Patents by Inventor Fletcher Smith

Fletcher Smith has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Locking carrier and mounting arrangement for tilt sash counterbalance systems
    Patent number: 8819896
    Abstract: A window balance assembly comprising an improved locking carrier mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is actuated when the window sash is tilted. Cam surfaces on the receiver of the mechanism engage cam followers in the clamshell-type housing of the carrier forcing them apart outwardly to lock the carrier in the jamb channel of a window assembly and prevent movement of the carrier in the channel. The receiver incorporates two cams that engage two cam follower surfaces in the housing to improve the distribution of the locking forces of the carrier in the jamb channel. A dual-locking carrier expands in both the axial and lateral directions to contact both front and back surfaces and opposing side surfaces of the jamb channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company North America, LLC
    Inventors: Wilbur James Kellum, III, Eric Mertz, Mark R. Baker, Jeffrey Tuller, Richard S. DeNormand, Fletcher Smith, Jay Sofianek
  • LOCKING CARRIER AND MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR TILT SASH COUNTERBALANCE SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20130283699
    Abstract: A window balance assembly comprising an improved locking carrier mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is actuated when the window sash is tilted. Cam surfaces on the receiver of the mechanism engage cam followers in the clamshell-type housing of the carrier forcing them apart outwardly to lock the carrier in the jamb channel of a window assembly and prevent movement of the carrier in the channel. The receiver incorporates two cams that engage two cam follower surfaces in the housing to improve the distribution of the locking forces of the carrier in the jamb channel. A dual-locking carrier expands in both the axial and lateral directions to contact both front and back surfaces and opposing side surfaces of the jamb channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Wilbur James Kellum, III, Eric Mertz, Mark R. Baker, Jeffrey Tuller, Richard S. DeNormand, Fletcher Smith, Jay Sofianek