Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SIDE-LOAD HUNG WINDOW ASSEMBLY WITH SASH GUIDES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No.
62/218,201, filed on September 14, 2015.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to hung windows having side-load
window sashes, and more particularly to a sash guide for a side-load hung
window
assembly having a curl spring-type window balance assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present
disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Modern window assemblies in residential, commercial and
industrial
buildings may include one or more window sashes that are movable within a
window jamb of a window frame. Window sashes that move vertically to open and
close often include two or more window balance assemblies. Window balances
urge the window sash upward (i.e., toward an open position for a lower sash or
toward a closed position for an upper sash) to assist a user in moving the
window
sash and to retain the window sash at a position selected by the user. A
single-
hung window features a stationary top sash and a bottom sash that slides
vertically
up and down. In addition, many single- and double-hung windows allow for the
window sashes to be removed from the window frame for easy cleaning. A side-
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load window sash can be removed vertically from its associated window balances
and be maneuvered horizontally within the jambs of the window frame to enable
the window sash to be removed.
SUMMARY
[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is
not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a side-load, hung
window assembly. The window assembly includes a window frame including a
window jamb defining a jamb channel. A window sash is disposed in the window
frame and includes a side rail. A window balance assembly is installed in the
jamb
channel and engages the window sash to support the window sash with a
counterbalance force.
[0007] In another aspect of the disclosure, the side-load, hung window
assembly can include a sash guide attached to the window sash and extending
into a space between the window sash and the jamb channel. The sash guide can
include a recess at an outer end to provide clearance for the sash guide to
pass
over the uncurled end portion of the curl spring and the mounting device. In
addition, an aesthetic cover can be disposed over the mounting device.
Alternatively or in addition, a spring tail cover can be disposed over the
uncurled
end portion of the curl spring and the mounting device.
[0008] In still further aspects of the disclosure, a sash guide assembly
for
a hung window having a window sash, a window jamb, and a window balance
assembly is disclosed. The sash guide assembly can include a spacer having a
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cover portion with a horizontal upper wall. The horizontal upper wall can
include
a bottom surface that can be located in close proximity to and/or contact a
top
surface of an upper rail of the window sash when it is in an installed
configuration. The spacer also can include a first vertical side wall and a
second
vertical sidewall, with each of the side walls extending generally
perpendicularly
from the horizontal upper wall and being substantially parallel to one
another. A
lower wall of the spacer can extend between the first and second vertical side
walls. The spacer can also include a latch member extending from the bottom
surface of the upper wall. The latch member can have a projection portion
disposed at a lower end, and the projection portion can have a first and
second
ramped surfaces. A recess can be defined by the upper wall and inner surfaces
of the first and second vertical side walls.
[0009] Further aspects of the disclosure include the sash guide also
having a receiver. The receiver can have a base portion, an upper portion and
a
front wall extending between the base portion and the upper portion. The front
wall can have an inner surface having a third ramped surface, a fourth ramped
surface adjacent to the third ramped surface, and a fifth ramped surface
adjacent
to the fourth ramped surface. The fifth ramped surface can engage the second
ramped surface of the spacer, and the fifth ramped surface can be
substantially
parallel to the second ramped surface in the installed configuration. Still
further,
the receiver can include a third and fourth substantially parallel vertical
side walls
that can extend between the base portion and the upper portion. A channel can
be defined by the front wall and the vertical side walls. The receiver can
also
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include an aperture in the front wall and a fastener that mount the receiver
to a
side rail of the window sash.
[0010] The sash guide assembly can be movable with the window sash
with respect to the window jamb in the installed configuration, and the spacer
can
pass over an uncurled end portion of a curl spring of the window balance
assembly.
