U.S. patent number 3,724,131 [Application Number 05/234,146] was granted by the patent office on 1973-04-03 for tilt-take-out window assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Wenco, Inc.. Invention is credited to Theodore H. Schnormeier.
United States Patent |
3,724,131 |
Schnormeier |
April 3, 1973 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
TILT-TAKE-OUT WINDOW ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The specification and drawings disclose a tilt-take-out window
assembly which includes a frame having a pair of spaced apart,
generally parallel jamb members which between them define a recess.
Guide members in the form of flexible, elongated strips are joined
to each of the jamb members to define parallel guide tracks
intermediate outwardly extending, raised portions. The flexible
strips are joined to the jamb members along at least one of their
edges and have a normal configuration to bow into the recess.
Window sash members (having lateral edges spaced apart a width very
slightly less than the distance between the jamb members but
greater than the distance between the strips in their bowed
configuration) are positioned between the guide tracks. For
example, the window sash members may have lateral edges spaced
apart a width about 3/16 inch less than the distance between the
jamb members as compared with the usual width of prior art
constructions of about 1 3/16 inches less than the distance between
the jamb members. The lateral edges of the sash members have guide
grooves formed therein to receive the outwardly extending portions
of the flexible strips. Additionally, counterbalance spring members
are carried in each of the guide grooves and have one end provided
with hook members adapted to releasably engage the jamb members.
Pivot block means are joined to the other ends of the spring
members and are adapted to be connected to the edges of the sash
members. Carried in each of the pivot block members is an outwardly
biased pin means adapted to engage in a groove in the guide
track.
Inventors: |
Schnormeier; Theodore H.
(Gambier, OH) |
Assignee: |
Wenco, Inc. (Mount Vernon,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
22880138 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/234,146 |
Filed: |
March 13, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
49/181;
49/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B
3/5063 (20130101); E06B 3/44 (20130101); E05D
13/1207 (20130101); E06B 2003/4446 (20130101); E05Y
2900/148 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E06B
3/32 (20060101); E06B 3/44 (20060101); E05d
015/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;49/176,181,446,453-457,463,429,431 ;16/197 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bell; J. Karl
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A window assembly comprising:
a substantially standard window frame including a pair of spaced
apart, generally parallel jamb members defining a recess;
strip members joined to each of said jamb members, each of said
strip members including an elongated, relatively thin, strip of
material joined to its respective jamb member along at least one
edge portion and having a normal configuration to bow away from
said jamb into said recess, and having a first elongated strip
guide groove formed in each said strip at a location spaced
inwardly from and generally parallel to said edge portion, and
portions of each said strip on each side of and adjacent said strip
guide groove being inclined toward said frame recess;
a substantially standard window sash member having lateral edges
spaced a width less than the distance between said jamb members but
greater than the distance between said strips in their normal,
bowed configuration; said sash member having grooves formed
inwardly along opposite lateral edges of said sash, said sash
grooves each being formed to receive the inclined portions of said
strips when said sash member is placed between said strips;
counterbalance spring members carried in each of said sash grooves
and each having a first end connected to said sash by pivot block
means at one end of its respective sash groove and having a second
end connected to said frame, each said pivot block means including
a pin member biased outwardly into said strip guide groove.
2. The window assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein the second end of each said spring member is connected to
said frame by a connecting member size to fit within said sash
groove and having an integral laterally extending portion removably
received in a hole formed in the respective jamb member.
3. The window assembly as defined in claim 2,
wherein said hole and said laterally extending portion are inclined
in a direction toward said first end of said spring members.
4. The window assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said pivot block means comprise relatively rigid block
members positioned in each sash groove and having an outwardly
facing surface adapted to slidingly engage the associated strip
member, said pin members extending out of said outwardly facing
surfaces and biased into the associated strip guide groove by a
spring carried in the block member.
5. The window assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said side strip members are formed of plastic and are
joined to their respective jamb members by tabs forced into slots
formed in said jamb members.
6. The window assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said second end of said spring can be readily disconnected
from said frame, and wherein said strips are sufficiently resilient
to allow said sash members to be moved out of said frame by
deflecting said strips and tilting of the sash member about said
pin members.
7. The window assembly as defined in claim 6, including
a second sash member;
said strips each including a second strip guide groove parallel to
said first strip guide groove;
said second sash being slidingly received between said strips;
and
including pin members extending into said second strip guide
groove.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention is directed toward the window art and more
particularly to a window assembly of the type having tilt-take-out
sash units.
A primary object of the invention is the provision of a
tilt-take-out sash type window assembly which can be used with
standard window frame and sash units.
