Combination window latch

Abstract

A window combination latch (140) includes a sash lock (142) and a tilt latch assembly (230). The sash lock (142) is mounted on a top rail of a sash (110) and includes a cam (214) rotatably coupled with a keeper (144) to lock the sash (110). The cam (214) includes a slot (320). The latch assembly (230) has, when installed, a tip (422) of a latch pin (232) adjacent a surface of a jamb (112) of the sash (110) and a head (412) of the latch pin (232) engaged in the slot (320). The latch pin (232) can be a single piece structure including a flexible extension (414).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Window hardware is often desired to conform to traditional aesthetics or standards, but offer modern or enhanced functionality. Window hardware such as window latches typically needs to work or operate with existing components, but provide additional features or functions not traditionally available. For example, a window latch system may need to operate in multiple modes to allow locking the window, sliding the sash in an open or closed window, or tilting the sash. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figure 1-1 A window equipped with a window latching system according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0003] Figure 1-2 It shows Figure 1-1 An enlarged view of a part of the window latching system.

[0004] Figure 1-3 It shows Figure 1-1 The window has a latching system in the unlocked and open position, and the lower sash is partially raised.

[0005] Figure 1-4 It shows Figure 1-1 The window has a latching system that is tilted and the lower sash is tilted.

[0006] Figure 2-1 , 2-2 Figures 2-3 show a top view, a bottom view, and a cross-sectional view of a system including a window sash lock, a retainer, and a tilting latch, according to an example of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3-1 A window sash lock according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 3-2 It shows the use of Figure 3-1 The cam of the window sash lock.

[0009] Figure 4-1 An example of a bolt according to the present invention is shown.

[0010] Figure 4-2 It shows including Figure 4-1 The inclined latch assembly of the bolt pin.

[0011] Figure 4-3 It shows what can be used for Figure 4-2 The spring stop clip in the tilting latch assembly.

[0012] Figure 5-1 , 5-2Figures 5-3 show partial transparent views of a combined latch in locked, unlocked, and tilted positions according to an example of the invention.

[0013] Figure 6 An exploded view is shown illustrating the installation of a two-handed combination window latch system according to an example of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 An exploded view is shown illustrating the installation of a one-handed combination window latch system according to an example of this disclosure.

[0015] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes and do not represent the invention itself. The same reference numerals are used in different figures to denote similar or identical items. Detailed Implementation

[0016] A window latching system enables locking, sliding, and tilting of a window sash within a window frame and can be adapted to the existing routing profile of the window. In one example, a two-handed combination window latching system includes a pair of sash locks. Another example of a window latching system according to the invention may include a single sash lock and two tilting latch assemblies for a one-handed combination window latching system. Structures that can be used in two-handed or one-handed systems may include a spring-loaded one-piece bolt in a latch housing, a spring-stop feature that may be a separate part from the bolt in the latch housing, and a sash lock with a cam having a slot shaped to engage and operate the one-piece bolt. The systems described herein are easy to manufacture and require minimal assembly for users such as window manufacturers or consumers.

[0017] Figure 1-1 An example of a window 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. The window 100 includes a bottom sash 110 and a top sash 120 mounted in a window frame 130. Figure 1-1 The window latching system of window 100 is a two-handed window latching system comprising two combination latches 140L and 140R. Latches 140L and 140R can be left-hand and right-hand versions of the same basic mechanism and are sometimes collectively referred to herein as combination latch 140. Combination latches 140L and 140R typically restrict the movement of one or both window sashes 110 and 120 in window frame 130. Depending on the configuration of combination latches 140L and 140R, combination latches 140L and 140R can lock the bottom window sash 110 in place, allowing it to slide freely vertically within window frame 130, or allow it to tilt. Depending on the configuration of combination latches 140L and 140R, the top window sash 120 can be permanently fixed in window frame 130, or can be locked or allowed to slide vertically within window frame 130.

[0018] Figure 1-2Further details of a combination latch 140 according to an example of this disclosure are shown. In this example, the combination latch 140 includes a sash lock 142 mounted on a limiting crossbar 114 of the bottom sash 110 and a sash lock retainer 144 mounted on a limiting crossbar 124 of the top sash 120. As further described below, the sash lock 142 includes a cam (in...) Figure 1-2 (Not visible in the middle) When the window lock handle 148 of the window lock 142 is rotated, the cam rotates. The cam is eccentric, and when the lower window sash 110 is closed and the window lock handle 148 is rotated to the locked position of the window lock 142, the hook or other part of the cam engages the window lock retainer 144 to lock the bottom window sash 110 and the top window sash 120 together in the window 100.