[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this
summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to
limit
the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only
of
selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not
intended
to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a partial front view of a side-load, hung window
assembly
including sash guides according to the principles of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the disassembled spacer and
receiver
components of a sash guide according to the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a window sash for a side-
load,
hung window assembly including a sash guide according to the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of FIG. 4;
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[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view along the lines 6-6 of
FIG. 5;
[0019] FIGs. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views (taken in a manner
similar to the cross-sectional view shown of FIG. 6) of exemplary sash guides
according to the principles of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIGs. 8A and 8B show perspective views of a receiver of the sash
guide assembled on a window sash according to the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0021] FIGs. 9A and 9B depict the installation and removal,
respectively, of
a spacer of the sash guide on a window sash according to the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged detailed view of the sash guide
installed on a window sash according to the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 11A is an upper portion of a closed window sash with the
sash
guide of FIG. 10 and including a spring tail cover according to the principles
of the
present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 11B shows a detail view of the inner side of the spring tail
cover
of FIG. 11A;
[0025] FIG. 11C shows an alternate spring tail cover similar to the
spring tail
cover of FIG. 11A;
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates an upper portion of a closed window sash with
an
alternate embodiment of a sash guide and an alternate embodiment of a spring
tail
cover according to the principles of the present disclosure;
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[0027] FIG. 13A shows the sash guide of FIG. 12 and another alternate
embodiment of a spring tail cover according to the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 13B shows a sash guide with still another alternate
embodiment
of a spring tail cover according to the principles of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of an alternate sash guide
for a side load, hung window assembly according to the principles of the
present
disclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates still another embodiment of an alternate sash
guide and spring cover for a side load, hung window assembly according to the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0031] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art.
Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific
components,
devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of
the
present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many
different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the
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disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known
device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
[0034] With
reference to FIG. 1, a side-load, hung window assembly 10 is
shown and can include a window frame 11 having a pair of opposing vertical
window jambs 16, a horizontal window sill 18. An upper sash 12 and a lower
sash
14 are disposed within the window frame 11. Two window balance assemblies 20
each engaging the lower sash and a respective window jamb 16, also comprise
part of the window assembly 10. In the particular window assembly 10
illustrated
in FIG. 1, the upper sash 12 is fixed relative to the window sill 18 (i.e., in
a single
hung window assembly) and the vertically moveable lower sash 14 is a side-load
removable sash.
[0035] As best seen in FIG. 2, each window jamb 16 can define a jamb
channel 26 including a first wall 28, a second wall 30 opposite the first wall
28, and
a third wall 32 disposed perpendicularly to the first and second walls 28, 30.
As is
well-known, the upper and lower window sashes are generally rectangular-shaped
and include opposing vertically-extending side rails (or stiles) and opposing
horizontally-extending upper, or top, and lower, or bottom, rails. The upper
and
lower window sashes are disposed within the opposing jamb channels 26 of the
window frame.
[0036] The lower sash 14 may be vertically raised and lowered between
open and closed positions and may be connected to the window balance
assemblies 20 which assist a user in opening the lower sash 14 and maintain
the
lower sash 14 in a desired position relative to the window sill 18. However,
in some
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embodiments, the upper sash 12 may also be movable relative to the window sill
18 between a raised or closed position and a lowered or open position (i.e.,
in a
double-hung window assembly). It will be appreciated that in a double hung
window assembly, the upper sash 12 may also be connected to two or more
window balance assemblies 20 to assist the user in opening the upper sash 12
and maintaining the upper sash 12 in a selected position relative to the
window sill
18.
[0037] The window balance assemblies 20 may be installed within the jamb
channels 26. Each of the window balance assemblies 20 can be described as a
side-load, constant force counterbalance and can include a carrier, one or
more
curl springs 42, and a mounting device, such as a threaded fastener or screw
44,
as best shown in FIG. 10. The window balance assemblies 20 may be initially
assembled and shipped in an uninstalled or shipping configuration and may be
subsequently installed in the window assembly 10 and placed in an installed
configuration by a window manufacturer, a construction or renovation
contractor,
or a homeowner, for example. The window balance assembly 20 can be non-
handed and can be installed in either the right side jamb channel 26 or the
left side
jamb channel 26 of the window assembly 10.
[0038] The carrier can engage the lower sash 14 to support the sash 14
with
a counterbalance force. A curled portion of the curl spring 42 can be housed
in
the carrier with an uncurled end portion or spring tail extending from the
carrier on
an outer side of the carrier that is opposite to the window sash 14. The
mounting
screw 44 can engage and fix the uncurled end portion of the curl spring 42 to
a
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wall (e.g., third wall 32) of the jamb channel 26, as shown in FIG. 2.
Thereafter,
the carrier can bear the weight of the sash 14, and through the curl spring's
42
resistance to being uncurled, can exert an upward counterbalance force on the
carrier and sash 14, thereby biasing the lower sash 14 toward the open
position
(e.g., against the force of gravity and any frictional forces between the sash
and
the jamb channel).
[0039] As shown, e.g., in FIGs. 1-4 and 11A, the window assembly can
include sash guides 50 installed on the window sash 14 according to the
principles
of the present disclosure. Each sash guide fills a horizontal gap 15 between a
respective one of the vertical rails of the window sash 14 and the jamb
channel 26
of the window assembly, as can be seen in FIG. 11. The sash guides improve the
overall aesthetic and finished appearance of the side-load, hung window
assembly.