Tilt-take-out sash type window assemblies are well known and in
widespread use. The typical prior art tilt-take-out sash assembly,
however, has a relatively complex frame-track assembly and requires
sash units of special size and design (e.g. non-standard). It is
well here to define a standard window frame. Standard window frames
are made with dimensions that are accepted in the industry and thus
the size can be relied on by architects and builders to be of a
size which will fit in dimensioned openings. Such standard window
frames have an inside width dimension between the jambs which is a
multiple of 2 inches and usually a multiple of 4 inches. Widths
range from 1 foot, 8 inches to 3 feet 8 inches (i.e. 20 to 44
inches). Window sash is also normally standardized except for
special window sash, as for example, such sash as is designed in
the prior art for tilt-take-out window sash. Such standard sash has
a width three-sixteenth inch less than the window frame opening
with tolerances of not more than one-sixteenth inch. Because of the
general complexity of the prior art tilt-take-out window design, it
has not been possible to use both standard frame and sash units in
such prior art designs. Thus, if a company desires to manufacture
and sell both standard window assemblies and tilt-take-out window
assemblies of the prior art designs, two entirely different designs
are required in either one or both of the frames and sash
units.
BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention overcomes these problems and provides a
highly simplified assembly in which standard frame and sash units
can be used.
According to the subject invention, the assembly includes a frame
having a pair of spaced apart, generally parallel jamb members
which define a recess between them. Guide members in the form of
flexible, elongated strips are joined to each of the jamb members
to define parallel guide tracks intermediate outwardly extending
raised portions. The strips preferably are joined to the jamb
members along at least one of their edges and have a normal
configuration to bow into the recess. Window sash members (having
lateral edges spaced apart a width slightly less than the distance
between the jamb members but greater than the distance between the
strips in their bowed configuration) are positioned between the
guide tracks. The lateral edges of the sash members have guide
grooves formed to receive the outwardly extending portions of the
strips. Additionally, counterbalance spring members are carried in
each of the guide grooves and have one end provided with hook
members adapted to releasably engage the jamb members. Pivot block
means are joined to the other ends of the spring members and are
adapted to be connected to the edge of the sash members. Carried in
each of the pivot block members is an outwardly biased pin means
(such outwardly biased pin means being spring loaded pins) adapted
to engage the guide track.
According to a more limited aspect of the invention, the flexible
strips are formed from a resilient plastic, such as
polyvinylchloride, and are relatively thin and flexible. They are
preferably joined to the frame by an integral flange having a
flexible hook formed thereon. The hook has a normal dimension which
is slightly greater than the dimension of a slot formed in the jamb
member. Thus, the strips can be attached to the jamb merely by
forcing the hook member into the slot. This attaches the sash
strips and also provides an air-tight seal between the jamb and the
strip.
As can be appreciated, the resilient strips resiliently and
sealingly grip the edges of the sash units. However, the sash units
slide freely on the strips. Moreover, to tilt either of the sash
units inwardly as for washing the outside, it is necessary only to
remove each of the spring hooks from the cooperating inclined hole
in the associated jamb and then turn the hooks and position them on
the tops of the associated sash units and thereafter pull the top
of the sash unit inwardly. The outer edges of the sash units cam
the strips outwardly and the sash units pivot about the pins in the
pivot blocks. To remove either sash, it is first pivoted
approximately to a horizontal position and then rotated about the
perpendicular axis so as to raise (or lower) one of the pivot pins
relative to the other and release the pivot pins from the guide
tracks.
Because of the nature of the sash strip and the counterbalance
spring mechanisms, the assembly can be used on slightly modified
standard, non tilt-out window frames and sash units. Thus, the same
basic frame-sash assembly can be used either for a conventional non
tilt-out window or a tilt-out type sash unit. Little or no change
need be made to the frame except for the formation of slanted holes
in the jambs for receipt of the hooks supporting the upper ends of
the counterbalance spring members and little or no change need be
made to the sash units except for the guide and spring receiving
grooves formed in the edges of each sash unit. Substantial cost
savings are achieved. The balance system is accomplished with
approximately one third of the cost of prior tilt-take-out
constructions. The simplicity of the jamb liner forming the guide
tracks also achieves substantial cost savings. The improved
construction does not require relatively expensive clutch holding
balance mechanism.
