AU2018256485B2 - Keylock arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A key 30 for a lock such as a window lock, comprising: an elongate key blade 31 for insertion into a lock, the key blade 31 having a longitudinal axis LAand leading 33 and trailing 34 ends; and a finger grip 32 at the trailing end of the key blade 31 for manipulating the key 30 to insert the key blade 31 into a lock and to rotate the key blade 31 within the lock; wherein the finger grip 32 has a first dimension D1 in the longitudinal axis LAextending in a direction away from the trailing end 31 and a second dimension D2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA, the second dimension D2 being greater than the first dimension D 1. Figure 5 2/4 30 Figure 4 3 L A 33 32 - 30 31 Figure 5 LA Iz lD2 LA LA_ L ~33 L 31 35 34 Figure 6 41 40 43 Figure 7 46 49 52 51 48 47 459

Description

2/4

30 Figure 4 3

LA

33 32

- 30

31 Figure 5 LA Iz lD2

LA_ LA

L ~33 L 31 35 34

Figure 6 41

40 43 Figure 7 46 49 52

51 48 47

Key Lock Arrangement

[0001] The present invention claims priority from Australian Provisional Application 2017904447 filed on 1 November 2017, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to locks and in particular to window locks and the keys for such locks.

Background of Invention

[0002a] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Window locks are often used to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorised opening of windows. These locks operate by engagement between the window that is movable to be opened and closed and a stationary part of the window assembly (a window frame or surround for example), or between two windows that are movable (counterweighted sash windows for example).

[0004] While window locks can be elaborate or complex, they can also be quite simple, depending on the security of the locking function that is required. In some less complex locks used for sliding windows, the lock includes a plunger that can be extended and contracted into and out of engagement with either a window to be locked, or with a component of the window assembly such as the window frame. The plunger extends into an opening of the window to be locked or a suitable component of the window assembly and by that interaction, the locking function is achieved. Withdrawal of the plunger from the opening disables the locking function allowing the window to slide.

[0005] Locks for sliding windows can be mounted to the window frame that surrounds a glass pane of a window, the frame within which a window is mounted for sliding movement or the glass pane of a window itself. Regardless, the lock projects from the mounting position.

[0006] Locks for sliding windows are ordinarily lockable with a key. While the key can be removed from the lock once the lock has been locked or unlocked as required, often the key is left in the lock so it is readily accessible for safety reasons and convenience. However, keys protrude from the lock and can present an obstacle for window coverings, particularly retractable blinds that can be raised and lowered over the window. The keys can for example, catch and damage a blind as it is raised or lowered. The keys can also present an obstacle for persons to bump into or brush against, causing harm to the person or damaging the key and/or lock. Protruding keys can also affect the aesthetic appearance of the window.

[0007] One solution to the above problems is to remove the key and to keep it elsewhere. This could be close to or remote from the lock. However, this reduces the convenience of the lock as the key can easily be misplaced or lost. Further, in an emergency, if the lock is in a locked position, and the key cannot be quickly located, it may be necessary to break open the window for egress.

[0007a] The present invention seeks to provide an alternative arrangement to address one or more of the foregoing drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of Invention

[0007b] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0008] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a key for a window lock, the key comprising

- an elongate key blade for insertion into a lock, the key blade having a longitudinal axis and leading and trailing ends, and

- a finger grip at the trailing end of the key blade for manipulating the key to insert the key blade into a lock and to rotate the key blade within the lock; wherein

the finger grip has a first dimension in the longitudinal axis extending in a direction away from the trailing end and a second dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension,

wherein the finger grip comprises a base at the trailing end and at least one grip portion extending from the base towards the leading end of the key blade.

[0009] A key according to the present invention can be of very low profile in the longitudinal direction or dimension, and thus can minimise the extension of the key from the lock and thus the likelihood of being caught by window coverings or by persons, and has the advantage, that because of this very low profile, the key can be left engaged with the lock at all times. This is distinguished from existing keys which project to a greater extent out of a lock and which present the drawbacks which have been described above.

