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.

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.

Abstract: A transfer support adapted to contact a plurality of elements is provided. The transfer support has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a recess located on the second surface, a plurality of platforms protruded from the first surface, a plurality of supporting pillars distributed in the recess and a plurality of through holes. The platforms have carry surfaces adapted to contact the plurality of elements. The through holes extend from the carry surfaces of the platforms to the recess, and two of the adjacent supporting pillars are spaced apart from each other to form an air passage. In addition, a transfer module is also provided.

Abstract: A moving coil, constant force, curl spring window balance assembly for installation in a hung window assembly comprising a sash is disclosed. The window balance assembly can include a carrier, a mounting bracket, a curl spring and a sash support bracket. The sash support bracket can be positioned intermediate the carrier and the mounting bracket. The sash support bracket can selectively engage at least one of the carrier or the mounting bracket. The sash support bracket is operable to supplement the counter-balance or holding force provided by the curl spring of the window balance assembly against the weight of the sash when the sash is in a raised position.

Abstract: A constant force window balance assembly for a side-load, hung window is disclosed. A side rail of a window sash disposed in a jamb channel has a first opening. The balance assembly is installed in the jamb channel and engages the sash at the first opening to support the sash with a counterbalance force. A carrier of the balance assembly includes a body having a sash engaging seat located at an upper end that directly engages the first opening in the side wall of the side rail of the window sash. The carrier can also include a lip located at an inner side of the carrier and extending upwardly from the sash engaging seat. The carrier can also include a projection at an upper end of the body to engage a retaining aperture in an uncurled end portion of a curl spring in a pre-installed configuration of the window balance.

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 window balance assembly for installation in a window assembly can include a balance portion that is connected to a carrier that may have a first and second side. The balance portion may be arranged to be drawn out of the carrier on the first or second sides of the carrier. The balance portion may be a spring member or element. As the spring element is drawn out of the carrier, contact made between the spring element and the carrier may generate a friction that results in undesired chatter of the spring element and/or audible noise from the carrier. This friction may be reduced by controlling the contact made between the spring element and the carrier. Further, a reduction of friction between the spring element and the carrier may result in a reduction in spring chatter and a reduction in audible noise from the carrier.

Abstract: An air and/or debris dam for moving coil balance assembly for a hung window is disclosed. The air and/or debris dam is located between the carrier and a mounting location of a moving coil window balance assembly. The air and/or debris dam can travel within the jamb channel of a window frame assembly to inhibit airflow and/or the deposition of dust and/or debris in the jamb channel.

Abstract: A window balance assembly comprising an improved locking carrier mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is actuated when the window sash is tilted. Cam surfaces on the receiver of the mechanism engage cam followers in the clamshell-type housing of the carrier forcing them apart outwardly to lock the carrier in the jamb channel of a window assembly and prevent movement of the carrier in the channel. The receiver incorporates two cams that engage two cam follower surfaces in the housing to improve the distribution of the locking forces of the carrier in the jamb channel. A dual-locking carrier expands in both the axial and lateral directions to contact both front and back surfaces and opposing side surfaces of the jamb channel.

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 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: The static air dam includes at least one mounting feature, which is preferably at least one hole or slot to allow a fastener, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, or other similar attachment devices, to secure the air dam to a wall of a jamb channel. Air passage through the jamb channel is prohibited or at least substantially inhibited by the static air dam that is designed to approximate the size and dimensions of the cross section of the jamb channel. At least one side of the air dam includes a tab or similar structure for securing the free end of the curl spring of a curl spring balance. The air dam includes integrally formed reinforcing elements that either abut or are adjacent to the side walls of the jamb channel. The air dam preferably includes a pair of flexible projections for engaging ears on the curl spring carrier.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a window assembly having a window sash that moves in a guide track. The counterbalance system has a first stop mounted in the guide track. A spring housing is placed in the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing holds the counterbalance spring that provides the counterbalance force. The spring housing is free to move along the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing is incapable of passing the first stop and traveling below the first stop. A brake shoe is positioned in the guide track. The counterbalance spring has a free end that extends from the spring housing to the brake shoe. The brake shoe is capable of moving in the guide track past the first stop. In this manner, the brake shoe can be raised above the first stop.