[0019] Each combination latch 140 also includes a pin 146, a one-piece construction comprising a head engaging in a slot of a cam in the sash lock 142. The pin 146 extends from the sash lock 142 through the limiting crossbar 114 and the side rail 112 of the bottom sash 110. When the sash lock handle 148 of the combination latch 140 is in the “locked” or “unlocked” position, the end of the pin 146 protrudes from the side rail 112 and is fitted into the vertical track 132 of the window frame 130. When the sash lock handle 148 of the combination latch 140 is in the “tilt” position, the end of the pin 146 is flush with or recessed from the side surface of the side rail 112. The bottom sash 110 also has a pivot pin (not shown) that protrudes from the side rail 112 below the pin 146 and is also fitted into the vertical track 132 in the window frame 130. When the window sash lock handles 148 of the two combination latches 140L and 140R are in their unlocked positions, the ends of the two bolts 146 and the two lower pivot pins protrude from the side taper 112, engage the track 132, and guide the window sash 110 to slide upward (open) and downward (closed), as shown. Figure 1-3 As shown. When the window sash lock handles 148 of the two combination latches 140L and 140R are in their tilted positions, the ends of the two bolts 146 retract and disengage from the track 132, but the pivot pins protruding from the side lugs still engage the track 132 and allow the lower window sash 110 to tilt, as shown. Figure 1-4 As shown.

[0020] Figure 2-1 , 2-2 Figures 2 and 3 show a top view, a bottom view, and a cross-sectional view of a combined latch 140 according to an example of the present invention. The combined latch 140 includes a window sash lock 142, a window sash lock retainer 144, and a tilting latch assembly 230.

[0021] The window sash lock 142 includes a housing 212, a cam 214, and a handle 148, and may include a wave spring (not shown). The housing 212 may be a pressed, stamped, molded, or machined metal or other durable material, and includes mounting structures such as screw holes or other features for mounting the housing 212 onto a limit bar of the window sash. The housing 212 also includes a central opening, collar, or sleeve through which the handle 148 and the cam 214 are connected or keyed to each other and rotatably mounted on the housing 212. The handle 148 is located above the housing 212 and may be a lever of any manually rotatable device. The handle 148 is attached to the cam 214 located below the housing 212, such that rotation of the handle 148 also rotates the cam 214.

[0022] Cam 214 may be a pressed, stamped, molded, or machined metal or other durable material, asymmetrically shaped about its axis of rotation. The asymmetrical shape of cam 214 causes a portion of cam 214 to extend beyond edge housing 212 when rotated to the locking position and engage the retainer 144 of the adjacent housing. Cam 214 may be keyed to handle 148 to maintain correct orientation during assembly. Cam 214 has a protruding stop feature that interacts with the underside of housing 212 to limit rotation. Figure 3-1 A window lock 142 is shown, with a handle 148 and a cam 214 in the locked position, wherein a portion of the cam 214 extends beyond the edge of the housing 212. Figure 2-2 The bottom view shows how the window sash lock retainer 144 is suspended above the recess 224. When in the locked position, a portion of the cam 214 extends into the recess 224, and the window sash lock retainer 144 is correctly positioned on the limiting crossbar of the top window sash. The cam 214 on one window sash extends into the window sash lock retainer 144 on the other window sash to prevent either window sash from rising or falling. The portion of the cam 214 extending beyond the housing 212 may also include a raised edge 310 that hooks behind a downwardly extending tab in the retainer and pulls and holds the limiting crossbars of the bottom and top window sashes together. Figure 3-2 It is shown how the cam 214 is asymmetrically shaped such that when the cam 214 is rotated to the unlocked position, no part of the cam 214 extends beyond the housing 212, and the window lock 142 does not prevent the vertical sliding of the bottom (or top) window sash.

[0023] The tilting latch assembly 230 includes a pin 232, a pin housing 234, a spring 236, and a stop clip 238. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the pin 232 may be a solid, single-piece structure, which may be a casting or machined part of metal or other durable material. Figure 4-1An example is shown where the bolt 232 includes a connector 410 and a sliding portion 420 integrated as a single piece. The connector 410 includes a head 412 and a curved extension 414, the head 412 being shaped into a slot 320 in a cam 214 of the window sash lock 142 (e.g., ...). Figure 3-2 As shown, a curved extension 414 extends from the head 412 to the slide 420. Generally, the length and shape of the curved extension 414 can be customized according to the path profile of the window on which the combined latch 140 will be installed. For example, the extension 414 can be adjusted or bent to fit the size or thickness of the window sash's mullions or side rails, and the location where the window sash lock 142 will be installed on the window sash along the top or limiting rails. The head 412 of the latch can be enlarged or spherical, its dimensions suitable for fitting through the enlarged opening 322 of the slot 320, while the diameter of the head 412 is greater than the width of the arcuate portion 324 of the slot 320. Therefore, the head 412 of the pin 232 can only be inserted into or removed from the slot 320 of the cam 214 when the cam 214 and the pin 232 are positioned and oriented such that the head 412 coincides with the enlarged opening 322 in the slot 320; otherwise, the pin 232 cannot slide out of the slot 320 of the cam 214.

[0024] like Figure 4-2 As shown, the sliding portion 420 of the bolt 232 includes an end or striking pin 422 and a spring or clamping slot 424, and is otherwise shaped to fit into a slot 432 in the bolt housing 234. To assemble the bolt assembly 230, the sliding portion 420 of the bolt 232 can slide into the slot 432 in the bolt housing 234 until the slot 424 in the bolt 232 can be engaged through an opening 434 in the bolt housing 234. A latching spring 236 can be fitted into the appropriate position in the slot 434, with one end of the spring 236 abutting the bolt 232 at the outer end of the slot 424. The other end of the spring abuts a stop clip 238, which can be mounted through the clamping slot 436 in the bolt housing 234. The stop clip 238, during installation, extends through the slot 424 and approaches the inner end of the slot 424, holding it in place on the pin housing 234. Simultaneously, the slot 424 allows the pin 232 to slide relative to the pin housing 234 and the stop clip 238, compressing the spring 236. The spring 236 is thus biased to push the end 422 out of the pin housing 234; however, compression of the spring 236, whether pushing the end 422 or pulling the head 412, can retract the end 422 back into the pin housing 234. Figure 4-3The stop clip 238 shown can be formed with a hook-shaped spring arm that compresses when the stop clip 238 is installed and springs back when the stop clip 238 is in place on the pin housing 234 to hold the spring 236 in place and prevent the pin 232 from disengaging from the pin housing 234.

[0025] When typically installed in a window, the combination latch 140 has a sash lock 142 fixed to a limit bar on the sash and a latch assembly housing 234 fixed in a path through the side rail of the sash, extending through the limit bar to below the sash lock 142. Figure 5-1 , 5-2 Figures 5-3 and 5-3 show views of the combination latch 140, with the limit crossbar concealed and the window sash lock housing 212 transparent, illustrating the operation of the combination latch 140 in its locked, unlocked, and tilted positions, respectively. Figure 5-1 In the locked position shown, the cam 214 of the window sash lock 142 extends over the edge of the housing 212 and the limiting crossbar of the window sash to engage a retainer or other structure to prevent movement of the window sash. Figure 5-2 In the unlocked position shown, the cam 214 of the window lock 142 does not extend beyond the edge of the housing 212, and the window lock 142 does not prevent the window sash on which the window lock 142 is mounted from opening or closing.

[0026] Each as Figure 5-1 and 5-2 The locked and unlocked positions of the window lock 142 shown indicate the position where the head 412 of the bolt 232 slides freely within the gap of the slot 320 in the cam 214 of the window lock 142. The slot 320 in the cam 214 is arc-shaped, allowing the cam lock handle 148 to slide freely within the gap of the slot 320 in the cam 214. Figure 5-1 Rotate to the locked position Figure 5-2 In the unlocked position, the spring 236 acting on the bolt 232 keeps the head 412 of the bolt 232 stationary. Furthermore, in both the locked and unlocked positions, the slot 320 provides a clearance that allows pressure on the end 422 of the bolt 232 to depress the spring 236 and slide the head 412 back into the slot 320. If desired, the curved extension 414 or other portions of the bolt 232 can be slightly bent, or the notch 320 can be sized to accommodate movement of the bolt 232 relative to the cam 214. To achieve the desired flexibility and strength, the bolt 232 can be molded from acetal, nylon, or another durable plastic or polymer material. Even when the window sash lock 142 is in the locked or unlocked (or tilted) position, the flexibility of the extension 414 of the bolt 232 and the angled shape of the end 422 of the bolt 232 allow the tilted window sash to be closed. Figure 5-2In the unlocked position, cam 214 disengages from the retainer and allows sliding movements of the window sash, such as rising and falling, but spring 236 retains the end 422 of the bolt extending from the side of the window sash, so that the end 422 can restrict the upward sliding (opening) and downward sliding (closing) movement of the window sash.

[0027] Window lock handle 148 Figure 5-2 Rotate to the unlock position shown Figure 5-3 The tilted position, as shown, causes the end of the slot 320 in the cam 214 to contact and pull the bolt 232 toward the window lock 142, thereby retracting the bolt 232. (To rotate the window lock handle 148 to the tilted position, the window lock 142 may need to be above the retainer 144 so that the cam 214 does not extend over the housing 212 and interfere with the rotation of the handle 148 to the tilted position.) In the tilted position, the latch spring 236 is fully compressed, and the end 422 of the bolt 232 does not extend over the side surface of the window sash, allowing the window sash to tilt, for example, about an axis defined by a pivot pin (not shown) in a corresponding track projecting from the window edge into the window frame. Once the window sash tilts or the user releases the window lock handle 148, the tension in the spring 236 pushes the bolt 232, which rotates the cam 214 and the window lock handle 148, and retracts the window lock 142 from the window. Figure 5-3 The tilt position returns to Figure 5-2 The unlocked position. As described above, the combined latch 140 in the unlocked position allows the tilted window (e.g., as...) to... Figure 1-4 (As shown) Close, for example, rotate to Figure 1-1 Or the closed or open position shown in 1-3.

[0028] Figure 6This is an exploded view illustrating the installation process of a two-handed combination latch system 600 according to an example of this disclosure. For installation, the bottom sash's side latch 112 and limiting crossbar 114 are arranged or manufactured to include a vertical hole 614 at the location where the sash lock 142 will be installed and a horizontal hole 612 where the tilting latch assembly 230 will be inserted and secured. The tilting latch assembly 230 can be pushed into the circular pathway hole 612 via the side latch 112. Insertion of the tilting latch assembly 230 may require rotating the latch assembly 230 to orient the pin 232 through the pathway extending between openings 612 and 614, and when the tilting latch assembly 230 is inserted, the head 412 of the pin 232 can extend above the top surface of the top crossbar 114. Each sash lock 142 can then be placed onto the top crossbar while aligning the pin head 412 with the large opening of a slot in the cam of the sash lock 142. Once the head 412 slides past the cam in the window sash lock 142, the window sash lock 142 can be rotated to align the threaded hole in the housing of the window sash lock 142 with the threaded hole in the limit crossbar 114. Once the threaded holes are aligned, the screw 622 can secure the window sash lock 142 to the limit crossbar. The retainer 144 can be similarly secured to the limit crossbar 124 of the top window sash using the screw 624.

[0029] Figure 7This is an exploded view illustrating the installation process of a one-handed combination latch system 700 according to an example of this disclosure. For installation, the bottom sash's side rails 112 and limiting crossbars 114 are arranged or manufactured to include horizontal and vertical pathways 712 and 714. The vertical pathway 714 is located, for example, at the center of the limiting crossbar 114, where the sash lock 720 will be installed. The horizontal pathway 712 extends from one side rail 112 to the other and communicates with the vertical hole 714. Two inclined latch assemblies 230 are inserted and secured in openings at opposite ends of the horizontal pathways 712. The latch assemblies 230 may be the same as described above, but have sufficiently long pins 232 to reach the sash lock 720 at the center of the limiting crossbar 114. The window lock 720 may include the same housing, handle, and wave spring as the window lock 142 described above; however, the cam (not shown) in the window lock 720 may include two slots similar to slot 320, which respectively engage the heads 412 of the two bolts 232. Insertion of each tilting latch assembly 230 may require rotating the latch assembly 230 to orient the bolt 232 through the path extending to the vertical hole 714, and when the tilting latch assembly 230 is inserted, the heads 412 of the bolts 232 may extend above the top surface of the top crossbar 114. The window lock 720 can then be placed on the limiting crossbar 114 with the bolt heads 412 aligned with the large opening of the slot in the cam of the window lock 720. Once the heads 412 are engaged in the cam in the window lock 720, the window lock 720 can be aligned such that the screw 722 secures the window lock 720 to the limiting crossbar 114. A retainer (not shown) can be similarly fixed to the limiting crossbar of the top window sash.

[0030] The bolt 232 disclosed herein can have a one-piece structure, extending from a head 412 engaged in a slot 320 of a cam 314 to an end 422 at the surface of the mullion 112. The one-piece bolt 232 (particularly the extension 414) can be flexible to allow the head 412 to follow the slot 320 when an external force is applied to press down the end 422. This flexibility also allows or facilitates the assembly of the bolt 232 into the latch housing 234. This flexibility further allows or facilitates the installation of the tilting latch assembly 230 via the mullion and sash limit bar when rotated to its final position in the mullion. The flexibility also allows the tilting latch assembly to adapt to various window profiles with different geometries.

[0031] Although specific embodiments have been disclosed, these embodiments are merely examples and should not be considered limiting. Various modifications and combinations of the features of the disclosed embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A combined window tilting sash assembly, comprising: A window sash lock, configured for mounting on a window sash crossbar, includes a cam rotatable to engage or disengage a retainer to lock or unlock the window sash. The cam includes a slot having an enlarged opening and an arcuate portion, wherein the width of the arcuate portion is smaller than the diameter of the enlarged opening. A latch assembly includes a pin, the pin being a one-piece structure with an enlarged head sized to pass through the enlarged opening of the slot, but with a diameter greater than the width of the arcuate portion of the slot. The enlarged head is held within the slot, while the end of the pin is adjacent to the surface of the window sash's edge strut. The latch assembly further includes a pin housing anchored in the side tenon, the pin having a sliding portion and an extension portion, the end extending from the sliding portion and the extension portion extending from the sliding portion to the head of the pin, the sliding portion being slidably mounted in the pin housing. When external pressure forces the end to retract and the sliding portion slides within the pin housing, the extension of the pin bends to allow the head of the pin to follow the contour of the slot.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The cam can be rotated to a locked position and an unlocked position; In the locked position, the cam engages the retainer; Rotate the cam from the locked position to the unlocked position to disengage the cam from the retainer; and During the rotation of the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position, the end of the pin remains extending from the surface of the side taper, and the slot slides relative to the head of the pin, wherein the head of the pin slides freely within the gap of the arcuate portion of the slot.

3. The component according to claim 2, wherein: The cam can also be rotated to an inclined position; Rotating the cam from the unlocked position to the tilted position causes one end of the slot to contact the pin and retracts the end of the pin back into the side tap. The head of the pin can only be inserted into or removed from the slot when the cam and the pin are positioned such that the head is aligned with the enlarged opening in the slot.

4. The component of claim 3 further includes a spring system that is biased to rotate the cam from the tilt position to the unlock position when no external pressure is applied to rotate the cam to the tilt position.

5. The component of claim 1, wherein the window lock further comprises: Housing, including the cam; and A handle is located above the housing, and the handle and the cam are connected to rotate together relative to the housing.

6. The component of claim 5, wherein the shape of the slot follows an arc about the axis of rotation of the handle and the cam.

7. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the latch assembly further comprises: A bolt housing, wherein a first portion of the bolt is located within the bolt housing; A clamp is attached to the bolt housing and extends through an opening that passes through the bolt; and A spring, located in the opening, having a first end adjacent to the pin and a second end adjacent to the clamp.

8. The component of claim 7, wherein when no external pressure is applied to rotate the cam to the tilt position, the spring is biased to rotate the cam from the tilt position to the unlock position, and the end of the pin protrudes from the side taper.

9. The component of claim 1, wherein when external pressure forces the end retract into the side tab, the pin bends to allow the head of the pin to follow the contour of the slot.

10. The component of claim 1, further comprising a second latching assembly, the second latching assembly including a second bolt engaging with the window sash lock, the second bolt having an end on a surface adjacent to a second side rail of the window sash.

11. The component of claim 1, further comprising: A window sash, wherein the window sash lock is located on the crossbar of the window sash, and the latch assembly extends through the side rail of the window sash; A second window sash lock is installed on the crossbar of the window sash. The second window sash lock includes a second cam that is rotatable to lock or unlock the window sash. The second cam includes a second slot. and The second latching assembly includes a second bolt, the head of which is held in the second slot, while the end of which is adjacent to the surface of the second side rail of the window sash.

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