[0010] A prior art arrangement is illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 3, in which in Figure 1, a rudimentary sliding window arrangement 10 is shown comprising a rectangular window frame 11, a stationary upper pane 12 and a sliding lower pane 13. The arrow A shows the direction that the lower pane 13 can slide from the closed position shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 also shows an overlap between the lower edge 14 of the pane 12 and the upper edge 15 of the pane 13 as is normal in vertically sliding window arrangements.

[0011] A lock which is suitable for use with the sliding window arrangement 10 is shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, a portion of the frame 11 is shown and applied to that frame portion is a lock 20, that includes a cylindrical body 21 within which is housed a plunger (not visible in Figure 2). The plunger can move between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the lock is in a locked or unlocked condition. A lock plate 22 is positioned on an inner side of the frame 11 and the lock plate threadably connects with a portion of the lock 20 in the body 21 to secure a lock 20 to the frame 11. That connection is one which would be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art. A key 23 projects from a rear end 24 of the window lock and includes a key blade which is inserted into a key hole which opens into the rear end 24.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an alternative lock position in relation to horizontally sliding windows and in Figure 3, there is shown both a left hand side pane 26 and a right hand side pane 27. Either of the panes 26 and 27 can be fixed or slidable. In Figure 3, the lock 28 is almost identical to the lock 20 and shows the key 29 projecting outwardly from the lock 28 in a similar manner to the key 23 of Figure 2.

[0013] It will be readily apparent from Figures 1 to 3, that a blind covering that is used to cover the window arrangement 10, could catch the key 23 as it is raised and lowered. Likewise, window coverings used in the arrangement of Figure 3 could also catch the key 29. However, the present invention can provide a very low profile key that does not project to the same extent as the keys 23 and 29 of Figures 2 and 3. Rather, a key of the invention can be made to project only marginally beyond the rear ends 24 and 30 of the locks 20 and 28 so that the likelihood of the key presenting a catch problem is reduced. Moreover, a key according to the invention can be constructed in a way that provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than compared to the keys 23 and 29 of Figures 2 and 3. This will become apparent from the discussion that follows.

[0014] The key according to the invention can include a finger grip of any suitable size and shape subject to the first dimension being greater than the second dimension. In one form, the finger grip does not fully cover the rear end of the lock and in this form of the invention, the finger grip can be formed for example as a disc of any suitable shape, such as circular, square, hexagonal, triangular or trapezoidal. Given that most window locks of the kind that are relevant to the present invention have a circular body, the preference is for the finger grip also to be circular. However, the diameter of the finger grip can be less than the outside diameter of the window lock body, so as not to fully cover the rear end of the lock, or it can be greater than the outside diameter to extend beyond the periphery of the rear end of the lock.

[0015] Also, a typical form of key blade is one that has a generally rectangular cross-section so that the blade has both major and minor dimensions in cross-section. These dimensions are perpendicular to each other and are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the key blade. For this form of key blade, the finger grip normally will have a second dimension which is greater than the major dimension of the key blade, so that the periphery of the finger grip in the second dimension extends beyond the major dimension of the key blade for gripping by finger completely around the key blade.

[0016] Because the finger grip is to be gripped by hand for manipulating the key, the finger grip can define an outer periphery that is roughened, knurled or castellated for example. This form of outer surface can assist proper gripping of the key for turning.

[0017] In forms of the invention in which the finger grip is formed as a disc, the finger grip can have a bottom surface from which the key blade extends and a top surface that is opposite the bottom surface. In preferred arrangements of the invention, the top surface is a planar or flat surface. Likewise, the bottom surface can be a planar or flat surface.

[0018] Alternatively, the top surface could be otherwise formed for aesthetic purposes, such as domed, or could include decoration or information such as relating to the lock manufacturer or lock type.

[0019] The finger grip could alternatively be formed like a wheel, with one or more spokes extending across a rim or annulus, and the key blade could be connected to one or more of the spokes or at a hub centrally of the spokes.

