Abstract: A pivot bar in the nature of a screw with a head and a threaded portion for lateral adjustment at the site of a window installation is provided. A receiver is integrally formed in the bottom rail of a window sash, the receiver defined as a channel sized and shaped to frictionally engage with the threaded portion of the screw to structurally support the pivot bar during use. The pivot bar is rotatably engaged to position the threads within the receiver and laterally adjusted relative to the distance between the window sash and the window jamb such that the screw head mates with the pivot bar shoe associated in the corresponding window jamb, accounting for any measuring variances between the window jamb and the window sash. A method of installing a laterally adjustable pivot bar is also provided.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for a window or door includes a leaf tiltable and detachable from, and slidable parallel to, the fixed window or door frame, and a control element with a fastener mountable permanently on the frame and an insertion part pivotable and slidable relative to the fastener. In an insertion position, in which a control pin is pushable into the insertion part, an insertion part end section lies preferably partially against the fastener for conducting away control pin-insertion part impact into the fastener via the end section. The insertion part may pivot out of interlocking engagement with the fastener by a control arm on which the control pin may be located or formed, such that subsequently the insertion part can slide via the control pin. The control element can have a freewheel mechanism for pivoting the insertion part only during fitting assembly opening and not during closing.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding privacy screen for a premium class passenger suite may include a guide rail mounted to a wall partition. The adjustable sliding privacy screen may also include a yaw and roll adjustment bracket slidingly attached to the guide rail and to the screen. The yaw and roll adjustment bracket may include a flanged adjustment screw for adjusting the yaw and roll of the screen and a locking screw for securing the yaw and roll adjustment of the screen. The screen may also include a ball joint adjustment bracket slidingly attached to the guide rail and to the screen. The ball joint adjustment bracket may include a ball joint and adjustment screw for adjusting the pitch of the screen and a locking nut for securing the pitch adjustment of the screen. The device of the present invention thus allows for the adjustment of the yaw, roll, and pitch of the screen.

Abstract: A window balance assembly for installation in a window assembly can include a balance portion that is connected to a carrier that may have a first and second side. The balance portion may be arranged to be drawn out of the carrier on the first or second sides of the carrier. The balance portion may be a spring member or element. As the spring element is drawn out of the carrier, contact made between the spring element and the carrier may generate a friction that results in undesired chatter of the spring element and/or audible noise from the carrier. This friction may be reduced by controlling the contact made between the spring element and the carrier. Further, a reduction of friction between the spring element and the carrier may result in a reduction in spring chatter and a reduction in audible noise from the carrier.

Abstract: A fenestration operation hardware assembly includes latch mechanisms configured for coupling to respective top and bottom sashes, and a paddle member configured for coupling the latch mechanisms. The latch mechanisms include movable latch bolts, and at least one of the latch mechanisms includes an operator interface feature movable between at least initial and operating positions. In an initial position, the latch bolts are in respective projected positions, and the top and bottom panels are immobilized. In a first withdrawn position, at least one of the top and bottom panels is movable, and in a second withdrawn position, at least one of the top and bottom panels is tiltable. In an example, a top latch bolt is moved by the paddle member according to movement of the bottom latch bolt.

