CA2192746A1 - Pick-resistant locking handle - Google Patents
Pick-resistant locking handleInfo
- Publication number
- CA2192746A1 CA2192746A1 CA002192746A CA2192746A CA2192746A1 CA 2192746 A1 CA2192746 A1 CA 2192746A1 CA 002192746 A CA002192746 A CA 002192746A CA 2192746 A CA2192746 A CA 2192746A CA 2192746 A1 CA2192746 A1 CA 2192746A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- link
- control member
- axis
- pivoting
- actuator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
An actuator for a window lock including a housing on the window frame, a link operatively connected to a window lock, and a control member. The link includes a spur gear with an annular surface having a number of annularly spaced teeth, and the control member includes a ring gear with an annular inner surface having a number of recesses defined therein for receiving a plurality of teeth. The spur gear is pivotable about a first axis and the ring gear is pivotable about a second axis parallel to but offset from the first axis. Portions of the link and the control member engage to pivot the link about a first axis during selected pivoting of the control member, and a pivoting force applied to the link to move the window lock from a locked to an unlocked position causes at least one of the link teeth to bite into the control member annular surface and prevent pivoting of the link about the first axis.
Description
920.00401 - Case 176 --'- 21 9274~
PICK-RESISTANT LOCKING HANDLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field This invention relates to window locks and more particularly toward actuators for pick-resistant locking systems for casement and awning windows.
Background Art Casement and awning windows include window sashes se-cured by hinges to opposite sides of a window frame (generally, casement windows have hinges on the top and bottom and awning windows have hinges on the sides). Such window typically include locks mounted on the window frame opposite the hinges, and cooperate with complementary locking means on the adjacent portion of the window sash. Typically, particularly with larger windows requiring locking at multiple locations along the side of the sash (multi-point locking), the lock includes a housing mounted on the window frame and pivotally supporting a handle which controls a link connected to one or more catches (typically rollers) to move the catches in and out of engagement with the locking means ItYPicallY cam members) on the sash for locking and unlocking respectively.
A constant concern with the windows, and particularly window locks, is obviously security. The locks are obviously intended to provide security against illegal intrusion into the building. Therefore, it is importantthat the locks not only securely hold the window sash closed when desired, but it is also important that a potential intruder outside the building not be able to manipulate or pick the lock so as to open it from the outside to enable the person to then actually intrude into the building through the window.
920.0040 1 Case 1 76 -2- 21 927~6 In multi-point locks, for example, there is a tie bar which ex-tends along one side of the window frame and ties together the multiple catches. There is, therefore, a danger that a potential intruder might be able to gain access to and manipulate the tie bar to move all of the catches to unlocked positions, thereby enabling the intruder to freely open the window and gain unauthorized access.
Further, such locking structures are often necessarily promi-nently placed on a window frame so that they can be properly used, but in such case it is sometimes difficult to keep the locking structure from intrud-ing improperly on the aesthetic appearance of the overall window. Increas-ingly in today's home construction in particular, the overall aesthetics of the window are primary design elements, and therefore locking structures which intrude upon or detract from that are particularly undesirable.
The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, an actuator for a win-dow lock is disclosed, including a housing on the window frame, a link operatively connected to a window lock and pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, and a control member selectively pivotable about a second axis that is fixed relative to the housing, where both axes are offset and parallel to each other. Portions of the link and the control member engage to pivot the link about the first axis during selected pivoting of the control member, and a pivoting force applied to the link to move the window lock from a locked to an unlocked position binds engaging portions of the link in the control member to prevent pivoting of the link.
In another aspect of the present invention, the link includes a spur gear and the link portions comprise an annular surface of the spur gear 920 .0040 1 Case 176 3 21 q2746 having a number of annularly spaced teeth on the annular surface. The control member includes a ring gear with an annular inner surface and a number of recesses defined in the annular inner surface for receiving a plurality of teeth.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the first axis is the center of the spur gear and the second axis is the center of the ring gear.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the link includes a number of teeth and the annular surface of the control member is such that when a connected window lock is in the locking position, a pivoting force applied to the link to move the lock to an unlocked position causes at least one of the link teeth to bite into the annular surface and prevent pivot-ing of the link about the first axis.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, the control member has a handle end remote from the control member engaging por-tions wherein the handle end pivots about the second axis to define an angular path of movement greater than 90~.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, pivotal move-ment of the handle about the second axis beyond first and second discrete positions of extreme angular movement is prevented such that when the handle is at either of the discrete positions, a pivoting force applied to the link to move the handle between the discrete positions combines the engag-ing portions of the link and control member to prevent pivoting of the link.
