Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
LOCKI~G SLID~ BLOCK
Fi~ld of tho Invention
This invention generally relates to a locking slide
block for double-hung tilt-out type windows.
R~c~,.o~nd of the In~ention
Double-hung, tilt-out type windows have become
increasingly popular. Much of this popularity is due to
the tilt-out feature which allows both inside and
outside surfaces of the window to be cleaned from the
inside.
Tilt-out windows have been equipped with locking
slide blocks 3uch as the one disclosed in U.S. Patent
No. 4,610,108 to Marshik. Marshik discloses a double-
hung window having a frame with a set of parallel jamb
channels on opposite sides of the frame. Within each
jamb chAnnel is a slidably mounted locking block. A
spring counter-b~l~nce --hAni~ is attached to a ~ -
headplate on each block. A pivot extends from proximate
the lower end of opposite sides of a sash into a locking
cam housed within the block. The pivots allow the sash,
which holds a window pane, to be rotated or tilted
toward the inside. As the pivots rotate, the cam forces
25 serrated ends of a spring into opposite sides of the -~;'
~amb channel to p.~v~nt the counter-balance spring from
pulling up the blocks and sash while cleAning.
U.S. Patent No. 4,813,180 to Scalzi discloses
another locking sliding block for double-hung windows.
Like the '108 patent, a locking block is slidably
mounted within iamb channels and a pivot extends from
opposite sides o~ the sash into a pivot button or cam in
each locking block. Unlike the '108 patent, ho eVel~
the pivot has a slot which engages a retAining ridge in ~ ;~
35 the pivot button. This is intended to prevent -
dislocation of the pivots during transport and
installation of the window due to deflection or bowing
~ of the frame away from the sash. The locking block
-~ disclosed by Scalzi, although allowing the sash to pivot
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inside for easy cleaning of the window pane, does not
allow the window to be conveniently 1~ ved from the
inside.
S Summary of the I~ve~tlon
The invention addresses many of the problems
associated with the prior art in providing a locking
-slide block which enables the sash of a double-hung, ~'
tilt-out type window to be tilted to the inside to ;-
facilitate the cleaning, insertion and removal of the
window sash and panes from a window frame. A sash pivot
retA;n1ng sprinq configuration is utilized thereon to
provide reliable, simple and relatively effortless ~ ~-
operation of a locking slide block during shipping and
15 installation, as well as in normal use. ';
In accordance with the invention, a locking slide
- block is provided for slidably and pivotably mounting a ~:
window sash to a side member of a window frame having a
vertical ~amb channel with oppositely disposed sides.
20 The block has a housing with oppositely disposed sliding ;~ -~
surface~ for ~l;~ing the housing in the jamb chAnnel.
Within the block is a locking mean~ for selectively
engaging the oppositely dispo~ed sides of the ~amb ~ ;
~hAnngl to lock the block in a fixed position relative
to the ~amb ch~nn~l. A c~m is disposed within the
housing. The cam has at least one camming surface which
selectively operates the locking means. The cam also
has a sash pivot opsn;ng with an open top slot, for
att~ch; ng a sash pivot thereto. Sash pivots are
30 operatively connectable to each lower opposite side of a ~;
sash, for operatively connecting the sash to the cam. i~
The lock; ng slide block also has a sash pivot
retainer spring having a first end operatively connected
to the housing and a second end proximate the cam. The ~
35 second end has a first position for allowing the sash ~-
pivot to be inserted or 1~- ~ved from the sash pivot
opening through the open top slot. The second end also
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has a second pesition for preventing removal of the sash
pivot through the open top slot. The second end is
normally biased to the second position, and may be
depressed to the first position.
The locking slide block also preferably includes a
second end ret~;ning means. The second end ret~ining
means is operatively connected to the housing, and it
operates to restrict .~v~- - t of the second end of the
retainer spring past the second position in a direction
opposite that of the first position. This protects the
~econd end from deforming due to forces applied to the
window sash in operation, and thus increases the overall
reliability of the slide block. ~-
In a preferred embodiment, the second end ret~ining
means utilizes at least one spring retaining flange
which extends across a portion of ~ spring receiving ;~
recess to cooperatively about the second end of the
spring in its second position. Further, cooperative
fl~ngeg may algo be utilized on the retainer spring to
facilitate this abutting relationship between the spring
and the spring retAining flange.
These and other advantages and features, which
characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims AnneYe~ hereto and fo lng a
part hereof. HoireveL, for a better underst~n~i ng of the
invention, its advantages and ob~ectives attAine~ by its ;~
u~e, reference should be made to the drawing which forms
a further part hereof and to the acc~ ~onying
descriptive matter, in which there is described a
preferred ~ ~3~i -nt ofithe invention.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs
FIGURE 1 shows a double-hung window with a partially
tilted sash.
FIGURE 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a
locking slide block with sash pivot consistent with the
invention, for use in the double-hung window in Figure ~ ;
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FIGURE 3 shows an assembled locking slide block ~'
without sash pivot consistent with the invention.
FIGURE 4 shows a pexspective view of the sash pivot. ~-~
FIGURE 5 shows a locXing slide block in an unlocked
position in a jamb channel.
FIGURE 6 shows a locking slide block in a locked
position in a ~amb channel.
FIGURE 7 shows a mirror image of the locking slide -
block of Figure 5. ;~
FIGURE 8 shows parallel jamb channels, one with a
counter-bAI~n~e spring cover and the other having a ~ ;;'
locking slide block with sash pivot.
FIGURE 9 shows a cross-section of the locking slide
block shown in Figure 6. -~
FIGURE 10 shows an exploded perspective view of an
alternative housing and retaining spring consistent with '~ ,'
the invention.
FIGURE 11 shows a perspective view of an assembled
locking slide block without sash pivot, and with the ;;~
housing and retAining spring of Figure 10.
De~s~le~ Doscription of the Preferred '~ L
Referring now to the drawing, wherein like ,
referenced numeral~ designate identical or corresponding
25 parts throughout the ~everal views, Figure 1 shows a ",
double-hung tilt-out window 10. The window 10 has a '''
frame 12 and an upper sash 14 and a lower sash 16
supporting window panes 15 and 17, respectively. The
frame 12 also has four ~amb channels 18, one of which i8
30 shown in~Figure 1,, on a,~ide - ~or 13 of f,rame 12. One ~ '
~amb chAnnel is proximate opposite sides of the upper
~a~h 14, and one is proximate opposite sides of lower
sash 16. As shown in Figure 1, the lower sash 16 is
partially tilted 60 that both sides of the window pane
17 within the lower sash 16 are accessible for cle~ning
from the same side of window 10.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a locking slide
21~3~
block, generally referred to as 20, and sash pivot 22 of -
the present invention. One locking slide block 20 i8
slidably mounted within each jamb channel 18. Fastened ~ -
to lower opposite sides of each sash 14 and 16 is one ~-
sash pivot 22~ These sash pivots 22 are supported for
rotation by the locking slide blocks 20. Each sash is
tiltable about a longitll~in~l axis through pivots 22
disposed on opposite sides of sashes 14 and 16.
As shown in Figure 2, locking slide block 20 has a
10 housing 24, preferably of rigid plastic. This housing -
24 has sliding surfaces 25 with slots 27. The housing
24 has an aperture 49 and a plate groove 51 for
attaching a sash pivot retainer spring 26 and a metal
plate 28, respectively. A counter-balance spring (not
shown) is attached to metal plate 28. The housing 24
ha~ a circular ch~nnPl 30, which extends into housing 24
generally parallel to sli~;n~ surfaces 25, for receiving ~ ;
a locking cam 32 having cr ing surfaces 31. Housing 24
also has a box-like area for receiving locking spring 34
which has serrated end portions 35. Locking cam 32 has
a head 35 which, as known to those skilled in the art,
retains spring 34 in the box-like area of housing 24.
Sash pivot retainer spring 26, as shown in Figure 2,
has a hooke~ first end 48 which is received by aperture
49 to operably connect retainer spring 26 to housing 24.
Retainer spring 26 also has a free end 50. Retainer
spring 26 is preferably constructed of spring steel.
Locking cam 32, a~ ~hown in Figure 2, has a sash
pivot opening 33 with an open top slot 37. Located
proximate a front side of locking cam 32, on opposite
sides of sash pivot openi ng 33 are inwardly disposed cam
fl~nges 39.
Figure 3 shows a per~pective view of the assembled
locking slide block 20 without sash pivot 22. Retainer ~ ~;
spring 26 and plate 28 are shown installed within
housing 24. Free end 50 of spring 26 is in a normal
position proximate the front side of locking cam 32.
