Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CA 02364371 2005-06-17
TILT-LATCH FOR A SASH WINDOW
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a tilt-latch for a pivotal sash window
assembly and, more particularly to a tilt-latch mounted substantially flush in
a top
to sash rail of a pivotal sash window.
Background of the Invention
A pivotal sash window adapted for installation in a master flame of a sash
window assembly is well-known. The sash window assembly typically has opposed,
vertically extending guide rails to enable vertical reciprocal sliding
movement of the
sash window in the master frame while cooperatively engaged with the guide
rails.
The sash window has a top sash rail, a base and a pair of stiles cooperatively
connected together at adjacent extremities thereof to form a sash frame,
usually a
rectangular frame. Typically, a pair of spaced tilt-latches are installed on,
or in,
opposite ends of the top sash rail.
Each tilt-latch is generally comprised of a housing having an outward end
opening and a latch bolt disposed within the housing. A spring disposed within
the
housing generally biases the latch bolt through the outward end opening to
engage the
guide rails of the master frame. The latch bolt has a control button to allow
for
actuation of the latch bolt. An operator can use his finger to engage the
button and
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
2
actuation of the latch bolt. An operator can use his finger to engage the
button and
actuate the latch bolt wherein the latch bolt is retracted into the housing.
This releases
the latch bolt from the guide rail. When the latch bolts of the opposed tilt-
latches are
actuated simultaneously, the sash window can then be pivoted from the master
frame.
A tilt-latch mounted in a top sash rail is typically called a flush-mount tilt-
latch. An example of this type of tilt-latch is shown in U.S. Patent No.
5,139,291,
assigned to Ashland Products, Inc., the assignee of the present invention: To
accommodate the flush-mount tilt-latch in the top rail, a slot is punched or
routed in
the top rail. Because material is removed from the top rail, the structural
integrity of
l0 the top rail is decreased. The greater the length of the tilt-latch, the
greater the
amount of material that is required to be removed from the top rail, and thus,
the
greater effect on the structural integrity of the top rail.
As discussed, the window sash is fixed to the master frame by the nose of
the latch bolt that engages the guide rail of the master frame. When wind
forces act
15 upon the window sash, a moment can be created about the point where the
nose
engages the guide rail. A moment arm associated with this moment corresponds
to
the length of the tilt-latch. The greater the length of the tilt-latch, the
greater the
moment that can be generated. This can possibly result in the latch bolt nose
disengaging from the guide rail allowing the sash window to pivot
uncontrollably
20 from the master frame. Also, because holes have been punched into the top
rail to
accommodate the tilt-latches, a bowing of the top rail could occur under
sufficient
wind conditions. The wind forces may apply a twisting force on the tilt-latch
in the
top rail. Wind forces acting on the sash window may also apply torsional
forces
between the latch bolt and the housing.
25 There are a large number of different sash window assemblies
commercially available. It is not uncommon for the dimensions of the assembly
components, including the guide rails, to vary. Variances in the size of the
guide
rails can affect the operation of the tilt-latch and, in particular, the latch
bolt. For
example, in some situations, the guide rails can be manufactured having a
smaller
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
3
depth. A guide rail having a smaller depth affects the space that accommodates
the
nose of the latch bolt that extends from the tilt-latch housing. A latch bolt
nose could
"bottom-out" against a rear wall of the guide rail having a smaller depth.
Guide rails
often include a sash balance cover to cover balance springs normally included
in sash
window assemblies. The sash balance cover may be hot-stamped for cosmetic
appearances. The latch bolt nose that extends too far out of the housing can
bottom-
out and rub against the sash balance cover. This can leave marks thereby
undesirably
changing the cosmetic appearance of the cover. In these situations, it is
desirable to
having the ability to adjust the distance that the latch bolt nose extends out
of the
1o housing to thereby control the depth of penetration of the latch bolt nose
into the
guide rail.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.
Summary of the Invention
15 It is an object of the present invention to provide a tilt-latch adapted
for
releasably securing a pivotable sash window to a master frame of a sash window
assembly.
The master frame has opposed, vertically extending guide rails. The sash
window has a top sash rail, a base and a pair of stiles cooperatively
connected
2o together at adjacent extremities to form a frame. The top sash rail
includes a pair of
opposing header slots. Each of the header slots forms a pair of opposing,
longitudinal
header rails.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the tilt-latch has a housing
adapted to be supported by the top rail. The housing has an outward end
opening and
25 an outer edge. A latch bolt is supported within the housing and has a nose
adapted for
engaging a respective one of the guide rails. The latch bolt moves past the
outer edge
of the housing when the latch bolt is retracted into the housing.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the tilt-latch has a
housing adapted to be supported by the top rail. The housing has an outward
end
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
4
opening and a tongue extending from the housing: A latch bolt is disposed
within the
housing and has a nose adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide
rails. The
latch bolt has a channel that is in cooperative sliding engagement with the
tongue.
According to another aspect of the invention, the tilt-latch further includes
means for biasing the latch bolt through the outward end opening.
According to a further aspect of the invention, an actuator is connected to
the latch bolt wherein the actuator can retract the latch bolt into the
housing. If
desired, the latch bolt could be designed to be actuated without requiring a
separately
connected actuator. An actuator could also be integrally molded with the latch
bolt or
to attached separately.
According to another aspect of the invention, the tongue extends along a
bottom wall of the housing and is spaced from sidewalls of the housing. The
tongue
preferably extends substantially along the entire length of the bottom wall of
the
housing.
15 According to a further aspect of the invention, the tongue has a flange
extending transversely from the tongue and the latch bolt channel is in
cooperative
sliding engagement with the tongue and the flange.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the housing further
includes a second tongue extending from a sidewall of the housing. The latch
bolt has
20 a second channel in cooperative sliding engagement with the second tongue.
According to another aspect of the invention, the housing~further includes
a cover and a pair of sidewalls depending from the cover. The cover has an
elongated
opening in communication with a peripheral opening. The elongated opening
defines
a pair of rails. The actuator has an actuator channel on opposed edges of the
actuator
25 that cooperate with the elongated opening rails wherein the actuator is
slideable along
the cover. A rear portion of the actuator slides through the peripheral
opening. The
latch bolt also has a post and the actuator has a notch. The post is received
in the
notch to connect the actuator to the latch bolt.
