Patent Application
20090079202
This invention relates to window locks, and more particularly to window locks for sliding windows.
Double-hung and single hung sliding windows include two window sashes typically mounted for vertical movement along adjacent parallel tracks in a window frame. Traditional double-hung window designs provide poor washability, because it is difficult for a person located inside a structure in which the window is installed to wash the outside of the window pane. To fully wash the outer surface of such windows (which outer surface is the one which is most often in need of cleaning), the person cleaning the window must typically go outside the dwelling. This is not only extremely inconvenient, as the person has to walk significant distances merely to wash both sides of a single window, but it can also force a window washer, when trying to wash double and single-hung windows located at significant heights, to face the undesirable choice of either risking injury by climbing to that height or doing a relatively poor job of washing by merely reaching from a distance with a hose or a special long pole apparatus of some type. Such cleaning is still further complicated where there are screens or storm windows that must be removed prior to washing.
To overcome this problem, windows of this type have been developed that enables one or more of the sashes to be tilted inwardly to gain access to the outside surface of the window pane from within the structure. Various types of latching mechanisms have been developed to enable the latch to secure the sash in place in the frame, but also enable tilting the sash by operating the latches. A common arrangement has such latches positioned in opposite ends of a top horizontal rail of the upper and/or lower sash, with each latch typically including a bolt end or plunger which during normal operation extends out from the side of the sash into the sash track in the window frame to guide the sash for typical vertical movement. When washing is desired, a bolt end or plunger of each latch is retracted to free the top rail of the sash from the track so that the sash may be suitably pivoted inwardly about pivots guiding the bottom rail of the sash in the track and thereby allow the washer to easily reach the outside surface of the window pane of that sash.
The bolt end or plunger in many of the prior art latches is usually biased outwardly into the track by a spring structure or the like, with the bolt end retracted inwardly by the washer manually pulling the bolt ends in toward the center of the top rail against the force of the spring as, for example, in the mechanism disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,291. A drawback of such mechanisms, however, is that both latches must be operated simultaneously, requiring that the operator use both hands. Moreover, simultaneous operation of latch controls spaced at the far edges of the sash can be awkward, especially for wide windows. Another mechanism, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,907, commonly owned by the owners of the present invention and hereby fully incorporated herein by reference, has a lever operably coupled with a check rail lock assembly that simultaneously operates remotely located tilt-latch assemblies.
Other mechanisms linking tilt latches with a single control that also locks the sashes together are well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,447 (the '447 patent) discloses a tilt-lock latch mechanism wherein a lever positioned proximate the center of the top rail of a lower sash may be rotated in one direction to engage a keeper positioned on the upper sash proximate the lever or in the opposite direction to operate remotely located tilt latches to enable tilting of the lower sash for cleaning. U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,700 (the '700 patent) discloses a tilt lock latch mechanism wherein a single control lever operates both sash locks and remote tilt latches. To accomplish this, the control lever is selectively rotatably positionable in three discrete positions: (1) a first position wherein the sash locks and the tilt latches are engaged; (2) a second position wherein the sash locks are disengaged to enable sliding of the sashes but the tilt latches are still engaged; and (3) a third position wherein the sash locks and the tilt latches are disengaged to enable sliding of the window. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,142 (the '142 patent) and its continuation U.S. application Ser. No. 10/959,696 also disclose a tilt-lock latch mechanism having such a three-position control lever.
Each of the above described mechanisms, however, has certain drawbacks. The '447 patent mechanism, while generally simple, requires rotation of the control lever in opposite directions from a center position for unlocking and tilting. This is inconvenient and may result in unintended tilting operation of the window if an inexperienced user seeking merely to unlock the window rotates the lever in the wrong direction. Also, the '447 patent mechanism requires that a separate control be manipulated by the operator to maintain the control lever in a desired position. The '700 patent mechanism, while enabling same-direction rotation of the control lever, is relatively complex, and may be expensive to manufacture and difficult to install and adjust. The '142 patent mechanism may be difficult to adjust, requiring partial disassembly and manipulation of a screw on the tilt latches for tensioning the strap connecting the control lever with the tilt latches. Moreover, the '142 patent describes a separate button that must be manipulated for engaging or releasing the tilt latches. This may be confusing for a user and result in frustration when attempting to tilt the window for cleaning, or in failure to properly reengage the tilt latches when cleaning is complete.
