Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PATENT
1
SASH LIFT 1VIECHANISM
DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to casement windows, and more specifically, to a
sash lift
mechanism for a casement window assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Casement window assemblies are lmown in the art and typically have a
sash window
pivotally mounted in a window frame by hinge assemblies. While casement window
assemblies
of the prior art provide a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless
have certain
limitations. For example, over time, tlae mounting structures for the sash
window within the
window frame can shift causing the sash window to sag or become slightly
misafigned with the
window frame causing less than optimal operation of the casement window
assembly.
[0003] The present invention is provided to solve problems associated with
casement
window assemblies, and to provide advantagea and aspects not provided by prior
casement
window assemblies. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the
present invention is
deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference
to the
accompanying drawings=
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a casement window assembly having a sash
lift
mechanism. The casement window assembly has a sash window pivotally supported
in a
window frame between open positions and a closed position.
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, the sash lift mechanism
includes a base and
a moveable member pivotally attached to the base. The base is mounted to the
window frame in
one preferred embodiment. The moveable member is in the form of a finger that
engages a
sagging sash window and provides a lift force to the sash window as the sash
window is being
moved to the closed position. Once engaged by the sash window, the finger
pivots to
substantially a vertical confignration and provides lift to the sash window.
[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, the sash lift mechanism
has a base
adapted to be mounted on one of the window and the window frame. A moveable
member is
pivotably supported by the base. The moveable member is moveable by pivoting
between a first
position, wherein the moveable member is adapted to not engage the other of
the window and the
window frame, and a second position, wherein the moveable member is adapted to
engage a
surface of the other of the window and the window frame to provide a lift
force to the window
when the window is closed.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the invention, the moveable member is
not visible
when the window is closed.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a top surface of the
moveabie member
is adapted to engage a bottom surface of the window when the moveable member
is in the
second position. The moveable member is adapted to pivot from the first
position to the second
position in response to a pivoting force exerted upon the moveable member by
the other of the
window and the window frame as the window is closed.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the moveable member has a
finger
having a nose and a top surface. The nose is adapted to engage the other of
the window and the
window frame such that the pivoting force is exerted upon the nose, and the
top surface is
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adapted to engage the surface of the other of the window and the window frame
to provide the
lift force to the window.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the moveable member
has a first
finger and a second finger, wherein the first finger is adapted to engage the
other of the window
and the window frame such that the pivoting force is exerted upon the nose,
and the second
finger is adapted to engage the surface of the other of the window and the
window frame to
provide the lift force to the window.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the base has a slot
therein and a portion
of the moveable member is pivotably received in the slot. In one exemplary
embodiment, the
base is adapted to be mounted on the window frame and the moveable member is
adapted to
engage a surfacc vf tl'iC'VFi1Ydi)iTd'ii'1 thc'$v"coiid Yosii'vII.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the moveable member is
adapted to
engage a surface of the other of the window and the window frame to provide a
lift force to the
window only when the window is sagging from alignmen,t with the window frame.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from
the following
specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of
example,
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a casement window assembly utilized with the
present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a casement window assembly of the
present
invention;
FIG. 3 is an end view of the casement window assembly of FIG. 2 showing a sash
lift
mechanism in a forward position;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view of the casement window assembly shown in FIG.
3;
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FIG. 5 is an enlarged perapective view of the casement window assembly shown
in
FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an end view of the casement window assembly of FIG. 2 showing the
sash lift
mechanism in a free position;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged end view of the casement window assembly shown in FIG,
6;
FIG. 8 is an end view of the casement window assembly of FIG. 2 showing the
sash lift
mechanism in an upright position;
FIG. 9 is an et-larged end view of the casement window assembly shown in FIG.
