Title of Invention

A CATCH ASSEMBLY FOR INTERLOCKING OF TWO MEMBERS

Abstract

A catch assembly for interlocking of two members, atleast one member being moveable relative to another and the said catch assembly is being adapted to be installed within small gaps of atleast 4 mm between the members when in locked position, the said catch assembly comprising at least one catch unit 1 disposed between the first member 3 and second member 5, the said catch unit comprising a first catch member 9 attached to the said first member 3 and second catch member 11 being attached to the said second member 5, the said second catch member being identical in construction to the first catch member but being located on the opposite side of first catch member after being rotated through 180°, characterized in that: a) the said first catch member (9) has a shaft 13 attached to it and having projection (17) located at its terminal end and said second catch member 11 has a shaft 19 having projection 21 located at its terminal end and wherein the said shafts have the shape selected from L-shape and curved shape, and shafts are capable of flexing through atleast 25° from its rest position and wherein at least one of the said shaft is made of plastically deformable elastic material selected from UPVC, aluminum, iron, stainless steel having Young's modulus of at least 62 GNm"2(9x106psi) and wherein at least a part of one of the catch members is permanently deformable and wherein further the inner surface 29 of the said projection 17 is engageable with inner surfaces 31 of the said projection 21 when the said shaft 13 is brought into contact with said shaft 19 wherein further two shafts flex together when the said members are moved apart and their projections (29, 31) remain engaged with another, and wherein further the said shafts are adapted and positioned so that the grip between the engaging surfaces (29, 31) becomes stronger with the increase in the application of external force till it enters into a dead-tight status. -13- b) there is a plurality of catch units provided along the length of at least one of the said first and second member, with each catch unit having a first catch member (9) with projection (17) and second catch member(11) with projection(21), wherein plurality of catch units have first orientation and plurality of catch units have second orientation which is opposite to the first orientation and the catch units of first orientation are alternately arranged with the catch units of second orientation;