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
According to another aspect of the invention, the housing has an outer
edge. The actuator or latch bolt moves past the outer edge of the housing when
the
latch bolt is retracted into the housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, the biasing means
comprises a spring. The latch bolt has a spring surface and the spring has one
end
abutting the spring surface and another end abutting the housing. The tongue
and the
flange extending from the tongue substantially encapsulate a length of the
spring.
According to another aspect of the invention, the latch bolt has a post and
the actuator has a notch that receives the post to connect the actuator to the
latch bolt.
1o The position of the notch can be adjusted on different actuators to adjust
the distance
the latch bolt nose extends out of the housing and therefore the depth of
penetration
into the guide rail. This also affects the distance the latch bolt is moved
(i.e. latch
bolt stroke) when the latch bolt is retracted into the housing. The actuator
could also
be provided with a plurality of notches.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the
following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a double-hung sash window assembly
utilizing a tilt-latch according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt-latch;
FIG. 4 is a front end view of the tilt-latch;
FIG. 5 is a rear end view of the tilt-latch;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tilt-latch taken along Lines 6-6 of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the tilt-latch, an actuator being shown in phantom
lines representing a retracted position;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the tilt-latch;
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
I~-
6
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch of the
present invention;
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a front end view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a rear end view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the tilt-latch taken along Lines 13-13
of FIG. 9;
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 9, an actuator being shown
in phantom lines, representing a retracted position;
1o FIG. 1 S is a bottom view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 9;
FIG. I 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch of
the present invention
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch of
the present invention;
FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a front end view of a housing of the tilt-latch of FIG. 17;
FIG. 20 is an exploded side elevational view of the housing and a latch
bolt of the tilt-latch of FIG. 17;
FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 17;
2o FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch of
the present invention; and
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is rear perspective view of the housing of the tilt-latch of FIG. 22
showing a second end opening; and
FIG. 25 is an end elevational view of the tilt-latch of FIG. 22 showing the
second end opening.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch of
the present invention;
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
7
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch of
FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the tilt-latch taken along lines 28-28
of FIG. 26, a latch bolt nose extending past an outward end opening of a
housing;
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the tilt-latch taken along lines 29-29
of FIG. 27, a portion of the latch bolt nose extending past an outward end
opening of
a housing;
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch,
a latch bolt nose extending past an outward end opening of the housing; and,
to FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tilt-latch
of FIG. 30, a portion of the latch bolt nose extending past an outward end
opening of
the housing.
Detailed Description
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different
forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail
preferred
embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present
disclosure is to
be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is
not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments
illustrated.
2o FIG. 1 shows a tilt-latch of the present invention, generally designated
with the reference numeral 10, used in a sash window assembly 11. The sash
window
assembly 11 shown in FIG. 1 is a double-hung window assembly having a pivotal
sash window 12 installed in a master frame 14. The tilt-latch 10 could also be
used in
other types of pivotal windows or structures. The sash window 12 is pivotally
mounted to the master frame 14 by a pivot-corner/balance shoe assembly 1 S. As
is
well known, the master frame 14 has opposed, vertically extending guide rails
16.
The sash window 12 has a hollow top sash rail 20, a base 22 and a pair of
hollow
stiles 24,26, cooperatively connected together at adjacent extremities thereof
to form a
sash frame, typically rectangular although other shapes are possible. The sash
frame
CA 02364371 2004-11-18
8
could be made from extrusions or pulltrusions that are filled with fiberglass,
epoxy,
plastic, or wood chips. The sash frame could also be solid and made from wood,
masonite or pressboard. As shown in FIG. 2, the top sash rail 20 includes a
pair of
opposing header slots 34, which were formed as by routing the hollow top sash
rail
20. Alternatively, the header slots 34 may be formed by prepunching the top
sash rail
20. It is understood that the top sash rail 20, as well as the rest of the
frame, could be
solid. The top sash rail 20 could then be punch routed to accommodate the tilt-
latch
10. Each of the header slots 34 forms a pair of opposing, longitudinal header
rails
36,38. This is shown in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,139,291.
to
As shown in FIGS. 2-8, the tilt-latch 10 generally comprises a housing 42,
a latch bolt 46, an actuator 48 and a spring 50. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the
housing
42 is adapted to be supported by the top rail 20. In a preferred embodiment,
the
housing 42 is designed to be flush-mounted in the top rail 20. It is
understood,
15 however, that the housing 42 could be designed to be supported in other
ways by the
top rail 20 such as a "top-mount" design. The latch bolt 46 is disposed within
the
housing 42. The actuator 48 is connected to the latch bolt 46 and is designed
to
retract the latch bolt 46 into the housing 42 against the biasing force of the
spring 50.
It is understood that the separate actuator 48 is not essential to the tilt-
latch 10. The
20 latch bolt 46 could alternatively be designed to be directly actuated. In
the most
preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the separate actuator 48 is
utilized.
As shown in FIG. 3, in a most preferred embodiment, the housing 42
generally has a box-type structure defining a chamber 43 therein. The housing
42 has
a cover 51 having opposing longitudinal edges 52,54. A pair of sidewalls 56,58
25 depend from the cover 51, and in the preferred embodiment are spaced inward
of the
respective longitudinal edges 52,54. The housing 42 further has a bottom wall
45. If
desired, the tilt-latch 10 could be designed wherein the housing 42 has an
open
bottom end with no bottom wall. The cover 51, sidewalls 56,58 and bottom wall
45
cooperate to form the chamber 43 within the housing 42. The housing 42 also
has an
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
9
outward end opening 44 in communication with the chamber 43. The housing 42 is
preferably of a one-piece construction. The one-piece construction strengthens
the
housing 42 and simplifies assembly. The housing 42, however, could also be
made
from multiple pieces. In addition, while a box-type housing structure is
preferred, the
housing could also take other forms. For example, the housing 42 could not
include
the bottom wall 45 but instead include tabs to hold the latch bolt 46 in the
housing 42.
The spring 50 could be held any number of ways as known in the art.
