Double hung operation hardware

A fenestration operation hardware assembly comprising:

• at least one latch mechanism, the latch mechanism is configured for coupling with a sash slidable within a frame, the latch mechanism includes a latch bolt movable between a withdrawn position and a projecting position, the withdrawn position allowing movement of the sash relative to the frame and the projecting position limiting movement within the frame;
• an operator remote from the latch mechanism, the operator is configured for coupling with the sash, the operator includes:
• a handle rotatably coupled with an operator housing, the handle is movable between at least initial and operating positions, and the handle moves the latch bolt from the projecting position to the withdrawn position when rotated from the initial position to the operating position,
• a retention assembly coupled with the handle in at least the operating position, and in the operating position the retention assembly retains the handle in the operating position and accordingly retains the latch bolt in the withdrawn position, wherein the retention assembly retains the handle in the operating position and the latch bolt in the withdrawn position with movement of the sash, and
• a release assembly coupled with the retention assembly, the release assembly includes a plunger and the release assembly is biased against the retention assembly by engagement of the plunger with a second sash to release the handle to the initial position and the latch bolt to the projecting position as the sash is slidably closed;
• and
• a tying element coupled between the handle and the latch bolt, wherein rotation of the handle is transmitted to the latch bolt through the tying element.

A method for using a fenestration operation hardware assembly comprising:

• actuating an operator interface feature of an operator including an operator mechanism from an initial position to an operating position, the operator interface feature remotely positioned relative to at least one latch mechanism on a sash, the at least one latch mechanism including a movable latch bolt on the sash, and a tying element is coupled between the operator mechanism and the latch bolt;
• withdrawing the latch bolt from a projecting position received within a locking recess to a withdrawn position received within a sash groove of a frame according to actuation of the operator interface feature from the initial position to the operating position, in the withdrawn position the sash is at least slidably movable within the frame, and in the projecting position the latch bolt received within the locking recess limits at least sliding movement of the sash within the frame;
• and
• retaining the operator interface feature in the operating position and accordingly the latch bolt in the withdrawn position with the latch bolt in the sash groove with a retention assembly of the operator mechanism, the retention assembly coupled with the operator interface feature in at least the operating position.