The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent
from the following description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a typical window assembly
incorporating the invention;
FIG. 2 is a substantially enlarged cross-sectional view taken on
line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 3--3 of
FIG. 1 and showing in detail a counterbalance spring assembly of
the invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the circled area of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a view of the circled area of FIG. 5 showing the strip
attaching hook portion separated from the associated frame
slot;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of one of the pivot block members
of the counterbalance sash assembly;
FIG. 8 is a view taken on line 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 9--9 of
FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a view in perspective similar to FIG. 1 but showing some
modifications and showing the lower sash tilted inwardly;
FIG. 11 is a view in perspective similar to FIGS. 1 and 10, but
showing the lower sash of FIG. 10 rotated from the horizontal
position to release the pivot pins from the guide tracks; and
FIG. 12 is a view in perspective similar to FIGS. 1, 10 and 11,
showing the lower sash of FIG. 10 removed and the upper sash
thereof lowered preparatory to either tilting it or removing
it.
Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings
are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the
invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1
shows a window assembly 10 which incorporates features of the
invention and comprises a relatively conventional, generally
rectangular frame assembly 12 having upper and lower window sash
units 14 and 16 positioned therein. The subject device is arranged
so that the sash units 14 and 16 can slide vertically in the
conventional manner and also can be tilted out of the frame or
removed therefrom.
In the embodiment under consideration, the frame 12 is formed from
wood; however, it should be appreciated that any desired type of
material could be used. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, frame
assembly 12 includes a pair of vertically extending side frame
members or jambs 18 and 20 joined at their upper ends by a
horizontally extending frame member 22 to define a recess which
receives the sash units 14 and 16. A sill frame member 24 extends
horizontally between the lower end portions of the side frames or
jamb members 18 and 20 and is received in suitable dadoes formed in
the inner faces of the side frames 18 and 20. The frame members can
be joined in any desired manner; however, in the subject
embodiment, they are simply nailed.
The upper and lower window sash units 14 and 16 are mounted within
the recess defined by the frame 12 and are arranged for
conventional vertical sliding movement. The upper sash unit 14 is
illustrated as including a pair of vertical side members 26 and 28
connected by horizontally extending upper and lower frame members
30 (not illustrated) and 32, respectively. Glass 34 is suitably
sealed within the frame defined by members 26, 28, 30 and 32. The
lower sash unit 16 is similarly formed and includes the side
members 35 and 36 and the upper and lower members 38 and 40. A
sheet of glass 42 is mounted in the lower sash frame. FIG. 1
illustrates the sash members in their closed position and a
conventional cam-type sash lock 49-49a is arranged to hold them in
this closed position.
Of particular importance to the subject invention is the manner in
which the window sash units 14 and 16 are mounted within the frame
assembly 12. The assembly is designed such that the frame assembly
12 is less complex and the construction of the window guides is
much simpler than prior art units. Additionally, the construction
allows the sash units to be readily tilted inwardly and/or, if
desired, removed for cleaning, maintenance and the like. As best
shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the guide tracks for the vertical
sliding movement of the sash units 14, 16 are defined by resilient,
vertically extending strip members 50. One of the strips 50 extends
substantially the entire length of the inner surface of each of the
side frame or jamb members 18 and 20. In the embodiment under
consideration, the strips 50 are formed from a suitable plastic,
such as polyvinylchloride, and are preferably configured so that
they can be made by a simple extrusion process. That is, they are
of constant, uniform cross-section throughout their length. As best
shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, each strip 50 defines a pair of vertically
extending guide tracks 52 and 54 (see FIG. 2) which extend the
entire length of each strip 50. Adjacent each of the guide tracks
or grooves 52 and 54 are raised sections 56 and 57, and 56' and
57', respectively.
Although the raised sections 56 and 57 are illustrated as having
side walls inclined at 45.degree., this angle could vary in the
range of from approximately 30.degree. to approximately 60.degree..
It should be noted that the edges of each of the sash units 14 and
16 have grooves 58 formed along their edges. The grooves 58
preferably have a semicylindrical bottom wall 59 and outer edges
shaped to receive and embrace the raised portions 56 and 57 of the
side strips 50. Additionally, referring to FIG. 5, it will be noted
that the side strips 50 preferably have an unstressed or normal
configuration which bows outwardly between the lateral edges of the
strips. FIG. 5 illustrates the unstressed normal bowed position of
the side strips 50 with the dotted line showing identified with the
number 50a. As can be appreciated, when the sash units are placed
in position with the raised portions 56 or 57 received in their
side grooves, the strips 50 are compressed to the solid line
position. This maintains the strips in tight sealing engagement
with the edges of the sash while permitting the sash to slide
freely along the side strips.
