Abstract:
A window lock assembly is provided for locking a window with a cord. The cord allows a window to be opened a small amount. The lock can be locked and unlocked without a key, and in some embodiments, can be operated with one hand.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/213,318, entitled “WINDOW LOCK ASSEMBLY” filed on Sep. 2, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates a window lock assembly for helping prevent children from opening a window, while still allowing an adult to disengage the lock assembly. 
       DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    Household windows can be dangerous trap for toddlers and young children. Many older windows may contain faulty locking devices that present a safety hazard. Some window locks require a key, which requires an adult to retrieve the key prior to unlocking the window. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to certain illustrative embodiments and the figures. The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the invention, but rather are used to describe a few illustrative embodiments. Thus, aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention. 
         [0005]    According to one embodiment, a window lock includes a first mount configured to be attached to a first window component, a flexible cord attached to the first mount, and a cord lock attached to the flexible cord at a distance from the first mount. The window lock further includes a second mount including a lock receptor configured to removably receive the cord lock, the second mount being configured to be attached to a second window component. The second mount includes a cord lock blocker which is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the cord lock blocker blocks removal of the cord lock from the lock receptor, and in the second position, the cord lock blocker does not block removal of the cord lock. The cord lock blocker may be biased toward the first position and is movable to the second position by applying a force to a finger-graspable portion. 
         [0006]    According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a window lock assembly is provided including a latch mounting base attached proximate to a window, a flexible latch cable extending from the latch mounting base, with the latch cable being attached to a latch. The latch may include at least one graspable surface that may permit operation with one hand, and a slot engagement member. A latch reception base may be attached to a window, with the latch reception base comprising a slot with a larger opening for receiving and removably holding the slot engagement member. The latch reception base may include a slider that extends outwardly from the latch reception base to move within the slot, wherein the slider comprises at least one graspable surface, a locking tab that holds the slider within the latch reception base, wherein the slider holds the slot engagement member within the latch reception base. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the window lock assembly comprises rounded edges. In some embodiments, the latch mounting base comprises adhesive on a rear surface for attachment to a window frame. In some embodiments, the latch mounting base comprises adhesive on a rear surface for attachment to a window glass. In some embodiments, the latch mounting base comprises at least one threaded hole for receiving screws for attachment to the window frame. In some embodiments, the latch reception base comprises adhesive on a rear surface for attachment to a window frame. In some embodiments, the latch reception base comprises adhesive on a rear surface for attachment to a window glass. In some embodiments, the latch reception base comprises at least one threaded hole for receiving screws for attachment to the window frame. In some embodiments, the slider extends outwardly from the latch reception base in a substantially perpendicular direction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a window lock assembly in the unlatched configuration according to one embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the window lock assembly; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the window lock assembly in the unlatched position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the window lock assembly in the latched position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the window lock assembly in the latched position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the window lock assembly in the latched position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the latch receiving base; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the latch receiving base; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a bottom isometric view of the latch receiving base; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the locking tab; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the locking tab; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of the slider; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is another isometric view of the slider; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is another isometric view of the slider; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the latch; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the slider; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the latch mounting base. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept of an window lock assembly. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, a cord-based window lock permits a window to be opened by a small amount. By using an arrangement that does not require a key, the lock can be unlocked quickly and easily by an adult without having to go to a separate location to retrieve a key. 
         [0028]    According to one embodiment, a window lock assembly  1  includes a first mount which is shown in this embodiment as a substantially flat latch mounting base  2  with two threaded screw holes  3  for attaching the latch mounting base  2  to a first window component, such as a window frame  21 . In other embodiments, the latch mounting base  2  may be adhered to a window frame or to the glass of a window. Other suitable attachment methods also may be used. 
         [0029]    Attached to the latch mounting base  2  is a flexible cord, which is shown as a flexible latch cable  4 . A cord lock is attached to the flexible cord at a distance from the latch mounting base  2 . The cord lock is shown as a latch  5  in this embodiment, and includes a top extended portion  6  that can be easily grasped by an adult, and also includes an insertion member such as a bottom latch engagement member  7 . 
         [0030]    A second mount, such as latch reception base  8 , is configured to be attached to a second window component, such as a window jamb or a frame  22  of a different sash, as just two examples. 
         [0031]    The second mount may include two threaded screw holes  9  for attaching the latch reception base  8  to the second window component. In some embodiments, the latch reception base  8  may be adhered to a window frame or to the window glass. Other suitable attachment methods also may be used. 
         [0032]    The latch reception base  8  includes a lock receptor, which in some embodiments includes an opening  11  that is configured to receive the bottom latch engagement member  7 . In some embodiments, the latch engagement member  7  (or other cord lock) is slideable within a channel  10 . Other suitable lock receptors may be used in various embodiments. 
         [0033]    A cord lock blocker may be arranged to selectively hold the lock in the lock receptor.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a cord lock blocker in the form of a slider  12 . The slider  12  moves along a channel  13  which is perpendicular to the channel  10 . The slider  12  is biased to move into channel  10  to block the cord lock (e.g., latch engagement member  7 ). As may be seen in  FIGS. 4-6 , and particularly in  FIG. 6 , the slider  12  may be positioned over an upper surface  24  of the insertion member (e.g., latch engagement member  7 ). With the slider in this position, the cord lock cannot be moved away from the lock receptor in the direction of the opening  11 . 
         [0034]    The slider  12  may have a top protrusion  14  to allow a user to grasp and slide the slider  12  within the channel  13 . By pulling or pushing against the bias of a spring  23  or other biasing member, the slider can be moved so that the slider no longer prevents the insertion member from being removed. 
         [0035]    Any suitable type of biasing member may be used to bias the slider  12  toward the locking position. For example, a coil spring, a leaf spring, a resilient material, or any other suitable arrangement may be used. 
         [0036]    The latch reception base  8  may also include a holding tab  15  that holds the slider  12  within channel  13 , such that holding tab  15  has to be moved prior to sliding the slider  12  out of the channel  10 . The holding tab  15  may be pivotably mounted to the latch reception base  8 , and/or may form an interference fit when pushed into the holding position. 
         [0037]    In alternative embodiments, the latch engagement member  7 , or other cord lock, is movable along the channel  10  to an end of the channel that is opposite to the opening  11 . In these embodiments, the slider  12  is moved out of the channel  10 , the latch engagement member  7  is slid along the channel, and then slider is released, such that the slider returns into the channel  10 . In this position, the latch engagement member  7  is prevented from traveling along the channel  10  toward the opening  11  by a surface  25 , and therefore is held within the lock receptor. In such embodiments, the spring or other biasing element may be positioned sufficiently low on the slider so that the spring does not interfere with the lower portion of the cord lock during sliding. 
         [0038]    For purposes herein, the term “flexible cord” is meant to include any suitable type of cord, cable, rope, chain, wire, or other component that is formed with an elongated, flexible material. Also for purposes herein, “finger-graspable” is intended to include any suitable arrangement for pushing, pulling, or otherwise applying a force on a component with one&#39;s finger(s) or thumb. The use of an additional finger to brace against another component does not change a finger-graspable portion to being not finger-graspable. 
         [0039]    In use, embodiments of the window lock assembly may be easily installed. In some embodiments, locking and releasing may be achieved with single handed operation, while in other embodiments, two handed operation is used. 
         [0040]    The corners and top extending surfaces of the window lock assembly components may have rounded edges to limit sharp edges and corners. 
         [0041]    For purposes herein, the term “substantially” is defined as at least close to (and can include) a given value or state, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0042]    Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.