Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sash windows is mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock comprises either a keeper, with a keeper opening, for mounting on a rail of one of the sash windows or a recess in the lower rail of the upper sash. The sash lock disclosed herein includes a housing having a hole, an actuator arm, and a cam having a cam element for receipt into the keeper opening or the recess. The locking assembly also includes a shaft extending through the housing hole and operably coupling the actuator arm to the cam.

Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sash windows is mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock comprises either a keeper, with a keeper opening, for mounting on a rail of one of the sash windows or a recess in the lower rail of the upper sash. The sash lock disclosed herein includes a housing having a hole, an actuator arm, and a cam having a cam element for receipt into the keeper opening or the recess. The locking assembly also includes a shaft extending through the housing hole and operably coupling the actuator arm to the cam.

Abstract: A removable balance system for a sash movable vertically between a pair of window jambs. The balance system includes a U-shaped balance channel member and a double block and tackle system disposed within the U-shaped balance channel with a locking feature selectively operable between extending laterally outwardly from the shoe for engagement with an opening in the jamb channel and recessed within the shoe. In operation the locking feature is inserted into an upper most opening in the jamb channel and the cord of the double block and tackle is withdrawn to an extent sufficient for the locking feature to engage a second opening in the jamb channel thereby securing the balance system in place within each jamb providing a seat for the sash atop the two laterally disposed shoes.

Abstract: A window operator for repositioning a window sash within a window frame. The window operator includes a crank handle for rotating a shaft with a pinion gear. The pinion gear operably engages with a rack containing cutouts, the rack having oppositely disposed first and second ends. The rack is translatable within a track disposed within the window frame. The window operator also includes an operator arm connectable between a first end of the rack and the sash wherein rotation of the shaft by the handle imparts movement to the rack and the operator arm, the rack and operator arm movement capable of transitioning the sash between a window open and a window closed position.

Abstract: A window operator for repositioning a window sash within a window frame. The window operator includes a crank handle for rotating a shaft with a pinion gear. The pinion gear operably engages with a rack containing cutouts, the rack having oppositely disposed first and second ends. The rack is translatable within a track disposed within the window frame. The window operator also includes an operator arm connectable between a first end of the rack and the sash wherein rotation of the shaft by the handle imparts movement to the rack and the operator arm, the rack and operator arm movement capable of transitioning the sash between a window open and a window closed position.

Abstract: A window system comprises a frame having a top, a bottom and two sides, at least one slidable and tiltable sash disposed within the frame, and a locking device attached to each side of the sash. The locking device is pivotable between an unlocked position to permit tilting of the sash, and a locked position which locks the sash to the frame. In the locked position, the locking device prevents any air from infiltrating between the sides of the sash and the frame.

Abstract: A window system comprises a frame having a top, a bottom and two sides, at least one slidable and tiltable sash disposed within the frame, and a locking device attached to each side of the sash. The locking device is pivotable between an unlocked position to permit tilting of the sash, and a locked position which locks the sash to the frame. In the locked position, the locking device prevents any air from infiltrating between the sides of the sash and the frame.

Abstract: A fastener has a screw with an anchor located thereon, the anchor being spaced apart from the head. The anchor has a cut-away portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge of the cut-away portion angling downward. The leading edge angles downward a further distance than the trailing edge. The anchor is spaced apart from the head by a distance corresponding to a thickness of a layer of material to be affixed to a support by an adjustable distance. The layer of material has a small opening therein to accommodate the screw. When the screw is inserted through the opening and into the support, the anchor turns through the opening, even though the opening is smaller than the anchor so that the material is located between the anchor and the head. The screw can then be turned further into the support or further out of the support to adjust the distance between the material and the support in order to align the material as desired.

Abstract: A window lock includes a lock base fixed to a first window sash and a lock catch fixed to a second window sash. A lock casing is mounted for linear reciprocation on the lock base. A pivotal locking member is mounted on the lock base so as to selectively engage the lock catch. A linkage mechanism interconnects the lock casing with the pivotal locking member and transforms the linear reciprocation of the lock casing into pivotal reciprocal movements of the locking member. A safety mechanism is provided to selectively prevent accidental or unauthorized linear reciprocation of the lock casing. The lock casing substantially surrounds the lock base, the linkage mechanism, and the safety mechanism, thereby providing the window lock with an aesthetically pleasing appearance suitable for modern decors.

Abstract: A window has an inner sash and outer sash that are removable from the frame. A pivotal step is located along an outer surface of the inner sash. For a double-hung window, there are two pivotal steps, one along each side of the outer surface of the inner sash. For a horizontal slider window, there is one pivotal step along a top of the outer surface of the inner sash. When the inner sash is tilted inward or removed from the frame, the pivotal step can be rotated inward to allow the outer sash to be tilted inward or removed. When the pivotal step is in an operating position in the window, it greatly reduces the air flow from an exterior of the window to an interior of the window around the sashes. With previous windows, there is no step immediately adjacent to an outer surface of the inner sash or, if there is such a step, the presence of the step makes the removal of the sashes cumbersome.

Abstract: A window assembly comprises a prefabricated sheet metal main frame and a secondary frame suitable for use in supporting window units. A seat is formed in the main frame for seating the secondary frame in the window opening of the main frame. The seat has an entranceway opening laterally from a first side of the frame to permit lateral insertion or lateral removal of the secondary frame into and out of the seat through a first end of the window opening. A first stop is provided at the other side edge of the seat. The stop projects inwardly of the window opening and serves to prevent direct removal of the secondary frame from the seat through the other side of the window opening. A locking device is provided which fits within the other end of the window opening to cooperate with the main frame and the secondary frame to lock the secondary frame in the main frame when it is seated in the seat.

Abstract: A shoe is mounted between a frame and a sash of a window. The shoe has braking means that begin to engage almost immediately as the sash is rotated relative to the frame to prevent the sash from sliding relative to the frame. The shoe has a secondary means to assist in activating the braking means as the sash is rotated relative to the frame. When the sash is aligned with the frame, the braking means is automatically released and the sash and shoe can slide relative to the frame. The shoe and a projection that can engage with an indentation in the sash. The shoe has second engagement means that can engage with fourth engagement means on the sash to allow the sash to pivot relative to the shoe.

Abstract: A cam lock has a housing with a locking lever extending through an opening in said housing and being pivotally mounted thereon. The housing has a shoulder on an interior surface thereof surrounding said opening and the lever is surrounded by an abutment. In a closed position, the abutment forms a line of contact with the shoulder so that the opening is completely closed.

Abstract: A horizontal slider window has an outer monorail that is approximately the same length as the outer sash. The outer monorail supports the outer sash and slides with said sash relative to a sill of the window. The outer monorail is maintained in a parallel position relative to an inner monorail by guide means located between the two monorails. The outer monorail rests on the sill and the guide means is protected from the elements. When the window is in a closed position, the outer monorail does not extend beyond the outer sash and therefore water cannot collect between the two monorails.