The strips 50 could be connected to the frames in many ways;
however, in the subject embodiment, each of the side strips 50
preferably includes a laterally extending flange portion 60 (see
FIGS. 5 and 6) which terminates in a hook member 62. The width of
hook member 62 is identified with a "W" as shown in FIG. 6. The
flange 60 and the hook member 62 are arranged to be received in a
slot or groove 64 formed along the corresponding side frame
members. The slot 64 has a width T which is less than W.
Accordingly, the side strip can be placed with the hook over the
slot 64 and then driven into the groove. The shape of the hook is
such that it acts to grip the sides of the slot 64 to prevent
withdrawal. This provides a simple method for connecting the side
strips 50 and, additionally, it assures an air-tight seal between
the side strips 50 and the frame. The edge of the side strips 50
opposite the flange 60 can remain loose, or, for example, they can
be received in a slot formed in a blind stop 65 connected to frame
member 20 along the length of the frame.
As can be seen, the described side strip arrangement allows ready
assembly of the window unit and permits free vertical sliding
movement of the sash units. Additionally, the configuration of the
sash strip is such as to maintain a tight seal about the sash
units. Moreover, it should be noted that the frame components can
be relatively simple with slight modifications from conventional
frame units. Thus, the frame is a standard or conventional frame
except for the slots or grooves 64 and except for holes 84 later to
be described.
Referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the sash units 14 and 16
embrace and are guided by raised sections 56 and 57 and 56a and
57'. When the sashes are in the closed position as illustrated in
FIG. 1, their respective lower and upper edges are adjacent each
other. A resilient seal strip (shown in section at 71) is
preferably attached to one or the other of the sash members to
maintain a tight seal. At the ends of the seal strip, resilient
foam blocks or the like 66 are connected to one or the other of the
sash units so that an air-tight seal is maintained at the ends of
the seal strip between the sash units and the side strips 50. For
example, in the subject embodiment, the resilient blocks 66 are
connected to the upper sash 14 and extend inwardly sufficiently for
engagement with the surface of the lower sash 16.
The structure thus far described could be used without
counterbalance assemblies if desired. If so used, it is possible to
remove the sash inwardly out of the frame merely by releasing the
cam lock 49 and raising the lower sash unit a short distance.
Thereafter, the sash unit can be pulled inwardly, and, as shown in
dotted line 50b in FIG. 5, the side strips 50 on each side will be
cammed outwardly by the cooperating surfaces of the sash strip and
the grooves 58 in the edge of the sash. Dotted line showing 50b
illustrates the position of the side strip as the window is pulled
from the frame.
A relatively important aspect of the subject invention, however,
concerns the arrangement of counterbalance spring assemblies
associated with each of the sashes 14 and 16. FIGS. 3 and 4
illustrate the preferred form of the counterbalance spring
assemblies. Note that a pair of counterbalance spring assemblies 74
are associated with the lower sash 16 (one of the pair being
illustrated in FIG. 3). A similar pair of counterbalance spring
assemblies 72 (one of the pair being shown in FIG. 4) are
associated with the upper sash 14. Because the assemblies 72, 74
are substantially identical (same length) only one will be
described in detail, and the description thereof is to be taken as
equally applicable to the others except where noted.
In particular, each of the counterbalance spring assemblies
includes a first hook block member 75 adapted to be releasably
connected with the frame. Block members 75 are preferably formed
from plastic and have a generally cylindrical main body 76 provided
with laterally inwardly extending recesses 78. Recesses 78 provides
a convenient portion for gripping, for reasons which will
subsequently be explained. Extending laterally from the main body
76 is a hook 80 having a generally rectangular cross-section and
provided with a plurality of short serrations or teeth 82.
Preferably, and for reasons which will hereafter become apparent,
the hook portion 80 is downwardly inclined slightly. In the subject
embodiment, the angle of inclination is preferably approximately
10.degree., forming an included angle of 80.degree. between the
hook member and the axis of the main body. The hook is arranged to
removably engage with the side frame. As shown in FIG. 3, an
inclined hole 84 is formed into the associated side frame at an
angle corresponding to the angle of the hook portion 80. The hole
84 is preferably slightly greater in diameter than the total width
of the hook member over the tooth portion 82. This allows easy
insertion and removal of the hook.
Extending downwardly from the cylindrical body portion 76 is a hook
86 adapted to receive the end of a coil spring 88. The coil spring
88 has a diameter to fit easily within the sash side groove 58 and
is sized so that it will nearly counterbalance the weight of the
lower sash member 16.
