Combination four-position sash lock and tilt latch also functioning as a window opening control device

A sash window fastener includes a lock assembly, latch assembly, and stop member. The lock assembly mounts upon the meeting rail, and includes a pivotable cam to engage a keeper on the master frame, and a pivotable arm that acts as a follower. The arm interconnects with the latch within the meeting rail, so cam rotation controls arm positioning—causing translational movement of the latch. The cam can occupy four positions causing four corresponding latch positions: an extended position securing the cam to the keeper, with the latch engaging the master frame to prevent tilting, and contacts a first stop to redundantly lock the window; a first retracted position permitting sliding of the window, but limited by the slightly retracted latch clearing the first stop but contacting a second stop; a second retracted position permitting sliding beyond the second stop, but preventing tilting; and a third retracted position permitting tilting.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in locks and tilt latches for slidable sash windows, and more particularly to improvements to an integral sash lock/tilt latch combination that furthermore includes a window vent stop capability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Single hung and double hung sliding sash windows are commonly used today in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Sash locks are typically mounted to the meeting rail of the bottom sash window to lock the sash or sashes, by preventing the lower sash (or both the lower and upper sashes for a double hung window), from being opened through sliding movement relative to the master window frame. Also, in order to assist in the cleaning of the exterior of these sliding sash windows, it is common for window manufacturers to incorporate a tilt latch device thereon that permits one end of the sliding sash window to be released from the track of the master window frame. This allows the sash window to be pivoted into the room, for easy access to the exterior surface of the glazing that is normally exposed to the exterior environment of the building.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements to such window hardware in the form of an integrated sash lock and tilt latch fastener for single hung or double hung windows.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a sash lock to prevent relative sliding movement of one or both sliding sash windows that are slidable within a master window frame.

It is another object of the invention to provide a tilt latch to permit pivoting of a sliding sash window inwardly into the room in which the window is installed.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a combination sash lock and tilt latch that act cooperatively through the use of a single cam.

It is another object of the invention to provide a sash lock and tilt latch that may act cooperatively to furthermore limit the travel of a window to provide a vent opening that is too small to permit egress of a small child therefrom.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a sash lock that may be blindly coupled to a tilt latch device for cooperative interaction and actuation of the latch.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An integral sash locking and tilt latching fastener for a sliding sash window may include a lock assembly that may be interconnected with a latch assembly.

The lock assembly may be mounted to the top of the meeting rail of the sash window. The lock assembly may include a housing and a cam pivotally mounted to the housing, being configured to pivot out from a cavity in the housing to releasably engage a keeper on the master window frame (or on a second sliding sash window) in a “lock” position, to lock the sash window (or windows) and prevent it from sliding and/or tilting. The lock assembly also includes a lever arm that may be pivotally mounted within the lock housing, and which may be configured for a portion thereof to extend beyond the mounting surface of the housing, and into the hollow of the meeting rail. The cam may have a graspable shaft portion that may protrude upwardly, out from an orifice in the sash lock housing, to permit actuation of the device (cam rotation) by a user. Alternatively, the device may have a separate handle member secured to the cam, where the handle may facilitate easy rotation and counter-rotation of the cam.

The latch assembly may be received through an opening on a side of the sash member. The latch assembly may include a housing, biasing means, and a latch member slidably disposed within the housing. The latch member is configured to receive the lever arm of the lock assembly, when positioned within the hollow meeting rail, for coupling therebetween. The housing, latch member, and biasing means are configured for the biasing means to normally bias the latch member, so that a portion of one end (i.e., a portion of its “tongue”) may protrude out from the housing, and out of the sash window frame.

With the cam releasably secured in the “lock” position (e.g., using a detent mechanism), the cam may prevent sliding of the sash window through its engagement with the keeper, the latch member is also in its fully extended position which would prevent tilting of the sash window. The sash window may be redundantly locked with respect to any sliding motion within the master window frame by a stop member, which may be secured in the track of the master window frame within which the sash member slides. A first step of the stop member may protrude a first distance into the track, and may thereat block sliding movement of the tongue of the latch member that is biased to protrude therein, to provide a secondary lock feature with respect to sliding of the window away from its closed position.

When actuation of the shaft/handle member causes the cam to rotate (e.g., 135 degrees from the lock position), it may move the cam from the extended lock position into a first retracted cam position—a position where the cam is disengaged from the keeper on the master window frame, and would no longer prevent the sash window from sliding. Rotation of the cam into the first retracted cam position may cause a portion thereof to contact a follower portion of the lever arm and thereby drive the lever arm to also rotate, which rotation may act to oppose the biasing of the latch member to actuate it a discrete amount, through the interconnection therebetween, to move the latch member into a corresponding first retracted latch member position. With the latch member in the first retracted latch member position, the end of its tongue may be positioned clear of the first step of the stop member, so that the sash window may slide away from its closed position. However, a second step on the stop member may protrude a second distance, being further into the track of the master frame, and may be positioned at a discrete height above the first step, which may nonetheless still block sliding movement of the latch member.

This may provide a vent stop feature that permits sliding of the sash window from its closed position but only up to small elevated position that may form an opening small enough to prevent accidental egress by a small child or ingress by an intruder, but which nonetheless provides ventilation. With the latch member in its first retracted position, a portion of its tongue remains engaged within the track of the master window frame, and thereat still serves to prevent tilting of the sash member out from the master window frame. Note that the detent mechanism may releasably secure the cam at the first retracted cam position, thereby also releasably securing the latch member at the first retracted latch member position, due to the interconnection therebetween.

When continued actuation of the shaft/handle member causes the cam to further rotate a discrete amount (e.g., an additional 25 degrees—being 160 degrees from the cam's lock position), to move from the first retracted position to a second retracted position, the cam may further drive the lever arm to correspondingly rotate a discrete amount, and thus move the latch member into a second retracted latch member position. With the latch member in the second retracted latch member position, the end of the tongue is then positioned clear of the second step of the stop member, so that the sliding movement of the sash window is no longer limited, and it may now slide anywhere between a fully closed position and a fully open position. However, the tongue nonetheless still remains engaged within the track of the master window frame, and thus still serves to prevent tilting of the sash member out from the master window frame.

When continued actuation of the shaft/handle member causes the cam to further rotate another discrete amount (e.g., an additional 20 degrees—being 180 degrees from the cam's lock position), to move from the second retracted position to a third retracted position, the cam further drive the lever arm to correspondingly rotate a discrete amount, and move the latch member into a third retracted latch member position. With the latch member in the third retracted latch member position, the end of the tongue is then disengaged from the track of the master window frame, and the sash window is free to be tilted out of the master window frame. Note that the detent mechanism may also releasably secure the cam at the second and third retracted cam position, thereby also releasably securing the latch member at the third retracted latch member position.

Both a left-hand and right-hand version of the above described integral sash locking and tilt latching fastener and corresponding stepped stop may be mounted on a sliding sash window and master frame. Alternatively, only the left-hand or the right hand arrangement may be used to secure the window as described. The following discussion proceeds with a discussion of one version of the fastener, with the understanding that a mirror image may also be formed and used on the window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows an embodiment of the Applicant's integrated sash lock/tilt latch fastener, which may be used in conjunction with a sash window that is designed to be slidable and tiltable with respect to a master window frame.

The integrated sash lock/tilt latch fastener ofFIG. 1may include a latch assembly200, and a sash lock assembly100, which may be blindly mated to the latch assembly during its installation upon the meeting rail of the sash window. The latch assembly may interact with a stepped stop430.

Perspective views of the housing10of the sash lock assembly100are shown inFIGS. 2-5, while corresponding orthogonal views are shown inFIGS. 6-11. The housing10is not limited to the shape illustrated withinFIGS. 6-11, and could take on many different suitable shapes, including a rectangular shape, an irregular shape, etc. However, the housing10may be desirably shaped to have a generally curved outer surface13, spanning from a first end21to second end22. The curvature of surface13may terminate at a generally flat bottom surface11. The curvature of surface13may also transition, as seen inFIG. 9, into a generally flat surface32, at which a wall33may be formed (FIG. 6). The housing10may be hollowed out to form an interior surface14, and the wall33may have an opening34into the interior cavity of the housing.

Extending outwardly from the interior surface14of the housing10may be at least one hollow cylindrical protrusion that may be used to secure the sash lock assembly100to the sash window. In one embodiment of the housing, two hollow cylindrical protrusions15and16are used, and each may be configured to respectively receive a screw for mounting of the sash lock100to the meeting rail of the sliding sash window.

Extending outwardly from the interior surface14of the housing10may also be a shaft25, which may be used for pivotal mounting of a lever arm.