8;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the casement window assembly shown
in
FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a casement window assembly according to
another
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the casement window assembly shown in
FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the casement window assembly shown in
FIG. 12,
t.he casement window assembly being in an open position;
FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the casement window assembly shown in FIG,
11, the
casement window assembly being in an open position;
FIG, I S is a rear exploded perspective view of the casement window assembly
shown in
FIG. 11, the easement window assembly being in an open positiora and showing a
sash lift
mechanism;
FIG, 16 is a perspective view of the sash lift mechanism shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a peMec#ive view of a base of the sash lift mechanism shown in FIG,
16;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a moveable member of the sash lift mechanism
shown in
FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is a side view of the moveable member shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the moveable member ahown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a side view of the sash lift mechanism e,hown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the sash lift mechanism shown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 23 is a rear elevation view of the sash lift mechanism shown in FIG. 16;
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FIG. 24 is a top view of the sash lift mechattism shown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the sash lift mechanism shown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 26 is a schematic side view of the sash lift mechanism mounted on the
casement
window assembly; and
FIG. 27 is a schematic side view of the sash lift mechanism shown in FIG. 26
wherein the
moveable member is pivoted by a sash window of the casement window assembly
and providing
an upward force to the sash window.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
10015] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different
forms, there are
shown in the drawings and will herein be deseribed in detail preferred
embodiments of the
invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to
limit the broad aspect of
the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a casement window assembly 10, which includes a jamb frame
assembly or window frame 14, and an inner window assembly 16 or sash window
16. 'I'b,e inner
window assembly 16 is fornled of a sash window frame 15 bordering a window
pane 22. The
sash window frame 15 is formed by two vertical rails 25,26 and two horizontal
rails 23,24. The
window frame 14 is formed by two vertical jambs 29,30 and two horizontal jambs
27,28. The
sash window 16 and window 14 are secured by hinged connections 13, such that
the sash
window 16 is moveable between an open and closed position relative the window
frame 14 by
pivotal movement of the sash window 16. FIG. I depicts the window assembly 10
with the inner
window assembly 16 pivoted into the open configuration relative the frame 14.
The inner
window assembly 16 is moved by an operator assembly 32 that includes an
actuator 34, a
housing 36 mounted on the bottom jamb 28, and one or more movable operating
arms 37 that
move back and forth by cranking the actuator 34 to move the inner window
assembly 16. The
hinged connection 13 includes a hinge assembly that pivotably supports the
window assembly
16. Two locking mechanisms 38 are positioned on one of the vertical jambs 30
and the adjacent
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vertical rail 26 to secure the jamb 30 to the rail 26, locking the window
assembly 10 shut. Two
keepers 18, each having an extending finger 19, are positioned on the vertical
rai126 adjacent the
locking mechanisms 38 for this purpose.
[0017] Accordingly, it is understood that a user can use the operator assembly
32 to open and
close the casement window assembly 10 as desired. Over time, it is not
uncommon for the sash
window 16 to slightly shift with respect to the window frame 14. This is due
to various factors
including the weight of the sash window, the hinged connections and other
forces that may be
applied to the casement window assembly 10 over time. This may cause the sash
window 16 to
become misaligned with respect to the window frame 14. This can affect proper
closure of the
casement window assembly 10 wherein a user may experience difficulties in
properly placing the
sash window 16 in a closed position with respect to the window frame 14. This
can also place
undue stress on the components of the operator 32. A sash lift mechanism 50 of
the present
invention assists in correcting any misalignment problems.
[0015] FIGS. 2-5 show the sash lift mechanism 50 utilized in a casement window
assembly
having similar components as described with respect to FIG. 1. It is
understood that the sash lift
mechanism 50 can be utilized in other types of window assemblies as well as
other structures
needing a lift force. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the sash lift mechanism 50
generally includes a
base 52 and a moveable member 54. In one preferred embodiment, the moveable
member may
take the form of a finger 54. In another exemplary embodiment, the moveable
member 54 may
be pivotally supported by the window frame. It is further understood that in
the exemplary
embodiments disclosed in the present application, the moveable member 54 may
be mounted on
one of the window frame and the sash window as desired by a manufacturer or
user.
[0019] As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 52 has a
generally box-like
configuration and has a central opening 56 or slot 56. The central opening 56
has a generally
rounded configuration and receives the finger 54. The base 52 also has a
fastener opening 58. In
a preferred embodiment, the base 52 has a pair of fastener openings 58 (one
fastener opening 58
not shown). A front portion of the base 52 has a height slightly less than a
rear portion of the
base 52. As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the finger 54 has a first segment
60 and a second
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segznen,t 62 in the form of a nose 62 or tab 62 that extends generally
transverse to the first
segment 60. A first end of the ftrst segment 60 has a generally rounded
configuration that
generally corresponds to the rounded configuration of the central opening 56.