Another mechanism, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,784, includes a rotary lever with sash lock that actuates remote tilt latches through an extensible member. A drawback of this mechanism, however, is that it is relatively complex, including a spring-loaded control lever and a pivoting trigger release mechanism in each of the tilt latches, making it relatively more expensive to produce and reducing reliability. Further, there are no simple means provided for attaching the extensible member to the tilt latches, nor is any means for adjusting length and tension of the extensible member provided.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/289,803 discloses a similar tilt lock latch mechanism including a three-position control lever that actuates a sash lock as well as remotely located tilt latches. One drawback of this mechanism, however, is that a relatively complicated fastener arrangement is used for connecting the actuator spool to the tilt latch connector, affecting cost of manufacture and usability of the mechanism. Also, the tilt latches are not equipped with any mechanism for holding the latches in the retracted position. When the window is tilted into position after cleaning, the protruding latch-bolts may mar the window frame if the operator forgets to manually retract them. Moreover, a separate button is described that must be manipulated for engaging or releasing the tilt latches, thus complicating operation.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/340,428 also discloses a similar tilt lock latch mechanism including a three-position control lever that actuates a sash lock as well as remotely located tilt latches. One drawback of this mechanism, however, is that the lever may remain in the window-tilt position unless an operator manually returns the lever to the locked or unlocked positions. Also, the lever may remain in an intermediate position unless an operator specifically positions the lever to a tilt, locked, or unlocked position. Moreover, it may be difficult for an operator to judge when the lever has been correctly positioned to a tilt, locked, or unlocked position.
What is still needed is a low-cost combination tilt-lock-latch mechanism for a double-hung window that is easy to install and adjust, simple to use, and is biased toward a locked or unlocked position.
The present invention addresses the need for a low-cost combination tilt-lock-latch mechanism for a sliding window that combines ease of installation and adjustment, simplicity of use, and a bias toward a locked or unlocked position. In embodiments of the invention, an integrated lock and tilt-latch mechanism for a sliding window includes at least one tilt-latch mechanism adapted for mounting in the window sash. The tilt-latch mechanism includes a housing presenting a longitudinal axis and having an aperture defined in a first end thereof, a plunger having a latch-bolt portion, a plunger-latch member, and first and second biasing members. The plunger is disposed in the housing and is selectively slidably shiftable along the longitudinal axis of the housing between an extended position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger projects through the aperture in the housing to engage the window frame so as to prevent tilting of the sash, and a retracted position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger is substantially within the housing to enable tilting of the sash. The first biasing member is arranged so as to bias the plunger toward the extended position. The plunger-latch member is operably coupled with the tilt-latch housing and is arranged so as to be selectively slidably shiftable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis when the plunger is in the retracted position. The plunger-latch member is shiftable between a first position in which the plunger-latch member engages and prevents shifting of the plunger and a second position in which the plunger-latch member enables shifting of the plunger. The second biasing member is arranged so as to bias the plunger-latch member toward the first position so that when the plunger is retracted, the plunger-latch automatically shifts to retain the plunger in the retracted position. The plunger-latch may include a trigger portion arranged so that when the sash is tilted into position in the frame, the trigger portion contacts the window frame or second sash, shifting the plunger-latch so as to release the plunger. The mechanism further includes an actuator mechanism adapted for mounting on the sash. The actuator mechanism includes a housing, a control on the housing, a lock member, and a tilt-latch actuator member. The lock member and the tilt-latch actuator member are operably coupled with the control. A linking member operably couples the tilt-latch actuator member and the plunger of the tilt-latch mechanism. The control lever is selectively positionable between at least three positions, including a locked position in which the sweep cam is positioned so that a portion of the sweep cam extends under the locking tab of a keeper, an unlocked position in which the sweep cam is substantially retracted from the locking tab of a keeper, and a tilt position in which the sweep cam is retracted and the plunger of the tilt-latch mechanism is positioned in the retracted position.
In another embodiment of the invention, an integrated lock and tilt-latch mechanism for a sliding window having a frame with at least one sliding sash therein, the sash also tiltably positionable relative to the frame, includes an actuator assembly, at least one tilt-latch assembly adapted for mounting on the sash, and a flexible linking member. The actuator assembly includes a housing, a control lever, a lock member, and a tilt-latch actuator member. The lock member and the tilt-latch actuator member are operably coupled with the control, and the tilt-latch actuator has structure for receiving and applying tension to the flexible linking member. The at least one tilt-latch assembly includes a tilt-latch housing presenting a longitudinal axis and having an aperture defined in a first end thereof. A plunger is disposed in the tilt-latch housing, the plunger having a latch-bolt portion and being selectively slidably shiftable along the longitudinal axis between an extended position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger projects through the aperture and a retracted position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger is substantially within the tilt-latch housing. The plunger defines a channel for receiving the flexible linking member and has a locking member positioned proximate the channel. The locking member is selectively shiftably adjustable from a location outside the tilt-latch housing between a first position in which the flexible linking member is freely slidable in the channel to enable insertion and removal of the flexible linking member, and a second position in which the locking member is engaged with the flexible linking member to fixedly secure the flexible linking member in the channel, thereby operably coupling the tilt-latch actuator with the plunger of the tilt-latch. In a further embodiment of the invention, a window includes a frame and a first sash and a second sash, each slidable in the frame. The first sash is also tiltably positionable relative to the frame. An integrated lock and tilt-latch mechanism is positioned on the first sash, including an actuator mechanism, at least one tilt-latch adapted for mounting on the sash, and a flexible linking member. The actuator mechanism includes a housing, a control, a lock member, and a tilt-latch actuator member. The lock member and the tilt-latch actuator member are operably coupled with the control. The tilt-latch actuator has structure for receiving and applying tension to the flexible linking member. The at least one tilt-latch includes a tilt-latch housing presenting a longitudinal axis and having an aperture defined in a first end thereof, and a plunger disposed in the tilt-latch housing. The plunger has a latch-bolt portion and is selectively slidably shiftable along the longitudinal axis between an extended position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger projects through the aperture and a retracted position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger is substantially within the tilt-latch housing. The plunger defines a channel for receiving the flexible linking member and has a locking member positioned proximate the channel. The locking member is selectively shiftably adjustable, from a location outside the tilt-latch housing, between a first position in which the flexible linking member is freely slidable in the channel to enable insertion and removal of the flexible linking member, and a second position in which the locking member is engaged with the flexible linking member to fixedly secure the flexible linking member in the channel, thereby operably coupling the tilt-latch actuator with the plunger of the tilt-latch. The control is selectively positionable between at least three positions, including a locked position in which the lock member is positioned so that a portion of the lock member extends from the housing of the actuator mechanism, an unlocked position in which the lock member is positioned substantially within the housing of the actuator mechanism, and a tilt position in which the lock member is positioned substantially within the housing of the actuator mechanism and the plunger of the tilt-latch mechanism is positioned in the retracted position.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a window includes a frame and a first and a second sash, each sash slidable in the frame, wherein the first sash is also tiltably positionable relative to the frame. An integrated lock and tilt-latch mechanism is positioned on the first sash, the mechanism including at least one tilt-latch mechanism having a housing presenting a longitudinal axis, a plunger having a latch-bolt portion, a plunger-latch member, and first and second biasing members. The plunger is disposed in the housing and is selectively slidably shiftable along the longitudinal axis between an extended position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger engages the frame of the window to prevent tilting of the first sash and a retracted position in which the latch-bolt portion of the plunger is substantially within the housing to enable tilting of the first sash. The first biasing member is arranged so as to bias the plunger toward the extended position. The plunger-latch member is operably coupled with the housing and arranged so as to be selectively slidably shiftable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis when the plunger is in the retracted position. The plunger-latch member is shiftable between a first position in which the plunger-latch member engages and prevents shifting of the plunger and a second position in which the plunger-latch member enables shifting of the plunger. The second biasing member is arranged so as to bias the plunger-latch member toward the first position. The mechanism further includes an actuator mechanism including a housing, a control on the housing, a lock member, and a tilt-latch actuator member. The lock member and the tilt-latch actuator member are operably coupled to the control with a linking member operably coupling the tilt-latch actuator member and the plunger of the at least one tilt-latch mechanism. The control is selectively positionable among at least three positions, including a locked position in which a sweep cam is engaged with a keeper of the second sash to prevent relative sliding movement of the first and second sashes, an unlocked position in which the lock member is free from the keeper of the second sash, and a tilt position in which the lock member is free from the keeper of the second sash and the plunger of the tilt-latch mechanism is positioned in the retracted position to enable tilting of the first sash.
In another embodiment, the control lever is biased toward a locked position or an unlocked position. The sweep cam of the control lever is selectively shiftably adjustable from between a first position in which the flexible linking member is freely slidable in the channel to enable insertion and removal of the flexible linking member, and a second position in which the locking member is engaged with the flexible linking member to fixedly secure the flexible linking member in the channel, thereby operably coupling the tilt-latch actuator with the plunger of the tilt-latch. The control lever is selectively positionable between at least three positions including a locked position in which the sweep cam engages a keeper, an unlocked position in which the sweep cam is disengaged from the keeper, and a tilt position in which the sweep cam is disengaged from the keeper and the plunger of the tilt-latch mechanism is positioned in the retracted position. Depending upon the position of the control lever, the control member is biased toward the locked position or the unlocked position. In the tilt position and intermediate the tilt position and the unlocked position, the control is biased toward the unlocked position. Intermediate the unlocked position and the locked position, the control is biased toward the unlocked position or the locked position, dependent on which position the control is most proximate.
Locking tilt-latch assembly 100 is generally mounted onto double-hung window, as depicted in
Control lever 110 is coupled to base housing 114 through shank-receiving aperture 126. Shank-receiving aperture 126 receives shank 120 of lever 110 therethrough. Shank 120 defines upper portion 128, lower portion 130, and middle portion 132. Upper portion 128 is generally cylindrical in shape. Upper portion 128 defines mating cylinder 134 with lateral surface 134A and outer edge 134B. Stop 136 is located on outer edge 138A of mating cylinder 134. Middle portion 132 is generally quadrangular in shape. Middle portion 132 forms cam 158 that may be trapezoidal in shape with acute corners 158A-B and obtuse corners 158C-D, as depicted in
As depicted in
Extending downward from lower ceiling 177B are recess posts 140. Recess posts 140 generally are integral with upper ceiling 177A and lower ceiling 177B and do not extend beyond the plane formed by edge 181 of base housing 114. Recess posts 140 have main support sections 142 and support surfaces 143. Support surfaces 143 of recess posts 140 are substantially coplanar. Support posts 140A-B proximal to spool post 190 may have tip sections 144. When baseplate 112 is situated on recess posts 140 in deep recess portion 173, tip sections 144 resist lateral movement of baseplate 112. Lateral surface of tip sections 144 and edge 181 of base housing 114 are generally coplanar. Inner edges 146 of supports posts 140 and upper recess wall 183 are also generally coplanar. Inner edges 146 are substantially perpendicular to upper ceiling 177AA and lower ceiling 177B. Outer edges 148 of recess posts 140 are also substantially perpendicular to upper ceiling 177AA and lower ceiling 177B.
Also extending downward from lower ceiling 177B are mounting posts 186. Mounting posts define apertures 194 extending from underside 170 to top surface 178 of base housing 114. Apertures 194 receive fastening members which may be used to secure base assembly 108 to top surface 316 of double hung sash window 312.
Referring to
Shank-receiving aperture 126 extends from deep recess portion 173 to top surface 178 of base housing 114. A boss (not shown) surrounds shank-receiving aperture 176 on top surface 178 of base housing 114. The boss defines a semi-circular inner recess (not shown) around shank-receiving aperture 176. The semi-circular inner recess (not shown) intersects an inner edge (not shown) of shank-receiving aperture 176. Stop 136 outer edge 134B of mating cylinder 134 of shank 120 is received in semi-circular inner recess 182. Stop 136 is situated substantially within the semi-circular inner recess. When upper portion 128 is positioned within shank-receiving aperture 176, the semi-circular inner recess forms a channel defined by outer edge 134B of mating cylinder 134 of shank 120 and the inner edge of the boss. The length of the semi-circular inner recess thereby limits the rotation of control lever 110 about axis A-A relative to base housing 114.
Spool post 190 projects downwardly from underside 170 of base housing 114. Spool post 190 generally is formed from wall 191 defining aperture 192. Aperture 192 is aligned in the longitudinal direction of base housing 114. Aperture 192 extends outwardly from underside 170 of base housing 114. Spool post 190 may also be a solid post such that spool post 190 does not have an aperture.
As depicted in
Gear 160 has non-gear segment 210, gear hole 212, and gear segment 214 extending radially from gear hole 212, as depicted in
Gear 160 is rotatably received in deep recess portion 173 of underside 170 of base housing 114. Bottom surface 218 faces downward and the top surface faces upward. Gear segment 214 faces toward spool post 190 and non-gear segment 210 faces away from spool post 190. Shank 120 of control lever 110 extends through gear hole 212 of gear 160. Lower portion 130 extends through gear hole 212 such that both large-diameter protrusion 138A and small-diameter protrusion 138B extend downward through gear hole 212 past bottom surface 218. Generally, shank 120 of control lever 110 is inserted through aperture 126 of base housing 114 and lower portion 130 of shank 120 is inserted through gear hole 212 of gear 160. Cam followers 219 occupy the space between acute corners 158A,B of cam and opposite biasing members 164, as depicted in
Spool 162 generally includes lower portion 380 and upper portion 382, as depicted in
Spool 162 is rotatably received by semi-circular receiving opening 204 of baseplate 112 and rotatably positioned over spool post 190. Lower portion 380 of spool 162 extends below baseplate 112 and upper portion 382 of spool 162 extends above baseplate 112 proximate the lower surface of spool lip 390. Alignment lugs 206 stabilize spool 162 on spool post 190. Alignment lugs 206 also present a barrier that prevents spool lip 390 from passing through semi-circular receiving opening 204. With baseplate 112 secured in place by retainer 156, spool 162 is secured in place from above by lower ceiling 177B and from below by semi-circular receiving opening 204. Movement of spool 162 is thereby substantially limited to rotational movement around spool post 190.
Gear 160 and spool 162 are desirably made from easily moldable, durable polymer material such as acetal or nylon. Control lever 110 and base housing 114 are preferably cast from suitable metallic material such as zinc alloy. Baseplate 112 and biasing member 164 are preferably die cut or stamped from metallic sheet material. Any of the above components, however, may be made from any other suitable material such as polymer or metal. In the depicted embodiments, actuator assembly 102 is easily assembled by mating control lever 110 and base housing 114. Biasing member 164 may then be placed in deep recess portion 173 between side recess portions 173 B,C about obtuse corners 158 C,D of cam 158. With control lever 110 positioned in an unlocked position, lower portion 130 of shank 120 may receive gear 160 such that gear segment 214 faces spool post 190 and cam followers 219 are situated between biasing members 164. Upper portion 382 of spool 162 is positioned about spool post 190 so that gear sector 388 of spool 162 matingly engages gear segment 214 of gear 160 and slots 384 are aligned parallel to flexible linking member 106. Baseplate 112 is positioned such that semi-circular recess 182 receives spool 162, spool 162 enters baseplate 112 from the top surface (not shown) and exits bottom surface 199 of baseplate 112. Aperture 200 of baseplate 112 receives lower portion 130 of shank 120. Ears 208 of baseplate 112 rest between recess posts 140 on support surfaces 144 of recess posts 140. Retainer 156 is assembled to small-diameter protrusion 138B within recessed retainer-holding area 202 and mechanically secured with a fastening member, such as, for example, a stake or spinning apparatus in example embodiments. Retainer 156 is pushed or pressed about small-diameter protrusion 138B with locking tab features so as to be secured within recessed retainer-holding area 202.
Referring to
Referring to
To disengage sweep cam 118 from keeper 122, control lever 110 is rotated in a clockwise direction to an unlocked position, as depicted in
Referring to
If cam 158 is rotated clockwise as depicted in
If control lever 110 is rotated further in the clockwise direction, cam 158 can be positioned so that the biasing force exerted by biasing member 164 is directed through the center of cam 158. In this intermediate position, which can include a range of rotational travel, biasing member 164 exerts little or no rotational biasing force on cam 158. Rather, biasing member 164 restrains cam 158 between the locked and unlocked positions. In the intermediate position, sweep cam 188 may partially engage keeper 122. The range in which cam 158 is restrained in the intermediate position is substantially determined by the biasing force of biasing member 164 and the shape of cam 158. The corners 158A-D of cam 158 can be rounded to eliminate or minimize the movement-deadening effect on cam 158 of the intermediate position. In an example embodiment, corners 158A-D of cam 158 are sounded so as to have substantially similar radii of curvature.
As control lever 110 is further rotated in the clockwise direction past the intermediate position, biasing member 164 exerts a biasing force, now urging cam 158 in the clockwise direction. The rotational biasing force exerted by biasing member 164 steadily decreases as biasing member 164 returns to form. Once cam 158 reaches the unlocked position as shown in
To tilt inside sash 310 of double-hung sash window 312, control lever 110 is rotated in a clockwise direction to a tilt position, as depicted in
As depicted in
Plunger 222 generally includes latch-bolt portion 248, central body portion 250, and tail portion 252. End 253 of latch-bolt portion 248 is tapered from leading edge 253A to shoulder 253B. Channel 254 extends axially from end 256 through tail portion 252. Central body portion 250 defines lock cavity 258 which includes a first portion 260 extending longitudinally within plunger 222, and a second portion 262 extending transversely to first portion 260. Channel 254 continues axially from tail portion 252 through second portion 262 of lock cavity 258, and emerges at outer surface 264 of central body portion 250 proximate shoulder 253B of latch-bolt portion 248.
Plunger 222 is received in barrel portion 232 of housing 220 with latch-bolt portion 248 extending through conformingly shaped aperture 266 defined by face plate 234. Primary spring 224 is received over tail portion 252 and bears against back wall 268 of housing 220 and central body portion 250 to bias plunger 222 toward face plate 234.
Locking cam 230 generally includes axle portion 270 and radial protrusion 272. End 274 of axle portion 270 has hex socket 276 adapted to receive an Allen wrench of standard dimension. Locking cam 230 is received in lock cavity 258 with axle portion 270 extending axially and rotatable within first portion 260 and radial protrusion 272 within second portion 262. Bore 278 is axially aligned with axle portion 270 and extends from first portion 260 of lock cavity 258 through to front end 280 of central body portion 250 proximate face 282 of latch-bolt portion 248. Adjustment latch arm 284 extends rearwardly from front wall 286 of central body portion 250, and includes angled portion 288 which intersects bore 278 and laterally projecting tab 290 at end 292.
Plunger-latch 226 has plate portion 294 defining aperture 296 which is conformingly shaped with the cross-section of latch-bolt portion 248. Trigger portion 298 extends from plate portion 294 and has bent end portion 300. Plate portion 294 is slidingly received in transverse slot 302 in face plate 234. Latch spring 228 is received in recess 304 and bears against edge 306 of plate portion 294 to bias plunger-latch 226 in the direction of trigger portion 298.
In embodiments of the invention housing 220 and plunger 222 of locking tilt-latch assembly 100 are made from low-cost, easily formable acetal polymer material. These components, however, may also be made from any material having sufficient strength and suitable durability characteristics. Primary spring 224, plunger-latch 226, latch spring 228, and locking cam 230 are desirably made from metallic material, but may also be made from any other suitable material. In the depicted embodiments, locking tilt-latch assembly 100 may be easily assembled by first assembling plunger-latch 226 and latch spring 228 with separate housing sections 236, 238, and locking cam 230 and primary spring 224 with plunger 222. Plunger 222 may then be placed in one of housing sections 236, 238, and the housing sections snapped together by mating projecting hooks 240 with shoulder structures 242 and locating pins 244 with recesses 246.
Referring to
Locking tilt-latch assembly 100 may be assembled by linking each of two tilt-latch assemblies 104 disposed in the lateral bore of the window 312 with linking member 106, and placing actuator assembly 102 in the cavity to engage linking member 106 with spool 162. Linking member 106 is preferably formed from a suitable stretch-resistant flexible polymer material. Linking member 106 is engaged with the first tilt latch assembly by inserting an Allen wrench through bore 278 and engaging hex socket 276 of locking cam 230 as depicted in
With the first tilt-latch assembly 104 disposed in, and linking member 106 extending through, lateral bore 320 and trigger portion 298 facing outer sash 327, linking member 106 may be engaged with the second tilt-latch assembly 104 by the same process as described above. With the second tilt-latch assembly 104 disposed in lateral bore 320 with trigger portion 298 facing outer sash 327, and with the Allen wrench inserted in bore 278 of the first tilt-latch assembly 104 to prevent its plunger 222 from being retracted, linking member 106 is drawn relatively taut before being locked in place and trimmed. Once linking member 106 is in place and taut, base assembly 108 of actuator assembly 102 may be dropped into cavity 314 so that spool 162 is received in lower cavity portion 318. As spool 162 enters lower cavity portion 318, chamfered edges 386 guide linking member 106 into slots 384 of spool 162 respectively. Fasteners 328 may then be driven through mounting posts 186 to secure actuator assembly 102 to top rail 308 and base assembly 108 engaged with linking member 106 to complete assembly.
In operation, with inside sash 310 and outer sash 327 in a closed position as depicted in
Window 312 may be unlocked by rotating lever 110 to an unlocked position as depicted in
Generally, cam 158 is shaped and cam followers 219 are shaped and positioned so that control lever 110 has a rotational range of travel between approximately 100° and 160° degrees from the locked position to the unlocked position. In an example embodiment, control lever 110 has a range of rotation of travel of approximately 135° between the locked and unlocked positions. Between the locked and unlocked positions, biasing member 164 biases cam 158 primarily toward a locked or unlocked position. A neutral position exists in which the biasing member 164 acts upon cam 158 such that cam 158 remains substantially stationary between the locked and unlocked positions. For cam 158 to remain in the neutral position, a line between acute corners 158A,B is substantially perpendicular to flex regions 150, 152 biasing member 164. Generally, a neutral position exists at the midpoint between the locked and unlocked positions. The neutral position may, however, include any number of degrees of rotation of travel of control lever 110 between the locked and unlocked position. Generally, this neutral position is considered unfavorable and has been minimized by rounding the corners of cam 158 so as to cause cam 158 to slip past flex regions 150, 152 of biasing member 164. Between the locked position and the neutral position, biasing member 164 biases cam 158 toward the locked position.
Generally, cam 160 is shaped and cam followers 219 are shaped and positioned so that control lever 110 rotational range of travel between approximately 15° and 75° from the unlocked position to the tilt position. In an example embodiment, control lever 110 rotates approximately 45° between the unlocked and tilt positions. Between the unlocked and neutral positions, biasing member 164 biases cam 158 toward the unlocked position when rotating control lever 110 to the tilt position.
With window 312 unlocked, inside sash 310 may be tilted inward by rotating lever 110 to a tilt position as depicted in
Once the window cleaning or other operation is completed and it is desired to return inside sash 310 to its operable position, inside sash 310 may be simply tilted back into position. Trigger portion 298 contacts outer sash 327, urging plunger-latch 226 against the bias of latch spring 228. When plunger-latch 226 clears leading edge 253A of latch-bolt portion 248, primary spring 224 urges plunger 222 in the direction away from actuator assembly 102, so that latch-bolt portion 248 extends outwardly through aperture 266 and engages in grooves 332.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, top rail 308 is substantially hollow as is typically the case in vinyl window construction. Reinforcing insert 338 fits inside hollow top rail 308 to provide support for the tilt-latch assemblies 104. Housing 220 of each tilt-latch assembly 104 has spring securing tabs 340 projecting on opposite sides proximate outer end 342. Each tab 340 is resiliently attached to housing 220 at hinge line 344. Outer end 346 is normally spaced apart from housing 220, but is capable of being pressed inwardly into opening 348 in barrel portion 232 Lip 349 extends outwardly around perimeter 349A of end wall 349B. Housing 220 further has opposing flats 350, 352. Flat 350 has longitudinal ridge 354 defined thereon.
Tilt-latch assembly 104 is received through apertures 356 in top rail 308 and inside reinforcing insert 338. Insert 338 is preferably made from metal, but may also be made from any other suitably rigid and durable material. Flats 350, 352, mate with inside walls 358, 360, of reinforcing insert 338 respectively to inhibit undesired rotation of tilt-latch assembly 104 about its longitudinal axis. Longitudinal ridge 354 mates with corresponding groove 362 in inside wall 358 so that tilt-latch assembly 104 is coded for proper orientation. As each tilt-latch assembly 104 is advanced into aperture 356, tab 340 contacts edge 364, forcing outer end 346 inwardly. Once outer end 346 clears edge 364 and lip 349 contacts outer surface 366 of top rail 308, outer end 346 springs outwardly to engage inner surface (not depicted) of top rail 308 to retain tilt-latch assembly 104 in place.
As depicted in
