Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
PATENT
]
CASEMENT WINDOW LOCK
DESCRIPTION
7'ECHNTCAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to casement windows, and more specifically, to a
locking
mechanism fbr locking and unlocking a casement window having increased
mechanical
advantage and greater range of movement in locking.
13ACKGROi.IND OF THE I.NVENTiON
[0002] Casement windows and locking mechanisms therefor are known in the art.
However,
prior casement window locks often do not generate sufficient locking force as
desired by a user.
Additionally, prior casement window iocks often do not have a sufficiertt
range of movement.
Prior casement window locks also suffer from other disadvantages.
[0003] The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above
and other
problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior casement
window locks
of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present
invention is deferred
to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the
accompanying
drawings.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Aspects of the present invention provide a locking mechanism for a
casement window
assembly that includes a housing adapted to be mounted on the window assembly,
an actuator
operably connected to the housing and pivotable about a fulcrum, and a linkage
member having a
first channel and a second channel. The housing has an elongated opening
having first and
second opposed ends. The actuator includes an actuator body having a first pin
and a second pin
located thereon. The linkage member is connected to the actuator such that the
first pin is
received in the first chatunel and the second pin is received in the second
channel. Pivoting the
actuator about the fulcrum causes the first pin to move within the first
channel and the second
pin to move within the second channel, moving the linkage member along the
opening, from a
first position proximate the first end of the opening to a second position
proximate the second
end of the opening.
[0005] According to one aspect, the first channel has a plurality of inner
surfaces and the
secor.xd chazuxel has a plurality of inner surfaces. The actuator moves the
linkage member by the
first and second pins exerting force on the inner surfaces of the first
channel and the second
channel, respectively.
[0006] According to another aspect, the linkage member travels along a path
from the first
position to the second position. Along a first portion of the path, the first
pin exerts force on an
inner surface of the first channel to move the linkage member. Along a second
portion of the
path, the second pin exerts force on an inner surface of the second channel to
move the linkage
member.
[0007] Aspects of the present invention also provide a linkage member and an
actuator
suitable for use in a casement window locking mechanism. The locking mechanism
described
above provides examples of such a linkage member and an actuator.
[0008] Further aspects of the present invention provide a locking mechanism
for a casement
window assembly that includes a lock assembly adapted to be mounted on the
window assembly,
a lock bar operably coupled to the lock assembly, and a retainer adapted to be
mounted on the
casement window assembly. Manipulation of the actuat.or of the lock assembly
causes the lock
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bar to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, The retainer
has a passage
therethrough, and the lock bar extends through the passage and is slidable
within the passage
between the locked position and the unlocked position, The retainer includes a
flexible finger
having a protrusion extending into the passage. The protrusion received in an
aperture on the
look bar to hold the Iock bar in place when the protrusion and the aperture
are aligned. When
sufficient force is applied to the actuator, the finger flexes to allow the
protrusion to slip out of
the aperture, allowing the lock bar to move toward the locked position or the
unlocked position.
Aspects of the present invention also provide a retainer for a casement window
assembly. The
locking mechanism described above provides an exatnple of such a retainer.
[0009] 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
[0010] To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of
example,
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a casement window assembly in a closed
position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the casement window assembly of FIG. 1 in an
open
position;
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the casement window assembly of FIG. 1 in
the open
position;
FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a casement window locking
mechanisrn of
the casement window assembly of FIG. 1, shown in a locked position;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a top keeper and a lock bar of the casement
window
loclcing mechanism shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottom keeper and a lock bar of the casement
window
locking mechanism shown in FIG. 4;
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FIG. 7 is a side view of the casement window locking mechanism of FIG. 4,
shown in the
unlocked position;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the casement window assembly of
FIG. 1,
including the casement window locking mechanism of FIG. 4, shown in the
unlocked position;
FIG. 9 is a left perspective view of a casement window lock of the locking
mechanism of
FIG. 4 (FIG. 12);
FIG. 10 is a right perspective view of the casement window lock of FIG. 9
(FIG. 13);
FIG. 1 I is a cross-sectional view of the casement window lock of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a right perspectxve view of an actuator and linkage member of the
casement
window lock of FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is an angled view of the actuator and linkage member of FIG. 12
FIG. 14 is a front view of the linkage member of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14A is a front view of the linkage member of FIG. 12, shown with two
gliding pins
driving movement of the linkage member in the direction indicated by the
arrows;
FIG. 14B is a front view of the Iinkage member of FIG. 12, shown with two
gliding pins
driving movement of the linkage member in the direotion indicated by the
arrows;
FIG. 14C is a front view of the linkage member of FIG. 12, shown with two
gliding pins
driving rnovement of the linkage member in the direction indicated by the
arrows;
FIG. 15 is a rear view of the linkage member of FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the actuator and a spring of the casement
window lock of
FIG. 9;
FIG. 17 is a front view of a second embodiment of a linkage member for a
casement
window lock (FIG. 17);
FIG. 18 is a rear view of the linkage member of FIG. 18 (FIG, 18);
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FIG. 19 is a front view of a third embodiment of a linkage member for a
casement
window lock (FIG. 20);
FIG. 20 is a rear view of the linkage member of FIG. 19 (FIG. 21);
FIG. 21 is a side view of a keeper of the casement window looking mechanism of
FIG. 4;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a retainer of the casement window locking
mecharxism of
FIG. 4;
FIG. 23 is a top view of the retainer of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the retainer and the lock bar of the casement
window
locking mechanism of FIG. 4, shown in the locked position;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the retainer and the lock bar of FIG. 24,
shown in the
unlocked position;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a retainer for a
casement
window assembly (FIG. 25);
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a retainer for a
casement window
assembly (FIG. 27);
FIG. 28 is an exploded plan view of another embodiment of a casement window
locking
mechanism for a casement window asserrlbly; (FIG. 2)
FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the casement window locking
mechanism of
FIG. 28;
FIG. 30 is an exploded rear perspective view of the casement window loclting
mechanism of FIG. 28;
FIG. 31 is an assembled view of the casement window locking mechanism of FIG.
