EP2447452A1

EP2447452A1 - Catch for a lock, assembly of a catch and lock and/or a closing element and a method for closing a closing element

Info

Publication number: EP2447452A1
Application number: EP11186417A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jan Arie Verheul
Original assignee: BUVA RATIONELE BOUWPRODUKTEN BV
Current assignee: BUVA RATIONELE BOUWPRODUKTEN BV
Priority date: 2010-10-26
Filing date: 2011-10-25
Publication date: 2012-05-02
Also published as: NL2005577C2

Abstract

Catch for a lock latch, comprising a cup for mounting in or on a frame, having a first side and an opposite second side, a biasing mechanism provided within the cup, comprising a displacement element which is biased, preferably in the direction of the second side, by spring means, an opening provided for inserting part of a latch of a lock which can engage the displacement element such that the displacement element will apply a force on the latch into the direction of the second side.

Description

The invention relates to a catch for a lock, especially for catching a latch of a lock.
For closing elements, such as but not limited to doors and windows, locks are provided, cooperating with a catch for the latch of the lock. The catch normally comprises a catch plate provided over an opening in a frame, such that the latch can enter into the opening in the frame through an opening in the catch plate. In order to keep the element closed properly the opening in at least the catch plate has to be fit relatively tightly around the latch and has to be positioned relatively accurately relative to the frame in which the opening is made and to which the catch plate is mounted. This means that the mounting of the catch plate and providing the opening is time consuming and costly, and requires skill of the carpenter.
When the closing element is deformed, for example bend, or displaced, or when for example a seal is ill fitting, the closing element may not fit entirely properly in the frame anymore. Such deformation can for example be the result of environmental issues, such as but not limited to humidity and/or dryness or humidity changes, improper support by its hinges, sagging or other defects of the closing element, its frame and/or its support. When the closing element does not fit in the frame properly anymore it may be come more difficult, if not impossible to get the latch of the lock to enter into the opening in the catch plate and/or frame, or the closing element will otherwise not fit properly in the frame and close the opening in the frame properly.
The invention has as an aim to provide an alternative catch for the latch of a lock. An alternative aim of the invention is to provide for a solution to at least one of the problems sketched here above. A further alternative aim of the present invention is to provide an assembly for closing at least partly an opening in a frame by a closing element or to be used for such closure. A still further alternative aim of the invention is to provide a method for closing off an opening in a frame by a closure element.
In a first aspect a catch for a lock latch can be defined by a cup for mounting in or on a frame, having a first side and an opposite second side. A biasing mechanism can be provided within the cup, comprising a displacement element which is biased in the direction of the second side by spring means. An opening shall be provided for inserting part of a latch of a lock which can engage the displacement element such that the displacement element will apply a force on the latch into the direction of the second side.
In a further aspect a catch can be defined by a cup for mounting in or on a frame, having a first side and an opposite second side. A biasing mechanism can be provided within the cup, comprising a displacement element with a first part adjacent the first side and a second part extending nearer to the second side. A biasing element can be provided adjacent the second side for biasing the first part towards the second side, such that when a force is applied to the side of the first part facing the second side the first part is forced towards the first side and the displacement element will apply a counterforce on the first part.
An assembly of a catch and a lock with a latch can be characterised by the latch fitting into the cup of the catch, between a first part of the displacement element and a second side of the cup, movable in a direction perpendicular to an insertion direction of the latch into the cup, between the first and second side of the cup. The latch preferably has an at least partly rounded off or tapering side near an end thereof forward in the insertion direction.
In the present invention a latch of a lock can be a translating type of latch, such as but not limited to latches commonly known as block latches, or pivoting latches. If there is more than one latch, the latches can be of individual locks or of a multiple point lock, centrally operated. A latch can be mechanically and/or electronically operated. In this description insertion direction of a latch has to be understood as including but not limited to a linear movement direction and a pivoting movement direction, relative to the catch. At least in a pivoting movement such direction will be defined by an actual or virtual axis of pivoting of the latch. Also combined linear and pivoting movement can define such insertion direction.
Another assembly according to the invention can be characterised by a catch according to the invention and a lock with a latch, mounted on a door or window or such closing element, hingedly connected to a frame to and/or into which frame the catch is mounted, wherein the closing element has a pivoting direction towards a closed position within the frame, and wherein the first side of the cup of the catch is positioned at an upstream side of the pivoting direction towards the closed position.