Each of the sidewalls 56,58 has a sidewall rail 62 which cooperates with a
respective one of the housing cover longitudinal edges 52,54, to form a
longitudinal
to groove 64 adapted to cooperatively receive a respective one of the header
rails 36,38.
The sidewall rail 62 could be noncontinuous and comprise a number of spaced
projections to form a noncontinuous groove with the cover 51. The housing
cover
longitudinal edges 52,54 could also be noncontinuous although this is normally
not
desired for cosmetic purposes. The sidewall rail 62 could also comprise one
15 projection at a front portion of the sidewall and another projection on a
rear portion of
the sidewall to form the groove 64 with the cover 51. The sidewall rail 62 can
also
extend completely around the rear of the housing 42 to provide greater contact
with
the header rails 36,38. As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 42 could include a
depending
tab 66 for engaging an inner surface of a respective one of the stiles 24,26
when
20 installed in the sash window frame. The depending tab 66 is preferably a
solid,
inflexible tab to maintain the structural rigidity of the housing 42. The
depending tab
66, however, could also be flexible. The housing 42 could also have a screw
hole for
fastening to the top rail 20 such as if the sash frame was solid. As shown in
FIG. 8,
the bottom wall 45 of the housing 42 has a notched hole 93 therein to assist
in the
25 injection molding of the housing 42. While the hole 93 is not necessary,
the notched
hole 93 allows the mold pieces to overlap providing a better seal which will
assist in
controlling flash of the material of the housing 42. The hole 93 also has a
ramp 93a
that elevates one of the mold pieces above the inside wall of the housing 42.
Also,
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
a.
the notched hole 93 could also be used as a screw hole to secure the tilt-
latch 10 to the
top rail 20, for example, when the top rail 20 is a solid structure.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the cover 51 of the housing 42 has an
elongated opening 70. The elongated opening 70 defines a pair of rails 72,74.
The
5 housing 42 also has a first tongue 76 or guide extending from the housing 42
and into
the chamber 43. In a preferred embodiment, the first tongue 76 is positioned
along
the bottom wall 45 of the housing 42 and is spaced from the sidewalk 56,58. In
a
most preferred embodiment, the tongue 76 is centered along the bottom wall 45.
The
first tongue 76 also preferably extends along an entire length of the bottom
wall 45.
1o Also preferably, the first tongue 76 is a continuous rail-like structure.
The tongue 76,
however, could comprise a discontinuous structure, for example, a plurality of
spaced
projections. Furthermore, it is understood that the first tongue 76 is not
required to
extend from the bottom wall 45. The tongue 76 can extend from other areas or
walls
of the housing 42 such as a sidewall of the housing 42. If the tongue 76
extended
from a sidewall, the housing 42 may be dimensioned having a more narrow width
and
a greater height. The tongue 76 could also extend at different angles, or can
take
many different shapes. In addition, it is understood that the first tongue 76
is not
required to extend along the entire length of the housing 42. T'he first
tongue 76
further includes a flange 78 extending therefrom. Preferably, the flange 78
extends
transversely from the first tongue 76. The flange 78 could extend in either
transverse
direction or other directions. The housing 42 also has a second tongue 80 that
extends
from one of the sidewalk 54 and into the chamber 43. Similar to the first
tongue 76,
the second tongue 80 can extend from other walls of the housing 42 or comprise
a
discontinuous structure. In addition, the second tongue 80 can comprise many
different forms although it preferably comprises a rail-like structure.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the latch bolt 46 is disposed within the
chamber 43 of the housing 42. The latch bolt 46 has a nose 47 adapted for
engaging a
respective one of the guide rails 16. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the latch
bolt 46 has
a first bolt channel 82 and a second bolt channel 84. When the latch bolt 46
is
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
11
disposed within the housing 42, the first bolt channel 82 is in cooperative
sliding
engagement with the first tongue 76. The first bolt channel 82 is also shaped
to also
be in cooperative sliding engagement with the flange 78 of the first tongue
76. Also,
the second bolt channel 84 is in cooperative sliding engagement with the
second
tongue 80. While there is cooperative sliding engagement, it is not required
that there
be complete surface-to-surface engagement between the tongues and channels.
The
tongue and channel configuration guides the latch bolt 46 within the housing
42 and
strengthens the overall structure of the tilt-latch 10. If the first tongue 76
is designed
to not extend the full length of the housing 42, such as being set back into
the
1 o chamber 43 of the housing 42, the latch bolt 46 could be closed at one end
wherein
the first bolt channel 82 would not extend through the entire length of the
latch bolt
46. It is understood that the first bolt channel 82 and the second bolt
channel 84 can
comprise discontinuous structures. It is further understood that the
tongue/channel
configuration between the housing 42 and the latch bolt 46 could be reversed
wherein
the tongue extends from the latch bolt and the channel is positioned on the
housing. It
is also understood that additional tongue/channel configurations can be
utilized.
Also shown in FIG. 3, the latch bolt 46 preferably has a spring wall 86
that is designed to engage or abut against one end of the spring 50.
Alternatively, the
spring wall could be hollowed out to form a pocket that receives one end of
the spring
2o S0. The spring 50 functions to bias the latch bolt 46 out of the housing
42. The
spring wall 86 is positioned adjacent the first bolt channel 82. Preferably,
as shown in
FIG. 6, the spring 50 is positioned in the chamber 43 and has one end
positioned
abutting the spring wall 86 and another end abutting a rear wall 53 of the
housing 42
wherein the latch bolt 46 is biased through the outward end opening 44 of the
housing
42. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the tongue 76 and the sidewall 56 form a
passageway
to accommodate the spring 50. In addition, the flange 78 extends over a top
portion
of the spring 50. The first tongue 76 and flange 78 provide a two-surface wrap
around of the spring 50. The first tongue 76 and flange 78 cooperate with the
housing
42 to partially encapsulate a length of the spring 50. Such configuration
prevents the
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
i.
12
need for a post on the latch bolt 46 to support the spring 50 or a separate
spring stop
associated with the housing 42. The flange 78 extends far enough over the
spring 50
to prevent the spring 50 from moving upwards in the housing 42. The flange 78
could also be angled downwards to provide a downward force on the spring 50.