28;
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a linkage member of the casement window
locking
mechanism of FIG. 28;
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FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a casement
window
lock (FIG. 6);
FIG. 34 is an exploded rear perspective view of the casement window lock of
FIG. 33;
and
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the casement window lock of FIG. 33 in an
assembled condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] While tWs invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different
forms, there are
shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred
embodiments of the
invention with the understandang that the present dxsclosure 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.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a casement window assembly 10, which includes a jamb frame
assembly or window frame 14, and an inner window assembly or window 16. The
window 16 is
formed of a sash frame 15 bordering a window pane 22, The sash frame 15 is
formed by two
vertical rails 25,26 and two horizontal rails 23,24. The window frame 14 is
formed by two
vertical jambs 29,30 and two horizontal jambs 27,28. The window 16 and window
frame 14 are
secured by hinged connection 13, such that the window 16 is moveable between
an open and
closed configuration relative the frame 14 by pivotal movement of the window
16. The hinged
conneotion 13 is formed by a hinge assembly 34 that includes one or more hinge
artrts 36. FIG.
1 depicts the window assembly 10 with the window 16 pivoted into the closed
configuration
relative the frame 14. FIGS. 2 and 3 depict the window assembly 10 with the
window 16 pivoted
into the open confisuration relative the frame 14. The window 16 is pivoted by
an operator
assembly 32 that includes a actuator (not shown), a housing (not shown)
mounted on the bottom
jamb 28, and one or more movable arms 37 that move back and fbrth by cranking
the actuator to
move the inner window assembly 16. Two locking mechanisms 38 are positioned on
one of the
verdcal,jambs 29 and the adjacent vertical rai125 to secure the jamb 29 to the
rai125, locking the
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window assembly 10 shut. It is understood that a single locking mechanism 38
can be used with
the casement window assembly 10.
[0013] FIGS. 4-8 show one exemplary embodiment of a casement window locking
mechanism 38 for a casement window assembly 10. The locking mechan'ssm 38
generally
includes a lock assembly 39, containing a housing 40, an actuator 60, and a
linkage member 70,
a lock bar 80, and a keeper 18. The actuator 60 is moveable to operate the
locking mechanism
38 for locking and unlocking the window assembly 10. The locking mechanism 38
is preferably
mounted to the window assembly 10 such that the housing 40 is mounted on the
exterior of one
of the vertical jambs 29, the actuator 60 and linkage member 70 are mounted
within the housing
40, the lock bar 80 is mounted within the same jamb 29, and the keeper 18 is
mounted to the
vertical rai126 adjacent the jamb 29.
[0014] The lock assembly 39 of the locking mechanism 38 of FIGS. 4-8 is
illustrated in
FIGS. 9-11, and generally includes the housing 40, the actuator 60, and the
linkage member 70,
among other components. FIGS. 12-16 illustrate various components of the lock
assembly 39,
which are described below.
[0015] As shown in FIGS. 4-11, the housing 40 is a shell that supports and
protects the other
components of the lock assembly 39. The housing 40 illustrated is a two-piece
metal housing 40,
having a base 42 and a cover 44, and generally includes an interior cavity 46,
an, interior track
48, an elongated slot 50, one or more fastener holes 52, and an actuator mount
54 for supporting
the actuator 60. In the embodiment shown, the cover 44 and the base 42 combine
to define the
interior cavity 46, and the slot 50 is formed in the cover. Additionally, the
cover 44 forms part of
the actuator mount 54, which, in the embodiment shown, is an aperture
receiving a portion of the
actuator 60 therethrough. However, in another embodiment (not shown), the
cover 44 only
forms the area arQund the slot 50, and the actuator mount 54 is completely
defined by the base
42. A portion of the linkage member 70 and a portion of the actuator 60 are
positioned in the
interior cavity 46. The track 48, shown in FIG. 11, is an elongated groove
defined within the
housing 40 between the cover 44 and the base 42, and receives the projection
74 of the linkage
member 70. In other embodiments, the track 48 may be a ledge, rather than a
groove. The track
48 may also be formed by the insertion of a plate or block within the housing
that has a ledge or
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a groove on which the projection 74 of the linkage member 70 can slide. When
the linkage
member 70 moves within the housing 40, the projection 74 rides within the
ttack 48 and the end
of the linkage nzennber 70 moves within the slot 50. The fastener holes 52
receive fasteners 52A
therethrough for attaching the housing 40 to the window frame 14. The housing
40 also has
pillars 56 that extend from the base 42 through the cover 44, defining the
fastener holes 52. The
pillars 56 are preferably received in apertures 58 in the cover 44 to hold the
cover 44 in place
relative to the base 42. The housing 40 may also include a gasket or spacer
50A positioned
around the slot 50.
[0016] The actuator 60 is best illustratod in FIGS. 11-13 and 16, and has a
handle portion 61
and a driving portion or drive arm 62 connected by a connecting portion 63.
Meta1 or other
suitable material(s) may be used to constract the actuator 60. In the
embodiment shown, the
connecting portion 63 is a naarow shaft extending transversely to the handle
portion 61 and the
driving portion 62, giving the actuator 60 a stepped or jogged configuration.
Also, as described
below, the connecting portion 63 forms a fulcrum or pivot point 67 for
pivoting of the actuator
60. The handle portron 61 shown has a gnipping structure 64 at the tip to
facilitate manipulation
of the actuator 60 by a user. The driving portion 62 has two gliding pins
65,66, including a
proximal gliding pin 65 that is close to the fulcrum 67 and a distal gliding
pin 66 that is fartber
from the fulerirm 67. Because the gliding pins 65,66 are different distances
from the fularum 67,
they have different arcs of angular movement when the actuator 60 is pivoted
about the fulcrum
67. Additionally, in the embodiment shown, the proximal gliding pin 65 is
slightly longer than
the distal gliding pin 66, the significance of which is described below. The
proximal gliding pin
65 illustrated has an extended portion 65A that is narrower (having a smaller
cross-sectional
area) than the rest of the proximal pin 65, creating a step 65B.
[0017] The linkage member 70 of the tock assembly 39 shown in FIGS. 9-11 is
illustrated in
greater detail in FIGS. 12-15. The linkage member 70 illustrated is a
rectangular metal plate or
block body having a first channel 71 and a second channe172 on a ixrst face 73
of the linkage
member 70 and a projection 74 on a second, opposed face 75 of the linkage
member 70. The
channels 71,72 are reoessed from the first face 73 of the linkage member 70.
In the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 12-15, the first channe171 is long and curved, forming a
general U-shape, V-
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shape, or "wishbone-shape" chazmel 71 having two legs. The first channel 71 is
defined by a
plurality of inner surfaces 71A, 71B, including inward-facing surfaces 71A and
outward-facing
surfaces 71 B. This allows room for the second channe172 to fit entirely
between the legs of the
first channe171 without inteasecting the first channel 71. The second channel
72 follows a very
narxow path that resembles a constricted version of the first channel 71,
having a rounded tip 77,
and is also defined by a plurality of inner surfaces 72A. Because the channels
71,72 do not
intersect, there is no danger of sticking or malfunction due to the gliding
pins 65,66 entering the
wrong channel 71,72. Additionally, the second channe172 has a hole 90 therein
that extends
completely through the linkage member 70. The hole 90 is generally the same
shape as the
second channel 72 and is recessed slightly from the edges of the channel,
creating a small ledge
90A around the edges of the channel 72. In other embodiments, the linkage
member 70 may
have a different configuration, including dilTexently staaped channels 71,72
and a differently
shaped profile. Further, the linkage member 70 has a pair of projections 74
extending from the
second face 75 of the linkage member 70, which are received in a track 48 in
the housing 40 aud
slide along the track 48 to stabilize the linkage member 70, as discussed
below and shown in
FIG. 1 l. In exemplary embodiments, eaeh projection 74 may be a bar, a ridge,
or another
protuberance that extends from the second face 75 of the linkage member 70.
[00181 The actuator 60 is connected to the linkage meinber 70 such that the
distal gliding pin
66 is received in the first ehanne171 and the proximal gliding pin 65 is
received in the second
channe172, as shown in FIGS. 11-13. The extended portion 65A of the proximal
gliding pin 65
extends through the hole 90 and glides within the hole 90 during movement of
the actuator 60,
and the step 65B rides along the ledge 90A. The interaction of the extended
portion 65A and the
hole 90 of the second channel 72 create a more secure connection between the
actuator 60 and
the linkage member 70. Pivoting of the actuator 60 causes the gliding pins 65,
66 to ride within
the channels 71, 72, exerting forcea on the inner surfaces 71 A, 71 B, 72A of
the channels 71, 72,
thereby moving the linkage member 70, as described in more detail below.
[01119] One alternate embodiment of a linkage member 170 is shown in FIGS. 17-
18. This
linkage member 170 is very similar ta the linkage member 70 described abovc.
One notable
difference is that the projections 74 on the second face 75 of the linkage
member 70 described
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above are longer and positioned closer together than the projections 174 on
the second face 175
of the linkage member 170 of FZGS, 17-18. Other similar components of this
linkage member
170 are labeled consistently with the components as described above, using the
"100" series of
reference numbers. This linkage member 170 can be used with a similar actuator
60 as described
above. Another alternate embodiment of a linkage member 270 is shown in FIGS.
19-20. In this
linkage member 270, the second channel 272 does not contain a hole extending
therethrough,
and has a consistent depth, unlike the second channels 72, 172 of the linkage
members 70, 170
described above. Other similar colaaponents ofthis linkage member 270 are
labeled consistently
with the components as described above, using the "200" series of reference
numbers. In the
linkage member shown in FIGS. 19-20, the second channe1272 is shallower than
the first
channel 271. Thus, the linkage member 270 may be used with an actuator similar
to the actuator
60 described above, however the proximal gliding pin of the actuator would be
shorter than the
distal pin. The contours of the channels 271, 272 are similar to the channels
71, 72 described
above, and thus, the spacing of the pins from the actuator from the fulcrtun
may be similar to the
actuator 60 described above. '
(0020) The lock bar 80 is best illustrated in FIGS. 4-8 and 24-25, and is
generally an
elongated metal strip having one or more engagement members 81 for engaging
one or more
keepers 18 and a connection assembly 82 for connecting to the linkage member
70. In the
embodiment illustrated, the engagement member 81 is a round post, having a
narrow stem and an
enlarged cap, and projects from one side of the lock bar 80. The engagement
member 81 and the
keeper 18 cooperatively engage each other to hold the window 16 closed, as
described in more
detail below. The connection asscmbly 82 includes two posts 83 projecting from
the side of the
loek bar 80, which are similar to the engagement mezttbers 81. The rectangular
linkage member
70 is received between the two posts 83 so that movement of the linkage member
70 will cause
the linkage member 70 to abut one of the two posts 83 and force the lock bar
80 to move in the
same direction. In other embodiments, the connection assembly 82 can be
configured differently
and may connect to the linkage member 70 in a different manner. For example,
the linkage
member 70 and the connection assembly 82 may have cooperatively engaging
structures or a
hinge connection.
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[0021] The keeper 18 is shown in FIGS. 2-7 and 21, and contains a locking
bracket 19
having ramp portions 19A on each end thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
4-7, the lock
mechanism 38 contains two keepers 18, and thus, the lock bar 80 contains two
engagement
members 81. The engagement member 81 and the keeper 18 cooperatively engage
eaob other
such that the narrow stem of the post 81 engages the locking bracket 19 of the
keeper 18, and the
enlarged cap limits lateral movement between the post 81 and the keeper 18.
The engagement of
the engagement members 81 and the locking brackets 19 of the keepers 18 is
shown in FIGS. 4-
7. The ramp portions 19A allow the movement of the knob 81 to pull the window
16 farther
closed as the knob 81 is moved into engagement with the keeper 18, and also
allow for some
variation in positioning of the window 16 before locking. The bracket 19 also
has a slightly
curvilinear engaging surface 19F, which has a crown 19C proximate the center
of the bracket 19.
In other embodiments, the engag,ement member 81 and the keeper 18 can have
many di#1'erent
configurations beyond those shown and described. For example, the keeper 18
may contain a
locking finger that the engagement member 81 is received within.
[0022] The locking mechanism 38 includes one or more retainers 84 that are
affixed to the
inner surface of the window frame 14 and hold the lock bar 80, allowing the
lock bar to slide
back and forth within a passage in the retainer 84, as shown in FIGS. 4-8 and
24-25. A retainer
84 as shown in FIGS. 4-8 and 24-25 is illuatrated in more detail in FIGS. 22-
23. The retainer 84
in FIGS. 22-23 has two screw holes 94 adapted to receive screws (not shown)
therethrough for
connection to the window frame 14. The retainer 84 also has a tongue or flange
93 and a
flexible, resilient finger 96.
[0023] The retainers 84 and the lock bar 80 contain means and structure to
facilitate
alignment and mounting of the locking mechanism 38 in the window frame 14. The
lock bar 80
has an atignment means in the form of a tab 92 at the base of the lock bar 80.
When the lock bar
80 is mounted on the vertical jamb 29 in proper alignment, the tab 92 abuts
the adjacent
horizontal jamb 28 to indicate that the lock bar 80 is properly spaced from
the bottom of the
jamb frame 14, as shown in FIG. 8. The flange 93 of the retainer 84 also fbrms
part ofan
alignment means. When the locking mechanism 38 is mounted on the vertical jamb
29 in proper
alignment, the flange 93 abuts an inner surface 29A of the jamb 29 to indicate
that the lock bar
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38 is properly spaced from the inner surface 29A, as shown in FIG. 8. In the
retainer 84 shown
in FIGS. 4-8 and 22-23, the flange 93 of the retainer 84 -is located on a side
of the retainer 84 that
is opposite the screw holes 94. This permits the screw holes (and the screws)
to be positioned at
the outdoor-facing edge of the retainer 84. The outdoor-facing screw holes 94
provide greater
security, because they are closer to the point of potential forced entry, thus
xesistiag breakage of
the retainer (which may be made of plastic) as well as reducing the potential
moment arm on the
screws that could be created by a tool of forced entry.
[0024] The retainers 84 and the lock bar 80 also have a cooperative means for
aligning the
lock bar 80 with respect to the retaimers 84 and for permitting shipping of
the lock bar 80 and
retainers 84 in an assembled condition without separating. In the embodiment
illustrated in
FIGS. 4-8 and 24-25, the cooperative means is fonmed by an aperture 95 on the
lock bar and the
flexible finger 96 on the retainer 84. The flexible finger 96 is cantilevered
on the retainer 84 and
contains a ramped protrusion 97 extending into the passage in the retainer 84.
The protrusion 97
is received in the aperture 95 after assembly, when the lock bar 80 passes
through the passage of
the retainer 84. The engagement of the aperture 95 of the lock bar 80 and the
finger 96 of the
retainer 84 holds the lock bar 80 and retainer 84 in place until the
connections are broken. FTG.
25 illustrates the interlocking of the finger 96 and the aperture 95 of the
lock bar 80. After the
locking mechanism 38 is installed in the window assembly 10, the lock bar 80
is actuated,
moving with sufficient force to cause the finger 96 to flex and the protrusion
97 to slip out of the
aperture 95. The ramped nature of the protrusion 97 facilitates flexiug of the
finger 96 by this
movement. FIG. 24 illustrates the movement of the lock bar 80 so that the
fingor 96 is flexed
outwardly and does not engage the aperture 95. Previous retainer designs
utilized a rigid tab or
finger having a projection that similarly engages the lock bar, and actuation
of the lock bar
caused the projection to be sheared from the rigid tab. The present retainer
84 is preferable to
the previous design because the flexible finger 96 and ramped protrusion
allows the finger 96 to
flex out of the aperture 95, and no shearing of the protrusion 97 occurs_
Thus, there are no loose
plastic pieces potentially floating around the lock mechanism 38.
[0025] Another embodiment of a retainer 184 is illustrated in FIG. 26. The
retainer 184 of
FIG. 26 is very similar to the retainer 84 described above, and similar
coniponents are refcrred to
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with similar reference numerals, using the "100" series of reference numbers.
One difference
between the retainer 184 and the retainer 84 described above is the shape of
the flange 193,
which curves slightly upward at the end. The flange 93 of the retainer 84
described above does
not curve upward appreciably. A further embodiment of a retainer 284 is
illustrated in FIG. 27.
The retainer 284 of FIG. 27 is very similar to the retainer 84 described
above, and similar
components are referred to with similar reference numerals, using the "200"
series of reference
numbers. The retainer 284 of FIG. 27 has the screw holes 94 on the indoor-
facizig side of the
retainer 284, in contrast to the retainers 84, 184 described above. Another
difference between
the retainer 284 and the retainer 84 described above is the shape of the
flange 293, which curves
slightly upward at the end.
[0026] The assembled locking mechanism 38 is shown in FIGS. 4-8, and the
locking
mechanism 38 is shown installed in the casement window assembly 10 in FIGS. 1-
3 and 8. As
illustrated, the actuator 60 and the linkage member 70 are connected to the
housing 40, and are
partially positioned within the housing 40. The connecting portion 63 of the
actuator 60 is
received through the aperture 54 in the housing 40. In this arrangement, the
handle portion 61 of
the actuator 60 is positioned outside the housing 40 and the driving portion
62 of the actuator
moves within the housing 40. Additionally, the aperture 54 combines with tlae
comecting
portion 63 to provide the fulcnun or pivot point 67, forming a pivot axis
about which the entire
actuator 60 pivots, A bushing or bearing 68 may be positioned between the
connecting portion
63 and the actuator mount 54, allowing for smoother pivoting of the actuator
60. The linkage
member 70 is also positioned partially within the housing 40 and slides back
and forth within the
housing 40 with the movement of the actuat.or 60. The slot 50 is elongated to
allow the linkage
member 70 a wide range of motion as it moves from one end of the slot 50 to
the other. The
jatnb 29 also has a slot 51 (see FIG 8) corresponding to the slot 50 of the
housing 40, through
which the linkage member 70 extends to connect to the lock bar 80. The track
48 preferably
receives the projection 74 of the linkage member 70. As the linkage member 70
moves within
the housing 40, the projection 74 slides within the elongated track 48, from
one end of the track
48 to the other, and the track 48 stabilizes the linkage member 70, ensuring
that the linkage
member 70 moves linearly rather than rotating.
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[0027] The actuator 60 and linkage member 70 are movable in a range of
movement between
a first position and a second position, each proximate one of the ends of the
slot 50. The driving
portion 62 of the actuator 60 and the linkage member 70 are connected such
that pivoting of the
actuator 60 is translated into linear motion by the linkage member 70 to
achieve a mechanical
advantage. The actuator 60 is connected to the linkage member 70 such that the
distal gliding
pin 66 is received in the first channe171 and the proximal gliding pin 65 is
received in the
second channe172. As the actuator 60 is pivoted, the proximal gliding pin 65
glides through the
second channe172 and the distal gliding pin 66 glides through the first
channe171. The gliding
pins 65, 66 exert forces upon the inner surfaces 71 A, 71 B, 72A of the
channels 71, 72 during
pivoting of the actuator 60 to move the linkage member 70 within the housing
40. Getutally, the
linkage member travels along a path from the first position to the second
position, and at certain
points or intervals along the path, the motion may be driven differently. For
example, through
some portions of the path, both the proximal and distal gliding pins 65, 66
may be exerting
forces on the inner surfaces 71A, 71B, 72A of the channels 71, 72 to drive the
movement of the
linkage member 70, such as illustrated in FIG. 14A. Through other portions of
the path, only the
proximal gliding pin 65 may be driving the movement of the linkage member 70,
such as
illustrated in FIG. 14B, and through other portions, only the distal gIiding
pin 66 may be driving
the movement of the linkage member 70, such as illustrated in FIG. 14C_ The
arrows in FIGS.
14A-14C illustrate the direction of pivoting of the actuator 60 and the
direction of movement of
the linkage member 70. The direction of movement of the actuator 60 can be
reversed to move
the linkage mamber 70 back and forth along the path berrveen the Orst and
second positions.
However, as shown by FIGS. 14B and 14C, a different gliding pin 65, 66 may be
driving the
movement of the linkage member 70 when the actuator 60 is in the same position
relative to the
linkage member 70, depending on the direction of movement of the actuator 60.
It is understood
that even slight variations of the dimensions and shapes of the channels 71,
72 may chauge the
locations and ranges of movement where each pin 65, 66 drives the moveulent of
the linkage
member 70.
[0028] As the linkage member 70 moves within the housing 40, the projection 74
rides
within the track 48 of the housing 40, stabilizing and guiding the motion of
the linkage member
21651654.2
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
70. This engagement helps ensure linear motion of the linkage member 70. Also,
as shown in
FIG. 16, the locking mechanism 38 has a spring 49 positioned within the
housing that creates a
"click" to indicate that the actuator 60 has moved to the locked or unlocked
position. The spring
49 interacts with nubs 76 on the actuator 60 at the fulcrum 67 to produce this
effect. The spring
49 has an indent 47 and the actuator 60 has two circumferentially-opposed nubs
76, and one of
the nubs 76 is received in the indent 47 in the spring 49 at each extreme end
of movement of the
actuator 60. As the nub 76 slips into the indent 47, the spring 49 produces
the "click" mentioned
above.
100291 The movement of the actuator 60 and the linkage member 70 described
above effects
movement of the lock bar 80 to lock and unlock the window assembly 10. As
described above,
the engagement member 81 engages the keeper 18, securing the window 16 and
preventing the
window 16 from opening. Additionally, the linkage member 70 is operably
connected to the
connection assembly 82 of the Iock bar 80, such that movement of the actuator
60 moves the
linkage member 70, which in turin moves the lock bar 80 to engage or disengage
with the keeper
18. As described above, the linkage member 70 is received between the two
posts 83 of the lock
bar 80, connecting the linkage member 70 to the lock bar 80. Thus, the locking
mechanism 38 is
moveable between a locked position, where the engagement member 81 of the lock
bar 80
engages the keeper 18 and the window assembly 10 is locked closed, and an
unlocked position,
where the engagement member 81 of the lock bar 80 does not engage the keeper
18 and the
window assembly 10 may be freely opened and closed.
[0030] The Ioc,king and unlocking of the locking mechanism 38 is illustrated
in FIGS. 4-7.
FIG. 4 shows the locking mechanism 38 in the locked position. As shown, the
linkage member
70 has moved the lock bar 80 upward so that the engagement members 81 are
engaged with the
keepers 18, securing the j amb 29 to the rail 26 and locking the window
assembly 10 shut. FIGS.
5 and 6 depict the engagement between the engagement members 81 and the lower
and upper
keepers 18, respectively. The arrows labeled "Lock" in FIGS. 5 and 6 depict
the direction of
movement of the lock bar 80 in moving to the Iocked position. FIG. 7 shows the
Iocking
mechanism 38 in the unlocked position. As shown, the linkage member 70 has
moved the lock
bar 80 downward so that the engagement members 81 are not engaged with the
keepers 18, and
21651654.2
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16
the window (not shown) is free to open. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-8,
the locking
mechanism 38 uses a sequential locking operation. In other words, the lower
engagement
member 81 engages the lower keeper 18 before the upper engagement member 81
engages the
upper keeper 18. Thus, when the locking mechanism 38 is in the locked
position, the lower
engagement member has moved far along the lower locking bracket 19, past the
crown 19C of
the bracket 19, as shown in FIG. 6. In contrast, the upper engagement member
has not moved as
far along the upper locking bracket 19, and has not moved past the crown 19C
of the bracket 19,
as shown in FIG. 5. In a larger window assembly 10, the lock bar 80 may lock 3
or more keepers
18 sequentially. The greatest locking force involved in locking a keeper 18 is
necessary prior to
the engagement member 81 teaching the crown 19C of the bracket 19. Once the
engagement
member St has passed the crown 19C, the locking force is reduced because of
the declining
slope of the engaging surface 19B. Since the locking mechanism 38 locks each
keeper 18
sequentially, the lock assembly 39 only needs to generate significant locking
force to lock a
single keeper 18 at once. In one exemplary embodiment, the first engagement
member 81 passes
the crown 19C of the corresponding keeper 18 before or concurrently with the
next engagement
member 81 engaging the corresponding bracket 18. Thus, the overall necessary
locking force is
both lower and more consistent, and manipulation of the actuator is easier and
smoother than in
previous locking mechanisms.
[0031] The arrangement of the actuator 60 and the linkage member 70 described
above
affords many advantages, including greater locking force, as well as increased
range of
movement, which enables and/or enhances sequential locking. in one exemplary
embodiment,
the loclring mechanism 38 provides for more than 2 inches of movement of the
lock bar 80
during locking and unlocking. The two-pin arrangement allows for a longer
driving arm 62 on
the actuator, creating greater force through leverage. Additionally, the
longer driving arm 62
permits a greater range of motion for the linkage member 70, which creates
sufficient range of
movement of the lock bar 80 to enable sequential locking. Consequently, the
locking mechanism
38 provides easier and smoother operation than prior locking mechanisms. Still
other advantages
are provided by the locking mechanism 38.
21651654.2
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17
[0032] FIGS. 28-32 show another embodiment of a locking mechanism 338 for a
casement
window assembly 10. Many components of the locking mechanism 338 of FIGS. 28-
32 are
similar to those described above with respect to the locking mechanism 38
described above, and
axe referred to similarly using the "300" series of reference numbers. The
locking mechanism
338 generally includes a housing 340, an actuator 360, a linkage member 370, a
lock bar 380,
and a keeper 318. The actuator 360 is moveable to operate the locking
mechanism 338 for
locking and unlocking the window assembly 10. The locking mechanism 338 is
mounted to the
window assembly 10 such that the housing 340 is mounted on the exterior of one
of the vertical
jambs 29, the actuator 360 and linkage member 370 are mounted within the
housing 340, the
lock bar 380 is mounted within the same jamb 29, and the keeper 318 is mounted
to the vertical
rail 26 adjacent the jamb 29.
[0033] The actuator 360 is made of metal and has a handle portion 361 and an
driving
portion 362 connected by a connecting portion 363. The connecting portion 363
is a narrow
shafl extending transversely to the handle portion 361 and the driving portion
362, giving the
actuator 360 a stepped configuration. Also, as described below, the connecting
portion 363
forms a fulcrum or pivot point 367 for pivoting of the actuator 360. The
handle portion 361 has
a gripping structure 364 at the tip to facilitate manipulation of the actuator
360 by a user. The
driving portion 362 has two gliding pins 365, 366 (FIG. 30), including a
proximal gliding pin
365 that is close to the fulcrum 367 and a distal gliding pin 366 that is
farther from the fulcrum
367. Because the gliding pins 365, 366 are different distances from the
fulcrum 367, they have
different arcs of angular movement when the actuator 360 is pivoted about the
fulcrum 367.
Additionally, the distal gliding pin 366 is preferably slightly longer than
the proximal gliding pin
365, the significance of which is described below.
[0034] The linkage member 370 of the locking mechanism 338 shown in FIGS. 28-
32 is
illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 32. The linkage member 370 is preferably
a rectangular metal
plate or block having a first channel 371 and a second channe1372 on a first
face 373 of the
linkage member 370 and a projection 374 on a second, opposed face 375 of the
linkage member
370. The first channel 371 is long and sharply curved, forming a general U-
shape, V-shape, or
"wishbone-shape" channel. 371. The ftt channel 371 is defined by a plurality
of inner surfaces,
21651654.2
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
18
including inward-facing inner suxfaces 371A and outward facing inner surfaces
371B, and has a
rounded tip 377 and two outwardly-curved wells 378 on either side of the tip
377 (FIG. 32). The
second channel 372 is shorter and more gradually curved, and may even be
angular. The second
channe1372 is also defined by a plurality of inner surfaces 372A and an outer
surface 72B.
Additionally, the first channe1371 is slightly deepec than the second channel
372. Because the
first channe1371 is deeper than the second channel 372, the inner surfaces
371A, 371B of the
first channel 71 are still defined where the first channel 371 and the second
channe1372
intersect. The actuator 360 is conaxected to the linkage member 370 such that
the distal gliding
pin 366 is received in the first charme1371 and the proximal gliding pin 365
is received in the
second channe1372. The projection 374 may be a bar, ridge, or other
protuberance that extends
from the second face 375 of the linkage member 370 and is received in a track
348 in the
housing 340 as discussed below. In other embodiments, the linkage member 370
may have a
different configuration, including differently shaped channels 371, 372 and a
differently shaped
profile. Further, the linkage member 370 has a point 376 at one end, which
interacts with a
spring 349 within the housing 340 as described below.
[0035] The lock bar 380 is an elongated metal strip having an engagement
member 381 for
engaging the keeper 31$ and connection assembly 382 for connecting to the
linkage member
370. The engagement member 381 is generally a round post, having a narrow stem
and an
enlarged cap, and projects from one side of the lock bar 380. The engagement
member 381 and
the keeper 318 cooperatively engage each other such that the narrow stem of
the post 381 is
received within the keeper 318, and the enlarged cap limits lateral movement
between the post
381 and the keeper 318. The keeper 318 has a ramp portion 319 which allows the
upward
movement of the knob 381 to pull the window 16 farther closed as the knob 381
is moved into
the keeper 318. In other embodiments, the engagement member 381 and the keeper
318 can
have many different configurations beyond those shown and described. The
connection
assembly 382 includes tvvo posts 383 projecting from the side of the lock bar
380. The
rectangular linkage member 370 is received between the two posts 383 so that
movement of the
linkage member 370 will cause the linkage member 370 to abut one of the two
posts 383 and
force the lock bar 380 to move in the same direction. In other embodiments,
the connection
21651654.2
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
19
assembly 382 can be configured differently and may connect to the linkage
membcr 370 in a
different manner. For example, the linkage member 370 and the connection
assembly 382 may
have cooperatively engaging structures or a hinge connection. The locking
assembly 338 also
includes at least one retainer 384 mounted within the jamb 29, which holds the
lock bar 380 and
allows the look bar 380 to slide back and forth therein.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 28-31, the housing 340 is a two-piece metal housing
340, having a
base 342 and a cover 344, and generally includes an interior cavity 346, an
interior track 348, an
elongated slot 350, one or more fastener holes 352, and a actuator mount 354
for connection to
the actuator 360. The cover 344 and the base 342 combine to define the
interior cavity 346, and
the linkage member 370 and a portion of the actuator 360 are positioned in the
interior cavity
346. The base 342 and cover 344 can have many diffcrent configurations. In the
embodiment
shown in FIGS. 28-3 1, the covcr 344 forms part of the side wall and the
actuator mount 354 of
the housing 340. However, in another embodiment (not shown), the cover 344
only forms the
area around the slot 350, and the actuator mount 354 is completely defined by
the base 342.
Alternately, the housing 340 may consist of only a single piece, or may be
multiple pieces. The
fastener holes 352 receive fasteners (not shown) therethrough for attaching
the housing3 40 to
the window frame 14. In the embodiment shown, the housing 340 also has pillars
356 that
extend through the base 342 and the cover 344, surrounding the fastener holes
352.
Additionally, the pillars 356 are received in apertures 358 in the cover 344
to hold the cover 344
in place relative to the base 342. The track 348 is an elongated groove
defined by a portion of
the base 342 and a portion of the cover 344, and receives the projection 374
of the linkage
member 370. In other embodiments, the track 348 may be a ledge, rather than a
groove. The
track 348 may also be formed by the insertion of a plate or block witbin the
housing that has a
ledge or a groove on which the projection 374 of the linkage member 370 can
slide.
[00371 The actuator 360 and the ].inkage member 370 are connected to the
housing 340, and
are partially positioned within the housing 340. The aotuator 360 is mounted
on the actuator
mount 354, which, in the embodiment shown, is an aperture in the side wall of
the housing 340,
through which the connecting portion 363 of the actuator 360 extends. In this
arrangement, the
handle portion 361 of the actuator 360 is positioned outside the housing 340
and the driving
2]651654.2
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
portion 362 of the actuator moves within the housing 340. Additionally, the
aotuator mount 354
combines with the connecting portion 363 to provide the fulcrum or pivot point
367, forming a
pivot axis about which the entire actuator 360 pivots. A bushing or bearing
368 may be
positioned between the connecting portion 363 and the actuator mount 354,
allowing for
smoother pivoting of the actuator 360. The linkage member 370 is also
positioned within the
housing 340 and slides back and fbrth within the housing 340 with the movement
of the actuator
360. The slot 350 is elongated to allow the linkage member 370 a wide range of
motion as it
moves from one end of the slot 350 to the other. The jamb 29 also bas a slot
351 corresponding
to the slot 350 of the housing 340, thxough which the linkage member 370
extends to connect to
the lock bar 380. The track 348 preferably receives the projection 374 of the
1izcage member
370. As the linkage member 370 moves within the housing 340, the projection
374 slides within
the elongated track 348, from one end of the track 348 to the other, and the
track 348 stabilizes
the linkage member 370, ensuring that the linkage member 370 moves linearly
rather than
rotating.
[00381 The actuator 360 and linkage member 370 are movable in a range of
rnovemeut
between two extreme positions, proximate the ends of the slot 350, with a
central position
therebetween. The driving portion 362 of the actuator 360 and the linkage
member 370 are
cormected such that pivoting of the actuator 360 is tranelated into linear
motion by the linkage
member 370 to achieve a mechanical advantage. The actuator 360 is connected to
the linkage
member 370 such that the distal gliding pin 366 is reccived in the first
channel 371 and the
proximal gliding pin 365 is received in the second chanme1372. As the actuator
360 is pivoted,
the proximal gliding pin 365 glides through the second channel 372 and the
distal gliding pin 366
glides through the first channel 371. Because the distal glidittg pin 366 is
longer than the
proximal gliding pin 365 and the first channe1371 is deeper than the second
channel 372, the
pins 365, 366 remain in their respective channels 371, 372 and do not slip
into the wrong channal
371, 372 during operition, allowing the channels 371, 372 to intersect, When
the actuator 360 is
in the central position, the distal pin 366 is received in the rounded tip 377
at the end of the first
channe1371. Within a first ratlge of incremetrtal movements of the actuator
360 in either
21651654.2
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
21
direction, the distal pin 366 pushes against an inward-facing inner surface
371A of the first
channe1371 in the tip 377 to force the linkage member 370 to move laterally.
[0039] After a certain range of movement of the actuator 360, the proximal pin
365 contacts
an inner surface 372A of the second channel 372 and exerts force on the inner
surface 372A. At
approximately the same time, the distal pin 366 slips out of the tip 377 of
the fu'st channe1371
and into one of the wells 378 of the first channel 371. The wells 378 are
curved outwardly so
that the distal pin 366 no longer contacts the outer wall 371A of the firat
ehannel and moves
freely for a range of movement. Thus, within a second range of incremental
movement, only the
proximal pin 365 is driving movement of the linkage member 370. Because the
length of the
handle portion 361 of the actuator 360 is large compared to the lever arm
between the proximal
pin 365 and the fularum 367, greater force is exerted on the linkage momber
370 and the
mechattism 338 achieves a mechanical advantage and greater locking force.
[0040] After a further range of movement, the proxinaal pin 365 has traveled
completely
through the second channel 372 and slips out of the ohannel 372, so the
proximal pin 365 can no
longer drive movement of the linkage member 370. At approximately the same
time, the distal
pin 366 reaches the end of the well 378 and begins to once again contact the
first ehannel outer
wal1371A and force the linkage mcmber 370 to move. Thus, within a third range
of incremental
movement, only the diistal pin 366 is driving movement of the linkage member
370. Through the
third range of movement, inelined portions 379 of the first channe1371 ease
the movement of the
actuator 360, and give the mechanism 338 a mechanical advantage and greater
locldng force.
After the third range of movement, the actuator 360 is generally at an extreme
position of its
range of movement,
[0041] The movement of the actuator 360 caa also be reversed from the extreme
position
back toward the oentral position, and achieves similar mechanical advantages
as deseribed above
with respect to movement from the central position. As the movement of the
actuator 360 is
reversed through the third range ofmovement, the distal pin 366 contacts an
inclined portion 379
on the first channel inner surface 371A, causing the linkage melnber 370 to
move in the reverse
direction. As before, after a certain range of movement, the distal pin 366
will enter the well 378
and the proximal pin 365 will enter the second channel 372. As the actuator
360 is moved back
21651654.2
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
22
toward the central position, the proximal pin 365 will engage the second
channel inner su.rface
372B and exert force on the linkage member 370. Thus, as before, the actuator
360 will move
through the second range of movement where only the proximal pin 365 is
driving movement of
the linkage member 370. As the actuator 360 approaches the central position,
the distal pin 366
will slip into the tip 377 of the first channne1371.
[00421 As the linkage member 370 moves within the housiAg 340, the projection
374 rides
within the track 348 of the housing 340, stabilizing and guiding the motion
ofthe linkage
member 370. This engagement helps ensure linear motion of the linkage member
370. Further,
a spring 349 positioned within the housing 340 interacts with the linkage
member 370.
Specifically, the spring 349 has three indents 347, one positioned at the
center of the spring 349
and two positioned at either end of the spting 349. At the central position
and the two extreme
positions of movement of the actuator 360 and linkage member 370, the point
376 of the linkage
member 370 is received in one of the indents 347.
[0043] Generally, the engagement member 381 of the lock bar 380 and the keeper
318
cooperatively engage each other to secure the jamb 29 to the rail 26, locking
the window
assembly 10 shut. As described above, the knob 381 is received in the keeper
318, securing the
window 16 and preventing the window 16 from opening. Additionally, the iinkage
member 370
is operably eonnected to the connection assembly 382 of the lock bar 380, such
that movement
of the actuator 360 moves the linkage member 370, which in turn moves the lock
bar 380 to
engage or diseugage with the keeper 318. As described above, the linkage
mernber 370 is
received between the two posts 383 of the lock bar 380, connecting the linkage
member 370 to
the lock bar 380. Thus, the locking mechanism 338 is moveable between a tocked
position,
where the look bar 380 engages the keeper 318 and the window assembly 10 is
locked closed,
and an unlocked position, where the lock bar 380 does not engage the keeper
318 and the
window assembly 10 may be freely opened and closed.
[0044] FIGS. 33-35 show a further embodiment 438 of the locking mechanism. The
components and action of the locking mechanism 438 are similar to those
described above with
respect to the locking meehanism 338 of FIGS. 28-32, with several notable
exceptions. The
housing 440 and handle portion 461 of the locking mechanism 438 are more
contoured in shape
21651654.2
CA 02591653 2007-06-14
23
than those of the previous embodiment 338. Additionally, the spring 449 is
relatively small and
has no indents 447. Further, the linkage member 470 of the locking mechanism
438 has two
projections 474 rather than a single projection 374, as in the previous
embodiment 338. An
important difference is that the actuator 460 has only a distal pin 466, and
no proximal pin, and
the linkage member 470 correspondingly has only a single channe1471. Thus, in
the locking
mechanism 438, the distal pin 466 drives the entire movement of the linkage
member 470.
[00451 Several altern.ative embodiments and examples have been described and
illustrated
herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features
oi'the individual
embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A
person of
ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments
could be provided
in imy combination with the other exnbodiments disclosed herein. It is
understood that the
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
spirit or central
characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are
to be considered
in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not
to be limited to the
details given herei,n. The terms' first," "second," "upper," "lower,"
"horizontal," "vertical," etc.,
as used herein, ate intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit
the embodiments in
any way. Additionally, the term "plurality," as used herein, indicates any
number greater than
one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite
number. Accordingly,
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.
21651654.2 -