A method for closing a closing element against a shoulder in a frame by at least a lock and a catch, can be characterised by the catch catching a latch of the lock and forcing part of the closing element towards the shoulder by a displacement element biased towards the shoulder by a biasing element placed, when the closing element is in a closed position, at least partly between the latch and the shoulder.
In order to further elucidate the present invention embodiments thereof shall be elucidated here after with reference to the drawings, which show schematically:

Fig. 1 a closing element in a frame;
Fig. 1A part of the frame and an edge portion of the closing element in cross section along the line A - A in fig. 1:
Fig. 2 an exploded view of a catch, together with part of a latch of a lock;
Fig. 3 an assembled catch, in three perspective views, partly transparent, with a translating latch;
Fig. 4A - C in cross section a latch in a catch in a first, second and third position respectively;
Fig. 5 schematically in cross section a closing element in a frame according to fig. 1;
Fig. 6 an assembled catch, in three perspective views, partly transparent, with a pivoting latch;
Fig. 7 in cross section schematically a latch in a catch of fig. 6;
Fig. 8 schematically a first alternative embodiment of a self adjusting catch;
Fig. 9 schematically a second alternative embodiment of a self adjusting catch; and
Fig. 10A - C schematically a third and fourth alternative embodiment of a self adjusting catch

The embodiments shown are only exemplary embodiments and should by no means be understood as limiting the invention in any way. Many variations are possible within the scope as defined by the claims.
In this description embodiments shall be shown and discussed for a door as an example of a closing element. Is shall be clear that also other closing elements can be used, such as but not limited to windows, shutters, hatches and the like. In fig. 1 a door is shown as an example of a closing element, suspended in a frame, more specifically a doorframe, by hinges to one side and with three sets of cooperating latches and catches for closing the door on the opposite side. These latches can be part of three individual locks or of a centrally operated three point lock. Alternatively there can be only one lock latch or more than one, for example two or more than three. Any lock latch can be a single element such as but not limited to a latch having a substantially square cross section or a pivotable, hooking latch, or can have more than one element, for example a number of pins, extending for example parallel to each other, spaced apart as tines of a fork. Hinges and/or locks can be provided on different sides of the closing element. Similar locks and catches could be provided in different positions, for example between two doors or windows of a double door or window set, or between a door of window and the relevant frame, other than or additionally to the side opposite the hinges.
In the description embodiments are shown in which the latch of a lock can be caught in a catch in and/or on a frame, such that for example misalignments of the latch and the catch relative to each other can be accommodated in at least one direction, especially in a direction substantially perpendicular to the opening area in the frame to be closed by the closing element. The frame has a first side, to or near which the closing element is suspended, and an opposite second side. In embodiments the first side may be referred to as the outer side, the opposite second side as the inner side, for example but not limited to when the closing element is a door or window at an outer side of a building, the closing element turning out for opening. For a closing element turning inward for opening the sides may be reversed. The catch can have a biasing element biasing an element of the catch in a direction towards the second side of the frame, i.e. in a closing direction of the closing element, such that when a latch of a lock connected to the closing element is caught in the catch, said latch and therewith the closing element may be pushed and/or pulled by the biasing element towards the closed position within the frame.
In the embodiments disclosed the lock or locks with the latches are mounted on and/or in the closing element, the catches in and/or on the frame. However, this can be reversed entirely or in part, the or each lock or at least one thereof being in and/or on the frame and the or each catch or at least one thereof being in and/or on the closing element. In the embodiments shown the catch or catches has/have a longitudinal direction which extends, in mounted position into and/or on a frame, substantially vertically, unless otherwise specified. Obviously, the catches could also mounted differently.
Fig. 1 shows a closing element 1, in this embodiment shown as a door 1 in a frame 2. The closing element 1 is mounted to the frame 2 by a number of hinges 3. The frame 2 can be provided, in a known manner, with a rabbet 4 providing an abutment 5 for the door 1, such that the door can close off the opening within the frame 2. At a side opposite the side comprising the hinges 3 one or more catches 6 can be provided in or on the frame 2. In the embodiment shown three catches 6 are provided above each other, for the latches of one or more locks. The catches 6 is or are provided such that a latch to be caught by the catch 6 can easily enter the catch 6 at least partly and will be forced towards the abutment 5, such that an edge portion of the door 1 is forced into close proximity and preferably against the abutment or against a seal 54 provided on or in said abutment, such as a draught and/or sound seal as commonly known.
