Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
  • E05B5/00—Handles completely let into the surface of the wing
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
  • E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
  • E05B47/0038—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means using permanent magnets
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
  • E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
  • E05B63/0052—Locks mounted on the "frame" cooperating with means on the "wing"
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
  • E05C9/00—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing
  • E05C9/10—Actuating mechanisms for bars
  • E05C9/14—Actuating mechanisms for bars with pins engaging slots
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
  • E05C1/00—Fastening devices with bolts moving rectilinearly
  • E05C1/02—Fastening devices with bolts moving rectilinearly without latching action
  • E05C1/06—Fastening devices with bolts moving rectilinearly without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt
  • E05C1/065—Fastening devices with bolts moving rectilinearly without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt flush
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
  • E05C9/00—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing
  • E05C9/02—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with one sliding bar for fastening when moved in one direction and unfastening when moved in opposite direction; with two sliding bars moved in the same direction when fastening or unfastening
  • E05C9/025—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with one sliding bar for fastening when moved in one direction and unfastening when moved in opposite direction; with two sliding bars moved in the same direction when fastening or unfastening with pins engaging slots

Definitions

• the present invention is directed towards window locks, and more particularly toward manual handles for actuating window locks.
• the present invention is directed to a flush mounted or low profile actuating window lock for casement windows.
• the present invention is directed to a flush mounted lock actuator designed to drive a lock bar that locks and unlocks a casement window, which protrudes from the window frame significantly less than prior art designs, while employing an action which operates at 90 degrees to the pivoting handle.
• a casement window is a window unit in which the single vent cranks outward, to the right or left.
• Casement windows are hinged at the side. (Windows hinged at the top are referred to as awning windows.) They are used singly or in pairs within a common frame. Casement windows are often held open using a casement stay.
• a lock handle is mounted on the frame of the casement window and moves an internally mounted fork component left or right.
• the fork component drives a lock or tie bar that is also mounted to the frame.
• One type of locking mechanism for a casement window uses a flat tie bar slideably mounted to the window frame along the open side of the window.
• the tie bar is provided with multiple pins for locking and driving that extend perpendicularly outward from the tie bar.
• a locking handle is provided on the interior of the window frame that can be thrown by the user between locked and unlocked positions. The locking handle slides the tie bar, which moves each locking pin between a corresponding locked and unlocked position.
• a typical lock bar and lock handle to drive the lock bar is shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,946,633, entitled "Low Friction Adjustable Roller Pin,” issued to Minter on May 24, 201 1 .
• Lock handles of the prior art are known to protrude from the casement window frame at a distance of approximately 20-25 mm. This protrusion is due to the internal driving mechanism within the handle.
• Casement window lock handles of the prior art drive a fork component, which engages and slides the lock bar.
• the handle casing In order to drive the fork component from one side to the other, the handle casing must have sufficient depth to allow for the handle to pivot about the casing and to allow the fork internally to shift from side to side.
• a casement window having an elongated casing with a substantially horizontal sidewall section including a longitudinal slot for receiving a fork component, and a restrictor arm pivotal ly attached at one end to the casing and pivotal ly attached at the other end to a handle at a first pivot point.
• a fork component is adapted to engage a lock bar external to the lock, and the fork component is in slideable communication with the casing within the longitudinal slot.
• a handle is pivotally attached at one end to the fork component at a second pivot point and pivotally attached at an intermediate point on the handle to the restrictor arm, and the handle is rotatable along a plane perpendicular to the fork component.
• the method comprises rotating the handle about the first pivot point to move the fork component and the second pivot point horizontally along the casing horizontal sidewall section within the longitudinal slot in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the handle, while simultaneously shifting the first pivot point relative to the second pivot point to allow said handle to rotate from an initial position.
• the elongated casing may comprise a spring action push mechanism including a permanent magnet embedded at an end opposite the handle second pivot point and the handle may include a second end having a permanent magnet of opposite polarity to the first permanent magnet embedded therein, wherein magnetic attraction between the permanent magnets maintains the handle in a flush position within the casing when the handle is in a locked position.
• the method may further include the step of pulsing the handle second end in the direction of the casing to compress a spring within the push mechanism such that upon release of the spring, energy stored in the compressed spring is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the first and second permanent magnets to release the handle for rotation.
• the method may include causing an over-center condition by rotating the handle from a fully unlocked position wherein a first hinge point, rotatably joining the handle to the fork component, is placed between a second hinge point, rotatably joining the handle to the restrictor arm, and a third hinge point, rotatably joining the restrictor arm to the casing, and the second hinge point is above an action line connecting the first and third hinge points, and thereafter causing said over-center condition by rotating the handle fully to a locked position such that the second hinge point is placed between the first and third hinge points, and the second hinge point is below an action line connecting the first and third hinge points.
• the present invention is directed to a method of securing a window sash to a casement window frame, comprising actuating a flush lock for the casement window, wherein the casement window includes an elongated casing having a substantially horizontal sidewall section including a longitudinal slot for receiving a fork component adapted to engage a lock bar external to the lock, the fork component in slideable communication with the casing within the longitudinal slot.
• the method comprises rotating the handle to an unlocked position, such that the first hinge point is between the second and third hinge points and the second hinge point is above an action line connecting the first and third hinge points, or rotating the handle to a locked position, such that the second hinge point is between the first and third hinge points and the second hinge point is below an action line connecting the first and third hinge points, and moving the fork component horizontally along the casing horizontal sidewall section within the longitudinal slot in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the handle.
• the present invention is directed to a casement window lock for securing a window sash to a casement window frame, the lock comprising a casing having a substantially horizontal sidewall section including a longitudinal slot, a restrictor arm pivotally attached at one end to the casing and pivotally attached at the other end to a handle at a first pivot point, a fork component including an attachment portion for engaging a lock bar and a protrusion for slideably engaging the longitudinal slot, and a handle in pivotal communication with the fork component at one end of the handle at a second pivot point and in pivotal communication with the restrictor arm at an intermediate point on the handle, the handle rotatable along a plane perpendicular to the fork component.
• the handle When the handle is rotated to an unlocked position, the handle pivots about the first pivot point, causing the fork component and the second pivot point to traverse horizontally within the longitudinal slot in a first direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the handle, and when the handle is rotated to a locked position, the handle pivots about the first pivot point in an opposite direction, causing the fork component and the second pivot point to traverse horizontally within the longitudinal slot in a second direction opposite the first direction.
• the casement window lock may include a plurality of hinges or pivot points forming an over center linkage to prevent back driving the lock.
• the over center linkage may include a first hinge point rotatably joining the handle to the lifter, a second hinge point rotatably joining the handle to the restrictor arm, and a third hinge point rotatably joining the restrictor arm to the casing, such that when the handle is in an unlocked position, the first hinge point is between the second and third hinge points and the second hinge point is above an action line connecting the first and third hinge points, and when the handle is in the locked position, the second hinge point is between the first and third hinge points and the second hinge point is below an action line connecting the first and third hinge points.
• the casement window lock may further include a retainer for securing the lock to a window frame, wherein the retainer is placed on a window frame opposite the casement window lock and providing a surface for mounting screws through the window frame to the lock.
• the retainer may comprise a slot extending along a length thereof for receiving at least a portion of the fork component extending therethrough as the fork component traverses in the first and second directions.
• the retainer may further comprise at least one detent formed therein to engage a detent spring coupled to the fork component and located between the fork component and the retainer, the detent spring providing tactile and audible indication that the fork component has reached an end of travel.
• a spring washer may be attached between the restrictor arm and the casing, the spring washer capable of providing force at minimal deflection.
• the casement window lock may further comprise a spring action push mechanism including a permanent magnet embedded in the casing at an end opposite the handle second pivot point and the handle may include a second end having a permanent magnet of opposite polarity to the first permanent magnet embedded therein, wherein magnetic attraction between the permanent magnets maintains the handle in a flush position within the casing when the handle is in a locked position.
• the handle is releasable for rotation by pulsing an end of the handle in the direction of the casing to compress a spring within the push mechanism such that upon release of the spring, energy stored in the compressed spring is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the first and second permanent magnets.
• a snap-on escutcheon may be attached to the casing and the handle, and the casement window lock may further include a rotatable connector for preventing the handle from over-rotating and contacting the casing and/or escutcheon and ensuring clearance therebetween as the handle is rotated to an unlocked position.
• Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the flush lock handle mechanism casement window lock of the present invention, with the handle in the closed position.
• Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the flush lock handle mechanism of Fig. 1 .
• the escutcheon and spring action push mechanism are not shown, for clarity.
• Fig. 3 is a right side perspective view of a sub-assembly of the flush lock mechanism of Fig. 1 , showing the connection scheme of the handle, spring action push mechanism, restrictor arm, and fork.
• the escutcheon and main casing have been removed, for clarity.
• Fig. 4 is a left side perspective view of the sub-assembly of the flush lock mechanism of Fig. 3.
• Fig. 6 is a right side plan view of the flush lock handle mechanism of Fig. 5, with the casing removed to show the positioning of over center linkage including three hinge points depicted with the handle in the closed position.
• Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the flush lock handle mechanism of Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flush lock handle mechanism casement window lock of the present invention, with the handle in the fully opened position.
• Fig. 9 is a right side perspective view of a sub-assembly of the flush lock mechanism of Fig. 8. The escutcheon and main casing have been removed, for clarity.
• Fig. 10 is a left side perspective view of the sub-assembly of the flush lock mechanism of Fig. 9.
• Fig. 1 1 is a right side plan view of the flush lock handle mechanism of Fig. 8, showing the fork translated within a longitudinal slot in the sidewall of the casing as the handle rotated to the open position.
• Fig. 12 is a right side plan view of the flush lock handle mechanism of Fig. 1 1 , with the casing removed to show the positioning of over center linkage including three hinge points depicted with the handle in the open position.
• Fig. 1 3 is a bottom plan view of the flush lock handle mechanism of Fig. 8.
• Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the flush lock handle mechanism casement window lock of the present invention installed in a window frame, with the handle in the locked position. A portion of the window trim has been removed to show the interconnection between the lock handle mechanism fork and the lock bar.
• Fig. 1 5 is a perspective view of the flush lock handle mechanism casement window lock of Fig. 14, with the handle in the open position.
• exemplary is used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily intended to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design. Rather, the use of the word “exemplary” is merely intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
• the lock of the present invention is a low profile, flush design, that protrudes from the window frame significantly less than the prior art, at about 8 mm compared to 25 mm in the current prior art designs.
• the window is closed generally by a crank.
• the strikes on the moving sash are brought close to the pins on a tie bar mounted to the non-moving window frame.
• the lock handle is then thrown.
• This drives a fork component within the lock, which engages the tie bar and drives it, moving the tie bar pins into engagement with corresponding hooks or strikes.
• the fork component is preferably a flat structure adapted to slide within the lock casing, preferably having two extensions, such as leg portions, for engaging a tie bar.
• the strikes generally have a ramp surface at their mouth and the pins slide up this ramp into engagement. This motion pulls the sash tightly against the window frame generating compression for sealing the sash to the window frame.
• the locking mechanism of the present invention introduces a longitudinal slot in a sidewall of the casing for the lock, wherein a fork component translates within the slot in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the handle, and the handle is rotatable along a plane perpendicular to the fork component.
• the pivot point of the handle and the restrictor arm shifts relative to the fork component to allow the handle to rotate approximately 1 50° from an initial position.
• the handle directly drives a fork component or the tie bar - structural limitations that result in a higher profile appearance.
• the handle is allowed to move more deeply into the lock mechanism to reduce the height of the lock casing.
• Fig. 3 depicts a subassembly 120 of the flush lock mechanism of the present invention, with the escutcheon 4 and casing 1 removed, for clarity.
• lock mechanism 100 includes a lever arm or handle 7, pivotable about a restrictor arm comprising sides 2A, 2B through a hinge or pivot pin 1 1 at an intermediate point of the handle.
• restrictor arm 2A, 2B is riveted to handle 7; however, other attachment schemes may be employed provided handle 7 is rotatably attached to restrictor arm 2A, 2B at the desired pivot location.
• Pivot pin 1 1 is preferably located at an intermediate point on handle 7 between the handle endpoints at a distance closer to the main casing 1 and escutcheon than the handle's grip portion end 1 6. This allows for greater mechanical leverage by a user when pulling handle 7 upwards or pushing handle 7 downwards.
• a spring action push mechanism 70 may be embedded in casing 4 near the handle grip potion 1 6.
• Push mechanism 70 acts to maintain the handle 7 in a flush position relative to the casing when handle is in the locked position, and to release the handle for rotation to the unlocked position, as will be described in further detail below.
• Flush lock handle mechanism 100 in its operating condition, is encased in snap-on escutcheon 4 and main casing 1 . In Fig. 3, the snap-on escutcheon 4 has been removed for clarity.
• Fig. 3 further illustrates the connection of handle 7 to restrictor arm 2A, 2B via pivot pin 1 1 at an intermediate point from each end of handle 7, as well as the connection of fork component 5 to an end of handle 7, rotatable about a hinge, pivot pin 10.
• handle 7 is designed to pivot about restrictor arm 2A, 2B and fork component 5 via pivot pins 10 and 1 1 , respectively.
• handle 7 is not directly connected to, nor does it pivot directly about, main casing 1 or escutcheon 4. As discussed further herein, this linkage contributes to the low profile design of the lock mechanism and the over center operation that prohibits back driving the flush lock mechanism.
• a fork component 5 is employed that is similar to some prior art designs, insomuch as a fork component is used to engage a tie bar during locking and unlocking actuation.
• fork component 5 drives a tie bar or lock bar that is mounted to the frame.
• the tie bar engages a series of strikes that are mounted to the moving sash. Once the tie bar is engaged with the strikes, the window is locked.
• One end of handle 7 pivotally connects to fork component 5 via hinge or pivot pin 10, which may be a rivet or other rotatable, pivoting attachment.
• the opposite end of restrictor arm 2A, 2B is pivotally connected to casing 1 via hinge or pivot pin 12.
• pivot pin 1 1 connecting the handle and restrictor arm shifts vertically, as well as transversely, relative to pivot pin 10 to allow the handle to rotate from an initial position.
• handle 7 is permitted to rotate approximately 1 50° from its initial position, as shown in Fig. 9.
• Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the flush lock handle mechanism 100.
• Fork component 5 includes an extension or protrusion 6, protruding from said fork component body for engaging longitudinal slot 14 in the sidewall of the casing.
• fork component 5 may include a track segment 8 on its body that receives an extension or lip protruding from the top portion of slot 14.
• Handle 7 is received between two raised portions of fork extension 6, each raised portion comprising an aperture for receiving pivot pin 10 therethrough to pivotally connect handle 7 to fork component 5 (Figs. 3-4).
• Fig. 4 depicts a left side perspective view of the sub-assembly of the flush lock mechanism shown in Fig. 3, with a snap-on escutcheon 4A shown covering the top portion of handle 7.
• the subassembly may further include a spring action magnetic push mechanism 70 for maintaining the handle in flush position relative to the casing 1 when in a locked position.
• a spring action magnetic push mechanism 70 for maintaining the handle in flush position relative to the casing 1 when in a locked position.
• spring action pedestal 71 Embedded in the push mechanism is spring action pedestal 71 and at least one permanent magnet 72 having a polarity opposite permanent magnet 73 which may be embedded in an end of handle 7 opposite pivot pin 10 (Fig. 9).
• the distance, and therefore the strength of magnetic attraction, between magnets 72, 73 is such that to release the handle for rotation, a user may pulse the end 1 6 of the handle downward in the direction of casing 1 to compress spring pedestal 71 , and upon release, the energy stored in the compressed spring upon returning to its normally biased state is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between magnets 72, 73, resulting in handle 7 being freely rotatable after being biased upwards by the spring action pedestal 71 .
• fork component 5 may include a track segment 8 on its body that receives an extension or lip protruding from the top portion of slot 14. In either attachment scheme, fork component 5 is able to slide horizontally in slot 14 along the elongated horizontal casing structure when induced by the actuation of handle 7.
• hinge A or pivot 10 is the pivotal junction of handle 7 and fork component 5.
• Hinge B or pivot 1 1 is the pivotal junction of handle 7 with restrictor arm 2A, 2B at an intermediate point on handle 7.
• Hinge C or pivot 12 is the pivotal junction of restrictor arm 2A, 2B with the casing, as shown in Fig. 5.
• Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lock mechanism of the present invention with main casing 1 removed, depicting the positioning of three hinge points A, B, C when handle 7 is in the locked position. Hinge B is shown below the line of action 50 between hinges A and C. This relationship allows for the locking mechanism to utilize over center linkage at the ends of travel, and prevents the system from being back-driven (i.e., someone trying to break into the window by reversing the locking mechanism). Since hinge B is below the line of action 50 between hinges A and C, the system is not back drivable. In this manner, this configuration produces a "three bar linkage" design. It also allows handle 7 to move over a very wide operating angle and return to a flush or low profile position.
• the first of the three bar links is formed by handle 7 between the pivot 10 (hinge A) connected at fork component 5 and pivot 1 1 (hinge B) connected at restrictor arm 2A, 2B.
• a second bar or link is formed by restrictor arm 2A, 2B and pivots at each end thereof (hinges B and C).
• the third bar or link of the three bar linkage is created by fork component 5 (hinge A) and the horizontal sliding motion of fork 5 component relative to the fixed pivot point 12 of the restrictor on the body of the casing (hinge C).
• the three bar linkage uses these three links pivotally connected at the ends (pivot points) so that the three links can move relative to each other.
• Figs. 8-12 depict the handle 7 in a fully opened position.
• pivot pin 1 1 or hinge B gradually shifts vertically, as well as transversely, from the horizontal over the length of travel as the fork component moves horizontally within slot 14 along main casing 1 , perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the handle, as the handle rotates from a locked to an unlocked position. Without such rising, a binding condition would be experienced as the fork component is moved through its horizontal transition.
• actuating handle 7 serves to move pivot pin 1 1 simultaneously to a raised (or lowered) position while the fork component 5 is moved horizontally within slot 14, as the handle rotates between locked and unlocked positions. This allows handle 7 "clearance" to rotate about its pivot points without requiring extra depth to the casing, and in fact, reducing the depth of the casing, making the casement window lock more flush with the mounting frame.
• Retainer 60 provides a surface for mounting screws to bear down on.
• Retainer 60 is an elongated, flush component, having a slot or track 62 extending along a length thereof for receiving a portion of fork component 5 when the fork component translates within casing slot 14 as handle 7 is rotated between open and closed positions.
• Retainer 60 further includes a pair of indentations 63 indicating the ends of travel of the fork component 5 as the handle is rotated.
• Two screw holes 68 are introduced at approximately each end for mounting the flush lock mechanism.
• a detent at both ends of travel (open and locked).
• a detent spring 9 (refer to Fig. 2) is located underneath fork component 9, between the fork component and retainer 60.
• Detent spring 9 provides tactile and audible indication that the lock mechanism has reached its end of travel. Additionally, a detent helps sustain handle 7 in the correct position at its end of travel.
• Figs. 2-7 and 9-1 3 depict a retainer 60 having preferred shaped detents 63 to receive and accommodate detent spring 9 as fork component 5 translates within slot 14.
• Fig. 7 depicts a bottom plan view of the lock mechanism in the locked detent position (detent spring 9 is engaged with the right-sided indentation or detent 63) when the handle is in the locked position
• Fig. 13 depicts a bottom plan view of the lock mechanism in the unlocked detent position (detent spring 9 is engaged with the left-sided indentation or detent 63) when the handle is in the unlocked position.
• a spring washer 3 is preferably employed between restrictor arm 2 and main casing 1 (Figs. 2-3).
• This spring washer preferably a Belleville spring washer, is capable of providing large amounts of force with very little deflection, thus allowing the present invention to provide upwards of 75 pounds of load with two-tenths of one millimeter (0.2 mm) of deflection.
• Spring washer 3 also accommodates production variances while maintaining a pre-load force on restrictor arm 2.
• Fig. 3 depicts a partial perspective view of the subassembly showing spring washer 3 in position.
• the present invention achieves a low profile casement window lock that far exceeds the profile depth of casement window locks of the prior art by introducing a longitudinal slot in a sidewall of the casing for the lock, wherein the fork component translates within the slot in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the handle as the handle rotates along a plane perpendicular to the fork component.
• the present invention establishes a locking structure with multiple pivoting points that allows the handle to rotate completely with minimally required clearance in the casing housing.
• the pivoting action of the handle and restrictor arm allows the handle to move the fork component horizontally while raising or lowering the restrictor arm pivot pin in relation to the fork component, with the fork component in slideable communication with a longitudinal slot in a sidewall of the casing.
• the multiple pivoting action provides for a three bar linkage that secures the casement window lock in either the open, unlocked position, or closed, locked position, and prevents back driving the lock mechanism in the reverse direction.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Wing Frames And Configurations (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Cited By (1)

Citations (8)

• 2018
  • 2018-06-01 AU AU2018285624A patent/AU2018285624A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2018-06-01 WO PCT/US2018/035562 patent/WO2018231549A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2018-06-01 JP JP2019569436A patent/JP2020523506A/ja active Pending
  • 2018-06-01 MX MX2019015175A patent/MX2019015175A/es unknown
  • 2018-06-01 CN CN201880040208.2A patent/CN110785532A/zh active Pending
  • 2018-06-01 CA CA3064591A patent/CA3064591C/en active Active

Patent Citations (8)

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