Abstract: A window sash installed into a window frame, wherein the window sash assumes an operable position where the vertical sides of the window sash are aligned with the side jambs of the window frame. A gap space exists between each of the vertical sides of the window sash and the side jambs of the window frame. This gap space is utilized by a counterbalance system. Spacer assemblies are attached to the window sash. Each spacer assembly has a base that mounts to the window sash and a slide that selectively extends from the base. The slides are extended across the gap spaces between the sash and the side jambs. The slides are brought into close proximity with the side jambs. The presence of the slides prevents the window sash from being able to cock out of the intended operational orientation of the window sash.

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 counterbalance system for counterbalancing the weight of a window sash in a window frame and the structure of the springs that provide the counterbalance force. Guide tracks are provided on a window frame to guide the movement of the window sash. Mounting slots are formed through the guide tracks at various points. Coil springs are provided to create the counterbalance force. Each coil spring is a coil of wound steel ribbon that has one end bent into an anchor configuration. The anchor configuration passes into, and is retained by, one of the mounting slots. This anchors one end of the coil spring to the guide track.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a side load window assembly having a window sash and side frame jambs. A spring carriage is provided. The spring carriage has a first section that fits into a gap space between the window frame and the window sash. The spring carriage also includes a second section that passes under the window sash, therein supporting the window sash. At least one coil spring is provided. Each coil spring has a wound body that is held within the spring carriage. Each coil spring also has a first end that extends out of a housing and is anchored to one of the side frame jambs. The coil springs bias the spring housing upwardly. Since the window sash rests upon the housing, the window sash is counterbalanced.

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 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: 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.

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. The 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 novel braking system and a novel curl spring support structure.

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 within the confines of the window track. 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 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.