnolette assembly to a window or door leaf.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] An espagnolette assembly, also known as an espagnolette locking device, transmits rotation of a handle into translational movement of a drive rail extending on both sides of a central drive mechanism. Such espagnolette assemblies are typically used with PVCu window and door assemblies for locking the window / door leaf closed.

[0006] A common configuration of espagnolette assembly is illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B and comprises at least one locking pin (e.g. a mushroom-headed cam or bobbin) 1 mounted on a drive rail 2 (also known for example as a slider, locking bar, drive plate or drive rod carried behind a face plate 3. The locking pins 1 extend through and are captive in slots in the face plate 3. The drive rail 2 is driven by a handle mechanism, connected in use to the central drive mechanism 4, which may be cam-, or rack-, or lever-driven to convert rotational handle movement to linear movement of the drive rail 2. The drive rail 2 is moveable between a non-locking position and a locking position. When installed to a window or door leaf (not shown), the locking pins 1 project from the edge of the leaf on which the handle is located. When the leaf is closed and the handle is turned to lock the leaf, the locking pins 1 will move in the same direction as each other and into locking engagement with respective striker plates that are fitted on the adjacent stile of the window frame. Rotation of the handle in the opposite direction withdraws the locking pins 1 from their striker plates, allowing the leaf to be opened.

[0007] PVCu window and doors typically have a recess which extends around the edge of the leaf in which at least part of the espagnolette assembly is receivable. The dimensions of such a recess, for example its depth and width, are common within the industry, and such recesses are known in the art as "Eurogrooves". A eurogroove includes an inward facing flange or lip on each side of the recess, to provide a recess which is generally T-or I- shaped in cross section. The face plate 3 is typically received on top of the inward facing flanges of the Eurogroove channel, in the space between the recess side walls and above the inward facing flanges, with the remainder of the espagnolette assembly including the drive rail 2 received underneath the ward facing flanges. The espagnolette assembly has a plurality of screw holes 5 in the face plate 3, each for receiving a screw 6 in order to secure the espagnolette assembly to the edge of the leaf.

[0008] The locking pins 1 are mounted at predetermined locking points on the drive rail 2. This offers no flexibility in where locking points are positioned along the lock, and offers no other locking point alternatives other than that predetermined by the manufacturer.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an espagnolette assembly for an openable window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, the first and second side walls each having an inner face having at least one retaining feature thereon, the drive rail having a first projecting portion arranged relative to the drive gearbox mechanism such that, when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, the first projecting portion of the drive rail is spaced apart from the retaining features of the recess. The longitudinal recess in the leaf or frame may be a eurogroove recess.

[0011] In some embodiments, the projecting portion spaced apart from the retaining features of the recess (which may be a eurogroove recess) may be positioned close to the base of the recess and in other embodiments the projecting may be resting on the base of the recess.

[0012] The retaining features of the recess are spaced apart from the recess base. The present invention contrasts from pre-existing espagnolette assemblies in which the assembly is configured such that the drive rail is located just below the retaining features (which are flanges in prior art espagnolette assemblies) of the recess, without space to accommodate anything between the drive rail and the flanges. By means of the arrangement of the present invention, various types of connecting block can be accommodated between the drive rail and the retaining features of the recess, as will be described. The or each connecting block can be mounted anywhere along the drive rail.

[0013] The retaining features of the recess may be any feature configured to cooperate with another element in order to support it relative to the recess or to secure it in the recess. The or each projecting portion is preferably spaced away from a notional plane running between the retaining features of the first and second side walls of the recess. The projecting portion of the drive rail projects from the drive gearbox mechanism when assembled thereto. The or each projecting portion has a plane, in certain embodiments said plane of the or each projecting portion being spaced away from the notional plane running between the retaining features of the first and second side walls of the recess when installed.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an espagnolette assembly for an openable window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, and an opening at the top of the side walls, the drive rail having a first projecting portion arranged relative to the drive gearbox mechanism such that, when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, the first projecting portion of the drive rail is spaced apart from the opening of the recess. Suitably, the first projection is spaced apart from a notional plane running between the tops of the side walls of the recess, the tops of the side walls opposing the base of the recess.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an espagnolette assembly for a window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess, preferably a eurogroove recess, which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, the first and second side walls each having an inner face having at least one retaining feature thereon, the assembly further comprising a first connecting block which is mountable to the drive rail in use such that the connecting block is carried by the drive rail as it moves between its locking position and non-locking position, the connecting block having complementary retaining features thereon for cooperating with the retaining features of the recess in order to retain the connecting block in the recess. The connecting block, held captive in the recess by the cooperating retaining features, holds the drive rail in the recess whilst allowing the drive rail to move between its locking position and locking position. This removes the need for fixing screws to hold the drive rail relative to the recess. In preferred embodiments the drive rail has at least a first projecting portion extending away from the drive gearbox mechanism, the connecting block being mountable over the projecting portion of the drive rail. In other embodiments, the connecting block may be mountable under the projecting portion of the drive rail.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an espagnolette assembly for a window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, the drive rail having a first projecting portion arranged relative to the drive gearbox mechanism such that, when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, there is space to accommodate at least one connecting block mounted over the drive rail.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an espagnolette assembly for a window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, the first and second side walls each having an inner face having at least one retaining feature thereon, the assembly further comprising a first connecting block which is mountable over the drive rail in use such that it may be held captive between the drive rail and the retaining features of the recess. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an espagnolette assembly for a window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, the assembly further comprising a connecting block which is mountable over the drive rail in use, the connecting block having a locking pin thereon.