The first segment
60 is received by the central opening 56 and is pivotally supported by the
base 52 to be described
in greater detail below. The finger 54 thus generally extends away from the
base 52. As further
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 52 is mounted on the window frame 14 by
screws 65 that pass
through the fastener holes.
[0020] The finger 54 moves among different positions. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the
finger 54 in
a forward position wherein the finger does not engage the sash window 16. Iil
this instance, the
sash window 16 has a proper alignment with the window frame 14. In this
configuration, the
sash lift mechanism 50 may be considered to be in an inactive state or free
position. An opening
64 may be provided in a frame member of the sash window 16 wherein the second
segment 62 of
the finger 54 passes through the opening 64. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the finger 54
in the free
position. In this position, the sash window 16 still has proper alignment with
the window frame
14. The finger 54 can be pivot to more of a vertical position. Because there
is still proper sash
window alignment, however, the sash window 16 does not engage the finger 54. A
small gap G
is maintained between the finger 54 and the sash window 16. Thus, the sash
lift mechanism 50 is
in the inactive state.
[0021] FIGS. 8-10 show the finger 54 in an upright position and providing a
lift force to the
sash window 16. As discussed, over time, the sash window 16 may become
misaligned with the
window frame 14 wherein the sash window 16 sags with respect to the window
frame 14. In
such instance, the sash window 16 will not be able to close properly. As shown
in FIGS. 5-10
and as can be appreciated from FIGS. 4 and 5, the finger 54 will be in the
forward position. As
the sagging sash window 16 is moved to the closed position, a portion 70 of
the sash window 16,
engages the second segment 62 of the finger 54 wherein the finger 54 pivots
within the base 52
to a generally vertical position. The finger 54 is dimensioned such that as
the finger 54 continues
to pivot by the sash window 16 moving to the closed position, the finger 54
provides a lift force
F to the sash window 16. Specifically, a top surface of the second segment 62
of the finger 54
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engages an underside or bottom surface of the portion 70 of the sash window 16
to Iift the sash
window 16. With this force F, the sagging of the sash window 16 is eliminated
and the sash
window 16 is properly aligned wherein the sash window 16 can be easily placed
in the closed
position. After the sash window 16 is placed in an open position and then
closed again, the sash
lift mechanism 50 will again operate as just described to provide an upward
lift force F to the
sagging sash window 16.
[0022] It is understood that the sash lift mechanism 50 can take other forms
or be placed in
other locations on the casement window assembly 10. The sash lift mechanism is
structured and
positioned to provide lift to a sash window ] 6 that has sagged with respect
to the window frame
14. Thus, even if the sash window 14 has sagged and a user cannot properly
realign the sash
window 16 utilizing other standard methods known in the industry, the finger
54 can provide the
appropriate lift force F that can enhance the alignment of the sash window 16.
Accordingly, the
overall operation of the casement window assembly 10 is enltanced.
[0023] FIGS. 11-27 disclose another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention
utilizing a sash lift mechanism with a casement window assembly. Similar
structures from the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 will be designated with similar reference numerals
using a 100 series
designation.
[0024] FIGS. l 1-15 show another casement window assembly 100 which includes a
jamb
frame assembly or window frame 114, and an inner window assembly 116 or sash
window 116.
The casement window assembly 100 of FIGS. 11-15 is similar to the casement
window assembly
in FIG. 1. As further shown in FIG. 13, the inner window assembly 116 is
formed of a sash
window frame 115 bordering a window pane 122. The sash window frame 115 is
foxraed by two
vertical rails 125,126 and two horizontal rails 123,124. The window frame 114
is formed by two
vertical jambs 129,130 and two horizontal jambs 127,128. The sash window 116
and window
114 are secured by hinged connections 113, such that the sash window 116 is
moveable between
an open and closed position relative the window frame 114 by pivotal anovement
of the sash
window 16. FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the window assembly 100 such as
outside of a
residence or building and in a closed position. FIG. 12 shows a front view of
the casement
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window assembly 100 such as from Inside of a residence or building and in a
closed position.
