Abstract
An inverted constant force window balance system has a carrier assembly including a housing with a first and a second housing wall, a coil spring with a free end, and a shoe assembly slidably coupled to the housing. The shoe assembly includes a first and a second shoe face. The housing slides between a first and a second position relative to the shoe assembly. When in the first position, the first and second housing walls are substantially non-coplanar with the first shoe face, and when in the second position, the first housing wall is substantially coplanar with the first shoe face and substantially non-coplanar with the second shoe face. The shoe assembly receives a pivot bar from a window sash and extends a brake upon rotation thereof. The balance system also includes a mounting bracket releasably coupled to the housing and coupled to the free end of the coil spring.
Claims
1. An inverted constant force window balance system comprising: a carrier assembly comprising: a housing comprising a first housing wall and a second housing wall substantially parallel to the first housing wall; a coil spring disposed within the housing, the coil spring comprising a free end; and a shoe assembly slidably coupled to the housing, wherein the shoe assembly comprises a first shoe face and a second shoe face substantially parallel to the first shoe face, wherein the housing is configured to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the shoe assembly, wherein when in the first position, the first housing wall and the second housing wall are substantially non-coplanar with the first shoe face, wherein when in the second position, the first housing wall is substantially coplanar with the first shoe face and substantially non-coplanar with the second shoe face, and wherein the shoe assembly is configured to receive a pivot bar from a window sash and extend at least one brake upon rotation of the pivot bar; and a mounting bracket releasably coupled to the housing opposite the shoe assembly and coupled to the free end of the coil spring.
2. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the mounting bracket is configured to slideably move in relation to the free end of the coil spring between at least two mounting bracket positions, and wherein when at least a portion of the mounting bracket moves between the at least two mounting bracket positions, the mounting bracket disengages from the housing.
3. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a jamb mount and a coil spring mount, wherein the jamb mount is configured to slide in relation to the coil spring mount between a first jamb mount position and a second jamb mount position, wherein when in the first jamb mount position, the jamb mount is releasably engaged with the housing, and wherein when in the second jamb mount position, the jamb mount is disengaged from the housing.
4. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 1, wherein the shoe assembly comprises a shoe housing comprising a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg are separated by and at least partially define a throat.
5. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 4, wherein when the housings is in the second position, a portion of the throat proximate the second shoe face is configured to receive a pivot bar in a pivot bar insertion direction substantially parallel to the second housing wall.
6. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 4, wherein the shoe assembly further comprises a rotatable cam disposed at a lower portion of the throat.
7. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 6, wherein the rotatable cam defines a keyhole, and wherein in a first rotated position, the keyhole is in communication with the throat, and in a second rotated position, the keyhole is not in communication with the throat.
8. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 1, wherein the shoe assembly comprises a friction screw extending from the first shoe face to the second shoe face.
9. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 8, wherein the friction screw defines, at each end, an engagement slot.
10. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to slide between the first position and a third position relative to the shoe assembly, and wherein when in the third position, the second housing wall is substantially coplanar with the second shoe face and substantially non-coplanar with the first shoe face.
11. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 1, further comprising a friction screw extending from the first shoe face to the second shoe face, wherein the friction screw defines, at each end, an engagement slot.
12. The inverted constant force window balance system of claim 1, wherein the housing is detachably connected to the shoe assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) There are shown in the drawings examples that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and configurations shown.
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hung window frame assembly.
(3) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an inverted constant force window balance system.
(4) FIG. 2B is a partially exploded perspective view of the inverted constant force window balance of FIG. 2A.
(5) FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the inverted constant force window balance of FIG. 2A installed in a first side of a window jamb, at various stages during installation.
(6) FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective view of the inverted constant force window balance of FIG. 2A installed in a second side of a window jamb, at various stages during installation.
(7) FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a pivot bar being engaged with the inverted constant force window balance of FIG. 2A once installed in a window jamb.
(8) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another inverted constant force window balance system.
(9) FIG. 6B is a partial exploded perspective view of the inverted constant force window balance of FIG. 6A.
(10) FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of installing a window balance system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(11) The examples of a window balance system described herein enable a more efficient inverted constant force balance for use with hung window assemblies. In aspects, the window balance system includes a two-piece mounting bracket that facilitates a more secure connection to a window jamb because a portion slideably mounts flush to the jamb while maintaining connection to the coil spring. Additionally, the mounting bracket may slide along the top of the window balance system enabling the window balance system to be installed on both the left and right side of the window sash (or in each opposing jamb channel) without any modification. As such, the window balance system described herein is not limited to being installed in a single position or orientation. Moreover, a releasable coupling between the mounting bracket and a carrier assembly is robust and decreases undesirable decoupling during shipping, as well as decreases installation time in hung window assemblies.