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Locking cam 32 is shown inserted within circular channel
30, and is retained within block 20 by a tab 38. Figure
3 also shows one serrated end portion 35 of spring 34
retracted within slot 27 in sliding surface 25. : ~
Figure 4 is a front view of sash pivot 22 having ;
oppositely disposed flanges 21 at one end of an :~
elongated portion 29, and a back 23. Sash pivots 22 are ;;
fastened to the lower opposite sides of sashes 14 and 16
so that the lengthwise axis of back 23 is parallel to
the lengthwise axis of the sash side.
Figure 5 shows loeking slide block 20 inserted in
~amb channel 18 having sides 40. Sliding surfaces 25 of
sliding loeking block 20 are proximate side 40 of jamb
channel 18. Loeking slide block 20 is held within jamb
ehannel 18 by a flexible raised ~amb channel face 42
having opening 44.
As shown in Figure 6, the serrated portions of ~ .
spring 34 are engaged with sliding surfaces 25 to
prevent the eounter-bAl~n~e spring from pulling locking ~ '.. ;.
slide bloek 20 and sash 14 or 16 upward when sash 14 or
16, respeetively, is tilted. When sash 14 or 16 and,
thus baek 23, is rotated from vertieal, locking cam 32
rotates 80 that cr ~g surfaees 31 force serrated end
portions 35 of ~pring 34 out slots 27. In Figure 6,
back 23 i8 tilted to a horizon'cal po~ition at
applo~imately 90~ to ~amb channel 18. This position
al~o corresponds to sash 14 or 16 tilted at 90~ to jamb
chAnnel 18.
Also shown in Figure 6, sash pivot 22 is operably
eonneeted to locking cam 32 by rotating cam 32 (by a
tool not shown) so that open top slot 37 opens upward
beneath retainer spring 26. Sash pivot 22 is inserted
into ~ash pivot openi ng 33 by depressing the free end 50
of retainer spring 26 inwardly away from the front side
35 of locklng cam 32 to a first depressed position. After :~
sash pivot 22 i~ inserted in sash pivot opening 33, the -~
free end of retainer spring 26 moves baek to a nc~
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second position over opening 33. Once retainer spring ;~
26 moves back over opening 33, sash pivot 22 cannot slip ~:
out of opening 33. Without retainer spring 26, sash ~ :
pivot 22 might slip out of opening 33 when sash 14 or 16 :~
5 is tilted. :
As best shown in Figure 9, a cross-sectional view of
cam 32 and sash pivot 22 taken from Figure 6, when sash
pivot 22 is inserted into sash pivot opening 33, the ~.
elongated portion 29 extends into the op~ning beyond cam
flanges 39. Flanges 21 of sash pivot 22 are disposed
widely enough that when sash pivot 22 is inserted in
this onner~ flanges 21 engage with cam flanges 39 so
that sash pivot 22 cannot be pulled out of the pivot :;~
opening in a direction proximately parallel to a
15 longitl-~;n~l axis of the elongated portion 29. This ::
feature is particularly important during transport and
installation of window 10. During transport and
installation, side members 13 of frame 12 may bow
outwardly away from sashes 14 and/or 16 so that without
the engagement of flanges 21 with cam flanges 39,
elongated portion 29 of sash pivot 22 could be pulled
out of sash pivot opening 33.
Figure 7 shows back 23 of sash pivot 22 oriented
vertically. This position of back 23 corresponds to the
25 closed or vertical position of sash 14 or 16. Serrated ~:
end portions 35 of spring 34 are not engaged with sides
40 of ~amb c~An~el 18. Locking slide block 20 and sash
14 or 16 is thus free to slide vertically within ~amb -~
c~nn~l 18. The counter-h~lAnce spring tnot shown)
attached to plate~28 assists in sliding locking slide
blocks 20 and sashes 14 or 16 upward in jamb channels
18.
~: Figure 8 show~ a cross-~ectional view of parallel
~amb channels 18. In one of the jamb channels 18 is ~ ~.
shown locking slide block 20 without serrated end
portions 35 of spring 34 exten~ing beyond sides 25 of
locking slide block 20. As previously shown in Figure
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7, back 23 of sash pivot 22 is positioned vertically.
Flexible jamb channel ~ace 42 is engaged with a sash
groove 46 to retain sash 16 vertically within frame 12
(not shown).