In the embodiments shown and discussed, for example as shown in fig. 2 - 5, a catch 6 can be provided for biasing a latch of a lock or the like in a direction of closure of a closing element 1. To this end a catch 6 can be provided with a cup 7 for mounting in or on a frame 2, having a first side 8 and an opposite second side 9. Cup 7 has to be understood in the description as including at least but not limited to elements having partly open and/or partly closed frames with at least two opposite ends and a hollow or opening between said two opposite ends into which a latch can be entered at least partly. In the embodiment as shown in fig. 2 the frame has two relatively low side walls 18, substantially parallel, and two opposite end elements 19, connecting the walls 18, which end elements 19 are higher than the walls 18. Thus a closed frame 20 is formed by the walls 18 and end elements 19, in this embodiment an integral frame 20. An opening 21 extends through the frame 20. The opening 21 can have a closed bottom 22, the opening 21 effectively being a hollow, or can be open to both sides.
A biasing mechanism 10 can be provided within the cup 7. The biasing mechanism 10 can comprise a displacement element 11, which can be a lever or such type element, with a first part 12 adjacent the first side 8 and a second part 13 extending nearer to the second side 9 than the first part 12. At least one biasing element 14 is provided adjacent the second side 9 for biasing the first part 12 towards the second side 9. When a force F is applied to the side 15 of the first part 12 facing the second side 9 the first part 12 is forced towards the first side 8 and the displacement element 11 will apply a counterforce FC on the first part 12.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 - 5 the displacement element 11 is substantially L-shaped in side view, the first part 12 forming substantially a first leg of the L, the second part 13 forming a second leg of the L. The element 11 can for example be set or bend, forced or machined, from a suitable material such as metal or plastic. As can be seen the element 11 has a length L which is larger than the widths W12, W13 of the first and second parts 12, 13, measured substantially perpendicular to said length. In the embodiment shown the angle between the two parts 12, 13 can for example be near 90 degrees, for example between 60 and 120 degrees, preferably between 75 and 105 and more preferably about 90 degrees, measured between lines extending through the connection 23 between the first and second part 12, 13 and the opposite sides 24, 25 thereof.
In the embodiment shown the first part 12 is formed substantially plate shaped, and is at two opposite longitudinal ends provided with a support 26. Each support 26 is provided with a pivot element 27 which can be housed in corresponding openings 28 in each of the respective end elements 19, for defining a pivoting axis 29 for the element 11 relative to the cup 7. The axis 29 is positioned near the connection 23, which connection can be seen as the corner of the substantially L-shaped element 11. The first part can in some embodiments have a middle section 30 which is partly cut loose from the further part 13, and can be bent slightly towards the first side 8 of the cup 7. A guide element 31, such as but not limited to a low friction element, for example a plastic element, can be mounted on said middle section, for reducing friction and/or wear between a latch and the catch, as shall be explained later on.
The second part 13 can also be substantially plate shaped and be provided with an opening 32. A latch of a lock can, when entering the cup, extend into and/or through said opening 32. At two opposite corners 33 of the second part 13 a spring element 34 can be provided, as a biasing element 14. The spring elements 34 can for example be compression springs. The part 13 can be provided with spring retaining elements 35, such as notches, preventing side way movements of the spring elements. In another embodiment other biasing elements can be provided, such as coil springs, leaf springs, compressible material and the like. The ends of the spring elements 34 opposite the second part 13 can engage a cover 36, as will be explained later on.
As can be understood from the above, when in an embodiment of fig. 2 - 5 the first part 12, or at least the free edge 37 thereof carrying possibly the element 31, is forced towards the first side 8, the element 11 will pivot around the axis 29, thus bringing the corners 33 of the second part 13 upward, i.e. towards the cover 36, when mounted, thus compressing the spring element 34, providing for or increasing a counter force on the second part 13 and thus the counter force FC, pushing against the force F. This means that an element, such as a latch of a lock, pushing against the first part 12 will be pushed toward the second side 9 by the element 11 due to the counterforce FC.
In the embodiment shown the cover 36 is substantially U-shaped and dimensioned preferably such that it can be mounted over the frame 20, such that the two substantially parallel legs 37 of the cover extend between the elements 19 and abut the walls 18, whereas the wall part 38 of the cover 36, connecting the legs 37, extends between the upper sides of the elements 19, covering the opening 21. An opening 39 can be provided in the wall part 38, for allowing a latch 40 of a lock or the like to enter the catch 6 in the direction M. At least the element 31 or part of the first part 12 of the element 11 will be exposed below the opening 39, such that a latch 40 can engage the element 31 and/or the part 12 as such. The cover 36 can further be provided with mounting openings and/or elements for securing it to the cup 7 or frame 20 thereof. For example two openings 41 can be provided in the cover 36, for allowing bolts 42 to be screwed into nuts 43 provided below slot like openings 44 in the end elements 19. Covering elements 45 can be provided for covering the bolts 42, improving even further on the aesthetics.
The cup 7, especially the frame 20 can be provided with mounting openings 46, for example bores extending at an angle through the end elements 19, such that screws 49 can be screwed through said bores 46 into the frame 2, front 47 to back 48 of the cup 7, from nearer to the first side 8 to nearer or even past the second side 9, as is shown in fig. 5. The cover 36 can cover the heads of the screws 49 used for mounting the cup 7 to the frame 2. By screwing the screws 49 or such means into the frame at an angle, the screws are mounted in the body of the frame having sufficient material surrounding the screws 49, increasing the strength of the mounting. Moreover, the most likely forces to be exerted on the catch 6 by the latch 40 will be in an angular direction, which can be similar to the angel of the screw 49. It should be noted that the angel should be understood as seen with respect to a frontal plane V of the frame 2, parallel to the side of the closing element.
In fig. 4 A - C schematically the cooperation between a latch 40 and a catch 6 is shown, in three consecutive steps, partly in cross section..
In fig. 4A a latch is shown, having a front end 50 entering the catch 6, especially the cup 7 in the direction I. In this embodiment the latch is conveniently provided with a slightly rounded side 51 at said end 50 facing the first side 8 of the catch 6. In the position shown in fig. 4A the end 50 of the latch 40 enters the cup 7 through the opening 39 in the cover 36. The end 50 of the latch 40, especially the rounded side 51 thereof, is moved against the element 31, or at least against the first part 12 of the element 11. The element 11 is biased by the springs 34 in or to a rest position, as shown in fig. 4A.
When the latch 40 is pushed further into the cup in the direction I, its end 50 will enter into and through the opening 32 in the second part 13 of the element 11, and the element 11 will be pivoted around the axis 29, due to the force F exerted by the latch 40 on the first part 12, through the element 31 if available. This means that the second part 13 is tilted and the corners 33 thereof are pushed towards the side 38 of the cover 36 opposite the bottom 22 of the cup 7. This means that the spring elements 14, i.e. the springs 34 are compressed, applying a counter force on the element 11. This position is shown in fig. 4B.
In fig. 4C the latch 40 is pushed towards the second side 9 of the cup by the element 11. The second part 13 is pushed back by the spring elements 14, tilting the element 11 back to its biased rest position, thereby applying the counter force FC on the latch 40. This will push the closing element 1 towards and preferably against the abutment of the frame 2. It shall be clear that the movement of the latch and thus of the closing element may be limited by either the play in the direction towards the second side within the cup 7, for example limited by the opening 39, and/or by the play between the edge portion of the closing element and the adjacent abutment of the frame.
As can be seen from fig. 4, the latch 40 shall be moved for example over a distance X corresponding to T1 - T2.
With a catch or several such catches 6 according to this description the advantage can be obtained that a closing element can be pushed into a closing position by the catches 6, whereas this catch or these catches may provided for the possibility of correcting for for example misalignment between a lock or latch and a catch, which could exist or come into existence throughout the life time of the closing element, for example due to miscalculations, deformations of the closing element and/or frame or catch, wear of parts of the assembly of closing element, frame, lock or locks and catches, hinges and the like, or due to setting of for example the frame. These misalignments can also change in time, for example due to for example weather or use. Another advantage that can be obtained with a catch or several such catches 6 can be that when closing an element 1 a user does not have to push hard against the closing element, since the cooperating latch(es) and catch(es) will "push" the element into a closed position, if necessary.
As is especially clear form fig. 3, the opposite ends of the cup 7, especially of the frame 20 can be defined by the end elements 19, which can be rounded, preferably such that the radius of curvature of the elements 19 is about equal to the overall width of the frame 20, such that an opening or slot or the like for the catch can easily be made in a frame 2 by machining with a tool having the same curvature. The opening 39 preferably has a length L measured in a direction between the ends 19, which is such that a latch 40 can easily be inserted, and which substantially corresponds to the length L1 of the guiding element 31 on the element 11. By using such element 31 providing reduced friction the insertion of the latch in the direction I is improved. As can be seen in fig. 3 the opening 39 can extend into a leg 37 of the cover 36, at the first side 8 of the cup 7, for allowing the element 31 to move into the opening 39, providing extra space for pivoting of the element 11 without increasing the overall width Wo of the cup 7.
The distance D between the side 60 of the frame 2 closest to the first side 8 and the side of the element 11 facing the latch 40 when inserted can be surprisingly small and/or the thickness T of the frame 2 remaining between said first side 8 and the side 60 of the frame 2 can be sufficiently great. This means that a frame 2 can be used with a limited thickness between the abutment 5 and the side 60 of the frame 2, without compromising the strength of the frame or the mounting of the catch 6 therein. The angled screws 49 can also aid to this mounting strength, as discussed before.
In fig. 6 and 7 an alternative embodiment of an assembly of a catch 6 and a latch 40 is shown, wherein the catch can be similar to or identical to the catch of fig. 2 - 5, and wherein the latch 40 is a pivoting latch. The latch 40 is mounted on an axis 60 extending through the opening 61. A gear 62 can be provided, in fig. 6 shown in part as teeth 63 which can in a known manner be engaged by a rotating and/or translating part within the lock, which can for example be operated by a key, a lever mechanism, a motor or the like means, known in the art. A rotation of the latch 40 around said axis 60 in the direction indicated by arrow 64 will move a hooking part 65 of the latch 40 into and out of the cup 7, especially through the opening 39 in the cover 36, such that part of the hooking part 65 will hook behind the cover 36, especially behind the edge 66 of the opening 39 closest to a first of the end elements 19. By use of such hooking part 65 the latch cannot leave the catch 6 in a linear direction, which can improve anti burglary properties. As can be seen there is a space 67 behind the cover, between the said edge 66 and the end element 19 closest thereto, in which space 67 the hook part can be accommodated. The opening 39 is preferably off set relative to a centre C of the catch, in longitudinal direction between both opposite end elements 19, such that such space 67 is mainly formed to one side of the opening 39.
As can especially be seen from fig. 7 the hook part 65 can be tapering, chamfered, rounded or the like at a side facing the biasing element, such as the element 31 or the first part 12, in order facilitate such engagement further and reduce the force needed for inserting the hook part 65 of the latch when engaging the displacement element 11.
In another aspect the displacement element can have a direction of movement which encloses an angle with the direction of the force to be applied to the latch, which angle is preferably acute, such as but not limited to between 5 and 175 degrees, more preferably between 45 and 135 degrees, and most preferably between 75 and 105 degrees, such as about 90 degrees. Preferably such movement is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the catch.
In fig. 8 schematically a first alternative embodiment of a catch 6 is shown, with a latch 40 in cross section, in frontal view and in cross sectional view. In this embodiment the catch comprises a spring leaf 68 as displacement element 11. The leaf spring 68 has a longitudinal direction L with two opposite end portions 69a, 69b. Each of these end portions is mounted in an end element 19, such that a mid section 70 of the spring 68 can be forced outward, i.e. in the direction of a first side 8 of the catch 6, when a latch 40 is inserted into the catch, engaging the spring 68 at the mid section 70, thereby applying the force F on the spring. The spring will be elastically deformed outward, as shown in fig. 8 by a dotted line 70a, allowing for the misalignment of the latch 40 relative to the catch 6 in a direction towards the first side 8. The force F will be countered by the elastic force of the spring 68, pushing against the latch 40 in the direction of the second side. Such springs 68 could also be provided on both sides 8, 9 of the catch 6, such that a latch could be pushed towards a mid position between the sides 8, 9 from both sides 8, 9. Similarly the other embodiments could be provided with biasing means for biasing a latch towards such mid position from both sides 8, 9.
In fig. 9 a second alternative embodiment is shown, in which a linearly moveable displacement element 11 is provided, shown in fig. 9 as a bar or strip 71 having a length direction L with two opposite end portions 72a, 72b. Each of these end portions is mounted in an end element 19 by linear guides, such that the element 11 can be forced outward, i.e. in the direction of a first side 8 of the catch 6, when a latch 40 is inserted into the catch, engaging the element 11 at the mid section 73, thereby applying the force F on the element 11. The element 11, such as the bar or strip 71 is biased into the direction of the second side 9 of the catch, preferably by biasing means 14 such as compression springs 34, which in the embodiment of fig. 9 are mounted between the first side 8 of the cup 7 or catch 6 and the element 11. The force F will be countered by the elastic force of the springs 34, pushing against the latch 40 in the direction of the second side 9. The springs can be mounted near or at the end elements 19. The element 11, such as the strip or bar 71 can be stepped in frontal view, such that the mid section 73 thereof can be closer to the first side 8 than the end portions 72a, b. This can reduce the distance D between the first side 8 and the side of the mid section 73 facing the latch 40 when inserted. Alternatively or combined therewith the springs 34 could be provided between the element 11 and the opposite second side of the cup or catch, the springs being elongated when the element 11 is moved towards the first side 8.
In fig. 10A - C a third and fourth alternative embodiment of a catch 6 and latch 40 is shown, in two positions, wherein a displacement element 11 is shown, as a slide 75 guided within a cup 7 or at least a frame 20 having a direction of movement Z substantially parallel to or at a slight angle to the longitudinal direction of the catch 6, as before defined by the opposite end element 19. The displacement element 75 has a side 76 near the first side 8 of the catch 6 which has a sloping surface 77, such that upon movement of the latch into the catch, when not entirely properly aligned, a force F will be applied by the latch 40, the force F being at least partly in a direction as discussed before, towards the first side 8, or, when desired, such that such force can be exerted both in the direction of the first or second side 8, 9. In the embodiment shown the surface 77 is a side of a rectangular opening 78 in the slide 75. However, this can also be provided differently, for example but not limited to a slide 75 having only one side, extending between the first side 8 of the catch and a latch, when inserted. A biasing element 14, such as a spring 34 can be mounted between a longitudinal end portion of the slide 77 and the cup 7 or frame 20, such that a movement of the slide 75 in the direction Z can result in compression or extension of the spring 34 and thus in a resulting counter force FC exerted by the slide 75 on the latch 40, towards a more properly aligned position.
In fig. 10A the slide 75 is shown in a first, rest position, wherein the latch is in a properly aligned position, for example near a mid position between the first and second side 8, 9.
In fig. 10B the slide 75 has been moved from the rest position, by the latch 40 exerting a force F on the surface 77, compressing the spring 34. Therefore a counter force F will be applied to the latch.
In fig. 10C a further alternative embodiment is shown, similar to the embodiment of fig. 10 A and B, in which the slide 75 can have a substantially rectangular opening into which a latch 40 could fit, which latch could engage a side of said opening, wherein the sloping surface 77 could be on an outside surface of the slide and/or on the cup 7 or frame 20, such that a longitudinal movement of the slide 75 in the direction Z will push the slide 75 in a direction substantially perpendicular to said direction Z.
As can be seen in the cross sectional views of fig. 8 -10 again the latch 40 can have a tapering, chamfered, rounded or otherwise appropriate end 50 configuration for allowing the latch to engage the spring 68 with said end 50, reducing the force needed to insert the latch 40. The screws 49 can again be provided in angled slots, for an even further improved mounting of the catch into and/or on a frame 2, as discussed before. From fig. 10A - C it will be apparent that a sloping surface 77 could be provided on either side or both sides of the opening 78, with the same effect. Similarly the other embodiments could be made such that they can perform with forces F working in either direction, i.e. towards or away from the first or second side 8, 9.
In the embodiments as shown in fig. 2 - 5 the displacement element 11 is or comprises a lever type element, disclosed as an element which is in cross section substantially L-shaped and pivotable within the catch between a rest position and a pivoted position in which a resilient element such as a spring is compressed, biasing the element 11 towards the rest position. It shall be clear that the same or similar effects can be obtained with equivalent elements, for the different parts. For example the spring elements 14, 34 as disclosed could be exchanged for extending springs mounted between the corners 33 and the bottom 22 of the cup, or similar solutions. In an alternative embodiment the first part 12 could be slidingly mounted in the cup 7, near the first side 8, in stead of pivotably mounted, springs being provided between the part 12 and the cup 7 at the second side, biasing the part 12 as displacement element 11 into the direction of the second side 9. The opening 32 could be left out if the cup is deep enough to accommodate the latch 40 within the cup 7 between the second part 13 and the opening 39. In the embodiments shown the pivoting stumps 27 are provided on supports 26, which are mounted to the element 11. These could however also be made integral with the element 11.
The present invention is by no means limited to the specific embodiments as shown and discussed. Various alternatives are considered to have been disclosed herein too, such as but not limited to combinations of various parts as shown or discussed. These should also be considered falling within the invention as claimed in the appending claims.

Claims

Catch for a lock latch, comprising a cup for mounting in or on a frame, having a first side and an opposite second side, a biasing mechanism provided within the cup, comprising a displacement element which is biased, preferably in the direction of the second side, by spring means, an opening provided for inserting part of a latch of a lock which can engage the displacement element such that the displacement element will apply a force on the latch into the direction of the second side.
Catch according to claim 1, wherein the displacement element has a first part adjacent the first side and a second part extending nearer to the second side, wherein a biasing element is provided adjacent the second side for biasing the first part at least partly towards the second side, such that when a force is applied to a side of the first part facing the second side the first part is forced at least in part towards the first side and the biasing element will directly or indirectly apply a counterforce on the first part.
Catch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the displacement element comprises or is formed by a lever, pivotally mounted within the cup.
Catch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the displacement element comprises or is formed by an element which can at least partly translate and/or deform within the cup
Catch according to claim 2, wherein the first part is comprised by a first leg of the lever, extending along and preferably substantially parallel to the first side of the cup and the second part is comprised by a second leg of the lever, extending at an angle to the first leg, wherein a pivot axis is preferably defined for the lever between the first and second part.
Catch according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the displacement element has a first and a second part, wherein between the first and second part or in at least one of the first and second part a space is provided for receiving a lock latch, the space being accessible for the lock latch from a side of the cup extending between the first and second side.
Catch according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one resilient biasing element such as a spring is provided.
Catch according to claim 7, wherein the at least one biasing element is a compression spring, preferably positioned between the displacement element and the cup.
Catch according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one biasing element has a working direction substantially parallel to an insertion direction of a latch into said cup.
Catch according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the catch is provided with openings for fixing the cup to a frame, of which openings at least one has a insertion direction for a bolt or screw extending angled relative to the first and second side, from at or near an insertion side of the cup near the first side towards an opposite side of the cup, closer to the second side, wherein the angle preferably is between 90 and 150 degrees, relative to the insertion direction of the latch, more preferably between 105 and 140 degrees, for example about 135 degrees.
Catch according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an insertion opening is provided for a lock latch, wherein near the opening a guide element is provided near a side of the opening facing the first side of the cup, preferably a low friction and/or rotational element.
Catch according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the displacement element is formed by or comprises a spring or resilient element providing the force.
Catch according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the catch has an insertion opening for a latch, offset in longitudinal direction from a mid position between two opposite longitudinal ends of the catch, preferably such that a cover element is provided with the opening for receiving at least part of a catch, displaced relative to a centre of the cup in a length direction, such that it is placed closer to one longitudinal end than to the opposite longitudinal end.
Catch according to any one of the previous claims, wherein seen in an insertion direction of the latch behind a cover element a space is provided for receiving part of the latch, which space is provided at a side of the cup seen in length direction between one of the longitudinal ends and an edge of the opening closest to said end.
Assembly of a catch according to any one of the previous claims and a lock with a latch, wherein the latch fits into the cup of the catch, between the first part of the displacement element and the second side of the cup, movable in a direction perpendicular to an insertion direction of the latch into the cup, between the first and second side of the cup, wherein the latch preferably has an at least partly rounded off or tapering side near an end thereof forward in the insertion direction.
Assembly of a catch according to any one of claims 1 - 14 and a lock with a latch, mounted on a door or window or such closing element, hingedly connected to a frame onto and/or into which frame the catch is mounted, wherein the closing element has a closing direction towards a closed position within the frame, and wherein the first side of the cup of the catch is positioned at an upstream side of the pivoting direction towards the closed position.
Assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein there are at least two catches above each other, at least one of which is a catch according to any one of claims 1 - 14.
Method for closing a closing element against an abutment in a frame by at least a lock and a catch, wherein the catch catches a latch of the lock and forces part of the closing element towards the abutment by a displacement element biased towards the abutment by a biasing element, which biasing element is preferably placed, when the closing element is in a closed position, between the latch and the abutment.
Method of claim 18, wherein at least two cooperating locks and catches are provided on the closing element and the frame, above each other, wherein each of the catches catches a latch of the lock cooperating therewith and forces part of the closing element towards the abutment, wherein the closing element can be at least partly straightened by the cooperating locks and catches.