Other biasing members could also be used in place of the spring SO which is a
coil
spring. For example, other types of springs can be used such as z-springs and
leaf
springs although coil springs are preferred. Rubber or polymeric resilient
members
could also be used. In addition, resilient plastic members) could be
integrally
attached to the latch bolt 46 to bias the latch bolt 46 out of the housing 42.
In sum,
1o any structure could be used that will cause the latch bolt 46 to move back
and forth. It
is further understood that a biasing means is not required. The tilt-latch
could be
adapted for manual retraction and extension of the latch bolt 46.
Finally, the latch bolt 46 has a post 88 (FIG. 3) extending from a top
portion of the latch bolt 46. The post 88 is preferably resilient, although
not required,
t5 and projects towards the beveled portion 47 of the latch bolt 46. The post
88
cooperates with the actuator 48 described in greater detail below. At a rear
end
portion of the latch bolt 46 is a bolt slot 87.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the actuator 48 is connected to the latch bolt
46. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 48 is separate from the latch bolt
46
2o although it is understood that the latch bolt 46 and actuator 48 could be a
single,
integrally-molded piece. Also, one could actuate the latch bolt 46 without the
separate actuator 48. After the latch bolt 46 is inserted into the housing 42
through
the outward end opening 44, the post 88 resiliently deflects under the housing
cover
51 and snaps into the actuator 48. As shown in FIG. 6, the actuator 48 has a
notch 90
25 that receives the post 88 to connect the latch bolt 46 to the actuator 48.
Specifically,
the post 88 snaps into the notch 90 wherein a front surface 92 on the post 88
engages
a facing surface 94 of the notch 90. It is understood that the post 88 on the
latch bolt
46 and the notch 90 on the actuator 48 could be reversed. The actuator 48 also
has a
finger 95 extending downwardly into the bolt slot 87 of the latch bolt 46. In
this
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
13
configuration, the latch bolt 46 moves together with the actuator 48. A front
portion
97 of the actuator 48 abuts the housing 42 to serve as a bolt stop for the
latch bolt 46.
Alternatively, the housing 42 could have a notch cut into the bottom wall 45
and the
latch bolt 46 could have a hook that catches on the notch to serve as a bolt
stop,
s similar to the tilt-latch disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,139,291.
As shown in FIG. 3, on opposed longitudinal edges 96,98 of the actuator
48, a pair of rails 101 cooperate to form an actuator channel 100,102 on the
opposed
longitudinal edges 96,98. The actuator channels 100,102 cooperate with the
elongated opening rails 72,74 of the housing 42 wherein the actuator 48 is
slideable
1o along the cover 51 to retract the latch bolt 46 into the chamber 43 of the
housing 42.
Again, it is understood that the channels 100,102 could be continuous or
noncontinuous. As shown in FIG. 2, the actuator 48 completely covers the
elongated
opening 70 when the latch bolt 46 is biased through the outward end opening
44. A
rear portion 103 of the actuator 48 is flush with the outer bounds of the
housing 42.
is The actuator 48 also has a control button 105 integral therewith although
it could be a
separately mounted piece. An operator's finger engages the control button 105
and
pulls back on the actuator 48. The actuator 48 slides along the cover S 1 with
the
actuator channels 100,102 in sliding cooperative engagement with the elongated
opening rails 72,74.
2o As shown in FIG. 7, the housing has an outer edge 110 that typically is
considered to extend around the outer periphery of the housing 42. The rear
portion
103 of the actuator 48 moves past the housing 42 as the latch bolt 46 is
retracted into
the chamber 43 of the housing 42. The actuator 48 moves past the outer edge
110
when the latch bolt 46 is retracted into the housing 42. In a preferred
embodiment,
2s and as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 42 has a peripheral opening 104 in a
rear portion
of the housing 42. The peripheral opening 104 is in communication with the
elongated opening 70. At the rear portion or one end of the housing 42, the
outer
edge 110 accommodates the peripheral opening 104. When the latch bolt 46 is in
its
normal, extended position biased out of the housing 42, the actuator 48 is
positioned
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
14
in the elongated opening 70. When the actuator 48 is actuated to retract the
latch bolt
46 into the housing 42, the rear portion 103 of the actuator 48 extends beyond
the
outer edge 110 by extending through and past the peripheral opening 104 (FIG.
7). In
addition, the actuator 48 is preferably positioned above the outer edge 110 of
the
housing 42. The actuator 48 is also adapted to be positioned above the top
rail 20
wherein the actuator 48 slides, along the top rail 20 when retracting the
latch bolt 46
into the housing 42 (See FIG. 1). It is understood that the peripheral opening
104
could be eliminated but that the actuator 48 and housing 42 could still be
configured
such that the actuator 48 moves past the outer edge 110 when the latch bolt 46
is
1o retracted. In a preferred embodiment, the latch bolt 46 and actuator 48 are
connected
together such that the actuator 48 moves past the outer edge 110 of the
housing 42 a
distance equal to a distance the latch bolt 46 is retracted into the housing
42. Because
the actuator 48 can extend past the housing 42, the housing 42 can be
dimensioned to
a shorter length L (FIG. 6). The chamber 43 of the housing 42 is not required
to
accommodate the entire movement of the actuator 48. As previously stated, it
is
understood that the actuator 48 can be an integral part of the latch bolt 46.
As such,
the peripheral opening 104 could be enlarged wherein the actuator 48 and latch
bolt
46 could extend past the outer edge 110 of the housing 42 when the latch bolt
46 is
retracted into the housing 42. It is further understood that this latch
bolt/actuator
2o configuration could be utilized in a tilt-latch without the tongue and
groove
arrangement between the latch bolt 46 and the housing 42
FIGS. 9-15 show another embodiment of the tilt-latch of the present
invention, generally designated with the reference numeral 10a. Like the tilt-
latch 10
of FIGS. 1-8, it generally comprises a housing 42, a latch bolt 46, a spring
50 and an
actuator 49. Like parts are referred to with identical reference numerals. The
actuator
49 of the tilt-latch 10a functions very similar to the actuator 48 of FIGS. 1-
8. The
actuator 49 has actuator channels 1 OOa,102a that cooperate with the elongated
opening rails 72,74. The actuator channels 100a,102a are not as defined as the
actuator channels 100,102. The actuator 49 also has the notch 90 on its
underside for
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
receiving the post 88 of the latch bolt 46. In the tilt-latch 10a, however,
the actuator
49 does not have a raised control button 105 as in the actuator 48 of FIGS. 1-
8. The
actuator 49 has a recessed portion 106 to accommodate an operator's finger tip
and
serve as a control button. This allows an operator's finger to frictionally
engage the
5 recessed portion 106 or engage a rear surface 107 on the actuator 49 to pull
back on
the actuator 49 and retract the latch bolt 46 into the housing 42. As shown in
FIGS.
