Latch for use in window constructions

摘要

A latch for use in window constructions, particularly vertically and horizontally sliding window constructions. The latch is generally mounted internally in a window sash frame so that its latch bolt protrudes from the sash to engage a guide slot in the main frame jamb or header of a window frame. The latch includes a thin rectangular base plate having upstanding bosses on its opposing ends which are pierced by vertical bores that pass through the base plate. The latch bolt is of substantially the same width as the base plate and slides over it. The bolt includes two openings spaced to receive the upstanding bosses on the base plate, each opening having a first lower region sized to slidably accommodate a boss and a second wider ovate upper region sized to slidably accommodate the head of a screw fastener. Two screw fasteners driven respectively through the vertical bores in the bosses on the ends of the base plate affix the latch to a window sash and secure the bolt to the base plate. A coil spring biases the bolt to its extended position. The base plate further includes two opposing short vertical walls with inturned wedge-shaped protrusions along their top edges which slidably grip longitudinal rail regions on opposite side of the middle of the latch bolt to maintain the latch in an assembled condition before it is attached to the sash of a window. A finger pull is also provided to facilitate manipulation of the latch.