Patent ID: 7322619

Claim:
An integrated lock and tilt-latch mechanism for a sliding window, the window including a frame with at least one sliding sash therein, the sash also tiltably positionable relative to the frame, the mechanism comprising: at least one tilt-latch mechanism adapted for mounting on the sash and including: a housing presenting a longitudinal axis and having an aperture defined in a first end thereof; a plunger having a latch bolt portion; a plunger latch member; and first and second biasing members, the plunger disposed in the housing and selectively slidably shiftable along the longitudinal axis between an extended position in which the latch bolt portion of the plunger projects through the aperture in the housing and a retracted position in which the latch bolt portion of the plunger is substantially within the housing, the first biasing member arranged so as to bias the plunger toward the extended position, the plunger latch member operably coupled with the housing and arranged so as to be selectively slidably shiftable in a direction of travel transverse to the longitudinal axis when the plunger is in the retracted position, the plunger latch member shiftable between a first position in which the plunger latch member at least partially blocks the aperture of the housing to prevent shifting of the plunger and a second position in which the plunger latch member enables shifting of the plunger, the second biasing member arranged so as to bias the plunger latch member toward the first position; an actuator mechanism adapted for mounting on the sash and including a housing, a control on the housing of the actuator mechanism, a lock member, and a tilt-latch actuator member, the lock member and the tilt-latch actuator member operably coupled with the control; and, a linking member operably coupling the tilt-latch actuator member and the plunger of the at least one tilt-latch mechanism, the control selectively positionable among at least three positions including a locked position in which the lock member is positioned so that a portion of the lock member extends from the housing of the actuator mechanism, an unlocked position in which the lock member is positioned substantially within the housing of the actuator mechanism, and a tilt position in which the lock member is positioned substantially within the housing of the actuator mechanism and the plunger of the tilt-latch mechanism is positioned in the retracted position, wherein the linking member is flexible, and wherein the plunger defines a channel for receiving the linking member, the plunger further comprising a locking member positioned proximate the channel, the locking member selectively shiftably adjustable from a location outside the housing of the tilt-latch mechanism between a first position in which the linking member is freely slidable in the channel to enable insertion and removal of the linking member, and a second position in which the locking member is engaged with the linking member to fixedly secure the linking member in the channel.