[0040] With the sash guide installed, the side-load window sash cannot
be
removed from the window frame in the usual manner, and the sash guide
generally
must be removed from the horizontal gap 15 to enable the window sash to be
removed from the window frame, e.g., for cleaning or service.
[0041] Referring to FIGs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, one embodiment of a sash guide
according to the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the
disassembled components of the sash guide assembly 50 generally include a
spacer 52, a receiver 54 and a fastener 56. As seen in FIGs. 6, 9A and 9B, the
sash guide receiver 54 can be mounted to a vertical side rail 58 of the window
sash
14 by the fastener 56, prior to the sash being installed in the side-load hung
window
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assembly. After the sash 14 is installed in the window assembly 10, the spacer
52
can be assembled with the receiver 54 such that the spacer 52 is in close
proximity
to an upper rail 64 of the window sash 14. As shown in FIGs. 5, 6 and 10, the
spacer 52 further can be in direct contact with and/or engage the upper rail
64 of
the window sash 14.
[0042] As seen in the figures, and particularly FIGs. 6, 7A and 7B, the
spacer can generally include an upper wall or cover portion 60. The cover
portion
60 can comprise a generally flat, horizontally-oriented, rectangular upper
surface
62. When installed, the cover portion 60 can extend outward beyond the side
rails
58 of the window sash. In addition, the cover portion 60 can overlay the upper
rail
64 of the window sash 14 and can be matched in appearance to the window sash
to provide a coordinated and aesthetically pleasing finished appearance to the
window assembly.
[0043] The cover portion 60 can be flanked by two opposing, laterally
spaced-apart side walls 66. The side walls 66 can extend vertically downward
from the cover portion 60. The cover portion 60 and side walls 66 can together
form an opening or recess 68 at an outer or outward end 70 (i.e., the side
away
from the vertical side rail 58 of the window sash) of the spacer. As can be
appreciated, the recess 68 can allow the spacer 52 of the sash guide 50,
installed
on the window sash 14 of the window assembly, to avoid interfering with and
bypass the uncurled end portion of the curl spring 42 as the window sash is
moved
vertically in the window frame. At a lower end of the spacer 52, a horizontal
lower
wall 72 can connect to both side walls 66.
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[0044] In addition, located beneath the upper wall 60 and extending
generally vertically downwardly therefrom, the spacer can also include a
finger-like
extension or latch member 74. As shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B, the latch member
74 can extend along a longitudinal axis that intersects the upper wall 60
approximately perpendicularly, e.g., about 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 7A, or
at
an acute angle of less than about 45 degrees, and preferably about 30 degrees
with respect to a vertical axis, e.g., as shown in FIG. 7B. The latch member
74
can be cantilevered from the upper wall 60 at its proximal end 76 and can be
resiliently flexible or bendable relative to the upper wall 60.
[0045] At its distal end 78, the latch member 74 can include a
projection
portion 75. The projection portion 75 can protrude outwardly, i.e., away from
vertical side rail 58 of the window sash 14, and approximately laterally from
the
longitudinal axis and can include a lower, first ramped surface 80 having a
first
angle, and an upper, second ramped surface 82 having a second angle. As
measured from a horizontal axis, the first angle and the second angle can be
the
same or different values. In one configuration, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first
and
second angles can have the same or approximately the same value and can be
mirrored about the horizontal axis. In another configuration, as shown in FIG.
7B,
the first and second angles can have different values, with the first angle of
the first
ramped surface 80 being greater than 45 degrees, and even close to 90 degrees,
and the second angle of the second ramped surface 82 being less than 45
degrees.
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[0046] As will be discussed further below, the latch member 74 of the
sash
guide 50 can be inserted into and engage a channel of the sash guide receiver
54
to firmly retain the sash guide 50 with the sash guide receiver 54.
[0047] With further reference to FIGs. 6, 7A and 7B, the receiver 54
comprises a body 84 including a base portion 86 at a lower end 88 and two
vertical,
laterally spaced-apart sidewalls 90, and a front wall 92 extending upwardly
from
the base portion 86 to an upper end 94 of the receiver 54. The spaced-apart
sidewalls 90 can oppose one another, and the sidewalls 90 and the front wall
92
can together create an inwardly facing channel 96, i.e., the channel 96 can
open
toward the vertical side rail 58 of the window sash 14. Intermediate the base
portion
86 and the upper end 94 of the receiver 54 is a mounting aperture 98.