The lower end of spring 88 is connected to the lower edge portion
of the sash unit 16 by a pivot block assembly 92. The pivot block
assemblies 92 are arranged to be received within the vertically
extending grooves 58 formed in the lateral side edges of the sash
members. As best shown in FIGS. 7 through 9, each of the pivot
block members 92 includes a main body 94 having a semi-cylindrical
wall which is sized so as to closely fit within the
semi-cylindrical groove 58. An opening 96 extends through the body
from a triangular recess 97. This allows a screw or the like to be
passed through the opening into engagement with the sash. For
example, a screw 98 is shown connecting the sash block 92 to the
lower sash assembly 16. A hook portion 100 extends upwardly from
the upper end of the body 94 for engagement with the lower end of
the spring 88. The spring 88 is sized so that it has an extended
length sufficient to extend from the upper portion of the frame to
the lower portion of the frame and when in this extended position
the force exerted by it nearly counterbalances the weight of the
lower sash 16.
In the embodiment under consideration, the exposed portion of the
spring is enclosed by a plastic tube 102 which extends from the
hook block assembly 74 to a position slightly below the upper edge
of sash unit 16. This presents a clear appearance, and also
prevents the spring from catching the upper edge of the sash.
Additionally, it will be noted that the lower end of the hook block
75 has a reduced diameter portion which fits closely within the
plastic tube 102. The tube is connected to the hook block 75 in any
convenient manner such as through the use of a cross pin 104 which
extends through an opening formed in the hook block.
One feature of particular importance to the pivot block assembly 92
is the provision of a spring biased guide and tilt pin member 106
which is adapted to fit within the corresponding side strip or
track 54. As best shown in FIGS. 7 through 9, the tilt pin 106 has
a generally rectangular body portion 108 which is received within a
rectangular opening 110 formed through the tilt block body 94. The
outer end 120 of the pin 106 is circular and has a diameter
slightly greater than the opening across the end of opening 110.
This allows the pivot pin to be pushed from the left through
opening 110 and snap its head portion 120 through the small flanges
122 formed in the tilt block body. The opposite end of the tilt
block body is provided with small outwardly extending tabs or
flanges 124 which prevent the block from being moved to the right -
out of the opening 110 (as viewed in FIG. 9). The left hand end of
tilt pin 106 has a reduced diameter portion 113 having at its left
hand end a head 114 which is arranged to enter the end convolution
of a compression spring 116 to removably attach the spring to the
pivot pin. When the tilt block is assembled into the sash (as shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4), the tilt pin is biased into tight engagement
with the corresponding guide groove 52 or 54 of the strip 50. This
provides a positive engagement between the sash and the guide
grooves while permitting removal of the sash or tilting of the sash
out of the frame assembly.
To explain the operation and the simplicity of the tilting or
removal operation, reference is made to FIGS. 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12.
If it is desired to, for example, remove the lower sash 16 from the
frame, all that is necessary is that the hook members 80 on each
side be lifted upward slightly, disengaging their teeth 82 from the
side of the hole 84. They can then be pulled out of the hole and
rotated and moved downward so that they engage the upper surface of
the lower sash unit 16 (as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). With the hook
assemblies on each side of the sash unit removed and moved to a
lower position, the top edge of the sash unit 16 can be gripped and
pulled outwardly, camming the side strips 50 laterally and
permitting the upper portions of the sash to be tilted out of the
frame. The heads 120 of the pivot pins 106 in each of the lower
tilt block assemblies will remain firmly engaged in the guide
grooves, however. The sash unit 16 is, of course, tilted into the
room as shown in FIG. 10 and the outside surface of the glass can
be cleaned or the like.
If it is desired to completely remove the sash unit 16 from the
window, it can be rotated slightly (as shown in FIG. 11) to remove
one of the pivot pins 106 from engagement with its guide groove
after which the other pivot pin can similarly be removed and the
entire sash unit removed (as shown in FIG. 12).
A similar sequence of operations allows the upper sash unit 14 to
be removed; that is, the upper sash can be moved either a short or
long distance, exposing the hook members 80 which can be removed
from their engagement with the frame and moved into engagement with
the top surface of the corresponding sash. After this, the sash can
be tilted inwardly, camming over its own raised portions and the
raised portions of the lower sash guide groove to a position in
which it is tilted into the room. Thereafter, it can be rotated
slightly, disengaging its pivot pins for removal from the window
frame.
For ease of description, the principles of the invention have been
set forth in connection with a single embodiment. It is not
intended that the illustrated embodiment nor the terminology
employed in describing it be limited inasmuch as variations in it
may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the spirit of the invention. Rather, it is desired to be
restricted only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *