Abstract: A counterbalance system that is set into the guide track of a tilt-in window. The counterbalance system utilizes a brake shoe that is attached to a ribbon spring. The ribbon spring has a shaped head that is retained by the brake shoe. A flexible tab is formed in the ribbon spring near the shaped head. A protrusion extends from the brake shoe. The brake shoe has a receptacle that receives and retains the shaped head of the ribbon spring, therein interconnecting the ribbon spring to the brake shoe. A cam is supported within the brake shoe. The brake shoe expands when the cam is turned. This causes the protrusion on the brake shoe to be biased against the flexible tab in the ribbon spring. This, in turn, causes the flexible tab to flex and extend away from the ribbon spring at an inclined angle. Within the guide track of the tilt-in window, the extended flexible tab acts as a barb and engages the side wall of the guide track.

Abstract: An inverted constant force window balance system has a carrier assembly including a housing with a first and a second housing wall, a coil spring with a free end, and a shoe assembly slidably coupled to the housing. The shoe assembly includes a first and a second shoe face. The housing slides between a first and a second position relative to the shoe assembly. When in the first position, the first and second housing walls are substantially non-coplanar with the first shoe face, and when in the second position, the first housing wall is substantially coplanar with the first shoe face and substantially non-coplanar with the second shoe face. The shoe assembly receives a pivot bar from a window sash and extends a brake upon rotation thereof. The balance system also includes a mounting bracket releasably coupled to the housing and coupled to the free end of the coil spring.

Abstract: A draft guard balancer is provided that attaches to, or is otherwise mechanically coupled to, or an integral part of, an existing balance shoe or balancer for a fenestration product such as a double hung window. The draft guard balancer creates a weatherstop along the track of the fenestration product that resists air, water, dirt, dust, pollen, and insects from entering the track and then the building. The draft guard balancer may be used with a balancer having a variety of springs, spring assemblies, balancer shoes and pivot bar arrangements. The draft guard balancer creates a seal that also prevents the increased friction that results from dirt and debris entering the track, thus making for a more energy efficient, easier to operate fenestration product. The draft guard balancer is equally applicable to both top and bottom sashes of a double hung window as well as other fenestration products.

Abstract: A pivot bar for a double hung window sash includes an elongated member having a knobbed end for engaging a window jamb or frame. The pivot bar has vertical and horizontal shields for completely covering the first and second apertures formed in the window sash. The pivot bar is “snap-fitted” into the first and second apertures which are formed with a conventional electric drill. The first aperture formed in the side of the sash is less than a complete circle in order for the drill bit to simultaneously form the second aperture in the bottom of the sash.

Abstract: An assembly of components that are use in a counterbalance system for a tilt-in window. A coil spring of wound ribbon is provided that has a shaped head. A brake shoe housing is provided that connects to the coil spring in such a manner that fatigue stresses are reduced in the coil spring as the tilt-in window is operated. The brake shoe housing has a receptacle slot formed into one of its side surfaces. An open relief is formed immediately above the receptacle slot. The open relief abuts against and supports the ribbon of the coil spring just behind the shaped head. By engaging the shaped head of the coil spring and supporting the coil spring adjacent to the shaped head, stresses experienced by the shaped head are greatly reduced. The result is a coil spring that has a much longer service life.

Abstract: A window balance assembly for a tilt-in window comprising a bracket, a spring and a carrier. The first spring has a first portion engaging the bracket. The carrier has a vertical portion including a first slot, a first projection extending outwardly from a first side of the vertical portion, and a second attachment projection extending outwardly from a second side of the vertical portion. The first slot receives a pivot bar of the tilt-in window via a vertical drop-in installation. One of the first and second attachment protrusions engages the first portion of the spring. The horizontal portion includes an aperture rotatably engaging a cam between a first position and a second position. The cam has a second slot aligned with the first slot when the cam is in the first position allowing for the pivot bar to move between the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: Door lock merchandising display apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a support structure including first and second fixtures positioned in a merchandise display region. The fixtures are laterally and rotatably movable relative to the support structure. The apparatus includes merchandise modules that include door locks and are detachably coupled with respective fixtures. Interior and exterior portions of the door locks are displayed on respective sides of the modules. A customer can position the fixtures to selectably simultaneously display the interior and exterior portions of the door locks. The apparatus may also include a customer-accessible inventory storage region and a customer interaction unit configured to receive customer input associated with a particular type of door lock and provide an output to the customer identifying a location of the particular type of door lock in the inventory storage region.