(12) Furthermore, the window balance system described herein is fully modular and thus can be adapted and configured to a wide range window sash weights from many different window manufacturers. In examples, smaller (e.g., narrower) coil springs and housings may be used with larger (e.g., deeper) shoe assemblies. This allows for a reduction in the numbers of coil springs and coil housings maintained in a balance manufacturer's inventory, while still enabling a wide range of jamb channels depths to be accommodated. The window balance system described herein increases ease of use for installers and adaptability for many different hung window assembly sizes.
(13) Examples of inverted constant force window balances that include certain components and features of the inverted constant force window balances described herein are depicted and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0291660, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Further, although the inverted constant force window balances depicted herein utilize only a single leading coil housing, examples may also utilize both leading and trailing coil housings, as such housings are described in the above-referenced publication. In such a configuration, both the leading and trailing coil housings may slide relative to the shoe assembly, wherein the sliding movement is described herein.
(14) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hung window frame assembly 10. A pair of window sashes 12, 14 are disposed in vertical alignment with a window jamb 16 that forms the side of a window frame 18. Typically, in a single hung window assembly, the upper sash 12 is fixed relative to the window frame 18 and the lower sash 14 is slideable within the window frame 18, while in a double hung window assembly, both the upper sash 12 and the lower sash 14 are slideable within the window frame 18. To counter balance the weight of the slideable window sashes 12 and/or 14 and to assist in the vertical sliding of the window sashes 12 and/or 14 within the window frame 18, a window balance system (shown in FIG. 2A and elsewhere herein) is provided. The window balance system is mounted within the window jamb 16 and is coupled to the window sash 12, 14, thereby forming a load path that enables support of the window sash 12, 14. In the example, the window frame assembly 10 is configured for vertically sliding sashes 12, 14. In alternative embodiments, the window frame assembly may be configured for horizontally sliding sashes and which may include the window balance systems described herein.
(15) Each window sash 12, 14 may also include tilt latches 19, positioned at a top portion of the sash, and pivot bars (as described elsewhere herein) extending from a lower portion of the sash. The tilt latches 19 and pivot bars enable the window sash 12, 14 to pivot relative to, and be removed from, the window jamb 16 and facilitate sash installation and/or window cleaning. Each pivot bar may be coupled to the window balance system, which is configured to enable both the sliding movement of the window sash 12, 14 and the pivoting movement of the window sash 12, 14. Generally, a single window balance system is installed on either side of each window sash 12, 14 and within the corresponding window jamb 16.
(16) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an inverted constant force window balance system 100 that may be used with the hung window frame assembly 10 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 2B depicts a partially exploded view of the inverted constant force window balance system 100. FIGS. 2A and 2B are described concurrently. In this example, the window balance system 100 is illustrated in a shipping configuration 102 and includes a leading housing assembly 104, a mounting bracket 106, and a shoe assembly 108. The leading housing assembly 104 houses a coil spring 110, which includes a free end 112 that is coupled to the mounting bracket 106. A top end 114 of the leading housing assembly 104 is releasably coupled to the mounting bracket 106. A bottom end 116 of the leading housing assembly 104 is removably and slidably coupled to the shoe assembly 108 that enables the window balance system 100 to be secured within a window jamb during operation as described herein.
(17) The mounting bracket 106 includes a jamb mount 122 and a coil spring mount 124. The jamb mount 122 includes at least one aperture 126 that enables a screw or other fastener element to couple the mounting bracket 106 to a window jamb during installation. The jamb mount 122 also includes a bottom extension element 128 that is configured to be removably received and engaged by a corresponding top receiving element 130 of the leading housing assembly 104. As such, the mounting bracket 106 is releasably coupled to the leading housing assembly 104. The coil spring mount 124 includes a body 132 that is configured to receive the free end 112 of the coil spring 110 so that the mounting bracket 106 is coupled to the coil spring 110.
(18) In this example, the leading housing assembly 104 may be formed by two identical housing members 134, 136 that are joined at a mating plane P. In the shipping configuration 102, the jamb mount 122 is positioned proximate the first housing member 134 so that the jamb mount 122 is off-center relative to the leading housing assembly 104. Further, the housing assembly 104 is positioned such that the mating plane P is substantially aligned with a centerline C of the shoe assembly 108. From the shipping configuration, the window balance system 100 may be positioned in a window jamb on either side of a window. Thereafter, surfaces of the window balance system 100 proximate a rear wall of the jamb channel are aligned. For example, a first mounting surface 122a of the mounting bracket 106 is substantially aligned with a first wall 134a of the first housing member 134. Further, a first shoe face 108a is substantially aligned with the first wall 134a. This process is described in more detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B. An installation procedure that results in substantial alignment of a second mounting surface 122b of the mounting bracket 106, a second wall 136a of the second housing member 136, and a second shoe face 108b (and adjacent the rear wall of the jamb channel) is described below in FIGS. 4A-4C.
(19) Slidable engagement between the coil housing 104 and the shoe assembly 108 is possible due to the presence of at least one extension 138 of the shoe assembly 108 that is slidably engaged with a mating channel 140 of the housing assembly 104, as well as the relative dimensions of the various components of the window balance system 100. The shoe assembly 108 defines a depth Ds (shown in FIG. 2B), which is generally related to a depth of the window jamb channel. That is, the depth Ds is generally similar to the depth of the window jamb, such that sufficient clearance exists between the shoe faces 108a, 108b and the jamb channel walls to avoid excess friction. However, the depth Ds should be such that excessive lateral movement of the shoe assembly in the jamb channel is minimized. The shoe assembly 108 is formed from a housing 142 that includes a first leg 144 and a second leg 146 separated by and at least partially defining a throat 151. In the depicted configuration, an extension 138 extends from each of the legs 144, 146, so as to engage with corresponding channels 140 on the coil housing 104. The coil housing 104 also has a depth Dh (shown in FIG. 2B), which is generally less than the shoe depth Ds, thus allowing the coil housing 104 to slide towards either of the first face 108a or second face 108b. A rotatable cam 154 is disposed in a lower portion of the throat 151. Once installed in the window jamb, the offset position of the coil housing 104 exposes the throat 151 (as depicted below). This allows a pivot bar (shown in FIG. 5) to be inserted into the throat 151 and into a keyhole 152 of the cam 154. When the keyhole 152 is in communication with the throat 151, as depicted in FIG. 2A, the pivot bar may be inserted or removed from the keyhole 152. However, the cam 154 can be rotated such that the keyhole 152 is not in communication with the throat 151. Based on the rotation of the cam 154, via the pivot bar, one or more brakes 155 are configured to extend from the legs 144, 146 of the shoe assembly 108.
(20) FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the inverted constant force window balance 100 of FIG. 2A installed in a first channel 200 of a window jamb, at various stages during installation. A number of features and components of the window balance system 100 are depicted but are not necessarily described further. For the purposes of this description of FIG. 3A, the window jamb channel 200 is the left-hand channel of a window, such that up and down operation of the window does not make visible the coil spring 110 to a person looking out the window from inside of a building. Of course, the window balance system 100 may be installed in the opposite configuration, with modifications to the method of installation. FIG. 3A depicts a jamb channel 200 having a rear wall 202, two side walls 204, and two front walls 206 defining a slot 208 therebetween. The window balance system 100 is inserted into the interior 210 of the channel 200 as known in the art. During insertion, the coil housing 104 is generally disposed on the centerline C of the shoe assembly 108 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2A). The mounting bracket 106 is disposed proximate a first wall 134a of the coil housing 104. Further, the first wall 134a and the second wall 136a are each parallel to and non-coplanar with the first face 108a and the second face 108b of the shoe assembly 108.
(21) Once inserted, the coil housing is slid S towards the rear wall 202 of the jamb channel 200, as depicted in FIG. 3B. In examples, this sliding movement S may continue until contact is made between the rear wall 202 and the first wall 134a of the coil housing 104. In another example, the sliding movement S may continue until the first wall 134a of the coil housing 104 is substantially coplanar with the first face 108a of the shoe assembly 108 and non-coplanar with the second face 108b. In examples, contact with the rear wall 202 and coplanar alignment with the first face 108a may occur substantially simultaneously. Further, since the mounting bracket 106 is, in the shipping configuration, already substantially aligned with the first wall 134a of the coil housing 104, the sliding movement S positions the mounting bracket 106 proximate the rear wall 202. One or more fasteners 150, in the form of screws, bolts, nails, etc., may then be inserted into one or more of the apertures 126 so as to fix a position of the mounting bracket 106 in the jamb.
(22) When the window balance system 100 is mounted with the first wall 134a of the first housing member 134 adjacent to the rear wall 202, the jamb mount 122 is fastened to the rear wall 202 such that the top receiving element 130 does not immediately release from the bottom extension element 128. Once the window sash is loaded on the shoe assembly 108, the top receiving element 130 moves in relation to the bottom extension element 128 and the leading housing assembly 104 is released from the mounting bracket 106. The movement of the top receiving element 130 may be sliding, pivoting, twisting, or a combination of two or more of these motions. This forms a first installed configuration, such that the leading housing assembly 104 is enabled to slide up and down within the window jamb and in relation to the mounting bracket 106. Additionally, when the jamb mount 122 is fastened to the window jamb, the jamb mount 122 substantially maintains its position on the coil spring mount 124. That is, proximate a first side 135 thereof as depicted in FIG. 3B.
(23) FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective view of the inverted constant force window balance 100 of FIG. 2A installed in a second side of a window jamb 200, at various stages during installation. A number of features and components of the window balance system 100 are depicted but are not necessarily described further. For the purposes of this description of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the window jamb channel 200 is the right-hand channel of a window, such that up and down operation of the window does not make visible the coil spring 110 to a person looking out the window from inside of a building. Of course, the window balance system 100 may be installed in the opposite configuration, with modifications to the method of installation. FIG. 4A depicts a jamb channel 200 having a rear wall 202, two side walls 204, and two front walls 206 defining a slot 208 therebetween. The window balance system 100 is inserted into the interior 210 of the channel 200 as known in the art. During insertion, the coil housing 104 is generally disposed on the centerline C of the shoe assembly 108 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2A). The mounting bracket 106 is disposed proximate the first wall 134a of the coil housing 104.
(24) Once inserted, the coil housing 104 is slid S towards the rear wall 202 of the jamb channel 200, as depicted in FIG. 4B. In examples, this sliding movement S may continue until contact is made between the rear wall 202 and the second wall 136a of the coil housing 104. In another example, the sliding movement S may continue until the second wall 136a of the coil housing 104 is substantially coplanar with the second face 108b of the shoe assembly 108. In examples, contact with the rear wall 202 and coplanar alignment with the second face 108b may occur substantially simultaneously. Thereafter, the mounting bracket 106 may be slid from its original position proximate the first wall 134a of the coil housing 104 to a position proximate the second wall 136a. In this position, the mounting bracket 106 is also proximate the rear wall 202 and ready to receive one or more fasteners 150 so as to fix a position of the mounting bracket 106 in the jamb.
(25) When the window balance system 100 is mounted with the second wall 136a of the second housing member 136 on the rear wall 202, the jamb mount 122 is fastened to the rear wall 202 such that it moves from a position proximate the first housing member 134 to a position proximate the second housing member 136 and across the mating plane P (shown in FIG. 2B). This movement of the jamb mount 122 releases or disengages the top receiving element 130 from the bottom extension element 128. The movement of the jamb mount 122 may be sliding, pivoting, twisting, or a combination of two or more of these motions. This forms a second installed configuration, wherein the leading housing assembly 104 is enabled to slide up and down in the vertical direction within the window jamb and in relation to the mounting bracket 106. Additionally, when the jamb mount 122 slides from the first housing member 134 toward the second housing member 136, the jamb mount 122 also slides from the first side 135 of the coil spring mount 124 to a second side 137 of the coil spring mount 124. Although the jamb mount 122 slides across the mating plane P, the coil spring mount 124 maintains a centered position with regards to the leading housing assembly 104.
(26) FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a pivot bar 300 being engaged with the inverted constant force window balance 100 of FIG. 2A once installed in a window jamb 200. In this installed configuration 160, the shoe assembly 108, the coil housing 104, and mounting bracket 106 are in contact with a rear wall 202 of the jamb channel 200. More specifically, the first mounting surface 122a of the mounting bracket 106 is in contact with the rear wall 202, due to the securement thereof via the mounting screw 150. The first wall 134a of the coil housing 104, as well as the first face 108a of the shoe assembly 108 are substantially coplanar with each other and slidably engaged with the rear wall 202 as the coil spring 110 is extended and retracted due to movement of the window sash. The window sash is secured to the window balance system 100 (and a second window balance system disposed in the opposite window jamb from that pictured) via a pivot bar 300. In the installed configuration 160 depicted in FIG. 5, the position of the coil housing 104 against rear wall 202 of the jamb channel significantly exposes the throat 151 of the shoe assembly 108. This enables insertion I of the pivot bar 300 from the position depicted at 300′ to the position where pivot bar 300 is received in the keyhole 152 of the cam 154. In examples, this insertion I may be a direction that is substantially parallel to the second wall 136a of the coil housing 104, without interference between the pivot bar 300 or any component of the window balance system 100. This is a significant advantage over other window balance systems, where the window sash may need to be racked for proper installation.
(27) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another inverted constant force window balance system 400. FIG. 6B is a partial exploded perspective view of the inverted constant force window balance 400 and is described concurrently therewith. A number of features and components of the window balance system 400 are numbered similarly to those of FIGS. 2A-2B and, as such, are not necessarily described further. In the depicted configuration, the window balance system 400 includes a mounting bracket 406 and coil housing 404, both of which are substantially similar to those depicted and described elsewhere herein. Shoe assembly 408, however, incorporates a friction-adjustment system in the form of an adjustable friction screw 470 extending between the first face 408a and the second face 408b. The friction screw 470 is disposed in an upper portion of the shoe assembly 408, generally where the throat is located in the other embodiments depicted herein. The friction screw 470 includes, at both ends, engagements slots 472a, 472b. The engagement slots 472a, 472b are configured to receive a screw driver or other adjustment element, which may rotate the screw 470. Since engagement slots 472a, 472b are located on both ends of the friction screw 470, the friction screw 470 may be adjusted regardless of the window jamb in which the window balance system 400 installed. Appropriate rotation of the friction screw 470 causes at least a portion of the screw to project beyond the face of the shoe assembly 408 that slides along the rear wall of the jamb channel. This causes the opposite face to increase frictional contact with the two front walls of the jamb channel. This increase in friction may be advantageous to modify the performance of the window balance system 400. In an example, the screw 470 rotates about an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the faces 408a, 408b of the shoe assembly 408.
(28) FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 of installing a window balance system in a window jamb channel. In this example, the window balance system may be an inverted constant force window balance system including a mounting bracket, a coil housing, a coil spring, and a shoe assembly. Examples thereof are depicted and described herein. The method 500 begins with operation 502, inserting the window balance system into the window jamb channel. Of course, most windows include two window jambs and would therefor require two window balance systems. In the context of FIG. 7, however, the method 500 of installing a single window balance system is described. Flow continues to operation 504, sliding the coil housing from a first housing position to a second housing position. This sliding operation 504 is substantially orthogonal to a direction of travel of the window sash and window balance when the sash is being opened or closed. Further, the sliding operation 504 is orthogonal to the rear wall of a window jamb. Optional operation 506 includes sliding the mounting bracket from a first bracket position to a second bracket position. This operation 506 may be considered optional because in certain insertion orientations, the mounting bracket may be disposed on a side of the coil housing that places the mounting bracket proximate the rear wall of the jamb channel due simply to the sliding operation 504. Such installation orientations are depicted above, e.g., in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the second bracket position, a side of the mounting bracket is substantially coplanar with a wall of the coil housing proximate to and generally in contact with the rear wall of the jamb channel. Securing of the mounting bracket to the window jamb occurs at operation 508, and may be performed by inserting a fastener of some type through at least a portion of the mounting bracket. In an example, securing the mounting bracket includes also operation 510, placing the mounting bracket in contact with the jamb channel. In examples, operations 508 and 510 may be performed substantially simultaneously. Such simultaneous performance may occur, for example, when the window balance system is installed in the configuration such as depicted in FIG. 4A. The method 500 concludes with disengaging the mounting bracket from the coil housing, operation 512. In examples, operation 512 may be performed substantially simultaneously with operation 510.
(29) The materials utilized in the engagement systems described herein may be those typically utilized for window and window component manufacture. Material selection for most of the components may be based on the proposed use of the window. Appropriate materials may be selected for the sash retention systems used on particularly heavy window panels, as well as on windows subject to certain environmental conditions (e.g., moisture, corrosive atmospheres, etc.). Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, zinc, or composite materials can be utilized (e.g., for the coil spring mount body to prevent separation with the coil spring). Bendable and/or moldable plastics may be particularly useful. For example, the housing and/or the mounting bracket may be unitarily formed with the engagement member and/or the receiving member. While in other examples, the engagement member and/or receiving member may couple to the housing and/or mounting bracket as an accessory for the window balance system.
(30) Any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. It is to be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
(31) While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred examples of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents.