[0018] Preferably the drive rail is arranged relative to the drive gearbox mechanism such that, when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, there is space to accommodate at least one connecting block, mountable to the projecting portion of the drive rail, such that at least part of the connecting block extends between the projecting portion of the drive rail and the retaining features of the recess. In some embodiments the connecting block may extend between the projecting portion of the drive rail and the opening of the recess. The drive rail is preferably made of an alloy, even more preferably a metallic alloy.

[0019] The espagnolette assembly is preferably configured such that once the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, the or each connecting block is mountable over the drive rail. For purposes of understanding the present disclosure, when the term “over”, “above”, “top” or “upward” is used it shall be taken to mean towards the opening of the recess and when the term “under”, “below”, “bottom” or “downward” is used it shall be taken to mean towards the base of the recess. It will be understood that the definitions of the relative terms “over”, “above”, “under”, and “below” apply even where the recess is inverted. When these terms are applied to the espagnolette assembly, they refer to the espagnolette assembly when installed in the recess.

[0020] Preferably the espagnolette assembly does not include any elongate faceplate which is mounted to the drive gearbox mechanism or its casing. In preferred embodiments the espagnolette assembly does not include any elongate faceplate which is mounted to the drive gearbox mechanism using fixings and which is sized to overlie the full length, or substantially the full length, of the drive rail in use.

[0021] In preferred embodiments the espagnolette assembly does not include any elongate faceplate mounted to the drive gearbox mechanism and which attaches directly to the frame or leaf. In preferred embodiments the espagnolette assembly does not include any elongate faceplate that couples to the drive rail using locking pins.

[0022] Preferably the first projecting portion of the drive rail has an upper surface which is spaced apart from the opening of the recess by at least 2 mm when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, even more preferably by at least 4 mm. In preferred embodiments the upper surface of the projecting portion of the drive rail is spaced apart from the opening of the recess by around 2 to 10 mm, or by around 4 to 10 mm. Preferably the first projecting portion of the drive rail has an upper surface which is spaced apart from the retaining features of the recess by at least 2 mm when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, even more preferably by at least 4 mm and may be spaced apart by around 2 to 10 mm or 4 to 10 mm.

[0023] Said recess in the leaf or frame is preferably a eurogroove recess. The recess suitably has an opening at the top of the side walls. Preferably each of the retaining features on the first and second side walls comprises an inward facing flange extending inward from the corresponding side wall. In such embodiments there is a first inward facing flange on the first side wall and a second inward facing flange on the second side wall, said first and second inward facing flanges preferably being located at the same height relative to the base of the recess. In other embodiments, instead of inward facing flanges, the retaining features may each comprise an elongate slot in a side wall of the recess, each elongate slot being configured to receive a projecting clip therein in order to retain hardware, such as a connecting block relative to the recess.

[0024] Preferably the drive rail comprises a central gear portion for cooperating with a rotary driving member of the drive gearbox mechanism in order to convert rotary motion to linear movement of the drive rail, the first projecting portion extending from a first end of the central gear portion of the drive rail and the drive rail having a second projecting portion extending from a second end of the central gear portion, opposite the first end. The first and second projecting portions of the drive rail preferably extend along a longitudinal axis which is closer to the base of the recess, when installed, than the central gear portion of the drive rail. In this way, the first and second projecting portions of the drive rail bend towards the base of the recess (instead of away from the base of the recess, like in preexisting espagnolette assemblies). The first and second projecting portions of the drive rail preferably extend along a longitudinal axis which is parallel with the base of the recess. The rotary driving member may be a cam or pinion or lever. The rotary driving member is preferably a pinion, the central gear portion of the drive rail having a rack formed thereon for cooperating with the pinion.

[0025] Preferably the drive gearbox mechanism comprises a casing, the casing having an outwardly extending flanged rim. Preferably the outwardly extending flanged rim is configured to rest on the inward facing flanges in the recess when installed therein. A recess is typically cut in the base of the recess, the recess being sized to receive the casing of the drive gearbox mechanism such that when the when the flanged rim of the gearbox casing is resting on the inward facing flanges in the recess, the base of the drive gearbox mechanism casing is recessed in the leaf or frame. The flanged rim of the gearbox casing has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis running therebetween which runs parallel with the longitudinal axis of the recess when installed therein. In preferred embodiments the length of the flanged rim between its first and second ends is at least half as long as the length of the drive rail between its first and second ends. The flanged rim of the gearbox casing is preferably formed integrally with a body portion of the gearbox casing for receipt within a socket in the base of the recess. The flanged rim may be formed of more than one part, but each part preferably being integrally formed with a corresponding body portion of the gearbox casing. The first projecting portion of the drive rail may be arranged such that it is spaced apart from the flanged rim of the gearbox casing. The second projecting portion of the drive rail may also be arranged such that it is spaced apart from the flanged rim of the gearbox casing. The flanged rim of the casing may extend along a first plane when installed, said plane of the or each projecting portion being spaced away from said first plane when installed. The assembly is configured such that when installed at least a portion of a body portion of a connecting block may be received in the space defined between said first plane and the plane of the first projecting portion. Said space defined between the first plane and the plane of the first projecting portion has a height, at least a portion of the body portion of the connecting block occupying the height of said space between the first plane and the plane of the first projecting portion when installed. Similarly at least a portion of a body portion of a connecting block may be received in the space defined between said first plane and the plane of the second projecting portion.

[0026] Preferably the espagnolette assembly further comprises a first connecting block which is mountable to, and preferably mountable over, the drive rail. The first connecting block preferably mounts to the first extending portion or second extending portion of the drive rail in use. The first connecting block is preferably removably mountable over the drive rail. The first connecting block can be positioned anywhere on the first projecting portion or second projecting portion of the drive rail. The espagnolette assembly may comprise one or more connecting block for which is mountable to the drive rail. In preferred embodiments the assembly includes a plurality of connecting blocks which are mountable over the drive rail.

[0027] Preferably the first connecting block has means for mounting to the drive rail such that the first connecting block cannot slide back and forth along the drive rail once mounted thereto.

[0028] Preferably the drive rail and first connecting block each have complementary mating surfaces providing a removable coupling for mounting the first connecting block to the drive rail.

[0029] Preferably the complementary mating surfaces of the first connecting block and drive rail comprise serrations. By means of the toothed inter-engagement between the complementary mating surfaces, the connecting block is unable to slide back and forth along the drive rail once mounted thereto.

[0030] Preferably the connecting block comprises a body portion and a skirt portion extending downward from the body portion, the skirt portion having inward facing serrations thereon for engaging with complementary serrations on the drive rail. The skirt portion effectively forms a socket for receipt over the drive rail in order to mount the connecting block to the drive rail.

[0031] Preferably the connecting block has holding means for holding the connecting block within the recess. In certain embodiments the holding means comprises complementary retaining features, such as first and second clip elements, for cooperating with the retaining features of the recess in order to retain the connecting block in the recess.

[0032] Preferably the connecting block has first and second sides, the connecting block being receivable in the recess with its first side adjacent the first side wall of the recess and its second side adjacent the second side wall of the recess, the holding means comprising first and second clip elements projecting from the first and second sides of the connecting block respectively, each of the clip elements being arranged to retainingly engage with the retaining elements of the recess in order to hold the connecting block therein. By means of the holding means, which preferably comprises first and second resilient clip elements, the connecting block may be held captive in the recess. Each clip element may be any suitable engagement element, such as a detent, for retainingly engaging the corresponding retaining feature of the recess. In preferred embodiments wherein the first and second side walls of the recess have inward facing flanges, the clip elements are arranged to locate under the inward facing flanges of the recess in order to hold the connecting block captive under the inward facing flanges.

[0033] Preferably the first connecting block has an upper side which faces away from the recess when installed therein, the first connecting block having a first locking pin projecting away from its upper side. The or each locking pin is therefore carried by the drive rail as it moves between its locking position and non-locking position. When the drive rail is in the nonlocking position, the or each locking pin engages with a corresponding keep mounted on the frame in which the openable leaf is mounted. In preferred embodiments, the or each locking pin comprises a mushroom-headed cam.

[0034] FLOATING LOCKING UNIT

[0035] Preferably said connecting block comprises a first floating locking block which is mountable over the drive rail.

[0036] The or each floating locking block is referred to as ‘floating’ as it can be mounted anywhere along the drive rail. Preferably two or more floating locking blocks are mounted to the drive rail, the assembly preferably having at least one floating locking block mounted on each of the first and second projecting portions of the drive rail. The mounting of one or more floating locking blocks to the drive rail which are each held captive by the retaining features of the recess (which may be inward facing flanges) effectively secures the espagnolette assembly to the leaf or frame. This means that the espagnolette assembly does not require a faceplate, nor fixing screws for securing the faceplate to the leaf, as in preexisting espagnolette assemblies. The present invention therefore provides a screwless mounting system for the espagnolette assembly. The floating locking blocks can be mounted anywhere along the drive rail. This provides the installer with flexibility as to selection of points at which to the secure the drive rail relative to the leaf. The or each floating locking block preferably has a first locking pin projecting away from its upper side. The or each floating locking block therefore provides a locking point for securing the leaf to a keep on the frame.

[0037] Preferably the or each floating locking block further comprises an upper portion having first and second side overhangs which are configured to rest on the inward facing flanges of the recess when installed therein.

[0038] The floating locking block is preferably secured relative to the recess with the inward facing flanges of the recess held captive between the resilient clip elements and the side overhangs of the floating locking block. The spacing between the underside of the side overhangs and the top surface of the skirt portion which rests on the drive rail in use substantially matches the spacing between the underside of the flanged rim of the drive gearbox casing and the drive rail when assembled to the drive gearbox mechanism.

[0039] FIXING UNIT

[0040] The connecting block or one or more of the connecting blocks may comprise a first support block, the first support block having no side overhangs for resting on the inward facing flanges of the recess when installed therein.

[0041] The or each support block is mountable over the drive rail in order to keep the drive rail in place and to prevent the drive rail from flexing when the espagnolette assembly is under operational pressure.

[0042] HIGH SECURITY BLOCKS

[0043] The connecting block or one or more of the connecting blocks may comprise a first screw receiving block, the screw receiving block having a first elongate slot for receiving a screw therethrough.

[0044] The elongate slot has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the elongate slot preferably being parallel with the longitudinal axis of the recess when assembled therein. The first elongate slot in the or each screw receiving block allows a fixing screw to be mounted to the edge of the leaf or frame, in or adjacent the recess, said screw passing through the elongate slot. This optionally provides additional security to the assembly. The first screw receiving block preferably has at least a first locking pin projecting away from its upper side.

[0045] SHOOTBOLT ATTACHMENT

[0046] The connecting block or one or more of the connecting blocks may comprise a first shootbolt connecting block, the shootbolt connecting block being part of a shootbolt unit for coupling to a first end of the drive rail.

[0047] The shootbolt connecting block is preferably configured for mounting over the drive rail. This is in contrast to pre-existing espagnolette assemblies with shootbolt units, wherein the shootbolt unit is mounted under the drive rail. In preferred embodiments the espagnolette assembly comprises first and second shootbolt units, attachable at each of the drive rail.

[0048] RETAINING BLOCK

[0049] Preferably the espagnolette assembly further comprises a first retaining block receivable over the projecting portion of the drive rail.

[0050] The espagnolette assembly may have one or more retaining blocks. For example, the espagnolette assembly may have a retaining block positioned in the recess at each end of the drive rail. The or each retaining block need not necessarily have any means for mounting over / engaging with the drive rail such that it is carried with the drive rail as it moves the drive rail moves back and forth relative to the recess, unlike the connecting blocks described above. The or each retaining block preferably has holding means for holding the connecting block within the recess, such as first and second clip elements arranged to retainingly engage with retaining features of the recess, like the connecting blocks described above. By locating a retaining block in the recess and over the drive rail, for example at or near an end of the drive rail, the retaining block prevents the drive rail from bending away from the base of the recess, which the end of the drive rail may tend to do for example in the case of a long drive rail on a large window. COVER STRIP

[0051] Preferably the espagnolette assembly further comprises a cover strip attachable to the drive gearbox mechanism and / or a locking mechanism such as a shootbolt unit, the cover strip being for covering at least part of the recess. The cover strip is preferably made of a resilient material.

[0052] The cover strip preferably attaches to the flanged rim of the drive gearbox mechanism casing. In embodiments wherein the espagnolette assembly comprises a first shootbolt unit, the cover strip is preferably attachable to the drive gearbox mechanism and the first shootbolt unit so as to extend therebetween over the recess when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess.

[0053] Preferably the espagnolette assembly comprises a plurality of connecting blocks according to any preceding claim.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for an espagnolette assembly according to any aspect of the invention described above.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing an espagnolette assembly according to any aspect of the invention described herein, the method comprising placing the drive gearbox mechanism with drive rail attached thereto in a socket in the leaf or frame, the method further comprising placing a connecting block in the recess and mounting it to the drive rail. The method may be repeated with further connecting blocks of the same and / or different types. The method may include placing the drive gearbox mechanism with drive rail attached thereto in a socket in the leaf or frame such that the flanged rim of the drive gearbox mechanism rests on the inward facing flanges of the recess. In alternative methods the method may comprise placing one or more connecting blocks in the recess and mounting the drive gearbox mechanism with drive rail attached to the one or more connecting blocks.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making an espagnolette assembly according to any aspect as described above. In the context of the present invention, the term “mounting” means connecting or joining, either directly or by means of an intermediate or auxiliary element.

[0057] It is to be understood that the mere use of the term “first” does not require that there be any “second,” and the mere use of the term “second” does not require that there be any “third,” etc.

[0058] Brief Description of the Drawinas

[0059] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] Figures 1 A and 1 B shows a prior art espagnolette assembly;

[0061] Figure 2A shows a side view of an espagnolette assembly according to the invention with various different connecting blocks exploded from it;

[0062] Figure 2B shows a top view of the drive mechanism of Figure 2A;

[0063] Figure 2C shows a cross-sectional view through a profile member of a leaf into which the espagnolette assembly can be installed;

[0064] Figure 3A shows a side view of the espagnolette assembly of Figure 2A with two floating locking blocks exploded from it;

[0065] Figure 3B shows an end view of a profile member of a leaf with a floating locking block exploded from it;

[0066] Figure 3C shows a side view of a floating locking block;

[0067] Figure 3D shows an end view of a floating locking block;

[0068] Figure 3E shows an underside view of a floating locking block;

[0069] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the espagnolette assembly of Figure 2A with a floating locking block and a support block exploded from it;

[0070] Figure 4B shows an end view of a profile member of a leaf with an espagnolette assembly and a floating locking block exploded from it;

[0071] Figure 4C shows an end view of a profile member of a leaf with an espagnolette assembly mounted in the leaf recess and a floating locking block and support block exploded from it (the exploded floating locking block and support block are not shown to scale);

[0072] Figure 4D shows an end view of a profile member of a leaf with an espagnolette assembly mounted in the leaf recess and a floating locking block mounted on the drive rail;

[0073] Figure 4D shows a close-up of the mounted floating locking block of Figure 4D; Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a leaf profile member with espagnolette assembly mounted in the recess and a screw receiving block mounted on the drive rail;

[0074] Figure 5B shows a top perspective view of a screw receiving block;

[0075] Figure 5C shows a bottom perspective view of a screw receiving block;

[0076] Figure 6A shows an underside view of a prior art drive rail and prior art shootbolt unit exploded from one another;

[0077] Figure 6B shows a side view of a shootbolt unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0078] Figure 6C shows an underside view of the shootbolt unit of Figure 6B;

[0079] Figure 6D shows a side view of an espagnolette assembly according to the invention having a shootbolt unit mounted at each end of the drive rail and two floating locking blocks and two support blocks exploded from the assembly and a cover plate for mounting over the drive rail;

[0080] Figure 6E shows an underside view of one end of the drive rail of Figure 6D with a shootbolt unit mounted thereto;

[0081] Figure 6F shows a top view of the cover plate of Figure 6D.

[0082] Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0083] The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only. Common features between the assemblies of the different figures are referenced by common reference numerals.

[0084] Referring to Figures 2A to 6F, a first embodiment of the invention will be described. Referring to Figure 2A, an exploded view of an espagnolette assembly 10 is shown. The espagnolette assembly 10 comprises drive rail 14 configured to be driven in use relative a leaf that it is installed on between a locking position and a non-locking position by central drive mechanism 16 (also referred to as a drive gearbox mechanism). Referring to Figure 2B, the drive rail 14 comprises a planar, elongate metal plate. The planar drive rail 14 is preferably not straight and in this embodiment but has bends / kinks in it, as will be described. Like with standard pre-existing espagnolette assemblies, the drive rail 14 is driven by a rack and pinion mechanism. A pinion 17 is housed in a casing 16a of the drive mechanism 16. The pinion 17 has a square aperture 12 therethrough to key to a square section of a shaft of a rotary handle. The pinion 17 is not a full annular pinion gear but rather has the form of a quadrant / sector of such a pinion gear and carries on it a small number of large gear teeth 1 1 to engage with a rack portion (not visible in the figures) that is formed on an arched central portion 14a of the drive rail 14.

[0085] The espagnolette assembly 10 is configured for installation in a eurogroove channel which is a longitudinal channel extending along the edge of a leaf or frame. Figure 2C shows a typical profile member 20 of a window leaf having a eurogroove channel 22, hereinafter referred to as a recess. The recess has a base 23, first and second side walls 24 and inward facing flanges 25 extending inward from each side wall, forming lipped sides. The inward facing flanges 25 form a pair of ledges projecting towards each other from the opposing sides walls 24 of the recess. The inward facing flanges 25 define a recess mouth therebetween which is narrower than the width of the channel below the inward facing flanges 25. The inward facing flanges 25 define a restricted slot through which entry can be gained to an undercut part of the channel below the inward facing flanges 25. It will be understood that the espagnolette assembly 10 need not be installed in a standard eurogroove channel, but could be installed in other types of channel in the edge of a leaf profile or frame profile, as long as the channel has retaining features, which may be inward facing flanges or shoulders similar to those of a eurogroove, but may be other types of retaining feature such as elongate slots.

[0086] A socket-like recess (not visible in the figures) sized and shaped to receive a lower portion of the casing 16a of the drive mechanism is formed in the base 23, partway along the recess 22 (e.g. at a central region of the recess) in order to receive the lower portion of the casing 16a therein when installed. The drive mechanism 16 has an outwardly extending flanged rim 16b. Referring to Figure 4C, the flanged rim 16b of the drive mechanism 16 is sized and shaped to rest on the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess 22, with the lower portion of the casing 16a received in the socket-like recess.

[0087] The flanged rim 16b has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis running therebetween which runs parallel with the longitudinal axis of the recess when installed therein. The flanged rim 16b is shorter in length between its first and second ends than the drive rail 14. The first and second ends of the drive rail project beyond the first and second ends of the flanged rim of the cover. This is in contrast to prior art espagnolette assemblies wherein the drive rail is fully covered or substantially covered by a face plate which rests of the inward facing flanges of a eurogroove recess in use and which is sized to overlie the full length, or substantially the full length, of the drive rail.

[0088] Referring to Figure 2A, in this particular embodiment the drive rail 14 has first and second projecting portions 14b extending away from an arched central portion 14a (however, it will be understood that the drive rail need not have an arched central portion). The central portion 14a forms a shallow, flat arch. The first and second projecting portions 14b are straight and colinear. The truncated apex of the central portion 14a is spaced away further from the base 23 of the recess when received therein than the first and second projecting portions 14b. By means of the drive rail bending away from the top of the drive mechanism casing 16a, there is space to accommodate at least one connecting block, mountable over a projecting portion 14b of the drive rail, such that the connecting block is located between the projecting portion 14b of the drive rail and the flanges 25 of the recess, as will be described further. Referring to Figure 1A, the drive rail of pre-existing espagnolette assemblies also curves, but the other way from the arrangement of the present invention, so that in pre-existing espagnolette assemblies the central portion of the drive rail is curved to form a flat based trough when installed on the leaf. There is therefore no space to mount any sort of connecting block over the drive rail of a typical prior art espagnolette assembly.

[0089] Various types of connecting block 30, 40, 50, 60 which can be removably mounted over the drive rail 14 will now be described. Such connecting blocks include floating locking blocks 30, support blocks 40, screw receiving blocks 50, and shootbolt connecting blocks 60. These various connecting blocks have certain features in common. Firstly, each have means for mounting the connecting block to the drive rail 14, such that once mounted, the connecting block cannot slide back and forth relative to the drive rail. In preferred embodiments, this comprises complementary mating surfaces on the connecting block and the drive rail, preferably serrations. Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, at least part of the drive rail 14 has serrated edges. In the present embodiment, the elongate side edges of the first and second projecting portions 14b are serrated. Each type of connecting block has corresponding serrations for engaging with the serrated edges of the drive rail. This permits simple attachment of the connecting blocks to the drive rail. A floating locking block 30 will now be described, including features which are common to other types of connecting block which may be incorporated into the espagnolette assemblies of the present invention. In preferred embodiments, two or more floating locking blocks 30 will be mounted to the drive rail in use. The floating locking blocks 30 of the present invention are configured to be mountable to the drive rail 14 whilst also being held captive under the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess 22, such that the or each floating locking block 30 secures the espagnolette assembly to the leaf. Furthermore, the floating locking blocks 30 each have a locking pin 32 projecting from an upper surface thereof for engagement in a corresponding keep mounted on the leaf frame, such that the locking pin 32 moves as the drive rail is moved between its locking and non-locking positions in order to lock the leaf relative to the frame.

[0090] Referring to Figures 3C and 3D, in common with the other connecting blocks, each floating locking block 30 has a skirt portion 33 extending downward from a body portion 34, the skirt portion 33 having inward facing serrations 33a thereon for engaging with complementary serrations on the drive rail 14. In the present embodiments, the skirt portion 33 of each connecting block comprises first and second side walls 33b, configured to be received parallel and adjacent with the first and second side walls of the recess 22 respectively, the serrations 33a being on the inward faces of each side wall 33b of the skirt portion 31 . The first and second side walls 33b are spaced apart so as to from a secure fit over the drive rail 14.

[0091] Referring to Figures 3D and 4D, in common with some of the other connecting blocks, each floating locking block 30 has holding means for holding the connecting block within the recess 22. One floating locking block 30 will be described, but it will be understood that two or more equivalent floating locking blocks 30 may be mounted to the espagnolette assembly. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the holding means comprises first and second clip elements 36, which form spring clips. The first and second clip elements 36 project from first and second sides 37 of the body portion 34 of the floating locking block 30. The floating locking block 30 is sized between its first and second side walls 37 such that it can fit between the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess 22, such that the floating locking block 30 can be located therein. The distance between the distal ends of the first and second clip elements 36 is greater than the size of the mouth of the recess 22 formed between the inward facing flanges 25. The first and second clip elements 36 are resilient such that they can be elastically deformed so as to allow the floating locking block 30 to be inserted in the recess 22. Once the floating locking block 30 is installed in the recess 22 and mounted to the drive rail 14, first and second clip elements 36 will be located just under the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess 22. Therefore, once installed, the floating locking block 30 cannot be removed from the recess 22 without applying a pulling force to deform the clip elements 36 so that they can fit through the spacing between the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess.

[0092] The floating locking block 30 further comprises an upper portion 38 at its top end, the upper portion 38 having first and second side overhangs 38a which are sized and shaped to rest on the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess 22 when installed therein. The spacing between the underside of the side overhangs 38a and the upperside of the clip elements 36 substantially matches the depth of the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess 22, such that the inward facing flanges 25 are held captive between the clip elements 36 and the side overhangs 38a when installed. This helps retain the floating locking block 30 in a selected position relative to the recess 22. The spacing between the underside of the side overhangs 38a and the top surface 33c of the skirt portion 33, which the top of the drive rail 14 engages against when installed matches the depth at which the projecting portions 14b of the drive rail lie relative to the underside of the flanged rim 16b of the drive mechanism casing.

[0093] The floating locking block 30 is referred to as ‘floating’ as it can easily be positioned anywhere along the projecting portions 14b of the drive rail. By means of mounting a floating locking block 30 to the drive rail, which secures the floating locking block relative to the recess 22, a face plate is not required to secure the drive rail relative to the recess, unlike in pre-existing espagnolette assemblies.

[0094] As mentioned above, the floating locking block 30 has a locking pin 32 projecting from the top surface of its upper portion 38, the locking pin 32 being for engagement in a corresponding keep (not visible in the figures) mounted on the leaf frame. Once the floating locking block 30 is mounted to the drive rail 14, the floating locking block 30 will be carried by the drive rail 14 as it moves between its locking position and non-locking position, thereby also moving the locking pin 32 between a locking position, wherein it is engaged in the corresponding keep, and a non-locking, wherein it is unengaged with the keep. In this embodiment, the locking pin 32 is mushroom shaped, the corresponding keep being configured such that the head of the mushroom locking pin 32 can be received under a flanged portion of the keep. However, the locking pin 32 may be other shapes, such as a simple cylindrical shape.

[0095] In operation, referring to Figures 4A to 4E, in order to install the espagnolette assembly 10, firstly the drive mechanism 16 with drive rail 14 assembled thereto is installed at the recess 22. The drive mechanism casing 16a is placed in a socket-like recess (not visible in the figures), sized and shaped to receive the drive mechanism casing, in the base of the recess 22. Once installed, the drive mechanism 16 is recessed relative to the leaf or frame, but with the flanged rim 16b resting on the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess. A first floating locking block 30 is then mounted to the drive rail 14, with its skirt portion 33 received around the drive rail 14. As the floating locking block 30 is inserted into the recess 22, the clip elements 36 elastically deform once they reach the inward facing flanges 25 of the recess 22. Once installed, the overhangs 38a of the floating locking block 30 rest on the inward facing flanges 25, with the inward facing flanges 25 being held captive between the clip elements 36 and the side overhangs 38a. A second or more floating locking blocks 30 can be installed on the drive rail 14 in the same way in order to secure the espagnolette assembly 10 to the leaf and to provide locking points. Preferably the assembly has first and second floating locking blocks 30 mounted to the drive rail 14, one mounted on each projecting portion 14b. Preferably the floating locking blocks 30 are spaced apart from one another. Corresponding keeps are then mounted to the frame for interaction with the locking pins of the floating locking blocks 30, the keeps being mounted at positions corresponding with the selected positions of the floating locking blocks 30 on the leaf.

[0096] Another type of connecting block which may optionally be mounted to the drive rail 14 is a support block 40, as shown in Figures 2, 4A and 4C. A single support block 40 will now be described, but it will be understood that more than one can be mounted to the drive rail 14. The support block 40 is mountable over the drive rail 14 in the same way as for the floating locking block 30, namely via complementary mating surfaces on inner surfaces 43a of a skirt portion 43 of support block 40 and drive rail 14 (which in the embodiment shown in the figures are serrated surfaces). Like the floating locking block 30, the support block 40 also has first and second resilient clip elements 46 projecting from the first and second sides of the support block 40 respectively, which assist in securing the support block 40 within the recess 22. Unlike the floating locking block 30, the support block 40 does not have any overhangs above the clip elements 46 and the support block 40 does not have any locking pin projecting from its upper surface. In the present embodiment, the body of the support block 40 does not extend higher than the level of the clip elements 46. Alternatively the body of the support block 40 may extend higher than the level of the clip elements 46, but without any overhangs.

[0097] In operation, the support block 40 is mounted to the drive rail 14 in the same way as for the floating locking block 30 and once mounted, the support block 40 assists in keeping the drive rail 14 in place and prevents the drive rail 14 from bending when the lock is under strain.

[0098] Another type of connecting block which may optionally be mounted to the drive rail 14 is a screw receiving block 50, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C. A single screw receiving block 50 will now be described, but it will be understood that more than one can be mounted to the drive rail 14. The screw receiving block 50 is mountable over the drive rail 14 in the same way as for the floating locking block 30, namely via complementary mating surfaces on inner surfaces 53a of a skirt portion 53 of support block 50 and drive rail 14 (which in the embodiment shown in the figures are serrated surfaces). Unlike the floating locking block 30, the screw receiving block 40 does not have clip elements projecting from its sides, nor overhangs at its upper portion.

[0099] The screw receiving block 50 has at least one elongate slot 70 for receiving a screw 71 therethrough. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the screw receiving block 50 has first and second elongate slots 70 arranged side by side and offset slightly (although they may be in alternative arrangements). The or each elongate slot 70 has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the elongate slot being substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the recess 22 when assembled therein.

[0100] The screw receiving block 50 further comprises at least one locking pin 52 projecting from its upper surface, each for receipt within a corresponding keep slot mounted to the frame. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the screw receiving block 50 has three locking pins 52 mounted thereon. The locking pins 52 are carried by the drive rail 14 as it moves back and forth between locking and non-locking positions, in the same was as for the floating locking block 30. The locking pins 52 engage with corresponding keep recesses on the leaf frame when in the locking position. It will be noted that the locking pins 52 are optional features, however if included on the screw receiving block 50, they provide additional locking security to the espagnolette assembly. In operation, the screw receiving block 50 is mounted to the drive rail 14. A first screw 71 is then passed through the first elongate slot 70 and fixed to the leaf 20 with a portion of the screw shank extending above the edge of the leaf (and this step may be repeated for any other slots on the screw receiving block 50). The screw receiving block 50 provides additional security by means of the screw(s) 71 preventing the drive rail 14 from being lifted away from the leaf. The or each screw 71 has a head 71 a at the distal end of the shank 71 b, the width of the elongate slot 70 being greater than the diameter of the shank 71 b but not that of the head 71 a. It will be understood that fixings with a flanged head other than screws may be used with the screw receiving block 50.

[0101] Another type of connecting block which may optionally be mounted to the drive rail 14 is a shootbolt connecting block 60, as shown in Figures 6B to 6F. A shootbolt connecting block 60 will now be described, but it will be understood that typically two shootbolt connecting blocks 60 would be mounted to the drive rail 14, one at each end of the drive rail 14.

[0102] The shootbolt connecting block 60 is mountable over the drive rail 14 in the same way as for the floating locking block 30, namely via complementary mating surfaces on inner surfaces 63a of a skirt portion 63 of support block 60 and drive rail 14 (which in the embodiment shown in the figures are serrated surfaces). Unlike the floating locking block 30, the shootbolt connecting block 60 does not have clip elements projecting from its sides, nor overhangs at its upper portion.

[0103] Connected with the shootbolt connecting block 60 is a shootbolt mechanism 72 which is similar to that of standard shootbolt mechanisms. The shootbolt mechanism 72 has an L- shaped corner mounting member 73 having a first arm 74 parallel with the drive rail when mounted thereto and a second arm 75 orthogonal to the first arm, the mounting member 73 having an extending locking bolt 76 supported by the second arm. The bolt 73 may be driven by movement of the drive rail 14, by gearing in the shootbolt mechanism, between a locking position in which is projects from the edge of the leaf when mounted thereto and a non-locking position in which it is retracted into the shootbolt mechanism 72. An equivalent shootbolt mechanism will be mounted at the other end of the drive rail 14, the second shootbolt mechanism having an extending locking bolt 73 which extends in the opposite direction from the locking bolt of the first shootbolt mechanism in use. The shootbolt unit comprising shootbolt connecting block 60 and shootbolt mechanism 72 is very similar to a standard pre-existing shootbolt unit, except that the skirt portion 63 of the shootbolt connecting block 60 for mounting to the drive rail 14 extends from the underside of the first arm 74 of the shootbolt unit rather than from the upperside of the first arm as in typical shootbolt units. Therefore, the shootbolt unit of the invention is configured to be mounted over the drive rail 14, like the other types of connecting block described herein, rather than under the drive rail as in prior art assemblies (a prior art shootbolt unit 7 for mounting under a drive rail 2 is shown in Figure 6A).

[0104] Referring to Figures 6D and 6F, the espagnolette assembly 10 may further comprise an optional cover strip 80, if it is desired to cover the drive rail 14 so that it is not exposed. The cover strip 80 is an elongate plate, which in this embodiment is cuboid in shape. In the embodiment shown in figures, one end of the cover strip 80 attaches to the flanged rim of the drive mechanism casing 16a and the other end of the cover strip 80 attaches to first arm 72 of the shootbolt unit. The espagnolette assembly 10 will preferably have two cover strips 80, one mounted on either side of the drive mechanism 16.

[0105] Referring to Figure 2A, the drive mechanism 16 has a mushroom headed cam 82 (also known as a locking pin) protruding from the upperside of the drive mechanism casing 16a. The cam 82 is for receipt in a corresponding keep on the frame. The cam 82 is coupled to the drive rail 14 such that it is carried by the drive rail 14 as it moves back and forth relative to the recess 22 in use. In this way, the cam 82 can be moved between a locking position (wherein it is engaged with the corresponding keep) and a non-locking position by driving the handle of the espagnolette assembly (not shown in the figures).

[0106] The espagnolette assembly of the present invention can be provided as a kit having a plurality of connecting blocks 30, 40, 50, 60 of different types, so that the installer can select which types of connecting block to assemble to the drive rail 14 and at what position to mount the connecting blocks 30, 40, 50 (the shootbolt connecting blocks, if used, mounted to each end of the drive rail).

[0107] The espagnolette assembly 10 of the present invention improves fabrication time compared to pre-existing espagnolette assemblies and removes the need for a face plate and fixing screws. It also offers locking point positioning flexibility and options on improved locking types using the same system.

Claims

Claims1 . An espagnolette assembly for a window or door having a leaf which is openable relative to a frame, the espagnolette assembly comprising an elongate drive rail and a drive gearbox mechanism, the drive rail being driveable between a locking position and a non-locking position by the drive gearbox mechanism, the espagnolette assembly being receivable in a longitudinal recess, which extends along an edge of the leaf or frame, the recess having a base, first and second side walls, the first and second side walls each having an inner face having at least one retaining feature thereon, the drive rail having at least a first projecting portion arranged relative to the drive gearbox mechanism such that, when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, the at least first projecting portion of the drive rail is spaced apart from the retaining features of the recess, toward the recess base.

2. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the drive rail is arranged relative to the drive gearbox mechanism such that, when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess, there is space to accommodate at least one connecting block, mountable over the projecting portion of the drive rail, such that at least part of the connecting block extends between the projecting portion of the drive rail and the retaining features of the recess.

3. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the espagnolette assembly does not include any elongate faceplate which is mounted to the drive gearbox mechanism and which is sized to overlie the full length, or substantially the full length, of the drive rail in use.

4. An espagnolette assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the recess has an opening at the top of the side walls and wherein the at least first projecting portion of the drive rail has an upper surface which is spaced apart from the opening of the recess by at least 2 mm when the espagnolette assembly is installed in the recess.

5. An espagnolette assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive rail comprises a central gear portion for cooperating with a rotary driving member of the drive gearbox mechanism in order to convert rotary motion to linear movement of the drive rail, the first projecting portion extending from a first end of the central gear portion of the driverail and the drive rail having a second projecting portion extending from a second end of the central gear portion, opposite the first end, the first and second projecting portions of the drive rail extending along a longitudinal axis which is closer to the base of the recess, when installed, than the central gear portion of the drive rail.

6. An espagnolette assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the retaining features on the first and second side walls comprises an inward facing flange extending inward from the corresponding side wall.

7. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 6, wherein the drive gearbox mechanism comprises a casing, the casing having an outwardly extending flanged rim configured to rest on the inward facing flanges in the recess when installed therein.

8. An espagnolette assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the espagnolette assembly further comprises a first connecting block which is mountable over the drive rail.

9. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first connecting block has means for mounting over the drive rail such that the first connecting block cannot slide back and forth along the drive rail once mounted thereto.

10. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 9, wherein the drive rail and first connecting block each have complementary mating surfaces providing a removable coupling for mounting the first connecting block to the drive rail.

11. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 10, wherein the complementary mating surfaces of the first connecting block and drive rail comprise serrations.

12. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the connecting block comprises a body portion and a skirt portion extending downward from the body portion, the skirt portion having inward facing serrations thereon for engaging with complementary serrations on the drive rail.

13. An espagnolette assembly according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the connecting block has holding means for holding the connecting block within the recess.

14. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 13, wherein the connecting block has first and second sides, the connecting block being receivable in the recess with its first side adjacent the first side wall of the recess and its second side adjacent the second side wall of the recess, the holding means comprising first and second clip elements projecting from the first and second sides of the connecting block respectively, each of the clip elements being arranged to retainingly engage with a retaining feature of the recess in order to hold the connecting block in the recess.

15. An espagnolette assembly according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first connecting block has an upper side which faces away from the recess when installed therein, the first connecting block having a first locking pin projecting away from its upper side.

16. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 13 or 15, wherein said connecting block comprises a first floating locking block which is mountable over the drive rail.

17. An espagnolette assembly according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 6 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first floating locking block further comprises an upper portion having first and second side overhangs which are configured to rest on the inward facing flanges of the recess when installed therein.

18. An espagnolette assembly according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein said connecting block comprises a first support block, the first support block having no side overhangs for resting on any inward facing flanges of the recess when installed therein.

19. An espagnolette assembly according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein said connecting block comprises a first screw receiving block, the screw receiving block having a first elongate slot for receiving a screw therethrough.

20. An espagnolette assembly according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein said connecting block comprises a first shootbolt connecting block, the shootbolt connecting block being part of a shootbolt unit for mounting over a first end of the drive rail.

21. An espagnolette assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the espagnolette assembly further comprises a first retaining block receivable over the projecting portion of the drive rail.

22. An espagnolette assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the espagnolette assembly further comprises a cover strip made of resilient material, the cover strip being attachable to the drive gearbox mechanism and / or a locking mechanism such as a shootbolt unit, the cover strip being for covering at least part of the recess.

23. An espagnolette assembly according to any of claims 8 to 22, wherein the espagnolette assembly comprises a plurality of connecting blocks according to any preceding claim.

24. A method of installing an espagnolette assembly according to any preceding claim, the method comprising placing the drive gearbox mechanism with drive rail attached thereto in a socket cut in the leaf or frame of a window or door, the method further comprising placing a connecting block in the recess and mounting it to the drive rail.

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