Abstract: A substantially zero clearance clamping pivot shoe having a top camming member and a bottom camming member, each camming member including camming elements. A top clamping element and a bottom clamping element disposed between the camming members for clamping a portion of a track within which the shoe is disposed. The clamping elements each including camming surfaces and braking surfaces such that as a window to which the shoe is attached pivots, the camming surfaces and the camming elements interact to urge the clamping elements together to clamp the portion of the track therebetween.

Abstract: A threaded follower mounted on a spiral rod is attached to the first end of a torsion spring, the second end of the torsion spring being connected to a window sash, one end of the spiral rod being attached to a window frame by a gear box that prevents rotation of the spiral rod unless the gear box receives externally provided rotational force by which it then rotates the spiral rod.

Abstract: Structure for maintaining a sliding window sash at an intended position with respect to a frame within which the sash moves. The structure serves to retain the sash at a position along an axis generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the window frame. An inwardly facing surface of the frame has formed therein an elongated trough which extends generally parallel to a direction of intended sliding movement of the sash. A blade is mounted within a cavity in the sash and disposed for pivotal movement between a first position, wherein the blade is retracted within an outwardly facing surface of the sash, and a second position, wherein the blade is extended through the outwardly facing surface of the sash into the trough defined within the inwardly facing surface of the frame. The blade is normally biased to the second position, but it can volitionally be retracted to the first position to enable tilting inward or removal of the sash from the window frame.

Abstract: A brake assembly (24) locks a slidable sash window (14) within a track (16) of a frame (12). The track (16) has a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls (20), the brake assembly (24) includes a slider body (28) adapted for slidable motion within the track (16). The slider body (28) has a central opening (34) extending from a front face (36) to a rear face (38) and has a side opening (46) adjacent to the central opening (34). The assembly also includes a brake member (30) comprising a spring having a braking surface (58), and mounted within the slider body (28) such that the braking surface (58) is adapted for reciprocal lateral movement through the side opening (46).

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 sash window counterbalance spring mounting arrangement for fitment into a channel section within a window jamb, includes coiled ribbon springs, a spring support mounting including a single integral component for locating and supporting the springs, a support for the springs to support and locate the springs on the mounting, and formed by pairs of triangular cross section projections extend from the rear surface of the main body of the mounting such that when the springs recoil rapidly outer surfaces of adjacent springs contact each other, and including an end portion of the main body which is curved, wing projections extending from the front surface of the main body, and an inter engagement element on the longitudinal end of the mounting for cooperative enagagement with cooperative inter engagement features on a sash shoe, and a locating arrangement for locating the mounting within the channel section.

Abstract: A window having a window panel that slides in a frame and at least one balancer that is secured to the window panel is disclosed. The window is of the tiltable hung type having a vertical operating position in which the balancer slides with the window panel in the frame and a tilted position in which the balancer remains secured to the window panel. The balancer includes an extensible member having a first end operatively coupled to the balancer and a second end operatively coupled to a frame so that the balancer can exert a force on the window panel to assist against the force of gravity when the window panel is in the vertical operating position. A method of constructing a tiltable hung window with a balancer secured to the window panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A counterweight apparatus is provided for automatically self-returning an enclosure sash or other closure member to at least one preselected intermediate position when released after being opened beyond that intermediate position and for selectively maintaining the closure member in at-rest positions, when released, between that intermediate position and a fully closed position.

Abstract: A replacement window having a window frame, the window frame having a window header, a window sill, a first frame jamb, and a second frame jamb, wherein the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb each connect the window header to the window frame and the window header, the window sill, and the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb define a window frame opening. A sash having a reinforced sash header may be movably positioned in the window frame opening. A reinforcement pin may be positioned adjacent to the reinforced first sash header of the sash, and a jamb retainer clip may be positioned adjacent to the first jamb, the jamb retainer clip defining a reinforcement pin orifice, wherein the reinforcement pin orifice receives the reinforcement pin.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring a condition of a counterbalance torsion spring in an overhead door or gate and preventing the door or gate from accidentally slamming shut or dropping too rapidly when the spring fails. The arrangement includes a drum mounted on a shaft which transmits the torque of the spring to the drum. During normal operation a sensor and release assembly maintains a catcher in a inactive position and when the spring fails, the sensor and release assembly allows the catcher to move to an active position and engage a grabber disposed on an inside surface of the drum to block rotation of the drum and therefore movement of the door or gate.

Abstract: A replacement window having a window frame, the window frame having a window header, a window sill, a first frame jamb, and a second frame jamb, wherein the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb each connect the window header to the window frame and the window header, the window sill, and the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb define a window frame opening. A sash having a reinforced sash header may be movably positioned in the window frame opening. A reinforcement pin may be positioned adjacent to the reinforced first sash header of the sash, and a jamb retainer clip may be positioned adjacent to the first frame jamb, the jamb retainer clip defining a reinforcement pin orifice, wherein the reinforcement pin orifice receives the reinforcement pin.

Abstract: A sash balance brake shoe assembly (2) is disclosed for counterbalancing a sash window (3) slidably supported within a master frame (5). The assembly generally includes a balance assembly preferably in the form of a block and tackle balance assembly (7) and a brake shoe (28). The balance assembly has a balance channel (6). The brake shoe (28) has an extension member (36) that is received by the balance channel (6). A fastener (42) directly connects the brake shoe (28) to the balance channel (6).

Abstract: A sliding latch and locking mechanism, for windows and doors, whereby the latching mechanism provides a means for discrete position retention of a sliding window or door and provides an increased measure of security. The latching system combines four modes of operation i.e. lock, close only, raise (free sliding), and tilt to provide angular pivoting of window sash, that allow three levels of security, i.e. fully locked, close only with discrete positions maintained, and raise or lower without discrete positions maintained (free sliding). The latching system security levels are accomplished by means of a selector knob positioned to the desired mode of operation. Also, a mechanism is integrated to provide interlocking in the fully closed position with the upper or adjacent window or door sash.

Abstract: A sash window counterbalance arrangement for counterbalancing the weight of a sash window includes a spring support mounting located within a channel in a sash window jamb, a sash shoe slidable in the channel, a spring arrangement which generates a spring force between the mounting and sash shoe to counterbalance the weight of the window, the mounting including at least one mounting peg which projects from the mounting to engage a mounting aperture within one channel wall to locate and secure the mounting within the channel, with the mounting peg being resiliently biased into engagement with the aperture.

Abstract: A sash window counterbalance spring mounting arrangement for fitment into a channel section within a window jamb, includes coiled ribbon springs; a spring support mounting including a single integral component for locating and supporting the springs, a support for the springs to support and locate the springs on the mounting, and formed by pairs of triangular cross section projections extending from the rear surface of the main body of the mounting such that when the springs recoil rapidly outer surfaces of adjacent springs contact each other, and including an end portion of the main body which is curved, wing projections extending from the front surface of the main body, and an inter engagement element on the longitudinal end of the mounting for cooperative engagement with cooperative inter engagement features on a sash shoe; and a locating arrangement for locating the mounting within the channel section.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: A balancing spring system for facilitating the opening and the closing of a window sash assembly slidably mounted in channels of opposed window jambs comprises a connector strip. The connector strip has a front surface and a rear surface. The connector strip also has slots extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The connector strip has a connecting head section at a bottom thereof, adapted for connection to the window sash assembly. Curled ribbon springs are adapted to be mounted idle and free to rotate in each of the channels of the window jambs. The curled ribbon springs each have a free end comprising an enlarged head portion at a tip thereof, for connecting the curled ribbon springs to the slots of the connector strip, whereby the curled ribbon springs apply an upward force to the window sash assembly.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of assembling a block and tackle counter balance for windows that reduces the cost of manufacture and installation. In particular, the balance provides vertical support to a window sash using a semi-rigid channel, a top shoe for insertion into one end of the semi-rigid channel, and a bottom shoe for insertion into another end of the semi-rigid channel. Connected to the top shoe is a spring, and a block and tackle pulley assembly is connected between the bottom end of the spring and the bottom shoe, wherein a cord from the pulley assembly extends outward from the bottom shoe for connection to the window sash.

Abstract: A sash window counterbalance arrangement for counterbalancing the weight of a sash window, includes a sash window jamb with a channel defined within the sash window jamb, the channel having a rear wall and a pair of side walls, a sash window shoe slidable in the channel, a spring arrangement connected at one end to the sash window shoe, and a spring support mounting fitted within the channel to support the spring arrangement, the spring support mounting including a locating peg projecting from the spring support mounting to engage a locating aperture defined within one of the channel walls and locate the spring support mounting along the channel, and a self tapping screw fastener engaging the spring support mounting and one of the channel walls to secure the spring support mounting to and within the channel.

Abstract: A sash window counterbalance arrangement for counterbalancing the weight of a sash window includes a spring support mounting locating within a channel in a sash window jamb, a sash shoe slidable in the channel, a spring arrangement which generates a spring force between the mounting and sash shoe to counterbalance the weight of the window, the mounting including at least one mounting peg which projects from the mounting to engage a mounting aperture within one channel wall to locate and secure the mounting, with the mounting secured and located against slidable movement in a first direction due to the spring force, while movement of the mounting in an opposite direction causes disengagement of the mounting peg from the aperture and the mounting peg includes a lip flange which hooks over a portion of the channel wall adjacent the aperture to secure the mounting within the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting mechanism for spring-assisted actuation of a covering means of a dishwasher such as a door or shutter, having at least one lever which is mounted on a shaft and is connected to a tension spring. Arranged, in this case, between the lever and the spring is a mechanical control means which brings about a more or less constant lever arm between an articulation point of the spring and the shaft over an angle of rotation of the shaft of up to approximately 100°.

Abstract: The invention proposes a pulley apparatus (27) for use with double hung vertical sash windows. The apparatus (27) comprises a base (32) which supports a pair of pulleys (42). One or both pullies (42) may be adjustable. The apparatus (27) is adapted to be installed into a recess in a window head (20) so that it is flush with the head (20).

Abstract: A window sash tether clasp and anchoring system which is externally mountable for universal use in connection with new or pre-existing conventional double-hung windows, wherein the sash tether clasp is externally mounted on the lower sash of such window and includes an outwardly extending catch having a pair of transversely spaced opposed legs which are designed to engage in the outer diverging walls of a bell shaped anchor that is attached to the end of the balance cord leading from the window balancing system. The externally mountable tether clasp further includes an outwardly extending spring lock which includes an arcuate portion, the extrados surface of which faces the catch and extends within the lower bell mouth of the anchor, thereby holding the anchor in releasable engagement with the catch of the tether clasp.

Abstract: A horizontally sliding screen for door or French window apertures comprising a first module (1) containing a spring assisted roll-back mechanism (3, 4) fastened to a post of the aperture, a second abutment module (16) for a stiffening end bar (8) of the screen (7), fastened to the opposite post, upper (11) and lower (10) channel guides for the said end bar (8) and optionally for the edges of the extended screen (7), respectively fastened to the threshold and the upper crossbar of the aperture, further comprises a rope (21) whose ends are respectively fastened to said end bar (8) running inside and run inside the said channel guides (10, 11), and on pulleys (18, 19, 20) fitted inside said second abutment module (16); a sagging (A) of the said rope (21) loaded with a weight (P) suspended by means of a hook (22) between two of said pulleys lower than or equal to the force exerted by the spring (4) of said roll-back mechanism increased by an amount equal to the sum of the frictional forces acting on the sliding p

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for a closing element movable in a vertical direction within openings which are guided in lateral guides, with the door weight being taken up by a spring-loaded tension element or being compensated by a counterweight.

Abstract: The assembly includes a pair of parallel guide rails, each shaped generally as an inverted U; a first gate segment having at least one pair of rollers positioned on opposite lateral sides thereof, where each roller is received within a respective one of the guide rails so that the first gate segment is guided by the pair of guide rails; a second gate segment having at least one pair of rollers positioned on opposite lateral sides thereof, where each roller is received within a respective one of the guide rails so that the second gate segment is guided by the pair of guide rails; and at least one substantially rigid cross-bar pivotally connected between the first and second gate segments.

Abstract: A tilt window balance shoe assembly is used with a double hung window and provides three directional locking. The balance shoe assembly comprises a slide block, a center cam, a pair of brake shoes, and a locking lug. The slide block has a head portion with a retention slot for a balance mechanism and a generally cylindrical-shaped hole which receives the center cam. The slide block also has side apertures extending to the hole and a receiving opening in a back face of the slide block and extending to the hole. The center cam has a slot well, cam flats and cam rounds. The slot well receives a terminus of a pivot bar attached to the window. The brake shoes which are positioned in the side apertures and the locking lug which is positioned in the receiving opening are in operable association with the center cam. Tilting of the window about its lower pivot point causes the pivot bar to rotate the center cam.

Abstract: In a counterbalance having a torsion spring which is torqued by a thread follower rotated by axially reciprocal movement of a spiral rod through the follower and into the torsion spring, the pitch of the spiral thread changes continuously, smoothly and consistently at a nonlinear rate according to an equation.

Abstract: Pulleys of a block and tackle window balance include hub steps that interact with other components to reduce the introduction of dirt and dust particles into areas vulnerable to wear. The hub steps of some of the pulleys are recesses formed about the axial bores of the pulleys that mate with protrusions on an axle and a washer. The hub steps of other pulleys are protrusions that abut a support plate and heads of rivets that act as axles. The hub steps allow inverse mounting of the window balance so that the balance can be mounted in a shoe channel for movement with a sash of the window, attached to the sash shoe, and the cord can be attached to the jamb or frame, thus increasing sash travel.

Abstract: An elongated cover is removably mounted to a channel guide of a jamb liner for a window unit that is mounted for movement between opened and closed positions. A balance spring in the channel guide has one portion attached to the top end of the jamb liner and an opposite end mounted to a balance shoe which frictionally engages the channel guide. The shoe is mounted to the lower end portion of the window unit. The cover includes a longitudinally elongated main body extendable within the channel guide, a resilient tube mounted to one transverse edge of the main body to abut against a channel guide side wall and rear wall to resiliently urge the main body away therefrom and a mounting joined to the main body transversely opposite the tube for forming a channel to engage a flange of the channel guide. The resilient action of the tube releaseably couples the cover to the channel guide to conceal the spring which extends above the window unit when the unit is closed or partially opened.

Abstract: A tilt sash counterbalance system has a carrier shoe with a locking cam that moves a locking component to a corner-to-corner locking position within a shoe channel. This is done by moving the locking component to a locked position where the locking component simultaneously increases both the width and the thickness of the carrier shoe. This presses the locking component into one inside corner of the shoe channel while pressing an opposite edge of the carrier shoe in a diagonally opposite direction against a diagonally opposite inside corner of the shoe channel.

Abstract: Plural protuberances are provided along each side of a tilt latch or pivot housing. The protuberances each form an edge that engages an edge of a notch in a window sash. The protuberances are provided with flexible fingers that are flexed or sheared by the sash edges to provide a snug fit.

Abstract: A window frame assembly made of hollow profiles where the components are welded together to form a channel or passage for a balance shoe, wherein the balance shoe is characterized by having the side walls of the balance shoe recessed so as to accommodate flash that may be encountered at the weld seam of the welded components.

Abstract: A door assembly which includes a door that slides open and closed to alternatively expose and cover components of a computer system. The door assembly includes a rack and pinion system that prevents racking of the door. The non-racking feature allows for the door to be wider than prior art doors such that more components may be easily accessed by a computer user. The door assembly also includes a spring assembly for automatically closing the door, a dampener for moderating the movement of the door, and a latching mechanism that holds the door open. In one embodiment the latch mechanism is a push-push latch and the spring of the spring assembly is a constant force spring.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a double-hung window assembly having a pair of vertical jamb liners, including a shoe slidable in a channel in one liner and operably connected to a sash for sliding movement therewith. A first locking member is rotatably connected to the first shoe, and manually operable means is pivotably connected to the shoe and operatively engageable with the first locking member for effectuating pivoting movement of the first locking member between (a) a limiting position wherein the first locking member engages one side wall of the one slide channel and (b) a releasing position wherein the first locking member is disengaged from the side wall of the slide channel. The first locking member including at least one tooth which engages and grips the side wall of the slide channel with the first locking member in the limiting position. A detent releasably maintains the first locking member in at least one of the limiting position and the releasing position.

Abstract: A locking device for countering the force exerted by a spring balance while a window sash is in a tilt position or removed from a tilt position in a window frame, includes a shoe and a sash pin, the shoe engaging the walls of a jamb or jambliner when the window sash is tilted or removed from a tilt position, and the sash pin having a tab for preventing disengagement from the shoe during installation in a window frame. The shoe includes a pair of arms, one of which terminates in a barb and the other of which terminates in an angled edge, such that upon rotation, the shoe forms a wedge within a jamb or jambliner. The shoe further includes a plurality of prongs disposed between the arms for retaining the sash pin, and a bore for retaining an attachment mechanism associated with a spring balance.

Abstract: A window frame assembly made of hollow profiles where the components are welded together to form a channel or passage for a balance shoe is characterized by having the side walls of the balance shoe recessed so as to accommodate any flash that may be encountered at the weld seam of the welded components.

Abstract: An adjustable window construction is disclosed wherein improved sash carriers prevent damage to any of the components of the window assembly when the sash is forcibly raised to its uppermost position, or when the sash is disengaged from the upwardly biased sash carriers during removal of the sash. When a sash carrier reaches its uppermost position, the novel tapered upper end of the sash carrier gradually engages and wedges within the lower end of the spring cover located above it, slowing the sash carrier and dissipating much of its kinetic energy to reduce the force of final impact of the sash carrier with the spring cover.

Abstract: A block and tackle balance disposed between a jambliner and a window sash includes a spring and a non-rotating pulley system. A head block is disposed on a rod for attaching the balance to the jambliner and securing one end of the spring, and a slide block is disposed at about the midpoint of the rod for securing the other end of the spring. The slide block acts in combination with a base block and a pulley cord, to create the non-rotating pulley system. The slide block and the base block each have at least one cord-receiving channel formed in a raised u-shaped member, for slidably receiving the pulley cord. The base block further includes a bore for securing an end of the pulley cord, and is coupled via the pulley cord to a shoe, which moves in response to movement of the window sash. As the shoe moves, the cord slides within the channels, and the slide block moves toward the base block.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a radius drip cap for sealing arcuate window frames when installed on an architectural window assembly previously installed on a building wall comprising uncoiling a strip of aluminum, cutting the strip into aluminum pieces, pressing each strip forming the strip with three stepped flanges including a pair of vertically extending upper and lower cap flanges separated by a horizontally extending cap flange linking the pair of vertically extending flanges together, slitting an uppermost of the vertical cap flanges at transverse intervals forming longitudinally spaced upwardly opening slits, and applying a closure to each of the slits on the upper cap flange to render the slits watertight on the uppermost vertical cap flange for precluding water leakage through the slits.

Abstract: A tension adjusting sash suspension arrangement for a vertically reciprocal sash for a fume hood having a cable connected to opposite sides of the sash, threaded over front corner pulleys, threaded around rear corner pulleys, threaded through a tension adjusting mechanism and directed downwardly to a common counter weight. The tension adjusting mechanism includes two laterally arranged pulleys mounted rotatably on a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket is slidable along a fixed bracket and fixable in selected position along a slot. The cable lengths are adjusted by loosening the sliding bracket with respect to the fixed bracket and allowing the counter weight to take up all tension in the cables, and then fixing the sliding bracket in position. The sash counter weight system can be precisely adjusted for proper vertical movement of the sash without binding caused by a skewed travel.

Abstract: A coupling between a twisted rod and a torsion spring of a spiral counterbalance is found to be subject to deformation against the twisted rod from compressive force of the grip of the terminal convolutions of the torsion spring. This problem is solved by using a metal cylinder in the rotation transmission sleeve of the coupling to resist the compressive force and prevent deformation so that the twisted rod can move freely within the coupling. This solution also allows the use of a stronger torsion spring to exert a larger counterbalance force.

Abstract: A fume hood includes a housing with a work chamber, an access opening to the work chamber, and a sash that one may move between raised and lowered positions to open or close the access opening. It also includes a counterbalance system that maintains the sash at a desired position between two predetermined limits. An adjusting weight system reduces the weight provided by the counterbalance system or increases the weight of the sash to allow the sash to drop to a predetermined position after it has moved above that predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mounting a chamber door between open and closed positions relative to the opening of a sterilizer or autoclave chamber. The apparatus is adapted to be used in either motorized or non-motorized embodiments. The weight of the chamber door is offset by a counterweight and suspended using a cable and pulley system. In the non-motorized embodiment, the door/counterweight system is held in place by a securement, which, when disengaged, permits free motion of the door. In the motorized embodiment, a second cable and pulley system is used to connect the door and counterweight. The cable from this second system is looped around a sheave which is adapted to provide a predetermined frictional force. The sheave is then connected to and rotated by a motor, and upon activation of the motor, the rotating sheave displaces the cable, which respectively raises or lowers the door and counterweight.

Abstract: A window having a frame with at least two oppositely disposed side members, a top member, and a bottom member. Operably connected to each frame side member is a jamb liner having a front face and at least one jamb channel. Mounted within the frame is at least one sash having two oppositely disposed sides. The sash tilts away from the frame for easy cleaning. Within each jamb channel is a locking slide block for slidably and rotatably mounting the sash to the frame. A plough extends from the face of each jamb liner in the direction of the opposite frame side member. Each side of the sash has a sash groove for slidably mounting the sash in the frame by receiving adjacent ploughs. The plough and sash grooves have interlocking edges which engage to resist unintentional tilting of the sash.

Abstract: An essentially weightless hospital youth crib side gate having a latch mechanism requiring a compound sequential motion for release. A pair of spring powered reels are attached at opposite ends of the lower horizontal frame member of a side gate of a hospital youth crib and the spring powered wire cables are attached to the side gate crib track which is mounted to the crib frame. The spring powered reels counterbalance the weight of the side gate producing an essentially "weightless" side gate. The gate further includes a latch release mechanism whereby a push button must first be fully depressed before a pair of latch handles can be brought together to fully release the latch rods which hold the side gate in a predetermined position. Only after both motions have been sequentially performed can the side gate be raised or lowered. Operating the latch requires only a single adult hand and is very difficult to be operated by a child, even if the child were to use both hands.

Abstract: A load counterbalancing coiled wire spring assembly adapted to provide predetermined nonuniform bending stress induced torsional load supporting force in response to load induced longitudinal spring wire displacement.