Abstract: A fenestration operation hardware assembly includes at least one latch mechanism and an operation hardware assembly configured for coupling with a panel slidable within a frame. The latch mechanism includes a latch bolt and a latch biasing element coupled with the latch bolt. An operator of the operation hardware assembly is remote from the latch mechanism and is coupled with the panel. The operator includes an operator interface feature movable between initial and operating positions. In the initial position the latch bolt is in a projecting position, and in the operating position the operator interface feature moves the latch bolt into one or more withdrawn positions. The operation hardware assembly includes a retention assembly for retaining the latch bolt in a withdrawn position.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure comprises a slide door panel for opening and closing a front region of a rear door opening of a vehicle body and a swing door panel for opening and closing a rear region of the rear door opening in cooperation with the slide door panel, swing door panel lock mechanisms for locking the swing door panel with respect to the vehicle body when the swing door panel is fully closed, and slidability setting mechanisms provided with the vehicle body. Slide rails are provided in upper and lower parts of the vehicle body, while rollers are attached to upper and lower parts of the slide door panel. The slidability setting mechanisms permit the rollers to be introduced to the slide rails only when the swing door panel is locked with respect to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A sliding door with a sliding panel and a fixed panel allows for the sliding panel to pivot with respect to the fixed panel regardless of the position of the sliding panel and allows both the panel and fixed panel to pivot with respect to an outer frame in which the panels are mounted when the sliding panel is fully open or nearly fully open without requiring a floor track. The sliding panel may move linearly with respect to the fixed panel and outer frame along the length of a header, and a guide bracket cooperatively engaged with the sliding panel may be partially positioned in a guide track formed in the fixed panel bottom rail. A floor plate may be secured to the floor surface adjacent the bottom end of a first jamb to provide support/stability to the panels.

Abstract: A support arm for a sliding door of a mobile platform is provided and may include a first housing slidably attached to the mobile platform proximate to an opening of the mobile platform and a second housing attached to a door of the mobile platform and to the first housing. The second housing may be moveable relative to the first housing between a retracted state and an extended state.

Abstract: A sliding panel system can include a sealing mechanism such that, when a panel is slid to a closed configuration, one or more seal elements form a seal between the door panel and its surroundings at the top, bottom, and/or sides of the panel to reduce or prevent infiltration or communication of gases or liquids such as air or water. Manual or motor driven movement of the panel can move an actuation mechanism to extend the seals around the panel. The sealing member can include weather stripping, brush or another seal element for sealing contact with a header, floor, door, frame, or other surface. Multiple panels can be arranged to form a door panel system or a window panel system.

Abstract: A dual function lavatory door and methods are presented. A hinged door panel comprises a doorway hinge coupled to a first side of a lavatory doorway of a lavatory. The doorway hinge positions the hinged door panel to couple to a first interior side-wall of the lavatory in a deployed position. An extendable door panel is coupled to the hinged door panel by a vertical hinge and can couple to a second side of the lavatory doorway opposite to the first side. The extendable door panel folds along the vertical hinge into an interior space of the lavatory in the deployed position. An extension panel is coupled to the extendable door panel and extends from the extendable door panel to couple to a second interior side-wall of the lavatory opposite to the first interior side-wall in the deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure comprises a slide door panel for opening and closing a front region of a rear door opening of a vehicle body and a swing door panel for opening and closing a rear region of the rear door opening in cooperation with the slide door panel, swing door panel lock mechanisms for locking the swing door panel with respect to the vehicle body when the swing door panel is fully closed, and slidability setting mechanisms provided with the vehicle body. Slide rails are provided in upper and lower parts of the vehicle body, while rollers are attached to upper and lower parts of the slide door panel. The slidability setting mechanisms permit the rollers to be introduced to the slide rails only when the swing door panel is locked with respect to the vehicle body.

Abstract: Provided is a small plug door device capable of performing an opening/closing operation and a plugging operation with a door drive mechanism for causing a force in a vehicle front-rear direction to act on a door, and further applicable also to a one-panel sliding door. A slide base 12 is installed slidably in a vehicle width direction relative to a fixed base 11. A door drive mechanism 13 for moving one door 104 in a vehicle front-rear direction via a connecting portion 19 has a drive portion 13a including an electric motor 21, a drive wheel member 13b, a follower wheel member 13c, and an endless member 13d, and is installed on the slide base 12. A guide portion 15 guides a shaft portion 14 provided on the connecting portion 19 so as to move the shaft portion 14 in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A gate may include a first supporting arm and an adjustable arm. The first supporting arm may include an interior surface and an interior cavity. The adjustable arm may include an insertable end, an adjustable compression member and a compression fitting. The insertable end may be configured to be inserted into the interior cavity of the first supporting arm. The adjustable compression member may be disposed at the insertable end. The compressing fitting may be configured to adjust the adjustable compression member. When the insertable end is inserted into the interior cavity of the first supporting arm, the adjustable compression member is adjusted to compress against the interior surface so that the adjustable arm is fixed relative to the first supporting arm.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a window assembly having a window sash that moves in a guide track. The counterbalance system has a first stop mounted in the guide track. A spring housing is placed in the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing holds the counterbalance spring that provides the counterbalance force. The spring housing is free to move along the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing is incapable of passing the first stop and traveling below the first stop. A brake shoe is positioned in the guide track. The counterbalance spring has a free end that extends from the spring housing to the brake shoe. The brake shoe is capable of moving in the guide track past the first stop. In this manner, the brake shoe can be raised above the first stop.