Abstract: A carrier assembly can be used to couple a balance assembly with a window sash. The carrier assembly can engage the window sash to transfer a force from the balance assembly to balance a weight of the window sash. The carrier assembly, due to interactions of the window sash with the carrier assembly and the balance assembly with the carrier assembly, can tightly engage the window sash, either directly or through a bracket, to substantially eliminate unselected movement or forces applied from the balance assembly.

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 carrier for a window sash having an actuatable friction adjuster. The friction adjuster has a carrier interface that interacts with a mating friction adjuster interface of the carrier such that the actuation of the friction adjuster by rotating it within an oblong slot in the carrier causes the carrier interface to interact with the friction adjuster interface and forces a rear portion of the friction adjuster into progressively increasing frictional contact with an adjacent portion of a window frame sash channel.

Abstract: A slider for use in a track having an end stop therein, the slider having a detent therein and including a releasable restrictor having a rib thereon, wherein the releasable restrictor can be held in an active position by an interaction between the rib and the detent, or an inactive position, and wherein the releasable restrictor is automatically reset in its active position when the slider reaches the end stop in the track. More controlled closing of a window sash is thereby possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the torque of a compound balance in order to substantially cancel out the torsional force of the torsion spring acting on the spiral rod by creating an equal and opposing torsional force on the extension spring. The apparatus is an assembly connector that is non-permanently engaged with the extension spring, with the spiral rod being tensioned by the torsional force of the torsion spring. Alternatively, the extension spring may be turned in a direction to apply more torque than is required for operation of the compound balance. It is then engaged with a non pre-tensioned spiral rod sub-assembly to transfer the excess torque to the torsion spring of the spiral rod sub-assembly. In this manner, the opposing torsional forces of the torsion spring and the extension spring acting on the spiral rod substantially cancel out each other.

Abstract: A sash cam includes a body adapted to be secured to a window sash. The body has an angled interface surface adapted to contact a top guide of a window balance.

Abstract: A stackable shim system. A first shim includes a receiving feature, an attachment feature, and a main portion having a first thickness. A second shim also includes a receiving feature, an attachment feature, and a main portion having a second thickness. The receiving feature of each shim is configured to engage with the attachment feature of the other shim such that either shim can be removably attached to the other to create a stacked shim having a main portion having a thickness that is the sum of the first and second thicknesses. The shims may be conveniently used for taking up space and/or accommodating for irregularities in construction materials.

Abstract: A gate adjustment system has a bull-nose glide, a flat glide, a plurality of spacers, a gap size gauge, and a gap adjustment wedge. The glides are attached to the latch post and the latch side of a gate opposite one another. As the gate is shut, the bull-nose portion of the bull-nose glide impacts the rounded edge of the flat glide. The two curved surfaces allow the impact force to cause the gate to be lifted and pushed back into alignment. The gap adjustment wedge can be positioned between the top of the latch side and the latch post and pushed downwards into the gap until the gap is uniform from the top to the bottom. The gap size gauge then measures the size of the gap and that measurement is used to determine which of the plurality of spacers should be installed with the glides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the torque of a compound balance in order to substantially cancel out the torsional force of the torsion spring acting on the spiral rod by creating an equal and opposing torsional force on the extension spring. The apparatus is an assembly connector that is non-permanently engaged with the extension spring, with the spiral rod being tensioned by the torsional force of the torsion spring. Alternatively, the extension spring may be turned in a direction to apply more torque than is required for operation of the compound balance. It is then engaged with a non pre-tensioned spiral rod sub-assembly to transfer the excess torque to the torsion spring of the spiral rod sub-assembly. In this manner, the opposing torsional forces of the torsion spring and the extension spring acting on the spiral rod substantially cancel out each other.

Abstract: A balance assembly for a sliding sash window, where a spring-loaded pulley arrangement is interconnected between the window frame and the window, to counter the weight of the window, and permit ease of opening and closing the window. The spring-loaded pulley arrangement is located within a housing, which also facilitates attachment of the shoe. The shoe of this balance assembly being rotatable between a first and a second position to permit fitting the assembly into the side of the window frame, when the shoe is in the first position, and to permit final installation of the assembly when the shoe in the second position. The shoe is retained in the first and second positions by detents. This rotatable shoe feature permitting installation, of the Balance Assembly of this invention, into a window frame at later stages of the window assembly sequence.

Abstract: A carrier assembly can be used to couple a balance assembly with a window sash. The carrier assembly can engage the window sash to transfer a force from the balance assembly to balance a weight of the window sash. The carrier assembly, due to interactions of the window sash with the carrier assembly and the balance assembly with the carrier assembly, can tightly engage the window sash, either directly or through a bracket, to substantially eliminate unselected movement or forces applied from the balance assembly.

Abstract: A pivot hinge for roof windows with a sash pivoting around the axis located between the upper and the lower member of a window, has a balancing system, which ensures the state of equilibrium of a window sash when its centre of gravity is located outside the sash rotating axis and the friction spring of the hinge is unable to hold the sash pivoted in each its position. At the same time the window fittings, its assembly, installation in a roof and its appearance remain unchanged. Also the method of separating of both hinge parts (taking a sash out of a window frame) remains unchanged.

Abstract: Window sash counterbalances using curl springs and holders can increase resistance to sash drop without causing sash hop by using a high coefficient of friction bearing surfaces against which curled up coils of curl springs slide when uncurling or re-curling. The higher friction bearing material produces more frictional resistance to spring uncurling than to spring re-curling and thus resists drop without causing hop. This allows a wider range of sash weights to be counterbalanced by a fewer number of counterbalance forces, saves manufacturing cost.

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 window balance may include a shoe body with an elongate portion and an enlarged portion. The elongate portion may include at least one carrier section for supporting a coil spring and an enlarged portion may include a locking element and a cam in communication with the locking element. The width of the enlarged portion may be greater than the width of the elongate portion. The spring may rest in the carrier section and may be secured to a window jamb with a fastener or a mounting element.

Abstract: A carrier and balance assembly for installation into the jamb channel of a window frame. The carrier and balance assembly are capable of being installed into the jamb channel optionally either as a single assembly or as two separate components. The two separate components are the carrier and a hanger-balance subassembly. The advantage of installing the carrier and balance assembly as two separate components is that such installation can occur after the assembly of the window frame and even after installation of the window into the wall of a building. Once the carrier and hanger-balance subassembly are separately installed in the jamb channel, they are then non-permanently locked together. Should any part of the carrier and balance assembly become damaged, replacement is performed by simply reversing the process described above without having to damage the jamb channel.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is identified as a chimney block for use in the jamb channels of window frames. The chimney block impedes or substantially reduces the vertical movement of air through the jamb channel. The reduction in air movement improves the insulating properties of the window and minimizes the amount of dust and fine dirt that might otherwise enter the jamb channel resulting in a progressively increasing force required to move the sash through the jamb channel. It consists of a vertical structural element which is secured to a planar sealing element that conforms to the cross section of the jamb channel. Legs or struts are attached in proximity to the other end of the vertical structural element to insure that the chimney block essentially remains in the same position to provide an air block.

Abstract: The carrier is securable to the end of a window balance, including, but not limited to, spiral rod, extension spring, and block and tackle balances. The weight of the sash is borne by a sash assembly coupling portion of the carrier. The upward force exerted by the balance on the carrier during opening or closing of the sash is translated into a force urging the carrier toward the sash, until contact is made between the carrier assembly and the side of the sash. The translation of the upward force into a side-directed force eliminates or substantially reduces the friction that might otherwise have been created between the carrier and a carrier channel in the jamb. The side-directed force preferably removes the carrier from any contact with a carrier channel, thereby eliminating friction from the carrier rubbing against the carrier channel and even eliminating the need for a carrier channel.

Abstract: A window maintenance apparatus for a tilt-in sash includes a base leg for extending generally upwards from a floor towards a window. The base leg includes a first foot for resting on the floor. A hinged leg is joined to the base leg proximate an end of the base leg for extending generally downwards towards the floor. The hinged leg includes a second foot for resting on the floor. An extension tube extends upwardly from the base leg where a length of the extension tube above the base leg is adjustable. A locking mechanism locks the extension tube at an adjusted length above the base leg. A first sash support is rotatably joined at a first position on the extension tube for rotating about the extension tube from a first position to a second position for supporting the tilt-in sash in a generally horizontal position.

Abstract: The present device is an extender for pretension spiral rod window balances. The spiral rod extender is attached to the end of the spiral rod by the window or balance manufacturer. At the window manufacturer, the sash is installed into the window frame and the balance is inserted into one of the jamb channels. A hook tool, having a hooking element at one end, is used to grab onto a hole in the end of the spiral rod to pull it a sufficient amount out of the containment tube. The hook tool manipulates the spiral rod so that a sash hook mounted on the balance engages a ledge at the end of the sash, thereby securing the balance to the sash. The spiral rod extender is then removed from the spiral rod and may be reused by the balance manufacturer or discarded as desired.

Abstract: An extended travel balance including a channel having a first end and a second end, a bottom pulley connected at the second end of the channel, and a bottom guide connectable at a location between the first end and the bottom pulley, and preferably between the bottom pulley and fixed pulleys of the end carriage. The bottom guide and top guide are not part of the tensioned parts in the channel and can, therefore, be stored separately from the channel with its tensioned parts—e.g., springs, pulleys, and pulley cord. Multiple bottom guide and top guide configurations can be mated to the channel with its tensioned parts without interfering with the operation of either. Fixed pulleys and bottom pulley of the end carriage are advantageously connected by an intermediate tensioned connector with all said parts held in tension between and by the connection of the bottom pulley to the tensioned pulley cord and the connection of the bottom pulley to the second end of the channel.

Abstract: A curl spring sash shoe cassette improves upon the suggestions of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,353,548 and 5,463,793 by providing a mounting bracket that holds an uncurled length of the curl spring and is securely mounted on top of the shoe cassette to maintain an assembly of the shoe body, the curl spring, and the mount during shipment to a window manufacturer. The mount can receive two mounting screws to resist torque caused by curl springs and sash weight. The shoe is also improved to facilitate removal and reinsertion of sash pins into the tilt lock cams of the shoes and ensure that shoe body halves do not rotate relative to each other when sash tilting splays the body halves apart to lock them in a shoe channel.

Abstract: A carrier assembly consisting of a carrier, a carrier encasement and a sash latch. The carrier is secured to the end of one or more balances, including spiral rod and block and tackle balances. The weight of the sash is borne by a platform on the carrier. The undesired vertical forces exerted by the balance on the carrier is thereby translated into a force urging the carrier toward the sash until firm contact is made between the carrier encasement and the side of the sash. The translation of the torsional force into a side directed force eliminates or substantially reduces the friction that might otherwise have existed between the carrier and the jamb channel caused by the undesired vertical forces exerted by the balance on the carrier.

Abstract: A modular spring support mounting for a sash window spring counterbalance arrangement includes at least a first spring support mounting element and a second spring support mounting element each for supporting a respective coil spring. The first spring support mounting element includes a pair of wedged shaped cross section projections. The second spring support mounting element includes an interengagement fitting which engages the pair of wedged shaped cross section projections to in use securely interconnect the first and second spring support mounting elements together. Also a method of installing such a modular spring mounting includes the step of laterally slidingly engaging the spring mounting elements to securely interlock the elements together.

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: This invention relates to a spring balance, and in particular to a spring balance for use with a sliding sash window. The invention provides a spring balance comprising a top assembly which is securable to a frame member, a bottom assembly which is securable to a sliding sash, a tension spring connected to the top assembly and to the bottom assembly, a torsion spring, a spiral rod, and a follower bush interconnecting the spiral rod and the torsion spring. The spring balance is adjustable at the top assembly, and includes a limit mechanism for limiting the range of adjustment, the limit mechanism preventing over-adjustment of the spring balance.

Abstract: A curl spring shoe cassette includes a mounting bracket mounted to interlock with connectors on top of a shoe body so that an uncurled length of the curl spring can be attached to the mount to hold the spring, the mount, and the shoe body together during shipment. Once the cassette is properly positioned within a shoe channel, it can be fastened to a back channel wall with screws so as to automatically disengage the mount from the shoe body, which can then support a counter balance 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 sash window hinge for pivotally connecting a window having a window sash to a window frame. The window hinge includes an elongated track having a track base wall attachable to the window frame. The track also includes a track flange extending from at least a portion of a base wall first longitudinal edge The track flange defines a flange retaining section. The window hinge also includes an elongated sash arm attachable to the window sash and a carriage component pivotally attached to the sash arm. The carriage component is mounted on the base wall in a carriage operational configuration for slidable movement along the track longitudinal axis between an open window position and a closed window position while being guided by the track flange and retained by the flange retaining section. The window hinge further includes a support arm for pivotally linking the sash arm and the track.

Abstract: An improved balance shoe is described. There is a balance shoe housing, wherein there is a pivot member. The pivot member forces at least one side support member against the interior surfaces of a window jamb channel when said window is tilted. The pivot member comprises a base section having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface having at least one pivot member extending therefrom, the pivot member being adapted to force said support member against the interior surface of the window jamb as said pivot member is rotated due to the tilting of the window sash.

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 engagement with cooperative inter engagement features on a sash shoe, and a locating arrangement for locating the mounting within the channel section.

Abstract: A block and tackle sash balance assembly for providing a counterbalancing force to a sash window pivotally and slideably mounted within a sash window frame is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to disable the counterbalancing force responsive to pivoting of the sash window.

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 balancing force adjusting device for a window which raises and lowers includes a case, a horizontal gear member, a click member and a vertical gear member. The horizontal gear member is rotatably arranged around the horizontal axis in a predetermined position with this case, and a ratchet gear is formed around a shaft portion of the horizontal gear member. The click member is rotatably arranged in a predetermined angular range around the horizontal axis in a position adjacent to the horizontal gear member, and has two clicks extending in the horizontal gear member direction and respectively arranged on both the sides of an intermediate shaft portion. The vertical gear member is engaged with the horizontal gear member. One side click of the click member is biasedly engaged with the ratchet gear formed in the horizontal gear member.

Abstract: A sash balance shoe that draws an extending cord to the shoe by an elastic mechanism in the shoe is hung from a wall of a vertical track of a window jamb by the cord extending through the axis of a convex face of a radially extending annular wall that is on one end of a leg that passes through a hole in the track wall and is prevented from exiting from the hole by the diameter of the annular wall being larger than the diameter of the hole and by a radially extending annular ridge that is larger in diameter than the diameter of the hole and is beveled and flexible enough for insertion into the hole.

Abstract: A hinge for supporting a vent between a closed position in which it lies within a fixed frame and an open position in which it extends substantially perpendicularly to the fixed frame comprises a support track, a slider mounted on the support track and a vent arm attached to the support track via the slider by a plurality of links. The hinge further comprises a restricting member for acting between the support track and the vent arm wherein upon movement of the vent arm, the restricting member acts to further restrict movement of the vent arm. The slider includes a body portion and a restricting device for engaging the track, in use, to limit movement of the slider, wherein a portion of the restricting device extends into the body portion of the slider to provide reinforcement thereto.

Abstract: A curl spring sash shoe cassette improves upon the suggestions of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,353,548 and 5,463,793 by providing a mounting bracket that holds an uncurled length of the curl spring and is securely mounted on top of the shoe cassette to maintain an assembly of the shoe body, the curl spring, and the mount during shipment to a window manufacturer. The mount can receive two mounting screws to resist torque caused by curl springs and sash weight. The shoe is also improved to facilitate removal and reinsertion of sash pins into the tilt lock cams of the shoes and ensure that shoe body halves do not rotate relative to each other when sash tilting splays the body halves apart to lock them in a shoe channel.