It is an object of the invention to provide a secure and pick resistant locking structure for windows.
It is another object of the invention to provide a window lock-ing structure which is easy and inexpensive to install, and which may be readily used on a wide variety of current and old window structures.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a window locking structure which is easy to use.
920.00401 Case 176 It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a window locking structure which minimizes the intrusion of the structure on the overall aesthetics of the window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention as used with a window frame and sash shown in phantom;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective partial view of the control member/handle, link member and housing of the present invention; and Figures 3-8 are a sequence of partial cross-sectional views of the actuator as the control member/handle is moved from the locked posi-tion shown in Figure 3 to the open position shown in Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment of the window lock actuator 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 with its housing 12 suitably secured to a window frame 14. A control member 16 having a suitable handle 18 on one end is suitably secured to the housing 12 for pivoting about a first axis 20, such as may be defined by the cooperation of an annular outer surface 22 on the control member 16 and an annular inner surface 24 on the housing 12.
A link member 28 is secured to the housing 12 for pivoting about a second axis 30 which is substantially parallel to and spaced from the first axis 20. As best shown in Fig. 2, the link member 28 may be suitably secured by inclusion of a portion 32 cylindrical about the second axis 30 received in a matching annular opening 34 in the housing 12.
The link member 28 is on its end pivotably connected to a connecting link 36 which is also pivotably connected to a tie bar 38 suit-ably secured for substantially longitudinal motion along one side of the 920.00401 Case 176 window frame 14. As is known in the art, the tie bar 38 includes thereon one or more catches or rollers 40 which are engageable with corresponding cam members 42 secured to the side of the window sash 44 (see Fig. 1), whereby the rollers 40 may be moved vertically onto the ramps of the associate cam members 42 for locking and then moved vertically off of the ramps for unlocking. (For illustration purposes, the sash 44 is shown open in Fig. 1 although the actuator 10 is shown the locked position. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the sash 44 would be closed against the window frame 14 during locking with the roller 40 gener-ally hidden behind the ramp of the cam member 42 during normal locking.) In the Figures, the handle 18 is pivoted down to move the tie bar 38 up for locking (by moving the rollers 40 onto the downwardly dis-posed ramps of the cam members 42), and the handle 18 is pivoted up to pull the tie bar 38 down for unlocking. However, it will be understood that this orientation may be changed as desired, with upward pivoting of the handle causing locking. Further, since this invention may also be used with awning type windows, it should also be understood that the handle could be oriented sideways, with pivoting to either side being possible for locking and unlocking .
The control member 16 includes a ring gear portion 48 at the end opposite the handle 18, and includes an opening 50 therein defined by a surface 52 generally annular about the first axis 20, but with recesses 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and teeth 56a, 56b, 56c.
The link member 28 includes a spur gear portion 60 at one end including a surface 62 generally annular about the second axis 30, but with recesses 64a, 64b, 64c and teeth 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d. This spur gear portion 60 is disposed within the control member ring gear portion 48 to function as follows.
920.00401 Case 176 -6- 2~ 927~6 The actuator 10 is shown in a locked position in Fig. 3. It will be appreciated that a potential intruder who is able to reach between the window frame 14 and the window sash 44 will try to manipulate the tie bar 38, connecting link 36 or even the link member 28 in order to move the tie bar 38 down to unlock the rollers 40 from the cam members 42. Whatever the intruder does, whether directly manipulating the link member 28 or pushing down on the tie bar 38, will attempt to pivot the control member clockwise as seen in Fig. 3. Due to the engagement of the link member tooth 66d with the end of the control member recess 54d and the engage-ment of the control member tooth 56c with the end of the link member recess 64c, any such pivoting of the link member 28 would also require clockwise pivoting of the control member 16. However, in this position it can be seen that any such pivoting will, due to the different axes 20, 30 of the control member 16 and the link member 28, cause the link member tooth 66c to bind against the link member annular surface 52 to effectively prevent such pivoting. That binding effectively prevents the actuator 10 from being repositioned and therefore prevents the rollers 40 from being disengaged from the cam members 42.
However, as illustrated by the sequence of Figs. 3-8, autho-rized manipulation of the handle 18 will readily allow such movement to unlock the windows as desired.
Specifically, if an occupant wishes to unlock the window sash 44, she may grasp the handle 18 accessible inside the building and pivot it up (clockwise in Figs. 3-8). Initially, such pivoting will only pivot the control member 16 as the control member recess 54d moves past the link member tooth 66d until the tooth 66d engages the opposite end of the recess 54d (see Fig. 4). At this point, continued clockwise pivoting of the control member 16 about its axis 20 will also pivot the link member 28 about its axis 30 through the engagement of the tooth 66d and recess 54d, during 920.00401 Case 176 -~7~ 21 ','2746 which the link member teeth 66b, 66c will (due again to the spaced axes of rotation 20, 30) move into the control member recesses 54b, 54c and the control member tooth 56b will move into the link member recess 64b (see Fig. 5).
Again due to the different pivot axes 20, 30, continued pivot-ing of the handle 18 will cause the link member tooth 66d to eventually slip from the control member recess 54d and the control member tooth 56c so that there is no longer any clockwise driving engagement therebetween.
However, as that gradually occurs, the above discussed engagement of the link member teeth 66b, 66c with the control member recesses 54b, 54c and the control member tooth 56b with the link member recess 64b will con-tinue pivoting the link member 28 with the control member 16 (see Fig. 6).
Still further pivoting of the control member 16 will then begin to move the link member teeth 66b, 66c from the control member recesses 54b, 54c and the control member tooth 56b from the link member recess 64b (see Fig. 7). However, as that gradually occurs with continued pivot-ing, the link member tooth 66a moves into control member recess 54a and the control member tooth 56a moves into the link member recess 64a (see Fig. 7) so that a continued driving connection exists through the engage-ment of the end of the link member recess 64a with the control member tooth 56a and/or the engagement of the link member tooth 66a with the end of the control member recess 54a until the control member 16 reaches the open position (see Fig. 8).
In the unlocked or open position at the end of the range of pivoting of the control member 16 (as defined by the end walls of the hous-ing 12), any attempt to change the position of the actuator 10 by counter-clockwise pivoting of the link member 28 will be prevented by the link member tooth 66b jamming into the control member surface 50 as well as the link member tooth 66c binding with the control member tooth 56b.
920.00401 Case 176 -8- 21 q2146 Reverse pivoting by manipulation of the handle 18 and control member 16 would, however, be permitted, as initial counterclockwise pivot-ing of the control member 16 would not pivot the link member 28. The link member 28 would begin pivoting with the control member 16 only once the control member tooth 56a reaches the other end of the link member recess 64a so that abutment between the tooth 56a and the end of the recess 64a causes pivoting together. Of course, in that condition such as shown in Figure 7, the link member teeth 66b, 66c have been shifted approximately the length of the link member recess 64a less the width of the control member tooth 56a, so that they move into the control member recesses 54b, 54c and do not bind to prevent pivoting. Continued pivoting in the counterclockwise direction would sequentially shift the driving connection between the control member 16 and the link member 28 to the various teeth and grooves in a generally reverse manner to that described above with respect to clockwise pivoting.
The structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention thus provides a similar security so that, at both ends of its opera-tion, its position can be changed only by direct manipulation of the control member 16. Such operation is advantageous to permit the actuator 10 to be installed for operation with locking being accomplished through pivoting in either direction. This permits the structure to be used in a wide variety of windows, without requiring different "handed" structures for different operations, and further eliminates any risk of the actuator 10 being installed incorrectly so as to not provide the desired security feature in the locking position.
Further, even though security against intrusion is not to be expected if the window sash is open, the security against inadvertent changing from the open to the locked position is also highly desirable. For example, in installations in which the actuator 10 is in the open position 920.0040 1 Case 1 76 9 21 92~4~
when the tie bar is in its up position (that is, opposite that shown in Figure 1), the weight of the tie bar and rollers would bear down and bias the link member toward pivoting toward the locking position. By preventing such a biasing force from change the actuator 10 to the locking position from the open position, the actuator 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will prevent damage to the window sash, window operator, tie bar, and/or rollers as might occur should a person attempt to close the window sash with the rollers interfering with the cam members (as could occur if the actuator were to unknowingly change the rollers to their locking position). Similarly, this security will prevent a person from being misled into believing that the sash is not locked, even though perhaps closed against the frame, to allow a person to rely upon the window being open should they leave the building with an expectation of being able to gain access through the window or for some other reason relying upon the window being unlocked.
