Abstract:
An automatic locking window latch including a housing for holding a handle with a fully integrated bolt for securing a window, and a catch for engaging the window to release the bolt to secure the window, as well as to hold the bolt open to open the window. The catch may include a catch body, a spring guide, and a trigger pin. The spring guide slideably fits over a post attached to the housing for guiding the catch body and positioning a catch spring. In an unlocked position, an external force acting against the trigger pin causes the catch body to slide from between the bolt and a slide surface of the housing along the post. As the catch body moves past the bolt, bolt springs push bolt extensions of the bolt through the housing and into an adjoining window molding to secure the window. The catch spring presses the catch body against the bolt until the handle pulls the bolt from the locked position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/461,064 entitled “Automatically Locking Window Latch” and filed on Apr. 8, 2003 for Richard B. Smith, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field Of The Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates in general to window latches. Specifically, the present invention relates to an automatically locking window latch for use with any window with an operable sash.  
           [0004]    2. Description Of The Related Art  
           [0005]    In any type of establishment where security is a concern, it is important to equip the establishment with locking windows. In fact, window latches are well known in the industry, but difficulty lies in producing a window latch that provides adequate assurance of safety, durability, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal.  
           [0006]    Typically, current window latches comprise an extendible bolt or a rotatable cam mounted on an inner window that fits into a slot or receiver on an outer window in order to secure a pair of windows together. However, such latch designs suffer from many distinct limitations. First, one must remember to physically close the latch each time the windows are closed in order to be certain that a window is secured. Second, in certain designs, if the C&lt;window is moved while the latch is extended or in a locked position, the latch can scratch the g&lt;frame of the window or the glass. Third, if the window rails become dirty, expand from moisture, or if the window is not closed completely before the latch is activated to secure the window, the window may become further damaged and the window may remain unlocked. Fourth, in certain designs, the fastening screws are either exposed or a cap must be placed over the screws to hide the screws and maintain an attractive latch. Finally, many automatically locking window latches require a separate catch mounted to a center rail of the window, which takes extra processing in the factory and must be adjusted adequately when installed on the home to ensure proper functionality.  
           [0007]    In an attempt to solve at least some of these problems, numerous window latches have been developed. In one design, a window frame extension pushes against a flexible member inside a housing, which in turn pushes against a bolt until the bolt disengages from the housing. When the bolt disengages from the housing, a spring pushes the bolt out of the housing and into a locked position. To unlock the bolt, a user pulls a handle, the handle rotates about a coupling and pulls the bolt from the locked position until the bolt engages the housing.  
           [0008]    Such a design is deficient for a number of reasons. For instance, when the window closes, before the bolt can lock the window, the window frame extension must push against an intervening flexible member, which in turn pushes against the bolt to disengage the bolt from the housing. This intervening flexible member may fail or break prematurely from repeated flexing. In addition, because the flexible member is part of the housing, wear on the flexible member may compromise the overall integrity of the housing. Additionally, the handle is separate from the bolt. Having separate parts increases design and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the screws that attach the latch to the window frame are clearly visible.  
           [0009]    Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for an automatic locking window latch that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies of conventional window latches. Specifically, there is a need for a window latch that automatically locks the window at the precise moment when the latch communicates with a latch receiver, or latch channel, to avoid damage to the window. There is a need for a window latch that is easy to manipulate to unlock the window. There is a further need for a window latch that will not damage a fixed section of a window while the window is being opened if the window latch is released or not held open. There is a further need for a window latch with a simple operating procedure that eliminates intervening steps and parts for locking and unlocking the latch. There is a further need for a window latch that hides the fasteners without the use of extra parts or screw covers, which may be lost, fall off, or discolor. Finally, there is a need for a window latch that maintains structural integrity and aesthetic appearance while providing all these features.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available automatically locking window latches. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an improved automatically locking window latch, thus overcoming many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.  
