Abstract: An anchoring system used to anchor a ribbon spring to a guide track. A mounting slot is formed in the guide track that provides access to the internal gap space. A counterbalance spring is provided having an offset tab section proximate a free end. A barb flap is formed by bending a segment of the counterbalance spring from the offset tab section. The offset tab section with barb flap are extended into the gap space through the mounting slot. As the counterbalance spring is unwound, a bias is created that engages both the offset tab section and the barb flap within the gap space. This locks the free end of the counterbalance spring in place without the need of any mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a window sash that engages a guide track in a vinyl tilt-in window. At least one ribbon spring coil is used to create the counterbalance force. The ribbon spring coils are held in a brake shoe chassis that travels within the guide track of the window. A first protective barrier is attached to the brake shoe chassis. The first protective barrier travels externally of the guide track and shields the slot opening adjacent the spring placement area. A second protective barrier is attached to the brake shoe chassis inside the guide track. The second protective barrier shields the spring placements areas from contamination within the guide track. A brake mechanism is also attached to the brake shoe chassis. The brake mechanism uses a cam to spread arms against the side walls of the guide track when the window sash is tilted. This provides contact against three inside walls of the guide track, therein creating a lock.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a window sash in a window frame. The window frame has guide tracks. The guide tracks have wall surfaces. The wall surfaces are supported by reinforcement ribs. A mounting slot is formed in the guide track. The mounting slot is formed in a limited area of a wall that is not supported by a reinforcement rib. A coil spring is provided. The coil spring is made of a steel ribbon having a first end, an opposite second end, and a slot engagement configuration proximate said second end. The coil spring has a wide first width from its first end to the slot engagement configuration. This first width is too large to directly engage the mounting slot. The steel ribbon is reduced to a second width through the slot engagement configuration and continuing to the second end to pass into the mounting slot.

Abstract: An anchor mount system for anchoring a free end of a ribbon coil spring to a guide track of a window. The ribbon coil spring has an opening formed through its structure at a first distance from the free end. The anchor mount has a body with a first section and a second section. A first tab and a second tab protrude from the second section of the body. The second tab is angled toward said first tab at an inclined angle. A second distance exists between the first tab and the second tab. This second distance is generally equal to the first distance along the ribbon coil spring. This enables the end of the ribbon coil spring to become entrapped between the tabs when engaged with the tabs and manipulated in a certain manner.

Abstract: A system and method for inhibiting inadvertent movement of a window sash out of a fully open position. Brake shoes travel in the guide tracks as the window sash is moved between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A stop is mounted within the guide tracks. The brake shoe and the stop contact and interconnect when the window sash is moved to its fully open position. The brake shoe is separable from the stop when a closing force is manually applied to the window sash that acts to move the window sash away from its fully open position. The force applied must exceed a threshold level. In this manner, the window sash will remain in its fully open position and will not inadvertently drift closed due to gravity, vibrations or contact with another window sash.

Abstract: A counterbalance system that is set into the guide track of a tilt-in window. A brake shoe housing is provided that has a first arm element. The brake shoe housing is connected to a coil spring within the guide track of the tilt-in window. At least one post is set into the first arm element. Each post has a free end that extends away from the first arm element. One post passes through a hole in the coil spring and forms part of the mechanical interconnection between the brake shoe housing and the coil spring. A cam is disposed within the brake shoe housing. When turned, the cam moves the first arm element, therein causing each post to be biased against the guide track. The contact between each post and the guide track inhibits movement of the brake shoe housing.

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 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 tilt-in window and its associated method of operation. The system uses wound spring elements to provide a counterbalancing force to the sashes of the window. The wound springs are configured to define open central regions. Hubs are attached to tilt posts that extend from the sashes of the window. The hubs extend into the open central regions of the wound springs, thereby supporting the wound springs within the frame of the window. A brake structure is disposed between the wound springs and the tilt posts. The brake structure creates multiple braking actions. First, the brake structure itself creates an interference fit within the frame of the window as the sashes tilt. Second, the brake structure displaces the wound spring and causes the wound spring to press against the frame of the window as the sashes tilt.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window that has tilt post brackets. The tilt post brackets selectively mount to the vertical side elements of a window sash. Accordingly, the tilt post brackets need not be manufactured into the structure of the sash. Each tilt post bracket has a vertical section that mounts directly with the vertical side elements of the window sash frame. A brake element extends from the vertical section, therein providing the window sash with a tilt-in pivot post. The brake element provides both a braking system and a curl spring support structure.