Lock and tilt latch for sliding windows

A position control mechanism for a window, said window having a window frame, at least one track defined on both sides of the window frame, first and second window sashes, and retractable plungers on opposite sides of said first window sash received in said one track for supporting said first window sash for movement within said frame, said mechanism comprising:

• a sash lock housing mountable to the first window sash between the opposite sides of the sash;
• a cam lock pivotably supported on the housing for selective pivoting between an unlocked position and a locked position, said cam lock in the locked position being engageable with a keener on the second window sash when the sash lock housing is mounted to the first window sash for securing the first and second window sashes against movement relative to the frame;
• a tilt latch actuator disposed between the housing and the first window sash when the housing is mounted to the first window sash, said actuator including
• a shaft pivotable about an axis relative to the housing, said shaft having an opening radially oriented relative to the axis and open on one axial end whereby said shaft may be moved axially during installation to receive any portion of said flexible connector in said shaft opening,
• a flexible connector securable at opposite ends to the plungers when the housing is mounted to the first window sash, said flexible connector extending through said shaft opening.

A position control mechanism for a window, said window having a window frame, at least one track defined on both sides of the window frame, and first and second window sashes, said mechanism comprising:

• first and second retractable plungers mountable on opposite sides of said first window sash, said plungers received in said one track for supporting said first window sash for movement within said frame when mounted to said first window sash;
• an elongated member secured at one end to said first plunger and at the other end to said second plunger;
• a tilt latch actuator mountable to the first window sash between said plungers for pivoting about an axis, said actuator including a shaft with a radial opening therein oriented substantially radially relative to said axis and receiving said elongated member when secured to the first window sash;
• and
• first and second guide openings receiving said elongated member therethrough, said guide openings being at fixed locations spaced from said axis at substantially equal distances on opposite radial sides of said axis.

A double-hung window, comprising:

• a window frame;
• at least one track defined on both sides of the window frame;
• first and second window sashes, at least said first window sash being guided for movement within said frame by said track;
• first and second plungers on opposite sides of said first window sash, said plungers being biased into said one track for guiding movement of said first window sash within said frame;
• an elongated member secured at one end to said first plunger and at the other end to said second plunger;
• a tilt latch actuator mounted to the first window sash between said plungers for pivoting about an axis, said actuator including a shaft with an opening therein oriented substantially radially relative to said axis and receiving said elongated member;
• and said shaft opening further being open on one axial end whereby said shaft may be moved axially during installation to receive any portion of said elongated member in said shaft opening.

A double-hung window, comprising:

• a window frame;
• at least one track defined on both sides of the window frame;
• first and second window sashes, at least said first window sash being guided for movement within said frame by said track;
• first and second plungers on opposite sides of said first window sash, said plungers being biased into said one track for guiding movement of said first window sash within said frame;
• an elongated member secured at one end to said first plunger and at the other end to said second plunger;
• and
• a tilt latch actuator mounted to the first window sash between said plungers for pivoting about an axis, said actuator including a shaft with an opening therein oriented substantially radially relative to said axis and receiving said elongated member;
• and
• first and second guide openings receiving said elongated member therethrough, said guide openings being at fixed locations spaced from said axis at substantially equal distances on opposite radial sides of said axis.