Patent Publication Number: US-9404302-B2

Title: Systems and methods for unlocking/locking and opening/closing windows

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     [Not Applicable] 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     [Not Applicable] 
     MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE 
     [Not Applicable] 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for unlocking/locking and opening/closing windows without excessive force and twisting. More specifically, certain embodiments provide a double-acting lever mechanism configured to unlock/lock an operable vent sash by pivoting substantially ninety degrees about a locking mechanism interface and configured to open/close the operable vent sash by pivoting an additional substantially ninety degrees about the locking mechanism interface. The force required to pivot the lever mechanism for any operation does not exceed five (5) pounds (lbs.). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which affects many public and private commercial buildings, is intended to ensure equal access to all persons regardless of physical disabilities. Section 309.4 of the ADA accessibility guidelines related to window and door hardware set forth that “[o]perable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.” The Department of Justice Standards for Accessible Design (4.27.4) and the International Building Code (ANSI 309.4) set forth similar guidelines. 
     Architects prefer larger vents for exterior window designs to meet fresh air ventilation requirements. Using a larger quantity of smaller vents is typically more expensive than using a fewer quantity of larger vents. Additionally, current energy codes and specifications require low thermal insulating values for windows. Insulated glass has a better insulating value than metal, so the more metal used in a window system, the lower the insulating value. Because the exterior seal of a vent is subject to lower insulating values by nature and is a weak thermal point in the window system, a larger vent size helps to offset the overall insulating value due to the greater percentage of glass. A larger vent helps in the insulating performance but a larger vent takes more force to open. 
     Although using larger vents may improve insulating performance and decrease costs for architects, larger vents are typically more difficult to open and close. More specifically, an insulated glass unit weighs approximately seven (7) lbs. per square foot and can weigh as much as eight and one half (8.5) lbs. per square foot for laminated glass. When aluminum and other materials are added to construct the vent frame and sash, a vent can weigh around nine (9) lbs. per square foot. As such, a four (4) foot by five (5) foot vent may weigh approximately one hundred and eighty-nine (189) lbs. or more, which may be difficult to open using not more than five (5) lbs. of operational force as required by applicable ADA and other guidelines. 
     In addition to generally being more difficult to open and close, larger vents are also typically more difficult to lock and unlock. Vents, like other window systems, are manufactured and installed to meet strict air and water performance specifications. As such, to compress a sash to a vent frame of the window system, a great deal of compressive force can be needed to make the system air and water tight. The compression of the sash to the vent frame is commonly achieved by the locking of the sash using the vent handle, which moves one or more transmission bars inside a euro-grove (or vent track) around the perimeter of the sash when the vent handle is rotated in one direction. 
     For example,  FIG. 1  is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary awning vent  100  with an exemplary locking mechanism as is known in the art. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the exemplary locking mechanism of the exemplary awning vent  100  may comprise, as an example, a handle  101 , handle connectors  102 , main transmission bars  103 , transmission device connectors  104 ,  105 ,  110 , corner transmission device housings  106 , keepers  107 , locking points  108 , side transmission bars  109 , and friction hinges  111 . The handle  101  can attach to an inner portion of the sash. Certain components on an underside of the handle  101  may extend through the sash to an outer portion of the sash. 
     The handle connectors  102  may couple to the underside of the handle  101  at the outer portion of the sash and slidably fit in a euro-grove (not shown) that extends around an outer perimeter of the sash. Transmission bars  103  can attach to the handle connectors  102  at one end and corner transmission device connectors  104  at the other end, and may slidably fit in the euro-grove. The corner transmission device connectors  104  may slidably fit into corner transmission device housings  106 . An outward, horizontal force on corner transmission device connectors  104  may cause the corner transmission device connectors  104  to extend into the corner transmission device housings  106 , which in turn may cause the corner transmission device connectors  105  to extend vertically in the exemplary awning vent illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , side transmission bars  109  may attach to the corner transmission device connectors  105  at one end and transmission device connectors  110  at the other end, and may slidably fit in the euro-grove. Friction hinges  111  can attach to the sash and vent frame on both sides of the exemplary awning vent  100  and may be operable to guide and support the sash when venting as well as limit the opening range of the sash. 
     Locking points  108  may be attached to, or integrated with, one or more transmission bars  103 ,  109 , or other components of the vent locking mechanism such as the transmission device connectors  104 ,  105 , and  110 , and may engage (or mate) with keepers  107 , positioned at corresponding points on the vent frame, when moved by the handle  101  to the locking position. The engaging of the locking points  108  with the keepers  107  results in compression of the sash to the vent frame to make a tight seal. The larger the vent  100 , the more locking points  108  and keepers  107  are needed to achieve an adequate seal. Further, the more locking points  108  and keepers  107 , the more force is needed to lock and unlock the vent. 
     Many current vent designs for exterior windows require in excess of five (5) lbs. of force to open/close a sash. For example, many current vent designs do not use any mechanisms to open/close a sash (e.g., push open and pull closed), which may require more than five (5) lbs. of force, particularly for larger vents. Further, current vent designs that do have mechanisms for opening/closing a sash may not alleviate the force necessary to open/close the sash to meet the ADA guidelines. Instead, some mechanisms, such as cranks, not only may require more force to open, but also require excessive twisting. Additionally, many current vent designs for exterior windows require in excess of five (5) lbs. of force to lock/unlock a sash, particularly for larger vents having locking mechanisms with more locking points. 
     As such, there is a need for providing systems and methods for unlocking/locking and opening/closing windows without excessive force and twisting. 
     Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Systems and methods for unlocking/locking and opening/closing windows without excessive force and twisting is provided, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. 
     These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary awning vent with an exemplary locking mechanism as is known in the art. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism in a locked/closed position and comprising an exemplary lever and an exemplary swing arm base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism in an unlocked/closed position and comprising an exemplary lever and an exemplary swing arm base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism in an unlocked/open position and comprising an exemplary lever and an exemplary swing arm base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism in a locked/closed position and comprising an exemplary lever and an exemplary stationary base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism in an unlocked/closed position and comprising an exemplary lever and an exemplary stationary base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism in an unlocked/open position and comprising an exemplary lever and an exemplary stationary base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram that illustrates exemplary steps for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in systems and methods for unlocking/locking and opening/closing windows without excessive force and twisting. More specifically, certain embodiments provide a double-acting lever mechanism  200  configured to unlock/lock an operable vent sash by pivoting substantially ninety degrees about a locking mechanism interface  101  and configured to open/close the operable vent sash by pivoting an additional substantially ninety degrees about the locking mechanism interface  101 . The force required to pivot the lever mechanism  200  for any operation does not exceed five (5) pounds (lbs.). 
     Various embodiments provide a lever mechanism system  200  for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash  310 . The lever mechanism system  200  may comprise a base  220 ,  230  configured to fixably attach to at least one of a vent stop  330  and a window frame  400 . The lever mechanism system  200  may comprise a lever  210  rotatably or slidably attached to the base  220 ,  230 . The lever  210  may be configured to pivotably attach to a locking mechanism interface  101  of the vent sash  310 . The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a second direction to an open position. The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a third direction to a closed position. The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position. 
     Certain embodiments provide a method  800  for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash  310 . The method may comprise pivoting  810  a lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. The method  800  may comprise pivoting  820  the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a second direction to an open position. The method  800  may comprise pivoting  830  the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a third direction to a closed position. The method  800  may comprise pivoting  840  the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position. 
     Although certain embodiments in the foregoing description may be described in reference to awning vents, unless so claimed, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited to awning vents and may additionally and/or alternatively be applicable to casement vents, hopper vents, or any suitable vent. Further, although the viewpoint of  FIGS. 2-7  appears as though the double-acting lever mechanism is attaching to or replacing a handle at a base of a vent, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited to the viewpoint of the handle and/or double-acting lever mechanism being positioned at a base of a vent and may additionally and/or alternatively be a viewpoint of the handle and/or double-acting lever mechanism being positioned at any side and position along the perimeter of the vent. Additionally, although certain embodiments in the foregoing description may describe the double-acting lever mechanism as interacting with a euro-grove/transmission bar locking system as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , for example, unless so claimed, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited to euro-grove/transmission bar locking systems and may additionally and/or alternatively be applicable to any suitable vent locking system. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  in a locked/closed position, and comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary swing arm base  220  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  in an unlocked/closed position, and comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary swing arm base  220 .  FIG. 4  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  in an unlocked/open position, and comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary swing arm base  220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , there is shown an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary swing arm base  220 . Also illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4  are a window frame  400  and a vent  300 . The vent can comprise a sash  310 , glass  320  and vent stop  330 , for example. The exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  is illustrated in three-dimensions comprising an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis. The −X direction refers to the left direction, for example. The +X direction refers to the right direction, for example. The −Y direction refers to the down direction, for example. The +Y direction refers to the up direction, for example. The −Z direction refers to the direction away from the glass  320 , for example. The +Z direction refers to the direction toward the glass  320 , for example. Although certain embodiments in the foregoing description may be described in reference to the various directions corresponding to left/right/down/up/away/toward, for example, the directions may correspond differently depending on the viewpoint and/or the positioning of the lever mechanism  200  with respect to the vent  300 . 
     The swing arm base  220  may comprise a main swing arm pivot  221 , a swing arm housing  222 , a detent pin  223 , a secondary swing arm pivot  224  and a secondary swing arm pivot support  225 . The main swing arm pivot  221  may be a pin, screw or any suitable pivotable attachment mechanism. The main swing arm pivot  221  attaches and extends through the swing arm housing  222  and attaches to one or more of the vent stop  330  of the vent  300 , and the window frame  400 . The main swing arm pivot  221  supports the swing arm housing  222  when pivoting substantially ninety (90) degrees (i.e., 85-95 degrees) in the +X/−Z and −X/+Z directions, for example, between locked (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) and unlocked (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) positions. Further, the main swing arm pivot  211  supports a fulcrum  216  when the lever  210  pivots substantially ninety (90) degrees (i.e., 85-95 degrees) in the +Y/+Z and −Y/−Z directions, for example, between unlocked/closed (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) and open (as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) positions as discussed in more detail below. 
     Certain embodiments provide that the swing arm housing  222  couples to the main swing arm pivot  221  and the secondary swing arm pivot  224 . The secondary swing arm pivot  224  may be a pin, screw or any suitable pivotable attachment mechanism. The swing arm housing  222  may fit partially and rotatably within the secondary swing arm pivot support  225 , which also attaches to the secondary swing arm pivot  224 , at a secondary swing arm pivot  224  end of the swing arm housing  222 . In certain embodiments, the swing arm housing  222  comprises grooves  226  on top and bottom portions of the swing arm housing  222  such that a detent pin  223  can extend through the swing arm housing  222  and be movable within grooves  226 . In certain embodiments, material such as rubber or plastic may wrap around a bottom end of the detent pin  223  that extends through the bottom groove of the swing arm housing  222 , such that a support leg  228  is formed to contact the window frame  400  when in the unlocked positions (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 ) such that the swing arm base  220  is stabilized on the window frame  400  by the support leg  228 . Additionally and/or alternatively, a support stop (not shown) may be fixably attached to the window frame  400  for engaging or wedging under the swing arm base  220  when the swing arm base is in the unlocked positions (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 ). 
     In various embodiments, the swing arm housing  222  houses a spring  227  and the portions of the detent pin  223 , main swing arm pivot  221  and secondary swing arm pivot  224  that extend through swing arm housing  222 . The spring  227  attaches to the secondary swing arm pivot  224  and the detent pin  223  within the housing, biasing the detent pin  223  towards a secondary swing arm pivot end of grooves  226 . 
     In certain embodiments, the spring arm base  220  attaches to lever  210  at a fulcrum connection  217  as discussed in more detail below. 
     In operation, when moving the lever mechanism  200  substantially ninety (90) degrees in the +X/−Z direction from a locked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) to an unlocked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), the swing arm base  220  pivots about the main swing arm pivot  221 . Further, the secondary swing arm pivot support  225  pivots about the secondary swing arm pivot  224 . The swing arm pivot support  225  contacts and biases the detent pin  223  towards a main swing arm pivot end of grooves  226 , which locks and stabilizes the lever mechanism  200  in the unlocked position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 ). At the same time, the biasing of the detent pin  223  towards the main swing arm pivot end of grooves  226  by the secondary swing arm pivot support  225  causes the support leg  228  portion of the detent pin  223  to contact the window frame  400 , which provides further locking and stabilization of the lever mechanism  200  in the unlocked position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 ). 
     Inversely, when moving the lever mechanism  200  substantially ninety (90) degrees in the −X/+Z direction from an unlocked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) to a locked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ), the swing arm base  220  pivots about the main swing arm pivot  221 . Further, the secondary swing arm pivot support  225  pivots about the secondary swing arm pivot  224 . The swing arm pivot support  225  pivots away from the detent pin  223 , allowing the detent pin  223  to bias towards the secondary swing arm pivot end of grooves  226 , which releases the locking and stabilization of the lever mechanism  200  such that it may pivot to the locked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). At the same time, the biasing of the detent pin  223  back towards the secondary swing arm pivot end of grooves  226  releases the support leg  228  portion of the detent pin  223  from its contact with the window frame  400 , which allows the lever mechanism  200  to pivot to the locked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  in a locked/closed position and comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary stationary base  230  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  in an unlocked/closed position and comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary stationary base  230 .  FIG. 7  is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  in an unlocked/open position and comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary stationary base  230 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , there is shown an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary stationary base  230 . Also illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7  are a window frame  400  and a vent  300 . The vent can comprise a sash  310 , glass  320  and vent stop  330 , for example. The exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  is illustrated in three-dimensions comprising an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis. The −X direction refers to the left direction, for example. The +X direction refers to the right direction, for example. The −Y direction refers to the down direction, for example. The +Y direction refers to the up direction, for example. The −Z direction refers to the direction away from the glass  320 , for example. The +Z direction refers to the direction toward the glass  320 , for example. Although certain embodiments in the foregoing description may be described in reference to the various directions corresponding to left/right/down/up/away/toward, for example, the directions may correspond differently depending on the viewpoint and/or the positioning of the lever mechanism  200  with respect to the vent  300 . 
     In certain embodiments, the stationary base  230  comprises a stationary track  231  and one or more stationary supports  232 . The stationary track  231  may be substantially a semi-circle (e.g., approximately 180 degrees) or between approximately 90-200 degrees (e.g., a half of a semi-circle) and can at least partially wrap around a vent handle  101  or any suitable interface to a vent locking mechanism. In certain embodiments, the stationary track  231  may extend over, but not fixably attach to, sash  310 , at least on one side of vent handle  101 , such that lever  210  may be substantially parallel to glass  320  and substantially above sash  310  when in a locked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). The stationary support(s)  232  attach to the stationary track  231  and one or more of the vent stop  330  and window frame  400 . The stationary support(s)  232  supports the stationary track  231  in a fixed position about the vent handle  101 . 
     In various embodiments, the stationary base  230  slidably attaches to lever  210  at a fulcrum connection  217 , which allows the lever  210  to slide substantially ninety (90) degrees in the +X/−Z and −X/+Z directions, for example, between locked (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) and unlocked (as illustrated in  FIG. 6 ) positions, as discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-7 , there is shown an exemplary double-acting lever mechanism  200  comprising an exemplary lever  210  and an exemplary base  220 ,  230 . Double-acting refers to the two separate and distinct actions (e.g., locking/unlocking and opening/closing) provided by the lever mechanism  200  by pivoting in two separate and distinct ninety (90) degree (i.e., 85-95 degrees) directions (e.g., +X/−Z to unlock and +Y/+Z to open or −Y/−Z to close and −X/+Z to lock). 
     Although  FIGS. 2 and 5  illustrate a lever arm  211  of the lever mechanism  200  extending in the −X direction, the lever mechanism  200  could similarly be configured to extend in the +X direction. In other words, although  FIGS. 2-3 and 5-6  illustrate unlocking as pivoting in the +X/−Z direction and locking as pivoting in the −X/+Z direction, in embodiments where the lever mechanism  200  is instead configured to extend in the +X direction, unlocking may be provided by pivoting in the −X/−Z direction and locking can be provided by pivoting in the +X/+Z, for example. 
     Although  FIGS. 3-4 and 6-7  illustrate the lever mechanism  200  pivoting in the +Y/+Z direction to open the sash  310  and pivoting in the −Y/−Z direction to close the sash  310 , in certain embodiments the lever mechanism may be configured to pivot in the +X/+Z direction to open the sash  310  and pivot in the −X/−Z direction to close the sash  310 , or vice versa, among other things, by reconfiguring/rotating components of the lever  210  by approximately ninety (90) degrees, for example. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-7 , in certain embodiments, the lever  210  may comprise a lever arm  211 , a lever handle  212 , a push arm  213 , a lever arm pivot  214 , a pivotable sash attachment  215 , a fulcrum  216  and a fulcrum connection  217 . In certain embodiments, the fulcrum connection  217  rotatably couples the lever  210  to the swing arm base  220  at swing arm housing  222  using a pin, screw or any suitable rotatable attachment mechanism. In various embodiments, the fulcrum connection  217  slidably attaches the lever  210  to the stationary base  230  at stationary track  231  using any suitable slidable attachment mechanism. The fulcrum connection  217  pivots with swing arm base  220  or slides with stationary base  230  between unlocked and locked positions (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 and 5-6 ). 
     In various embodiments, a first end of a push arm  213  of the lever  210  attaches to a vent handle  101 , or any suitable interface to a vent locking mechanism, at pivotable sash attachment  215 , which may be a pin, screw or any suitable pivotable attachment mechanism. In certain embodiments, the pivotable sash attachment  215  may be detachably coupled to the vent locking mechanism interface  101  using a quick release pin or any suitable releasable, pivotable attachment mechanism. A second end of the push arm  213  couples to a lever arm  211  at lever arm pivot  214 , which may be a pin, screw or any suitable pivotable attachment mechanism. 
     The lever arm  211  attaches at one end to the fulcrum  216 , which may be a pin, screw, or any suitable rotatable connection, at fulcrum connection  217 . At the other end of the lever arm  211 , a lever handle  212 , which may be any suitable mechanism to grasp and pivot the lever  210 , may be attached to or integrated with lever arm  211 . In certain embodiments, the lever arm  211  may be telescopic and/or otherwise collapsible, foldable, or the like. In various embodiments, the lever handle  212  may be collapsible, foldable or the like. 
     In operation, when moving the lever  210  substantially ninety (90) degrees in the +X/−Z direction or the −X/+Z direction between a locked position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) and an unlocked position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 6 ) using the lever handle  213  (i.e., the first action of the double-acting lever mechanism  200 ), the lever  210  pivots at the pivotable sash attachment  215 , and pivots with swing arm base  220  or slides with stationary base  230  at fulcrum connection  217 . 
     In operation, when moving the lever  210  substantially ninety (90) degrees in the +Y/+Z direction or the −Y/−Z direction between an open position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 7 ) and a closed position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 6 ) using the lever handle  213  (i.e., the second action of the double-acting lever mechanism  200 ), the lever arm  211  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the fulcrum  216 , while the push arm  213  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the pivotable sash attachment  215  to open or close the sash  310 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram that illustrates exemplary steps for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash  310  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a flow diagram  800 , which illustrates exemplary steps for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash  310 . At step  810 , a lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. At step  820 , the lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a second direction to an open position. At step,  830 , the lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a third direction to a closed position. At step  840 , the lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position. Although the method is described with reference to the exemplary elements of the systems described above, it should be understood that other implementations are possible. 
     At step  810 , a lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. In certain embodiments, the first direction may be the +X/−Z direction, although other directions are contemplated as discussed above. The lever  210  may be pivoted using the lever handle  213 . Certain embodiments provide that the lever  210  pivots at the pivotable sash attachment  215 , and pivots with swing arm base  220  or slides with stationary base  230  at fulcrum connection  217 . The lever  210  may initially be positioned substantially parallel to glass  320  and over sash  310 , and may pivot to a position substantially perpendicular to glass  320 . 
     In embodiments employing a swing arm base  220 , the swing arm base  220  pivots about the main swing arm pivot  221 . Further, the secondary swing arm pivot support  225  pivots about the secondary swing arm pivot  224 . The swing arm pivot support  225  contacts and biases the detent pin  223  towards a main swing arm pivot end of grooves  226 , which locks and stabilizes the lever mechanism  200  in the unlocked position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 ). At the same time, the biasing of the detent pin  223  towards the main swing arm pivot end of grooves  226  by the secondary swing arm pivot support  225  causes the support leg  228  portion of the detent pin  223  to contact the window frame  400 , which provides further locking and stabilization of the lever mechanism  200  in the unlocked position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 ). 
     At step  820 , the lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a second direction to an open position. In certain embodiments, the second direction may be the +Y/+Z direction, although other directions are contemplated as discussed above. In various embodiments, the second direction is different than the first direction. The lever  210  may be pivoted using the lever handle  213 . Certain embodiments provide that the lever arm  211  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the fulcrum  216 , while the push arm  213  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the pivotable sash attachment  215  to open the sash  310 . 
     At step,  830 , the lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a third direction to a closed position. In certain embodiments, the third direction may be the −Y/−Z direction, although other directions are contemplated as discussed above. In various embodiments, the third direction is different than the first and second directions. In certain embodiments, the third direction is opposite the second direction. The lever  210  may be pivoted using the lever handle  213 . Certain embodiments provide that the lever arm  211  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the fulcrum  216 , while the push arm  213  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the pivotable sash attachment  215  to close the sash  310 . 
     At step  840 , the lever  210  is pivoted substantially ninety (90) degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position. In certain embodiments, the fourth direction may be the −X/+Z direction, although other directions are contemplated as discussed above. In various embodiments, the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions. In certain embodiments, the fourth direction is opposite the first direction. The lever  210  may be pivoted using the lever handle  213 . Certain embodiments provide that the lever  210  pivots at the pivotable sash attachment  215 , and pivots with swing arm base  220  or slides with stationary base  230  at fulcrum connection  217 . The lever  210  may initially be positioned substantially perpendicular to glass  320 , and may pivot to a position substantially parallel to glass  320  and over sash  310 . 
     In embodiments employing a swing arm base  220 , the swing arm base  220  pivots about the main swing arm pivot  221 . Further, the secondary swing arm pivot support  225  pivots about the secondary swing arm pivot  224 . The swing arm pivot support  225  pivots away from the detent pin  223 , allowing the detent pin  223  to bias towards the secondary swing arm pivot end of grooves  226 , which releases the locking and stabilization of the lever mechanism  200  such that it may pivot to the locked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). At the same time, the biasing of the detent pin  223  back towards the secondary swing arm pivot end of grooves  226  releases the support leg  228  portion of the detent pin  223  from its contact with the window frame  400 , which allows the lever mechanism  200  to pivot to the locked position (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In certain embodiments, by configuring the vent arm  211  length and the position of the lever arm pivot  214 , the force required to pivot the lever mechanism  200 , to both lock/unlock and open/close the vent sash  310 , does not exceed five (5) pounds (lbs.), irrespective of the size and weight of the vent sash  310 . In various embodiments, pivoting the lever mechanism  200  substantially ninety (90) degrees in a first direction to lock/unlock a vent sash  310 , and pivoting the lever mechanism  200  substantially ninety (90) degrees in a second direction to open/close the vent sash does not involve excessive twisting or turning of an operator&#39;s wrist. 
     Certain embodiments provide that the lever mechanism  200  may be retrofitted to fit an existing vent handle  101  or replace an existing vent handle  101  such that the lever mechanism  200  operates with an existing locking mechanism of a vent  300 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the lever mechanism  200  may be manufactured as a part of a locking mechanism of a vent  300 . 
     In certain embodiments, the lever  210  may restrict or limit the distance the vent sash  310  may open. Further, the lever  210  can help secure and support the vent sash  310  such that it does not blow out from negative pressure when in an open position. In various embodiments, the lever  210  and/or base  220 ,  230  may comprise a catch, lock, snap, or any suitable locking mechanism (not shown) configured to secure the lever  210  in the locked position and to provide additional compression and sealing of the vent sash  310 . 
     Certain embodiments provide a lever mechanism system  200  for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash  310 . The lever mechanism system  200  may comprise a base  220 ,  230  configured to fixably attach to one or more of a vent stop  330  and a window frame  400 . The lever mechanism system  200  may comprise a lever  210  rotatably or slidably attached to the base  220 ,  230 . The lever  210  may be configured to pivotably attach to a locking mechanism interface  101  of the vent sash  310 . The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a second direction to an open position. The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a third direction to a closed position. The lever  210  may be configured to pivot substantially ninety degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position. 
     In various embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth directions are different directions. 
     In certain embodiments, the first direction is opposite the fourth direction. 
     In various embodiments, the second direction is opposite the third direction. 
     In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism interface may be a vent handle  101  of a locking mechanism. 
     In various embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of locking points  108  for disengageably coupling to a corresponding plurality of keepers  107 . 
     In certain embodiments, the lever  210  may comprise a push arm  213  including a first push arm end and a second push arm end. The first push arm end may be configured to pivotably attach to the locking mechanism interface  101  at a pivotable sash attachment  215 . The second push arm end may be configured to pivotably attach to a lever arm  211  at a lever arm pivot  214 . The lever  210  may comprise the lever arm including a first lever arm end and a second lever arm end. The first lever arm end may be configured to pivotably attach to a fulcrum  216  at a fulcrum connection  217 . The second lever arm end at least one of attaches to a lever handle  212 , and integrates with the lever handle  212 . The lever  210  may comprise the fulcrum connection  217  configured to rotatably or slidably attach the lever  210  to the base  220 ,  230 . The fulcrum connection  217  may rotate or slide with the base  220 ,  230  between the unlocked and the locked positions. 
     In various embodiments, the pivotable sash attachment  215  is a quick release pin detachably coupled to the locking mechanism interface  101 . 
     In certain embodiments, the lever arm  211  is one or more of telescopic, collapsible, and foldable. 
     In various embodiments, the lever handle  212  is at least one of collapsible and foldable. 
     In certain embodiments, the lever  210  pivots at the pivotable sash attachment  215 , and pivots or slides with the base  220 ,  230  at the fulcrum connection  217 , when pivoting substantially ninety degrees in the first direction and the fourth direction between the locked position and the unlocked position using the lever handle  212 . 
     In various embodiments, the lever arm  211  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the fulcrum  216 , and the push arm  213  pivots at the lever arm pivot  214  and the pivotable sash attachment  215 , when pivoting the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in the second direction and the third direction between the open position and the closed position using the lever handle  212 . 
     In certain embodiments, the base  220  comprises a main swing arm pivot  221  configured to pivotably attach and extend through a swing arm housing  222 . The main swing arm pivot  221  may fixably attach to one or more of the vent stop  330  and the window frame  400 . The main swing arm pivot  221  supports the swing arm housing  222  when pivoting substantially ninety degrees in the first direction and the fourth direction between the locked position and the unlocked position. The main swing arm pivot  221  supports the lever  210  when pivoting substantially ninety degrees in the second direction and the third direction between the closed position and the open position. 
     The base  220  comprises the swing arm housing  222  configured to pivotably attach to the main swing arm pivot  221 , a secondary swing arm pivot  224 , and the lever  210 . The swing arm housing  222  fits partially and rotatably within a secondary swing arm pivot support  225  attached to the secondary swing arm pivot  224 . The swing arm housing  222  comprises a top portion groove  226  and a bottom portion groove  226 . The top portion groove  226  and bottom portion groove  226  comprises a main swing arm pivot end and a secondary swing arm pivot end. 
     The base  220  comprises a detent pin  223  configured to extend through the top portion groove  226  and the bottom portion groove  226  of the swing arm housing  222 . The detent pin  223  may be configured to attach to the secondary swing arm pivot  224  via a spring  227 . A portion of the detent pin  228  extending through the bottom portion groove  226  is configured to engage the window frame  400  when the detent pin  223  is biased by the secondary swing arm pivot support  225  towards the main swing arm pivot end of the bottom portion groove  226 . The portion of the detent pin  228  extending through the bottom portion groove  226  is configured to disengage the window frame  400  when the detent pin  223  is biased by the spring  227  to the secondary swing arm pivot end of the bottom portion groove  226 . 
     In various embodiments, the base  230  comprises a stationary track  231  configured to at least partially wrap around the locking mechanism interface  101  and slidably attach to the lever  210 . The stationary track  231  may be between ninety (90) and two hundred (200) degrees of a substantially semicircular shape. The base  230  may comprise one or more stationary supports  232  configured to attach to the stationary track  231  and one or more of the vent stop  330  and the window frame  400  to support the stationary track  231  in a fixed position. 
     In certain embodiments, a force applied to pivot the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in each of the first direction, the second direction, the third direction and the fourth direction does not exceed five pounds. 
     In various embodiments, the lever  210  restricts an amount the vent sash is opened. 
     Various embodiments provide a method  800  for unlocking, opening, closing and locking a vent sash  310 . The method may comprise pivoting  810  a lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a first direction to an unlocked position. The method  800  may comprise pivoting  820  the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a second direction to an open position. The method  800  may comprise pivoting  830  the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a third direction to a closed position. The method  800  may comprise pivoting  840  the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in a fourth direction to a locked position. 
     In certain embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth directions are different directions. 
     In various embodiments, the first direction is opposite the fourth direction. 
     In certain embodiments, the second direction is opposite the third direction. 
     In various embodiments, the lever  210  interfaces with a locking mechanism of the vent sash  310 , the locking mechanism comprising a plurality of locking points  108  for disengageably coupling to a corresponding plurality of keepers  107 . 
     In certain embodiments, the lever  210  attaches to a base  220 ,  230 . The base  220 ,  230  may attach to one or more of a window frame  400  and a vent stop  330 . The base  220 ,  230 , may be one or more of a stationary base  230  and a pivotable swing arm base  220 . 
     In various embodiments, a force applied to pivot the lever  210  substantially ninety degrees in each of the first direction, the second direction, the third direction and the fourth direction does not exceed five pounds. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.