FIGS. 13-15 show front and rear views of the casement window assembly 100 in
an open
position wherein the inner window assembly 116 is pivoted into the open
configuration relative
the frame 114. The inner window assembly 116 is moved by an operator assembly
132 that
includes an actuator 134, a housing 136 mounted on the bottom jamb 128, and
one or more
movable operating arms 137 that move back and forth by cranking the actuator
134 to move the
inner window assembly 116. The hinged connection 113 includes a hinge assembly
that
pivotably supports the window assembly 116. A locking mechaanism 138 is
positioned on one of
the vertical jambs 129 and the adjacent vertical rail 126 to secure the jamb
130 to the rail 126,
locking the window assembly 100 shut. Two keepers 118 are positioned on the
vertical rail 126
for this purpose.
[0025] As discussed above, a user can use the operator assembly 132 to open
and close the
casement window assembly 100 as desired. Over time, the sash window 116 may
slightly shift
with respect to the window frame 114. This is due to various factors including
the weight of the
sash window 116, the hinged connections and other forces that may be applied
to the casement
window assembly 100 over time. This may cause the sash window 116 to become
misaligned
with respect to the window &aazne 114. This can affect proper closure of the
casement window
assembly 100 wherein a user may experience difficulties in properly placing
the sash window
116 in a closed position with respect to the window frame 114. A sash lift
mechanism 150 of the
present invention assists in correcting any misalignment problems.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the sash lift mechattism 150 generally
includes a base 152
and a moveable member 154. In one exemplary embodiment, the moveable member
may take
the form of a finger or a plurality of fingers. As explained in greater below,
the moveable
member 154 is pivotally supported by the base 152, It is understood, however,
that the moveable
member 154 could be supported by the window frame 114 or the sash window 116.
[0027] FIG. 17 further shows the base 152. The base 152 has a body 156 having
a central
wall portion 158 and a pair of flanges 160, one flange 160 on opposite sides
of the wall portion
158. Each flange 160 has a mounting opening 162 to reaeive a fastener (e.g,,
fastener 65 in FIG.
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3) as described in greater detail below. The flange 160 may include a raised
rim 164 around the
opening 162. The central wall portion 158 defines a central opening 166 or
slot 166. The slot
166 is generally dimensioned to receive the moveable member 154 as described
in greater detail
below. The central wall portion 158 is open at two top locations to define a
pair of channels 168
that are in communication with the slot 166. The channels 168 may taper
inwards at an upper
portion, One channel 168 is located on each side of the slot 166. The wall
portion 158 further
defines a front engagement surface 170 and a rear engagement surface 172. A
bottom portion of
the base 152 may also have ribs 159 that may assist in its mounting to the
window frame 116.
[0028] FIGS. 18-20 show the moveable member 154. In one exemplary embodirnent,
the
moveable member 154 may have one or more fingers. The moveable member 154 has
a body
180 that has an elongated dimension to generally fit the slot 166. The body
180 has a first finger
182 and a seoond finger 184. The first finger 182 and the second finger 184
extend from the
body 190 and define a recess 186 between the fingers 182,184. The body 180 and
fingers
182,184 have generally contoured surfaces. As further shown in FIGS. 18-20, a
peg 186 extends
from each side of the body 180. Finally, as shown in FIG. 20, a rear side of
the body 180 has a
hollowed-out portion 188.
[0029] As further shown in FIGS. 16 and 21-25, the base 152 moveably supports
the
moveabie member 154. In particular, the moveable member 154 is received in the
slot 166. A
portion of the body 180 fits within the slot 166 and the Ftngers 182,184
extend from the wailed
portion of the base 154. The pegs 186 are also received in the channels 168
wherein the
channels 168 cradle the pegs 186 wherein the pegs 186 can rotate within the
channels 168. In
this configuration, the moveable member 154 is pivotally supported in the base
154 between a
first position P1 (FIGS. 21 and 26) and a second position P2 (FIG, 27) as
described in greater
detail below. It is understood that a certain level of interference such as
from the tapered
portions may be provided between the channels 168 and pegs 186 to maintain the
moveable
member 154 within the base 152 while still allowing pivoting of the moveable
member 154.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the sash lift mechanism 150 is mounted on
the window
frarne 114. In particular the sash lift mechanism 150 is positioned on a hinge
groove 103 of the
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bottom jamb'128 of the window frame 114. Fasteners such as shown in FIG. 3,
are inserted
through the mounting openings 162 and into the window frame 114 at the hinge
groove 103.
