Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SASH LOCK WITH FORCED ENTRY RESISTANCE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to sash window hardware and, more
particularly, to an
integrated sash lock and tilt-latch for use in sash windows wherein the sash
lock has forced
entry resistance capabilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A pivotal sash window adapted for installation in a master frame of a
sash window
assembly is well-known. The pivotal sash window assembly typically has
opposed, vertically
extending jambs or 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 also has a top sash rail, a base or lower rail and a pair of stiles or
side rails
cooperatively connected together at adjacent extremities thereof to form a
sash frame, usually a
rectangular frame.
[0003] Hardware is associated with the sash window assembly, such as a sash
lock that
provides a locking mechanism between an upper sash window and a lower sash
window, as
well as tilt-latches that releasably engage the guide rails to allow the sash
window to pivot from
the master frame. Mechanisms have been developed that combine the sash lock
mechanism
and the tilt-latch mechanism. Other features have also been incorporated into
the separate
mechanisms. For example, certain sash lock mechanisms may have certain
structures that
provide forced entry resistance. While such combined mechanisms and other
features provide
a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless have certain limitations.
The present
invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks
of the prior art,
and to provide new features not heretofore available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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[0004] Aspects of the present invention relate to a sash lock mechanism that
includes a
handle, a housing adapted to be supported by a sash window assembly, the
housing having an
opening receiving the handle therethrough, and a rotor coupled to the handle.
The rotor is
moveable between at least a locked position and an unlocked position by
movement of the
handle. The sash lock mechanism also includes a locking mechanism that
contains a pivotable
member pivotably connected to the housing. The pivotable member has an
engagement surface
thereon and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. When
the rotor is in the
locked position and the pivotable member is in the first position, the
engagement surface
confronts the rotor to prevent movement of the rotor to the unlocked position.
When the
pivotable member is in the second position, the pivotable member does not
prevent movement
of the rotor.
[0005] According to one aspect, the rotor rotates about a first axis of
rotation and the
pivotable member pivots about a second axis of rotation, and the first axis of
rotation is
generally transverse to the second axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the
pivotable member
includes a mounting arm pivotably received in a receiver on the housing to
mount the pivotable
member to the housing, and the second axis of rotation is defined by the
mounting arm.
[0006] According to another aspect, the pivotable member includes an actuator
having a leg
extending therefrom. The leg has a notch and an engagement surface defined
within the notch.
When the pivotable member is in the first position and the rotor is in the
locked position, a
portion of the cam is received within the notch and confronts the engagement
surface, thereby
preventing the rotor from moving to the unlocked position. In one embodiment,
the
engagement surface and the rotor portion are curvilinear in shape and the
notch and the
engagement surface are cooperatively dimensioned with the rotor portion.
[0007] According to another aspect, the pivotable member includes an actuator
having a leg
extending therefrom. When the pivotable member is in the second position and
the leg is
elevated above the rotor, the leg does not prevent the rotor from moving to
the unlocked
position.
[0008] According to another aspect, the sash lock mechanism further includes
means for
rotationally biasing the pivotable member to the first position. In one
embodiment, the means
for rotationally biasing the pivotable member includes a leaf spring connected
to the housing.
The leaf spring is configured to engage a portion of the pivotable member and
exert a rotational
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force on the pivotable member when the pivotable member is in the first
position. In another
embodiment, the leaf spring is received in a recess in the housing, and when
the pivotable
member is in the second position, the portion of the pivotable member engages
a face of the
leaf spring and causes the leaf spring to flex into the recess.
[0009] According to another aspect, the pivotable member has a tactile outer
surface
accessible through an opening in the housing. In one embodiment, the tactile
surface is created
by a plurality of ridges on the outer surface.
[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form
that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Summary is
not intended to
identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended to be
used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011) 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 sash window assembly incorporating an
integrated tilt
latch and sash lock assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a sash window assembly
incorporating the
integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a side view of the sash window assembly and integrated tilt latch
and sash
lock assembly and top sash member of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 2,
mounted in a top sash member;
FIG. 3A is a rear view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly and
top sash
member of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of an integrated tilt
latch and sash
lock assembly of the present invention, shown in an unlocked position;
FIG. 4A is a top view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4,
shown in the unlocked position;
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FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4,
shown in the unlocked position;
FIG. 6 is a front view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4,
shown in the unlocked position;
FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock
assembly of
FIG. 4, shown in a locked position;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4,
shown in the locked position;
FIG. 9 is a top view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4, shown
in the locked position;
FIG. 10 is a front view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4,
shown in the locked position;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock
assembly of FIG.
4, shown in a tiltable position;
FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly
of FIG. 4,
shown in the tiltable position;
FIG. 13 is a top view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4,
shown in the tiltable position;
FIG. 14 is a front view of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of
FIG. 4,
shown in the tiltable position;
FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a sash lock mechanism and a keeper of
the
integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of FIG. 4, shown in the unlocked
position;
FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the sash lock mechanism and keeper of
FIG. 15,
shown in the locked position;
FIG. 15B is a rear view of the sash lock mechanism and keeper of FIG. 15,
shown in the
locked position;
FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 15,
shown in the
unlocked position;
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FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 15, shown in the
unlocked
position;
FIG. 18 is a rear view of the sash lock mechanism and keeper of FIG. 15, shown
in the
unlocked position;
FIG. 19 is a top view of a pawl and a cap of the sash lock mechanism of FIG.
15 and an
end of a connector of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of FIG.
4;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the pawl, cap, and connector end of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a top view of the connector of the integrated tilt latch and sash
lock assembly
of FIG. 4;
FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is a front view of the connector of FIG. 21;
FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the pawl of FIG. 19;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the pawl of FIG. 19;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a cam of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 15;
FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the cam of FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of an actuator handle of the sash lock
mechanism
of FIG. 15;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a housing of the sash lock mechanism of FIG.
15;
FIG. 29A is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 29;
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a tilt latch mechanism of the integrated tilt
latch and
sash lock assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of the tilt latch mechanism of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a rear view of the tilt latch mechanism of FIG. 30;
FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the tilt latch mechanism of FIG. 30 mounted in a
stile of a
sash window assembly;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the tilt latch mechanism and stile of FIG.
33;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a latch bolt of the tilt latch mechanism of
FIG. 30;
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FIG. 36 is a side view of the tilt latch mechanism of FIG. 30;
FIG. 37 is a front view of the latch bolt of FIG. 35;
FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of the latch bolt of FIG. 35 and an end
of the
connector of the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the portion of the sash window assembly of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sash lock mechanism
having a
forced entry resistance mechanism, shown in a locked position;
FIG. 41 is a bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 40;
FIG. 42 is a focused bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of
FIG. 40;
FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 40;
FIG. 44 is a focused bottom perspective view of a housing and a locking
mechanism of
the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 40, with the locking mechanism shown in a
secure position;
FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a pivotable member of the locking mechanism
of the
sash lock mechanism of FIG. 40;
FIG. 46 is a bottom perspective view of the pivotable member of FIG. 45;
FIG. 47 is a bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 40,
shown in
between the locked position and an unlocked position, with the locking
mechanism in a free
position;
FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the sash lock mechanism as shown in FIG.
47;
FIG. 49 is a bottom perspective view of the housing and the locking mechanism
of the
sash lock mechanism of FIG. 40, having a means for biasing the locking
mechanism toward the
secure position, with the locking mechanism in the secure position;
FIG. 50 is a focused bottom perspective view of the housing and locking
mechanism of
FIG. 49;
FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the housing and locking mechanism of FIG.
49;
FIG. 52 is a focused bottom perspective view of the housing and locking
mechanism of
FIG. 49, with the locking mechanism in the free position;
FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the housing and locking mechanism of FIG.
52;
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FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism
having
a forced entry resistance mechanism, shown in a locked position, with a
keeper;
FIG. 55 is a focused bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of
FIG. 54;
FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a pivotable member of the locking mechanism
of the
sash lock mechanism of FIG. 54;
FIG. 57 is a bottom perspective view of the pivotable member of FIG. 56;
FIG. 58 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism
having
a forced entry resistance mechanism, shown in a locked position;
FIG. 59 is a focused bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of
FIG. 58;
FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a pivotable member of the locking mechanism
of the
sash lock mechanism of FIG. 58;
FIG. 61 is a bottom perspective view of the pivotable member of FIG. 60;
FIG. 62 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism
having
a forced entry resistance mechanism, shown in a locked position;
FIG. 63 is a bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 62;
FIG. 64 is a focused bottom perspective view of a housing and a locking
mechanism of
the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 62, with the locking mechanism in a secure
position;
FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the housing and locking mechanism of FIG.
64;
FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a pivotable member of the locking mechanism
of the
sash lock mechanism of FIG. 62;
FIG. 67 is a bottom perspective view of the pivotable member of FIG. 66;
FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism
having
a forced entry resistance mechanism, shown in a locked position;
FIG. 69 is a bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 68;
FIG. 70 is a focused bottom perspective view of the sash lock mechanism of
FIG. 68,
with the pawl removed;
FIG. 71 is a cross sectional view of the sash lock mechanism of FIG. 68;
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FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a pivotable member and a biasing spring of
the sash
lock mechanism of FIG. 68; and
FIG. 73 is a bottom perspective view of the pivotable member of FIG. 66.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] 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.
[0013] A sash window assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The sash window assembly
10 is a
double-hung window assembly having a pivotal bottom sash window 12 installed
in a master
frame 14. The bottom sash window 12 is pivotally mounted to the master frame
14 by a pivot-
corner/ balance shoe assembly 15. The master frame 14 has opposed, vertically
extending
guide rails 16 or jambs 16. The bottom sash window 12 has a top sash rail 20,
a base 22 or
bottom sash rail 22 and a pair of stiles 24,26 or side rails 24,26,
cooperatively connected
together at adjacent extremities thereof to form a sash frame 19, which is
typically rectangular,
although other shapes are possible. The sash frame 19 with which the
integrated assembly 30
described herein is employed is typically made from vinyl extrusions known in
the art. While
the present invention can be used with any type of frame 19, in one exemplary
embodiment, the
invention is used with a window assembly 10 having a frame 19 made of vinyl.
In other
embodiments, it is contemplated that the frame 19 could be made from wood,
masonite or press
board, or from extrusions or pulltrusions that are filled with fiberglass,
epoxy, plastic, or wood
chips, or from other materials, including aluminum. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the
window assembly 10 also has a top sash window 11, which is similar in
structure to the bottom
sash window 12, having a top rail 13, a bottom rail 17, and two stiles 11 a, l
1 b.
[0014] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the sash window 12
includes
an integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly 30, which is illustrated in
FIGS. 1-38. The
integrated assembly 30 provides a sash locking operation. Additionally, the
integrated
assembly 30 provides a tilt-latch operation. While the integrated assembly 30
will be described
herein with respect to a single integrated assembly 30, the integrated
assembly 30 can also be
used in connection with a dual integrated assembly. In such an instance, the
second half of the
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integrated assembly will be substantially the same as that half of the
integrated assembly 30
described herein. Also, as can be understood from FIG. 1, one embodiment of
the invention
has a left-side integrated assembly 30 and a right-side integrated assembly
30. It is understood
that the description herein is applicable to both a left-side integrated
assembly 30 and a right-
side integrated assembly 30. It is further understood that the features of the
integrated
assembly 30 may be incorporated into a single integrated assembly having a
single sash lock
mechanism and two tilt latch mechanisms.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the integrated tilt latch and sash lock
assembly 30 generally
includes a sash lock mechanism 32 and a tilt latch mechanism 31 that are
interconnected by a
connector 52, and a keeper or locking bracket 42. The left-side integrated
assembly 30 shown
in FIGS. 2-3 is supported by, and mounted partially within, the top sash rail
20 and the left stile
24. Generally, the sash lock mechanism 32 and the keeper 42 provide the sash
locking
operation, the tilt latch mechanism 31 provides the tilt-latch operation, and
the connector 52
connects the sash lock mechanism 32 and the tilt latch mechanism 31. The
integrated assembly
30 is moveable between a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable
position. In the
locked position, the tilt latch mechanism 31 prevents the sash window 12 from
tilting and the
sash lock mechanism 32 prevents the sash window 12 from sliding within the
master frame 14.
In the unlocked position, the tilt latch mechanism 31 still prevents the sash
window 12 from
tilting, but the sash lock mechanism 32 is released, leaving the sash window
12 free to slide
within the master frame 14. In the tiltable position, the tilt latch mechanism
31 is released, and
the sash window 12 may be tilted as shown in FIG. 1. The operation of the
integrated assembly
30 is described in greater detail below.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 4-20, the illustrated embodiment of the sash lock
mechanism 32
includes an actuator arm or handle 36 connected to a cam or rotor 44 which is
operably
connected to a pawl 72, and a housing 82 supporting the other components of
the sash lock
mechanism 32. The housing 82 is adapted to be mounted on the top sash rail 20
to mount the
sash lock mechanism 32 to the sash window assembly 10, and is shown in greater
detail in FIG.
29. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 82 is made of cast metal and has
a curvilinear
surface. The housing 82 has an opening 81 therein and indicia 85 on the top
surface thereof, as
well as a pair of screw apertures 86 for insertion of fasteners to connect the
housing 82 to the
top sash rail 20. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 29, the housing 82 has an
annular ledge 87
having two protrusions 88 positioned at points around the ledge 87. The inside
of the housing
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82 also has an added beam rail 82b, to provide more structural support to the
housing 82, as
shown in FIGS. 15 and 29A. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 29A, the
housing 82 has
several tabs 82c that abut the inner surfaces of the sash lock opening 91 in
the top sash rail 20
to hold the housing 82 in place when mounted on the top sash rail 20.
[0017] The actuator handle 36 has a shaft 38 extending through the opening 81
in the
housing 82 and connected to the cam 44. As shown, for example, in FIG. 15A,
the shaft 38 is
received within a complementarily-shaped shaft opening 39 in the cam 44, so
that movement
of the actuator handle 36 effects rotation of the cam 44. Additionally, a
projection 89 is located
at the base of the shaft 38, as shown in FIG. 28. When the shaft 38 is
inserted into the opening
81 in the housing 82, the projection 89 engages the protrusions 88 on the
ledge 87 of the
housing 82 during rotation of the actuator handle 36, creating a tactile
"feel" and indicating
positions of the actuator handle 36, as described in greater detail below. The
actuator handle 36
is adapted to be manipulated by a user to move the integrated assembly 30
between the locked
position, the unlocked position, and the tiltable position, and thus, the
actuator handle 36 has a
locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position. The indicia 85
on the housing
indicate when the actuator handle 36 is in each of the three positions.
[0018] An exemplary embodiment of the cam 44 is illustrated in greater detail
in FIGS. 26-
27. The cam 44 is rotatably supported within and below the housing 82 and
includes a locking
member 40 configured to engage the keeper 42 to lock the sash window 12. The
cam 44 is
rotated by movement of the actuator handle 36 between a locked position,
wherein the locking
member 40 of the cam 44 engages the keeper 42 to lock the window 12 in place,
and an
unlocked position, wherein the locking member 40 of the cam 44 is disengaged
from the keeper
42, allowing the window 12 to slide. The cam 44 also includes an abutment
member 41
depending from the bottom surface thereof and a stub 33 extending from the top
surface
thereof. The stub 33 abuts the housing 82 at the ends of the range of rotation
of the cam 44,
thereby defining and limiting the range of rotation. The abutment member 41
engages the pawl
72, as described in greater detail below. Further, the cam 44 has a means 94
for selectively
preventing movement of the integrated assembly 30 to the tiltable position,
which generally
takes the form of an extending member 94 extending from the cam 44. The
extending member
94 may also be referred to as a leg 94 or an abutment member 94 for abutting
the keeper 42. In
one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 26-27, the extending member 94 is an
enlarged or
eccentric portion 94 of the cam 44 that is rotationally opposite of the
locking member 40.
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When the integrated assembly 30 is in the unlocked position, and a user wishes
to move the
actuator handle 36 to the tiltable position, the eccentric portion 94 abuts a
portion of the keeper
42, preventing rotation of the cam 44. In order to rotate the actuator handle
36 and cam 44
further, the user must lift the sash window 12 slightly, to allow the
eccentric portion 94 to clear
the keeper 42, and the actuator handle 36 can thus be moved to the tiltable
position. Still
further, in one embodiment, the cam 44 and the keeper 42 have complementary
engaging
structures that engage each other when the cam 44 is in the locked position to
provide a more
secure locking connection and create a tactile feel to alert the user that the
cam 44 is in the
locked position. As shown in FIGS. 15, 15B, and 18, the cam 44 has a notch 45
on or near the
locking member 40 that receives a projection 43 on the keeper 42 when the cam
44 is in the
locked position to accomplish this function.
[0019) The interlocking between the locking member 40 of the cam or rotor 44
and the
keeper 42 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 15A and 15B. As shown in
FIGS. 15, 15B, and
18, the keeper 42 has a projection 43 that is cooperatively dimensioned with a
notch 45 in the
rotor 44. When the notch 45 and the projection 43 are aligned, the projection
43 will slip into
the notch 45, giving the user a "feel" indication that the assembly 30 is
securely in the locked
position. Additionally, the keeper 42 has a tongue 47 that interlocks with the
locking member
40 of the rotor 44 to hold the sash window 12 more securely closed and give
additional
protection against forced entry, as illustrated in FIGS. 15, 15A, and 15B.
[0020] One exemplary embodiment of the pawl 72 is illustrated in greater
detail in FIGS.
19-20 and 24-25. The pawl 72 includes a base 76 and a pawl member or appending
member
78. The pawl 72 is operably associated with the connector 52 that extends away
from the sash
lock mechanism 32 to the tilt-latch mechanism 31. In one embodiment, the
appending member
78 contains a hook 77 that engages a hitch 59 on the connector 52, directly
connecting the pawl
72 to the connector 52, as illustrated in FIGS. 19-20. In this embodiment, the
connector 52
contains a retaining structure to hold the hook 77 in place, which includes a
flexible lip 59a and
a protrusion 59b. The combination of the lip 59a and the protrusion 59b force
the hook 77 into
the retaining structure and then hold the hook 77 in place once the hook 77 is
engaged with the
hitch 59, forming a snap-fit connection. The pawl 72 is also operably
connected to the cam 44
such that rotation of the cam 44 causes rotation of the pawl 72 through a
portion of the range of
rotation of the cam 44. The cam 44 and the pawl 72 are disposed proximate one
another in
operable association with each other and a tab 80 extends outwardly from an
outer surface of
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the pawl base 76 to engage the abutment member 41 of the cam 44. Movement of
the actuator
handle 36 causes the cam 44 to rotate. In the embodiment illustrated, the cam
44 rotates freely
and independently of the pawl 72 for a portion of the range of rotation.
However, at a point in
the rotation, the abutment member 41 of the cam 44 abuttingly engages the tab
80 of the pawl
72, such that when engaged, the cam 44 and the pawl 72 generally rotate in
unison. Thus, the
actuator handle 36, the cam 44, and the paw172 are all operably associated
with each other.
[0021] The sash lock mechanism 32 illustrated in FIGS. 4-20 additionally
includes an
asymmetrical or eccentric cap 35 that is operably coupled to the actuator 36
to rotate with
movement of the actuator 36. In one embodiment, the cap 35 is positioned on
the bottom side
of the pawl 72, opposite the rotor 44, protecting the pawl 72 and securing it
to the sash lock
mechanism 32. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cap 35 is asymmetrical and
eccentric in
shape, having a beveled or flattened portion 37. The cap 35 operates in a
camming action with
a curved arm 51 of the connector 52. As the actuator 36 is turned from the
locked position, the
cap 35 rotates with the cam 44. At a certain point along the rotation, the
eccentric nature of the
cap 35 causes the cap 35 to engage the arm 51 on the connector 52. Further
rotation of the cap
35 exerts a force on the connector arm 51, pulling the connector 52 slightly,
which in turn
retracts the latch bolt 50 slightly. This permits the integrated assembly 30
to begin retraction of
the latch bolt 50 prior to the point where the rotor 44 abuttingly engages the
paw172.
[00221 The integrated assembly shown in FIGS. 4-14 contains one embodiment of
the tilt
latch mechanism 31, which is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 30-38. The tilt
latch mechanism
31 is disposed within the sash window 12, such as within a cavity 90 in the
sash window 12
that extends through both the stile 24,26 and the top sash rail 20. This
embodiment of the tilt
latch mechanism 31 includes a latch bolt 50 disposed within a housing 60 and
coupled to the
connector 52, and a means 63 for biasing the latch bolt outwardly, which, in
the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 30-33, is a spring 63. It is understood the spring 63 is
generally positioned
between the latch bolt 50 and the housing 60 to bias the latch bolt 50
outwardly from the
housing 60 through a latch bolt opening 62 in the end of the housing 60. In
one embodiment,
the spring 63 is not evenly coiled, but rather has densely-coiled portions and
more loosely-
coiled portions. These densely-coiled portions prevent springs 63 stored in
bulk from
becoming intertwined and/or stuck together.
[0023] The housing 60 is used to support the latch bolt 50 within the sash
window 12. In
one embodiment, the housing 60 is substantially cylindrical, having a
curvilinear outer surface
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and appearing round when viewed in a side view (FIG. 36). The cylindrical
housing 60 is
adapted to be inserted into a round hole 92 in one of the stiles 24,26, as
shown in FIGS. 2, 2A,
33, and 34, so that no hole in the top sash rail 20 is necessary for
installation, and the tilt latch
mechanism 31 is completely hidden beneath the top sash rail 20. The housing 60
has opposed
stile-engaging members 64 that are adapted to engage both an outer surface 24a
and an inner
surface 24b of the stile 24. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 33-34, the tilt
latch mechanism
31 has stile-engaging members 64 in the forms of a circular flange 64a around
the latch bolt
opening 62 that engages the outer surface 24a of the stile 24 and a flexible,
resilient tab 64b
that engages the inner surface 24b of the stile 24. More generally, the tilt
latch housing 60
contains a flange 64a and a tab 64b defining a gap 64c therebetween, and a
portion of the lower
sash window 12 is received within the gap 64c. The flange 64a and the tab 64b
cooperate to
hold the tilt latch mechanism 31 in place within the sash window 12. The
housing 60 also
includes a window 58 around the tab 64b, which provides ample room for the tab
64b to flex
upward upon contact with the stile 24 during insertion of the tilt latch
mechanism 31 into the
sash window 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 33-34, the window 58 is
dimensioned
cooperatively with the tab 64b, so that the tab 64b can easily deflect into
the housing 60
through the window 58. Once the tab 64b clears the inner surface 24b of the
stile 24, the
resilient tab 64b snaps back into its original position to engage the inner
surface 24b of the stile
24. The flexible, resilient tab 64b is able to deflect as described above
without being
permanently deformed.
[0024] The cylindrical housing 60 has a curvilinear outer sidewall 61 having a
series of ribs
69 thereon, a rear opening 68, and a stabilizing member 67 proximate the rear
opening 68. The
rear opening 68 allows the connector 52 to pass through and connect to the
latch bolt 50, and is
defined at the rear of the housing 68, opposite the latch bolt opening 62, as
illustrated in FIGS.
4-14 and 30. The ribs 69 create a waffle-structure that strengthens the
housing and improves its
strength:weight ratio. In one embodiment, the stabilizing member 67 is a flat
tongue 67
extending from the housing 60 proximate the rear opening 68, and is adapted to
engage an
inner wall 20a of the top sash rail 20 to stabilize the housing 60 and prevent
the housing 60
from rotating within the sash window 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the stabilizing
member 67 rests
upon the inner wall 20a of the top sash rai120. It is understood that the
stabilizing member 67
may have another configuration suitably adapted to engage the inner wall of
the top rail 20.
The housing 60 of the tilt latch mechanism shown in FIGS. 4-14 and 30-38 also
has a cut-out
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14
portion 66 at the bottom of the housing 60 and a slot or elongated opening 23
at the top of the
housing 60. The cut-out portion 66 decreases the size of the housing 60, both
allowing the
housing 60 to fit into smaller spaces and decreasing the amount of material
used to manufacture
the housing 60. Thus, a portion of the housing proximate the latch bolt
opening 62 is a
complete cylinder, and the rear portion of the housing 60 is partially-
cylindrical. The slot 23
allows for insertion of an actuator (not shown) to operate the tilt latch
mechanism 31
independently, and the latch bolt has connecting structure 23a, 23b to permit
connection of
such an actuator (FIG. 35).
[0025] The latch bolt 50 of the tilt latch mechanism 31 of FIGS. 4-14 and 30-
38 is shown
alone in FIGS. 35, 37, and 38. The latch bolt 50 is adapted to slide within
the housing 60
between a retracted position, wherein the nose or tip 57 of the latch bolt 50
is retracted into the
housing 60, and an outwardly-extended position, wherein the nose 57 of the
latch bolt 50
extends beyond the end of the housing 60 and beyond the edge of the stile
24,26. This
movement of the latch bolt 50 is shown in FIGS. 4-14 and is discussed in
greater detail below.
When the sash window 12 is closed, the latch bolt 50 engages one of the guide
rails 16 in the
outwardly-extended position to prevent the window 12 from tilting. The spring
63 is generally
positioned between a portion of the latch bolt 50 and a portion of the housing
60, and biases the
latch bolt 50 towards the outwardly-extended position. Additionally, the nose
or tip 57 of the
latch bolt 50 is generally angled or beveled on one side, so that the window
12 may be shut
wherein the beveled surfaces engage edges of the guide rails 16 as the sash
window 12 is
pivoted to the vertical position wherein the latch bolts 50 are retracted into
the housing 60 and
then extend back outwardly to engage the guide rails 16 when the sash window
is in the
unpivoted position.
[0026] The latch bolt 50 is dimensioned to fit properly within the cylindrical
housing 60,
which has a rounded latch bolt opening 62, as shown in FIG. 36. Thus, in the
embodiment the
latch bolt 50 has at least one generally rounded portion. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS.
35-38, the latch bolt opening 62 of the housing 60 is generally circular with
beveled or flat
edges 48a, and an end portion 46 of the latch bolt 50 is similarly
dimensioned, being generally
circular with beveled flat edges 48b. The cooperative engagement of the
beveled edges
48a,48b prevent rotation of the latch bolt 50 within the housing 60. In one
embodiment, the tip
57 of the latch bolt 50 has a different cross-sectional shape than the portion
of the latch bolt 50
immediately adjacent the tip 57. As shown in FIG. 36, the tip 57 is
rectangular and extends
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from the enlarged end portion 46 that is dimensioned to fill the latch bolt
opening 62. The
transition or "filler" segments 57a caused by difference in shape between the
rectangular tip 57
and the rounded body of the latch bolt 50 can be seen in FIG. 36. As
discussed, the tilt-latch
housing 60 has generally circular cross-section while the tip 57, or nose 57,
of the latch bolt 50
has more of a rectangular cross-section. The latch bolt 50 includes the filler
segments 57a that
"fill" the areas between the tip 57 and the rounded surfaces defining the end
opening 62 of the
housing 60. Thus, the segments 57a have a planar portion adjacent the tip 57
and a rounded
portion adjacent the housing 60. It is understood that in one embodiment, fill
segments 57a are
integral with the latch bolt 50.
[0027] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 37, the width (WT) of the tip 57 of the
latch bolt 50
and the width of the portion 57b of the latch bolt 50 adjacent the tip 57 are
generally greater
than the width (WB) of the bulk of the latch bolt 50. Thus, even though the
main portion of the
latch bolt 50 is sized to fit within the tilt-latch housing 60 having a
smaller configuration to fit
within smaller pockets of the top rail 20, the width (WT) of the tip 57 can
have a conventional
width that provides a suitable engagement surface for the guide rails 16. In
another
embodiment, the tip 57 of the latch bolt 50 may be substantially larger than
the rest of the latch
bolt 50 or even larger than the housing 60 to provide a larger engagement
surface (EW)
because the latch bolt tip 57 need not fit completely into the housing 60.
This enlarged design
is shown schematically by the dotted lines in FIG. 37. The housing 60 can be
designed with a
slot or gap (not shown) therein to permit retraction of a latch bolt tip 57
much wider than the
housing 60. In such case, the flexible stile engaging member 64b may be
suitably relocated on
the housing 60. The hole provided in the stile would also be enlarged to
accommodate the
enlarged nose or tip 57. Thus, the latch bolt 50 and housing 60 can be
designed to be very
small, while the tip 57 of the latch bolt 50 can be of a different size. As
shown in FIGS. 35 and
37, the latch bolt 50 has a rounded top surface 49 that is dimensioned
similarly to the rounded
housing 60. Additionally, in one embodiment, the latch bolt 50 has a stop 95a
(FIG. 38) that
abuts an abutment surface 95b of the housing 60 to prevent the latch bolt 50
from being pushed
out of the housing 60 farther than is necessary for engaging the guide rail
16. It is understood
that the latch bolt 50 and the cavity of the housing 60 may be differently
shaped, and may
include different features to prevent rotation of the latch bolt 50 within the
housing 60.
[0028] The connector 52 connects to the latch bolt 50, such as by a snap-fit
connection 55,
as illustrated in FIGS. 4-14 and 38. The latch bolt 50, as shown, has a recess
55a on the
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16
underside of the latch bolt 50 to receive the end 56 of the connector 52 and
create the snap-fit
connection 55. As illustrated in FIGS. 21-23 and 38, the second end 56 of the
connector 52 has
several resilient bracing arms 53 extending therefrom. When the connector end
56 is snapped
into the latch bolt 50, the bracing arms 53 exert directional forces on the
latch bolt 50, thus
bracing the connector 52 against excessive movement during operation of the
assembly 30.
Also, the top wall of the housing 60 covers the snap fit connection 55 when
the latch bolt 50 is
extended, resisting disconnection of the connector 52 from the latch bolt 50.
[0029] The integrated assembly 30 includes a connector 52 that connects the
sash lock
mechanism 32 to the tilt latch mechanism 31. The connector 52 has a
substantially rigid or
semi-flexible, elongated body 21 with a first end 54 connected to the sash
lock mechanism 32
and a second end 56 connected to the tilt latch mechanism 31. The first end 54
of the connector
52 is operably associated with the pawl 72, such as by engaging the appending
member 78 of
the pawl 72. As described above, the connector 52 has the hitch 59 that
engages the hook 77
on the appending member 78 of the pawl 72 and the retaining structure that
includes the
flexible lip 59a and the protrusion 59b. The second end 56 of the connector 52
is connected to
the latch bolt 50, such as by passing through the rear opening 68 of the
housing 60 and forming
a snap-fit connection 55 with the latch bolt, as described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 4-14
and 38. As also described above, when the connector end 56 is snapped into the
latch bolt 50,
the bracing arms 53 exert directional forces on the latch bolt 50, thus
bracing the connector 52
against excessive movement during operation of the assembly 30. Additionally,
the bracing
arms 53 exert a downward force or torque on the connector 52, tending to push
the first end 54
of the connector downward. Pushing the first end 54 of the connector 52
downward helps
assure that the connector 52 remains in the proper position for connection to
the sash-lock
mechanism 32, facilitating a user in making a blind connection between the
connector 52 and
the sash lock mechanism 32. However, the positioning of the bracing arms 53
permits a certain
amount of lateral pivoting of the connector 52, which enables mounting in
different positions,
as described below.
[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the connector 52 is a substantially rigid
or semi-
flexible connecting rod having an elongated body 21. The rigid or semi-
flexible connector 52
has a bend in the middle to prevent interference between the connector 52 and
mounting
structure for the sash lock mechanism 32. Further, the connector 52 has a
curved arm 51 at the
first end 54 that engages the eccentric cap 35 of the sash lock mechanism 32
to retract the latch
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17
bolt 50 slightly, as described below. The non-flexible nature of the connector
52 provides
advantages over prior connecting means that utilize flexible cords or bands.
For example, the
non-flexible connector 52 has increased dimensional stability, so the
connector 52 doesn't
stretch over time and affect the functioning of the integrated assembly 30.
However, in another
embodiment, a flexible cord or band may be used as the connector 52 of the
present invention.
[0031] The length of the connector 52 used with the integrated assembly 30 can
vary as
desired, for example, in order to mount the integrated assembly 30 in windows
of different
dimensions. In one embodiment, the connector 52 has a fixed length, and thus,
different
connectors 52 having different lengths can be produced and selected for use as
desired. In
other words, the connector 52 selected from a group consisting of a plurality
of connectors 52
having different lengths.
[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting length between the center of
rotation
of the cam 44 (i.e., the center of the shaft 38) and the stile outer surface
24a is 15-25% of the
total length of the top rail 20 when the integrated assembly 30 is mounted in
the sash window
12. This positioning maximizes the strength of the top rail 20. In one
configuration, the
mounting length is 4.5 in. ( 1 in.), and the corresponding length of the
connector 52 is 3.520
in. ( 1 in.). In another configuration, the mounting length is 7.75 in. ( 1
in.), and the
corresponding length of the connector 52 is 6.770 in. ( 1 in.). In a third
configuration, the
mounting length is 11 in. ( 1 in.), and the corresponding length of the
connector 52 is 10.020
in. ( 1 in.). As described above, a nearly infinite number of other
configurations are possible.
The connector 52 lengths are selected based on window size and to enhance
overall
manufacturability, strength, and user operation.
[0033] The components of the integrated assembly 30 of FIGS. 1-38 are
connected as
shown in FIGS. 4-14. First, the sash lock assembly 32 and the tilt latch
assembly 31 are
assembled. Assembly of the tilt latch mechanism 31 includes inserting the
latch bolt 50 and the
spring 63 into the housing 60 in the required positions. To assemble the sash
lock mechanism,
the shaft 38 of the actuator handle 36 is inserted down through the opening 81
in the housing 82
and is connected to the cam 44, extending down through the cam. The pawl 72 is
then inserted
onto the end of the shaft 38, and the cap 35 is connected over the paw172 at
the tip of the shaft
38. A washer, grommet, bearing, or similar component (not shown) may also be
inserted
between the components of the sash lock mechanism 32. Finally, the connector
52 is
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18
connected at the second end 56 to the latch bolt 50 and at the first end 54 to
the appending
member 78 of the pawl 72 to operably connect the tilt latch mechanism 31 to
the sash lock
mechanism 32. As discussed in greater detail below, the tilt-latch mechanism
31 and connector
52 may be inserted into the top rail 20 and then the sash lock mechanism 32 is
connected to the
connector 52 and mounted on the top rai120.
[0034] A variety of different methods can be used to mount the integrated
assembly 30 in
the sash window 12, as determined by the user. In one embodiment,
theintegrated assembly 30
is mounted within a cavity 90 in the sash window 12. The cavity 90 is in
communication with
a first opening 91 in the top sash rail 20 for the sash lock mechanism 32 and
a second opening
92 in the stile 24,26 for the tilt latch mechanism 31, as illustrated in FIG.
39. The second
opening 92 extends through the vertical outer surface 24a of the stile 24 and
is located entirely
below the horizontal outer surface 20b of the top rail 20. It is understood
that in some
embodiments, the second opening 92 may extend into a top surface 20b of the
top rail 20 as
well, depending on the configuration of the tilt latch mechanism 31.
Generally, the user forms
the openings 91,92 in the sash window 12 by cutting, drilling, routing etc.,
but it is
contemplated that sash windows 12 could be manufactured with pre-formed
openings 91,92.
Advantageously, the rounded shape of the tilt latch housing 60 permits the
tilt latch mechanism
31 to be mounted in a circular opening 92 in the stile 24,26. The circular
opening 92 can be
routed or drilled using a corresponding bit of suitable diameter, which is
quicker, more precise,
and greatly simplified with respect to prior tilt latch mounting procedures
that often require
stile openings of complex geometry. Further, the tilt latch mechanism 31 does
not require an
opening that extends through both the stile 24,26 and the top surface 20b of
the top rail 20,
which can lessen the overall strength of the top sash rail 20 and produce an
undesirable
appearance for some applications, as do many prior tilt latches. Thus, the
tilt-latch mechanism
31 is mounted within the top rail 20 by an opening in the stile 24,26 wherein
the top surface
20b of the top rai120 is smooth and is not compromised by a top opening.
[0035] First, the second end 56 of the connector 52 is snapped to the latch
bolt 50 of the
assembled tilt latch mechanism 31 to form a snap fit connection 55, after the
latch bolt 50 is
pulled backward in the housing 60 to make the recess 55a accessible. Then, as
can be
appreciated from FIGS. 2 and 2A, the tilt latch mechanism 31 and connector 52
are inserted
through the second opening 92 and into the cavity 90 in the sash window 12.
When the tilt
latch mechanism 31 is inserted into the opening 92, the tab 64b flexes upward
upon contact
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19
with the stile 24,26 and snaps back into position upon clearing the wall of
the stile 24,26. The
flange 64a and the tab 64b then cooperate to hold the tilt latch mechanism 31
in place within
the sash window 12. Thus, the tilt latch mechanism 31 can be mounted within
the sash window
12 without the use of fasteners. At this point, the first end 54 of the
connector 52 is exposed
within the first opening 91. The assembled sash lock mechanism 32 is likewise
installed in the
first opening 91 so that the housing 82 rests upon the top surface 20b of the
top sash rai120 and
a portion of the sash lock mechanism 32 extends into the cavity 90 in the sash
window 12. The
sash lock mechanism 32 should be positioned so that the appending member 78 of
the pawl 72
is in position to engage the hitch 59 of the connector 52. In one embodiment,
the sash lock
housing 82 is fastened to the top sash rail 20 by screws or other fasteners
(not shown). Once
the tilt latch mechanism 31 and the sash lock mechanism 32 are in place, the
connector 52 is
connected to the appending member 78 of the pawl 72 by simply rotating the
actuator handle
36, which causes the pawl 72 to rotate, forcing the hook 77 of the paw172 to
snap into the hitch
59 on the first end 54 of the connector 52. Another integrated assembly may be
mounted at the
other side of the sash window 12 in a similar manner. The order of the steps
in the mounting
method described above may be varied, and further, the integrated assembly 30
may be
mounted using a different method.
[0036] The first opening 91 is positioned at a first location and the second
opening 92 is
positioned at a second location remote from the first location, so that, when
mounted, the sash
lock mechanism 32 is positioned at the first location and the tilt latch
mechanism 31 is
positioned at the second, remote location. The positioning of the openings
91,92 on the sash
window 12 can vary, based on several factors, including user choice and the
size of the
components of the integrated assembly 30. Generally, the tilt latch opening 92
can be moved
an appreciable lateral distance without necessitating a change in components
of the integrated
assembly 30. The broken lines in FIG. 2A illustrate two potential positions to
which the tilt
latch opening 92 and the tilt latch mechanism 31 may be moved. The structure
of the snap fit
connection 55, particularly the bracing arms 53 of the connector 52, permit
the connector 52 to
pivot a certain distance laterally, creating a variety of different positions
for connection. Thus,
the lateral displacement between the tilt latch mechanism 31 and the sash lock
mechanism 32
can vary. Further, the bracing arms 53 embody means and structure for
resisting vertical
movement and pivoting of the connector 52 while permitting lateral movement
and pivoting of
the connector 52.
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[0037] When the integrated assembly 30 is mounted within the sash window 12,
the sash
lock mechanism 32 is located partially above the top wall 93 of the top sash
rail 20 and
partially below the top wall 93, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A. Mounting the sash
lock
mechanism 32 with a shallow mounting depth is advantageous because it allows
the integrated
assembly 30 to be mounted using a relatively shallow cavity 90. On the other
hand, mounting
the sash lock mechanism 32 with a large mounting depth is often considered
more visually
appealing because such a mounting generally results in a lower profile. Thus,
the mounting
configuration of the integrated assembly 30 offers a compromise, having a
relatively shallow
cavity 90 while still presenting a relatively low profile. As shown in FIGS. 3
and 3A, the
integrated assembly 30 is mounted so the cam 44 is approximately level with
the top wal193 of
the top sash rail 20. Thus, a portion 44a of the cam 44 is above the top sash
rail 20 and a
portion 44b of the cam 44 is below the top sash rail 20. It is understood that
the mounting
depth can be varied by altering the size, shape, and spacing of the components
of the sash lock
mechanism 32, including by altering the shape and/or curvature of the sash
lock housing 82.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10, and 14, because the bottom surface 82a of
the sash lock
housing 82 rests on the top wall 93 of the top sash rail 20, the sash lock
mechanism 32 is
configured so that a portion 44a of the cam 44 is above the bottom surface 82a
of the sash lock
housing 82 and a portion 44b of the cam 44 is below the bottom surface 82a of
the sash lock
housing 82.
[0038] The keeper 42 is mounted on the bottom sash rail 17 of the upper sash
window 11,
within an opening cut into the side surface of the bottom sash rail 17, as
shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. To mount the keeper 42, the opening is cut into the bottom sash rail 17 in
the proper shape
and the keeper 42 is inserted into the opening. The keeper 42 may be held in
place by screws
or other fasteners (not shown). The positioning of the cam 44 level with the
top wall 93 of the
top sash rail 20 of the bottom sash window 12 makes this positioning of the
keeper 42
advantageous. In addition, this positioning of the keeper 42 presents a lower
profile as
compared to positioning the keeper 42 on top of the bottom sash rail 17.
[0039] As described above and illustrated in FIGS. 4-14, the assembly 30 is
operable
between a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position. The
actuator handle 36
of the present invention is operable between locked, unlocked and tiltable
positions, adjusting
the assembly 30 between the three positions. The sash lock housing 82 has
indicia 85 thereon
to indicate the positions of the actuator handle 36. It is also contemplated
that the actuator
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21
handle 36 can include some indicia thereon for assisting a user during
operation. When the
actuator handle 36 is in the locked position, illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the
locking member 40 of
the cam 44 engages the keeper 42 (See FIGS. 15A and 15B) and the latch bolt 50
is in the
outwardly-extended position, engaging the guide rail 16. Accordingly, the sash
lock
mechanism 32 is locked wherein the cam 44 is locked with the keeper 42. Also,
the latch bolt
50 is in its extended position and engaged with the guide rail 16. Thus, the
sash window 12 is
prevented both from sliding vertically with respect to the upper sash window
to an open
position and from tilting from the master frame 14. In this position, the
abutment member 41
of the cam 44 and the tab 80 of the pawl 72 are not engaged with each other,
and the cam 44
moves freely and independently of the pawl 72.
[0040] When the actuator handle 36 is moved from the locked position to the
unlocked
position, shown in FIGS. 4-6, the actuator handle 36 and the cam 44 are
rotated to a first angle
a from the locked position. This rotation disengages the locking member 40
from the keeper or
locking bracket 42, permitting the sash window 12 to vertically open by
sliding within the
window frame 14. However, the latch bolt 50 remains outwardly extended into
the guide rail
16, and thus, the sash window 12 continues to be prevented from tilting. In
the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, in the unlocked position, the tab 80 of the pawl 72
is still not yet
abuttingly engaged by the cam 44, and the pawl 72 abuttingly engages the cam
44 upon slight
further rotation. However, the integrated assembly 30 may be modified so the
cam 44 and the
pawl 72 abuttingly engage prior to the actuator 36 reaching the unlocked
position,
simultaneously with the unlocked position, or significantly after the actuator
36 passes the
unlocked position. Additionally, a spring within the latch bolt housing 60 may
bias the cam 44
toward the unlocked position.
[0041) When the actuator arm 36 is moved from the unlocked position to the
tiltable
position, shown in FIGS. 11-14, the actuator handle 36 and the cam 44 are
rotated to a second
angle (3 from the locked position, wherein the second angle 0 is greater than
the first angle a.
The second angle (3 is greater than 180 in one embodiment, shown in FIG. 13.
In the tiltable
position, the locking cam 44 remains disengaged from the keeper 42, still
permitting the sash
window 12 to vertically open. However, the cam 44 abuttingly engages the tab
80 extending
from the pawl 72, causing the pawl 72 to rotate in unison with the cam 44.
Rotation of 'the
pawl 72 pulls the connector 52, which in turn pulls the latch bolt 50 toward
the retracted
position. In this retracted position, the latch bolt 50 is released from the
guide rail 16,
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22
permitting the sash window 12 to tilt about the pivot corner 15. During this
movement, the
connector 52 is substantially linearly displaced. At some point between the
first angle a and
the second angle (3 and prior to the point where the abutment member 41
abuttingly engages the
pawl 72, the eccentric cap 35 rotates to engage the curved arm 51 of the
connector 52. Further
rotation of the cap 35 exerts a camming force on the connector arm 51, pulling
the connector 52
slightly, which in turn retracts the latch bolt 50 slightly. This permits the
integrated assembly
30 to begin retraction of the latch bolt 50 prior to the point where the
abutment member 41 of
the cam 44 abuttingly engages the pawl 72.
[0042] As described above, the cam 44 contains means 94 for selectively
preventing
movement of the integrated assembly 30 to the tiltable position, such as the
enlarged or
eccentric portion 94 of the cam 44 that is rotationally opposite of the
locking member 40.
When the integrated assembly 30 is in the unlocked position, and a user wishes
to move the
actuator handle 36 to the tiltable position, the eccentric portion 94 abuts
the keeper 42,
preventing rotation of the cam 44. In order to rotate the actuator handle 36
and cam 44 further,
the user must lift the sash window 12 slightly, to allow the eccentric portion
94 to clear the
keeper 42 and the bottom rail 17, in one embodiment, and the actuator handle
36 can thus be
moved to the tiltable position. It is understood that the bottom rail 17 could
be modified or the
keeper 42 positioned such that as soon as the cam 44 passes above the keeper
42, the actuator
handle 36 can be moved to the tiltable position.
[0043] Additionally, in one embodiment, the actuator handle 36 and the sash
lock housing
82 have cooperating structure to indicate the position of the integrated
assembly 30 to the user.
As shown in FIGS. 28-29, the housing 82 has an annular ledge 87 having two
protrusions 88
positioned at points around the ledge 87, and the actuator handle 36 has a
projection 89 on the
lower side. The first protrusion 88a is located proximate the fully locked
position of the
actuator handle 36, and the second protrusion 88b is located proximate the
unlocked position of
the actuator handle 36. During rotation of the actuator handle 36, the
projection 89 of the
actuator handle 36 engages the protrusion 88 of the housing 82, creating
momentarily greater
resistance to rotation of the actuator handle 36. When the actuator handle 36
clears the
protrusion 88, the user feels a "click" which, due to the relative positions
of the protrusions 88,
indicates a position of the actuator handle 36 to the user. Accordingly, the
tactile feel created
by the first protrusion 88a indicates when the actuator handle 36 has moved to
or from the fully
locked position. Similarly, the tactile feel created by the second protrusion
88b indicates when
21783110.2
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23
the actuator handle 36 has moved to or from the unlocked position. Thus, the
actuator handle
36 and the housing 82 create a tactile feel for the user to indicate positions
of the integrated
assembly 30.
[0044] Viewed another way, the assembly 30 is moveable through a first range
of angular
movement, where movement of the actuator handle 36 rotates the rotor 44, and a
second range
of angular movement, where the rotor 44 abuttingly engages the pawl 72 such
that movement
of the actuator handle 36 rotates the rotor 44 and the paw172 together. As
described above, the
locking member 40 is disengaged from the keeper 42 within the first range of
angular
movement, and prior to the abutting engagement between the rotor 44 and the
pawl 72.
Additionally, the actuator handle 36 is moveable among a first position, where
the cam or rotor
44 does not abuttingly engage the pawl 72 and the assembly is in the locked
position, a second
position where the cam 44 abuttingly engages the pawl 72 and the assembly is
in the unlocked
position, and a third position where the cam 44 abuttingly engages the pawl 72
and the
connector 52 retracts the latch bolt 50 so the assembly is in the tiltable
position. As described
above, the locking member 40 is disengaged from the keeper 42 before the
actuator handle 36
reaches the second position. It is understood that the assembly 30 and the
actuator 36 may have
several positions which are "locked," "unlocked," and "tiltable" positions,
dictated by the
function of the window at the respective position. It is also understood that
the sequence of
mechanical interactions within the assembly 30 may be varied. Thus, depending
on the
configuration of the assembly 30, there may be additional positions where, for
example, the
assembly is in the locked position and the cam 44 is already abuttingly
engaging the pawl 72;
or, in an alternate embodiment of the assembly, where the assembly 30 is in
the unlocked
position but the cam 44 has not yet abuttingly engaged the paw172.
[0045] When operating the actuator handle 36 in reverse to the above, the
integrated
assembly 30 is moved from the tiltable position to the unlocked position, and
the actuator
handle 36 and cam 44 are rotated from the second angle (3 back to the first
angle a. The
locking member 40 remains disengaged from the keeper 42, still permitting the
sash window to
vertically open. As the actuator handle 36 and the cam 44 move toward the
unlocked position,
the latch bolt 50 moves back to the outwardly-extended position due to the
bias created by the
spring 63. This movement is enabled because the pawl 72 is no longer being
rotatably biased
by the cam 44. In one embodiment, this action is done automatically when the
handle 36 is
released by the user, because the force of the spring 63 not only forces the
latch bolt 50 to the
21783110.2
CA 02636138 2008-06-25
24
outwardly-extended position, but pulls on the connector 52, causing the cam 44
and the handle
36 to rotate back to the unlocked position (angle (x). At some point within
this range of
movement, prior to the full extension of the latch bolt 50, the abutting
engagement between the
abutment member 41 of the cam 44 and the tab 80 of the pawl 72 ceases. When
the integrated
assembly 30 reaches the unlocked position, the latch bolt 50 is once again
fully extended, and
the sash window 12 is prevented from tilting when in the closed position. It
is understood that
the integrated assembly 30 can be returned to the unlocked position while the
window 12 is still
tilted open. Due to the beveled surface of the latch bolt tip 57, the window
12 can be shut
while the integrated assembly 30 is in the unlocked position, as contact with
the window frame
14 will force the latch bolt 50 back into the housing 60 until the latch bolt
tip 57 is aligned with
the guide rails 16, when the spring 63 forces the latch bolt 50 back outward.
The forcing of the
latch bolt 50 inward during this action will cause the pawl 72 to rotate, but
since the pawl 72
and the cam 44 are engaged only for rotation in one direction, this movement
of the pawl 72
will not rotate the cam 44. As the actuator handle 36 and the cam 44 further
move toward the
locked position, the cam 44 rotates to engage the keeper 42. When the
integrated assembly 30
is returned to the locked position, the locking member 40 engages the locking
bracket on the
keeper 42, preventing the sash window 12 from opening.
[0046] Another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism 132 is illustrated in FIGS.
40-48.
Most of the components of the sash lock assembly 132 shown in FIGS. 40-48 are
the same or
similar to those of the sash lock assembly 32 shown in FIGS. 2-38, and are
consistently
numbered using the "100" series of reference numbers. As illustrated, the sash
lock assembly
132 is adapted for use with the integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly
30 as described
above, and includes an actuator arm or handle 136 connected to a cam or rotor
144 which is
operably connected to a pawl 172, and a housing 182 supporting the other
components of the
sash lock mechanism 132. The housing 182 is adapted to be mounted on the top
sash rai120 to
mount the sash lock mechanism 132 to the sash window assembly 10. In one
exemplary
embodiment, the housing 182 is made of cast metal. The housing 182 has an
opening 181
therein and indicia 185 on the top surface 183 thereof, as well as a pair of
screw apertures 186
for insertion of fasteners to connect the housing 182 to the top sash rail 20.
The housing 182
has additional features similar to those described above with respect to the
integrated assembly
30 illustrated in FIGS. 2-38.
21783110.2
CA 02636138 2008-06-25
[0047] The sash lock mechanism 132 of FIGS. 40-48 further includes locking
mechanism
100 that operates to selectively prevent rotation of the cam 144 from the
locked position. In
some embodiments, the locking mechanism 100 may operate as a forced entry
resistance (FER)
mechanism. The locking mechanism 100 generally includes a moveable member or
rocker 101
pivotably mounted on the housing 182 and operable to engage the cam 144 to
selectively
prevent rotation of the cam 144 from the locked position. In one exemplary
embodiment, the
moveable member 101 is made of zinc or another suitable metal, but in other
embodiments, the
moveable member 101 may be made from a different material, such as a polymer
or composite.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40-48, the housing 182 has an internal
mounting
structure 196 for pivotably mounting the moveable member 101 and an opening
197 extending
across a portion of the top and front of the housing 182, to allow access to
the moveable
member 101 through the housing 182. The mounting structure 196 includes a
receiver 198
adapted to receive a portion of the moveable member 101 therein in a pivotable
arrangement.
In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver 198 is partially defined by two
fingers 199 (FIG.
42) adapted to wrap around a portion of the moveable member 101 to connect the
moveable
member 101 to the receiver 198.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 45-46, the moveable member 101 includes an actuator
portion
102, a mounting arm 103, and a leg 104 extending from the actuator portion
102, the leg 104
having an engagement surface 106 thereon for engaging the cam 144 to prevent
rotation
thereo In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator portion 102 is formed by a
wheel or barrel-
shaped structure that has a curvilinear outer surface that protrudes from the
opening 197 and is
adapted to be engaged by the finger of a user to pivot the moveable member
101. The actuator
portion 102 includes a tactile surface 102a for enhancing increasing traction
between the user's
finger and the actuator portion 102 to facilitate manipulation thereo In this
embodiment, the
tactile surface 102a is formed by a plurality of ridges 102b on the surface of
the actuator
portion 102 to provide this increased traction. In other embodiments, a
different type of tactile
surface may be used, such as a surface having a series of protrusions or
recesses or a tacky
substance thereon, as well as other tactile surfaces known in the art, or
further may include a
lever or other extending structure to facilitate manipulation of the actuator
portion 102. The
mounting arm 103 is adapted to be received in the receiver 198 to pivotably
mount the
moveable member 101 on the housing 182. As shown in FIGS. 44-46, the mounting
arm 103
includes pegs 125 extending outwardly from both sides of the actuator 102, and
each peg 125
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26
of the mounting arm 103 is engaged by one of the fingers 199 of the receiver
198 to retain the
mounting arm 103 in the receiver 198. The mounting arm 103 can pivot within
the receiver
198, allowing the moveable member 101 to pivot within the housing 182 in
response to
manipulation by the user, as described below. In this embodiment, the mounting
arm 103 of
the moveable member 101 has two eccentric cam portions 103a, one extending
from each of
the pegs 125, which will be described in greater detail below. In other
embodiments, the
moveable member 101 may have a different type or configuration of mounting
arm, and may
have two or more separate mounting arms.
[0049] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 40-48, the engagement surface 106 is
located on
the underside of the leg 104, which extends from the actuator portion 102. The
engagement
surface 106 is defined on one surface of a notch or cut out portion 104a on
the leg 104, which
receives a portion 194 of the cam 144 therein when the cam is in the locked
position. The
engagement surface 106 has a curvilinear contour to cooperate with the
curvilinear contour of
the cam portion 194. In this configuration, the engagement surface 106
confronts the portion
194 of the cam 144 when the moveable member 101 is in the secure position, as
illustrated in
FIGS. 41-42. In this embodiment, when the cam 144 is fully in the locked
position, the
confronting surfaces 106, 194 are slightly spaced from each other, and when
the cam 144 is
rotated toward the unlocked position, the confronting surfaces 106, 194 engage
each other. It is
understood that the engaging portions 106, 194 may be differently contoured in
other
embodiments, and such other contours may be designed so that the engaging
portions 106, 194
are cooperatively dimensioned with each other. Additionally, in other
embodiments, the
engagement surface 106 may not be located on a leg or other extending member,
and may not
have an adjacent cut out portion.
[0050] As described above, the sash lock mechanism 132 is adapted to be used
with the
integrated assembly 30 described above, in the same manner as the sash lock
mechanism 32 as
shown in FIGS. 4-14. In such a configuration, the components of the sash lock
mechanism 132
and the remainder of the integrated assembly 30 are connected and operated in
the same
manner as described above. For example, the connector 52 may be connected the
appending
member 178 of the pawl 172 to assemble the integrated assembly. Thus, in such
a
configuration of the sash lock mechanism 132, the actuator 136 and cam 144 are
rotatable
between a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position, as
described above.
The locking of the cam 144 with the keeper 142 is shown in FIGS. 41-43. The
actuator 136
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27
and cam 144 rotate about an axis of rotation 136a (FIG. 43). The sash lock
assembly 132 could
be used independently of the integrated assembly 30, and in such a
configuration, the pawl 172
may be absent. It is understood that if the sash lock mechanism 132 is used
independently of
the integrated assembly 30, rotation of the actuator 136 and the cam 144 from
the unlocked
position to the tiltable position may be possible, but may have no functional
effect. In either
configuration, the moveable member 101 is adapted to selectively engage the
cam 144 when
the actuator 136 and the cam 144 are in the locked position.
[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 41-44 and 47-48, the moveable member 101 is
moveable by
pivoting or rotating between a first, or secure position and a second, or free
position. In the
secure position, shown in FIGS. 41-44, the moveable member 101 engages the cam
144 to
prevent rotation of the cam 144 from the locked position. In the illustrated
embodiment, when
the cam 144 is in the locked position and the moveable member 101 is in the
secure position,
the engagement surface 106 confronts the cam portion 194. More specifically,
in this
embodiment, the engagement surface 106 confronts a side surface of the cam
portion 194.
When the cam 144 is rotated toward the unlocked position, the engagement
surface 106
engages the cam portion 194, and this engagement prevents rotation of the cam
144 from the
locked position. In the free position, shown in FIGS. 47-48, the moveable
member 101 is
pivoted (as indicated by arrows A) so that the leg 104 moves upward over the
top surface (T) of
the cam 144, between the cam 144 and the underside of the housing, and the
engagement
surface 106 no longer engages the cam 144, allowing the cam 144 to be rotated
from the locked
position to the unlocked position. In the embodiment shown, the actuator
portion 102 rotates
from the top to the bottom of the housing 182 to move the moveable member 101
from the
secure position to the free position. FIGS. 47-48 show the cam 144 rotated
part way between
the locked position and the unlocked position, with the leg 104 of the
moveable member 101
rotated to the free position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 47-48, the
entire leg 104 is
located above the top surface (T) of the cam 144, adjacent the ceiling 182a of
the housing 182.
The moveable member 101 pivots between the secure position and the free
position on an axis
of rotation 101 a (FIG. 43) defined by the mounting arm 103. In the embodiment
illustrated, the
axis of rotation 101 a of the moveable member 101 is substantially parallel to
one or more
adjacent surfaces of the housing 182, such as the top surface 183, as shown in
FIGS. 43 and 48.
In this embodiment, the axis of rotation 101 a of the moveable member 101 is
generally
transverse to the axis of rotation 136a of the actuator 136 and cam 144. More
specifically, in
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28
this embodiment, the axis of rotation lOla of the moveable member 101 is
substantially
perpendicular to the axis of rotation 136a of the actuator 136 and cam 144.
Further, in this
embodiment, the leg 104 extends in a direction generally transverse to the
axis of rotation 101 a
of the moveable member 101.
[0052] The moveable member 101 may be moved from the secure position to the
free
position by=manipulation of the actuator portion 102 by the finger of a user,
which exerts a
tangential force resulting in a torque on the moveable member 101. In the
embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 40-48, the force of gravity moves the moveable member 101
back to the
secure position when the cam 144 is returned to the locked position. When the
cam 144 is not
in the locked position, the bottom of the leg 104 rests against the top
surface (T) of the cam
144, which prevents the moveable member 101 from moving back to the secure
position. Once
the cam 144 has moved to clear the leg 104, gravity will pull the moveable
member 101 back to
the secure position.
[0053] The embodiment of the sash lock mechanism 132 shown in FIGS. 40-48 is
adapted
to incorporate a biasing means 107 for biasing the moveable member 101 toward
the secure
position. As shown in FIGS. 49-53, the biasing means 107 includes two leaf
springs 108 that
are contained within recesses 1091ocated on the underside of the housing 182,
on either side of
the receiver 198. The leaf springs 108 engage the moveable member 101 to bias
the moveable
member 101 toward the secure position. As described above, the mounting arm
103 of the
moveable member 101 has eccentric cam portions 103a extending from opposed
ends thereof.
Each cam portion 103a has a flat portion 103b having an edge 103c (FIG. 51).
As can be
understood from FIGS. 50-51, when the moveable member 101 is in the secure
position, each
flat portion 103b is adjacent a respective spring 108, and the spring 108 may
or may not engage
the cam portion 103a and exerts little to no rotational force on the cam
portion 103a. It is
understood that the moveable member 101 may have a limited range of movement,
and that, in
some embodiments, the spring 108 may continue to exert force on the moveable
member 101
when the moveable member 101 is in the secure position, which is not able to
cause further
movement of the moveable member 101. When the moveable member 101 is rotated
to the
free position, the cam portions 103a engage and flex the springs 108 into the
respective
recesses 109. In turn, the springs 108 exert force on the edge 103c of the
flat portion 103b of
each cam portion 103a, creating torque on the cam portions 103a that tends to
bias the
moveable member 101 toward the secure position. FIGS. 52-53 illustrate the
spring 108
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CA 02636138 2008-06-25
29
flexing when abutted by the edge 103 of the cam portion 103a, exerting a
response force
thereon. Thus, when the moveable member 101 is released, the spring 108 will
bias the
moveable member 101 back to the secure position. As described above, when the
cam 144 is
not in the locked position, the leg 104 of the moveable member 101 may rest on
the top surface
(T) of the cam 144, which would temporarily prevent the moveable member 101
from
movement to the secure position. In other embodiments, a different type of
rotational biasing
means known in the art could be used. For example, a coil spring in a
compression
arrangement or a twisting arrangement may be used as the biasing means.
Integral biasing
members could also be formed with the other structures of the moveable member
101.
Additionally, it is understood that the sash lock mechanism 132 can operate
using only one of
the two springs 108. The use of the biasing means 107 provides greater force
to the moveable
member 101 than gravity alone, which improves performance of the moveable
member 101 if
problems such as sticking or jamming may occur. Further, the continuous force
of the biasing
means 107 permits the mechanism 100 to operate when the sash lock mechanism
132 is
positioned in an orientation where gravity does not act in the proper
direction to return the
moveable member 101 to the secure position, such as in a horizontal sliding
window assembly.
[0054] Another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism 232 is illustrated in FIGS.
54-57.
Most of the components of the sash lock assembly 232 shown in FIGS. 54-57 are
the same or
similar to those of the sash lock assembly 32 shown in FIGS. 2-38, and are
consistently
numbered using the "200" series of reference numbers. Additionally, most of
the components
of the sash lock assembly 232 shown in FIGS. 54-57 are the same or similar to
those of the sash
lock assembly 132 shown in FIGS. 40-53, and thus, for the sake of brevity, the
sash lock
mechanism 232 will be described mainly with respect to the differences from
the sash lock
mechanism 132 described above.
[0055] Similarly to the sash lock assembly 132 described above, the sash lock
assembly
232 of FIGS. 54-57 is adapted for use with the integrated tilt latch and sash
lock assembly 30 as
described above, and includes an actuator arm or handle 236 connected to a cam
or rotor 244
which is operably connected to a paw1272, and a housing 282 supporting the
other components
of the sash lock mechanism 232. As also previously described, the sash lock
mechanism 232 of
FIGS. 54-57 further includes a locking mechanism 200 that operates to
selectively prevent
rotation of the cam 244 from the locked position. The locking mechanism 200
generally
includes a moveable member or rocker 201 pivotably mounted on the housing 282
and operable
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CA 02636138 2008-06-25
to engage the cam 244 to selectively prevent rotation of the cam 244 from the
locked position.
The moveable member 201 includes an actuator portion 202, a mounting arm 203,
and a leg
204 extending from the actuator portion 202. The leg 204 has a notch 204a with
an
engagement surface 206 thereon for engaging the cam 244 to prevent rotation
thereof, in the
manner described above. Additionally, the moveable member 201 is moveable
between a
secured position, where the engagement surface 206 engages the cam portion 294
to prevent
rotation of the cam 244 from the locked position, and a free position, where
the engagement
surface 206 no longer engages the cam 244, allowing the cam 244 to be rotated
from the locked
position to the unlocked position. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 55-57 in
view of FIG. 48,
it is understood that a user pivots the moveable member 201 wherein the leg
204 rotates
upward to clear the top of the cam 244, allowing the cam 244 to rotate as
described. The
assembly and operation of the sash lock mechanism 232, including the locking
mechanism 200,
are similar to those of the sash lock mechanism 132 described above.
[0056] One difference between the sash lock mechanism 232 of FIGS. 54-57 and
the sash
lock mechanism 132 described previously is the shape of the housing 282. For
example, the
housing 282 shown in FIG. 54 has a more smoothly curved top surface 283 and
lower profile
than the housing 182 shown in FIG. 40, which has a top surface 183 having a
stepped
configuration. Another difference between the sash lock mechanisms 132 and 232
is the
configuration of the moveable members 101 and 201. The moveable member 201
shown in
FIGS. 56-57 does not have eccentric cam portions to engage leaf springs, like
the moveable
member 101 shown in FIGS. 45-46. Additionally, the moveable member 201 shown
in FIGS.
56-57 does not have a tactile surface for enhancing traction. Still other
differences between the
sash lock mechanisms 132 and 232 include the lack of a stepped or offset
configuration of the
appending member 278 of the pawl 272 and the presence of an eccentric cap 235
in the sash
lock mechanism 232, as shown in FIG. 55. Further differences may exist between
the
mechanisms that are not described herein.
[0057] Another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism 332 is illustrated in FIGS.
58-61.
Most of the components of the sash lock assembly 332 shown in FIGS. 58-61 are
the same or
similar to those of the sash lock assembly 32 shown in FIGS. 2-38, and are
consistently
numbered using the "300" series of reference numbers. Additionally, most of
the components
of the sash lock assembly 332 shown in FIGS. 58-61 are the same or similar to
those of the sash
lock assemblies 132, 232 shown in FIGS. 40-53 and 54-57, and thus, for the
sake of brevity, the
21783110.2
CA 02636138 2008-06-25
31
sash lock mechanism 332 will be described mainly with respect to the
differences from the sash
lock mechanism 132 described above.
[0058] Similarly to the sash lock assembly 132 described above, the sash lock
assembly
332 of FIGS. 58-61 is adapted for use with the integrated tilt latch and sash
lock assembly 30 as
described above, and includes an actuator arm or handle 336 connected to a cam
or rotor 344
which is operably connected to a pawl 372, and a housing 382 supporting the
other components
of the sash lock mechanism 332. As also previously described, the sash lock
mechanism 332 of
FIGS. 58-61 further includes a locking mechanism 300 that operates to
selectively prevent
rotation of the cam 344 from the locked position. The locking mechanism 300
generally
includes a moveable member or rocker 301 pivotably mounted on the housing 382
and operable
to engage the cam 344 to selectively prevent rotation of the cam 344 from the
locked position.
The moveable member 301 includes an actuator portion 302, a mounting arm 303,
and a leg
304 extending from the actuator portion 302. The leg 304 has a notch 304a with
an
engagement surface 306 thereon for engaging the cam 344 to prevent rotation
thereof, in the
manner described above. Additionally, the moveable member 301 is moveable
between a
secured position, where the engagement surface 306 engages the cam portion 394
to prevent
rotation of the cam 344 from the locked position, and a free position, where
the engagement
surface 306 no longer engages the cam 344, allowing the cam 344 to be rotated
from the locked
position to the unlocked position. It is understood that the moveable member
301 pivots
similarly as shown in FIG. 48. The assembly and operation of the sash lock
mechanism 332,
including the locking mechanism 300, are similar to those of the sash lock
mechanism 132
described above.
[0059] The sash lock mechanism 332 of FIGS. 58-61 and the sash lock mechanism
132
described previously have similarly-shaped housings 182, 382. One difference
between the
sash lock mechanisms 132 and 332 is the configuration of the moveable members
101 and 301.
The moveable member 301 shown in FIGS. 60-61 has a larger leg 304 than the
moveable
member 101 shown in FIGS. 45-46. Additionally, the moveable member 301 shown
in FIGS.
60-61 does not have eccentric cam portions to engage leaf springs, like the
moveable member
101 shown in FIGS. 45-46. Further, the moveable member 301 shown in FIGS. 60-
61 does not
have a tactile surface for enhancing traction. Still further differences may
exist between the
mechanisms that are not described herein.
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32
[0060] Another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism 432 is illustrated in FIGS.
62-67.
Most of the components of the sash lock assembly 432 shown in FIGS. 62-67 are
the same or
similar to those of the sash lock assembly 32 shown in FIGS. 2-38, and are
consistently
numbered using the "400" series of reference numbers. Additionally, most of
the components
of the sash lock assembly 432 shown in FIGS. 62-67 are the same or similar to
those of the sash
lock assemblies 132, 232, 332 shown in FIGS. 40-53, 54-57, and 58-61, and
thus, for the sake
of brevity, the sash lock mechanism 432 will be described mainly with respect
to the
differences from the sash lock mechanisms 132, 232, 332 described above.
[0061] Similarly to the sash lock assembly 132 described above, the sash lock
assembly
432 of FIGS. 62-67 includes an actuator arm or handle 436 connected to a cam
or rotor 444,
and a housing 482 supporting the other components of the sash lock mechanism
432.
However, the sash lock assembly 432 of FIGS. 62-67 does not contain a pawl
172, and thus, is
adapted for independent use, rather than use with an integrated tilt latch and
sash lock assembly
30. It is understood that the sash lock mechanism 432 could be modified to be
used with an
integrated assembly 30, such as by adding a pawl 172. The sash lock mechanism
432 of FIGS.
62-67 has a housing 482 that is similar in shape to the housing 182 of the
sash lock mechanism
132 shown in FIG. 40. Also, as similarly described above, the sash lock
mechanism 432 of
FIGS. 62-67 further includes a locking mechanism 400 that operates to
selectively prevent
rotation of the cam 444 from the locked position. The locking mechanism 400
generally
includes a moveable member or rocker 401 pivotably mounted on the housing 482
and operable
to engage the cam 444 to selectively prevent rotation of the cam 444 from the
locked position.
The moveable member 401 includes an actuator portion 402, a mounting arm 403,
and a leg
404 extending from the actuator portion 402. Like the moveable member 101
described above,
the actuator portion 402 of the moveable member 401 has a tactile surface 402a
formed by a
plurality of ridges 402b thereon. The leg 404 has a notch 404a with an
engagement surface 406
thereon for engaging the cam 444 to prevent rotation thereof, in the manner
described above.
Additionally, the moveable member 401 is moveable between a secured position,
where the
engagement surface 406 engages the cam portion 494 to prevent rotation of the
cam 444 from
the locked position, and a free position, where the engagement surface 406 no
longer engages
the cam 444, allowing the cam 444 to be rotated from the locked position to
the unlocked
position. It is understood that the moveable member 401 pivots similarly as
shown in FIG. 48.
The assembly and operation of the sash lock mechanism 432, including the
locking mechanism
21783110.2
CA 02636138 2008-06-25
33
400, are similar to those of the sash lock mechanism 132 described above,
except that the sash
lock mechanism 432 operates independently of a tilt latch mechanism, and thus,
functionally
has a locked position and an unlocked position.
[0062] The sash lock mechanism 432 is adapted to incorporate a biasing means
407 for
biasing the moveable member 401 toward the secure position, similarly to the
sash lock
mechanism 132 described above. However, the sash lock mechanism 432 of FIGS.
62-67
contains only a single leaf spring 408 received in a single recess 409 on the
housing 482.
Likewise, the moveable member 401 includes only a single eccentric cam portion
403a to
engage the leaf spring 408 to bias the moveable member 401 to the secure
position. Like the
moveable member 101 described above, the cam portion 403a of the moveable
member 401
includes a flat portion 403b having an edge 403c that engages the spring 408
when the
moveable member 401 is pivoted to the free position. It is understood that the
sash lock
mechanism 432 of FIGS. 62-67 could be used without the biasing means 407.
Still further
differences may exist between the mechanisms that are not described herein.
[0063] Another embodiment of a sash lock mechanism 532 is illustrated in FIGS.
68-73.
Most of the components of the sash lock assembly 532 shown in FIGS. 68-73 are
the same or
similar to those of the sash lock assembly 32 shown in FIGS. 2-38, and are
consistently
numbered using the "500" series of reference numbers. Additionally, most of
the components
of the sash lock assembly 532 shown in FIGS. 68-73 are the same or similar to
those of the sash
lock assemblies 132, 232, 332, 432 shown in FIGS. 40-53, 54-57, 58-61, and 62-
67 and thus,
for the sake of brevity, the sash lock mechanism 532 will be described mainly
with respect to
the differences from the sash lock mechanisms 132, 232, 332, 432 described
above.
[0064] Similarly to the sash lock assembly 132 described above, the sash lock
assembly
532 of FIGS. 68-73 -includes an actuator arm or handle 536 connected to a cam
or rotor 544
which is operably connected to a pawl 572, and a housing 582 supporting the
other components
of the sash lock mechanism 532. The sash lock mechanism 532 of FIGS. 68-73 has
a housing
582 that is similar in shape to the housing 182 of the sash lock mechanism 132
shown in FIG.
40. Also, as similarly described above, the sash lock mechanism 532 of FIGS.
68-73 further
includes a locking mechanism 500 that operates to selectively prevent rotation
of the cam 544
from the locked position. As shown in FIGS. 68 and 69, the locking mechanism
500 generally
includes a moveable member or rocker 501 pivotably mounted on the housing 582
and operable
to engage the cam 544 to selectively prevent rotation of the cam 544 from the
locked position.
21783110.2
CA 02636138 2008-06-25
34
The moveable member 501 includes an actuator portion 502, a mounting arm 503,
and a leg
504 extending from the actuator portion 502. Like the moveable member 101
described above,
the actuator portion 502 of the moveable member 501 has a tactile surface 502a
formed by a
plurality of ridges 502b thereon. As shown in FIG. 72, the leg 504 has a notch
504a with an
engagement surface 506 thereon for engaging the cam 544 to prevent rotation
thereof, in the
manner described above. Additionally, the moveable member 501 is moveable
between a
secured position, where the engagement surface 506 engages the cam portion 594
to prevent
rotation of the cam 544 from the locked position, and a free position, where
the engagement
surface 506 no longer engages the cam 544, allowing the cam 544 to be rotated
from the locked
position to the unlocked position. It is understood that the moveable member
501 pivots
similarly as shown in FIG. 48. The assembly and operation of the sash lock
mechanism 532,
including the locking mechanism 500, are similar to those of the sash lock
mechanism 132
described above.
[00651 The sash lock mechanism 532 is adapted to incorporate a biasing means
507 for
biasing the moveable member 501 toward the secure position, similarly to the
sash lock
mechanism 132 described above. However, the sash lock mechanism 532 of FIGS.
68-73
contains a resilient wire spring 508 that engages the moveable member 501 to
bias the
moveable member 501, instead of the leaf springs described above. The wire
spring 508 is
received in two receivers 509 on the underside of the housing 582. The
receivers 509 are box-
like structures that have open areas to accommodate the wire spring 508. The
receivers 509 are
positioned in spaced, and confronting relation generally at a central portion
of the underside of
the sash lock housing 582, and generally at the outer bounds of the outer
dimension of the rotor
544. Distal ends of the wire spring 508 are received by the receivers 509. The
wire spring 508
extends from the receivers 509 and through a groove 508a on the upper side of
the leg 504 of
the moveable member 501. The groove 508a generally corresponds to the wire
spring 508.
Thus, with this structural configuration, the receivers 509 are not required
to be completely
closed structures to hold the wire spring 508 although such structure could be
employed if
desired. It is understood from FIGS. 69-72 that when the moveable member 501
rotates to
move the leg 504 upward, the leg 504 engages the wire spring 508 to flex the
wire spring 508
toward the underside of the housing 582. The ends of the wire spring 508 are
held in place by
the receivers 509 to form a three-point flexing arrangement of the wire spring
508. In another
embodiment, the wire spring 508 could be arranged differently, such as in a
two-point
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CA 02636138 2008-06-25
(cantilever) flexing arrangement. When flexed, the wire spring 508 tends to
bias the leg 504
away from the top of the housing 582, consequently biasing the moveable member
501 toward
the secure position. In still another embodiment, the wire spring 508 could
have a cantilevered
configuration having a single mounting location such as on the sash lock
housing 582 and a
free distal end configured to engage the moveable member 501 in biasing
fashion. Multiple
springs could also be employed in other embodiments. It is understood that
other types of
biasing members can be used in the sash lock mechanism 532 as well as the
other sash lock
mechanisms described herein. For example, a coil spring or other spring type
could be
positioned between the sash lock housing 582 or other structure and the
moveable member 501.
A resilient member such as an elastic member could also be similarly
positioned to bias the
moveable member 501 to the secure position. It is understood that the sash
lock mechanism
532 of FIGS. 68-73 could be used without the biasing means 507. Still further
differences may
exist between the mechanisms that are not described herein.
[0066] It is understood that the locking mechanism may be configured
differently from the
locking mechanisms 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 shown and described herein. For
example, the
locking mechanism may be designed so that the moveable member moves in a
different manner
or pivots about a different axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the moveable
member may be
configured to pivot about a vertical axis of rotation, substantially parallel
to the axis of rotation
136a of the actuator 136 and cam 144. Additionally, the locking mechanism may
be
incorporated into sash lock mechanisms having different configurations and
features than the
sash lock mechanisms 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532 shown and described herein.
[0067] The various embodiments of the locking mechanism of the sash lock
mechanism
described herein provide benefits and advantages over prior sash lock
mechanisms. For
example, the locking mechanism provides forced entry resistance by preventing
the sash lock
mechanism from being unlocked. Since the rotor cannot be moved from the locked
position
without manipulation of the pivotable member, it is difficult to impossible
for a person outside
of the window to unlock the window using a diabolical tool of intrusion, such
as by picking or
other common method. Additionally, the locking mechanism provides great ease
of operation
as compared to existing forced entry resistance mechanisms. Further, the
locking mechanism
automatically returns to the secure position whenever the rotor is returned to
the locked
position, ensuring secure locking at all times. The biasing means employed
further enhances
this benefit. As discussed, it is understood that any of the various sash lock
mechanisms
21783110.2
CA 02636138 2008-06-25
36
utilizing the locking mechanisms of the present invention can be used in an
integrated sash lock
and tilt latch assembly or as a stand-alone sash lock mechanism not operably
connected to a tilt
latch, as known in the art. It is understood that the sash lock mechanism
disclosed herein
provides these same benefits when used in an integrated sash lock and tilt
latch assembly or a
stand-alone sash lock mechanism.
[0068] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and
illustrated
herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of
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 any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is further
understood that
the invention may be in other specific forms without departing from the spirit
or central
characteristics thereof. The present examples 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 herein.
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
examples 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.
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