Patent Application
20070289220
Before providing the description of the exemplary embodiments of the window lock and sash, it should be noted that the references to “up,” “upper,” rear,” “front,” “inner,” and “outer” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the Figures and in relation to a particular embodiment of a window with vertically sliding portions, or sashes. The terms “up” and “upper” are used to reference a general vector direction away from the force of gravity or the direction a moveable sash moves as it is opened relative to a second sash. The term “rear” is used to describe the surface of the first sash that is proximate to or closer to the second sash, while the term “front” is used to describe the surface that a person would see facing the window from inside of a building structure. The term “inner” is used to reference a direction towards the interior and a person using the window, while the term “outer” is used to reference a direction towards the exterior and away from a person using the window.
It should also be noted that the term “rail” as used in the description describes the horizontal rail on the sash. However, when the latch mechanism is used on a horizontal sliding window, the term “stile” would be more appropriate. In the case of a horizontal sliding window, the term “up” would be the direction the first sash moves as the first sash is being opened relative to the second sash.
Referring to
Referring now to
Sash 14 includes a lower horizontal rail 18 that defines the lower edge of sash 14. Horizontal rail 18 includes a feature, shown schematically as latch plate 20 that is configured to receive a locking mechanism or portion of latch 16 as described in greater detail below.
Latch 16 is operatively coupled to vertical wall 26 of moveable sash 12 below pull rail 28 and is configured to selectively releasably couple and lock moveable sash 12 to sash 14. As noted above latch 16 may be used on a sliding window including horizontal sliding windows and vertical sliding windows. While the latch 16 may be used with different types of sliding windows including those identified above, latch 16 will be described relative to a vertical sliding window. Latch 16 includes a handle 32, a bezel or housing 35, a main body 34, and a locking mechanism 36, shown schematically in
The location of latch 16 under pull rail 28 provides resistance to movement for latch 16 on at least three sides or directions. However, latch 16 may be supported in more or less vector directions as well. In an exemplary embodiment latch 16 is supported on the rear by vertical wall 26, on the top by pull rail 28, and on the front by second portion 30 of pull rail 28. The location of latch 16 proximate to pull rail 28 allows a substantial portion of the force placed on it by a user to be resisted by the structure of the sash itself instead of by latch 16. A force applied by a user on latch 16 by pulling latch 16 to disengage locking mechanism 36 is resisted by second portion 30 of pull rail 28. An upward force applied by a user on latch 16 by pulling up on latch 16 to slide moveable sash 12) is resisted by pull rail 28. A force applied by a user on latch 16 by pushing may be resisted by a portion of vertical wall 26.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the latch and sash as described herein is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements and vice versa, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Further, the latch may be centrally located between two ends of the rail or maybe located off center. Additionally, there may be one or more latches on a single movable sash. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.