Full Text

FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (Section 10 and rule 13) TITLE A CATCH ASSEMBLY FOR INTERLOCKING OF TWO MEMBERS APPLICANT SIO Yeok Sing, Block 465, #07-1054, Ang Mio Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 560465, National of Singapore The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed: The present invention relates to a catch assembly for interlocking of two members. More specifically, the present invention relates to catch assembly for doors (sliding or hinged), windows, drawers, grilles etc. Sliding doors, grilles, windows etc. suffer from the problem that they can often be easily forced opened by prising the sliding members, i.e. doors, grilles etc. apart. This problem is also encountered in hinged doors, windows, etc. as these are also prone to opening by prising the catch / lock mechanism open which secures the hinged door. . Previously, security devices have been suggested for sliding grilles etc. which prevent the sliding panels being pulled apart to a certain extent. For example, Australian patent AU-27145/95 discloses a device which has inter-engaging teeth which partially prevent sliding grilles from being prised apart. However, under such a force, these teeth will break rendering the security device useless. According to this invention, there is provided a catch assembly for interlocking of two members, atleast one member being moveable relative to another and the said catch assembly is being adapted to be installed within small gaps of atleast 4 mm between the members when in locked position, the said catch assembly comprising at least one catch unit 1 disposed between the first member 3 and second member 5, the said catch unit comprising a first catch member 9 attached to the said first member 3 and second catch member 11 being attached to the said second member 5, the said second catch member being identical in construction to the first catch member but being located on the opposite side of first catch member after.being rotated through 180 , characterized in that: a) the said first catch member (9) has a shaft 13 attached to it and having projection (17) located at its terminal end and said second catch member 11 has a shaft 19 having projection 21 located at its terminal end and wherein the said shafts have the shape selected from L-shape and curved shape, and shafts are capable of flexing through atleast 25 from its rest position and wherein at least one of the said shaft is made of plastically deformable elastic material selected from UPVC, aluminum, iron, stainless steel having Young's modulus of at least 62 GNm" (9x10 psi) and wherein at least a part of one of the catch members is permanently deformable and wherein further the inner surface 29 of the said projection 17 is engageable with inner surfaces 31 of the said projection 21 when the said shaft 13 is brought into contact with said shaft 19 wherein further two shafts flex together when the said members are moved apart and their projections (29, 31) remain engaged with another, and wherein further the said shafts are adapted and positioned so that the grip between the engaging surfaces (29, 31) becomes stronger with the increase in the application of external force till it enters into a dead-tight status; 2 b) there is a plurality of catch units provided along the length of at least one of the said first and second member, with each catch unit having a first catch member (9) with projection (17) and second catch member(l 1) with projection(21), wherein plurality of catch units have first orientation and plurality of catch units have second orientation which is opposite to the first orientation and the catch units of first orientation are alternately arranged with the catch units of second orientation; The provision of the flexible shafts allows the catch to withstand a greater force prising the first and second members apart. Generally, the shaft of each catch member flexes such that as the first and second members are moved apart, the shaft flexes away from the member to which it is attached. As the first and second members are moved, the catch members, or preferably the shafts of the catch members, elastically deform to keep the projections engaged. The shafts of the catch members preferably flex to keep the projections engaged as the first and second members are moved apart or even as they are moved together. The catch members or shafts will deform elastically up to a point, then they will preferably plastically deform. This plastic deformation is used advantageously to provide a secure catch. Preferably, the catch members or at least the shafts of the catch members will comprise metal or plastics. More preferably, they will comprise at least one of the following UPVC, aluminium, iron or stainless steel. A material with a modulus of preferably at least 62GNm"2 (9 x 106 psi) is required, more preferably at least 103GNm"2 (15 x 106psi), even more preferably at least 138GNm"2 (20 x 106psi). The above materials or materials with the above elastic properties also satisfy the plastic deformation properties preferably required by the present invention. For example, aluminium 6061-T6 has a Young's modulus of 70GNm"2 (10.2 x 106 psi), ductile Iron is between 170 and 176GNm"2 x 106 psi and stainless steel 18.8 is 190GNm"2 (27.6 x 106 psi). In general, a force of more than double these values is required to cause plastic deformation. The shafts flex as the first and second members moved apart or pushed together, the shafts preferably are capable of moving through at least 25 from their rest position as they flex, more preferably, the shafts can move through at least 30° from their rest position. If the first and second members are being moved apart, for example, if they are prised apart, the separation between the first and second members increases and the shafts flex to maintain the projections in contact. As there is now larger separation between the first and second members, it is difficult to maintain 3 application of a strong prising force. For example, if the shafts flex is more than 25°, it is very difficult to apply an effective prising force. Preferably, the shaft is "L" shaped: One end of this shaft is connected to the member and the projection is located at the other end of the shaft L e. the free end. As the shafts flex, preferably, the angle at the corner of the "L" shape varies, for example it increases if the. members: are pulled apart. If the first and second members are pushed together, the angle at the corner of "L" should also increase. More preferably, the first and second catch members are positioned so that they can slide easily over one another when the members are in an unlocked position and engage with each other when the members are in a locked position. Of course, the shaft does not need to be L-shaped, it could be curved. The members may be provided with a plurality of catches. Preferably, such catches extend along a whole length of the member to strengthen the entire sliding assembly against unauthorised opening of the doors, grille, windows etc. Also, if one of the catches opens, the remaining catches will hold the first and second members together. The provision of a plurality of catch members provides