The housing10may have a cylindrical boss18extending upwardly from the outer surface13, and may also have a cylindrical boss19extending downwardly from the interior surface14, into the housing cavity. The housing may have a hole20through the cylindrical boss18and boss19. The hole20may be used for pivotal mounting of a shaft that may extend from a portion of the locking cam, or alternatively, the hole20may be used for pivotal mounting of a separate shaft/handle member, to which the locking cam may instead be fixedly secured.

As seen inFIGS. 13-21, a shaft/handle member40may have a cylindrical shaft43, one end of which may have a keyed protrusion44extending therefrom, with an orifice therein. The other end of the shaft43may have a graspable handle portion46that may extend generally orthogonally with respect to the axis of shaft43. The shaft43may be configured to be pivotally received within the hole20in the boss18of the housing10. The keyed protrusion44may be any suitable cross-sectional shape, and in this example, the keyed protrusion is formed using a rectangular shape.

The locking cam50, illustrated inFIGS. 22-32, may have a cylindrical hub53, with a keyed opening54that is shaped to match the keyed protrusion44of the shaft/handle member40. Extending laterally away from the hub53may be a wall55, and extending laterally away from the wall55may be a curved cam wall56, which may be used to engage the key of the corresponding keeper, and to draw the sliding sash window in closer proximity to the master window frame (or to the other sash window for a double-hung arrangement). The curved cam wall56may have a curved protrusion56P protruding laterally therefrom, which may be a semi-cylindrical protrusion, with a surface having a radius56PR. The axis of the semi-cylindrical protrusion56P may be substantially parallel to the axis of the hub53.

Protruding away from the hub53may be a cylindrical member57, the axis of which may be generally concentric with the axis of the hub. The cylindrical member57may have a first flat58A formed thereon, and a second flat58B formed thereon to be clocked 180 degrees away from the first flat58A. The flats58A and58B may co-act with respect to the leaf spring90shown inFIG. 12, to operate as a detent mechanism to releasably secure the cam50at an extended (locking) position and a third retracted (unlocked) position, which are discussed hereinafter with respect toFIGS. 60 and 63.

The cylindrical member57A may also have a third flat59A formed thereon, as seen inFIG. 28, at a position that is clocked roughly 135 degrees from the first flat58A. The flat59A may also co-act with respect to the leaf spring90to operate as a detent mechanism to releasably secure the cam50at another sash unlocked position, termed herein, with respect to the operation of the sash lock and sash window, as a first retracted (unlock) position. For greater stability of the cam in being releasably retained at this unlocked position, a fourth flat59B may be positioned on the cylindrical member57at a position that is clocked roughly 180 degrees from the third flat59A, which may releasably engage a second leaf spring. Note that the flats could be formed on the cylindrical hub53, instead of on the protruding cylindrical member57.

As seen for the alternate embodiment of the cam inFIG. 28A, the cylindrical member57A may also have a fifth flat59C formed thereon, at a position that is clocked roughly 160 degrees from the first flat58A. The flat59C may also co-act with respect to the leaf spring90to operate as a detent mechanism to releasably secure the cam50at yet another sash unlocked position, termed herein as a second retracted (unlock) position. A sixth flat59D may be positioned on the cylindrical member57at a position that is clocked roughly 180 degrees from the fifth flat59C, and which may releasably engage the second leaf spring.

Interaction between the sash lock assembly100, once installed upon the meeting rail of the sliding sash window, and the latch assembly200, may be through the use of a lever arm70that may be pivotally mounted within the cavity of the housing10. The lever arm70is shown withinFIGS. 33-40. Lever arm70may include a hub73, with a mounting hole74therein. Extending laterally away from the axis of the hub73may be an arm75, which may have a sculpted surface75S (a follower portion), and which may include a small radiused step75T that may serve as a detent. The sculpted surface75S may include a radiused concave feature75R which is discussed hereinafter. The radiused feature75R may be formed with a radius being substantially equal to, or slightly larger than, the radius56PR for the protrusion75P on cam50, for engagement therebetween. The sculpted surface75S is shaped to be selectively driven by rotation of the semi-cylindrical protrusion56P of the locking cam50, as discussed hereinafter. The arm75may transition into a post76that may be generally orthogonal to the arm75, and may be generally parallel to the axis of the hub73. A protrusion77may protrude from the post76.

Initial assembly of sash lock assembly100is shown inFIG. 41. The leaf spring90, which may be a generally flat elongated flexible member, as seen inFIG. 12, may be installed into the housing interior. The ends of leaf spring90may be fixedly received within a pair of corresponding recesses in the housing, using a friction fit, or using adhesive, or mechanical fasteners, etc. As mentioned above, a second leaf spring90′ may be used, and may similarly be secured within the housing cavity, to be at a distance away from the first leaf spring90that is roughly the same as the distance between the pair of flats58A and58B, which may be roughly the same as the distance between the pair of flats59A and59B, and between flats59C and59D. The cylindrical shaft43of the shaft/handle member40may then be pivotally received in hole20of housing10.

As seen inFIG. 42, the locking cam50may then be joined to the shaft/handle member40, with the keyed protrusion44of the shaft member40being received within the keyed opening54of locking cam50, and being secured thereat using a friction fit, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or by being welded thereto, or by using any combination of suitable means of securing two parts together. Note that additional pivotal support for the cam50may be provided by the curved housing walls17A and17B (FIG. 2AandFIG. 41) supporting the hub53of the cam therebetween.

Next, as seen inFIGS. 42 and 43, the hole74of the hub73of the lever arm70may be pivotally received upon the shaft25that may protrude out from the interior surface14of the housing. To pivotally secure the lever arm70thereto, the end of the shaft25may be bucked like a rivet, to form a head to prevent the lever arm from slipping off of the post. Alternatively, a screw or other mechanical fastener may be used for pivotally securing the hub73of the lever arm70to the shaft25of the housing10.

FIGS. 44-51show various views of the sash lock assembly with the cam in the extended (lock) position.

FIGS. 52-59show various views of the sash lock assembly with the cam in the third retracted (unlock) position.

FIGS. 60-63show four key positions that may be occupied by the components of the assembled sash lock100.

FIG. 60shows the sash lock assembly100in the extended locking position, where the curved wall56of cam50protrudes out from the housing10, and may engage the key (or “tooth”) of a keeper to secure the sliding sash window from sliding within the track of the master window frame, as discussed hereinafter. The lever arm70shown therein, is unaffected by the cam50in this position, and the lever arm is biased into the position shown by the interconnection with the biased latch member of the latch assembly.

FIG. 61shows the sash lock assembly100in the first retracted (unlocked) position, where the shaft/handle member40has been rotated 135 degrees from the extended locking position, for the curved wall56of cam50to disengage from the keeper and be retracted within the cavity of the housing10, to permit the sash window to slide in the master window frame. During the final portion of the 135 degrees of rotation for the cam to reach the first retracted unlock position, the semi-cylindrical protrusion56P of the locking cam50may contact the lever arm70and cause it to similarly rotate, but only a small amount. After the small amount of co-rotation of arm70, the radiused surface56PRof protrusion75P on cam50may nest within the radiused feature75R of the arm, for releasable engagement therebetween. With this arrangement of lever arm70and cam50at the first retracted position (for the fastener to serve as a window vent stop), if a force is applied to the post76of the arm by the latch, counter-rotation of the arm about its hub would be reacted by its engagement with the cam, and be further reacted, in part, through the pivotal mounting of the cam.

FIG. 62shows the sash lock assembly100in the second retracted (unlocked) position, where the shaft/handle member40has been rotated an additional 25 degrees from the first retracted position (i.e., is rotated 160 degrees from the locking position). During those 25 degrees of rotation for the cam to reach the second retracted position, the semi-cylindrical protrusion56P of the locking cam50may disengage from its position with respect to the radiused feature75R (FIG. 61) of the arm, at which the detent mechanism provides a restraining force that inhibits motion away from that position, and drive the lever arm70to further co-rotate, after which the semi-cylindrical protrusion56P of the locking cam may rest against the step75T to provide a tactile indication of such positioning.

FIG. 63shows the sash lock assembly100in the third retracted (unlock) position, where the shaft/handle member40has been rotated an additional 20 degrees past the second retracted position (i.e., is rotated 180 degrees from the locking position). During those 20 degrees of rotation for the cam to reach the third retracted position, the semi-cylindrical protrusion56P of the locking cam50may pass over the step75T (FIG. 62), and drive the lever arm70to further co-rotate. (Note that the herein described 135 degree, 160 degree, and 180 degree rotational amounts are merely exemplary, and the fastener may be constructed so that other rotational amounts to reach those key positions may alternatively be used).

The clocking of the flat58A and flat58B on the cylindrical member57on the hub53of locking cam50may respectively contact and be flush with the leaf springs90and90′, to releasably restrain the locking cam50from rotating out of the extended locking position and the third retracted unlock position, without being deliberately moved therefrom.

Also, the clocking of the flat59A and flat59B of the cylindrical member57on the hub53of locking cam50may be respectively engaged by the flexible leaf springs90and90′ when the cam is at the first retracted (unlocked) position. (Note, to increase flexibility of the leaf springs90and90′, only one end of each spring may be fixedly mounted in the housing, or alternatively, both ends may be slidably mounted therein, to easily permit lateral deflection of the leaf springs, but without permitting them to become loosened or disconnected from proper positioning within the housing adjacent to the locking cam). This contact of the flats of the cam with the leaf spring may serve to releasably restrain the locking cam50from rotating out of the first retracted (unlocked) position, until being deliberately moved therefrom. Note that since the angle at which the flats58A/58B were clocked from the flats59A/59B was approximately 135 degrees, the shaft/handle40will need to rotate approximately 135 degrees to actuate the sash lock assembly100from the extended lock position to the first retracted (unlock) position. This is shown by the movement of the handle portion46of the shaft/handle40in both figures. As noted above, angular displacements other than 135 degrees are also possible, as long as the rotational movement is sufficient to move the curved wall56of cam50far enough away from the keeper to permit sliding movement of the sash window, and although it may be desirable, the cam need not even be fully retracted within the housing10at the first retraced unlock position.

The shaft/handle40and cam50may also be releasably secured at the second retracted (unlocked) position using the same detent mechanism, where the leaf springs90and90′ engage the flats59C and59D on the hub53of locking cam50, where those flats may be utilized.

The shaft/handle40and cam50may furthermore be releasably secured at the third retracted position using the same detent mechanism, where the leaf springs90and90′ once again engage the flats58A and58B (i.e., after having been rotation 180 degrees).

The above noted interconnection between the sash lock assembly100and the latch assembly200may be through the use of the following latch assembly configuration.

The latch assembly200may include a latch housing210, shown inFIGS. 64 to 74, which may have a simple exterior surface (e.g., generally cylindrical), the complement of which may be easily formed (e.g., bored) into the sliding sash window frame, to permit ease of its installation therein. However, the housing210is not limited to the shape illustrated within those figures, and could take on many different appropriate shapes, including an elongated rectangular shape. However, at least a portion of the housing210may be desirably shaped to have a cylindrical outer surface213, which may span from a first end211to second end212(FIG. 70). At the first end211of the housing210, the cylindrical outer surface213may transition into a protruding lip211C. A portion of the cylindrical outer surface213may also have a series of successive teeth (e.g.,214A,214B,214C,214D, etc.) formed thereon, for securing of the housing within the hole that is bored/formed in the window rail. The housing210may be hollowed out to form an interior surface215. Protruding into the interior surface215may be one stop216A or a pair of stops (e.g.,216A and216B). A wall218may protrude inward to obstruct a portion of the hollowed out interior between the first end211and the second end212. The housing210being so formed may slidably receive a latch member250therein.

Perspective views of the latch member250are shown inFIGS. 75-78, while corresponding orthogonal views are shown inFIGS. 79-83. The latch member250may extend from first end251to second end252, and may include a tongue253that may begin at the first end of the latch member and extend only part way to its second end. The tongue253may have a generally flat engagement surface254E that may engage the track of the master window frame to prevent outward tilting of the sliding sash window, and it may also have an angled surface254A that tapers toward the engagement surface254E to create an apex. The angled surface254A may be used, upon contact with the master window frame, to oppose biasing of the latch member and assist in driving it into a retracted position, until the tongue enters the track of the master window frame, and is biased into its extended position to have the engagement surface254E re-engage the track. The bottom of tongue253may have an angled surface253A formed thereon (FIG. 79). The tongue253may also have one stop266A protruding therefrom (FIG. 81) or a pair of stops (e.g.,266A and266B). Extending away from the tongue253may be an elongated beam255that may be flexible.

The generally slender beam255may transition and widen to form peripheral walls about an opening275A, the size of which may depend upon the cross-sectional shape of the post76of lever arm70of the lock assembly100, to provide for engagement of the post with the latch assembly. The opening275A may be an elongated shape, which may, for example, be generally rectangular-shaped, as shown inFIGS. 80 and 81. The elongated opening may be oriented so that the longer direction of the opening is substantially perpendicular to the axis255X of the beam255. The rectangular opening275A may therefore have a length275L extending substantially normal to the axial direction255X of the beam, and a width275W extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the beam. The internal corners of the rectangular opening275may be radiused.

Extending away from the far end of the peripheral walls formed about opening275A may be a secondary beam255A that may be formed substantially the same as beam255, and the distal end of which may similarly widen to form peripheral walls about an opening275B that may be constructed the same as opening275A. The connection of the beam255A with the peripheral walls about opening275A may include a first notch255N1on a first side of the beam and a second notch255N1on a second side of the beam, to produce an area that may be weakened. The weakened area may be used to sever the secondary beam255A from the peripheral walls associated with beam255, where it is necessary to use the first opening275A for receiving the post76of the lever arm70of the sash lock100, with respect to mounting upon a meeting mail of a window of a particular size. A third beam255B with peripheral walls about an opening275C may be similarly formed. An additional pair of notches (255BN1and255BN2) may be formed in its central region, to permit severing of the most distal portion of the beam, being just beyond the cylindrical protrusion255P2.

Biasing of the slidable latch member250relative to the housing210may be through the use of a suitably arranged tension spring, or by using a compression spring. To simplify the presentation, the figures herein only depict an embodiment where a compression spring is utilized.

Assembly of the helical compression spring291and the latch member250into the housing210is illustrated initially inFIG. 84. The helical spring291may be nested in a recess253R proximate to the tongue253. One end of the spring may act upon the wall253W of the tongue253, while the other end of the compression spring may act upon the wall218of the housing210(FIG. 73), to bias a portion of the tongue, including its apex, to protrude out from the latch housing, as seen inFIG. 85. The extent that biasing by spring291may cause the tongue253to protrude out from the housing210may be limited by the stops266A and266B on the tongue (FIG. 81) contacting the stops216A and216B on the housing (FIG. 70). Actuation of the latch member250relative to the housing210may cause the apex of the tongue to retract within the hollow of the housing, as seen inFIG. 86.

A suitable keeper400is shown inFIGS. 94-102, the installation of which upon the master window frame450is shown inFIG. 116andFIG. 118. A suitable stepped stop member430, for use in combination with the latch assembly200disclosed herein, is defined in FIGS.103-111, and may include a first step431, and a second step432. (Note that two separate stop members may be used and be separately mounted to the master window frame instead of the two-stepped stop member430).

To accommodate installation of the latch assembly200, the sash window frame300, as illustrated inFIGS. 112-115, may have an opening310on one side of the frame. The sliding sash window300may have a horizontal meeting rail301, a first vertical stile302A extending downward therefrom, and a second stile (not shown) and a bottom rail (not shown), which may form a framed enclosure to support the glazing therein.

To accommodate installation of the sash lock assembly100, the top of the meeting rail301may have an elongated opening312formed therein, adjacent to which may be a first hole313A, and a second opening313B. The elongated opening312may be shaped and positioned to suitably provide clearance for the post76of the lever arm70, and for its movement between the extended locking position (FIG. 60) and the third retracted unlock position (FIG. 63).

The initial installation of the latch assembly200is shown inFIG. 116. The end of the latch assembly200may be received through the opening310in the window frame300, to be as seen inFIGS. 117-119.

One or more of the beams (255,255A, and255B) of the latch member may be formed to include a vertical protrusion. For example, beams255and255B of the latch member250A are formed to each include a respective vertical protrusion255P1/255P2that may protrude down from the bottom surface of the beam. The protrusions255P1/255P2, which may be cylindrical, may be formed of a selective length so as to contact the bottom wall of the meeting rail301A to provide support for the beam to be maintained at a substantially horizontal position, which may be a substantially central position within the hollow meeting rail of the sash window, or may be just a desired height above the bottom wall of the meeting rail. The protrusions255P1/255P2may also serve to prevent disengagement of the post76of the lever arm70from the opening.

The suitable opening (e.g.,275A,275B, or275C) on one of the beams (e.g.,255,255A, or255B) of the latch assembly200may be coordinated with and properly positioned for alignment below the top opening312in the meeting rail301of the window frame300(seeFIG. 119). For the window frame300shown inFIG. 116, the elongated opening312in the meeting rail301may be positioned a particular distance away from the end of the window frame, which may accommodate alignment with opening275B of the latch assembly200shown therein. In this case, the beam255B could be removed using the notches255BN1and255BN2, leaving the protrusion266P2to support the end of the latch member. For a larger window, the elongated opening in the top of the meeting rail may be more appropriately positioned to be a greater distance away from the end of the window frame, and may thus be positioned for alignment with opening275C of the latch assembly200. Similarly, for a smaller window, the elongated opening in the top of the meeting rail may be positioned a smaller distance away from the end of the window frame, and may be positioned for alignment with opening275A of the latch assembly200. In the latter example, the connection of the beam255A with the peripheral walls formed about opening275A may be severed using notches255N1and255N2.

The initial installation of the sash lock assembly100upon the sash window frame300is also illustrated in the exploded view ofFIG. 116. The post76of the lever arm70of the sash lock assembly100may be received through the opening312in the top of the meeting rail301. However, because of the elongated cross-sectional shape of the post76(seeFIG. 38), and because of the protrusion77protruding laterally therefrom, for the post to be also be received through the elongated opening275B of the latch member250of the latch assembly200, the lock assembly should be positioned substantially transverse to the axial direction301AX of the meeting rail301A. Such initial positioning may orient the long transverse direction of the post76and the protrusion77of lever arm70to be perpendicular to the axial direction301AX of the meeting rail301A, so that it may be generally in-line with the lengthwise side275L of the rectangular opening275A in the latch member250.

After insertion of the post76through the opening312in the top of the meeting rail301and into the rectangular opening275B of the latch bean, the sash lock assembly100may then be rotated roughly 90 degrees, and then may be lowered for the bottom surface11of the sash housing to contact and be flush with the top of the meeting rail, and be fastened to the holes313A and313btherein, using fasteners through the hollow cylindrical protrusions15and16of the housing10. The 90 degree rotation of the sash lock assembly100just prior to its mounting of the sash lock to the meeting rail may orient the long transverse direction of the post76of lever arm70to be parallel to the axial direction301AX of the meeting rail301A, so that it may be generally in-line with the shorter width275W of the rectangular opening275A in the latch member250.

The width275W of the rectangular opening275A in the latch member250may be just slightly larger than the long transverse direction of the post76of the lever arm70positioned therein, so that movement of the post actuates the latch member of the latch assembly, to provide the interconnection therebetween. The protrusion77may redundantly serve to prevent disconnection of the post76of the lever arm from the opening275B in the latch member (i.e., preventing the latch member from falling off of the post), in conjunction with the protrusions255P1and255P2that may serve to maintain the latch beam(s) (e.g.,255,255A, and255B) at the proper elevation within the meeting rail. For further information regarding this aspect of the installation, if required, a more detailed description and corresponding illustrations are provided within Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 14/278,226.

The sash lock assembly100and the latch assembly200are shown installed with respect to the sliding sash window300, inFIGS. 117-119, with the sash window slidably installed with respect to the master window frame450.

FIGS. 120, 121, and 123show the stop member430installed within a track450T of the master window frame450—the track within which the tongue of the latch member200moves for the sash window300to be slidable with respect to the master window frame. The sash fastener is shown locked and latched, preventing the sash window from either sliding or tilting, as the sash lock100is shown with the shaft/handle member40and cam50in the extended lock position (FIG. 122) where the cam engages the keeper400(FIG. 120) to prevent sliding, and where the post76of the sash lock does not oppose the spring291from biasing the latch member250into its corresponding extended position, so that a portion of tongue253is disposed within track450T to prevent tilting. The sash window300may be redundantly locked and prevented from sliding, as the first step431of the stop430may be positioned just above the top of the tongue253of the latch member250, to block any upward movement of the sash window300from its closed position.

FIGS. 124 and 126show the sash fastener unlocked and latched, permitting the sash window to slide upwardly from its closed position, but still being prevented from tilting. The shaft/handle member40and cam50of the sash lock100has been rotated 135 degrees to be in the first retracted unlock position (FIG. 125B), where it has disengaged from the keeper400to permit sliding, and the lever arm70of the sash lock has been driven to rotate by the cam a discrete amount (compareFIG. 125AandFIG. 125B) causing the post76to countered biasing of latch member250by spring291to be moved into its corresponding first retracted position. With the tongue253in its first retracted position, a portion thereof is still disposed within track450T to prevent tilting. However, the sash window300is no longer redundantly prevented from sliding upward from its closed position, as the end of the tongue253has been moved sufficiently to clear the first step431of the stop430. But the second step432of the stop430protrudes further into the track than the first step431, and is positioned above the top of the tongue253of the latch member250(see arrow2331), to thereat block upward movement of the sash window300beyond the open-limited window position shown inFIGS. 127 and 128. The distance that the second step432is positioned above the first step431of the stop430may be selected to limit upward movement of the window to a position that may be sufficient to provide ventilation, but which may still be small enough to prevent a small child from egressing therefrom. Additional steps may be utilized for the stop430to provide for other window open limited positions, or alternatively, separate stop members may be utilized and mounted within the track450T of the master window frame450.

FIGS. 129, 130B, and 131Bshow the sash fastener unlocked and latched, but now permitting the sash window to slide upwardly beyond its open-limited position, and still being prevented from tilting. The shaft/handle member40and cam50of the sash lock100has been rotated an additional 25 degrees (compareFIGS. 130A and 130B) to be in the second retracted unlock position (FIGS. 130B and 131B), where the post76of the lever arm70of the sash lock, as described hereinabove, has been actuated another discrete amount and has countered biasing of the latch member250by spring291for the latch member to be moved into its corresponding second retracted position. With the tongue253of the latch member250in its second retracted position, a portion thereof is still disposed within track450T to prevent tilting. However, the sash window300is no longer prevented from sliding upward beyond its window limited position, as the end of the tongue253has been moved sufficiently to also now clear the second step431of the stop430(see arrow233V′). However, as noted above, the semi-cylindrical protrusion56P of the locking cam may contact and rest against the step75T merely to provide a tactile indication of such positioning, but which may be insufficient to retain the cam at that position, so that once the user releases the force being applied to the shaft/handle member40, it may be biased back towards the first retracted unlock position (see e.g.,FIGS. 127 and 135).

FIGS. 132, 133B, and 134Bshow the sash fastener unlocked and unlatched, now permitting the sash window to tilt out of the master window frame to permit the outside of the glazing to be easily cleaned. The shaft/handle member40and cam50of the sash lock100has been rotated an additional 20 degrees (compareFIGS. 133A and 133B) to be in the third retracted unlock position (FIGS. 133B and 134B), where the post76of the sash lock, as described hereinabove, has been actuated another discrete amount and has countered biasing of the latch member250by spring291for it to be moved into its corresponding third retracted position. With the tongue253in its third retracted position, it is no longer disposed within track450T to prevent tilting.

Once the outside of the glazing of the window300has been cleaned, the window may be pivoted back into the master window frame450, and the shaft/handle member may be moved back into the second retracted position, where it may be biased back into the first retracted unlock position, or the user may simply move the shaft/handle member40to directly place the shaft/handle member40and can50in the first retracted unlock position (see e.g.,FIGS. 127 and 135), to permit sliding of the window, and to prevent it from inadvertently tilting away from the master window frame.

As seen inFIG. 135, a person may apply a downward force to the sash window300shown therein, so that it may be lowered to a position at or below its window limited position, without directly actuating the shaft/handle member40of sash lock100, because the angled bottom surface253A of the bottom of the tongue253may contact the upper surface432U of the second step432of the stop430, which may be similarly angled.

The contact therebetween may create a horizontal force component FC in the latch member250, which may oppose the basing of the latch member and the retaining three of the detent mechanism, and may be transmitted to the post76of the lever arm70by the interconnection with the latch member, which may drive the cam50to counter-rotate a small amount. Since the tongue253of the latch member250only needs to retract a small amount to clear the second step432of the stop430for the sash window300to be lowered, the cam will not be driven to counter-rotate vary far from the first retracted unlock position. Thus, once the tongue253is below the second step432of the stop430, the biasing of the latch member250by spring291may automatically move the cam50back into the first retracted unlock position, and similarly move the latch member250into its first retracted unlock position (e.g.,FIG. 127).

The examples and descriptions provided merely illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art and having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that further embodiments may be implemented with various changes within the scope of the present invention. Other modifications, substitutions, omissions and changes may be made in the design, size, materials used or proportions, operating conditions, assembly sequence, or arrangement or positioning of elements and members of the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit of this invention.