Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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STRAIGHT ACTION FLUSH LOCK FOR CASEMENT WINDOW AND METHOD
OF OPERATING THE SAME
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is directed towards window locks, and more
particularly toward manual handles for actuating window locks. Specifically,
the
present invention is directed to a flush mounted or low profile actuating
window
lock for casement windows. More specifically, the present invention is
directed to
a flush mounted lock actuator designed to drive a lock bar that locks and
unlocks
a casement window, which protrudes from the window frame significantly less
than prior art designs, while employing linkage to prevent the actuator from
being back driven from either the locked position or unlocked position.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Generally, a casement window is a window unit in which the single vent
cranks outward, to the right or left. Casement windows are hinged at the side.
(Windows hinged at the top are referred to as awning windows.) They are used
singly or in pairs within a common frame. Casement windows are often held open
using a casement stay. Casement windows open like doors. Like doors, either
the
left or right side is hinged (or, more accurately, pivoted), and the non-
hinged side
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locks securely into place by a lock bar driven by a lock handle. Unlike a
door, the
casement window opens not by a knob or handle but by means of some variation
of a gear driven operator or lever, which is placed around hand height or at
the
bottom. A gear driven operator, stay, or friction hinge controlling the
position of
the sash is necessary when the window opens outward to hold the window in
position during inclement weather, such as high winds.
[0003] The locking system for a casement window is typically on the side of
the
window. Lock handles for casement windows are known in the art. Generally, a
lock handle is mounted on the frame of the casement window and moves an
internally mounted fork component left or right. The fork component drives a
lock or tie bar that is also mounted to the frame. One type of locking
mechanism
for a casement window uses a flat tie bar slidably mounted to the window frame
along the open side of the window. The tie bar is provided with multiple pins
for
locking and driving that extend perpendicularly outward from the tie bar. A
locking handle is provided on the interior of the window frame that can be
thrown by the user between locked and unlocked positions. The locking handle
slides the tie bar, which moves each locking pin between a corresponding
locked
and unlocked position. A typical lock bar and lock handle to drive the lock
bar is
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shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,946,633, entitled "Low Friction Adjustable Roller
Pin,"
issued to Minter on May 24, 2011.
[0004] Lock handles of the prior art are known to protrude from the casement
window frame at a distance of approximately 20-25 mm. This protrusion is due
to
the internal driving mechanism within the handle. Casement window lock handles
of the prior art drive a fork component, which engages and slides the lock
bar. In
order to drive the fork component from one side to the other, the handle
casing
must have sufficient depth to allow for the handle to pivot about the casing
and
to allow the fork internally to shift from side to side.
[0005] The most relevant prior art does not teach or disclose a locking
mechanism
capable of low profile (on the order of 8 mm) flush mounting that can be
adapted to work with existing tie bar locking designs. For example, in U.S.
Patent
No. 5,087,087 issued to Vetter, et al., on February 11, 1992, entitled "Sash
Lock," a
basic multipoint window lock mechanism is taught using an actuating
lever/handle that drives a sliding lock bar. The actuating lever handle has a
pin
located at the opposite end from the handle end. The pin is engaged in and
drives a fork component on the lock bar. This prior art does not disclose,
describe, or suggest any type of linkage in combination with the fork
component
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to achieve a significantly reduced profile lock actuation. Nor does this prior
art
design introduce additional linkage to prevent back driving the lock.
[0006] In U.S. Patent No. 5,813,710 issued to Anderson on September 29, 1998,
entitled "Flush Lock Actuator," a lock actuator is disclosed to provide a
"flush"
lock appearance. However, for reasons discussed further herein, the low
profile
feature of this invention is provided with a design distinctly different from
the
present design. The Anderson design teaches a handle that is symmetrical and
flush with the body of the actuator. The handle is pivoted with respect to the
casing about its center on a pin. One end of the handle pivots towards (and
into)
the window frame, while the other end pivots out of the body and away from the
frame. The end that pivots into the window has an actuating link attached to
it
that drives the lock bar. There is no restrictor arm for redirecting the pivot
points
of the handle to work in combination with a fork component to reduce the
casing
profile as taught by the present invention, nor is there a rotatable connector
to
prevent "over-opening" the lock.