The above advantages are further provided by a structure having a minimum number of parts, thereby not only minimizing manufactur-ing and assembly time and cost but also maximizing reliability and product life. Further, this can all be accomplished with a structure which will ac-commodate the aesthetic needs of windows in today's markets, with mini-mal visual intrusion. Still further, this structure may be easily installed not only in new window structures, but also with existing window locking structures, as the actuator 10 may readily replace previously installed actua-tors. It should also be apparent that this actuator structure may be easily used by people of all ages.
Still other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.
PICK-RESISTANT LOCKING HANDLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field This invention relates to window locks and more particularly toward actuators for pick-resistant locking systems for casement and awning windows.
Background Art Casement and awning windows include window sashes se-cured by hinges to opposite sides of a window frame (generally, casement windows have hinges on the top and bottom and awning windows have hinges on the sides). Such window typically include locks mounted on the window frame opposite the hinges, and cooperate with complementary locking means on the adjacent portion of the window sash. Typically, particularly with larger windows requiring locking at multiple locations along the side of the sash (multi-point locking), the lock includes a housing mounted on the window frame and pivotally supporting a handle which controls a link connected to one or more catches (typically rollers) to move the catches in and out of engagement with the locking means ItYPicallY cam members) on the sash for locking and unlocking respectively.
A constant concern with the windows, and particularly window locks, is obviously security. The locks are obviously intended to provide security against illegal intrusion into the building. Therefore, it is importantthat the locks not only securely hold the window sash closed when desired, but it is also important that a potential intruder outside the building not be able to manipulate or pick the lock so as to open it from the outside to enable the person to then actually intrude into the building through the window.
920.0040 1 Case 1 76 -2- 21 927~6 In multi-point locks, for example, there is a tie bar which ex-tends along one side of the window frame and ties together the multiple catches. There is, therefore, a danger that a potential intruder might be able to gain access to and manipulate the tie bar to move all of the catches to unlocked positions, thereby enabling the intruder to freely open the window and gain unauthorized access.
Further, such locking structures are often necessarily promi-nently placed on a window frame so that they can be properly used, but in such case it is sometimes difficult to keep the locking structure from intrud-ing improperly on the aesthetic appearance of the overall window. Increas-ingly in today's home construction in particular, the overall aesthetics of the window are primary design elements, and therefore locking structures which intrude upon or detract from that are particularly undesirable.
The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, an actuator for a win-dow lock is disclosed, including a housing on the window frame, a link operatively connected to a window lock and pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, and a control member selectively pivotable about a second axis that is fixed relative to the housing, where both axes are offset and parallel to each other. Portions of the link and the control member engage to pivot the link about the first axis during selected pivoting of the control member, and a pivoting force applied to the link to move the window lock from a locked to an unlocked position binds engaging portions of the link in the control member to prevent pivoting of the link.
In another aspect of the present invention, the link includes a spur gear and the link portions comprise an annular surface of the spur gear 920 .0040 1 Case 176 3 21 q2746 having a number of annularly spaced teeth on the annular surface. The control member includes a ring gear with an annular inner surface and a number of recesses defined in the annular inner surface for receiving a plurality of teeth.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the first axis is the center of the spur gear and the second axis is the center of the ring gear.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the link includes a number of teeth and the annular surface of the control member is such that when a connected window lock is in the locking position, a pivoting force applied to the link to move the lock to an unlocked position causes at least one of the link teeth to bite into the annular surface and prevent pivot-ing of the link about the first axis.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, the control member has a handle end remote from the control member engaging por-tions wherein the handle end pivots about the second axis to define an angular path of movement greater than 90~.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, pivotal move-ment of the handle about the second axis beyond first and second discrete positions of extreme angular movement is prevented such that when the handle is at either of the discrete positions, a pivoting force applied to the link to move the handle between the discrete positions combines the engag-ing portions of the link and control member to prevent pivoting of the link.
It is an object of the invention to provide a secure and pick resistant locking structure for windows.
It is another object of the invention to provide a window lock-ing structure which is easy and inexpensive to install, and which may be readily used on a wide variety of current and old window structures.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a window locking structure which is easy to use.
920.00401 Case 176 It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a window locking structure which minimizes the intrusion of the structure on the overall aesthetics of the window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention as used with a window frame and sash shown in phantom;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective partial view of the control member/handle, link member and housing of the present invention; and Figures 3-8 are a sequence of partial cross-sectional views of the actuator as the control member/handle is moved from the locked posi-tion shown in Figure 3 to the open position shown in Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment of the window lock actuator 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 with its housing 12 suitably secured to a window frame 14. A control member 16 having a suitable handle 18 on one end is suitably secured to the housing 12 for pivoting about a first axis 20, such as may be defined by the cooperation of an annular outer surface 22 on the control member 16 and an annular inner surface 24 on the housing 12.
A link member 28 is secured to the housing 12 for pivoting about a second axis 30 which is substantially parallel to and spaced from the first axis 20. As best shown in Fig. 2, the link member 28 may be suitably secured by inclusion of a portion 32 cylindrical about the second axis 30 received in a matching annular opening 34 in the housing 12.
The link member 28 is on its end pivotably connected to a connecting link 36 which is also pivotably connected to a tie bar 38 suit-ably secured for substantially longitudinal motion along one side of the 920.00401 Case 176 window frame 14. As is known in the art, the tie bar 38 includes thereon one or more catches or rollers 40 which are engageable with corresponding cam members 42 secured to the side of the window sash 44 (see Fig. 1), whereby the rollers 40 may be moved vertically onto the ramps of the associate cam members 42 for locking and then moved vertically off of the ramps for unlocking. (For illustration purposes, the sash 44 is shown open in Fig. 1 although the actuator 10 is shown the locked position. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the sash 44 would be closed against the window frame 14 during locking with the roller 40 gener-ally hidden behind the ramp of the cam member 42 during normal locking.) In the Figures, the handle 18 is pivoted down to move the tie bar 38 up for locking (by moving the rollers 40 onto the downwardly dis-posed ramps of the cam members 42), and the handle 18 is pivoted up to pull the tie bar 38 down for unlocking. However, it will be understood that this orientation may be changed as desired, with upward pivoting of the handle causing locking. Further, since this invention may also be used with awning type windows, it should also be understood that the handle could be oriented sideways, with pivoting to either side being possible for locking and unlocking .
The control member 16 includes a ring gear portion 48 at the end opposite the handle 18, and includes an opening 50 therein defined by a surface 52 generally annular about the first axis 20, but with recesses 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d and teeth 56a, 56b, 56c.
The link member 28 includes a spur gear portion 60 at one end including a surface 62 generally annular about the second axis 30, but with recesses 64a, 64b, 64c and teeth 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d. This spur gear portion 60 is disposed within the control member ring gear portion 48 to function as follows.
920.00401 Case 176 -6- 2~ 927~6 The actuator 10 is shown in a locked position in Fig. 3. It will be appreciated that a potential intruder who is able to reach between the window frame 14 and the window sash 44 will try to manipulate the tie bar 38, connecting link 36 or even the link member 28 in order to move the tie bar 38 down to unlock the rollers 40 from the cam members 42. Whatever the intruder does, whether directly manipulating the link member 28 or pushing down on the tie bar 38, will attempt to pivot the control member clockwise as seen in Fig. 3. Due to the engagement of the link member tooth 66d with the end of the control member recess 54d and the engage-ment of the control member tooth 56c with the end of the link member recess 64c, any such pivoting of the link member 28 would also require clockwise pivoting of the control member 16. However, in this position it can be seen that any such pivoting will, due to the different axes 20, 30 of the control member 16 and the link member 28, cause the link member tooth 66c to bind against the link member annular surface 52 to effectively prevent such pivoting. That binding effectively prevents the actuator 10 from being repositioned and therefore prevents the rollers 40 from being disengaged from the cam members 42.
However, as illustrated by the sequence of Figs. 3-8, autho-rized manipulation of the handle 18 will readily allow such movement to unlock the windows as desired.
Specifically, if an occupant wishes to unlock the window sash 44, she may grasp the handle 18 accessible inside the building and pivot it up (clockwise in Figs. 3-8). Initially, such pivoting will only pivot the control member 16 as the control member recess 54d moves past the link member tooth 66d until the tooth 66d engages the opposite end of the recess 54d (see Fig. 4). At this point, continued clockwise pivoting of the control member 16 about its axis 20 will also pivot the link member 28 about its axis 30 through the engagement of the tooth 66d and recess 54d, during 920.00401 Case 176 -~7~ 21 ','2746 which the link member teeth 66b, 66c will (due again to the spaced axes of rotation 20, 30) move into the control member recesses 54b, 54c and the control member tooth 56b will move into the link member recess 64b (see Fig. 5).
Again due to the different pivot axes 20, 30, continued pivot-ing of the handle 18 will cause the link member tooth 66d to eventually slip from the control member recess 54d and the control member tooth 56c so that there is no longer any clockwise driving engagement therebetween.
However, as that gradually occurs, the above discussed engagement of the link member teeth 66b, 66c with the control member recesses 54b, 54c and the control member tooth 56b with the link member recess 64b will con-tinue pivoting the link member 28 with the control member 16 (see Fig. 6).
Still further pivoting of the control member 16 will then begin to move the link member teeth 66b, 66c from the control member recesses 54b, 54c and the control member tooth 56b from the link member recess 64b (see Fig. 7). However, as that gradually occurs with continued pivot-ing, the link member tooth 66a moves into control member recess 54a and the control member tooth 56a moves into the link member recess 64a (see Fig. 7) so that a continued driving connection exists through the engage-ment of the end of the link member recess 64a with the control member tooth 56a and/or the engagement of the link member tooth 66a with the end of the control member recess 54a until the control member 16 reaches the open position (see Fig. 8).
In the unlocked or open position at the end of the range of pivoting of the control member 16 (as defined by the end walls of the hous-ing 12), any attempt to change the position of the actuator 10 by counter-clockwise pivoting of the link member 28 will be prevented by the link member tooth 66b jamming into the control member surface 50 as well as the link member tooth 66c binding with the control member tooth 56b.
920.00401 Case 176 -8- 21 q2146 Reverse pivoting by manipulation of the handle 18 and control member 16 would, however, be permitted, as initial counterclockwise pivot-ing of the control member 16 would not pivot the link member 28. The link member 28 would begin pivoting with the control member 16 only once the control member tooth 56a reaches the other end of the link member recess 64a so that abutment between the tooth 56a and the end of the recess 64a causes pivoting together. Of course, in that condition such as shown in Figure 7, the link member teeth 66b, 66c have been shifted approximately the length of the link member recess 64a less the width of the control member tooth 56a, so that they move into the control member recesses 54b, 54c and do not bind to prevent pivoting. Continued pivoting in the counterclockwise direction would sequentially shift the driving connection between the control member 16 and the link member 28 to the various teeth and grooves in a generally reverse manner to that described above with respect to clockwise pivoting.
The structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention thus provides a similar security so that, at both ends of its opera-tion, its position can be changed only by direct manipulation of the control member 16. Such operation is advantageous to permit the actuator 10 to be installed for operation with locking being accomplished through pivoting in either direction. This permits the structure to be used in a wide variety of windows, without requiring different "handed" structures for different operations, and further eliminates any risk of the actuator 10 being installed incorrectly so as to not provide the desired security feature in the locking position.
Further, even though security against intrusion is not to be expected if the window sash is open, the security against inadvertent changing from the open to the locked position is also highly desirable. For example, in installations in which the actuator 10 is in the open position 920.0040 1 Case 1 76 9 21 92~4~
when the tie bar is in its up position (that is, opposite that shown in Figure 1), the weight of the tie bar and rollers would bear down and bias the link member toward pivoting toward the locking position. By preventing such a biasing force from change the actuator 10 to the locking position from the open position, the actuator 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will prevent damage to the window sash, window operator, tie bar, and/or rollers as might occur should a person attempt to close the window sash with the rollers interfering with the cam members (as could occur if the actuator were to unknowingly change the rollers to their locking position). Similarly, this security will prevent a person from being misled into believing that the sash is not locked, even though perhaps closed against the frame, to allow a person to rely upon the window being open should they leave the building with an expectation of being able to gain access through the window or for some other reason relying upon the window being unlocked.
The above advantages are further provided by a structure having a minimum number of parts, thereby not only minimizing manufactur-ing and assembly time and cost but also maximizing reliability and product life. Further, this can all be accomplished with a structure which will ac-commodate the aesthetic needs of windows in today's markets, with mini-mal visual intrusion. Still further, this structure may be easily installed not only in new window structures, but also with existing window locking structures, as the actuator 10 may readily replace previously installed actua-tors. It should also be apparent that this actuator structure may be easily used by people of all ages.
Still other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. An actuator for a window lock, comprising:
a housing mountable to a window frame;
a link pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, said link being operatively connected to a window lock;
a control member selectively pivotable about a second axis fixed relative to the housing, said second axis being offset from and parallel to the first axis;
portions of said link and said control member engaging during selected pivoting of said control member to pivot said link about the first axis;
whereby when a connected window lock is in a locking position, a pivoting force applied to said link to move a connected window lock to an unlocked position binds engaging portions of the link and control member to prevent pivoting of the link.
a housing mountable to a window frame;
a link pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, said link being operatively connected to a window lock;
a control member selectively pivotable about a second axis fixed relative to the housing, said second axis being offset from and parallel to the first axis;
portions of said link and said control member engaging during selected pivoting of said control member to pivot said link about the first axis;
whereby when a connected window lock is in a locking position, a pivoting force applied to said link to move a connected window lock to an unlocked position binds engaging portions of the link and control member to prevent pivoting of the link.
2. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the link includes a spur gear with the link portions comprising an annular surface of the spur gear including a plurality of annularly spaced teeth on the annular surface, and the control member includes a ring gear with the control member portions comprising an annular inner surface of the ring gear including a plurality of recesses defined in the annular inner surface for receiving the plurality of teeth therein.
3. The actuator of claim 2, wherein the spur gear has a center through which the first axis extends and the ring gear has a center through which the second axis extends.
4. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the link includes a plurality of teeth and the control member includes an annular surface such that with a connected window lock in the locking position, a pivoting force applied to the link to move a connected window lock to an unlocked position causes at least one of the plurality of teeth to bite into the annular surface to prevent pivoting of the link about the first axis.
5. The actuator of claim 4, wherein the annular surface includes a plurality of recesses defined therein capable of receiving the plurality of teeth such that with a connected window lock in the locking position, a pivoting force applied to the control member to move a connected window lock to an unlocked position causes a recess to move into alignment with at least one tooth so that it is capable of receiving the tooth therein as the control member is pivoted to thereby allow pivoting of the link about the first axis.
6. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the link includes a spur gear having said link portions thereon and the control member includes a ring gear having said control member portions thereon with said spur gear and ring gear being disposed in the housing.
7. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the first and second axes extend through the housing.
8. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the control member is manually pivotable about the second axis to pivot the link about the first axis.
9. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the control member has a handle end distal from the control member engaging portions with the handle end pivoting about the second axis to define an angular path of movement with the angular path capable of being greater than 90 degrees.
10. The actuator of claim 9, wherein the angular path of movement is less than 180 degrees.
11. The actuator of claim 10, wherein there are first and second discrete positions of extreme angular movement of the handle end beyond which pivotal movement about the second axis is precluded such that with the handle end at either of the discrete position a pivoting force applied to said link to move the handle end between the first and second positions binds engaging portions of the link and control member to prevent pivoting of link.
12. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the control member is pivotable about the second axis between a first and a second position whereby with the control member in one of the first and second positions a connected window lock is in the locking position and with the control member between the first and second positions a connected window lock is in the unlocked position.
13. An actuator for a window lock, comprising:
a housing mountable to a window frame;
a link pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, said link being operatively connected to a window lock and including a spur gear in the housing;
a control member selectively pivotable about a second axis fixed relative to the housing, said control member including a ring gear in the housing;
portions of said spur gear and said ring gear engaging during selected pivoting of said control member to pivot said link about the first axis;
whereby when a connected window lock is in a locking position, a pivoting force applied to said link to move a connected window lock to an unlocked position binds engaging portions of the spur gear and ring gear to prevent pivoting of the link about the first axis.
a housing mountable to a window frame;
a link pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, said link being operatively connected to a window lock and including a spur gear in the housing;
a control member selectively pivotable about a second axis fixed relative to the housing, said control member including a ring gear in the housing;
portions of said spur gear and said ring gear engaging during selected pivoting of said control member to pivot said link about the first axis;
whereby when a connected window lock is in a locking position, a pivoting force applied to said link to move a connected window lock to an unlocked position binds engaging portions of the spur gear and ring gear to prevent pivoting of the link about the first axis.
14. The actuator of claim 13, wherein the second axis is offset from and parallel to the first axis.
15. The actuator of claim 13, wherein the spur gear portions comprise an annular surface of the spur gear including a plurality of annularly spaced teeth on the annular surface, and the ring gear portions comprise an annular inner surface of the ring gear including a plurality of recesses defined in the annular inner surface for receiving the plurality of teeth therein.
16. The actuator of claim 15, wherein with the connected window lock in the locking position, a pivoting force applied to the control member to move a connected window lock to an unlocked position causes a recess to move into alignment with at least one tooth so that it is capable of receiving the tooth therein as the control member is pivoted to thereby allow pivoting of the link about the first axis.
17. The actuator of claim 13, wherein the control member has a handle end distal from the ring gear with the handle end pivoting about the second axis to define an angular path of movement with the angular path of movement capable of being greater than 90 degrees.
18. The actuator of claim 17, wherein the angular path of movement is less than 180 degrees.
19. The actuator of claim 18, wherein there are first and second discrete positions of extreme angular movement of the handle end beyond which pivotal movement about the second axis is precluded such that with the handle end at either of the discrete position a pivoting force applied to said link to move the handle end between the first and second positions binds engaging portions of the link and control member to prevent pivoting of link.
20. An actuator for a window lock, comprising:
a housing mountable to a window frame;
a link fixed to a first gear pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, said first gear having at least one binding member following a first path during pivoting of said first gear;
a control member fixed to a second gear selectively pivotable between first and second positions about a second axis fixed relative to the housing and spaced from the first axis, said second gear having a surface defining a boundary substantially annular about the second axis and an angularly extending recess in said surface, wherein said first path extends beyond the boundary substantially during pivoting of the control member between the first and second positions; and a limited slip connection between the first and second gears allowing limited pivoting of said second gear relative to said first gear when said second gear is selectively moved from one of the first and second positions toward the other position whereby said limited pivoting positions said binding member in said recess.
a housing mountable to a window frame;
a link fixed to a first gear pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to the housing, said first gear having at least one binding member following a first path during pivoting of said first gear;
a control member fixed to a second gear selectively pivotable between first and second positions about a second axis fixed relative to the housing and spaced from the first axis, said second gear having a surface defining a boundary substantially annular about the second axis and an angularly extending recess in said surface, wherein said first path extends beyond the boundary substantially during pivoting of the control member between the first and second positions; and a limited slip connection between the first and second gears allowing limited pivoting of said second gear relative to said first gear when said second gear is selectively moved from one of the first and second positions toward the other position whereby said limited pivoting positions said binding member in said recess.
21. The actuator of claim 20, further comprising a second limited slip connection between the first and second gears allowing limited pivoting of said second gear relative to said first gear when said second gear is selectively moved from the other of the first and second positions toward the one position whereby said limited pivoting positions said binding member in said recess.
22. The actuator of claim 21, wherein said limited slip connections comprise cooperating radially extending projections and grooves in said first and second gears, said grooves being angularly wider than said cooperating projections and at least one of said projections radially extending into its cooperating groove when said control member is in one of the first and second positions.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US66914096A | 1996-06-24 | 1996-06-24 | |
| US08/669,140 | 1996-06-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2192746A1 true CA2192746A1 (en) | 1997-12-25 |
Family
ID=24685198
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002192746A Abandoned CA2192746A1 (en) | 1996-06-24 | 1996-12-12 | Pick-resistant locking handle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2192746A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8205919B2 (en) | 2008-04-28 | 2012-06-26 | Newell Operating Company | Sash lock with forced entry resistance |
| US8205920B2 (en) | 2008-04-28 | 2012-06-26 | Newell Operating Company | Sash lock with forced entry resistance |
-
1996
- 1996-12-12 CA CA002192746A patent/CA2192746A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8205919B2 (en) | 2008-04-28 | 2012-06-26 | Newell Operating Company | Sash lock with forced entry resistance |
| US8205920B2 (en) | 2008-04-28 | 2012-06-26 | Newell Operating Company | Sash lock with forced entry resistance |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |