A tilt latch for pivotable window sashes is preferably integrally molded from a durable polymeric material but can also be made from metals, metal alloys or the like. The latch includes an angled projection for engaging a recess in the window frame and includes a central body having a cavity for containing a coil spring. Upper and lower covers overhang the sides of the body to form channels for engaging the edge of the sash groove.
1. A tilt latch movably positioned in a window sash groove having an open end with rear and side edges, the sash retaining a tilting window in relation to a window frame member, said latch comprising: a body, said body defining: a projection, an upper cover and a lower cover, said projection and said upper cover in coplanar relation, said upper cover and said lower cover defining a channel therebetween for receiving the edges of the sash groove, a spring, and said spring in contact with said body and the rear edge of the window sash groove to urge said body from the window sash groove.
2. The tilt latch of claim 1 wherein said lower cover is coplanar with said projection, and a pair of ramps, said ramps positioned on said lower cover to assist latch entry into the sash groove.
3. The tilt latch of claim 1 wherein said body defines a spring cavity, said spring mounted in said spring cavity.
4. The tilt latch of claim 1 wherein said body, said projection, said upper cover and said lower cover are integrally formed to slide in unison with respect to the window sash.
5. The tilt latch of claim 1 wherein said tilt latch is formed from a polymeric material.
6. The tilt latch of claim 1 wherein said upper cover defines a shoulder, said shoulder proximate said projection.
7. A latch mounted in an open groove having rear and side edges of a tiltable window sash to engage a recess on the window frame to secure the sash in the frame, said latch comprising:
a unitary body, said body defining a projection, and upper and lower covers, said upper and said lower covers forming a channel therebetween for receiving an edge of the sash groove, a spring, said spring in contact with said body and abutting a rear edge of the groove, said spring biased to urge said body from said groove and into the window frame recess.
8. The latch of claim 7 further comprising a finger tab, said finger tab mounted on said upper cover.
9. The latch of claim 7 wherein said body defines a cavity, said spring positioned in said cavity, said cavity coplanar with said channel.
10. The latch of claim 7 wherein said body, said projection and said covers are integrally molded to slide in unison away from the rear edge of the groove.
11. The latch of claim 7 wherein said lower cover defines shoulders for engaging a side window frame member.
12. A latch in combination with a tiltable window sash,
said sash comprising: a tubular member, said tubular member defining an open groove having side and rear edges;
said latch comprising: a body, said body defining a cavity, a spring, said spring positioned in said cavity, and abutting the rear edge of said sash groove, said body further defining a projection and upper and lower covers, said upper and said lower covers defining a channel therebetween, said channel engaging the side edges of said sash groove.
13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said upper cover defines a channel, said spring positioned in said upper cover channel.
14. The combination of claim 12 wherein said lower cover defines a channel, said spring positioned in said lower cover channel.
15. The combination of claim 12 wherein said upper and lower covers each define a shoulder.
16. The combination of claim 12 wherein said latch upper cover defines a shoulder, said window sash defining a stop, said latch shoulder for engaging said sash stop.