[0007] In U.S. Patent No. 5,829,802 issued to Anderson, et al., on November 3,
1998, entitled "Multi-Point Lock Operator For Casement Window," a lock
actuator
is disclosed that drives a multipoint lock bar. Although the actuator handle
is not
flush, the handle swings a full 180 so that it lies flat at both the locked
and
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unlocked limits of motion. The far end of the actuator handle drives a
"universal"
link that is connected to the lock bar. In this design, the handle is pivoted
directly
on the casing or body of the device, which is distinctly different than the
present
design. Consequently, there is no need for a restrictor arm or any additional
linkage for over center security to prevent the lock handle from being back
driven.
[0008] In general, the prior art is silent with respect to salient features of
the
present invention that achieve flush mounting and prevent back driving the
lock.
Summary of the Invention
[0009] Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is
therefore an object of the present invention to provide a casement window lock
that is flush mounted with a significantly lower profile than the current
state of
the art.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a casement
window lock that allows for reversal of the handle from the locking position
to
the unlocking position, and vice versa.
[0011] In yet another object of the present invention, it is desirable to
provide a
casement window lock that prevents back driving the locking mechanism.
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[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a casement
window lock that includes a releasable latch mechanism to maintain the handle
in
a flush or low profile position when in a locked state.
[0013] The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in
the
art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to a casement
window
lock comprising a casing having a body including a longitudinal slot in an
exterior
surface thereof, a restrictor arm pivotally attached at one end to the casing
body
and pivotally attached at the other end to a handle, an actuator including a
fork
component for engaging a lock bar and a body comprising opposing channels
for slidably engaging portions of the casing body defining the longitudinal
slot,
and a handle in pivotal communication with the actuator at one end of the
handle, and in pivotal communication with the restrictor arm at an
intermediate
point on the handle. Movement of the handle causes the actuator body to slide
with the casing longitudinal slot in a direction opposite the direction of
movement of the handle. When the handle is rotated to an unlocked position,
the
handle pivots about a first hinge point at the connection of the handle and
actuator to cause a second hinge point at the connection of the handle and
restrictor to traverse within the casing body in a first direction
perpendicular to
movement of the handle, and conversely when the handle is rotated to a locked
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position, the handle pivots about the first hinge point in an opposite
direction to
cause the second hinge point to traverse within said casing body in a second
direction opposite the first direction.
[0014] The lock may include a plurality of hinges or pivot points forming an
over
center linkage to prevent back driving said lock, where the over center
linkage
includes a first hinge point rotatably joining the handle to the actuator, a
second
hinge point rotatably joining the handle to the restrictor arm, and third
hinge
point rotatably joining the restrictor arm to the casing, such that when the
handle
is in an unlocked position, the first hinge point is between the second and
third
hinge points, and the second hinge point is above an action line connecting
the
first and third hinge points, and when the handle is in the locked position,
the
second hinge point is between the first and third hinge points, and the second
hinge point is below an action line connecting the first and third hinge
points.
[0015] The actuator may include a detent spring operably coupled to the
actuator
body for engaging at least one detent formed in an interior surface of the
casing
body, wherein the detent spring provides tactile and audible indication that
the
actuator has reached an end of travel.
[0016] In an embodiment, the lock may further comprise a latch mechanism for
releasably retaining the handle in a locked position. The latch mechanism
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comprises a shuttle translatable between a biased latch engaging position and
a
latch releasing position and including a projection integral with or connected
to a
top surface thereof for engaging an end of the handle when the handle is in a
locked position, a spring normally biasing said shuttle in the latch engaging
position, and a latch release depressible in a direction transverse to a
longitudinal
axis of the casing body. The latch release includes an angled face for mating
with
a correspondingly-angled face of said shuttle, such that when the latch
release is
depressed the angled mating surfaces convert transverse motion of the latch
release into vertical motion of the shuttle to the latch releasing position,
thereby
compressing the spring and disengaging the shuttle projection from the handle
end and allowing the handle to be rotated to an unlocked position.
[0017] The lock may further comprise a spring action push mechanism for
releasing the handle from a locked position. The push mechanism comprises a
housing integral with or connected to an interior of the casing body, and a
pedestal at least partially disposed within the housing and normally biased
into
an extended position by a spring. When the handle is in a latched position,
the
handle contacts the pedestal to move the pedestal into a retracted position to
compress the spring, and when the shuttle is in the latch releasing position,
the
spring is permitted to expand, thereby pushing the handle outward from the
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casing to allow for rotation of the handle to the unlocked position. The
pedestal
may include a lip for maintaining at least a portion of the pedestal within
the
housing when in the biased, extended position.
[0018] In an embodiment, the lock may further include a rotatable position
stop
for preventing the handle from over-rotating and contacting the casing and
ensuring clearance therebetween as the handle is rotated to an unlocked
position.
[0019] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of
securing a casement window, comprising actuating a flush lock for the casement
window, wherein the casement window includes an elongated casing having a
body defining a longitudinal slot in an exterior surface thereof, and the
flush lock
includes a restrictor arm pivotally attached at one end to the casing body and
pivotally attached at the other end to a handle, an actuator including a body
and
a fork component for engaging a lock bar, the actuator body in slidable
communication with the casing body within the longitudinal slot, a handle in
pivotal communication with the actuator at one end of the handle and in
pivotal
communication with the restrictor arm at an intermediate point on the handle,
and a plurality of hinges or pivot points forming an over center linkage to
prevent back driving the lock, where the over center linkage includes a first
hinge
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point rotatably joining the handle to the actuator, a second hinge point
rotatably
joining the handle to the restrictor arm, and a third hinge point rotatably
joining
the restrictor arm to the casing. The method comprises rotating the handle to
an
unlocked position, such that the first hinge point is between the second and
third
hinge points and the second hinge point is above an action line connecting the
first and third hinge points, or rotating the handle to a locked position,
such that
the second hinge point is between the first and third hinge points and the
second
hinge point is below an action line connecting the first and third hinge
points,
and moving the actuator body within the longitudinal slot in a direction
opposite
the direction of movement of the handle.
[0020] In an embodiment, the flush lock may further include a latch mechanism
for releasably retaining the handle in a locked position, the latch mechanism
comprising a shuttle translatable between a biased latch engaging position and
a
latch releasing position and including a projection integral with or connected
to a
top surface thereof for engaging an end of the handle when the handle is in a
locked position, a spring normally biasing the shuttle in the latch engaging
position, and a latch release depressible in a direction transverse to a
longitudinal
axis of the casing body, where the latch release includes an angled face for
mating with a correspondingly-angled face of the shuttle, such that when the
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latch release is depressed, the angled mating surfaces convert transverse
motion
of the latch release into vertical motion of the shuttle to the latch
releasing
position, thereby compressing the spring and disengaging the shuttle
projection
from the handle end and allowing the handle to be rotated to an unlocked
position. The method further comprises engaging the shuttle projection with
the
end of the handle when the handle is rotated into the locked position to
maintain
the handle in a flush mounted position within the casing body. The method may
further comprise the steps of depressing the latch release in a direction
transverse to a longitudinal axis of the casing body to disengage the shuttle
projection from the handle end, and rotating the handle to the unlocked
position.
[0021] In another embodiment, the flush lock may further include a detent
formed
in an interior surface of the casing body and the actuator may include a
detent
spring operably coupled to the actuator body, and the method may further
comprise the step of engaging the detent spring with the casing body detent as
the handle is rotated to the unlocked position, the detent spring providing
tactile
and audible indication that the actuator has reached an end of travel.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
[0022] The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements
characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the
appended
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claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to
scale.