Figures 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of
the locking slide block consistent with the invention.
It has been di~covered that in certain instances, forces
applied to a sash may be applied by a sash pivot to the
retainer spring in a locking slide block, causing the
retainer spring to "buckle" and bow outward from the
force. In certain circumstances, this may result in the
sash pivot becoming partially dislodged from the sash
pivot opening in the cam, thereby j~ i ng the slide ~ -
block and preventing the sash from moving up or down in
the ~amb channel.
For ~Y n,le, as best seen in Figure 6, when sash 14
or 16 is tilted, open top slot 37 may be oriented upward
and directly opposite retainer spring 26. An upward
force on sash 14 or 16, for instance applied by gripping
the ~ash on the sides near sash pivots 22, tends to urge
elongated portion 29 of sash pivot 22 against the free
end 50 of retainer spring 26. Since spring 26 extends
generally away from hou~ing 24 at the hooked first end
48, any force applied to free end S0 may induce this end
to bow outward from housing 24. Given a sufficient
force, free end S0 may buckle outward and allow sash
pivot 22 to becs ~ partially di~lodged from its
operating position.
The alternative embodiment shown in Figures 10 and
11 includes a ret~i~ing!means for protecting the free
end of a retainer spring from the upward forces that
could possibly cause failure of the locking slide block. -~
As shown in Figure 10, locking slide block 20' includes
an alternative housing 24' and retainer spring 26'.
Housing 24' has a spring receiving recess 62 which
extends into housing 24' for housing retainer spring 26'
in operation. This recess 62 is integrally joined to
21 13 6
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the cam receiving channel 30' which, in operation,
houses the locking cam. In order to protect retainer
spring 26' from the above-described forces, a pair of
spring ret~ining flanges 61a and 61b are provided which
extend across a portion of recess 62. In the preferred
embodiment, flanges 61a and 61b extend outward from
walls 60a and 60b of rece~s 62. Other flange
configurations may also be used in lieu of that shown
for flanges 61a and 61b. ~
Sash pivot retainer spring 26' has a hooked first ~ -
end 48' which is received by aperture 49' to operably
connect retainer spring 26' to housing 24'. Further,
retainer spring 26' includes a free end 50', which has a
pair of oppositely disposed and outwardly projecting
spring flanges 52a and 52b.
Figure 11 shows an assembled locking slide block 20'
without a sash pivot installed. Here, retainer spring
26' is installed, with metal plate 28' holding the
spring in position. Free end 50' is housed within
recess 62, proximate flange 61a and 61b, and proximate ~-
cam 32'. In the configuration shown, when free end 50'
is not depressed and in the normal position, spring
flanges 52a and 52b cooperatively abut spring reta~ni~g ~ ;
flanges 61a and 61b. This cooperatively abutting ; ;i
25 relationship protects spring 26' when upward forces are ;~ ;
applied to free end 50' by a sash pivot. Free end 50'
is not capable of bowing outward in a direction opposite
the no- ~1 direction in which free end 50' 18 depressed ~ '
(such as when inserting or removing a sash pivot).
Thus, the free end is substantially protected from
deforming due to these forces.
Returning to Figure 10, it may also be seen that it
is preferable to leave sufficient space, i.e., a channel
63, in between flanges 6la and 6lb. This enables a sash
35 pivot to be inserted and removed from locking slide -
block 20' through channel 63.
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One skilled in the art will appreciate that various
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modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the invention. For example, a number of
different sizes and configurations of spring ret~ining
flanges may be used to abut with free end 50' to protect
5 it from bowing outward. In addition, other spring ;~
flanges could be incorporatsd into free end 50' to
cooperatively abut with the flanges over recess 62.
Further, spring flanges 52a and 52b could be eliminated
altogether as long as flanges 6la and 6lb extend a
sufficient distance across recess 62 to abut with free
end 50' during normal use. It is further not necessary
that flanges 52a and 52b abut flanges 61a and 61b in
normal operation, as the normal operating position of
free end 50' may be disposed away from the plane of
flanges 6la and 6lb in its normal position.
Although characteristics and advantages, together
with details of structure and function, have been
described in reference to the preferred embodiments
herein, it is understood that the disclosure is
illustrative. To that degree, various ch~nges made,
especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement, to
the full extent exte~e~ by the general --ning of the
terms in which the appen~e~ claims are expre~sed, are
within the principle~ of the present invention.
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