GB2499802A

GB2499802A - Combined tilt and slide window lock

Info

Publication number: GB2499802A
Application number: GB201203449A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Derham
Original assignee: Mighton Products Ltd
Current assignee: Mighton Products Ltd
Priority date: 2012-02-28
Filing date: 2012-02-28
Publication date: 2013-09-04
Also published as: GB201203449D0

Abstract

A combined tilt and slide lock device 10 comprising a slide lock actuator 20 and a separate tilt lock actuator 22, with both actuators 20, 22 provided within a single housing device 30 and adjacent to each other. The single housing device 30 is mounted centrally along an upper frame member 12 of a lower sash of a sash window, so that the lock has the traditional appearance of a central slide lock. The lock may be retrospectively fitted to existing sash windows. An apparatus comprising a sash window and such a lock device; and a method of locking a window sash are also claimed.

Description

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COMBINED TILT AND SLIDE WINDOW LOCK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

5

The present invention relates to a combined tilt and slide window lock for a sliding window to prevent or allow the window to slide or tilt, an assembly comprising a sliding window and a combined tilt and slide window lock and a method for locking a sliding window to prevent or allow a sliding window to tilt or slide within a window 10 frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sliding sash windows generally comprise a lower sash and an upper slash which 15 are slidably mounted within a window frame. The lower sash can be slidably moved upwardly to provide a gap between the lower edge of the lower sash and the seal of the window frame. In addition, the upper sash may be slidably moved downwardly to provide a gap between an upper edge of the upper sash and an upper frame member of the window frame.

20

The upper sash and/or the lower sash are mounted within side guide rails provided in side frame members of the window frame. Generally, the lower sash is located towards the interior of a building relative to the upper sash. Accordingly, when the lower sash is in a raised position or the upper sash is in a lowered position, the 25 outer surface of the lower sash is covered by the upper sash, i.e. the inner surface of the upper sash directly faces the outer surface of the lower sash.

Accordingly, a problem arises when a user attempts to clean such a window, in particular, if the window is located in an elevated position. The interior surfaces of 30 both the lower and upper sash can be easily cleaned from the inside of a building. The lower sash can be raised such that a person can lean out and clean the outer surface of the upper sash (or the externally hung sash). However, the exterior

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surface of the lower sash (or internally hung sash) cannot be accessed since if the window is open then the exterior surface of the lower sash is covered or concealed by the upper sash.

5 In order to address this problem, the lower sash may be provided with a tilt mechanism to enable the lower sash to be selectively tilted inwardly to provide easy access to the exterior surface of the lower sash window. Such tilt mechanisms are mounted on both sides of the upper frame member of the lower sash and may comprise plungers which are slidably moved inwardly to retract the 10 plungers from the guide rails and to then enable the upper frame member of the lower sash to be tilted inwardly. However, such mechanisms can be unsightly and do not maintain the traditional appearance of sash windows.

The upper frame members of lower sash windows typically have a standard 15 extrusion including an elongate recess or channel extending the full length of the frame member. The elongate recess or channel is longitudinally centrally offset and provides a concealed area in order to house the plunger mechanisms for the tilt locks for aesthetic purposes. However, these plungers still require buttons to protrude upwardly on either side of the upper frame member.

20

Sash windows also include a central sliding lock which generally comprises a locking member mounted on the upper frame of the lower sash which is selectively engagable with a keep mounted on a lower frame member of the upper sash.

25 An aim of the present invention is to provide a combined tilt and slide window lock which retains the traditional appearance of sash windows.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a combined tilt and slide window lock which can be retrospectively fitted to existing extruded upper frame members 30 of the sash windows.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated

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with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

5 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a combined tilt and slide window lock for a window, the window lock comprising a single housing device having mounting means for mounting the housing device on an upper frame member of a window sash, the window lock comprising a tilt lock actuator to prevent the window sash from being tilted and a slide lock actuator to prevent the 10 window sash from sliding wherein the tilt lock actuator is located adjacent to the slide lock actuator, the slide lock actuator being engaged with a slide lock member and movement of the slide lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of the slide lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the slide lock member moves into or out of a slide lock keep member mounted on an 15 adjacent window sash, the tilt lock actuator being engaged with a first tilt lock member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position (locked) to an inner retracted position (unlocked), wherein the tilt lock actuator and the slide 20 lock actuator are both mounted in the single housing device.

The single housing device may comprise a modular housing device. The single housing device may comprise a number of components.

25 The single housing device may comprise a single housing component.

The single housing device may comprise a combined housing device.

Preferably the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator are both integrated into 30 the single housing device/component.

Preferably the mounting means is arranged to mount the window lock on an upper

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surface of the upper frame member of a lower window sash

Preferably the window comprises a sliding lower window sash and/or a sliding upper window sash.

5

Preferably the window comprises a double hung sash window.

Preferably the tilt lock actuator member is arranged to cause movement of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member into or out of engagement with 10 respective guide rails provided in respective window frame members.

Preferably the window lock comprises a combined housing. The combined housing may comprise a single integral housing cover.

15 Preferably the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator extend outwardly from the single housing device.

Preferably, the window lock comprises a combined housing having an integrated tilt lock mechanism and a slide lock mechanism.

20

Preferably, the single housing device lock is arranged to be mounted on an upper frame member of a lower sash window.

Preferably, the single housing device is arranged to be mounted spaced from the 25 longitudinal ends of the upper frame member of a lower sash window.

Preferably, the single housing device is arranged to be mounted centrally on an upper frame member of a lower sash window.

30 Preferably, the single housing device is arranged to be mounted midway along the longitudinal length of an upper frame member of a lower window sash.

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Preferably, the slide lock actuator comprises a rotatable actuator member.

The slide lock actuator may comprise a lever.

5 Preferably, the slide lock member comprises a rotatable locking member. Preferably the rotatable locking member is rotatable into or out of engagement with the slide lock keep member. The slide lock member may comprise a cam member or a cam surface.

10 Preferably the tilt lock actuator member comprises a rotatable actuator member.

The tilt lock actuator member may comprise a lever.

The tilt lock actuator member may be connected to a gear mechanism. Preferably 15 the gear mechanism is arranged, in use, to be located within a recess or channel provided in an upper frame member of the window sash. Preferably, the gear mechanism is arranged, in use, to be located within a recess or channel provided within an extrusion. Preferably, the recess or channel is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the upper frame member of the window sash.

20

Preferably, the tilt lock lever is connected to a gear wheel such that rotation of the lever causes rotation of the gear wheel.

The first tilt lock member may locate at or towards a first lateral side of the window 25 sash and the second tilt lock member may locate at or towards a second lateral side of the window sash.

Preferably, the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member comprise locking ends or locking portions which extend into guide rails or can be retracted 30 into or towards the upper frame member of the window sash.

Preferably the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member are connected

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to the tilt lock actuator member by respective connecting members. Preferably, the or each connecting member is not longitudinally extendible and is substantially un-extendable along the longitudinal axis thereof. Preferably, the or each connecting member is rigid in the longitudinal extent.

5

The connecting member may be cut to size in order to fit windows of differing widths.

Preferably the tilt lock actuator and each connecting member comprise a rack and 10 pinion arrangement. Preferably the tilt lock actuator comprises a pinion and each connecting member comprises a rack. The rack may comprise a toothed section provided along a length of each connecting member.

Preferably, the connecting member comprises a gear portion or gear section. 15 Preferably, the gear portion is arranged to corporate with a gear wheel which is controlled by the tilt lock actuator.

Preferably, the tilt lock actuator is arranged, in use, to simultaneously move the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member.

20

Preferably the first locking portion and/or the second locking portion are urged towards outer locked positions. Preferably respective springs urge the first locking portion and/or the second locking portion towards outer locked positions.

25 The locking portion may be provided on an end of a carrier component. The carrier component may be secured to the connecting member in a plurality of positions and preferably in a plurality of predetermined positions. Accordingly, the position of the carrier component along the connecting member may be selected depending upon the dimensions of the window.

30

The connecting member may comprise a track providing a plurality of securement recesses or apertures. Preferably the track comprises two parallel rows of

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securement recesses or apertures. The length of the track may be cut by a user in order for the combined tilt and slide window lock to fit the dimensions of the window.

5 The carrier component may comprise one or more securement lugs. The or each securement lug may be arranged to locate within a securement aperture provided on the connecting member in order to secure the carrier component to the connecting member. The carrier component may be selectively secured at a number of locations along the connecting member in order to vary the separation 10 distance between the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member.

The carrier component may be located within a housing. Preferably the carrier component is resiliently mounted within the housing.

15 Preferably urging means is arranged to urge the carrier member towards an outer (locked) position. Preferably the urging means may maintain the locking portion in an outer (locked) position in the absence of a force on the tilt lock actuator.

The single housing device may comprise a modular unit. The modular unit may 20 comprise a base portion. The modular unit may comprise one or more cover portions or elements.

The combined tilt and slide window lock may be adjustable to fit windows of differing widths.

25

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a sash window and a combined tilt and slide window lock for a window, the window lock comprising a single housing device having mounting means and the single housing device being mounted on an upper frame member 30 of a lower window sash, the window lock comprising a tilt lock actuator to prevent the lower window sash from being tilted and a slide lock actuator to prevent the lower window sash from sliding relative to an upper window sash wherein the tilt

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lock actuator is located adjacent to the slide lock actuator, the slide lock actuator being engaged with a slide lock member and movement of the slide lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of the slide lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the slide lock member moves into or out of a 5 slide lock keep member mounted on the upper window sash, the tilt lock actuator being engaged with a first tilt lock member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position (locked) to an inner retracted position (unlocked), 10 wherein the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator are both mounted in the single housing device.

Preferably the sash window comprises a double hung sash window.

15 According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of locking a window sash to prevent and allow sliding movement and tilting movement of the window sash, the method comprising mounting a combined tilt and slide window lock for a window on an upper frame member of a window sash, the method comprising moving a tilt lock actuator to prevent the window sash from 20 being tilted and moving a slide lock actuator to prevent the window sash from sliding wherein the tilt locked actuator is located adjacent to the slide lock actuator, the slide lock actuator being engaged with a slide lock member and movement of the slide lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of the slide lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the slide lock member 25 moves into or out of a slide lock keep member mounted on an adjacent window sash, the tilt lock actuator being engaged with a first tilt lock member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position to an inner retracted 30 position and wherein the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator are both mounted in a single housing device.

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According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a combined tilt and slide window lock for a window, the window lock having mounting means for mounting the window lock on an upper frame member of a window sash, the window lock comprising a tilt lock actuator to prevent the window sash from being 5 tilted and a slide lock actuator to prevent the window sash from sliding wherein the tilt lock actuator is located adjacent to the slide lock actuator, the slide lock actuator being engaged with a slide lock member and movement of the slide lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of the slide lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the slide lock member moves into 10 or out of a slide lock keep member mounted on an adjacent window sash, the tilt lock actuator being engaged with a first tilt lock member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position (locked) to an inner retracted position 15 (unlocked).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a tilt window lock for a window, the window lock comprising a single housing device having mounting means for mounting the housing device at a central position on an upper 20 frame member of a window sash, the window lock comprising a tilt lock actuator to prevent the window sash from being tilted, the tilt lock actuator being engaged with a first tilt lock member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position 25 (locked) to an inner retracted position (unlocked) and wherein the first tilt lock member is located at a first longitudinal end of the upper frame member and the second tilt lock member is located at a second longitudinal end of the upper frame member.

30 Preferably the tilt lock member is located midway along the longitudinal length of the upper frame member.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which:

5

Figure 1 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to an upper frame member of a lower sash.

Figure 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 mounted to an upper frame member of a lower sash.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of a preferred embodiment of the present 15 invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a part of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

20 Figure 6 is a plan view of part of a preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to an upper frame member of a lower sash.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a slide lock actuator and keep.

25

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a keep for a slide lock.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a slide lock actuator.

30 Figure 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a part of a tilt lock actuator.

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Figure 11 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a part of a tilt lock actuator.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a part of a tilt lock 5 member of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a part of a tilt lock member of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

10 Figure 14 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a part of a tilt lock member of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

15 As shown in Figure 1, the combined tilt and slide window lock 10 for a sliding window is mounted to an upper surface of an upper frame member 12 of a lower window sash. When the window is in a closed position, the upper frame member 12 locates adjacent to a lower frame member 14 of an upper sash. A slide lock keep 16 (not shown in Figure 1) is mounted on the lower frame member 16 such 20 that a slide lock member 18 can be selectively engaged with the slide lock keep 16 to prevent or allow relative sliding movement between the lower sash and the upper sash. The lower sash is mounted within the window frame in a position towards the interior of a building relative to the upper sash such that the sashes can slide next to each other.

25

The operation and construction of the slide lock mechanism is generally known. However, the present invention provides a combined tilt and slide lock device 10 such that the mechanism also allows the tilting of the lower sash. In particular, the combined tilt and slide lock 10 comprises a slide lock actuator 20 and a separate 30 tilt lock actuator 22, as shown in Figure 2, although both actuators 20, 22 are provided within a single device.

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The slide lock actuator 20 comprises a lever which is rotatable about an axis. The tilt lock actuator 22 also comprises a lever which is rotatable about another axis. The axis of the tilt lock actuator 22 is offset from the axis of the slide lock actuator 20, as shown in Figure 2. This enables a shaft 24 from the tilt lock actuator 22 to 5 extend downwardly and into an offset channel 28 provided in the extruded upper frame member 12. Accordingly, the present invention provides a combined tilt and slide lock device 10 which can be used on conventional extruded frame members having a recessed channel in the upper face in which other locking devices would conventionally be located. The present invention can then be retrospectively fitted 10 to such frame members and the present invention does not require a bespoke upper frame member.

As shown in Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6, the combined tilt and slide window lock 10 includes a housing 30 from which both the tilt lock actuator 22 and the 15 slide lock actuator 20 project. This single housing 30 thereby provides a traditional looking lock mechanism on the window even though the lock mechanism enables dual locking, i.e. both a slide lock and a tilt lock function are provided. As previously explained, conventional tilt lock mechanisms are provided separate from the slide lock mechanism and/or cannot be used with predefined offset 20 recess channels provided along conventional upper frame members of lower sash windows.

The housing 30 comprises a single housing device or component which provides single mounting means. In particular, the housing device 30 includes one or more 25 cover elements/portions and a base element/portion. The housing device 30 includes securement apertures 70 through which screws can project in order to secure the housing device 30 to the upper frame member 12.

The slide lock actuator 20 is mounted on a top surface of the housing 30 whilst the 30 tilt lock actuator 22 is mounted to the inwardly facing side of the housing 30. Both actuators are easily rotatable by a finger or thumb of a user.

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The full mechanisnn apart from the slide lock keep 16 is shown in Figure 3. The tilt lock mechanism apart from the actuating mechanism is arranged to locate within the recessed channel 28 extending along the upper face of the lower frame member.

5

Figure 3 shows the mechanism in an uninstalled configuration with the first tilt lock member 32 and the second tilt lock member 34 secured part way along respective tracks 53, 59 of respective connecting members 52, 58.

10 The tilt lock mechanism includes a first tilt lock member 32 and a second tilt lock member 34. The first tilt lock member 32 is located at a first longitudinal end of the upper frame member 12 whilst the second tilted lock member 34 locates at the opposite second longitudinal end of the upper frame 12. Each tilt lock member 32, 34 comprises a respective looking portion 33, 35 which project outwardly from the 15 ends of the upper frame member 12 and engage within guide rails (not shown) or guide slots provided in the side window frame members (not shown). This engagement enables the lower sash to slide upwardly whilst the locking portions 33, 35 are projecting outwardly but also enable the lower sash to be tilted about lower engaging portions (not shown) when the locking portion 33, 35 are retracted 20 into the upper frame member 12.

On installation, the position of the first tilt lock member 32 and the second tilt lock member 34 can be adjusted along the length of the tracks 53, 59 in order for the locking portions 33, 35 to project into the guide rails in the extended position but to 25 be disengaged from the guide rails in the retracted position. The excess track 53, 59 can then be cut off and discarded. This arrangement enables the combined tilt and slide window lock 10 to be used with a variety of windows having different dimensions such that a user can quickly and easily adjust the device during or before installation.

30

The tracks 53, 59 provide two rows of engagement apertures along a length of the respective connecting members 52, 58. The first tilt lock member 32 and the

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second tilt lock member 34 comprise securement lugs in order to be secured to the tracks 53, 59. In particular, the sliding members 50 are secured to the tracks 53, 59 and the sliding members 50 move with the connecting members 52, 58.

5 As shown in Figure 7, Figure 8 and Figure 9, the slide lock mechanism comprises a rotatable lever 20 and a shaft (not shown) which is connected to a slide lock member 18. The manual rotation of the lever 20 causes corresponding rotation of the slide lock member 18. The slide lock member 18 comprises a locking portion 19 which is arranged to locate behind a locking tab 17 provided on the slide lock 10 keep 16. Once the locking portion 19 is located within the keep 16 and behind the locking tab 17, the upper sash in locked to the lower sash and this prevents any relative sliding movement between the two sashes. In addition, the upper sash cannot be forcibly moved away from the lower sash.

15 As shown in Figures 10 to 14, the tilt lock mechanism comprises a tilt lock actuator 22 in the form of a lever which is mounted on a shaft 24 which is connected to and rotates a pinion 40 or a gearwheel.

The tilt lock member 32 comprises a locking portion 33 which is provided on an 20 end of a carrier 50 or a sliding member 50. The carrier or sliding member 50 includes engaging lugs which engage within corresponding recesses or apertures provided within a track 53 on a connecting member 52. This connecting member 52 is arranged to be moved by the tilt lock actuator 22 such that rotation of the lever causes the connecting member 52 to move inwardly which thereby retracts 25 the locking portion 33 into or at least towards the upper frame member 12 in order to disengage with the guide rail. Similarly, opposite rotation of the tilt lock actuator 22 causes the connecting member 52 to move outwardly and to also move the locking portion 33 into the guide rail of the window frame. As previously explained, the excess track 53 shown in Figure 12, Figure 13 and Figure 14 is cut off and 30 removed prior to installation in the window frame.

The sliding member 50 is mounted within a housing 54. The sliding member is

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fixed to the end the connecting member 52. The sliding member 50 may comprise two components which are fixed together. The housing 54 includes a securement aperture 57 through which a screw can extend in order to secure the housing 54 fixedly within the recessed channel 28.

5

The sliding member 50 is resiliently mounted within the housing 54. A spring 56 locates between the sliding member 50 and the housing 54 and urges the locking portion 33 to an outward position. Accordingly, with no manual pressure on the tilt lock actuator 22, the spring 56 urges the locking portion 33 to an outer position. 10 The connecting member 52 extends along the recessed channel 28 provided in the upper frame member 12.

As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11, the inner end of the connecting member 52 comprises a geared portion 58, 60 or rack which engages with the teeth of the 15 gear wheel 40 or pinion. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the geared portion 58 is provided on a separate component 59 which then connects to the connecting portion 52 of the connecting member. However, it will be appreciated that the connecting member 52 can be made integral or could be made in sections which are connected together. Accordingly, the connecting member 52 may 20 comprise a modular component.

The second tilt lock member 34 and mechanism is the same as the first tilt lock member 32 except that the geared section 60 locates around the circumference of the gear wheel 40 at an opposite side relative to the first geared section 58. This 25 arrangement means that the rotation of the tilt locked actuator 22 in a first direction causes simultaneous retraction of both the locking portions 33, 35. In addition, both tilt lock members 32, 34 and both locking portions 33, 35 will be urged by respective springs 56 to outer positions. The connecting members 52 are rigid along the longitudinal extent in order for the connecting members to efficiently 30 transfer the force from the tilt lock actuator 22 to the locking portion 33 and 35.

The recessed channel 28 containing the tilt lock mechanism (i.e. the gear

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mechanisnn, connecting members, tilt lock members) is concealed by concealing members (i.e. clip in covers) secured over the open top of the channel 28.

The present invention thereby provides a single locking device having a single 5 housing 30 which is arranged to be mounted centrally along an upper frame member 12 of a lower sash such that the lock gives a traditional appearance. In particular, both the tilt lock actuator 22 and the slide lock actuator 20 are located midway along the longitudinal length on an upper surface of the upper frame member 12 of the lower sash.

10

The tilt lock actuator 22 is offset from the slide lock actuator 20 in order for the present invention to be easily fitted to conventionally manufactured sash windows which have recessed channels provided on an upper face of the upper frame member of lower sashes. The lower sash can easily be locked to an upper sash

15 to prevent sliding movement through the use of a generally conventional slide lock mechanism. However, the present invention also provides a tilt locked actuator 22 located centrally and adjacent to the slide lock actuator 20 in order for the lower sash to be selectively tilted inwardly from the window frame.

20

25

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Claims

5 1. A combined tilt and slide window lock for a window, the window lock comprising a single housing device having mounting means for mounting the housing device on an upper frame member of a window sash, the window lock comprising a tilt lock actuator to prevent the window sash from being tilted and a slide lock actuator to prevent the window sash from sliding wherein the tilt lock 10 actuator is located adjacent to the slide lock actuator, the slide lock actuator being engaged with a slide lock member and movement of the slide lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of the slide lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the slide lock member moves into or out of a slide lock keep member mounted on an adjacent window sash, the tilt lock actuator 15 being engaged with a first tilt lock member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position to an inner retracted position, wherein the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator are both mounted in the single housing device.

20

2. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to Claim 1 in which the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator are both integrated into the single housing device.

25 3. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the mounting means is arranged to mount the window lock on an upper surface of the upper frame member of a lower window sash

4. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in 30 which the window comprises a double hung sash window.

5. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in

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which the tilt lock actuator member is arranged to cause movement of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member into or out of engagement with respective guide rails provided in respective window frame members.

5 6. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator extend outwardly from the single housing device.

7. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in 10 which the single housing device is arranged to be mounted spaced from the longitudinal ends of the upper frame member of a lower sash window.

8. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the single housing device is arranged to be mounted centrally on an upper

15 frame member of a lower sash window.

9. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the single housing device is arranged to be mounted midway along the longitudinal length of an upper frame member of a lower window sash.

20

10. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the slide lock actuator comprises a rotatable actuator member.

11. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in 25 which the tilt lock actuator member comprises a rotatable actuator member.

12. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the tilt lock actuator member is connected to a gear mechanism and the gear mechanism is arranged, in use, to be located within a channel provided in an

30 upper frame member of the window sash.

13. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to Claim 12 in which the

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channel is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the upper frame member of the window sash.

14. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in 5 which the first tilt lock member locates at or towards a first lateral side of the window sash and the second tilt lock member locates at or towards a second lateral side of the window sash.

15. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in 10 which the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member comprise locking portions which extend into guide rails or can be retracted towards the upper frame member of the window sash.

16. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in 15 which the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member are connected to the tilt lock actuator member by respective connecting members.

17. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to Claim 16 in which each connecting member is not longitudinally extendible and is substantially un-

20 extendable along the longitudinal axis thereof.

18. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 in which the connecting member is cut to size in order to fit windows of differing widths.

25

19. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the tilt lock actuator and each connecting member comprise a rack and pinion arrangement.

30 20. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the tilt lock actuator is arranged, in use, to simultaneously move the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member.

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21. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which a first locking portion the first tilt lock member and a second locking portion of the second tilt lock member are urged towards outer locked positions.

5

22. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to Claim 21 in which the locking portions are provided on an end of respective carrier components and the carrier components are securable to the connecting member in a plurality of predetermined positions.

10

23. A combined tilt and slide window lock according to any preceding claim in which the combined tilt and slide window lock is adjustable to fit windows of differing widths.

15 24. An assembly comprising a sash window and a combined tilt and slide window lock for a window, the window lock comprising a single housing device having mounting means and the single housing device being mounted on an upper frame member of a lower window sash, the window lock comprising a tilt lock actuator to prevent the lower window sash from being tilted and a slide lock 20 actuator to prevent the lower window sash from sliding relative to an upper window sash wherein the tilt lock actuator is located adjacent to the slide lock actuator, the slide lock actuator being engaged with a slide lock member and movement of the slide lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of the slide lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the slide lock member moves 25 into or out of a slide lock keep member mounted on the upper window sash, the tilt lock actuator being engaged with a first tilt lock member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position (locked) to an inner retracted position 30 (unlocked), wherein the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator are both mounted in the single housing device.

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25. An assembly according to Claim 24 in which the sash window comprises a double hung sash window.

26. A method of locking a window sash to prevent and allow sliding movement 5 and tilting movement of the window sash, the method comprising mounting a combined tilt and slide window lock for a window on an upper frame member of a window sash, the method comprising moving a tilt lock actuator to prevent the window sash from being tilted and moving a slide lock actuator to prevent the window sash from sliding wherein the tilt locked actuator is located adjacent to the 10 slide lock actuator, the slide lock actuator being engaged with a slide lock member and movement of the slide lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of the slide lock member from an unlocked position to a locked position such that the slide lock member moves into or out of a slide lock keep member mounted on an adjacent window sash, the tilt lock actuator being engaged with a first tilt lock 15 member and a second tilt lock member and movement of the tilt lock actuator is arranged to cause movement of respective locking portions of the first tilt lock member and the second tilt lock member from an outer projected position to an inner retracted position and wherein the tilt lock actuator and the slide lock actuator are both mounted in a single housing device.

20

27. A combined tilt and slide window lock for a window substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.

28. An assembly comprising a sash window and a combined tilt and slide 25 window lock for a window substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.

29. A method of locking a window sash to prevent and allow sliding movement and tilting movement of the window sash substantially as herein described with

30 reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.