11-12, the actuator 49 sits flush with the housing 42. Furthermore, no portion
of the
actuator 49 extends past the outer bounds of the housing 42. Accordingly, the
actuator 49 provides an even more streamlined tilt-latch as shown in FIGS. 1 I-
13. As
1o shown in FIG. 14, the actuator 49 extends past the outer edge 110 of the
housing 42
when the latch bolt 46 is retracted into the housing 42. Specifically, the
rear portion
103 of the tilt-latch I Oa extends past and through the peripheral opening 104
when the
latch bolt 46 is retracted into the housing 42.
FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the tilt-latch of the present
15 invention, generally designated with the reference numeral 10b. The tilt-
latch I Ob has
an actuator I 10 having a plurality of ridges 112. The ridges 112 serve as a
control
button wherein an operator's finger can frictionally engage the ridges 112 and
retract
the actuator 110 and latch bolt 46.
The tilt-latch 10 is easily preassembled by first inserting one end of the
2o spring 50 into housing 42 through the outward end opening 44. The latch
bolt 46 is
then inserted into the housing 42 through the outward end opening 44 (the
first tongue
76 and flange 78 and second tongue 80 in cooperative sliding engagement with
the
first bolt channel 82 and second bolt channel 84 respectively). The actuator
48 is then
slid onto the cover 51 (the actuator channels 100,102 in cooperative sliding
engagement with the elongated opening rails 72,74) until the post 88 is
received into
the notch 90 on the actuator 48.
FIGS. 17-21 disclose another embodiment of the tilt-latch of the present
invention, generally designated with the reference numeral l Oc. As shown in
FIG. 18,
the tilt-latch l Oc generally comprises a housing 120, a latch bolt 122 and a
spring 50.
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
16
The structure of the housing 120 is similar to the structure of the housing 42
and
similar elements will be designated with identical reference numerals.
The housing 120 is adapted to be supported by the top rail 20. The
housing 120 has the outward end opening 44 and the outer edge 110. As shown in
FIGS. 18 and 19, the housing 120 also has a notch 124 at a front end of the
housing
120. The notch 124 is in communication with the outward end opening 44 and the
elongated opening 70. The outer edge 110 accommodates the peripheral opening
104.
As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the housing further has a slot 126 on one of the
sidewalls 54,56 of the housing 120. For tooling considerations, the slot 126
could be
to extended as shown by the phantom lines. This would allow the mold pieces to
be
directly retracted apart rather than requiring a tertiary mechanism to move
the mold
pieces before they are retracted. The housing 120 also has other structure of
the
housing 42 as previously discussed. This housing 120 is less rigid than the
housings
42 of FIGS. 1-16 since additional material has been removed to accommodate the
notch 124 and the slot 126. The top rail 20, however, assists in the overall
rigidity of
the installed tilt-latch l Oc. If desired, the housing 120 could be made of
different
materials having increased rigidity. The housing 120 could also have a wider
cross-
section, possess thicker walls or incorporate ribbing to increase its
rigidity.
The structure of the latch bolt 122 is similar to the structures of the latch
2o bolt 46 and actuator 48. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, however, the latch
bolt 122
has an integral structure to engage one of the guide rails 16 of the master
frame 14
and to actuate the latch bolt 122 thereby retracting the latch bolt 122 into
the housing
120. The latch bolt 122 is supported within the housing 120 and has the nose
47
adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails 16. As shown in FIGS.
17
and 18, the latch bolt 122 has a frontal segment 128 and a rear portion 130.
As shown
in FIG. 20, the latch bolt 122 also has a protrusion 132 extending from one of
its
sides. The protrusion 132 could also extend from other areas of the latch bolt
122
such as from a bottom side, therefore adapted to protrude through a
corresponding
slot on a bottom wall of the housing 120.
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
17
FIGS. 17 and 21 show the assembled tilt-latch l Oc. To assemble the tilt-
latch 10c, the spring 50 is inserted into the housing 120. The latch bolt 122
is then
inserted into the housing 120 through the notch 124. The sidewall of the
housing 120
having the slot 126 deflects sufficiently to allow the protrusion 132 on the
latch bolt
122 to be received in the slot 126. The tilt-latch l Oc could also be designed
wherein
the latch bolt 122 could be inserted from the rear of the housing 120. The
latch bolt
122 is supported within the housing 120 wherein the nose 47 extends through
the
outward end opening 44. The frontal segment 128 is received in the notch 124
of the
housing 120. The rear portion 130 is flush within the outer edge 110 of the
housing
120. Also, the protrusion 132 is received in the slot 126 of the housing 120.
The
slot/protrusion configuration serves as a stop to prevent the latch bolt from
being
biased completely out of the housing 120 by the spring 50. It is understood
that the
slot/protrusion configuration could be included on the other side of the tilt-
latch 1 Oc.
It is further understood that the slot/protrusion configuration could be
positioned on
other areas of the tilt-latch 1 Oc such as on a bottom side of the tilt-latch.
It is also
understood that the bottom wall of the housing 120 could be eliminated wherein
the
slot/protrusion configuration could be used to retain the latch bolt 122
within the
housing 120. In such a case, the tongue/groove configurations could be moved
to
other portions of the housing 120 and latch bolt 122. When the latch bolt 122
is
2o retracted into the housing 120, the rear portion 130 of the latch bolt 122
moves past
the outer edge 110 of the housing 120. Specifically, the outer edge 110
accommodates the peripheral opening 104 wherein the latch bolt 122 moves past
the
outer edge 110 by passing through the peripheral opening 110 when the latch
bolt 122
is retracted into the housing 120.
FIGS. 22-25 disclose another embodiment of the tilt-latch of the present
invention, generally referred to with the reference numeral 10d. As shown in
FIG. 23,
the tilt-latch l Od generally comprises a housing 140, a latch bolt 142, a
spring 144 and
a control button 146. The structure of the elements of the tilt-latch l Od are
similar to
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
18
the elements of the previous tilt-latches and similar elements of the tilt-
latch 1 Od will
be designated with identical reference numerals.
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the housing 140 has the outward end
opening 44 as well as the elongated opening 70 and outer edge 110. As shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25, the housing 140 further includes a has a second outward end
opening 148 that is preferably positioned opposite the outward end opening 44
although it could be positioned at other areas of the housing 140. 'The second
outward
end opening 148 is also preferably positioned below the cover 51 of the
housing 140.
This allows the cover 51 to have a solid outer periphery without the need to
accommodate a peripheral opening, such as the peripheral opening 104 shown in
other embodiments. This typically also requires a slight increase in the
height of the
housing 140 as compared to the housing 42. Also, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25,
the
sidewall rail 62 has a portion removed to accommodate the second outward end
opening 148. The second outward opening 148 is shaped to accommodate the latch
bolt 142. The control button 146 is attached to the latch bolt 142 by snapping
the
control button 146 into a slot 150 on the latch bolt 142. The control button
146 is
positioned in the elongated opening 70. As shown in FIG. 22, because the
increased
height of the housing 140 and the position of the second outward end opening
148,
the elongated opening 70 is deeper.
2o When the latch bolt 142 is retracted into the housing 140 by depressing
the control button 146, a rear portion 152 of the latch bolt moves past the
outer edge
110 of the housing 140 by passing through the second outward end opening 148.
Preferably, the portion 152 passes underneath a planar member 21 (FIG. 1 ) of
the top
rail 20. An extruded top rail 20 will typically be hollow and can accommodate
the
latch bolt 142. Solid top rails would have to be modified. It is understood
that the
thickness of the planar member 21 of the top rail 20 can vary. Similar to the
previous
embodiments, the control button 146 is movable between a substantially front
of the
elongated opening (FIG. 22) to a substantially rear of the elongated opening
when the
latch bolt 142 is retracted into the housing 140. By allowing the portion 152
of the
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
19
latch bolt 142 to pass through the second outward end opening 148, the length
of the
housing 140 is minimized.
It is understood that the tilt-latches 10-l Od of the present invention
embody many different features, and any combination of the features could be
utilized
to form tilt-latches of the present invention.
In another variation of any of the tilt-latches 10-l Od of the present
invention, the tilt-latch includes the housing 42 and the latch bolt 46 (as
well as the
housing and latch bolts of the other embodiments). The housing 42 has the
length L
(See e.g., FIG. 7) and the elongated opening 70 (FIGS. 3,18,22). In a
preferred
to embodiment, the elongated opening 70 extends substantially the entire
length of the
housing 42. An outer portion of the cover 51 of the housing 42 defines the
outer edge
110 of the housing 42 and extends around the elongated opening 70. As shown in
FIG. 6, the latch bolt 46 has the nose 47 extending through the outward end
opening
44 and another portion extending into the housing 42. Space is maintained
between
the latch bolt 46 and the rear wall 53 of the housing 42 to accommodate
retraction of
the latch bolt 46 into the housing 42. Rather than having the separate
actuator 48, the
latch bolt 46 can have a control button similar to the control button 105,146
wherein
the control button is connected to the portion of the latch bolt 46 extending
into the
housing 42. The control button can extend into the elongated opening 70. To
actuate
2o the latch bolt 46, the control button is movable between a substantially
front of the
elongated opening 70 to a substantially rear of the elongated opening 70 when
the
latch bolt 46 is retracted into the housing 42. The control button can engage
a front
section of the housing when the latch. bolt 46 is biased through the outward
end
opening 44 to serve as a stop if desired. Because the elongated opening 70
extends
substantially the entire length of the housing 42, the opening 70 can
accommodate the
required displacement of the control button in order to retract the latch bolt
46
completely. Accordingly, the length of the housing 42 can be minimized. There
is
not considerable lengths of the housing 42 that extend from each end of the
elongated
openings such as in prior art tilt-latches. In such configuration, the length
of the
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
housings can be minimized while no portions of the latch bolts or actuators
move past
the outer edges of the housing. In another example, the tilt-latch 1 Oc can
have a latch
bolt 122 having a shorter rear portion 130 (FIG. 18) and, for example, having
the
control button portion moved forward on the latch bolt. In such a
configuration, the
5 control button portion is movable between a substantially front of the
elongated
opening 70 to a substantially rear of the elongated opening 70 when the latch
bolt 122
is retracted into the housing 120. By having a shorter rear portion 130, the
housing
120 can accommodate the entire displacement of the latch bolt into the housing
120.
Similarly, in the tilt-latch l Od (FIGS. 22-25), the latch bolt 142 could be
shortened
to wherein the second outward opening 148 would not be necessary. By
shortening a
rear portion of the latch bolt 142 (the spring 144 may also be modified
accordingly),
the housing 140 can accommodate the entire displacement of the latch bolt 142
when
the control button 146 moves from substantially a front portion of the
elongated
opening 70 (FIG. 22) to a substantially rear portion of the elongated opening
70 when
15 the latch bolt 142 is retracted into the housing 140. Accordingly, the
second outward
end opening 148 could be eliminated.
After preassembly, the tilt-latch 10-l Od can then be installed into the sash
window 12. Preferably, the tilt-latch 10-l Od is inserted from the side into a
respective
one of the header slots 34, such that the pair of longitudinal grooves 64
cooperatively
2o receive a respective pair of the header rails 36,38. The tilt-latch 10-l Od
is inserted
until the depending tab 66 has engaged the inner surface of a respective one
of the
stiles 24,26. Alternatively, the longitudinal groove could be formed with
resilient
tabs/projections wherein the tilt-latch 10-lOd could be installed by snapping
the latch
in from the top of the top rail 20. In addition, the entire side wall rail 62
could be
beveled to allow snap insertion from the top of the top rail 20. Regardless of
the
specific method of insertion into the top rail 20, once installed, the
longitudinal
grooves 64 cooperatively receive the header rails 36,38 and support the tilt-
latch in
the top rail 20.
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
21
The design and structure of the tilt-latch 10-l Od of the present invention
provide a number of advantages. Because the actuator or latch bolt can extend
past
the outer edges or bounds of the housing, the housing can have a shorter
length L.
Typically, the housing of a tilt-latch will accommodate the entire
displacement of the
latch bolt and actuator. This typically requires an elongated housing. For
example,
the commercial embodiment of the tilt-latch disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
5;139,291 is
approximately three inches. In one preferred embodiment of the present
invention,
the housing of the tilt-latch 10-l Od is approximately 1'/< inches in length.
Also in a
preferred embodiment, the latch bolt extends from the housing approximately
7/16 of
to an inch and the displacement of the latch bolt is also approximately 7/16
of an inch.
The latch bolt could be designed for other extensions such as '/4 inch. The
tilt-latch
10-lOd could be made different lengths if desired. For example, by changing
the bolt
displacement or biasing means, an even shorter tilt-latch 10-l Od less than an
inch long
could be formed. A shorter, smaller, "stubbier" tilt-latch 10-l Od of the
present
invention fundamentally makes a stronger tilt-latch. Furthermore, because the
tilt-
latch 10-l Od is shorter, a smaller header slot 34 is required, and thus, less
material is
required to be removed from the top rail 20. This improves the structural
integrity of
the top rail 20 making it more rigid. A shorter latch also provides less of a
moment
arm with respect to reactive forces of the tilt-latch reacting against, for
example, wind
2o forces exerted on the sash window 12.
Because of the minute structure of the tilt-latch 10-l Od the individual
components of the tilt-latch 10-1 Od such as the housing and the latch bolt
must be
connected with sufficient strength to withstand forces applied to the window
sash 12.
The cooperating structures, e.g. the first tongue 76, flange 78 and the first
bolt
channel 82; the second tongue 80 and the second bolt channel 84 strengthen the
tilt-
latch 10-l Od. These cooperating structures also prevent the latch bolt from
twisting
within the housing. This increases the torsional resistance of the latch bolt
within the
housing to prevent an overload condition on the sash window.
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
22
In addition, in a typical double-hung window assembly, the lower window
sash is wider than the top window sash. Because the tilt-latch 10-l Od is
short, the
frame of the top window sash will extend past the tilt-latch 10-l Od. This
assists for
security purposes since one could not determine the type of tilt-latch being
used, if
any, simply by looking through the sash window from the outside. The frame of
the
top window sash blocks the view of the tilt-latch 10-l Od. In addition,
because of the
small size of the tilt-latch, drapes, blinds or other window coverings hide
the tilt-latch
improving the overall aesthetic appearance of the sash window assembly.
Furthermore, because the tilt-latch 10-lOd can be made smaller than typically
sized
l0 flush tilt-latches, less material is used saving in material costs.
FIGS. 26-31 show additional embodiments of the tilt-latch of the present
invention, generally designated with the reference numbers 1 Oe, l Of and 1
Og. The
structure of the elements of the tilt-latches 10e, 1 Of and l Og are similar
to the
elements of the previous tilt-latches and similar elements will be designated
with
identical reference numerals: Like the tilt-latch 10 of FIGS. 1-25, these
embodiments
generally comprises a housing 42, a latch bolt 46, a spring (not shown) and an
actuator 48. In the tilt-latches 10e-1 Og, the actuator 48, generally
designated with the
reference numbers 48e, 48f and 48g, respectively, has a distinct structure
that adjusts
the position of the latch bolt nose 47 with respect to the housing 42 when the
latch
2o bolt 46 is fully extended through or past the outward end opening 44 of the
housing
42.
FIGS. 26 and 28 disclose the tilt-latch 10e which is very similar to the tilt-
latch previously described in, for example, FIGS. 1-8. As shown in FIG. 26,
the
entire nose of the latch bolt 46 is extended past the outward end opening 44
of the
housing 42 by the spring (not shown). In this fully extended position, the
nose 47 is
completely extended past the housing 42 a distance D 1. As shown in FIG. 28,
the
connection between the latch bolt 46 and the actuator 48e is similar to the
previous
embodiments. The actuator 48e has a notch 90e that receives the post 88 of the
latch
bolt 46. Similar to the previous embodiments, the notch 90e is located
substantially
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
23
at a front portion 153 of the actuator 48e. In this position, the entire latch
bolt nose
47 extends through the outward end opening 44 of the housing 42 the distance
D1.
To fully retract the latch bolt 46 into the housing 42, the nose 47 must
travel the
distance D1.
FIGS. 27 and 29 disclose the tilt-latch l Of. In this embodiment, when the
latch bolt 46 is fully extended out of the housing 42, only a portion of the
latch bolt
nose 47 extends out of the housing while a portion of the nose 47 remains
within the
housing 42. In this position, the nose 47 extends past the outward end opening
44 a
distance D2, while a portion of the nose 47 remains within the housing 42. To
fully
1 o retract the latch bolt 46 into the housing 42, the nose 47 must travel the
distance D2.
A notch/post arrangement is also used to connect the actuator 48f to the latch
bolt 46.
The actuator 48f, however, has a notch 90f that is positioned substantially at
a mid-
point or mid-portion 155 of the actuator 48f. In a most preferred embodiment,
the
notch 90f is positioned towards a front section of the mid portion 155. The
actuator
48f has a finger 95 that depends from the lower portion 160 of the actuator
48f. The
finger 95 can be positioned between the notch 90e and the control button 105,
which
extends from the actuator 48f. As discussed, the nose 47 of the latch bolt 46
is the
segment of the latch bolt 46 that extends past the outward end opening 44 of
the
housing when the latch bolt 46 is fully extended and has a beveled surface
(FIG. 26).
2o Stated in another manner, the nose 47 of the latch bolt 46 is the segment
of the latch
bolt 46 located beyond the housing 42 when the latch bolt 46 is fully
extended. The
latch bolt 46 has an extended position wherein the nose 47 extends past the
outward
end opening 44 of the housing 42 and a retracted position where the nose 47 is
retracted into the housing 42.
As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the positioning of the notch 90f at
substantially the mid-portion 155 of the actuator 48f adjusts the amount that
the nose
47 of the latch bolt 46 extends past the outward end opening 44 of the housing
42
when the latch bolt 46 is fully extended. Because the notch 90f is at a mid-
portion
rather than a front portion of the actuator as in FIG. 28, the latch bolt 46
must be
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
24
positioned further into the housing 42 when initially connecting the latch
bolt 46 to
the actuator 48f. This adjusts or varies the extension of the nose 47 out of
the housing
42 as compared to the latch bolt 46 extension in FIG. 28. Thus, as shown in
FIGS. 27
and 29, the latch bolt nose 47 only extends out of the housing a distance D2,
which is
less than the distance D1 shown in FIGS. 26 and 28. The notch 90f located at
substantially the mid-portion 155 of the actuator 48f reduces the portion of
the nose
47 extending past the outward end opening 44. Stated differently, a portion
47f of
the nose 47 is located, or disposed within the housing 42 when the notch 90f
is
positioned at the mid-portion 155 of the actuator 48e. In contrast and as
shown in
1o FIG. 28, the notch 90e is positioned at substantially a front portion of
the actuator 48f
and as a result, the entire nose 47 of the latch bolt 46 extends past the
outward end
opening 144. Thus, the position of the nose 47 varies with the position of the
notch
90e,90f when the latch bolt 46 is fully extended. Also, because the extended
position
of the latch bolt nose 47 is varied, the overall stroke of the latch bolt 46
is varied.
The adjustability or variance in the position of the nose 47 greatly
increases the utility, versatility, and value of the tilt-latch 10.
Specifically, window
installations have different dimensions for the window components, including
the
guide rails. The different component dimensions have an effect on the release
of the
latch bolt 46 from the guide rail 16. The differing dimensions further affect
the
2o pivoting of the sash window from the master frame. Because the nose 47
position can
be varied when the notch 90f is at the mid-portion 155, the tilt-latch l Of
can be used
in window installations wherein a guide rail is dimensioned a lesser amount
that
would not accommodate the extension of the entire latch bolt nose 47 such as
shown
in FIGS. 26 and 28. Such a guide rail may be dimensioned to only accommodate a
latch bolt 46 wherein the nose 47 extends only a distance such as D2. Thus, by
merely using a different actuator 48, such as actuator 48f, the latch bolt 46
can be
adjusted appropriately wherein, for example, the latch bolt nose 47 would not
bottom-
out in the guide rail or rub against a sash balance cover. Previously, a latch
bolt
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
would have to be custom-made having an appropriately-sized nose to prevent
this
from happening. This increases tooling costs and overall tilt-latch costs.
Thus, the tilt-latch components shown in FIGS. 26-29 can be used in a
system for assembling a tilt-latch 10 having a latch bolt 46 having a nose 47
that
5 extends out of the housing 42 a desired distance, i.e. according the desired
depth of
penetration into the guide rail 16. The housing 42, latch bolt 46 and spring
50
components are generally identical. A plurality of actuators are provided such
as
actuators 48e and 48f. Depending on the desired distance the latch bolt nose
47 is to
extend out of the housing 42, the appropriate actuator 48 is selected and
connected to
to the latch bolt 46 as previously described. It is understood that several
additional
actuators 48 could be provided having notches 90 in several different
locations.
FIGS. 30-31 show another embodiment of the tilt-latch 10 of the present
invention, generally designated with the reference number l Og. Similar to the
tilt-
latches 1 Oe and l Of, the tilt-latch 1 Og has structure that allows the
stroke of the latch
15 bolt to be adjusted. The actuator 48g has a plurality of notches. In a
preferred
embodiment, the activator 48g has a first notch 90g at substantially a front
portion
153 of the actuator 48g and a second notch 91 g at substantially a mid-portion
155 of
the actuator 48f. Both of the notches 90g,91 g are located in a lower portion
160 of
the actuator 48g. It is understood that the notices 90g, 91 g can be
positioned in a
2o number of locations along the actuator. It is preferred that the notches
90g, 91 g be
spaced apart. The notches 90g, 91 g can be positioned closer to the outward
end
opening of the housing 42. Alternatively, the notches 90g,91 g can be
positioned, or
juxtaposed about the finger 95, which depends from the lower portion 160 of
the
actuator 48g. It is understood that the actuator 48g could have additional
notches
25 beyond the first notch 90g and second notch 91 g.
Thus as shown in FIG. 30, when the latch bolt post 88 is positioned in the
first notch 90g, the entire latch bolt nose 47 extends through the outward end
opening
44 of the housing 42 when the latch bolt 46 is fully extended. The nose 47
extends a
distance D1, similarly as shown in FIG. 28. As shown in FIG. 31, when the
latch bolt
CA 02364371 2001-12-03
26
post 88 is positioned in the second notch 91 g, only a portion of the latch
bolt nose 47
extends through the outward end opening 44 when the latch bolt 46 is fully
extended.
A portion 47g of the latch bolt nose 47 remains within the housing 42 even
when the
latch bolt is fully extended as shown in FIG. 31.
Thus, the distance the latch bolt nose 47 extends past the outward end
opening 44 can be adjusted or varied by using the notches 90g,91g. This
adjusts the
depth of penetration of the nose 47 of the latch bolt 46 into the guide rail
16.
Likewise, it is understood that stroke of the latch bolt 46 is also adjusted
using the
structure of the present invention. The latch bolt stroke is the distance the
latch bolt
46 moves when the latch bolt 46 is fully retracted into the housing 42. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 30-31, the adjustments can be accomplished with a single
actuator 48g.
It is further understood that in a preferred embodiments, the latch bolt 46
has the post 88 and the actuator 48 has the notch 90. These components could
be
switched wherein the actuator 48 could have a post and the latch bolt could
have a
post. It is further understood that the latch bolt could have the post 88
manufactured
with alternate positions.
While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,
numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the
spirit
of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of
the
accompanying Claims.