Abstract: A snap lock balance shoe and system to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. Embodiments of methods for installing the system include inserting a frame of the balance shoe within a jamb track of the window jamb, rotating the frame 90 degrees about a first axis, and rotating the frame 90 degrees about a second axis such that the frame is substantially fully disposed within the jamb track.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window and its method of operation. Posts are provided on the sides of a tilt-in window sash that rotate when the sash is tilted. A brake structure is attached to each post. Each brake structure has a first contoured surface that rotates with the post when said sash is tilted. A second contoured surface is provided within the window track. The second contoured surface moves up and down in the track with the post but does not rotate with the post when the sash is tilted. When the window sash is tilted for cleaning, the first contoured surface moves against the second contoured surface within the window track. A cam action occurs that moves the first contoured surface away from the second contoured surface. This causes the brake structure to be biased against the track and lock in a fixed position within the track.

Abstract: A double-hung window having a uniform interior wood appearance is disclosed. The window has a head jamb and side jambs. The window has an upper and lower sash, each having a wood frame. The upper and lower sashes are held in the window by the side jambs. Lock-pins are extendable from each side of the lower sash. A concealed jamb liner cover for selective engagement with each upper side jamb is provided which has an exposed wood surface and a channel for receiving the lock-pin of the lower sash. An upper sash lock housing attached to an upper portion of the wood frame of the upper sash, is provided which holds an upper sash lock-pin for each side of the upper sash. A wooden interior upper parting stop connected to the head jamb conceals the upper sash lock housing when the window is closed.

Abstract: A sash window includes a support device disposed on a lower end portion of each sash and including a pivot shaft for pivotally supporting the sash relative to a window frame, and a latch device disposed on an upper end portion of the sash for interlocking engagement with each jamb member to lock the sash in position against pivotal movement relative to the window frame. The window frame has a holder member for holding the pivot shaft in position against movement in inward and outward directions of the sash window when the sash is in a fully closed position. A first reinforcement member is mounted in at least one sash rail, and a second reinforcement member is mounted in a portion of each jamb member adapted for engagement with the latch device in the fully closed state of the sash, so as to indirectly reinforce the jamb member portion from inside the jamb member.

Abstract: A construction product such as a window or door includes a multi-functional thermal break. The thermal break serves to contact and support elements of the sash of the construction product. The thermal break also provides one or more additional structural functions for the construction product.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for counterbalancing a tilt-in window sash within a guide track of a window frame. A brake shoe housing is provided having a face section and a rear section defined between a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. At least one of the two side edges is a curved surface having a convex curvature. A curl spring is provided having a free end. The free end of the curl spring engages the brake shoe housing, therein applying a turning torque to the brake shoe housing that cocks the brake shoe housing and moves the curved surface into tangential contact with the guide track. A cam actuator is interposed between the face section and the rear section that spreads these sections into contact with the guide track when the tilt-in window sash is tilted forward.

Abstract: A carriage for a vehicle window lifter has a frame with a guide for receiving a guide rail, a carrier plate which is mounted on the frame to be pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the direction of the guide, and an adjusting mechanism that allows the carrier plate to be aligned relative to the frame about the pivot axis. The adjusting mechanism has a tool receptacle which is aligned substantially in the direction of the guide.

Abstract: A sash window assembly includes: a window frame having upper, lower, and left and right vertical frame members; and at least one sash guided by the vertical frame members and supported to be openable and closable by being slid vertically. The sash has: latch devices provided respectively at left and right ends in an upper end portion of the sash; an upper frame element having first passage holes formed in a top surface thereof and through which respective operating members of the respective latch devices are exposed toward an indoor space; a lower frame element; left and right vertical frame elements, each having a second passage hole formed in a depth-direction surface of the vertical frame element and through which a fastening section of the latch device is passed; and a face material provided inside the upper, lower, and left and right vertical frame elements.

Abstract: A latch is provided for use principally on a pivotal sash window of a double-hung sash window assembly. The latch comprises a latch-bolt slidably mounted within and biased relative to a housing, where the housing is mounted to the top rail of the sash window. The latch bolt is connected to a button for manual actuation of the latch bolt. The latch bolt, while maintaining the convenience and utility of a standard short throw latch, is contoured and designed to maintain engagement with the jam after the window has been deformed under high sustained wind loading typically experienced during extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes and tornados. The engagement is assured in spite of twisting of the latch bolt within the corresponding opening in the jam.

Abstract: A fenestration assembly including a sash slidingly movable with respect to a frame. The sash includes an at least one elongate lineal tilt latch actuator that has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one elongate lineal tilt latch actuator is disposed within a channel of the frame and partially extended from the channel. In the second position, the at least one elongate lineal tilt latch actuator is at least partially retracted within the sash allowing for the sash to be tilted relative to the frame.

Abstract: A sash window includes a support device disposed on a lower end portion of each sash and including a pivot shaft for pivotally supporting the sash relative to a window frame, and a latch device disposed on an upper end portion of the sash for interlocking engagement with each jamb member to lock the sash in position against pivotal movement relative to the window frame. The window frame has a holder member for holding the pivot shaft in position against movement in inward and outward directions of the sash window when the sash is in a fully closed position. A first reinforcement member is mounted in at least one sash rail, and a second reinforcement member is mounted in a portion of each jamb member adapted for engagement with the latch device in the fully closed state of the sash, so as to indirectly reinforce the jamb member portion from inside the jamb member.

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 snubber for a window unit. The snubber includes a frame mount for securing to the frame of the window unit and a sash mount for securing to the sash of the window unit, proximate the frame mount. The frame mount and the sash mount have cooperating shapes for abutting against each other upon the window unit being closed and upon pressure being applied to the sash. The frame mount and the sash mount can be secured to the window unit on easily accessible parts of the window unit.

Abstract: A panel movement system including top and bottom rails having racks with registration teeth along their lengths; top and bottom rail attachments movably attached to respective ones of the rails for lateral movement along lengths of the rails; and a gear movement synchronization system. Each rail attachment includes a rotatable gear engaging the registration teeth on respective ones of the rails. The gear movement synchronization system connects the rotatable gear of the top rail attachment to the rotatable gear of the bottom rail attachment such that the top and bottom rail attachments move along the rails in unison. The top and bottom rail attachments are adapted to have a panel connected therebetween.

Abstract: A latching system for a double-hung window including upper latches and anti-bow latches where the upper latches and the anti-bow latches are operated by a common activating mechanism for ease of use of the window. A single activating mechanism may be utilized for latches on both sides of a window, or separate activating mechanisms may be used for each side of the window.

Abstract: A double-hung window having a uniform interior wood appearance is disclosed. The window has a head jamb and side jambs. The window has an upper and lower sash, each having a wood frame. The upper and lower sashes are held in the window by the side jambs. Lock-pins are extendable from each side of the lower sash. A concealed jamb liner cover for selective engagement with each upper side jamb is provided which has an exposed wood surface and a channel for receiving the lock-pin of the lower sash. An upper sash lock housing attached to an upper portion of the wood frame of the upper sash, is provided which holds an upper sash lock-pin for each side of the upper sash. A wooden interior upper parting stop connected to the head jamb conceals the upper sash lock housing when the window is closed.

Abstract: A slide block for slideably and pivotally mounting a window sash to a side member of a window frame having a vertical window jamb channel. The slide block includes a body, the body defining a sash pivot-receiving aperture. A sash pivot retainer spring is integrally formed with the body and is positionable between a first position obstructing removal of a sash pivot when the sash pivot is disposed in the aperture and a second position permitting removal of the sash pivot.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved balance shoe. The improved balance shoe of the present invention comprises a balance shoe housing for retaining a sash in a channel of a window. The housing can have a base section and at least one side section. A pivot member can be employed by the housing. Upon rotation, the pivot member can force at least one side support member into contact with a side wall of a window jamb channel when the window is tilted.

Abstract: A brake assembly for locking a vertical or horizontal slidable sash window or door within a track of a frame is disclosed. The track has an elongated base and a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls extending perpendicular from the base. Each sidewall has an inner shoulder spaced from and parallel to the base. The assembly has a slider body having a central opening extending from a front face of the body to a rear face of the body. The slider body has a side opening in each side of the slider body and being in communication with the central opening. A pair of brake members are provided wherein one brake member is slidably positioned within a respective one of the side openings. A cam has a rear face and a front face, and is adapted to receive a pivot member mounted on either the sash window or door. The cam is positioned in the central opening and is adapted to be rotatable within the opening by the pivot member.

Abstract: Locking balance shoes and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows include, in one embodiment, a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method of installing such a system, an elongated end of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: An improved balance shoe is described. There is a balance shoe housing, wherein there is a pivot member. The pivot member forces at least one side support member against the interior surfaces of a window jamb channel when said window is tilted. The pivot member comprises a base section having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface having at least one pivot member extending therefrom, the pivot member being adapted to force said support member against the interior surface of the window jamb as said pivot member is rotated due to the tilting of the window sash.

Abstract: Locking balance shoes and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows includes, in one embodiment, a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method of installing such a system, an elongated end of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: A brake assembly for locking a vertical or horizontal slidable sash window or door within a track of a frame is disclosed. The track has an elongated base and a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls extending perpendicular from the base. Each sidewall has an inner shoulder spaced from and parallel to the base. The assembly has a slider body having a central opening extending from a front face of the body to a rear face of the body. The slider body has a side opening in each side of the slider body and being in communication with the central opening. A pair of brake members are provided wherein one brake member is slidably positioned within a respective one of the side openings. A cam has a rear face and a front face, and is adapted to receive a pivot member mounted on either the sash window or door. The cam is positioned in the central opening and is adapted to be rotatable within the opening by the pivot member.

Abstract: An improved balance shoe is described. There is a balance shoe housing, wherein there is a pivot member. The pivot member forces at least one side support member against the interior surfaces of a window jamb channel when said window is tilted. The pivot member comprises a base section having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface having at least one pivot member extending therefrom, said pivot member being adapted to force said support member against the interior surface of said window jamb as said pivot member is rotated due to the tilting of the window sash.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snap lock balance shoe and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows and installation methods of such systems. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method, an elongated end of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: A tilt latch and pivot housing is disclosed, which has a collapsible retainer on each of its side walls extending along a substantial portion of the length thereof and angularly outwardly from the side walls of the housing. The inner surface of each retainer is spaced from the surface of the adjacent wall of the housing, thus forming a crevice or gap designed to receive the retainer when sufficient pressure is applied to the retainer's outer surface causing the retainer to deflect inwardly. According to some embodiments, portions of the retainers adjacent to the upper engagement ends are beveled. The retainers may also be beveled on one end to facilitate installation of the housing into a sash. The housing of the present invention may also include a collapsible retainer formed at the bottom wall of the housing for preventing longitudinal movement of the housing after installation.

Abstract: A window assembly with a frame and a sash mounted to tilt open relative to the frame includes a tilt control to prevent a free fall opening of the sash. The tilt control provides a resistance to the tilt opening of the sash. The sash applies a force on the tilt control as the sash is tilted open. The force increases the farther the sash is tilted open. The resistance provided by the tilt control also increases the farther the sash is tilted open to compensate for the increased force applied on the tilt control.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a door support bracket provided with adjustment mechanism with three adjustment options: one translating movement and two oscillating movements with respect to two Cartesian axes.

Abstract: This application relates to apparatus for a snap lock balance shoe and system to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a frame, a locking member at least partially disposed within the frame, a cam in communication with the locking member and a pair of resilient tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance.

Abstract: A movable partition system with a plurality of wall elements that are suspended from a guide rail and can be laterally moved to form a wall to close a space in a building. One of the wall elements is realized in the form of a door that can be operatively connected to a door closer that is mounted in a stationary manner to the guide rail. When the wall elements are moved to a closed position, the door is engaged with the door closer so as to pivot the door. When the wall elements are moved out of the closed position, the door is disengaged from the door closer. In addition, the door is prevented from pivoting by a rocker arm during movement of the wall elements, which rocker arm is rotated out of the way of the door when the wall elements are in the closed position to permit pivoting of the door.

Abstract: A guide assembly or balance shoe assembly for slidably and pivotably mounting a window sash to a window jamb is disclosed. The guide assembly includes a shoe housing having sliding surfaces that guide the housing in the jamb channel. A sash pivot is coupled to the window sash and a locking cam is rotatably coupled within the shoe housing. The locking cam includes a sash pivot that retains the sash pivot pin. The locking cam rotates substantially with the sash pivot and the locking cam has a locking surface that is configured to engage the jamb channel when the sash pivot is rotated to a first position.

Abstract: A brake assembly for locking a vertical or horizontal slidable sash window or door within a track of a frame is disclosed. The track has an elongated base and a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls extending perpendicular from the base. Each sidewall has an inner shoulder spaced from and parallel to the base. The assembly has a slider body having a central opening extending from a front face of the body to a rear face of the body. The slider body has a side opening in each side of the slider body and being in communication with the central opening. A pair of brake members are provided wherein one brake member is slidably positioned within a respective one of the side openings. A cam has a rear face and a front face, and is adapted to receive a pivot member mounted on either the sash window or door. The cam is positioned in the central opening and is adapted to be rotatable within the opening by the pivot member.

Abstract: A combined sliding and pivot window assembly including a plurality of sashes separately pivotally mounted on substantially C-shaped sash support frames that are slidably fixed on rails provided on an outer window frame. The window assembly includes combined sliding and locking mechanisms that allow the C-shaped sash support frames to slide on the rails when the sashes are pivotally closed, or to be locked on the rails when the sashes are pivotally opened, or to be pushed to one side in the outer window frame while allowing all the sashes to be pivotally opened; pivot mechanisms that allow the sashes to be pivotally opened and stay at any desired open position relative to the sash support frames; and elastic two-end locking mechanisms that are mounted in a vertical member of the sashes to lock the sashes at upper and lower ends to the sash support frames simply by laterally shifting an external adjusting key of the two-end locking mechanism.

Abstract: A convertible window system having two window sashes, a weatherstripping, and a tilt pivot assembly. The window system can be readily switched between single-hung and double-hung configuration. The weatherstripping assembly, which is operatively connected to each of the two sashes, has a number of regions. Each of these regions has different attributes which determine the types of translations and rotations that can be performed on a sash with a predetermined force. In a preferred embodiment, an upper sash can be removed from a window frame by the application of a predetermined force on the top of the sash while the sash is within a predetermined range of the weatherstripping assembly without the need for withdrawing guide pins from the channel of the weatherstripping assembly.

Abstract: A balance shoe for a pivotable window sash assembly includes a base unit at the lower end of the balance shoe. The base unit includes a fixed wall having a movable wall connected thereto by a connecting structure. A cam is disposed between the fixed wall and the movable wall for moving the movable wall with respect to the fixed wall while the connecting structure maintains the movable wall in a generally parallel relationship with the fixed wall. The cam extends beyond the upper edge of the fixed wall and the movable wall. This arrangement of elements permits a smaller window to be used while still providing the same egress area when the window is open as compared to conventional window assemblies.