far greater security. If the members are pulled apart at a certain point such that they plastically deform at that point, the other members which were not prised apart will remain in their rest position. This line of catches where some of the members are permanently plastically deformed and others are not, gives rise to an irregular line of catches (a wave like structure) which prevents opening of the first and second members. It is not possible to bend the catches which have been permanently deformed back into position without bending another catch out of position. Also, the catch which has deformed will further deform in an attempt to straight it by moving the first and second members. In the sliding member assembly, one or both of the first and second members may be slidable., The first and second members to which the catch members are attached can be members which slide relative to one another, for example the first and second members may be sliding doors alternatively, the second member may be a fixed member and the first member may slide relative to the first member, for example, the second member may be a door post, window frame, drawer support etc. and the first member may be a door, sliding window, or drawer respectively. Thus, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a sliding member assembly comprising first and second members wherein at least one member slides relative to the other member and a catch assembly, the catch assembly comprising first and second catch members attachable to the first and second members respectively, each catch member having a projection portion located on a shaft, the projections of the first and second catch members being engageable with one another when the first and second catch members are in a locked position, the first and second shaft portions being flexible, such that as the members are moved apart or together when the catch members are in the locked position, the shafts flex to keep the projections engaged with one another. In the case where the two members slide relative to each other, at least one of the members may be substantially planar, at least one of the catch members may be attached to the planar face of one of the members which faces the other of the first and second members. Also, one of the catch members may be attached to the edge or close to the edge of one of the members. In a preferred arrangement, a catch member is provided on opposite sides of the first sliding member, each of the catch members of the sliding member being engageable with catch members located on one or two second members. Alternatively, the catch may be used with hinged or so-called swing doors, windows or the like. In this type of arrangement, the second member is hingeably attached to a fixed member such as a door frame etc. The door / window assembly locks by securing the second member to a first member. Thus, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a hinged member assembly comprising first and second members, wherein the first member is a hinged member and is capable of being secured in a closed position to the second member, the assembly further comprising a catch assembly for securing the first and second members together, the catch assembly comprising first and second catch members attachable to the first and second members respectively, each catch member having a projection portion located on a shaft, the projections of the first and second catch members being engiageable with one another when the first and second catch members are in a locked position, the first and second shaft portions being flexible, such that as the members are moved apart or together when the catch members are in the locked position, the sliafts flex to keep the projections engaged with one another. In the hinged member assembly, one or both of the first and second members may be hinged. The first and second members may be only separated by a small distance when in the locked position. Hence, large instruments cannot be used to prise open the two members. Preferably, the minimum distance between the first and second members is twice the size of the catch members such that the catch members can move over one another in a unlocked position. Preferably, the first and second members will be at least 4mm apart, possibly at least 10mm apart. Preferably, the arrangement further comprises a lock member which moves the first and second catch members into the locked position. In the locked position, the projections of the first and second catch members interengage. Thus, in order to lock the catch members, the projections must be brought into contact The lock member may affect movement of the catch members themselves. Alternatively, it could cause movement of the first and second members as well as the catch members. As previously mentioned preferably, a plurality of catch members are provided. In this situation, it is preferable if at least one catch is oriented in a first orientation and at least one other catch is oriented in a second orientation. More preferably, the first orientation is opposite to the second orientation. This has the advantage that regardless of which sides of the catch are prised apart, the plurality of catch units will still hold the device together. Advantageously, there may be a plurality of catch units with the first orientation and a plurality of catch units with the second orientation, the catch units having the first of the orientation are alternatively arranged with the catch units having the second orientation. The catch assembly can be fitted to the first and second members via glue, nails, screws, etc. Alternatively, the catch members may be integral with atleast one of the first and second members. The catch members could also clip, for example, to an edge of the first and/or second members. The present invention will now be described with reference to the following preferred embodiment in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention with a catch assembly in an open position; Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 with the catch assembly in a closed position; Figure 3 shows the catch assembly of Figures 1 and 2 when the members are prised apart; Figure 4 shows the catch assembly of Figures I to 3 which has been prised open; Figure 5 shows the catch assembly of Figures I to 4 which has been squashed; Figure 6 shows two members, which are slidable relative to each other with a plurality of catch units in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7 shows two slidable members with a plurality of catch units alternatively arranged in opposite directions; Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of the catch assembly shown in Figures I to 5 applied to sliding windows; Figures 9a to 9b show a drawer using the catch assembly of members I to 5; and Figures 10a to 10c show the catch assembly of Figures I to 5 applied to a swing door. Figure I shows a catch unit 1 which is attached to a first member 3 and a second member 5. The second member 5 is slidable in a first sliding direction 7 relative to the first member 3. The catch unit 1 has a first catch member 9 and a second catch member 11. The first catch member 9 has an L shaped shaft 13 which is integral with the first sliding member 3 at one end 15. A first projection 17 is located at the other end of shaft 13. A first projection 17 is also integral with shaft 13 at its free end. Similarly, second catch member 11 of the catch unit 1 comprises an L shaped shaft 19 and a second projection 21. The second catch member 11 is similar in construction to the first catch member 9, but is rotated through 180° to the first catch member 9. The distance (d) between the first 3 and second member 5 is such that the second member 5 can freely slide in the first sliding direction 7 relative to the first member. In Figure I, the catch assembly is shown in the unlocked position, i.e. the projection 17, 21 are not inter-engaged with each other. The catch assembly may be moved into the locked position by lock member 4. In this particular example, lock member 4 acts to pull the first catch member 9 towards itself such that the projection 17 and 21 inter-engage. Alternatively, lock member 4 could work by pushing the elongate part 12 of shaft member 11 away from the lock member 4. This also allows the first and second projections 17 and 21 to engage. Figure 2 shows the catch member in its locked position. The lock member 4 is not shown here, the separation distance (d) between the first member 3 and the second member 5 is increased such that the first and second projections 17, 21, engage with one another. Inner surfaces 29, 31 of the two projections 17, 21 abut one another such that the second member 5 cannot be moved along first sliding direction 7. Hence, the sliding assembly is in a locked position. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of Figure 2 where the first member 3 and the second member 5 are prised apart to extend the separation distance (d). In this forced position, the angel 23 of the L shaped first and second shafts 13, 19 extends to greater than 90°. Also, the outside angle, 25, 27 at which the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 19, respectively, meet the first member 3 and second member 5 also extends to more than 90°. In this strained position, the abutting surfaces 29, 31 of the projections 17, 21 still engage, with each other. Hence, the catch members 9, 11 still remain locked in the position holding the sliding assembly together. Figure 4 shows the catch assembly where the force applied to the catch members has exceeded the plastic deformation limit and the catch members have permanently deformed which prevents the door from being pried open. -9- As has been previously described, preferably, the doors have been provided with a plurality of catch units. Only the catch units at the point where the force is applied will deform. Therefore, only a small part of the door will have catch units, which have plastically deformed. Thus, deformation in just a small part of the door also causes the door to be prevented from opening. Figure 5 shows a further safety feature of the catch assembly. In this case, a force has been applied at an opposing end of the sliding members to that where the catch units are. This causes the sliding members 3 and 5 to be pushed together. The catch members 9 and 11 are pushed together and plastically deform, here, the deformation is seen to occur in the shorter parts of the L-shaped shafts 9a and 1 la and deformed in preference to the longer parts of the shafts 9b and l1b. It will be preferred for the doors to be provided with a plurality of catch units of the type shown in Figures 1 to 5. This is schematically shown in Figure 6. Here, only a part of the L section shaft 13, 19 is shown. If one of the catch member opens, the other catch members should remain shut so preventing the members 3, 5 from being prised apart. It will be appreciated that there are preferential directions for providing the prising force. Figure 7 shows an arrangement wherein the catch units 1 are alternately arranged such that the middle catch unit 41 is oppositely orientated with respect to adjacent catch units 43, 45. Middle catch unit 41 is a mirror image through the center of the catch unit 1 about the abutting surfaces 29, 31. This catch assembly provides a very strong lock as there is no single preferential direction for applying prising force for all of the catch units. Figure 8 shows a sliding window arrangement. Window panes 101 and 103 can slide in directions 105 and 107. The window panes are supported by window frame 109. The window is shut when the window panes 101 and 103 are positioned so that they occupy the whole of the area defined by window frame 109. The furthest end 111, 113 of window panes 101, 103 from the window frame 109 when the window is in the closed position each have a catch member 115, 117 of the type described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Ideally, there is a plurality of catch members. However, for simplicity only one catch member is shown here. The window locks by moving the relative position of catch members 115, 117 into the locked position (Figure 2).such that the projection (not shown) on the catch members 115,117 are interengaged. If a trespasser attempts to get into the windows by prising open the furthest points of the panes 111, 113, then the catch members-l15, 117 flex apart in the manner shown in Figure 3. However, if a force is applieod where the window pane meets the frame 109, then this causes the catch members 115, 117 to be pushed together in the manner shown in Figure 5; Figure 9 shows the catch of the present invention applied to a drawer. The drawer 121 is slidable relative to a housing 123, for example, a cabinet etc. The housing has drawer supports 125 and 127, a first catch member is located on both of the supports 125, 127. However, for simplicity, only the interaction of the drawer with one of the catch members will be described The drawer 121 is provided with a catch member 129 which is intended to interlock with catch member 131 provided on support 125. The catch member 129 is provided on the side of the drawer 121 close to the front end of the drawer. The front end of the drawer 121 is defined as the end of the drawer which is visible when the drawer is shut. To shut the drawer, the drawer 121 is pushed backwards into the housing 123. When the drawer 121 is pushed into the closed position, the catch members 129 and 131 interengage on both sides of the drawer. Thus preventing removal of the drawer. Figure 9b shows the drawer in the closed position within the housing 123. The catch can be configured so that the projections 129 and 131 automatically engage when the drawer 121 is pushed into positioa Alternatively, a lock member or some other lock mechanism may be provided so that the catch members 129 and 131 only interengage when the lock is activated. In Figure 9c, a screwdriver or other such implement is inserted into the catch mechanism to try to force open the drawer. The screwdriver 135 causes the right-hand catch members 131 and 129 to interengage more strongly. The drawer is pushed in the direction of the left-hand support 125. The catch members 129 and 131 on the right-hand side will interengage more strongly. As the drawer is pushed towards support 125, the left-hand catch members 129 and 131 are also interengaged more strongly. If the force applied to the drawer by screwdriver 135 is strong enough at least one of the catch members 129, 131 will plastically deform. Figures 10a to 10c show the present invention applied to a hinged door. Figure 10a shows a hinged door 201 which is hingeably connected to fixed support 203. The door is closed when it is in line with fixed supports 205. The free end of the door 201, i e. the end of the door1 which is opposite to a hinge 207 is provided with a first catch member 209. A second catch member 211 is provided on support 205. Figure 10b shows the door when it is shut. The catch members 209 and 211 interlock to cause the door 201 to be locked into position in line with support 205 and 203. The catch members 209 and 211 may interlock as the door is put into the closed positioa Alternatively, a further lock may be provided to cause projections on catch members 209 and 211 to interengage. A screwdriver 213 can be used to push members 209 and 211 into the locked positioa The screwdriver 213 cannot be used to prise open the catch members. As it will only force them more into engagement. Eventually, the catch members will start to plastically deform. I Claim: 1. A catch assembly for interlocking of two members, atleast one member being moveable relative to another and the said catch assembly is being adapted to be installed within small gaps of atleast 4 mm between the members when in locked position, the said catch assembly comprising at least one catch unit 1 disposed between the first member 3 and second member 5, the said catch unit comprising a first catch member 9 attached to the said first member 3 and second catch member 11 being attached to the said second member 5, the said second catch member being identical in construction to the first catch member but being located on the opposite side of first catch member after being rotated through 180°, characterized in that: a) the said first catch member (9) has a shaft 13 attached to it and having projection (17) located at its terminal end and said second catch member 11 has a shaft 19 having projection 21 located at its terminal end and wherein the said shafts have the shape selected from L-shape and curved shape, and shafts are capable of flexing through atleast 25° from its rest position and wherein at least one of the said shaft is made of plastically deformable elastic material selected from UPVC, aluminum, iron, stainless steel having Young's modulus of at least 62 GNm"2(9x106psi) and wherein at least a part of one of the catch members is permanently deformable and wherein further the inner surface 29 of the said projection 17 is engageable with inner surfaces 31 of the said projection 21 when the said shaft 13 is brought into contact with said shaft 19 wherein further two shafts flex together when the said members are moved apart and their projections (29, 31) remain engaged with another, and wherein further the said shafts are adapted and positioned so that the grip between the engaging surfaces (29, 31) becomes stronger with the increase in the application of external force till it enters into a dead-tight status. -13- b) there is a plurality of catch units provided along the length of at least one of the said first and second member, with each catch unit having a first catch member (9) with projection (17) and second catch member(11) with projection(21), wherein plurality of catch units have first orientation and plurality of catch units have second orientation which is opposite to the first orientation and the catch units of first orientation are alternately arranged with the catch units of second orientation; 2. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 includes a lock member 4 which is configured to move the said first and second catch members into locked position. 3. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein movement of lock member 4 causes movement of a catch member. 4. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the movement of said lock member 4 causes the movement of a member and a catch member. 5. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said catch members have Young's modulus of at least 103 GNm"2 (15x106psi) preferably at least 138 GNm-2 (20x106psi). 6. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said catch members have L- shaped shafts with one end of the 'L' being attached to the respective member and the projection being attached to the other end of the shaft. 7. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first catch member (9) is integrally attached with the first member (3) and second catch member (11) is integrally attached with second member (5). 8. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said shafts move angularly with respect to the said members as it flexes. 9. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said shafts flex such that the angle at the corner of the L-shaped shafts varies as the said two members are moved apart or together. 10. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one member slides relative to the other member in an unlocked position. 11. A catch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first member may be a sliding / hinged door, sliding/hinged window, sliding/hinged grill and a drawer and the second member may be a door post / frame, window frame, drawer support respectively. 12. A catch assembly for interlocking of two members as substantially herein described and illustrated with the accompanying drawings. Dated this 21st day of February, 2002 (VD GULWANI) Applicant's Agent Dua Associates -15--

Documents:

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in-pct-2002-00223-mum-cancelled pages(18-08-2005).pdf

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in-pct-2002-00223-mum-correspondence(18-08-2005).pdf

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IN-PCT-2002-00223-MUM-CORRESPONDENCE(IPO)-(21-6-2007).pdf

IN-PCT-2002-00223-MUM-DESCRIPTION(GRANTED)-(9-4-2007).pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-drawing(18-08-2005).pdf

IN-PCT-2002-00223-MUM-DRAWING(GRANTED)-(9-4-2007).pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form 1(02-08-2005).pdf

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in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form 13(03-08-2005).pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form 13(18-08-2005).pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form 19(17-05-2004).pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form 2(granted)-(18-08-2005).doc

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IN-PCT-2002-00223-MUM-FORM 2(GRANTED)-(9-4-2007).pdf

IN-PCT-2002-00223-MUM-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(GRANTED)-(9-4-2007).pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form 3(02-08-2005).pdf

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in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form-pct-ipea-409(21-02-2002.pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-form-pct-isa-210(21-02-2002).pdf

in-pct-2002-00223-mum-petition under rule 137-(18-08-2005).pdf

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in-pct-2002-00223-mum-power of authority(06-03-2002).pdf

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