Abstract: A supporting device is provided and includes: a base; an upright column disposed on the base; a lifting module disposed on the upright column; a constant force arm unit including: a first rotating member rotatably disposed on the upright column and defining a constant first effective force arm; and a first wire wound on the first rotating member; a variable force arm unit including: a second rotating member linked with the first rotating member and defining a variable second effective force arm; and a second wire wound on the second rotating member; and an elastic force module connected to the first wire; where the torques respectively generated in the first wire and the second wire are balanced with each other.

Abstract: A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window that utilizes a brake shoe assembly. The brake shoe assembly is comprised of a brake shoe housing and a cam element. The brake shoe housing has a first arm element, a second arm element, and a flexible bottom section. A cam opening is disposed within the brake shoe housing. A gap space exists above the cam opening. The cam element is disposed within the cam opening. The cam element contains a tilt post receiving slot that received the tilt post from a window sash. A catch finger extends from the first arm element into the gap space. The catch finger at least partially obstructs the tilt post receiving slot. This prevents the tilt post of the window sash from being inadvertently lifted out of the brake shoe assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: A system for supporting a window sash that allows for the removal of the sash from between opposed window jambs. The system supports the window sash through counterbalance shoes supporting sash support arms pivotally attached to the sash. The shoes include hooks which, in first positions, engage lances in the window jambs to hold the shoes in place as the sash is removed from or installed between the window lambs. The hooks, in second positions, engage pins extending from the support arms to retain the support arms on the shoes.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: A slide block for slideably and pivotally mounting a window sash to a side member of a window frame having a vertical window jamb channel. The slide block includes a body, the body defining a sash pivot-receiving aperture. A sash pivot retainer spring is integrally formed with the body and is positionable between a first position obstructing removal of a sash pivot when the sash pivot is disposed in the aperture and a second position permitting removal of the sash pivot.

Abstract: Locking balance shoes and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows include, in one embodiment, a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method of installing such a system, an elongated end of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: An improved window sash assembly which includes a sash held together by corner locks. The corner locks are all of similar construction, but may accommodate either tilt latch mechanisms or pivot terminal mechanisms. By utilizing a single corner bracket for both types of sash connectors, costs can be reduced and efficiencies increased. Additionally, the improved system imparts structural and sealing characteristics to the sash.

Abstract: A hung window carrier system and method is provided. The system includes a jamb having a pair of tracks. Also included is a sash clip to be affixed to a window sash, a carrier having a slidable portion and a window sash support portion, wherein the window sash support portion removably engages the sash clip and supports the window sash. The slidable portion slides along the jamb, and the carrier is connectable to a balance. A locking mechanism includes a jamb lock located on the jamb and a carrier lock located on the carrier, the jamb and carrier locks are configured to align with each other by sliding the carrier within the jamb. After the jamb lock and carrier lock are aligned, the locking mechanism may be used to lock the carrier in place along the jamb such that the carrier cannot move in either an upper or lower direction.

Abstract: A support system for a heavy sash that is laterally removable from between opposed window jambs includes a pair of sash support arms pivotally mounted on each sash stile and counterbalance shoes that engage the support arms to uphold the sash. The support arms, in inwardly dependent positions, can engage the shoes as the sash is lowered onto the shoes; and the support arms, in outwardly extending positions, support the weight of the sash on the shoes. Hooks dependent from the shoes can lock the shoes to the jambs during sash removal or replacement; and the sash support arms, the shoes, and the hooks are all preferably cut from metal extrusions.

Abstract: Locking balance shoes and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows includes, in one embodiment, a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method of installing such a system, an elongated end of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: Housing for installation in a window frame having a window sash with a notch defining a pair of opposed edges. Each housing includes side walls and a top wall extending beyond the side walls to define a flange. Each housing further includes protuberances, such as triangular protuberances, projecting from the side walls. Each protuberance is spaced from the flange to define respective gaps for receiving opposed edges therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snap lock balance shoe and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows and installation methods of such systems. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method, an elongated end of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring balance assembly for use with a sash window. The spring balance assembly comprises a plate, clip, pivot brake assembly, and first and second coil springs. The plate has a first portion, second portion, and a generally perpendicular transition portion thereby defining a cavity proximate the first portion. The cavity accommodates hardware mounted to the sash window during sliding movement of the sash window. The first coil spring is rotatably supported on a first spool and the second coil spring is rotatably supported on a second spool. A lower end of the first spring is connected to an attaching element of the clip. A lower end of the second spring is connected to a first wall of the pivot brake assembly and the clip is connected to the first wall to secure the first and second springs to the pivot brake assembly.

Abstract: Plural protuberances are provided along each side of a tilt latch or pivot housing. The protuberances each form an edge that engage 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: This application relates to apparatus for a snap lock balance shoe and system to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a frame, a locking member at least partially disposed within the frame, a cam in communication with the locking member and a pair of resilient tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance.

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: Plural protuberances are provided along each side of a tilt latch or pivot housing. The protuberances each form an edge that engage 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: An integrated tilt/sash lock assembly for a sash window is disclosed. The integrated assembly comprises a handle movable among a first, a second and a third position to adjust the assembly among a respective locked, unlocked and tiltable position. The integrated assembly further comprises a rotor coupled to the handle. The rotor has a locking cam and a pair of slots disposed therein. The integrated assembly also includes a keeper adapted to be supported by the sash window. The integrated assembly further includes a latch bolt housing having a latch bolt slidably disposed therein and a spring for biasing the latch bolt towards one of the guide rails. The integrated assembly further has a connector coupling the latch bolt to the rotor. The connector has a guide pin which slidably engages the slot in the rotor.

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: Plural retainers are provided along each side of a tilt latch or pivot housing. The retainers each form an engagement surface that engages an edge of a notch in a window sash. The tilt latch retainers are flared upwardly and beveled rearwardly to facilitate installation longitudinally or vertically. The pivot retainers are flared downwardly and beveled rearwardly to facilitate installation longitudinally or vertically.

Abstract: A sash balance brake and pivot pin assembly for a sash window that maintains the window substantially square prior to installation. The pivot pin extends outwardly from the window sash. The sash balance brake is disposed within a track in the window frame and includes a rotor rotatably disposed within an expandable housing. The pivot pin has a collar for lateral engagement with the rotor to prevent the window frame from bowing away from the window sash, thereby maintaining the window frame substantially square. The rotor has a first slot and a transversely disposed second slot defining an inner surface. The inner surface includes an angled surface to resist breakage of the rotor when the window sash in installed into the window frame. The rotor also has a pair of flats at a first end to further resist breakage of the rotor when the pivot pin is positioned at an angle with respect to the rotor.

Abstract: A sash balance brake assembly for a sash window system. The sash window system includes a window frame having a pair of generally parallel tracks. Each of the tracks has an outer wall, front and back intermediate walls and front and back inner walls collectively defining a channel. A sash window is transversely disposed between the tracks and is adapted for slidable movement along the tracks. A pair of sash balance assemblies provide a generally upward bias on transverse sides of the sash window. The sash balance brake assembly comprises a rotor rotatable about a rotor axis, a bolt having a generally planar engaging surface, a slider body for placement in a respective one of the channels and for coupling to a respective one of the sash balance assemblies. The slider body includes an aperture for rotatably supporting the rotor adjacent the bolt.

Abstract: A slidable counterbalance assembly adapted for a sash window assembly disposed within a master frame is disclosed. A coiled leaf spring mounted on the counterbalance assembly has its upper end attached to the top of the guide rail channel of the master frame. A flexible strap is attached at one end to the sash window pivot brake and at the other end to the counterbalance assembly.

Abstract: A sash pin engaging a locking element of a tilt shoe has a downwardly oriented hook that engages an edge of the locking element when the sash is untilted so that the sash pin cannot be accidentally withdrawn from the shoe. This avoids all the problems that can be encountered in reassembling an accidentally withdrawn sash pin.

Abstract: A window assembly has a sash vertically movable within a window jamb and positioned in the jamb by elongated side guide tubes enclosing counter balance means and resiliently biased partially into engagement with side ploughs of said sash, with the guide tubes extending outwardly from channels provided in opposed side jamb members. The guide tubes prevent lateral displacement of the sash as the sash is positioned within and moves from a window open to a window closed position within the plane of the jamb. The guide tubes can be reciprocally and resiliently compressed into the channels to release the ploughs and sash whereby the sash can be removed from the window construction.

Abstract: A window balance system for a tilt sash uses a pair of constant force curl springs having curled convolutions carried by sash shoes and free end regions mounted in sash shoe channels above the region of travel of the shoes. The recurl tendency of the springs imparts a lift to the curled spring convolutions, and the shoes transmit the lift to the sash. The springs recurl into the convolutions as the shoes rise and uncurl from the shoes into the shoe channels when the shoes move downward, and neither movement requires the springs to slide frictionally within the shoe channels. Each shoe is preferably formed of two identical halves that are assembled to trap the curl spring along with a cam that locks the shoe when the sash tilts.

Abstract: A lock shoe system for an especially heavy sash has shoes with lock bolts that can be moved into locking positions by means of a tool that moves a bolt from underneath a shoe so that the bolt interlocks with a lance in the jamb liner. Once the shoes are locked to the jambs, the sash can be lifted off the shoes, moved laterally within the jambs, and angled out of the window for removal. The shoes guide the sash to a centered position as it is returned to its platforms; and when the shoes are unlocked from the jambs, the lock bolts preferably retain the sash on the shoe platforms.

Abstract: A counterbalance shoe of a tilt sash lock shoe system runs in a resin shoe channel of a jamb liner and locks against a rib extending into the shoe channel so that the rib is backed up by a surface of the shoe. A locking element carried by the shoe is counterbalanced into a locked position in which a biting edge of the lock element bites into a front side of the rib. A non-circular sash pin carried by a sash and supported by the shoe at the bottom of an open top slot in the shoe engages and separates confronting surfaces of the shoe and the locking element. The pin is configured for separating the confronting surfaces by enough to hold the locking element out of locked position when the sash is untilted and for reducing the separation of the confronting surfaces to move the locking element into locked position when the sash tilts.

Abstract: Counterbalance mechanisms for a vertically movable sash have components extending downward within guides on which the sash moves. The guides can move laterally of the sash to allow the sash to tilt and be removed from the window, and the counterbalance components are arranged within the guides to accommodate such lateral movement. Slots in the guides accommodate interconnections between counterbalance components within the guides and the sash running vertically against outward surfaces of the guides, and these interconnections also allow lateral movement of the guides and tilting of the sash. The guides are mounted on window jambs by resilient elements that bias the guides into engagement with sash grooves and also accommodate lateral movement of the guides out of the sash grooves, to allow the sash to tilt.

Abstract: A prefabricated window system includes a main frame which is fabricated from thermoplastic elements having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. Windows and a screen are slideably mounted in the main frame. A thermoplastic sill is snap-connected to the bottom portion of the frame and a decorative cover is snap-connected to the top portion. Stop elements, having the same cross-sectional configuration as the cover element, are snap-connected to the side portions of the frame in order to prevent the windows from being raised or lowered too far. The windows can be pivoted for cleaning, and the frame includes portions which overlap the outer peripheries of the windows to prevent them from inadvertently being rotated outward. These portions also reduce air incursion. A latch is mounted on one window and a keeper which cooperates with the latch is mounted on the other, the keeper being firmly mounted in the window sill by upwardly extending screws.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sound silenced window frame jamb liner sash guide pocket. A layer of resilient material is coextruded with the material of the jamb liner to provide reverberation dampening of a window sash spring balance located within the jamb liner sash guide pocket.

Abstract: A pre-assembled, spring loaded, block and tackle window sash balance assembly is adapted for providing vertical support for a window sash running in an elongated, generally upright sash run having a generally C-shaped guide channel extending along its plow region. The assembly comprises a generally U-shaped housing for a block and tackle spring balance device. The assembly further includes spaced slide means which are discrete from the housing itself and which are slidably interengageable with the guide channel for removeably attaching the assembly to the sash run. Accordingly, the block and tackle balance assembly may be pre-assembled and then conveniently and efficiently attached to the sash run and supported in a position to provide spring balanced support for a window sash mounted in the sash run.

Abstract: A lift-off shoe system uses non-locking sash support shoes (30) movable vertically and spring biased upwardly in a tilt window. Sash pins (25) have heads (26) that interlock with open top slots (31) in sash shoes (30) so that the sash pins are removable from the shoes only by lifting the pins vertically from above the uppermost position of the shoes. This simplifies the shoes, eliminates damage caused by shoe-locking mechanisms, and makes sash removal and replacement simple and convenient.

Abstract: A self-contained heavy duty constant force sliding sash counterbalance assembly embodying a stacked plurality of coil springs each having a uniform coiling and recoiling force throughout all of the various coils irrespective of the individual coil spring positions of extension or contraction, wherein the counterbalance assembly structure is provided with an elongated U-shaped housing adapted to adjustably accommodate the addition or removal of individual spring elements as necessary in order to achieve the proper counterbalance effect for the weight of the particular sash to be supported so that over the raising and lowering range of that sash to which the counterbalance assembly is affixed, and at all adjustably set sash opening elevations and corresponding coil spring positions of extension and contraction therebetween, there is a substantially constantly uniform counterbalance force effect exerted on the sash.

Abstract: A prefabricated window system includes a rectangular main frame having a top frame portion, a bottom frame portion, and two side frame portions. The frame portions are extruded thermoplastic elements having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. The frame portions include first and second channels which, in the side frame portions, serve to guide windows. The frame portions also provide a third channel which, in the side frame portions, serve to guide a screen member. The window system also includes a sill which is connected to the bottom frame portion. The sill includes an extruded thermoplastic element which is snap-connected to the bottom frame portion and which is braced with respect to the bottom frame portion. The sill covers the window channels of the bottom frame portion, and additionally has an overhang portion which covers the screen channel of the bottom frame element to keep debris out.

Abstract: A locking slide device for use in a double-hung window assembly wherein one or more sash are adapted to tilt inwardly about a pair of pivot pins located at the lower portion of the sash. The pivot pins are received in carrier slides which are adapted to carry the sash for guided vertical sliding movement, the carrier slides being received in vertical guide channels defined by jamb liners. The carrier slides are also connected to counterbalance means such as helical springs. Each carrier slide has a groove that receives a vertical rib formed in the guide channel and a cylindrical roller with a horizontal axis is carried in a roller slot within the carrier slide for selective movement into locking engagement with the rib. The cylindrical roller is engaged by one of the pivot pins whenever the sash is in its normal vertical position relative to the jamb liners.

Abstract: A compound counterbalance system for window sashes and the like, comprising: a biasing spring for easing operation of a window sash and the like, the biasing spring being movable at an inherently variable rate of force; a first biasing force transmission having a fixed rate of movement transmission part connected to the biasing spring and a variable rate of movement transmission part connected to the window sash and the like, the variable rate of movement transmission part having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing spring to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force throughout an operating range; and, a cable for interconnecting the biasing spring, the first biasing force transmission, and the window sash and the like, whereby loading forces on the first biasing force transmission are substantially constant throughout the operating range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a braking system for braking movement of a window sash within a window frame jamb liner. A window tilt clutch member is operably attached to the window sash for normal vertical movement within the window frame jamb liner sash guide pocket. When the window sash is rotated or tilted the window tilt clutch member lockingly engages a high friction resilient material strip located on wall portions of the jamb liner sash guide pocket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tilt lock jambliner and slidable block used with windows that both slide vertically and tilt inwardly. The window sash slides within the jambliner channel of a window frame. A pivot bar is fixedly attached to the window and is receivable within an opening in the slidable block. The slidable block is slidably mounted within the jambliner channel. The slidable block has a plurality of projections on one side which alternatingly engage a projecting fin of the jambliner channel. The projections cause the projecting fin to assume a wave shape. The interaction between the projecting fin and the lowermost projections creates constant running friction. Running friction is adjustable using a threaded friction adjusting screw mounted in the slidable block. The uppermost projections form a V and have sharp locking corners.

Abstract: A lock shoe system for a take-out window having take-out jamb liners (10) uses a pair of fins (22) extending laterally outward from opposite sides (18) of a sash pin slot (16) in the jamb liner for supporting lock shoes (30) that move vertically in lock shoe channels (13 and 14) within the jamb liners. The lock shoes have pivotally mounted ramp latches (60) that extend over locking devices and are inclined toward recesses (82) for receiving sash pins (25). When a sash (20) is returned to an operating position between jamb liners (10), its sash pins (250 are moved downward over ramp latches (60), pivoting these aside and releasing the lock mechanism, which snaps the pins into the receiving recesses. This produces an audible sound as each pin is latched in its respective shoe (30) so that the user can tell from the sounds made when the latching occurs that sash (20) is properly latched into each shoe, where its weight is counterbalanced.

Abstract: A lock shoe system for a take-out window having take-out jamb liners (10) uses a pair of fins (22) extending laterally outward from opposite sides (18) of a sash pin slot (16) in the jamb liner for supporting lock shoes (30) that move vertically in lock shoe channels (13 and 14) within the jamb liners. The lock shoes bear against and ride on sash sides (24) of the fins, and the lock shoes have pivotally mounted biter knives (40) that can pivot into biting engagement with a frame side (26) of the fins to lock the shoes vertically in place. Arms (45) of the biter knives are engaged by pins (25) extending from the sash (20) into the slots for holding the knives clear of the fins whenever the sash is in its run. When the sash is removed from jamb liners (10), springs (50) on the lock shoes (30) bias the biter knives (40) into locking position against the force of the counterbalance springs (33), which bias the lock shoes upward.

Abstract: A compound counterbalance system for window sashes and the like, comprising: a biasing mechanism for easing operation of a window sash and the like, the biasing mechanism being movable at an inherently variable of force; a first biasing force transmission, connected intermediately of the window sash and the like and the biasing mechanism, for increasing the effective range of movement of the biasing mechanism; and, a second biasing force transmission connected intermediately of the first biasing force transmission and the biasing mechanism, the second biasing force transmission having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing mechanism, to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force. The biasing mechanism preferably comprises a linearly extensible and contractible spring. In one embodiment, both the first and second biasing force transmissions comprise pulley and cable systems.

Abstract: A double-hung window includes a lower sash and balances having components which cooperate with weatherstripping on the window frame and other components to provide a compression seal when the window is closed.

Abstract: A window spring system for jamb liners 10 having a guide rails 11 formed in sash run regions 12 includes a spring 40, spring cover 60, spring anchorage 30, and sash platform 50 assembled within spring cover 60 that encloses spring 40 and has a closed back side 61 formed with opposite guide edges 62 shaped to slide into an interlock with guide rails 11 in jamb liner 10. An upper region 66 of the back side of spring cover 60 is cut away to receive spring anchorage 30, which is connected to an upper region of spring 40 and engages spring cover 60 and jamb liner 10 and preferably interlocks with jamb liner guide rails 11. A lower region 67 of the back side of spring cover 60 is cut away to receive sash platform 50 connected to a lower region of spring 40 and also preferably interlocking with guide rails 11 of jamb liner 10.

Abstract: A unitary pivot corner member having a separate pivot pin for engaging the sash balance of a double-hung sash window assembly and a slide guide integral with the member for riding in a guide rail of the master frame jamb of the window assembly. A pair of the same members are installed at opposing bottom corners of a sash window. Each of the slide guides rides in a guide rail and functions to retain the engaged guide rail in square alignment relative to the sash window whereby to eliminate gapping between the sash window and master frame jamb as the sash window is slided.

Abstract: An improved window construction including a combination metal/wood support frame for a double hung metal window sash, the metal window sash being provided with side channels for reception of counterbalance springs therein. A screw-threaded bow adjuster is provided which is usable for installing the combination wood/metal frame in the house framing for eliminating any bow therebetween to reduce heat losses therethrough. A wood sash liner/fascia is provided for covering the metal window to give same the over-all appearance of a window made entirely of wood. The wood sash liner/fascia preferably being provided with a plurality of muntins thereacross which are joined with tongue and groove type joints. The top horizontal bar of the bottom window being provided with a lock covering recess and the lower horizontal bar thereof having hand-recess cut-outs.