When the window is closed, the sash lift mechanism 150 including the moveable
member 154 is
not visible (See e.g., FIG. 11). On the window frame 114, the moveable member
154 can pivot
between the first position Pl and the second position P2. As previously
discussed, when the sash
window 114 is not in a sagging condition, the sash window 114 can move between
its open and
closed positions and not engage the saslz lift mechanism 150, wherein the sash
lift mechanism
150 is considered to be in an inactive state and the sash window 114 is in a
free or normal state.
[0031) Once the sash window 116 reaches a sagging condition, whether initially
or over
time, the sash window 116 will engage the sash lift mechanism 150 as can be
appreciated from
FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. 26 shows the sash lift mechanism 150 in its first
position P1 wherein the
first finger 182 extends generally upwards and wherein the second finger 184
rests against the
front engagement surface 170. Because of the sagging condition, as the sash
window 116 is
moved to the closed position, the vertical position of the sash window 116 is
such that it engages
the first finger 182 as can be appreciated from FIG. 26. As the sash window
116 colltinues to
close, the moveable member 154 pivots within the base 152 from the engagement
with the sash
window 116 (See e.g., arrow A in FIG. 26). Referring to FIG. 27, as the
moveable member 154
pivots, the second finger 184 pivots upwards as shown by arrow B and engages
an underside
surface or bottom surface 200 of the sash window 116. As the sash window 116
continues to
close, the second finger 184 continues to engage the sash window 116 wherein
both the first
fnger 182 and the second finger 184 engage the undex'side surface 200. Because
of the structure
of the second finger 184, the second finger 184 provides an upward lift force
F to the sash
window 116 to eliminate the sagging problem of the sash window 116. In this
configuration, the
sash lift mechanism 150 is considered to be in the active state, wherein a
lift force F is provided
by the moveable member 154 upon the sagging sash window 116.
100321 Similar to the previous exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, the
sash lift
mechanism 1-50 can take other forms or be placed in other locations on the
casement window
assembly 100. It is further understood that the sash lift mechanism 150 could
be mounted on the
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sash window 116. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated, however, the sash
lift mechanism
150 is mounted on the window frame 114. It is also understood that the
moveable member 154
could be structured to be pivotally mounted to the window frama 1] 4 or sash
window 116 or that
the window frame 114 or sash window 116 could be considered a base member 152.
It is fiuther
understood that a plurality of sash lift mechanisms 150 can be utilized if
desired. In addition, the
moveable member 154 could also include additional fingers that cooperate in
successive
movements to provide additional lift forces to further raise a sagging window,
such as larger size
sash windows 116. In the active state, the sash lift mechanism 150 is
structured and positioned
to provide lift to a sash window 116 that has sagged with respect to the
window frame 114.
Thus, even if the sash window 114 has sagged and a user cannot properly
realign the sash
window 116 utilizing other standard methods known in the industry, the sash
lift mechanism 150
can provide the appropriate lift force F that can enhance the alignment of the
sash window 116.
Accordingly, the overall operation of the casement window assembly 100 is
enhanced. Finally,
it is understood that the different sash lift mechanisms 50,150 can be used in
the different
casement window assemblies disclosed. Furthermore, the sash lift mechanism
50,150 can also
be utilized in other types of window assemblies, door asse,tnblies or other
applications utilizing a
member pivotally supported by a frame requiring a force to enhance operation
due to alignment
issues. In certain instances, the force provided may be in other directions
rather than only an
upward lift force depending on the configuration of the structures utilized.
[0033] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,
numerous
modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of
the invention, and
the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying
Claims.
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