Abstract: A latch for use in a window comprising a bottom sash mounted in a window frame, the latch comprising a housing comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls and a rear wall. A top edge of the rear wall and a rear edge of each sidewall define a rear aperture. A front edge of the top wall, the bottom wall and each of the sidewalls defines a front aperture, the front aperture and the rear aperture opening into a bolt cavity defined by the housing. A bolt is slidably received by the housing, the bolt comprising a body with a front portion and a rear portion. The body is slidably received in the bolt cavity between a first position in which the front portion of the bolt is extended outwardly through the front aperture and the rear portion of the body engages an outer surface of the housing, and a second position in which the rear portion is disengaged from the housing. The rear portion of the bolt extends outwardly through the rear aperture in both the first and second positions.

Abstract: A window frame for use with a window assembly with a sash slidably mounted in the window frame, the sash having a top rail, a bottom rail, and a first and a second stile extending therebetween. The window frame includes a head member, a sill member defining a first channel for receiving the bottom rail of the sash when the sash is in a closed position and a trough extending along a bottom of the channel. A pair of jambs extends between opposing ends of the head member and the sill member. The trough is adapted to allow water to pass to a first interior volume of the sill member such that the water is directed to an exterior side of the sill member.

Abstract: A window frame for use in a window assembly with a sash, the sash having a top rail, a bottom rail, and a first and a second stile extending therebetween. The window frame includes a head member, a sill member, and a jamb extending between the head member and the sill member. The jamb defines a first slot that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the jamb and is adapted to receive a first weatherstrip. The first slot is disposed adjacent a corner of the first stile and angled with respect to a front surface and a side surface of the first stile.

Abstract: A latch for use in a window comprising a bottom sash mounted in a window frame, the latch comprising a housing comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls and a rear wall. A top edge of the rear wall and a rear edge of each sidewall define a rear aperture. A front edge of the top wall, the bottom wall and each of the sidewalls defines a front aperture, the front aperture and the rear aperture opening into a bolt cavity defined by the housing. A bolt is slidably received by the housing, the bolt comprising a body with a front portion and a rear portion. The body is slidably received in the bolt cavity between a first position in which the front portion of the bolt is extended outwardly through the front aperture and the rear portion of the body engages an outer surface of the housing, and a second position in which the rear portion is disengaged from the housing. The rear portion of the bolt extends outwardly through the rear aperture in both the first and second positions.

Abstract: A latch for use in a window, the latch including a faceplate, a pair of opposed sidewalls, each sidewall defining a pawl mounting recess, a bottom wall extending between the sidewalls, an aperture defined by the faceplate that opens into a first cavity defined by the housing, and a pair of mounting arms disposed within the first cavity. Each mounting arm has a distal end extending both toward the face plate and inwardly toward a longitudinal center plane of the housing. A pawl is pivotably received in the first recess, the pawl including a top surface, an engagement surface, and a pair of mounting pins pivotally received in the pawl mounting recesses. The distal ends of the mounting arms engage the pawl adjacent a respective mounting pin such that the mounting pins are pivotably secured in the pawl mounting recesses.

Abstract: A latch for use in a window, the latch including a faceplate, a pair of opposed sidewalls, each sidewall defining a pawl mounting recess, a bottom wall extending between the sidewalls, an aperture defined by the faceplate that opens into a first cavity defined by the housing, and a pair of mounting arms disposed within the first cavity. Each mounting arm has a distal end extending both toward the face plate and inwardly toward a longitudinal center plane of the housing. A pawl is pivotably received in the first recess, the pawl including a top surface, an engagement surface, and a pair of mounting pins pivotally received in the pawl mounting recesses. The distal ends of the mounting arms engage the pawl adjacent a respective mounting pin such that the mounting pins are pivotably secured in the pawl mounting recesses.

Abstract: A latch for use in a window, the latch including a faceplate, a pair of opposed sidewalls, each sidewall defining a pawl mounting recess, a bottom wall extending between the sidewalls, an aperture defined by the faceplate that opens into a first cavity defined by the housing, and a pair of mounting arms disposed within the first cavity. Each mounting arm has a distal end extending both toward the face plate and inwardly toward a longitudinal center plane of the housing. A pawl is pivotably received in the first recess, the pawl including a top surface, an engagement surface, and a pair of mounting pins pivotally received in the pawl mounting recesses. The distal ends of the mounting arms engage the pawl adjacent a respective mounting pin such that the mounting pins are pivotably secured in the pawl mounting recesses.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first leg comprising a first surface and a second surface is disposed between the first and second ends. A second leg comprising a first surface and a second surface is disposed between the first and second ends. A first receiving groove is disposed in the first leg and forms a first pathway. A second receiving groove is disposed in the second leg and forms a second pathway. A first receiving channel is disposed in the first leg and is in communication with the first receiving groove. A second receiving channel is disposed in the second leg and is in communication with the second receiving groove. A fin is coupled to the first and second legs and is disposed between the first and second receiving channels. The fin is substantially coplanar with the first end.

Abstract: A fulcrum lock for preventing substantial movement of a window sash when wind forces are directed against the sash. The sash includes a frame that is contained in an outer window frame. The fulcrum lock has an elongated main body provided with a fulcrum or pivot surface located between the ends of the main body, and legs that extend generally perpendicular to the extent of the main body. The fulcrum lock is located in one of the sash or window frames, while the other of said frames is provided with an opening located to receive one of the ends of the fulcrum lock when the other end is engaged by the frame containing the opening.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for sliding a sash of a window or door. The mechanism includes an open spiral having a hollow, longitudinally extending center; rotator for rotating the open spiral around its center; and coupling element for coupling the open spiral to a window or door sash. A preferred window made with the operating mechanism of the invention includes extruded polymeric window jambs housing two open spirals on opposed lateral sides of a sash. The preferred window includes both a hand crank and an electric motor connected by a series of gears and a rod to the open spirals.

Abstract: A window assembly includes adjacent first and second windows and a reinforcing mullion connecting the windows. The mullion comprises hollow polymeric first and second lineals and a metal reinforcing bar between the lineals. Interior and exterior face caps attached to the lineals span a gap between them. A securement means is also provided for connecting an end portion of the metal reinforcing bar to a support structure surrounding a window opening in a building. The mullion adds rigidity to the assembly, thereby increasing its design allowable size.