[0020] The finger grip can alternatively take the form of a straight section or member that extends in the second dimension. The finger grip of this form of the invention can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square or rectangular. In this form of the invention, the finger grip and the key blade can form a substantially T-shaped key and the finger grip can extend in the plane of the key blade, or in other words, can extend in the same plane as the major dimension of the key blade. The finger blade of this form of the invention can extend fully across the rear end of the window lock, or it can extend to a position within the rear end, or beyond it.

[0021] This form of finger grip can also include a pair of grip portions which extend from opposite ends of the finger grip and that extend in a direction towards the leading end of the key blade. Thus, the finger grip can include a first portion which is connected to the key blade and which extends across the rear end of the window lock, and grip portions that extend from each end or the opposite ends of the finger grip and that extend towards the leading end of the key blade. These grip portions can therefore sit closely adjacent the outside surface of a window lock body (or in close facing relationship with the outside surface of a window lock body) and can result in a very compact, low-profile, and aesthetically pleasing key appearance.

[0022] In this form of the invention, the finger grip can be formed in a substantial U-shape with a base and two upstanding grip portions with the key blade connected to a base and grip portions extending parallel to the key blade. The key blade can be positioned substantially centrally between the respective grip portions. The grip portions can have the same cross-sectional shape as the straight section or member of the finger grip that extends across the rear end of the window lock and can for example, be circular, square or rectangular.

[0023] In a still further alternative embodiment of the invention, the finger grip includes a skirt that extends in a direction towards the leading end of the key blade. The skirt can have the same shape as the body of the window lock that the key is to be used with, so that if the body is circular, the skirt can also be circular. Alternatively, if the lock body was square, the skirt could also be square.

[0024] The outer surface shape of the skirt can be the same as the inside surface shape of the skirt, or it can different. For example, the inside surface could be circular, and the outside surface could be square or rectangular. Or the inside and outside surfaces of the skirt can be of the same general shape, such as circular. The outside surface can be roughened, knurled or castellated to enhance finger gripping properties.

[0025] In this form of the invention, the finger grip can be formed as a cap or cup having a base to which the key blade is connected and a skirt to extend about the body of a lock that key is to be used with. The key can be positioned substantially centrally within the skirt and can extend out of the skirt at the leading end.

[0026] As is evident from above, the finger grip could take many different forms, but the keys of the various forms are all connected by the dimensional relationship between the first and second dimensions as specified above to provide a low-profile projection of the key beyond the lock with which the key is used.

[0027] The key blade can be connected to the finger grip by any suitable arrangement. The key blade can for example be formed integrally with the finger grip such as by integral casting, machining or fabricating. Alternatively, the key blade can be formed separately to the finger grip and connected thereto. This is likely to be the more usual method of forming a key according to the invention.

[0028] Suitable forms of connection include forming a recess, slot or groove in the finger grip and inserting a portion of the key blade into the recess, slot or groove. The connection between the portion of the key blade and the recess, slot or groove can be a friction or interference fit, or an adhesive can be employed alternatively or in addition. The connection could alternatively just be by adhesive without the use of a recess, slot or groove, or the key blade could be in soldered or brazed connection with the finger grip. A still further alternative could involve the key blade including one or more posts extending therefrom and the finger grip including an equivalent number of openings to accept the posts. The posts could be a friction or interference fit within the openings or the posts could be adhesively fixed within the openings. The free ends of the posts could also be deformed once they have passed through the openings to secure the posts from release from the openings. The key blade could be formed with a connection plate with openings or posts that extends laterally to the longitudinal axis of the key blade, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the key blade, to sit or rest flush against a facing surface of the finger grip.

[0029] The present invention also extends to a window lock that includes a key as above described. Accordingly, in a second embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a window lock for attachment to a window or to a window frame and including a body and a plunger located at least partly within the body, the plunger being movable along an axis between a retracted unlocked position and an extended locked position relative to the body, the body enclosing a locking arrangement that can be activated to lock the plunger in the extended position and to release the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position, the window lock further including a key for activating the locking arrangement and the locking arrangement having a keyhole for insertion of the key, the keyhole opening at a rear end of the window lock and extending substantially coaxial with the plunger axis, the key including an elongate key blade for insertion into the keyhole, the key blade having a longitudinal axis and leading and trailing ends, and a finger grip at the trailing end of the key blade for manipulating the key to insert the key blade into the keyhole and to rotate the key blade within the keyhole; wherein the finger grip has a first dimension in the longitudinal axis extending in a direction away from the trailing end and a second dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension, wherein the finger grip comprises a base at the trailing end and at least one grip portion extending from the base towards the leading end of the key blade.

[0030] The present invention further extends to a sliding window assembly in which a lock according to the present invention is employed.

[0031] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

7a

Brief Description of Drawings

[0031a] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a vertical sliding window assembly to which the present invention can be applied.

[0033] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate prior art locking arrangements for sliding window assemblies.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a key according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the key of Figure 4 taken through the central axis LA.

[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative key inserted into a window lock.

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the key of Figure 6.

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a key according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken through the longitudinal axis of the key of Figure 8.

[0040] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the key of Figures 8 and 9 inserted into a window lock.

[0041] Figure 11 is an exploded view of a key according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 12 is an assembled view of the key of Figure 11.

[0043] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a key according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 is an assembled view of the key of Figure 13.

Detailed Description

[0045] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a key 30 for a window lock is illustrated and includes an elongated key blade 31 and a finger grip 32. The key blade has a longitudinal axis LA and leading and trailing ends 33 and 34.

[0046] The finger grip 32 is formed as a disc, and has a circular outer periphery 35, which is castellated as shown. The finger grip 32 has a first dimension D1 in the longitudinal axis LA and extending away from the trailing end 34 of the key blade 31, as well as a second dimension D 2 that extends perpendicular to the axis LA. As shown in the drawings, D 2 is approximately 2.5 times the dimension D 1

.

[0047] The key 30 could be used with the lock 20 of Figure 2 but the difference in relation to the key 30 is that its projection beyond the rear end 24 of the lock 20 would be much less than the projection that occurs with the key 23. Thus, the key 30 presents a much lower profile beyond the rear end 24 of the lock 20 than the key 23 and is thus less likely to catch window coverings for example, or be knocked by a person moving past the lock 20.

[0048] Moreover, the dimension D 1as shown in Figures 4 and 5 can be reduced so as to produce an even lower profile finger grip 32.

[0049] Figure 6 illustrates a simplified form of window lock that is suitable for attachment to a window or to a window frame. The lock 40 could be used with the key 30 of Figures 4 and 5, but is shown in Figure 6 in connection with a key 45. The lock 40 includes a lock plate 41 and a body 42. The body 42 encloses a plunger and lock arrangement (which is therefore not visible in Figures 4 and 5), whereby the plunger can be extended or retracted into locked and unlocked conditions. The operation of that form of lock is well known to a person skilled in the art and does not need to be described here.

[0050] The lock plate 41 threadably connects to the body 42 or internal parts of the body 42. The lock plate 41 can either be placed behind a frame member as shown in Figure 2, or can be connected to an outside surface of the frame member. Openings 43 are provided to accept screws or nuts for securing the lock 40 to the frame member.

[0051] The key of Figure 6 is shown in perspective view in Figure 7 and from this, it can be seen that the key 45 has a second dimension 46 which is straight and which extends in substantially the same plane as the major dimension of the key blade 47. As shown in Figure 6, the straight section or member 46 extends fully across the rear end 48 of the lock 40 and a pair of grip portions 49 extend from the straight section 46, perpendicular thereto, in the direction of the leading end 50 of the blade 47.

[0052] The straight section 46 and the grip portions 49 have the same cross sectional dimensions, and as shown in the figures, have a square cross sectional shape. The shape could of course be rectangular or circular for example, or any other suitable shape.

[0053] The grip portions 49 extend closely adjacent the body 42 so that the inner facing surfaces 51 of the grip portions 49 are either in contact with the outer surface 52 of the body 42 or are in close facing relationship.

[0054] It will be evident from Figure 6, that the key 45 is extremely low profile when compared to the keys 23 and 29 of Figures 2 and 3, but the key 45 remains easily operated by a person being able to grip and turn the grip portions 49 when the key 45 is installed in the lock 40. When the key 45 is removed from the lock 40, a person can grip the key 45 on any surface thereof, but it will be appreciated that because of the size of the key 45, it would be envisaged that the key 45 could easily be left connected to the lock 40 as shown in Figure 6 at all times.

[0055] Figures 8 and 9 represent still further versions of keys according to the present invention. The key 60 includes a finger grip 61 that includes a base 62 and a skirt 63. A key blade 64 is connected substantially centrally of the base 62 and extends out of the free end 65 of the skirt 63. The outside surface 66 is castellated as shown in Figure 8.

[0056] Figure 10 shows the key 60 as applied to the lock 40 of Figure 6 so the same reference numerals as used for the lock 40 of Figure 6 are used in Figure 10. However, in Figure 10, it can be seen that the skirt 63 forms a close fit about the outside surface 52 of the body 42. Moreover, it can be seen that the axial extent of the skirt 63 does not fully enclose the body 42 but rather, extends for a substantial portion of the length of the body 42. Figure 10 also shows a portion of a plunger 67 that extends from the lock 40.

[0057] It will be evident from Figures 8 to 10 as to how the key 60 can be operated. Because of the greater bulk of the key 60 as compared to the key 45 of

Figures 6 and 7, the key 60 will have more of a visual impact, but this is expected to have some advantages, for example in terms of being able to colour the finger grip 61 to provide for a pleasing aesthetic appearance. Thus, the base 62 will completely overlie the rear end 48 of the lock 40 as shown in Figure 10 and the skirt 63 can be coloured, such as powder coated, in any colour that is considered to be visually attractive. For example, if the lock 40 is to be applied to a timber window frame, the finger grip 61 could be coloured to a similar colour as the timber so that the lock 40 will tend to blend into the window frame. For this, the axial depth of the skirt 63 can be increased to fully enclose the body 42 of the lock 40.

[0058] The key blades of the various embodiments shown in the drawings can be connected to the respective finger grips by any suitable arrangement. Example arrangements are given in relation to Figures 11 to 14 and with reference to Figures 11 and 12 first, these figures show a key of a similar kind to the key 60 of Figures 8 to 10 in which the key 70 includes a finger grip 71 that has a base 72 and a skirt 73. The key blade 74 is shown spaced from the finger grip 71 in Figure 11 and connected to the finger grip 71 in Figure 12. The key blade 74 includes a connection plate 75 that includes a pair of openings 76, while a pair of posts 77 extend from the base 72 of the finger grip 71. The base 72 is also formed with a recess 78 to closely receive the connection plate 75, so that the internal periphery of the recess 78 is shaped according to the external periphery of the connection plate 75.

[0059] Figure 12 illustrates the key blade 74 connected to the finger grip 71 and for that connection, the free ends 79 of the posts 77 have been pressed or deformed into the chamfered edges of the openings 76 so that the key blade 74 is now firmly and permanently connected to the finger grip 71.

[0060] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, an alternative arrangement is shown in which a key 80 is illustrated comprising a finger grip 81 and a key blade 82. The key blade 82 is of the same form as the key 45 of Figures 6 and 7. However, in Figures 13 and 14, the key 45 is used with the finger grip 81 in order to form a similar arrangement as shown in Figure 10.

[0061] The connection between the finger grip 81 and the key blade 82 is by way of the second dimension 83 and the grip portions 84 (using the same nomenclature as used for the key 45), being received within a recess, slot or groove 85 that is formed on the inside of the finger grip 81. As shown in Figure 13, the recess, slot or groove 85 extends through the side walls and base of the finger grip 81.

[0062] Receipt of the second dimension 83 and the grip portions 84 within the recess, slot or groove 85 can be by a friction or interference fit to secure the key blade 82 to the finger grip 81, or alternatively or in addition, an adhesive or solder or braze can be employed.

[0063] By the arrangements of Figures 11 to 14, it can be seen how a key blade can be securely connected to a finger grip. Clearly other arrangements for this connection can be employed.

[0064] It will be evident from the figures that each of the keys 30, 45 and 60 have a short axial depth beyond the rear surface of the locks that they would be applied to. Moreover, it will be evident that the style of key can vary considerably between the very slim-line form of the key 45, as compared to the larger form of the key 60.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (23)

Claims

1. A key for a lock such as a window lock, the key comprising:

- an elongate key blade for insertion into a lock, the key blade having a longitudinal axis and leading and trailing ends, and

- a finger grip at the trailing end of the key blade for manipulating the key to insert the key blade into a lock and to rotate the key blade within the lock; wherein the finger grip has a first dimension in the longitudinal axis extending in a direction away from the trailing end and a second dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension,

wherein the finger grip comprises a base at the trailing end and at least one grip portion extending from the base towards the leading end of the key blade.

2. A key according to claim 1, the second dimension being about twice the first dimension.

3. A key according to claim 1 or claim 2, the base being straight in the second dimension.

4. A key according to claim any one of claims 1 to 3, the base having opposite ends and the finger grip having grip portions extending from the opposite ends that extend in a direction toward the leading end of the key blade.

5. A key according to claim 4, the grip portions extending perpendicular to the base in the second dimension.

6. A key according to claim 4 or claim 5, the key blade being positioned substantially centrally between the grip portions.

7. A key according to any one of claims 4 to 6, each of a major dimension of the key blade and the grip portions extending in the same general plane.

8. A key according to any one of claims 4 to 7, the base having a generally square or rectangular cross-section in the second dimension and the grip portions each having a generally square or rectangular cross-section.

9. A key according to claim 1 or claim 2, the at least one grip portion including a skirt that extends in a direction toward the leading end of the key blade.

10. A key according to claim 9, the base being circular in the second dimension and the skirt being circular.

11. A key according to claim 10, the skirt extending from an outer peripheral edge of the circular portion of the base.

12. A key according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the skirt having a circular inside surface.

13. A key according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the skirt having an outer surface that is knurled or castellated.

14. A key according to any one of claims 9 to 13, the key blade being positioned substantially centrally within the skirt.

15. A key according to any one of claims 9 to 14, the leading end of the key blade extending out of the skirt.

16. A window lock including a key according to anyone of claims 1 to 15.

17. A window lock for attachment to a window or to a window frame, the window lock including a body and a plunger located at least partly within the body, the plunger being movable along an axis between a retracted unlocked position and an extended locked position relative to the body, the body enclosing a locking arrangement that can be activated to lock the plunger in the extended position and to release the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position, the window lock further including a key for activating the locking arrangement and the locking arrangement having a keyhole for insertion of the key, the keyhole opening at a rear end of the window lock and extending substantially coaxial with the plunger axis, the key including an elongate key blade for insertion into the keyhole, the key blade having a longitudinal axis and leading and trailing ends, and a finger grip at the trailing end of the key blade for manipulating the key to insert the key blade into the keyhole and to rotate the key blade within the keyhole; wherein the finger grip has a first dimension in the longitudinal axis extending in a direction away from the trailing end and a second dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension, wherein the finger grip comprises a base at the trailing end and at least one grip portion extending from the base towards the leading end of the key blade.

18. A window lock according to claim 17, the rear end of the window lock being generally flat and the base having a bottom surface from which the key blade extends and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, the bottom surface being a planar or flat surface so that with the key blade inserted into the keyhole, the bottom surface sits substantially flush with the rear end of the window lock.

19. A window lock according to claim 18, the top surface being a planar or flat surface and being generally parallel to the bottom surface.

20. A window lock according to any one of claims 17 to 19, the base being straight in the second dimension.

21. A window lock according to claim 20, the base having opposite ends and the finger grip having grip portions extending from the opposite ends that extend in a direction toward the leading end of the key blade, the body having an outside surface and the grip portions extending in close facing relationship to the outside surface.

22. A window lock according to any one of claims 17 to 19, the at least one grip portion including a skirt that extends in a direction toward the leading end of the key blade, the body having an outside surface and the skirt extending in close facing relationship to the outside surface.

23. A window lock according to claim 22, the body having a circular outside surface and the skirt having a circular inside surface, whereby the diameter of the circular inside surface of the skirt is slightly greater than the diameter of the circular outside surface of the body.