Abstract:
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.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/879,436, having the title “Impact-Resistant Lock and Tilt Latch Combination for a Sliding Sash Window,” and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/879,164, having the title “Integrated Sash Lock and Tilt Latch Combination Using One Lock for Two Tilt Latches.” each of which were filed on Oct. 9, 2015, and which are a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/566,908, filed on Dec. 11, 2014, having the title “Integrated Sash Lock and Tilt Latch Combination with Improved Wind-Force-Resistance Capability,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/278,226, filed on May 15, 2014, having the title “Integrated Sash Lock and Tilt Latch Combination with Improved Interconnection Capability Therebetween,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/198,986, filed on Mar. 6, 2014, having the title “Integrated Sash Lock and Tilt Latch with Screwless Installation and Removal from Meeting Rail,” with the disclosures of each being incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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 
       [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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 
       [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    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. 
         [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    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&#39;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. 
         [0018]    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&#39;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. 
         [0019]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a sash fastener for a slidable sash member, and includes a sash lock assembly, a tilt latch assembly, and a stop member. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a first perspective view showing the interior of a housing that may be used to house the component parts of the sash lock assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a second perspective view showing the interior of the housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a third perspective view showing the front of the exterior of the housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a fourth perspective view showing the rear exterior of the housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the sash lock housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the sash lock housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the sash lock housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a first end view of the sash lock housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a second end view of the sash lock housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of the sash lock housing of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a leaf spring used in the sash lock assembly of  FIG. 1   
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a first perspective view of the shaft/handle member of the sash lock assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a second perspective view of the shaft/handle member shown in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a third perspective view of the shaft/handle member shown in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the shaft/handle member of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the shaft/handle member of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the shaft handle member of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a first end view of the shaft/handle member of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a second end view of the shaft/handle member of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a second side view of the shaft/handle member of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a first perspective view of the cam of the sash lock assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a second perspective view of the cam shown in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  is a third perspective view of the cam shown in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  is a fourth perspective view of the cam shown in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  is a fifth perspective view of the cam shown in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  is a side view of the locking cam of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  is a top view of the locking cam of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 28A  is the top view of  FIG. 28 , but showing an additional pair of flats on the hub to co-act with the leaf spring of  FIG. 12  to serve as a detent at an additional location. 
           [0049]      FIG. 29  is a bottom view of the locking cam of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 30  is a first end view of the locking cam of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 31  is a second end view of the locking cam of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 32  is a second side view of the locking cam of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 33  is a first perspective view of the lever arm of the sash lock assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 34  is a second perspective view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 35  is a third perspective view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 36  is a first side view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 37  is a top view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 37A  is an enlarged top view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 38  is a bottom view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 39  is a front view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 40  is a second side view of the lever arm of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 41  is a bottom view of the housing of the latch assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with two leaf springs and the shaft/handle member installed therein. 
           [0063]      FIG. 42  is the bottom view of  FIG. 41 , but shown with the cam fixedly secured to the shaft/handle member. 
           [0064]      FIG. 43  is the bottom view of  FIG. 42 , but shown with the lever arm pivotally installed therein. 
           [0065]      FIG. 44  is a first perspective view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 43 , shown with the cam in the extended position (i.e., shaft/handle at zero degrees of rotation). 
           [0066]      FIG. 45  is a second perspective view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 46  is a front view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 47  is a top view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 48  is a bottom view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 49  is a first end view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 50  is a second end view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0072]      FIG. 51  is a rear view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 52  is a first perspective view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 43 , shown with the cam in the fully retracted position (i.e., shaft/handle at 180 degrees of rotation). 
           [0074]      FIG. 53  is a second perspective view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0075]      FIG. 54  is a front view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 55  is a top view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0077]      FIG. 56  is a bottom view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0078]      FIG. 57  is a first end view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 58  is a second end view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0080]      FIG. 59  is a rear view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0081]      FIG. 60  is the bottom view of the sash lock of  FIG. 48  with cam in the extended position (i.e., shaft/handle at zero degrees of rotation), but is shown enlarged. 
           [0082]      FIG. 61  is the bottom view of  FIG. 60 , but shown with the cam having been moved into the first retracted position (i.e., shaft/handle at 135 degrees of rotation), and with the protrusion on the cam having contacted and actuated the follower portion of the lever arm. 
           [0083]      FIG. 62  is the bottom view of  FIG. 61 , but shown with the cam having been moved into the second retracted position (i.e., shaft/handle at 160 degrees of rotation), and with the protrusion on the cam having further driven the follower portion of the lever arm. 
           [0084]      FIG. 63  is the bottom view of  FIG. 62 , but shown with the cam having been moved into the third retracted position (i.e., shaft/handle at 180 degrees of rotation), and with the protrusion on the cam having correspondingly driven the follower portion of the lever arm. 
           [0085]      FIG. 64  is a first perspective view of a housing used to house the component parts of the latch assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0086]      FIG. 65  is a second perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 64 . 
           [0087]      FIG. 66  is a third perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 64 . 
           [0088]      FIG. 67  is a fourth perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 64 . 
           [0089]      FIG. 68  is a fifth perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 64 . 
