The invention herein pertains to window hardware and particularly pertains to a window sash lock that is engaged to a lock base that receives fasteners, presenting a window sash lock without visible fasteners.
Window locks with concealed hardware have become increasingly popular due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance and increased structural stability when combined with an associated base. During installation, window fasteners such as screws and the like are used to attach window hardware such as locks, latches, and keepers to the rail of a single or double hung window. In addition to being unsightly, installation in this manner can cause a number of problems for the installed hardware. For example, unless the fasteners are tightened with precision at the same rate and for the same duration, variations in the hardware positioning and alignment may occur. These alternations may lead to failure of engagement between the lock and the keeper, raising questions as to the safety and security provided by the window.
One solution to providing increased safety and structural stability to the window rail and any attached hardware is to use a lock base to receive both the hardware fasteners and the lock. A base can be affixed to the window rail and then engage the body of the window lock, permitting a better opportunity for correct alignment. However, many bases fail to adequately secure the associated lock thereto, leading to fasteners connecting a lock to a base in addition to a window rail.
Thus, in view of the problems and disadvantages associated with prior art window hardware, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide a window sash lock with concealed fasteners.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a sash lock defining a pair of opposing rail channels on the underside of the lock housing.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a sash lock with a base that engages the sash lock housing.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a sash lock base with a pair of opposing T-shaped rails for engaging corresponding rail channels defined by the lock housing.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a sash lock base that defines a resilient ear on opposing ends of the base that frictionally engage the lock housing upon insertion.
It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a sash lock base with rails that define a plurality of apertures, the apertures sized to receive fastener hardware.
It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a sash lock base with an ear that is vertically biased relative to the remainder of the base.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of concealing window lock fastener hardware, installing a sash lock base for receiving the hardware, and then concealing that base with a lock housing.
It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a method of securing a sash lock base to a sash lock housing by engaging a plurality of vertically biased ears on the base with the housing.
Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed description is set forth below.
The aforesaid and other objectives are realized by providing a polymeric window sash lock including a housing containing a sloping cam connected by an axle to a lock handle. The housing defines a pair of opposing rail channels with an open end for securing the housing to a lock base. The lock base includes a pair of opposing T-shaped rails that correspond in length, width, and height for insertion into different ones of the rail channels. The rails each define a plurality of apertures sized to receive fastener hardware, such that when the base is installed, the pair of rails engage the pair of channels and all fastener hardware is concealed. The lock base also includes a pair of resilient ears vertically biased relative to the base and positioned on opposing sides of the base. These ears frictionally engage the lock housing upon engagement of the rails with the rail channels, and the housing may be removed from the lock base by depressing the biased ears. A method of using the window lock is also provided.
For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings, preferred sash lock 10 is shown in
Housing 11 preferably defines a pair of T-shaped rail channels 17, 17′ in the bottom surface thereof. Each rail channel includes a pair of opposing L-shaped sides 18, 18′ as seen in
Preferred lock base 12 defines a central clearance opening and pair of opposing T-shaped rails 19, 19′ that in turn define a plurality of fastener apertures 21, 21′. Apertures 21, 21′ may be countersunk into the surface of rails 19, 19′ and are sized to receive fasteners 25 such that the heads of fasteners 25 are below or flush with the top surface of rails 19, 19′ to prevent obstruction from base 12 slideably receiving housing 11 thereover. Fasteners 25 are represented in
Preferred lock base 12 also defines a pair of resilient ears 22, 22′ positioned on opposing sides of lock base 12 as shown in
A method of utilizing sash lock 10 to secure double-hung window 9 includes the step of providing lock housing 11 attached to handle 14 via axle 15 and containing graduated cam 13 therein. Lock base 12 defining a pair of T-shaped rails 19, 19′ and resilient ears 22, 22′ on opposing ends of base 12 is also provided. Lock base 12 is positioned in the middle of header rail 4, opposite a corresponding keeper on base rail 5, and affixed into position with fasteners 25 which pass through fastener apertures 21, 21′ formed in rails 19, 19′. After fasteners 25 are threadably attached to header rail 4, rail channels 17, 17′ of housing 11 are aligned to slidably engage respectively corresponding rails 19, 19′ of base 12. As housing 11 is slid overtop base 12, rail sides 18 with respective shoulders 23 flex ears 22, 22′ downwardly. Once ears 22, 22′ are past respective shoulders 23, they return to their upwardly biased orientation as seen in
In an alternate embodiment of sash lock 10, lock base 12 defines a downwardly depending lip on the front edge of the base opposite the keeper (not shown). This lip may be utilized in approximating the final position of sash lock 10 relative to the front and rear edges of header rail 4. This lip thus serves to prevent the misalignment of sash lock 10, whether too near or too distant from the associated keeper. Another alternate embodiment of sash lock 10 includes lock base 12 defining one or more L-shaped feet that may be inserted into pre-drilled holes in header rail 4 (not shown). By inserting these feet into the holes lock 10 potentially increases the overall structural integrity of window 9 instead of compromising it. The feet extend down and under the rail surface and may be secured in place by either aligned fasteners 25 or additional screws that prevent the feet from inadvertent displacement or removal, for example in environments where linearly aligned fasteners alone are insufficient to maintain the mount of lock 10. Yet another embodiment of lock 10 includes lock base 12 defining one or more studs protruding from the underside of the base (not shown). These studs may be aligned with and inserted into apertures formed in a mounting surface, for example header rail 5. In addition to providing addition structural and torsional support to lock 10, these studs may prevent displacement of lock 10 during installation, for example if fasteners 25, 25′ are inserted using a powered screw gun, drill, or the like. By resisting these torsional forces, lock 10 enjoys an increased likelihood of proper installation and use.
The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
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