           [0011]    Specifically, the present invention provides an automatic locking latch for locking a moveable member to a stationary member. The window latch includes a housing, a bolt positioned at least partially within the housing, and a catch slideably engaging the bolt. The catch is configured to retain the bolt in an unlocked position and release the bolt in response to an external force acting against the catch. The bolt may be integrally connected to the handle. The catch may comprise a trigger pin extending through the housing and configured to receive the external force. A chamfered edge of the catch may allow for a smooth and simple transition from a locked position to the unlocked position in addition to moving the bolt into the unlocked position by a transfer of force from a horizontal to a vertical plane. A catch spring pushes the catch between a slide plate of the housing and the bolt to rest in the unlocked position and an external force moves the catch from between the slide plate of the housing and the bolt to rest in a locked position.  
           [0012]    In one embodiment, the latch may be configured to attach to a window frame for locking a window. Alternatively, the latch may attach to one member that is to be locked to a second member. The latch requires no strike plate or similar hardware on the second member. In addition, the latch may be attached so that the moveable member moves in various ways in relation to the stationary member. For example, the moveable member may pivot or slide past the stationary member.  
           [0013]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be, or are, in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.  
           [0014]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.  
           [0015]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a window latch installed on a window;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a window latch, in a locked position;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a window latch;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the latch housing including the spring well and a guide;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded front view of one embodiment of a window latch housing and baseplate;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a catch;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6B is a side view of one embodiment of a catch;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6C is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a catch;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a bolt in a locked position and disengaged from a catch;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a bolt in an unlocked position and engaged by a catch;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a window latch illustrating the catch mechanism;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a window latch, in a locked position;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a window latch, in an unlocked position;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a locked window latch installed on a window frame; and  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of an unlocked window latch installed on a window frame.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.  
         [0033]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a window latch system  100  according to the present invention. The system  100  includes a window latch  102  fastened to a first window molding  104 . A typical molding encloses a panel, such as glass, within the frame of a window or door. The first window molding  104  may include a handle  106  for moving the window molding  104  in a direction indicated by arrow  107 .  
         [0035]    In this embodiment, the window latch  102  is shown in a locked position, securing the first window molding  104  to a second window molding  108 . To secure the window moldings  104 ,  108 , the window latch  102  extends a bolt  112  into an engagement channel  110  of the second window molding  108 . Of course, the window latch  102  may alternatively be fastened to the second window molding  108  and the second window molding  108  may also move in the direction of arrow  107  with the engagement channel  110  in the first window molding  104 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a window latch  102  in a locked position, similar to that shown in FIG. 1. The window latch  102  includes a window latch housing  114  and a bolt  112 . Preferably, the bolt  112  is integrated with a handle  116  such that movement of the handle  116  also moves the bolt  112  from a locked position to an unlocked position and vice-versa. Alternatively, the bolt  112  may include a thumb-plate (not shown) or other member connected to the bolt  112  such that pressure on the thumb-plate moves the bolt  112  from a locked position to an unlocked position. In another embodiment, the handle  116  may comprise a simple arm (not shown) that extends from the bolt  112  and the housing  114 .  
         [0037]    In this embodiment, the bolt  112  comprises a pair of bolt extensions  118 . Alternatively the bolt  112  may include any number of bolt extensions  118  depending on the design for the housing  114  and the engagement channel  110  (See FIG. 1). Preferably, the bolt extensions  118  connect to the handle  116  such that when a user pulls the handle  116  away from the housing  114 , the extensions  118  retract into the housing  114 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a window latch  102 , including a window latch housing  114 , a housing baseplate  120 , a bolt  112 , a catch  122 , and a catch spring  124 . The housing  114  includes one or more fastener receivers  126  configured to receive a corresponding number of fasteners  172  that pass through the baseplate  120 . The housing  114  defines two guides  128  configured to accommodate the bolt extensions  118 . The number of guides  128  in the window latch housing  114  preferably corresponds to the number of bolt extensions  118 .  
         [0039]    Preferably, the housing  114  includes one or more spring cavities  132  each configured to receive a bolt spring  134 . The bolt springs  134  serve to return the bolt  112  from an unlocked position to a locked position, which will be discussed below.  
         [0040]    Referring still to FIG. 3, the housing baseplate  120  includes fastener voids  136 , mounting voids  138  and a trigger pin guide  140 . In the illustrated embodiment, the baseplate  120  has four fastener voids  136  configured to receive fasteners  172  through the baseplate  120  to secure the baseplate  120  to the housing  114 . The mounting voids  138  are configured to receive fasteners (not shown) to secure the window latch  102  to the first window molding  104 .  
         [0041]    The catch  122 , in one embodiment, includes a trigger pin  142  configured to extend through the baseplate  120 . A trigger pin guide  140  receives, guides, and supports the trigger pin  142  as it traverses the trigger pin guide  140  during locking and unlocking. In one embodiment, the trigger pin guide  140  is oval in shape to receive an oval shaped trigger pin  142 . However, those of skill in the art will recognize that the trigger pin guide  140  may be any shape capable of accomplishing its purpose. The catch  122  will be described in more detail below.  
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the bolt  112  includes a recessed area  144 , a pair of bolt spring stops  146 , and a pair of fastener access voids  148 . The fastener access voids  148  align with mounting voids  138  in the baseplate  120  when the bolt  112  is in an unlocked position. The alignment of the fastener access voids  148  and the corresponding mounting voids  138  allow mounting screws (not shown) to pass through the fastener access voids  148  and through the corresponding mounting voids  138  to fasten the window latch  102  to the window molding  104 ,  108 . The mounting screws (not shown) do not interfere with the movement of the bolt  112 .  
         [0043]    Preferably, the bolt spring stops  146  extend substantially perpendicular to the bolt  112  and extend at least partially into the engagement spring cavities  132 . The bolt spring stops  146  are configured to engage the bolt springs  134  positioned within the spring cavities  132  of the housing  114 . When a user pulls the handle  116 , the bolt extensions  118  retract within the housing  114 . Simultaneously, the bolt spring stops  146  compress the bolt springs  134  within the spring cavities  132 . Upon releasing the retracted bolt  112 , the compressed bolt springs  134  cause a bias force against the bolt spring stops  146 , which pushes the bolt  112  back into a locked position.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 4 illustrates a receiving area  129  for receiving the catch  122  within the housing  114 . In this embodiment, the receiving area  129  comprises a well  133  with a guide  130  substantially centered within the well  133 . The guide  130  extends into the receiving area  129 . The guide  130  serves to retain one end of the catch  122  perpendicular to the housing  114 . The well  133 , in combination with the guide  130 , helps maintain the catch spring  124  perpendicular to the housing  114  and concentric to the guide  130 .  
         [0045]    The interior of the housing  114  includes a slide surface  131  on a wall of the housing  114  located near the guide  130 . In another embodiment, the guide may comprise one or more walls (not shown) surrounding the catch  122  to guide the catch  122  as the catch spring  124  compresses.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded front view of the window latch housing  114  and baseplate  120 . The guides  128  are configured to house the bolt extensions  118  and rails  148  align and guide the bolt  112  over the base plate  120 . In one embodiment, the housing  114  may be fastened to the baseplate  120  using fasteners  172 . The fasteners  172  may be removable, such as screws. Alternatively, the fasteners may be permanent, such as rivets, welds, glue, or the like.  
         [0047]    In a preferred embodiment, the housing  114  is one piece and the baseplate  120  is a separate piece. Alternatively, the housing  114  and baseplate  120  may be formed by a plurality of sections that are suitably fastened. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a housing  114  and baseplate  120  made from a plurality of sections are well within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIGS. 6A, 6B, and  6 C illustrate various views of one embodiment of the catch  122 . Preferably, the catch  122  includes a rectangular catch body  150  with an optional chamfered edge  156 , a spring guide  152 , and a trigger pin  142 . Alternatively, the catch body  150 , spring guide  152 , and trigger pin  142  may comprise other shapes and sizes.  
         [0049]    In this embodiment, the spring guide  152  is cylindrical in shape and configured to receive the catch spring  124  (See FIG. 3). An optional rounded tip of the spring guide  152  prevents the catch spring  124  from snagging as the catch spring  124  is compressed and released. The cylindrical shape of the spring guide  152  allows the catch spring  124  to contract and retract smoothly. In a preferred embodiment, the catch spring  124  is a coil spring  
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the catch body  150 , spring guide  152 , and trigger pin  142  are all formed from a single material, such as plastic, metal, or ceramic. Alternatively, the catch body  150 , spring guide  152 , and trigger pin  142  may be formed of distinct materials properly connected to provide the functionality described herein.  
         [0051]    Preferably, a guide cavity  154  is formed within the spring guide  152  of the catch  122 . In one embodiment, the guide cavity  154  is configured to receive a guide  130  (see FIG. 4) that extends from the interior of the housing  114 . In this manner, the guide  130  provides a slide guide for the catch  122 .  
         [0052]    In another embodiment, the guide cavity  154  is configured to receive the catch spring  124  and the guide. The catch spring  124  may contract and expand as the guide cavity moves over the guide  130 . In this manner, alternative configurations for coupling the catch  122  and the catch spring  124  may be used, each within the scope of the present invention those of skill in the art will appreciate. For example, in one embodiment, the catch spring  124  comprises a torsion spring with one end wedged against a back wall of the housing and the other end within a recess (not shown) of the catch body  150 . In such an embodiment, the spring guide  152  may comprise a tab that holds one end of the torsion spring.  
         [0053]    In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger pin  142  is configured to protrude outwardly from the housing  114  and through the base plate  120  (See FIG. 3) to receive an external force to move the catch  122 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the trigger pin  142  may be any length. In another embodiment, the catch  122  may be configured without a trigger pin  122 . Specifically, the window frame  108  may comprise an extension (not shown) configured to reach into the housing  114  through the base plate  120  to push directly against the catch  122  when the window frame  108  closes. This external force pushing directly against the catch  122  moves the catch  122  from between the slide plate  131  (See FIG. 4) and the bolt  112  (See FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the trigger pin  142  may be any shape. In another embodiment, the catch  122  may comprise a plurality of trigger pins  142 .  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 7A illustrates the catch  122  in relation to the bolt  112  when the bolt  112  is in a locked position. In a locked position, the catch spring  124  (See FIG. 3) presses the catch  122  against the bolt  112 . The trigger pin  142  may extend through the recessed area  144 . The bolt extensions  118  extend from the housing  114  (See FIG. 3)) to lock the windows (See FIG. 1).  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 7B illustrates the bolt  112  in an unlocked position. The catch  122  engages a contact surface  160  on the bolt and sits between the bolt  112  and the housing  114  (See FIG. 3). The location of the catch body  150  between the bolt  112  and the slide plate  131  of the housing  114  prevents the bolt  112  from advancing against the window pane and/or the window molding  108 . Bolt springs  134  (See FIG. 3) press against the bolt spring stops  146  biasing the bolt  112  against the catch  122 . In this manner, the window latch  102  remains in the unlocked position until the catch body  150  moves from between the bolt  112  and the slide plate  131  of the housing  114 .  
         [0056]    In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface  160  also includes a chamfered edge  153 . The chamfered edge  156  (See FIG. 6A) of the catch  122  and the chamfered edge  153  of the contact surface  160  slideably engage to facilitate movement of the catch  122  as it moves from a locked position to an unlocked position, and vice versa. The angle of the chamfered edge  156  of the catch  122  and the chamfered edge  153  of the contact surface  160  may range between about 10 to about 75 degrees each. Naturally, a smaller chamfer angle reduces the amount of force necessary to move the catch  122  over the bolt  112 . A preferred chamfer angle is about 45 degrees each.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the window latch  102  in the locked position. The external force acting against the trigger pin  142  removes the catch  122  from between the bolt  112  and the slide plate  131  of the housing  114  to the current position of the catch illustrated in FIG. 8. Alternatively, an external force may act directly against the catch body  150  to remove the catch  122  from between the bolt  112  and the slide plate  131  of the housing  114 . For example, a rod (not shown) from a window molding may project into the housing  114  to function as a trigger pin  142 , and force the catch  122  out from between the bolt  112  and slide surface  131 . The catch  122  is configured to traverse the guide  130  and move substantially perpendicular to a back wall  155  of the housing  114  against a bias force of the catch spring  124 .  
         [0058]    With the catch body  150  removed, the compressed bolt springs  134  (FIG. 3) move the bolt  112  into the locked position with the extensions  118  extending outward from the housing  114 . The catch spring  124  presses the catch  122  against the bolt  112 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate various perspectives of one embodiment of the window latch  102 , respectively, in the locked and unlocked positions. FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of the window latch  102 , including the handle  116 , the housing  114 , and the bolt extensions  118 , in the locked position. The mounting voids  138  (See FIG. 3) and fastener access voids  148  (See FIG. 3) are not visible in the locked position.  
         [0060]    Similarly, FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of the window latch  102  in the unlocked position, having the handle  116  drawn from the housing  114 . The bolt extensions  118  (See FIG. 3) have retracted within the housing  114 . Preferably, the bolt extensions  118  fully retract within the housing  114 . Alternatively, the bolt extensions  118  may partially retract. Additionally, in the unlocked position, the mounting voids  138  are exposed to allow access to mounting fasteners (not shown).  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a window latch  102  mounted on a first interlocking window molding  104 . The window latch  102  is in a locked position such that the bolt extensions  118  extend into the engagement channel  110 , preventing the window moldings  104 ,  108  from moving passed each other.  
         [0062]    The first molding  104  may include a first interlocking leg  162  that may run the width of the window molding  104  and defines a first interlocking channel  164 . The window handle  106  facilitates movement of the first window molding  104  when the window latch  102  is in an unlocked position. Preferably, the first interlocking channel  164  includes a trigger pin guide  166 , preferably a hole, aligned with a second interlocking leg  168  of the second window molding  108 .  
         [0063]    The illustrated second interlocking window molding  108  has a second interlocking leg  168  that may run the width of the second window molding  108  and define a second interlocking channel  170 . The second molding  108  may also include an engagement channel  110 . The engagement channel  110  may run the width of the molding  108 . Alternatively, the engagement channel  110  may run only the width of the window latch  102 . In a further embodiment, the second molding  108  may include more than one engagement channel  110  each sized and configured according to the number and arrangement of bolt extensions  118  used in the window latch  102 .  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 10 also illustrates the trigger pin  142  within the trigger pin guide  166  of the first molding  104 , extending slightly into the first interlocking channel  164 . In this locked position, the catch spring  124  presses the catch body  150  against the bolt  112  as discussed in relation to FIG. 7A. Alternatively, in the absence of a trigger pin  142 , the second interlocking leg  168  may comprise a trigger pin extension (not shown) extending upward through the trigger pin guide  166  and into the housing. The interlocking leg  168  may be long enough to enter the housing  114 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the window latch  102  in an unlocked position. Specifically, the handle  116  is withdrawn from the housing  114  and the bolt extensions  118  at least partially retract within the housing  114 . As the bolt extensions  118  are retracted they disengage from the engagement channel  110 , allowing the first window molding  104  to move freely in a vertical direction  172 .  
         [0066]    In this unlocked position, the catch spring  124  forces the catch  122  between the bolt  112  and the slide surface  131  of the housing  114  so as to retain the bolt extensions  118  substantially within the housing  114  as discussed in relation to FIG. 7B. With the window latch  102  in this unlocked position, the first window molding  104  may be moved vertically in the direction of arrow  172 . With the bolt extensions  118  in the unlocked position, the bolt extensions  118  do not contact the second window molding  108  or glass.  
         [0067]    The bolt extensions  118  in one embodiment are automatically extended into the engagement channel  110  as the window moldings  104 ,  108  move into a closed position. Specifically, as the first window molding  104  moves into the interlocked position with the second window molding  108 , the trigger pin  142  contacts the second interlocking leg  168  of the second window molding  108 . The trigger pin  142  consequently moves the catch body  150 , against the compressed force of the catch spring  124 , from between the bolt  112  and the slide surface  131  of the housing  114 . The bolt springs  134  subsequently move the bolt  112  such that the bolt extensions  118  extend into the engagement channel  110  and secure the window moldings  104 ,  108  into a locked position.  
         [0068]    It is understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of C°, &lt;equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.  
         [0069]    For example, although the present invention describes the use of the latch on windows, it is envisioned that this latch may be fastened to a variety of other devices, such as drawers, doors, panels, gates, etc.  
         [0070]    Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.