The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of
operation,
may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0023] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the straight
action
flush lock for a casement window of the present invention, with the handle in
the
locked position;
[0024] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the flush lock of Fig. 1, with
the handle
in the unlocked position;
[0025] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the flush lock of Figs. 1 and 2;
[0026] Figs. 4 and 5 are rear perspective views, respectively, of the flush
lock of
Fig. 1. A portion of the lock housing or casing has been removed in Fig. 5 to
show
the positioning of the interior components of the lock assembly;
100271 Figs. 6 and 7 are rear perspective views, respectively, of the flush
lock of
Fig. 2. A portion of the lock housing or casing has been removed in Fig. 7 to
show
the positioning of the interior components of the lock assembly;
[0028] Fig. 8 is a side plan view of the flush lock of Fig. 1, with a portion
of the
lock housing or casing removed to show the positioning of the three-bar, over
center linkage when the handle is in the locked position;
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[0029] Fig. 9 is a side plan view of the flush lock of Fig. 2, with a portion
of the
lock housing or casing removed to show the positioning of the three-bar, over
center linkage when the handle is in the unlocked position;
[0030] Fig. 10 is a top cross-sectional view of the flush lock of Fig. 6,
taken along
line A-A;
[0031] Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the actuator element of the straight
action
flush lock of the present invention;
[0032] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the actuator element of Fig. 11,
showing a
detent spring disposed within a side channel thereof;
[0033] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the latch mechanism of the straight
action
flush lock of the present invention, with the handle in an unlatched position;
[0034] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the latch mechanism of Fig. 13, with
the
handle in a latched position;
[0035] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the push mechanism of the straight
action
flush lock of the present invention, with the handle in a latched position;
and
[0036] Figs. 16 and 17 are rear plan views of an embodiment of the flush lock
of
the present invention in an unlocked position. A portion of the lock housing
or
casing has been removed in Fig. 17 to show the position of the detent spring
and
actuator element.
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Description of the Embodiment(s)
[0037] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, reference will
be
made herein to Figs. 1-17 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like
features of the invention.
[0038] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to
be
taken as a limitation of the invention. For example, words such as "upper,"
"lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward,"
"downward," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "longitudinal," "lateral," or the
like,
merely describe the configuration shown in the drawings. Indeed, the
referenced
components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore,
should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified
otherwise. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers may be used in
the drawings to identify similar elements.
[0039] Additionally, in the subject description, the words "exemplary,"
"illustrative," or the like, are used to mean serving as an example, instance
or
illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or
"illustrative"
is not necessarily intended to be construed as preferred or advantageous over
other aspects or design. Rather, the use of the words "exemplary" or
"illustrative"
is merely intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
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[0040] The lock of the present invention is a low profile, flush design, that
protrudes from the window frame significantly less than the prior art, at
about 8
mm compared to 25 mm in the current prior art designs. When locking a
casement window, the window is closed generally by a crank. The strikes on the
moving sash are brought close to the pins on a tie bar mounted to the non-
moving window frame. The lock handle is then thrown. This drives an actuator
or
fork component within the lock, which engages the tie bar and drives it,
moving
the tie bar pins into engagement with corresponding hooks or strikes. The
actuator or fork component is preferably a flat structure adapted to slide
within
the lock casing, preferably having two extensions, such as leg portions, for
engaging a tie bar. The strikes generally have a ramp surface at their mouth
and
the pins slide up this ramp into engagement. This motion pulls the sash
tightly
against the window frame generating compression for sealing the sash to the
window frame.
[0041] To achieve this "flush," low profile appearance, the locking mechanism
of
the present invention introduces a "three bar" linkage between the handle, a
restrictor, and actuator element: the first of the three bar links formed by
the
handle between a first pivot at the actuator element and a second pivot at the
restrictor, the second bar or link formed by the restrictor which pivots at
each end
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thereof, and the third bar or link created by the actuator element and the
sliding
motion of the actuator element relative to a fixed pivot point of the
restrictor on
the body of the lock casing. The handle drives the movement of the actuator
element, which translates within a longitudinal slot in the casing in a
direction
opposite movement of the handle. The restrictor redirects the pivot points of
the
handle to work in combination with the actuator element to reduce the casing
profile. As the actuator element translates within the elongated slot in the
casing,
the pivot point of the handle and the restrictor shifts relative to the
actuator
element to allow the handle to rotate approximately 1500 from an initial
position.
In prior art designs, the handle directly drives a fork component or the tie
bar ¨
structural limitations that result in a higher profile appearance. In the
present
design, the handle is allowed to move more deeply into the lock mechanism to
reduce the height of the lock casing.
[0042] Referring now to Figs. 1-17, collectively, an exemplary embodiment of
the
straight action flush lock mechanism of the present invention is shown. Fig. 1
depicts a perspective view of the straight action flush lock mechanism 100,
with
the handle in a locked position. The lock may be mounted to the frame of an
otherwise conventional casement window (not shown). A removable cover and
snap-on escutcheon 4, 4A concealing the handle and internal components of the
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lock, respectively, presents a more aesthetically pleasing appearance when the
flush lock mechanism is installed, for example, in a wooden frame for a
window.
The escutcheon 4 and removable handle cover 4A may be colored or comprise a
design pattern on a surface thereof to blend in or match the wood of the
window
frame.
[0043] The lock mechanism 100 includes a lever arm or handle 70, pivotable
about a restrictor 60 through a hinge or pivot pin 111 (Fig. 2). For exemplary
purposes, the elongated sidewalls of the casing 10, 20 will be deemed to be in
a
vertical direction, and movement by the actuator component 50 will be
considered movement in the vertical direction. These assigned directions are
provided only to facilitate descriptions regarding movement of components with
respect to the casement window lock; they do not represent direction of the
casement window lock after it is mounted on a window frame. It is noted,
however, that casement window locks are generally mounted so that the
elongated casing is positioned vertically.
[0044] Fig. 3 depicts an exploded view of the flush lock mechanism 100 of the
present invention. Lock mechanism 100 includes a lever arm or handle 70,
pivotable about a restrictor 60 comprising arms 62, 64 through a hinge or
pivot
pin 111 at an intermediate point of the handle. It should be understood by
those
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skilled in the art that in other embodiments, restrictor 60 may be a single
component comprising one elongated arm, as opposed to a pair of restrictor
arms, without altering the functionality of the restrictor as further
described
herein.
[0045] Preferably, restrictor arms 62, 64 are riveted to handle 70; however,
other
attachment schemes may be employed provided handle 70 is rotatably attached
to restrictor arms 62, 64 at the desired pivot location. Pivot pin 111 is
preferably
located at an intermediate point on handle 70 between the handle endpoints at
a
distance closer to the main casing 1 and escutcheon 4 than the handle's grip
portion end 74. This allows for greater mechanical leverage by a user when
pulling handle 70 upwards or pushing handle 70 downwards.
[0046] To further assist with handle stability during operation, a spring
washer is
preferably employed between restrictor 60 and main casing 1. This spring
washer,
preferably a Belleville spring washer, is capable of providing large amounts
of
force with very little deflection, thus allowing the present invention to
provide
upwards of 75 pounds of load with two-tenths of one millimeter (0.2 mm) of
deflection. The spring washer also accommodates production variances while
maintaining a pre-load force on restrictor arms 62, 64.
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[0047] Fig. 5 further illustrates the connection of handle 70 to restrictor
arms 62,
64 via pivot pin 111 at an intermediate point of handle 70, as well as the
connection of actuator element 50 to a first end 72 of handle 70, rotatable
about
a hinge, pivot pin 110. As shown in the transition between Figs. 5 and 7
(showing
a locked and unlocked position of the handle, respectively), handle 70 is
designed
to pivot about restrictor 60 and actuator element 50 via pivot pins 110 and
111,
respectively. Unlike the prior art, handle 70 is not directly connected to,
nor does
it pivot directly about, main casing 1 or escutcheon 4. As discussed further
herein,
this linkage contributes to the low profile design of the lock mechanism and
the
over center operation that prohibits back driving the flush lock mechanism.
[0048] Figs. 6 and 7 depict the handle 70 in a fully opened position. In a
preferred
embodiment, pivot pin 111 gradually shifts vertically, as well as transversely
(in
the direction of the exterior of the lock mechanism and away from the actuator
element 50), over the length of travel as the actuator element 50 moves
vertically
within slot 18 along main casing 1, as the handle rotates from a locked to an
unlocked position. Without such rising, a binding condition would be
experienced as the actuator element is moved through its vertical transition.
Thus, in the preferred embodiment, actuating handle 70 serves to move pivot
pin
111 simultaneously to a raised (or lowered) position while the actuator
element
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50 is moved vertically within slot 18, as the handle rotates between locked
and
unlocked positions. This allows handle 70 "clearance" to rotate about its
pivot
points without requiring extra depth to the casing, and in fact, reducing the
depth of the casing, making the casement window lock more flush with the
mounting frame.
[0049] As further shown in Fig. 7, in at least one embodiment, a spring-
biased,
rotatable plate 30 is disposed within a top portion of the casing for
preventing
the handle 70 from over-rotating and contacting the escutcheon or casing. As
the handle is rotated to an open position, plate 30 rotates into the casing
and
acts as a stop to prevent handle 70 from rotating into escutcheon 4 and
ensuring
clearance therebetween. In a locked position, as shown in Fig. 1, rotatable
plate
30 is in a "home" position and covers what would otherwise be an open segment
between the escutcheon 4 and the top edge of handle 70. As shown in the
Figures, this otherwise open segment is necessary to provide clearance for the
handle to rotate upwards and into the casing when the handle 70 moves from a
locked to an unlocked position, as pivot point 111 shifts vertically, as well
as
transversely in the direction of the exterior of the lock mechanism.
[0050] An actuator element 50 is employed that is similar to some prior art
designs, insomuch as a fork component 58 is used to engage a tie bar during
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locking and unlocking actuation. Fork component 58 drives a tie bar or lock
bar
that is mounted to the casement window frame. The tie bar engages a series of
strikes that are mounted to the moving sash. Once the tie bar is engaged with
the strikes, the window is locked. As best seen in Fig. 7, one end of handle
70
pivotally connects to actuator element 50 via hinge or pivot pin 110, which
may
be a rivet or other rotatable, pivoting attachment. The opposite end of
restrictor
60 is pivotally connected to casing 1 via hinge or pivot pin 112. Pivot pin
112 is
fixed to the casing 1, while pivot pins 110 and 111 are allowed to shift as
the
handle moves between open and closed positions.
[0051] Upon actuation of the handle 70, as the actuator element 50 translates
vertically within slot 18 defined between casing halves 10, 20, the pivot pin
111
connecting the handle 70 and restrictor 60 shifts vertically, as well as
transversely,
relative to pivot pin 110 to allow the handle to rotate from an initial
position. In
one embodiment, handle 70 is permitted to rotate approximately 1500 from its
initial position, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. As shown in the transition
between Figs.
and 7, pivot pin 110 slides directly vertically, while pivot pin 111 shifts
from
either side of a line of action between pivot pins 110 and 112, as will be
described below. In at least one embodiment, casing halves 10, 20 each include
a
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recessed channel, such as channel 15 shown in Fig. 7, to accommodate the
movement of pivot pin or rivet 110 as the actuator 50 translates within slot
18.
[0052] The relationship between the hinged points of the present invention
interplays with the translation of the motion of handle 70 and actuator
element
50, as the restrictor 60 redirects the pivot points of the handle to work in
combination with the actuator element to reduce the casing profile and present
a
"flush" or low profile appearance of the handle.
[0053] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, hinge A or pivot 110 is the pivotal junction
of
handle 70 and actuator element 50. Hinge B or pivot 111 is the pivotal
junction of
handle 70 with restrictor arms 62, 64 at an intermediate point on handle 70.
Hinge C or pivot 112 is the pivotal junction of restrictor arms 62, 64 with
the
casing.
[0054] Fig. 8 is a side, plan view of the lock mechanism of the present
invention
with casing half 20 of the casing removed, depicting the positioning of three
hinge points A, B, C when handle 70 is in the locked position. Hinge B is
shown
below the line of action 50 between hinges A and C. This relationship allows
for
the locking mechanism to utilize over center linkage at the ends of travel,
and
prevents the system from being back-driven (i.e., someone trying to break into
the window by reversing the locking mechanism). Since hinge B is below the
line
INTR130010000
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-03
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of action 50 between hinges A and C, the system is not back drivable. In this
manner, this configuration produces a "three bar linkage" design. It also
allows
handle 70 to move over a very wide operating angle and return to a "flush" or
low profile position. The first of the three bar links is formed by handle 70
between the pivot 110 (hinge A) connected at actuator element 50 and pivot 111
(hinge B) connected at restrictor 60. A second bar or link is formed by
restrictor
60 and pivots at each end thereof (hinges B and C). The third bar or link of
the
three bar linkage is created by actuator element 50 (hinge A) and the vertical
sliding motion of actuator element 50 relative to the fixed pivot point 112 of
the
restrictor on the body of the casing (hinge C). The three bar linkage uses
these
three links pivotally connected at the ends (pivot points) so that the three
links
can move relative to each other.
[0055] When handle 70 is at either end of its travel, the three bar linkage
design
moves one pivot or hinge on the handle to an over center position relative to
the
two other pivot or hinge points. This over center position prevents the tie
bar or
lock bar from being back driven to the unlocked position when an "opening"
force is applied to rotate handle 70. As shown in Fig. 8, when handle 70 is
down
(or in the locked position), the pivot connection (hinge B) between handle 70
and
restrictor arms 62, 64 will be below line of action 50 defined between the
pivot
INTR130010000
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-06-22
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point of the handle and fork component (hinge A) and the fixed pivot point
between the restrictor arm and the casing body (hinge C).
[0056] At the other extreme, as shown in Fig. 9 with handle 70 in an unlocked
position, the second pivot connection on the handle (the pivot point on
restrictor
arm, hinge B) will have moved past and above the line of action 50 defined
between the first pivot point on the handle at the fork component (hinge A)
and
the fixed pivot point between the restrictor arm and the body of the casing
(hinge C). In each case, a hinge point moves "over center" to prevent the lock
mechanism from being reverse driven. In other words, one of the three pivot
points moves across a line of action that connects two other pivot points.
[0057] Referring now to Fig. 10, a top cross-sectional view of the flush lock
mechanism 100 of the present invention is shown. Casing 1 comprises a first
case
half 10 and a second case half 20, wherein each case half includes a lateral
protrusion or extension 14, 24 extending perpendicular to the major surfaces
of
the casing halves. Lateral extensions 14, 24 each include a cutout portion
defining
longitudinal slot 18 for receiving a body portion of actuator element 50
therein
(Figs. 4 and 6). One or more assembly bores 12 are provided for allowing first
case half 10 and second case half 20 to be releasably coupled to one another,
such as by snap fit or via suitable fasteners (not pictured).
INTR130010000
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[0058] Actuator element 50 includes a fork component 58 extending from a body
portion 51 thereof for engaging a tie bar during locking and unlocking, and a
tabbed portion 53 configured for operably coupling to handle 70 via pivot pin
110 (Figs. 11-12). Body portion 51 is configured to fit within a recess formed
by
case halves 10, 20, respectively, as the actuator element 50 is driven by
handle 70.
As further shown in Figs. 11 and 12, body portion 51 includes track segments
or
channels 52, 54 on opposing sides thereof for receiving lateral extensions 14,
24
of casing halves 10, 20. Handle 70 is received between tabbed portions 53 of
actuator body 51, each tabbed portion comprising an aperture for receiving
pivot
pin 110 therethrough to pivotally connect handle 70 to actuator element 50.
Channels 52, 54 act as an alignment track for slidably engaging with lateral
extensions 14, 24 as the actuator element 50 translates within longitudinal
slot 18
of the lock casing, preventing rotation of the actuator element (Fig. 10).
[00591 As further shown in Fig. 12, in an embodiment of the present invention,
actuator body 51 may include a recess 56 for housing a detent spring 90.
Detent
spring 90 extends between the actuator body 51 and the inner surface of casing
half 10, such that as the actuator element translates within slot 18 from a
locked
to an unlocked position, detent spring 90 contacts the inner surface of casing
half
until engaging detent 16 when handle 70 is in an unlocked position (Figs. 16-
INTR130010000
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-03
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17). Detent spring 9 provides tactile and audible indication that the lock
mechanism has reached its end of travel. Additionally, detent 16 helps sustain
handle 70 in the correct position at its end of travel, and prevents the
handle
from unintentionally moving to a locked position under force of the tie bar,
for
example. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that in other
embodiments, casing half 10 may include a second detent at or near a top
portion thereof indicating a handle locked position at an opposite end of
travel.
[0060] As best seen in Figs. 13-14, in an embodiment of the present invention,
a
releasable latch mechanism 80 is further provided to maintain handle 70 flush
with the casing when in a locked position. Latch mechanism 80 comprises a
shuttle 83 normally biased in first, latch engaging position by spring 82, and
including an angled projection 84 for engaging an indentation or detent 76 at
handle second end 74 when the handle is in a locked position. As handle 70 is
moved to a locked position, handle second end 74 contacts angled projection
84,
causing shuttle 83 to translate downward, momentarily compressing spring 82
such that projection 84 clears the handle second end 74. As projection 84
clears
the handle second end, the compressed shuttle spring 82 is released, allowing
projection 84 to be biased into detent 76 to maintain the handle in a latched
position.
INTR130010000
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[0061] To release handle 70, latch release button 86 is manually pressed
toward
the interior of the lock body, to move the shuttle 83 to a second, latch
releasing
position. Latch release 86 includes a correspondingly-angled face 87 for
mating
with shuttle angled face 85, such that when latch release 86 is depressed, the
angled mating surfaces 85, 87 of the latch release 86 and shuttle 83,
respectively,
convert the transverse motion of the latch release button 86 into downward
vertical motion of the shuttle 83, thereby compressing spring 82 and pulling
projection 84 downward, releasing the projection from handle detent 76 and
allowing the handle to be rotated to an unlocked position (Fig. 13).
[0062] As further shown in Fig. 15, in at least one embodiment, the lock
mechanism 100 may include a spring action push mechanism 40 for releasing
handle 70 from a flush, locked position relative to the casing 1. Push
mechanism
40 includes a spring 42, such as a compression spring, embedded in a housing
41. Housing 41 may be integral with or connected to an inner surface of casing
1.
Spring 42 normally biases a pedestal 44 toward the exterior of the lock body,
where pedestal 44 includes a lip 43 for maintaining a portion of pedestal 44
within housing 41 when in the biased, extended position. When handle 70 is in
a
locked and latched position, as shown in Fig, 15, handle 70 contacts pedestal
44
to compress spring 42 into housing 41. When latch shuttle 83 is released and
INTR130010000
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-03
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latch projection 84 clears the handle second end 74, push mechanism spring 41
is
permitted to expand, thereby pushing handle 70 outward from casing 1 to allow
for rotation to the unlocked position (Fig. 2). In this manner, latch
mechanism 80
and push mechanism 40 operate in conjunction to allow for handle 70 to release
from a flush, latched position to an unlocked position.
[0063] The present invention achieves a low profile casement window lock that
far
exceeds the profile depth of casement window locks of the prior art by
introducing a restrictor to present a "three bar" linkage between the handle,
restrictor, and actuator element. The handle drives the movement of the
actuator
element, which translates within a longitudinal slot in the casing in a
direction
opposite movement of the handle. The restrictor arm redirects the pivot points
of
the handle to work in combination with the actuator element to reduce the
casing profile. The present invention establishes a locking structure with
multiple
pivoting points that allows the handle to rotate approximately 150 with
minimally required clearance in the casing or housing. The pivoting action of
the
handle and restrictor arm allows the handle to move the fork component
horizontally while raising or lowering the restrictor arm pivot pin in
relation to the
fork component, with the fork component in slidable communication with a
longitudinal slot in a sidewall of the casing. The multiple pivoting action
provides
INTR130010000
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-06-22
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for a three bar linkage that secures the casement window lock in either the
open,
unlocked position, or closed, locked position, and prevents back driving the
lock
mechanism in the reverse direction.
[0064] While the present invention has been particularly described, in
conjunction
with specific embodiment(s), it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications,
and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the
foregoing
description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will
embrace
any such alternatives, modifications, and variations as falling within the
true
scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0065] Thus, having described the invention, what is claimed is:
INTR130010000
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