Abstract: A new and improved window assembly includes a window frame, and a window sash having an open-tilted and a closed position. The window sash has pivot pins that engage kidney shaped receptacles located on the window frame. The kidney shaped receptacles permit movement of the window sash into the open-tilted or closed position. The design of the present invention minimizes the parts needed to assemble the window assembly making such a window assembly cheaper to manufacture and easier to assemble.

Abstract: A window assembly is disclosed that allows a person to easily clean the exterior side of a windowpane, and prolongs the life of the window assembly. A window assembly (200) according to the present invention comprises a fixed window frame (202), tilt-latch assemblies (1, 2), and upper and lower window sashes (203, 204) comprised of a plurality of window sash rails, wherein each window sash rail has an outer wall (302), a front wall (300), and a rear wall (304). The tilt-latch assemblies (1, 2) secure the upper and lower window sashes (203, 204) within the fixed window frame (202). The tilt-latch assembly (1) is inserted into a slot (301) that is located on the outer wall (302) of the window sash rail for receiving a tilt-latch assembly (1). A lip (314) is located between a corner edge (212), wherein two sash rails meet to form a corner, and the outer edge (310) of the slot (308). The (314) can help prevent stress failure of the window sash rail.

Abstract: A sash member for housing a glass unit for a window or door comprising a main body and a non-separable glazing member extruded together with said main body as a single unit. The glazing member moves between an unlocked position and a locked position relative to the main body. A hinge preferably connects the non-separable glazing member to the main body, so as to allow movement of the glazing member between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrally reinforced plastic molded components and products, such as patio door assemblies. In particular, a reinforced unitary patio door frame is disclosed having a plurality of sash members integrally molded and connected to one another, one of the plurality of sash members having an integrally molded reinforcing bar and a plastic retention member integrally formed with the frame, in which the plastic retention member holds the reinforcing bar within the frame. The disclosures herein are also applicable to methods of making such a reinforced unitary patio door frame as well as other types of objects requiring reinforcing members, such as windows, benches, or tables.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source are described. Protection is provided against miswiring conditions that causes the putative ground line of the electrical source to be either electrically energized or to be electrically open. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect if the electrical source is miswired and operate one or more devices which physically interrupt electrical continuity to one or more of the electrical lines of the appliance if a miswiring is detected. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is electrically equivalent to the putative hot line of the source, and if it is, then interrupting electrical continuity between the electrical source and the appliance.

Abstract: A new and improved window assembly includes a window frame, and a window sash having an open-tilted and a closed position. The window sash has pivot pins that engage kidney shaped receptacles located on the window frame. The kidney shaped receptacles permit movement of the window sash into the open-tilted or closed position. The design of the present invention minimizes the parts needed to assemble the window assembly making such a window assembly cheaper to manufacture and easier to assemble.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a window opening includes an elongated frame member made of roll-formed stock material having top and bottom edges, and a first wall extending between the top and bottom edges. The frame assembly includes a latch positioned adjacent the first wall and between the top and bottom edges of the frame member. The latch is slidable between extended and retracted positions. The first wall of the elongated frame member has a hole for accessing the latch. A lift inserted into the hole is engageable for selectively moving the frame assembly relative to a fixed window frame.

Abstract: A method for glazing a sash frame and a sash frame for insulated glass windows are disclosed wherein both sides of the sash frame, are glazed from one side of the sash, eliminating the requirement for flipping the sash during manufacture.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a window opening includes an elongated frame member made of roll-formed stock material having top and bottom edges, and a first wall extending between the top and bottom edges. The frame assembly includes a latch positioned adjacent the first wall and between the top and bottom edges of the frame member. The latch is slidable between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A muntin connector includes male and female connecting members each having a length, a thickness, and a width greater than the thickness. The connecting members are configured to be assembled together in a direction transverse to the length and width directions so that the connecting members cannot be disassembled by pulling apart in the length direction.

Abstract: A storm-resistant window includes a mechanism for preventing the blowout of a movable sash when wind pressure pulls the sash outwardly. In a single hung window having a slidable lower sash, the mechanism consists of a first rib projecting downwardly from the bottom rail of the lower sash and a second rib projecting upwardly from the top of the sill member of the window frame. In a closed position of the window, the first rib lies inwardly adjacent the second rib such that, if wind pressure pulls the movable sash outwardly, the first rib will contact the second rib, preventing the bottom rail of the movable sash from moving outwardly. In an alternate embodiment, one of the ribs may be replaced with a channel, so that the remaining rib is received in the channel in the closed position of the window.

Abstract: A pulley having a spring loaded release mechanism is disclosed which provides a safety override under high torque conditions. The pulley is provided with a first flange which rotates in the conventional manner with a central hub. A second flange is rotatably mounted on the central hub relative to the first flange and a bushing is disposed between the two flanges and may rotate relative to both. A resilient member urges the three elements together under normal operating conditions. The resilient member is preset to allow a certain amount of force on the second flange, relative to its speed. When this torque is surpassed by a belt mounted between the two flanges, the second flange and the bushing separate from the first flange to allow the belt to continue to spin on the bushing and a second flange, relative to the first flange.

Abstract: A combined slide guide and pivot pin for engaging the sash balance of a double-hung window assembly, and for riding in a guide rail of the master frame jamb of the window assembly to retain the guide rail in alignment relative to the sash window when the window is slided, utilizes a unitary metal member having, at a first end, a notched upper surface adapted to engage the sash balance, and having a cross-bar, as a slide guide, disposed proximate the first end with bevelled upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A connector for use in a track lighting system is provided. The connector comprises a housing formed of at least two nonconductive members one overlying the other. A cavity extends through the housing at the interface of the members and terminates in openings at opposite ends of the connector. A contact is positioned within the cavity and is designed to permit a conductor to enter the cavity through an opening but resists removal of the conductor from the opening. The housing is held together by two fasteners one of which has a coil spring wound about it so that when the fastener is loosened, the coil spring serves to urge the housing members apart to thereby enable the contact to disengage from the conductor.