Externally mounted latch for slidable sash window

Claim 1

In a pivotal window sash adapted for installation in a master frame of a double-hung sash window assembly having opposed, vertically extending guide rails to enable vertical reciprocal sliding movement of the sash in the master frame while cooperatively engaged with the guiderails, the sash having a header, a base and a pair of stiles cooperatively connected together at adjacent extremities thereof to form a rectangular sash frame; a manually operable latch adapted to be installed as a preassembled unit on an exterior surface of the header for releasably securing said sash to said master frame to permit pivotal movement of said sash and comprising: a housing including a top wall having an access opening therethrough, a pair of opposing end walls, one of said end walls having a passageway therethrough; a latch bolt slidably received in said housing and having a beveled end aligned with and reciprocal in said passageway and arranged to be engaged in a guide rail for locking the window sash against pivotal movement; said latch bolt having an opening therethrough with a peripheral edge therearound; spring means in said housing and engaging said latch bolt normally to bias said beveled end into said guide rail; said top wall having means integral therewith and depending therefrom for engaging and retaining the latch bolt in operable assembly in the housing and permitting reciprocal sliding movement thereof said engaging means including a post which extends through said bolt opening and a retainer member extending laterally therefrom and extending over said opening peripheral edge at least in said normally biased position to retain said bolt in said housing; and said latch bolt having means integral therewith for engaging said spring means and retaining said spring means in operable assembly in the housing.