           [0090]      FIG. 69  is a first side view of the latch housing of  FIG. 64 . 
           [0091]      FIG. 70  is a top view of the latch housing of  FIG. 64 . 
           [0092]      FIG. 71  is a bottom view of the latch housing of  FIG. 64 . 
           [0093]      FIG. 72  is a first end view of the latch housing of  FIG. 64 . 
           [0094]      FIG. 73  is a second end view of the latch housing of  FIG. 64 . 
           [0095]      FIG. 74  is a second side view of the latch housing of  FIG. 64 . 
           [0096]      FIG. 75  is a first perspective view of a latch member used in the latch assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0097]      FIG. 76  is a second perspective view of the latch member shown in  FIG. 75 . 
           [0098]      FIG. 77  is a third perspective view of the latch member shown in  FIG. 75 . 
           [0099]      FIG. 78  is a fourth perspective view of the latch member shown in  FIG. 75 . 
           [0100]      FIG. 79  is a first side view of the latch member of  FIG. 75 . 
           [0101]      FIG. 80  is a top view of the latch member of  FIG. 75 . 
           [0102]      FIG. 81  is a bottom view of the latch member of  FIG. 75 . 
           [0103]      FIG. 82  is a second side view of the latch member of  FIG. 75 . 
           [0104]      FIG. 83  is an end view of the latch member of  FIG. 75 . 
           [0105]      FIG. 84  is an exploded view showing the latch member of  FIG. 77 , the latch housing of  FIG. 68 , and a helical spring used for biasing the latch member with respect to the housing, in the latch assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0106]      FIG. 85  is the perspective view of  FIG. 84 , but showing the latch member, the helical spring, and the latch housing after being assembled together, with the latch member biased into its extended position. 
           [0107]      FIG. 86  is the perspective view of  FIG. 85 , but showing the latch member in a fully retracted position. 
           [0108]      FIG. 87  is a reverse perspective view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 85 . 
           [0109]      FIG. 88  is another perspective view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 85 . 
           [0110]      FIG. 89  is a side view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 85 . 
           [0111]      FIG. 90  is a top view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 85 . 
           [0112]      FIG. 91  is a bottom view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 85 . 
           [0113]      FIG. 92  is a first end view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 85 . 
           [0114]      FIG. 93  is a second end view of the latch assembly shown in  FIG. 85 . 
           [0115]      FIG. 94  is a perspective view of a keeper that may be mounted on a master window frame in which the sash window slides (or a second sash window), to be useable for securing the cam of the lock assembly of  FIG. 1  to lock the sliding sash window(s). 
           [0116]      FIG. 95  is a second perspective view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0117]      FIG. 96  is a third perspective view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0118]      FIG. 97  is a front view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0119]      FIG. 98  is a top view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0120]      FIG. 99  is a bottom view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0121]      FIG. 100  is a first end view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0122]      FIG. 101  a second end view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0123]      FIG. 102  is a rear view of the keeper shown in  FIG. 94 . 
           [0124]      FIG. 103  is a first perspective view of the stepped stop used in conjunction with the latch assembly, as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0125]      FIG. 104  is a second perspective view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0126]      FIG. 105  is a third perspective view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0127]      FIG. 106  is a fourth perspective view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0128]      FIG. 107  is a front view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0129]      FIG. 108  is a first side view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0130]      FIG. 109  is a second side view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0131]      FIG. 110  is a rear view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0132]      FIG. 111  is an end view of the stepped stop of  FIG. 103 . 
           [0133]      FIG. 112  is a perspective view of a meeting rail of a sash window frame engaged with a master window frame (or a second sash window frame) in the window closed position, and showing a cutout on the top of the meeting rail to receive the lever arm of the sash lock assembly, a pair of holes on the top of the meeting rail to receive a pairs of screws for mounting of the sash lock assembly thereto, and an opening in the side of the window frame to receive a latch assembly therein. 
           [0134]      FIG. 113  is a front view of the sash window frame engaged with the master window frame, as seen in  FIG. 112 . 
           [0135]      FIG. 114  is an end view of the sash window frame engaged with the master window frame, as seen in  FIG. 112 . 
           [0136]      FIG. 115  is a top view of the sash window frame engaged with the master window frame, as seen in  FIG. 112 . 
           [0137]      FIG. 116  is an exploded view showing the sash window frame engaged with the master window frame, as seen in  FIG. 112 , and also showing the latch assembly of  FIG. 85 , the sash lock assembly of  FIG. 53 , and the keeper of  FIG. 94 , prior to respective installation with respect to the sash window frame and the master window frame. 
           [0138]      FIG. 117  shows the perspective view of the meeting rail of the sash window frame engaged with the master window frame, as seen in  FIG. 116 , but after installation of the tilt latch and the sash lock with respect to the sash window frame, and after installation of the keeper upon the master window frame. 
           [0139]      FIG. 118  is a cross-section cut normal to the sash window frame engaged with the master window frame, as seen in  FIG. 117 . 
           [0140]      FIG. 119  is a cross-section showing the side of the sash window frame engaged with the master window frame, as seen in  FIG. 117 . 
           [0141]      FIG. 120  is the cross-section of  FIG. 118 , shown as a view with the stepped stop of  FIG. 103  mounted within the track of the master window frame. 
           [0142]      FIG. 121  is the cross-section of  FIG. 119 , shown as a view with the stepped stop of  FIG. 103  mounted within the track of the master window frame, and shown with the cam of the sash lock in the extended locked position, and the latch member in the corresponding extended position, to engage a first step of the stop and redundantly lock the window in the window closed position. 
           [0143]      FIG. 122  is a bottom view of the sash lock with the cam and shaft/handle member shown in the locked position, as seen in  FIG. 121 . 
           [0144]      FIG. 123  is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 121 , with the cam of the sash lock in the extended locked position, and the latch member in the corresponding extended position, to engage a first step of the stop and redundantly lock the window in the window closed position. 
           [0145]      FIG. 124  is the cross-section of  FIG. 121 , but shown with the cam and shaft/handle member of the sash lock in the first retracted position, and with the latch member moved into the corresponding retracted position, to disengage from the first step of the stop and unlock the window, to permit sliding movement of the window away from the window closed position. 
           [0146]      FIG. 125A  is the bottom view of the sash lock shown in  FIG. 122 , but with arrows indicating a force applied to the shaft/handle member that may cause the indicated rotation of the cam, to move the cam into the first retracted position shown in  FIG. 124 . 
           [0147]      FIG. 125B  is a bottom view of the sash lock with the cam and shaft/handle member in the first retracted position, as seen in  FIG. 124 , showing engagement of a rounded protrusion on the cam with the follower portion of the lever arm. 
           [0148]      FIG. 126  is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 124 , with the cam of the sash lock in the first retracted position, and the latch member in the corresponding retracted position. 
           [0149]      FIG. 127  is the cross-section of  FIG. 124 , with the cam and shaft/handle member of the sash lock still in the first retracted position, and with the latch member still in the corresponding first retracted latch position, but is shown after the window has been slid open into an open-limited position in which the tongue of the latch member engages a second step on the stop. 
           [0150]      FIG. 128  is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 127 . 
           [0151]      FIG. 129  is the cross-section of  FIG. 127 , but shown with the cam and shaft/handle member of the sash lock in the second retracted position, and with the latch member moved into the corresponding second retracted latch position, to disengage from the second step of the stop, to permit sliding movement of the window beyond the open-limited position, but which still engages the master frame to prevent tilting of the window therefrom. 
           [0152]      FIG. 130A  is the bottom view of the sash lock shown in  FIG. 125B , but with arrows indicating a force applied to the shaft/handle member that may cause the indicated rotation of the cam, to move the cam into the second retracted position shown in  FIG. 129 . 
           [0153]      FIG. 130B  is a bottom view of the sash lock with the cam and shaft/handle member in the second retracted position, as seen in  FIG. 129 , showing engagement of the rounded protrusion on the cam at a different location of the follower portion of the arm. 
           [0154]      FIG. 131A  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 130A , with the shaft/handle member shown rotated 135 degrees from the locked position to be at the first retracted position. 
           [0155]      FIG. 131B  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 130B , with the shaft/handle member shown rotated 160 degrees from the locked position to be at the second retracted position. 
           [0156]      FIG. 132  is the cross-section of  FIG. 129 , but shown with the cam and shaft/handle member of the sash lock in the third retracted position, and with the latch member moved into the corresponding third retracted latch position, to be disengaged from the master frame, to permit tilting of the window therefrom. 
           [0157]      FIG. 133A  is the bottom view of the sash lock shown in  FIG. 130B , but with arrows indicating a force applied to the shaft/handle member that may cause the indicated rotation of the cam, to move the cam into the third retracted position shown in  FIG. 132 . 
           [0158]      FIG. 133B  is a bottom view of the sash lock with the cam and shaft/handle member in the third retracted position, as seen in  FIG. 132 , showing engagement of the rounded protrusion on the cam at a different location of the follower portion of the lever arm. 
           [0159]      FIG. 134A  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 133A , with the shaft/handle member shown rotated 160 degrees from the locked position to be at the second retracted position. 
           [0160]      FIG. 134B  is a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 133B , with the shaft/handle member shown rotated 180 degrees from the locked position to be at the third retracted position. 
           [0161]      FIG. 135  is the cross-section of  FIG. 129 , but after the window had been opened beyond the window-limited position of  FIG. 127 , and with the cam and shaft/handle member moved back into the first retracted position, with the latch member moved back into its corresponding first retracted latch position, and with the angled bottom of the latch member contacting the angled top of the stop. 
           [0162]      FIG. 136  is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 135 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0163]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the Applicant&#39;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. 
         [0164]    The integrated sash lock/tilt latch fastener of  FIG. 1  may include a latch assembly  200 , and a sash lock assembly  100 , 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 stop  430 . 
         [0165]    Perspective views of the housing  10  of the sash lock assembly  100  are shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , while corresponding orthogonal views are shown in  FIGS. 6-11 . The housing  10  is not limited to the shape illustrated within  FIGS. 6-11 , and could take on many different suitable shapes, including a rectangular shape, an irregular shape, etc. However, the housing  10  may be desirably shaped to have a generally curved outer surface  13 , spanning from a first end  21  to second end  22 . The curvature of surface  13  may terminate at a generally flat bottom surface  11 . The curvature of surface  13  may also transition, as seen in  FIG. 9 , into a generally flat surface  32 , at which a wall  33  may be formed ( FIG. 6 ). The housing  10  may be hollowed out to form an interior surface  14 , and the wall  33  may have an opening  34  into the interior cavity of the housing. 
         [0166]    Extending outwardly from the interior surface  14  of the housing  10  may be at least one hollow cylindrical protrusion that may be used to secure the sash lock assembly  100  to the sash window. In one embodiment of the housing, two hollow cylindrical protrusions  15  and  16  are used, and each may be configured to respectively receive a screw for mounting of the sash lock  100  to the meeting rail of the sliding sash window. 
         [0167]    Extending outwardly from the interior surface  14  of the housing  10  may also be a shaft  25 , which may be used for pivotal mounting of a lever arm. 
         [0168]    The housing  10  may have a cylindrical boss  18  extending upwardly from the outer surface  13 , and may also have a cylindrical boss  19  extending downwardly from the interior surface  14 , into the housing cavity. The housing may have a hole  20  through the cylindrical boss  18  and boss  19 . The hole  20  may be used for pivotal mounting of a shaft that may extend from a portion of the locking cam, or alternatively, the hole  20  may be used for pivotal mounting of a separate shaft/handle member, to which the locking cam may instead be fixedly secured. 
         [0169]    As seen in  FIGS. 13-21 , a shaft/handle member  40  may have a cylindrical shaft  43 , one end of which may have a keyed protrusion  44  extending therefrom, with an orifice therein. The other end of the shaft  43  may have a graspable handle portion  46  that may extend generally orthogonally with respect to the axis of shaft  43 . The shaft  43  may be configured to be pivotally received within the hole  20  in the boss  18  of the housing  10 . The keyed protrusion  44  may be any suitable cross-sectional shape, and in this example, the keyed protrusion is formed using a rectangular shape. 
         [0170]    The locking cam  50 , illustrated in  FIGS. 22-32 , may have a cylindrical hub  53 , with a keyed opening  54  that is shaped to match the keyed protrusion  44  of the shaft/handle member  40 . Extending laterally away from the hub  53  may be a wall  55 , and extending laterally away from the wall  55  may be a curved cam wall  56 , 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 wall  56  may have a curved protrusion  56 P protruding laterally therefrom, which may be a semi-cylindrical protrusion, with a surface having a radius  56 PR. The axis of the semi-cylindrical protrusion  56 P may be substantially parallel to the axis of the hub  53 . 
         [0171]    Protruding away from the hub  53  may be a cylindrical member  57 , the axis of which may be generally concentric with the axis of the hub. The cylindrical member  57  may have a first flat  58 A formed thereon, and a second flat  58 B formed thereon to be clocked 180 degrees away from the first flat  58 A. The flats  58 A and  58 B may co-act with respect to the leaf spring  90  shown in  FIG. 12 , to operate as a detent mechanism to releasably secure the cam  50  at an extended (locking) position and a third retracted (unlocked) position, which are discussed hereinafter with respect to  FIGS. 60 and 63 . 
         [0172]    The cylindrical member  57 A may also have a third flat  59 A formed thereon, as seen in  FIG. 28 , at a position that is clocked roughly 135 degrees from the first flat  58 A. The flat  59 A may also co-act with respect to the leaf spring  90  to operate as a detent mechanism to releasably secure the cam  50  at 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 flat  59 B may be positioned on the cylindrical member  57  at a position that is clocked roughly 180 degrees from the third flat  59 A, which may releasably engage a second leaf spring. Note that the flats could be formed on the cylindrical hub  53 , instead of on the protruding cylindrical member  57 . 
         [0173]    As seen for the alternate embodiment of the cam in  FIG. 28A , the cylindrical member  57 A may also have a fifth flat  59 C formed thereon, at a position that is clocked roughly 160 degrees from the first flat  58 A. The flat  59 C may also co-act with respect to the leaf spring  90  to operate as a detent mechanism to releasably secure the cam  50  at yet another sash unlocked position, termed herein as a second retracted (unlock) position. A sixth flat  59 D may be positioned on the cylindrical member  57  at a position that is clocked roughly 180 degrees from the fifth flat  59 C, and which may releasably engage the second leaf spring. 
         [0174]    Interaction between the sash lock assembly  100 , once installed upon the meeting rail of the sliding sash window, and the latch assembly  200 , may be through the use of a lever arm  70  that may be pivotally mounted within the cavity of the housing  10 . The lever arm  70  is shown within  FIGS. 33-40 . Lever arm  70  may include a hub  73 , with a mounting hole  74  therein. Extending laterally away from the axis of the hub  73  may be an arm  75 , which may have a sculpted surface  75 S (a follower portion), and which may include a small radiused step  75 T that may serve as a detent. The sculpted surface  75 S may include a radiused concave feature  75 R which is discussed hereinafter. The radiused feature  75 R may be formed with a radius being substantially equal to, or slightly larger than, the radius  56 PR for the protrusion  75 P on cam  50 , for engagement therebetween. The sculpted surface  75 S is shaped to be selectively driven by rotation of the semi-cylindrical protrusion  56 P of the locking cam  50 , as discussed hereinafter. The arm  75  may transition into a post  76  that may be generally orthogonal to the arm  75 , and may be generally parallel to the axis of the hub  73 . A protrusion  77  may protrude from the post  76 . 
         [0175]    Initial assembly of sash lock assembly  100  is shown in  FIG. 41 . The leaf spring  90 , which may be a generally flat elongated flexible member, as seen in  FIG. 12 , may be installed into the housing interior. The ends of leaf spring  90  may 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 spring  90 ′ may be used, and may similarly be secured within the housing cavity, to be at a distance away from the first leaf spring  90  that is roughly the same as the distance between the pair of flats  58 A and  58 B, which may be roughly the same as the distance between the pair of flats  59 A and  59 B, and between flats  59 C and  59 D. The cylindrical shaft  43  of the shaft/handle member  40  may then be pivotally received in hole  20  of housing  10 . 
         [0176]    As seen in  FIG. 42 , the locking cam  50  may then be joined to the shaft/handle member  40 , with the keyed protrusion  44  of the shaft member  40  being received within the keyed opening  54  of locking cam  50 , 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 cam  50  may be provided by the curved housing walls  17 A and  17 B ( FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 41 ) supporting the hub  53  of the cam therebetween. 
         [0177]    Next, as seen in  FIGS. 42 and 43 , the hole  74  of the hub  73  of the lever arm  70  may be pivotally received upon the shaft  25  that may protrude out from the interior surface  14  of the housing. To pivotally secure the lever arm  70  thereto, the end of the shaft  25  may 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 hub  73  of the lever arm  70  to the shaft  25  of the housing  10 . 
         [0178]      FIGS. 44-51  show various views of the sash lock assembly with the cam in the extended (lock) position. 
         [0179]      FIGS. 52-59  show various views of the sash lock assembly with the cam in the third retracted (unlock) position. 
         [0180]      FIGS. 60-63  show four key positions that may be occupied by the components of the assembled sash lock  100 . 
         [0181]      FIG. 60  shows the sash lock assembly  100  in the extended locking position, where the curved wall  56  of cam  50  protrudes out from the housing  10 , 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 arm  70  shown therein, is unaffected by the cam  50  in this position, and the lever arm is biased into the position shown by the interconnection with the biased latch member of the latch assembly. 
         [0182]      FIG. 61  shows the sash lock assembly  100  in the first retracted (unlocked) position, where the shaft/handle member  40  has been rotated 135 degrees from the extended locking position, for the curved wall  56  of cam  50  to disengage from the keeper and be retracted within the cavity of the housing  10 , 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 protrusion  56 P of the locking cam  50  may contact the lever arm  70  and cause it to similarly rotate, but only a small amount. After the small amount of co-rotation of arm  70 , the radiused surface  56 P R  of protrusion  75 P on cam  50  may nest within the radiused feature  75 R of the arm, for releasable engagement therebetween. With this arrangement of lever arm  70  and cam  50  at the first retracted position (for the fastener to serve as a window vent stop), if a force is applied to the post  76  of 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. 
         [0183]      FIG. 62  shows the sash lock assembly  100  in the second retracted (unlocked) position, where the shaft/handle member  40  has 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 protrusion  56 P of the locking cam  50  may disengage from its position with respect to the radiused feature  75 R ( 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 arm  70  to further co-rotate, after which the semi-cylindrical protrusion  56 P of the locking cam may rest against the step  75 T to provide a tactile indication of such positioning. 
         [0184]      FIG. 63  shows the sash lock assembly  100  in the third retracted (unlock) position, where the shaft/handle member  40  has 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 protrusion  56 P of the locking cam  50  may pass over the step  75 T ( FIG. 62 ), and drive the lever arm  70  to 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). 
         [0185]    The clocking of the flat  58 A and flat  58 B on the cylindrical member  57  on the hub  53  of locking cam  50  may respectively contact and be flush with the leaf springs  90  and  90 ′, to releasably restrain the locking cam  50  from rotating out of the extended locking position and the third retracted unlock position, without being deliberately moved therefrom. 
         [0186]    Also, the clocking of the flat  59 A and flat  59 B of the cylindrical member  57  on the hub  53  of locking cam  50  may be respectively engaged by the flexible leaf springs  90  and  90 ′ when the cam is at the first retracted (unlocked) position. (Note, to increase flexibility of the leaf springs  90  and  90 ′, 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 cam  50  from rotating out of the first retracted (unlocked) position, until being deliberately moved therefrom. Note that since the angle at which the flats  58 A/ 58 B were clocked from the flats  59 A/ 59 B was approximately 135 degrees, the shaft/handle  40  will need to rotate approximately 135 degrees to actuate the sash lock assembly  100  from the extended lock position to the first retracted (unlock) position. This is shown by the movement of the handle portion  46  of the shaft/handle  40  in 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 wall  56  of cam  50  far 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 housing  10  at the first retraced unlock position. 
         [0187]    The shaft/handle  40  and cam  50  may also be releasably secured at the second retracted (unlocked) position using the same detent mechanism, where the leaf springs  90  and  90 ′ engage the flats  59 C and  59 D on the hub  53  of locking cam  50 , where those flats may be utilized. 
         [0188]    The shaft/handle  40  and cam  50  may furthermore be releasably secured at the third retracted position using the same detent mechanism, where the leaf springs  90  and  90 ′ once again engage the flats  58 A and  58 B (i.e., after having been rotation 180 degrees). 
         [0189]    The above noted interconnection between the sash lock assembly  100  and the latch assembly  200  may be through the use of the following latch assembly configuration. 
         [0190]    The latch assembly  200  may include a latch housing  210 , shown in  FIGS. 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 housing  210  is 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 housing  210  may be desirably shaped to have a cylindrical outer surface  213 , which may span from a first end  211  to second end  212  ( FIG. 70 ). At the first end  211  of the housing  210 , the cylindrical outer surface  213  may transition into a protruding lip  211 C. A portion of the cylindrical outer surface  213  may also have a series of successive teeth (e.g.,  214 A,  214 B,  214 C,  214 D, etc.) formed thereon, for securing of the housing within the hole that is bored/formed in the window rail. The housing  210  may be hollowed out to form an interior surface  215 . Protruding into the interior surface  215  may be one stop  216 A or a pair of stops (e.g.,  216 A and  216 B). A wall  218  may protrude inward to obstruct a portion of the hollowed out interior between the first end  211  and the second end  212 . The housing  210  being so formed may slidably receive a latch member  250  therein. 
         [0191]    Perspective views of the latch member  250  are shown in  FIGS. 75-78 , while corresponding orthogonal views are shown in  FIGS. 79-83 . The latch member  250  may extend from first end  251  to second end  252 , and may include a tongue  253  that may begin at the first end of the latch member and extend only part way to its second end. The tongue  253  may have a generally flat engagement surface  254 E 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 surface  254 A that tapers toward the engagement surface  254 E to create an apex. The angled surface  254 A 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 surface  254 E re-engage the track. The bottom of tongue  253  may have an angled surface  253 A formed thereon ( FIG. 79 ). The tongue  253  may also have one stop  266 A protruding therefrom ( FIG. 81 ) or a pair of stops (e.g.,  266 A and  266 B). Extending away from the tongue  253  may be an elongated beam  255  that may be flexible. 
         [0192]    The generally slender beam  255  may transition and widen to form peripheral walls about an opening  275 A, the size of which may depend upon the cross-sectional shape of the post  76  of lever arm  70  of the lock assembly  100 , to provide for engagement of the post with the latch assembly. The opening  275 A may be an elongated shape, which may, for example, be generally rectangular-shaped, as shown in  FIGS. 80 and 81 . The elongated opening may be oriented so that the longer direction of the opening is substantially perpendicular to the axis  255 X of the beam  255 . The rectangular opening  275 A may therefore have a length  275 L extending substantially normal to the axial direction  255 X of the beam, and a width  275 W extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the beam. The internal corners of the rectangular opening  275  may be radiused. 
         [0193]    Extending away from the far end of the peripheral walls formed about opening  275 A may be a secondary beam  255 A that may be formed substantially the same as beam  255 , and the distal end of which may similarly widen to form peripheral walls about an opening  275 B that may be constructed the same as opening  275 A. The connection of the beam  255 A with the peripheral walls about opening  275 A may include a first notch  255 N 1  on a first side of the beam and a second notch  255 N 1  on a second side of the beam, to produce an area that may be weakened. The weakened area may be used to sever the secondary beam  255 A from the peripheral walls associated with beam  255 , where it is necessary to use the first opening  275 A for receiving the post  76  of the lever arm  70  of the sash lock  100 , with respect to mounting upon a meeting mail of a window of a particular size. A third beam  255 B with peripheral walls about an opening  275 C may be similarly formed. An additional pair of notches ( 255 BN 1  and  255 BN 2 ) may be formed in its central region, to permit severing of the most distal portion of the beam, being just beyond the cylindrical protrusion  255 P 2 . 
         [0194]    Biasing of the slidable latch member  250  relative to the housing  210  may 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. 
         [0195]    Assembly of the helical compression spring  291  and the latch member  250  into the housing  210  is illustrated initially in  FIG. 84 . The helical spring  291  may be nested in a recess  253 R proximate to the tongue  253 . One end of the spring may act upon the wall  253 W of the tongue  253 , while the other end of the compression spring may act upon the wall  218  of the housing  210  ( FIG. 73 ), to bias a portion of the tongue, including its apex, to protrude out from the latch housing, as seen in  FIG. 85 . The extent that biasing by spring  291  may cause the tongue  253  to protrude out from the housing  210  may be limited by the stops  266 A and  266 B on the tongue ( FIG. 81 ) contacting the stops  216 A and  216 B on the housing ( FIG. 70 ). Actuation of the latch member  250  relative to the housing  210  may cause the apex of the tongue to retract within the hollow of the housing, as seen in  FIG. 86 . 
         [0196]    A suitable keeper  400  is shown in  FIGS. 94-102 , the installation of which upon the master window frame  450  is shown in  FIG. 116  and  FIG. 118 . A suitable stepped stop member  430 , for use in combination with the latch assembly  200  disclosed herein, is defined in FIGS.  103 - 111 , and may include a first step  431 , and a second step  432 . (Note that two separate stop members may be used and be separately mounted to the master window frame instead of the two-stepped stop member  430 ). 
         [0197]    To accommodate installation of the latch assembly  200 , the sash window frame  300 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 112-115 , may have an opening  310  on one side of the frame. The sliding sash window  300  may have a horizontal meeting rail  301 , a first vertical stile  302 A 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. 
         [0198]    To accommodate installation of the sash lock assembly  100 , the top of the meeting rail  301  may have an elongated opening  312  formed therein, adjacent to which may be a first hole  313 A, and a second opening  313 B. The elongated opening  312  may be shaped and positioned to suitably provide clearance for the post  76  of the lever arm  70 , and for its movement between the extended locking position ( FIG. 60 ) and the third retracted unlock position ( FIG. 63 ). 
         [0199]    The initial installation of the latch assembly  200  is shown in  FIG. 116 . The end of the latch assembly  200  may be received through the opening  310  in the window frame  300 , to be as seen in  FIGS. 117-119 . 
         [0200]    One or more of the beams ( 255 ,  255 A, and  255 B) of the latch member may be formed to include a vertical protrusion. For example, beams  255  and  255 B of the latch member  250 A are formed to each include a respective vertical protrusion  255 P 1 / 255 P 2  that may protrude down from the bottom surface of the beam. The protrusions  255 P 1 / 255 P 2 , which may be cylindrical, may be formed of a selective length so as to contact the bottom wall of the meeting rail  301 A 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 protrusions  255 P 1 / 255 P 2  may also serve to prevent disengagement of the post  76  of the lever arm  70  from the opening. 
         [0201]    The suitable opening (e.g.,  275 A,  275 B, or  275 C) on one of the beams (e.g.,  255 ,  255 A, or  255 B) of the latch assembly  200  may be coordinated with and properly positioned for alignment below the top opening  312  in the meeting rail  301  of the window frame  300  (see  FIG. 119 ). For the window frame  300  shown in  FIG. 116 , the elongated opening  312  in the meeting rail  301  may be positioned a particular distance away from the end of the window frame, which may accommodate alignment with opening  275 B of the latch assembly  200  shown therein. In this case, the beam  255 B could be removed using the notches  255 BN 1  and  255 BN 2 , leaving the protrusion  266 P 2  to 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 opening  275 C of the latch assembly  200 . 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 opening  275 A of the latch assembly  200 . In the latter example, the connection of the beam  255 A with the peripheral walls formed about opening  275 A may be severed using notches  255 N 1  and  255 N 2 . 
         [0202]    The initial installation of the sash lock assembly  100  upon the sash window frame  300  is also illustrated in the exploded view of  FIG. 116 . The post  76  of the lever arm  70  of the sash lock assembly  100  may be received through the opening  312  in the top of the meeting rail  301 . However, because of the elongated cross-sectional shape of the post  76  (see  FIG. 38 ), and because of the protrusion  77  protruding laterally therefrom, for the post to be also be received through the elongated opening  275 B of the latch member  250  of the latch assembly  200 , the lock assembly should be positioned substantially transverse to the axial direction  301 AX of the meeting rail  301 A. Such initial positioning may orient the long transverse direction of the post  76  and the protrusion  77  of lever arm  70  to be perpendicular to the axial direction  301 AX of the meeting rail  301 A, so that it may be generally in-line with the lengthwise side  275 L of the rectangular opening  275 A in the latch member  250 . 
         [0203]    After insertion of the post  76  through the opening  312  in the top of the meeting rail  301  and into the rectangular opening  275 B of the latch bean, the sash lock assembly  100  may then be rotated roughly 90 degrees, and then may be lowered for the bottom surface  11  of the sash housing to contact and be flush with the top of the meeting rail, and be fastened to the holes  313 A and  313   b  therein, using fasteners through the hollow cylindrical protrusions  15  and  16  of the housing  10 . The 90 degree rotation of the sash lock assembly  100  just prior to its mounting of the sash lock to the meeting rail may orient the long transverse direction of the post  76  of lever arm  70  to be parallel to the axial direction  301 AX of the meeting rail  301 A, so that it may be generally in-line with the shorter width  275 W of the rectangular opening  275 A in the latch member  250 . 
         [0204]    The width  275 W of the rectangular opening  275 A in the latch member  250  may be just slightly larger than the long transverse direction of the post  76  of the lever arm  70  positioned therein, so that movement of the post actuates the latch member of the latch assembly, to provide the interconnection therebetween. The protrusion  77  may redundantly serve to prevent disconnection of the post  76  of the lever arm from the opening  275 B in the latch member (i.e., preventing the latch member from falling off of the post), in conjunction with the protrusions  255 P 1  and  255 P 2  that may serve to maintain the latch beam(s) (e.g.,  255 ,  255 A, and  255 B) 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&#39;s co-pending application Ser. No. 14/278,226. 
         [0205]    The sash lock assembly  100  and the latch assembly  200  are shown installed with respect to the sliding sash window  300 , in  FIGS. 117-119 , with the sash window slidably installed with respect to the master window frame  450 . 
         [0206]      FIGS. 120 ,  121 , and  123  show the stop member  430  installed within a track  450 T of the master window frame  450 —the track within which the tongue of the latch member  200  moves for the sash window  300  to 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 lock  100  is shown with the shaft/handle member  40  and cam  50  in the extended lock position ( FIG. 122 ) where the cam engages the keeper  400  ( FIG. 120 ) to prevent sliding, and where the post  76  of the sash lock does not oppose the spring  291  from biasing the latch member  250  into its corresponding extended position, so that a portion of tongue  253  is disposed within track  450 T to prevent tilting. The sash window  300  may be redundantly locked and prevented from sliding, as the first step  431  of the stop  430  may be positioned just above the top of the tongue  253  of the latch member  250 , to block any upward movement of the sash window  300  from its closed position. 
         [0207]      FIGS. 124 and 126  show 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 member  40  and cam  50  of the sash lock  100  has been rotated 135 degrees to be in the first retracted unlock position ( FIG. 125B ), where it has disengaged from the keeper  400  to permit sliding, and the lever arm  70  of the sash lock has been driven to rotate by the cam a discrete amount (compare  FIG. 125A  and  FIG. 125B ) causing the post  76  to countered biasing of latch member  250  by spring  291  to be moved into its corresponding first retracted position. With the tongue  253  in its first retracted position, a portion thereof is still disposed within track  450 T to prevent tilting. However, the sash window  300  is no longer redundantly prevented from sliding upward from its closed position, as the end of the tongue  253  has been moved sufficiently to clear the first step  431  of the stop  430 . But the second step  432  of the stop  430  protrudes further into the track than the first step  431 , and is positioned above the top of the tongue  253  of the latch member  250  (see arrow  2331 ), to thereat block upward movement of the sash window  300  beyond the open-limited window position shown in  FIGS. 127 and 128 . The distance that the second step  432  is positioned above the first step  431  of the stop  430  may 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 stop  430  to provide for other window open limited positions, or alternatively, separate stop members may be utilized and mounted within the track  450 T of the master window frame  450 . 
         [0208]      FIGS. 129 ,  130 B, and  131 B show 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 member  40  and cam  50  of the sash lock  100  has been rotated an additional 25 degrees (compare  FIGS. 130A and 130B ) to be in the second retracted unlock position ( FIGS. 130B and 131B ), where the post  76  of the lever arm  70  of the sash lock, as described hereinabove, has been actuated another discrete amount and has countered biasing of the latch member  250  by spring  291  for the latch member to be moved into its corresponding second retracted position. With the tongue  253  of the latch member  250  in its second retracted position, a portion thereof is still disposed within track  450 T to prevent tilting. However, the sash window  300  is no longer prevented from sliding upward beyond its window limited position, as the end of the tongue  253  has been moved sufficiently to also now clear the second step  431  of the stop  430  (see arrow  233 V′). However, as noted above, the semi-cylindrical protrusion  56 P of the locking cam may contact and rest against the step  75 T 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 member  40 , it may be biased back towards the first retracted unlock position (see e.g.,  FIGS. 127 and 135 ). 
         [0209]      FIGS. 132 ,  133 B, and  134 B show 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 member  40  and cam  50  of the sash lock  100  has been rotated an additional 20 degrees (compare  FIGS. 133A and 133B ) to be in the third retracted unlock position ( FIGS. 133B and 134B ), where the post  76  of the sash lock, as described hereinabove, has been actuated another discrete amount and has countered biasing of the latch member  250  by spring  291  for it to be moved into its corresponding third retracted position. With the tongue  253  in its third retracted position, it is no longer disposed within track  450 T to prevent tilting. 
         [0210]    Once the outside of the glazing of the window  300  has been cleaned, the window may be pivoted back into the master window frame  450 , 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 member  40  to directly place the shaft/handle member  40  and can  50  in 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. 
         [0211]    As seen in  FIG. 135 , a person may apply a downward force to the sash window  300  shown therein, so that it may be lowered to a position at or below its window limited position, without directly actuating the shaft/handle member  40  of sash lock  100 , because the angled bottom surface  253 A of the bottom of the tongue  253  may contact the upper surface  432 U of the second step  432  of the stop  430 , which may be similarly angled. 
         [0212]    The contact therebetween may create a horizontal force component FC in the latch member  250 , which may oppose the basing of the latch member and the retaining three of the detent mechanism, and may be transmitted to the post  76  of the lever arm  70  by the interconnection with the latch member, which may drive the cam  50  to counter-rotate a small amount. Since the tongue  253  of the latch member  250  only needs to retract a small amount to clear the second step  432  of the stop  430  for the sash window  300  to be lowered, the cam will not be driven to counter-rotate vary far from the first retracted unlock position. Thus, once the tongue  253  is below the second step  432  of the stop  430 , the biasing of the latch member  250  by spring  291  may automatically move the cam  50  back into the first retracted unlock position, and similarly move the latch member  250  into its first retracted unlock position (e.g.,  FIG. 127 ). 
         [0213]    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.