Abstract: A multi-bar linkage assembly for a pivotally mounted window sash and, more particularly, a high-capacity hinge assembly is disclosed. The hinge assembly is less susceptible to deflection during operation and may be used with and support window vents more than 100 in. tall and weighing more than 400 lbs. Notwithstanding the hinge assembly’s wide range of use, the hinge assembly stack height does not exceed the industry standard of 0.625 in. for conventional hinge assemblies incapable of use in heavy-duty applications. The hinge assembly may be used with standard form window frames without requiring redesigning or otherwise modifying the window frame’s standard form cross-section.

Abstract: A hardware assembly providing a motion-activated vent stop for a vent window assembly. The hardware assembly can detect excessive forces acting on the vent and quickly arrest any unintended or induced movement of the vent while enabling the regular function of the vent window under normal operating conditions. When an opening force acting on the vent exceeds a predetermined value, the resulting torque causes a shoe to pivot and engage a stepped profile of a guide slot of a track along which the shoe moves. Once engaged, the shoe cannot move along the track and continued movement of the vent is halted. The shoe includes a biasing member that engages the guide slot and produces a counter-torque that tends to bias the shoe generally vertically in the guide slot and enable the shoe to travel freely under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A window vent assist mechanism for use with a vent window operable in a closed position and in a vented position can include a first support configured to connect to a header of a window frame and a second support configured to connect to an upper rail of a window vent disposed in the window frame. The window vent assist mechanism also includes a biasing member disposed between the header of the window frame and the upper rail of the window vent and nearer to an inner side of the vent window and a center of gravity of the window vent. The biasing member is configured to exert a force to urge the window vent to move relative to the window frame to reduce an operating force required to move the window vent to the vented position.

Abstract: A window vent assist mechanism for use with a vent window operable in a closed position and in a vented position can include a first support configured to connect to a header of a window frame and a second support configured to connect to an upper rail of a window vent disposed in the window frame. The window vent assist mechanism also includes a biasing member disposed between the header of the window frame and the upper rail of the window vent and nearer to an inner side of the vent window and a center of gravity of the window vent. The biasing member is configured to exert a force to urge the window vent to move relative to the window frame to reduce an operating force required to move the window vent to the vented position.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly enables lateral adjustment of the position of a pivot connection of a first member relative to a second member in a window assembly having a first member, a second member, and a rotatable pivot-mounting element. The pivot-mounting element includes a first pivot-mounting section with a first pivot axis operatively connected to the first member and a second pivot-mounting section operatively connected to the second member. The second pivot-mounting section has a second pivot axis that is generally parallel to and offset from the first pivot axis. An engager section is located intermediate the pivot-mounting sections. Finally, a locking member is provided to cooperate with the engager section and is movable relative to the engager section between a retention position and a release position.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly enables lateral adjustment of the position of a pivot connection of a first member relative to a second member in a window assembly having a first member, a second member, and a rotatable pivot-mounting element. The pivot-mounting element includes a first pivot-mounting section with a first pivot axis operatively connected to the first member and a second pivot-mounting section operatively connected to the second member. The second pivot-mounting section has a second pivot axis that is generally parallel to and offset from the first pivot axis. An engager section is located intermediate the pivot-mounting sections. Finally, a locking member is provided to cooperate with the engager section and is movable relative to the engager section between a retention position and a release position.

Abstract: A tilt window assembly is modified to include a pair of adjustable braces for controlling wind resistance. Each of the braces includes a bracing block and an adjustable stop. The bracing block fits within a shoe channel in a jamb liner and forms a fixed brace between the front face of the jamb liner and a side wall of the shoe channel. The adjustable stop extends from the bracing block through a back face of the liner and bears against the window frame. The adjustable stop together with the bracing block forms an adjustable length brace between the front face of the liner and the window frame.

Abstract: A window grille retaining system includes a two-piece spring clip assembly. One of the pieces is formed as a pin that is carried within a slot formed in a bottom surface of the grille molding. The other piece is formed as a bracket having a first arm that is formed as a blade for anchoring the bracket to a window sash and a second arm that is formed as a spring clip. Fingers are formed in the spring clip for engaging the pin with a snap-type engagement. The spring clip arm is spaced from the sash so that the fingers can engage the pin in different positions along the length of the pin to accommodate variation in the lengths of the grille molding.

Abstract: An extruded resin spring cover (12) extending for the full length of a resin jamb liner (10) and divided into vertical halves (14) by a longitudinal slit (15) is involved in a friction system that prevents hop or drop of a sash (13) counterbalanced between jamb liners (10). A counterbalance spring system is arranged within spring cover (12) and connected to a platform (20) that has a narrow width neck (24 or 44) extending through slit (15). A sash support portion (25, 37, or 57) of the platform is pivotally mounted outside the spring cover, and a connector portion (30, 35, or 40) of the platform is connected to the counterbalance spring system within the spring cover. Neck (24 or 44) extending through slit (15) affords the pivotal interconnection between the sash support portion and the connection portion and also contributes a fixed friction load involved in spreading the spring cover halves apart at the slit, in the region of the neck.

Abstract: A block and tackle balance system (10), contained within a spring cover (12) extending for the full length of a jamb liner (11), includes a guide (30) that directs a cord (25) through an angled course as it passes from the balance (20), through a hole (13) in the spring cover, to a support that moves up and down with a sash (15) outside the spring cover. The passing of the cord through the angled course in the guide produces load-related friction that helps prevent hop and drop of the sash. Guide (30) also preferably supports an end of the balance within the spring cover, and a support (50, 60) on the free end of cord (25) preferably engages sash (15) automatically as the sash assembled between a pair of jamb liners (11).