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 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 counterbalance system for a tilt-in window that utilizes a brake shoe assembly. The brake shoe assembly is comprised of a brake shoe housing and a cam element. The brake shoe housing has a first arm element, a second arm element, and a flexible bottom section. A cam opening is disposed within the brake shoe housing. A gap space exists above the cam opening. The cam element is disposed within the cam opening. The cam element contains a tilt post receiving slot that received the tilt post from a window sash. A catch finger extends from the first arm element into the gap space. The catch finger at least partially obstructs the tilt post receiving slot. This prevents the tilt post of the window sash from being inadvertently lifted out of the brake shoe assembly.

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 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 sliding 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: The invention relates to a device for restricting movement of a sash window relative to a frame, the window comprising: a sash including a pair of stiles, a channel disposed lengthways of one of the stiles; and the frame comprising: a sill, a head spaced from the sill, a pair of jambs and a frame slide track disposed lengthways of one of the jambs; the device comprising: a frame-mounted slide member for slideable engagement with the frame slide track for lengthwise movement relative thereto; a sash slide member for slideable engagement with the channel for lengthwise movement relative thereto; a first arm pivotably connected at one end to the frame-mounted slide member, and pivotably connected at its other end to the sash slide member; and a second arm pivotably connected at its one end to the frame-mounted slide member, and at its other end providing for connection to the sash; such that in use the movement of the window relative to the frame is restricted by the first and second arms.

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 method and apparatus for reducing the torque of a compound balance in order to substantially cancel out the torsional force of the torsion spring acting on the spiral rod by creating an equal and opposing torsional force on the extension spring. The apparatus is an assembly connector that is non-permanently engaged with the extension spring, with the spiral rod being tensioned by the torsional force of the torsion spring. Alternatively, the extension spring may be turned in a direction to apply more torque than is required for operation of the compound balance. It is then engaged with a non pre-tensioned spiral rod sub-assembly to transfer the excess torque to the torsion spring of the spiral rod sub-assembly. In this manner, the opposing torsional forces of the torsion spring and the extension spring acting on the spiral rod substantially cancel out each other.

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 method and apparatus for reducing the torque of a compound balance in order to substantially cancel out the torsional force of the torsion spring acting on the spiral rod by creating an equal and opposing torsional force on the extension spring. The apparatus is an assembly connector that is non-permanently engaged with the extension spring, with the spiral rod being tensioned by the torsional force of the torsion spring. Alternatively, the extension spring may be turned in a direction to apply more torque than is required for operation of the compound balance. It is then engaged with a non pre-tensioned spiral rod sub-assembly to transfer the excess torque to the torsion spring of the spiral rod sub-assembly. In this manner, the opposing torsional forces of the torsion spring and the extension spring acting on the spiral rod substantially cancel out each other.

Abstract: A balance assembly for a sliding sash window, where a spring-loaded pulley arrangement is interconnected between the window frame and the window, to counter the weight of the window, and permit ease of opening and closing the window. The spring-loaded pulley arrangement is located within a housing, which also facilitates attachment of the shoe. The shoe of this balance assembly being rotatable between a first and a second position to permit fitting the assembly into the side of the window frame, when the shoe is in the first position, and to permit final installation of the assembly when the shoe in the second position. The shoe is retained in the first and second positions by detents. This rotatable shoe feature permitting installation, of the Balance Assembly of this invention, into a window frame at later stages of the window assembly sequence.

Abstract: An integrated tilt/sash lock assembly for a sash window is disclosed. The sash window assembly has an upper sash window and a lower sash window slideable within a master frame, the integrated assembly has a keeper adapted to be connected to the upper sash window. A rotor assembly is adapted to be supported by the lower sash window, the rotor assembly having a rotor connected to a spool. A latch bolt is adapted to be supported by the lower sash window and is adapted to engage the master frame. A connector has a first end connected to the spool and a second end connected to the latch bolt. An actuator is connected to the rotor assembly. The actuator has a locked position wherein the rotor engages the keeper. The actuator is moveable to an unlocked position wherein the rotor assembly is disengaged from the keeper, and is further moveable to a tiltable position wherein the connector retracts the latch bolt from the master frame.

Abstract: A window, which may be a casement window, includes an opening control mechanism for limiting the amount that the sash of the window can be opened to control ventilation and as a child safety feature. In one configuration, the opening control mechanism includes a frame track and release assembly attached to the window frame and a sash arm assembly including an articulating sash arm attached to the sash of the window. The frame track and release assembly has a track and a roller on one end of the sash arm rides along the track as the window sash begins to open. At the end of the track, the roller engages and is restrained by a release arm or stop thereby preventing the sash from being opened further. A lever or a button operatively coupled to the release arm is disposed inside the dwelling and inside an insect screen of the window. The lever can be slid sideways and then pulled back in two distinct motions to release the roller to allow the sash to be opened beyond its restrained position.

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 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 carrier and balance assembly for installation into the jamb channel of a window frame. The carrier and balance assembly are capable of being installed into the jamb channel optionally either as a single assembly or as two separate components. The two separate components are the carrier and a hanger-balance subassembly. The advantage of installing the carrier and balance assembly as two separate components is that such installation can occur after the assembly of the window frame and even after installation of the window into the wall of a building. Once the carrier and hanger-balance subassembly are separately installed in the jamb channel, they are then non-permanently locked together. Should any part of the carrier and balance assembly become damaged, replacement is performed by simply reversing the process described above without having to damage the jamb channel.

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 sliding shoe for a sliding/pivoting window having a shoe body which is of two piece construction. A cam trapped between the two portions of the shoe has a cam-shaped body, which rotates in complementary cam-shaped openings through the shoe portions to expand the shoe laterally, and a chamfered cam-shaped annulus which rotates in a complementary bevelled seat in the shoe body to expand the shoe in a direction perpendicular to the lateral expansion. The shoe is thus locked in position in the frame channel very early in the rotational cycle of the cam, and provide secure locking engagement against the sides, top and bottom of the channel when the sash is pivoted only slightly out of the plane of the frame.

Abstract: A combination tilt/sash lock for mounting to a window sash rail, the combination including a sash lock and tilt lock being mounted in linear relationship to each other; the tilt lock having a latch element latching to a window frame that is manually movable within a tilt lock housing between a latched position and an unlatched position; the sash lock having a rotatable cam movable by rotating a locking lever between a locked position and an unlocked position; the sash lock locking lever being located in a superimposed linear relationship to and blocking manual movement of the tilt lock in the locked position and allowing movement of the latch element in the unlatched position; and the tilt lock mechanism being movable from a latched position to a disengaged position.

Abstract: A latch including a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a bolt therebetween. A plurality of tabs may extend from the base, the plurality of tabs extending outwardly beyond the side walls when the side walls are operably coupled with the at least a portion of the second housing portion. One or more retention structures may be provided on the outer portion of the housing to inhibit longitudinal movement of the latch assembly within a recess in a window sash when the latch is installed in the recess.

Abstract: A tilt in window with sashes movably mounted to the interior of the frame and inwardly pivotable. Each of the sashes is held within jamb channels by capture legs which overlap a portion of the interior side of the sashes to restrain the sashes from inward movement, when the window is normally closed. The sashes are movable within the jamb channels for a distance to permit sashes to be removed from being held by the retaining members. With such removal the sashes are able to be inwardly pivoted. In one embodiment, a bottom outwardly facing sill is sloped downward to prevent water accumulation with the sill being integrated with sloping jamb sections, in continuity with the sill. The frame has retention elements for snap in parallel placement of separate jamb members having channels with the capture legs for holding the sashes and channels for the counterbalance weights or springs.

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: Disclosed is a discretionarily adjustable friction force block and tackle balance system comprising a housing and an adjustable break, wherein means are provided for adjusting the friction force between an inner surface of the housing and the adjustable break. An adjustable balance system comprising a housing, a floating anchor assembly, a fixed anchor assembly, a cord, and an elastic suspension is also disclosed. In an embodiment, the housing is a 3-side or 4-side tube or channel. There is at least one elongated hole or slit on at least one surface of said housing. An adjustable break is mounted inside the floating anchor subassembly. Moving the window sash also causes the floating anchor subassembly to move. When the floating anchor subassembly is moved to a position just under elongated hole on the said housing, the adjust screw installed in the adjustable break is exposed.

Abstract: An assembly of a cam and a tilt lock in a shoe for a tilt sash includes retainer tabs disposed near the cam to trap movable brake pads between the tabs and a shoe wall so that the brake pads can move apart in response to pivoting of the cam to a locked position and can move back toward each other to an unlocked position while remaining effectively retained by the tabs.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly is mounted in a sash window assembly. The sash window assembly has a sash window slidably supported within a master frame and the master frame has tracks. The brake shoe assembly has a slider body adapted to be received in the track of the master frame. The slider body has a central opening and further has an upper opening in communication with the central opening. A cam is positioned in the central opening and is adapted to receive a pivot pin attached to the sash window. A clip is positioned in the upper opening. The clip is accessible from proximate a top of the slider body for connection to and removal from the slider body.

Abstract: A tamper proof interlock insert for window balance carriers that is non-permanently installed into a drop-in carrier to prevent the unauthorized removal of the sash from the window frame. The interlock insert is inserted into the channel by the window manufacturer after the pivot bar, which connects to the sash, has been inserted into the carrier. Once the interlock insert is installed in the carrier, the pivot bar cannot be removed. Since the interlock insert is non-permanently installed in the carrier it can be disengaged from the carrier relatively easily by a trained technician in the event that the sash must be removed from the window for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A carrier and balance assembly for installation into the jamb channel of a window frame. The carrier and balance assembly are capable of being installed into the jamb channel optionally either as a single assembly or as two separate components. The two separate components are the carrier and a hanger-balance subassembly. The advantage of installing the carrier and balance assembly as two separate components is that such installation can occur after the assembly of the window frame and even after installation of the window into the wall of a building. Once the carrier and hanger-balance subassembly are separately installed in the jamb channel, they are then non-permanently locked together. Should any part of the carrier and balance assembly become damaged, replacement is performed by simply reversing the process described above without having to damage the jamb channel.

Abstract: A safety window comprising: a window frame, with a right inner surface, a left inner surface, a top, and a bottom; a lower sash in vertical slideable communication with window frame, the lower sash with a top and a bottom; an upper sash in vertical slideable or fixed communication with the window frame, the upper sash with a top and a bottom; a lock apparatus located on the top of the lower sash and the bottom of the upper sash and configured to reversibly lock the lower sash with respect to the upper sash, when locked the upper sash is located at the top of the frame, and the lower sash is located at the bottom of the frame; a first plurality of holes located on the right inner surface of the window frame; a second plurality of holes located on the left inner surface of the window frame; a first extendible pin located in the top of the bottom sash, and configured to removeably engage at least one of the first plurality of holes; a second extendible pin located in the top of the bottom sash, and configured to

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. A first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. A second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The first end assembly includes a bushing and split pivot body rotatably mounted within the bushing that creates increasing friction between the split pivot body and the bushing as the torque rod is twisted due to the tailgate being opened. The increasing friction creates a progressively increasing braking or dampening effect, which slows the free fall of the tailgate as it is opened.

Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) adapted for releasably securing a pivotable sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11) is disclosed. The sash window (12) comprises a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24,26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) comprises a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44) and a cover (51). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose (47) adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The latch bolt (46) also has a slot (66). The tilt-latch (10) further has an actuator (48) having a post (90). The post (90) is received by the slot (66). The tilt-latch (10) also has a spring (50) for biasing the latch bolt (46) through the outward end opening (44). The actuator (48) is connected to the latch bolt (46) and is sized to be positioned over the entire cover (51) of the housing (42).

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: A tilt-latch (10) for a sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) is provided. The sash window (12) comprises a top rail (18), a base (22) and two stiles (24, 26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) is adapted for releaseably securing the sash window (12) to the master frame (14). The tilt-latch (10) includes a housing (30) adapted to be supported by the top rail (18), the housing (30) having an outward end opening (54). The tilt-latch (10) further includes a latch bolt (32) disposed within the housing (30) and having a nose (56) adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The latch bolt (32) has structure wherein the latch bolt (32) is capable of being operably positioned in the housing (30) in one of a first position for a right-hand tilt-latch (10) and second position for a left-hand tilt-latch (10).

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: An improved window sash assembly which includes a sash held together by corner locks. The corner locks are all of similar construction, but may accommodate either tilt latch mechanisms or pivot terminal mechanisms. By utilizing a single corner bracket for both types of sash connectors, costs can be reduced and efficiencies increased. Additionally, the improved system imparts structural and sealing characteristics to the sash.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inertial braking system for spring-loaded devices, such as block and tackle window balances incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment, a block and tackle window balance includes a translatable block assembly disposed in a track including a pawl pivotally attached to the translatable block assembly. The pawl, in response to a rapid acceleration of the translatable block assembly, rotates about a pivot and frictionally engages the track, thereby wedging the translatable block assembly in the track. In another embodiment, the translatable block assembly includes a cam attached to the pawl and a brake shoe disposed between the cam and a cord seated within a pulley. Rotation of the pawl causes the cam to translate the brake shoe, thereby compressing the cord against the pulley.

Abstract: A block and tackle sash balance assembly for providing a counterbalancing force to a sash window pivotally and slideably mounted within a sash window frame is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to disable the counterbalancing force responsive to pivoting of the sash window.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window having novel components. The counterbalance system includes brake shoes, curl springs and spring anchor mounts. The brake shoe assembly of the counterbalance system has a unique, low cost locking mechanism that uses a looped wire. The brake shoe assembly may also be configured with external rib projections that reduce the friction of the brake shoe assemblies as they move through the tracks of the window. The spring anchor mount is formed with a recess in its body that enables the tilt latch of a window sash to pass the spring anchor mount within the track of the window frame. As a result, the spring anchor mounts can be placed within the window frame at points previously not available.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balance assembly (10) for use with a sash window assembly (104) slidable within a master frame (110). The balance assembly (10) generally includes a plate (20), at least one coil (40), and a shoe or pivot brake assembly (60). The plate (20) is adapted to be attached to the master frame (110). The spring (40) has a coiled portion (42), an intermediate portion (43), and a free portion (44). The coiled portion (42) of the spring (40) is rotatably supported by a support member (30) extending from the plate (20). The free portion (44) of the spring (40) has a curved configuration with a curved end (46). The pivot brake assembly (60) has at least one slot (76) adapted to receive and retain the free portion (44) of the spring (40). The slot (76) defines a protrusion (83) that engages the free portion (44).

Abstract: A balancing force adjusting device for a window which raises and lowers includes a case, a horizontal gear member, a click member and a vertical gear member. The horizontal gear member is rotatably arranged around the horizontal axis in a predetermined position with this case, and a ratchet gear is formed around a shaft portion of the horizontal gear member. The click member is rotatably arranged in a predetermined angular range around the horizontal axis in a position adjacent to the horizontal gear member, and has two clicks extending in the horizontal gear member direction and respectively arranged on both the sides of an intermediate shaft portion. The vertical gear member is engaged with the horizontal gear member. One side click of the click member is biasedly engaged with the ratchet gear formed in the horizontal gear member.