AU2017208302B2

AU2017208302B2 - A latch assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2017208302B2
Application number: AU2017208302A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Damian Philip Rocca; David Winston
Original assignee: Azuma Design Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Azuma Design Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-19
Filing date: 2017-07-27
Publication date: 2023-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-27
Also published as: AU2017208302A1

Abstract

A LATCH ASSEMBLY ABSTRACT A latch assembly (20) for an awning window, the assembly (20) being adapted to engage a striker (21). The assembly (20) is adapted to engage the striker (21) when the window panel is pivoted to the closed position. The assembly (20) includes a flange (39) that is operated by a user so that the assembly (20) releases the striker to provide for movement of the window panel.

Description

A LATCH ASSEMBLY FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to latch assemblies and more particularly, but not exclusively, to latch assemblies for awning windows.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are significant numbers of currently installed awning windows. Typically these awning windows will be provided with a pivoted lever that retains the awning window in the closed position. Some awning windows are also be provided with a stay that aids in retaining the awning window in the open position.

[0003] A disadvantage of the above described awning windows, is that if the windows are subjected to substantial wind loads when open, the windows may be moved rapidly to the closed position. In some instances the windows may be repeatedly oscillated between an open position and a closed position. This movement of the pivoting panels of the awning windows can cause damage due to impact between the pivoted panels and the frames, particularly if the impact is repeated as is the case if the windows oscillate.

OBJECT

[0004] It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantage.

SUMMARY

[0005] There is disclosed herein a latch assembly to releasably engage a striker, the latch assembly including: a body to be fixed to a supporting member, with relative movement between the assembly and the striker causing the assembly to engage the striker to secure the assembly to the striker; a latch tongue mounted in the body and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an engaging position, with the tongue in the engaging position being adapted to secure the latch assembly to the striker; a first spring urging the tongue to the engaging position; a trigger mounted on the body and movable relative thereto between a tongue release position and a tongue retaining position, the trigger in the retaining position retaining the tongue in the retracted position; a second spring urging the trigger to the retaining position; a retaining member mounted on the tongue and movable relative thereto between a first position projecting from the tongue so as to be able to retain the tongue in the retracted position, and a second position at which the retaining member is retracted into the tongue so as to permit movement of the tongue between the retracted position and the engaging position; a third spring urging the retaining member to the first position; and wherein the tongue is retained in the retracted position by the trigger being in the retaining position, with engagement of the trigger with the striker causing movement of the trigger from the retaining position to the release position and the retaining member from the first position to the second position, allowing the tongue to move to the engaging position, with movement of the tongue to the retracted position from the engaging allowing movement of the retaining member to the first position for engagement with the trigger to prevent movement of the tongue to the engaging position, so that upon movement of the assembly from the striker the trigger moves to the retaining position.

[0006] Preferably, the assembly is moved in a predetermined direction towards the striker, with the trigger moved relative to the base in a direction opposite said predetermined direction to move from the retaining position to the release position.

[0007] Preferably, the retaining member is moved in a direction generally parallel to the direction of movement of the trigger, when moving between the first and second positions thereof.

[0008] Preferably, the tongue moves between the retracted and engaging positions in a direction generally perpendicular to said predetermined direction.

[0009] Preferably, said trigger includes an abutment portion that engages the striker, and a pair of generally parallel transversely spaced arms extending from the abutment portion, and between which the tongue projects.

[0010] Preferably, the tongue has portions that are engaged by the arms when the trigger is in the retaining position.

[0011] There is further disclosed herein, in combination, the above assembly and striker, and wherein the striker includes a striker body with a passage, with the passage of the striker body extending generally perpendicular to said predetermined direction, and into which the tongue projects when in the engaging position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic parts exploded isometric view of a latch assembly;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic isometric view of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic front elevation of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 4 is a series of schematic sectioned side elevations of the assembly as shown in Figure 3, sectioned along the line 4-4 with the latch assembly moving relative to a striker;

[0017] Figure 5 is a series of schematic sectioned side elevations of the assembly of Figure 3 sectioned along the line 5-5;

[0018] Figure 6 is a series of schematic sectioned plan views of the assembly as shown in Figure 3 sectioned along the line 6-6;

[0019] Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of portion of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 8 is a schematic front elevation of the portion of Figure 7;

[0021] Figure 9 is a series of schematic side elevations of the portion as shown in Figures 7 and 8, with the portion moving through a series of configurations;

[0022] Figure 10 is a series of schematic sectioned side elevations of the portion as shown in Figure 8 sectioned along the line 9-9; and

[0023] Figure 11 is a series of schematic plan views of the portion as shown in Figures 8 and 10, sectioned along the line 11-11.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a latch assembly 20 that engages a striker 21. The latch assembly 20 and striker 21 are to be attached to an awning window. In particular, the assembly 20 would be attached to the pivoted panel, while the striker 21 would be attached to the surrounding frame.

[0025] In operation of the assembly 20 and striker 21, when the pivoted window panel is moved to the closing position, the assembly 20 engages the striker 21, to activate the assembly 20 so that the assembly 20 is secured to the striker 21. This will then secure the pivoted panel is retained in the closed position with respect to the surrounding frame. Typically the assembly 20 would be fixed to a lower horizontal rail of the pivoted panel, while the striker 21 would be attached to a lower horizontal frame member.

[0026] The striker 21 includes a body 22 having a base 23 and a flange 24. The flange 24 extends beyond the surface 25 of the base 23, with a passage 26 extending inwardly of the base 23 from the surface 25.

[0027] Preferably the base 23 has a plurality of passages 27 through which threaded fasteners would pass to secure the striker 22 to the lower horizontal frame member. The flange 24 would project upwardly, so as to present a face 28 to be engaged the assembly 20 when the assembly 20 is moved in the pivoting direction 29 by movement of the pivoted panel to a closed position.

[0028] The passage 26 is generally perpendicular to the direction 29, that is the passage 26 is generally vertical.

[0029] The assembly 20 includes a base 30 that includes a first base part 31 and a second base part 32. The base part 31 is fixed to the base part 32, together with a cover (cap) 34. The base part 31 has slots 33, and the base part 32 resiliently barbs 35. The cover 34 has barbs 36. The barbs 35 and 36 of parts 31 and 32, and cover 34 "snap" engaging so as to be secured together.

[0030] The parts 31 and 32 cooperate to provide a passage 37 that is to be aligned with the passage 36 when the assembly 20 is engaged with the striker 21.

[0031] Mounted in the body 20 is a latch tongue (locking bar) 38 that includes an end flange 39 from which their projects a tongue member 40. The tongue member 40 is slidably received in the passage 37, so that the latch tongue 38 is moved between a retracted position at which the end extremity 41 does not project beyond the base 30, and an engaging position at which the end extremity 41 projects beyond the base 30 so as to project into the passage 26 when the assembly 20 is in the closed position with respect to the striker 24.

[0032] The tongue member 40 has a pair of transverse passages 42 and 43 that extend generally in the direction 29. The passage 42 receives a projection 44 of the part 32, so that the tongue 38 is captively located with respect to the base 30. The projection 44 also acts as a stop for the tongue 38. The passage 43 receives a retaining member (pawl) 45, with a spring 46 being located in the passage 43 so as to urge the retaining member 45 outwardly of the passage 43. In particular, the retaining member 45 is movable between a first position at which the retaining member 45 projects from within the passage 43 and a second position at which the retaining member 45 is totally contained with the passage 43 of the tongue member 40.

[0033] A spring 47 extends between the tongue 38 and the base 30 to urge the tongue 38 in the direction 48 to the engaging position. The direction 48 is generally perpendicular to the direction 29.

[0034] Mounted on the base 30 is a trigger 49. The trigger 49 is mounted on the base 30 for movement in a direction 50 that is generally parallel to the direction 29. The trigger 49 includes an abutment portion 51, and a pair of arms 52 extending therefrom. The arms 52 have end portions 54 that enter apertures 58 in the base part 32.

[0035] As best seen in Figure 6, the arms are located on either side of the tongue member 40, when the tongue member 40 is located in the passage 26. The tongue member 40 has notches 59 that are engaged by the end portions 54, when the trigger 40 is retaining the trigger 49 in a retracted position, not projecting into the passage 26. When the trigger 49 is engaged by the striker flange 24, the trigger 49 is moved in the direction 50 so that the end portions 54 leave the notches 59. When the trigger 49 is moved to the release position, the end portions 54 enter the recesses 53.

[0036] Accordingly, the trigger 49 is movable in the direction 50 relative to the parts 31 and 32 between a release position and a retaining position with respect with tongue 38.

[0037] The end portions 54 also captively locate the trigger 49 with respect to the base 30 and the tongue 38. The end portions 54 engage the tongue member 40 to limit movement in the direction 50 of the tongue 49 away from the base 30.

[0038] Springs 56 extend between the trigger 49 and part 31 to urge the trigger 49 generally in the direction 29 relative to the parts 31 and 32, to the engaging position.

[0039] Extending from the abutment portion 51, in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction 50, is a projection 57 that is also receivable in the aperture 58, together with the abutment portion 51.

[0040] The retaining member 45 also moves in the direction 50 between the first and second positions thereof. It should also be appreciated the retaining member 45 is captively located in the passage 43 by the part 31 and trigger 49.

[0041] In operation of the above described assembly 20 and striker 21, as the pivoted panel moves in the direction 29 to the closed position, the assembly 20 engages the striker 21 (Figure 2B). In particular, the abutment portion 51 of the trigger 49 engages the face 28 to move the trigger 49 into the recess 58 (to the release position). This releases the tongue 38 so that the tongue member 40 is moved into the passage 26 by the spring 47 (Figure 2C). Simultaneously the projection 57 enters the aperture 58 and engages the retaining member 45 so as to move the retaining member 45 to a position contained wholly within the tongue member 40 (the second position). Accordingly, the tongue member 40 is free to move into the recess 34. Once the tongue member 40 is in the recess 34, the assembly 20 is retained secured to the striker 21. That is, the tongue member 40 prevents movement of the assembly 20 in a direction opposite the direction 29 away from the striker 21.

[0042] To open the window, a user engages the flange 39 and moves the tongue 38 in a direction opposite the direction 48 (Figure 2D). This compresses the spring 47. In doing so, the retaining member 45, under the influence of the spring 46, is moved to a position outwardly of the tongue member 40 (the first position), that is it projects outwardly of the passage 43 and projects beyond portion of the trigger 49. The flange 39 can then be released. The tongue member 38, under the influence of the spring 47, is again urged in the direction 48 but is prevented from moving by engagement of the retaining member 45 with the trigger 49.

[0043] Upon the tongue member 38 being moved from projecting into the passage 26, the pivot panel can then be moved in a direction opposite the direction 29 (moved to an open position). The assembly 20 is moved away from the striker 34. This then enables the trigger 49, under the influence of the springs 56, to move in the direction 50, to a position at which the trigger 49 restrains the tongue member 38 from moving relative to the base 30 (the retaining position), and in a position not engaged within the passage 26. As the trigger 49 moves, the retaining member 45 is allowed to move to the first position. Accordingly, the assembly 20 is then ready to be activated again by engagement of the trigger 49 with the striker 34.

[0044] The above described preferred embodiment has the advantage that when attached to an awning window, should the pivoted panel be moved to the closed position, whether manually or under wind loading, the assembly 20 engages the striker 21. In particular, the trigger 49 engages the flange 24 to move the trigger 49 to the release position. Thereafter, the tongue member 40 is moved into the passage 26, preventing movement of the assembly 20 away from the striker 21. Accordingly, the window is retained in the closed position.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A latch assembly for awning windows and the like to releasably engage a striker, the latch assembly including: a body to be fixed to a supporting member, with relative movement between the assembly and the striker causing the assembly to engage the striker to secure the assembly to the striker; a latch tongue mounted in the body and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an engaging position, with the tongue in the engaging position being adapted to secure the latch assembly to the striker; a first spring urging the tongue to the engaging position; a trigger mounted on the body and movable relative thereto between a tongue release position and a tongue retaining position, the trigger in the retaining position retaining the tongue in the retracted position; a second spring urging the trigger to the retaining position; a retaining member mounted on the tongue and movable relative thereto between a first position projecting from the tongue so as to be able to retain the tongue in the retracted position, and a second position at which the retaining member is retracted into the tongue so as to permit movement of the tongue between the retracted position and the engaging position; a third spring urging the retaining member to the first position; and wherein the tongue is retained in the retracted position by the trigger being in the retaining position, with engagement of the trigger with the striker causing movement of the trigger from the retaining position to the release position and the retaining member from the first position to the second position, allowing the tongue to move to the engaging position, with movement of the tongue to the retracted position from the engaging allowing movement of the retaining member to the first position for engagement with the trigger to prevent movement of the tongue to the engaging position, so that upon movement of the assembly from the striker the trigger moves to the retaining position.
2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is moved in a predetermined direction towards the striker, with the trigger moved relative to the base in a direction opposite said predetermined direction to move from the retaining position to the release position.
3. The latch assembly of claim 2, wherein the retaining member is moved in a direction generally parallel to the direction of movement of the trigger, when moving between the first and second positions thereof.
4. The latch assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the tongue moves between the retracted and engaging positions in a direction generally perpendicular to said predetermined direction.
5. The latch assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said trigger includes an abutment portion that engages the striker, and a pair of generally parallel transversely spaced arms extending from the abutment portion, and between which the tongue projects.
6. The latch assembly of claim 5, wherein the tongue has portions that are engaged by the arms when the trigger is in the retaining position.
7. In combination, the latch assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6 and said striker, and wherein the striker includes a striker body with a passage, with the passage of the striker body extending generally perpendicular to said predetermined direction, and into which the tongue projects when in the engaging position.

Azuma Design Pty Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person GLMR