Referring
to FIGs. 6, 8A and 8B, the mounting aperture 98 can accommodate the fastener
56 for affixing the receiver 54 to the vertical rail 58 of the window sash 14.
When
affixed along a vertical centerline of the side rail 58 of a window sash 14,
an inward
side 100 of the base portion 86 of the receiver 54 can mount directly against
the
vertical side rail 58, and the upper end 94 of the receiver 54 can generally
be flush
with the top rail 64 of the window sash 14. As such, the channel 96 can be
positioned at a known location relative to the vertical side rail 58 in
preparation for
assembly with the spacer 52.
[0048] As best seen in FIGs. 7A and 7B, an inward side 100 of the front
wall
92 can form part of the channel 96 and can comprise a third ramped surface
102,
a fourth ramped surface 104 and a fifth ramped surface 106. The third ramped
surface 102 can serve as a lead-in guide surface to initially engage the first
ramped
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surface 80 of the latch of the spacer during assembly of the spacer with the
receiver 54, as will be described in greater detail below. The third ramped
surface
102 can extend inwardly, i.e., toward the vertical side rail 58 of the window
sash,
and downwardly at a third angle. The third angle can be measured from a
horizontal axis, as shown, e.g., in FIGs. 7A and 7B. The fourth ramped surface
104 can be located adjacent to and vertically below the third ramped surface
102.
The fourth ramped surface 104 can also serve as a guide surface and can engage
the projection portion 75 of the latch of the spacer during assembly and
disassembly of the sash guide. The fourth ramped surface 104 can also extend
inwardly and downwardly from the third ramped surface 102 at a fourth angle,
as
measured from a vertical axis as shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B. Included adjacent
to
a lower end of the fourth ramped surface 104 can be the fifth ramped surface
106.
The fifth ramped surface 106 can form a ledge that can extend outwardly and
downwardly from the fourth ramped surface 104 at a fifth angle, as measured
from
a horizontal axis.
[0049] As
shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B, each of the third, fourth and fifth angles
generally can be acute, and can vary depending on the requirements of the sash
guide and/or its installation parameters, as will be discussed further herein.
In one
configuration, as shown in FIG. 7A, the third angle and the fifth angle can be
substantially the same value and mirrored about the horizontal axis. In
another
configuration, as shown in FIG. 7B, the third angle and the fifth angle can be
substantially different, with the third angle being greater than about 45
degrees
and the fifth angle being less than about 45 degrees, and can be about 30
degrees.
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Also, as shown in the figures, the fourth angle can vary from about 0 degrees
(e.g.,
FIG. 7A) to less than 45 degrees, and about 30 degrees (e.g., FIG. 7B).
[0050] Installation and removal of a sash guide 50 on the window sash 14
of a side load, hung window assembly can be understood with reference to FIGs.
8A, 8B, 9A and 9B. Installation can generally include a two-step procedure. Of
course, while installation of a single sash guide is described herein, it is
understood
that two sash guides are included on each window sash, one sash guide included
on each side of the window sash. In a first step, prior to loading the window
sash
14 into the window frame 11, the receiver 54 can be affixed to a vertical side
rail
58 of the window sash 14. As previously described, a fastener 56 can pass
through
the mounting aperture 98 of the receiver 54 and can be secured to the side
rail 58
of the window sash 14 so as to attach the receiver 54 to the window sash 14.
The
receiver 54 is preferably affixed to the side rail 58 so that a longitudinal
centerline
of the receiver 54 is coincident with the vertical centerline of the side rail
58 (i.e.,
the receiver 54 is laterally centered on the side rail 58). Also, the receiver
54 is
preferably mounted such that the upper end 94 of the receiver 54 is generally
flush
with the top rail 64 of the window sash 14. Once the receiver 54 is mounted to
the
window sash 14 it is adapted to accept the spacer 52.
[0051] After the receiver 54 is mounted to the window sash 14, the window
sash 14 can be placed or "loaded" into the side-load window hung window
assembly in a known manner.
[0052] Next, the spacer 52 of the sash guide 50 can be assembled with
the
receiver 54. As shown in FIG. 9A, the spacer 52 can be inserted and "snap-fit"
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into the receiver 54 in a vertically-downwardly direction. In this regard, the
latch
74 is inserted into the channel 96 of the receiver 54. As the latch 74 is
inserted,
the lower, first ramped surface 80 of the projection 75 can engage the third
ramped
surface 102 of the channel 96 of the receiver 54 (i.e., at the inward side 100
of the
front wall). Simultaneously, the lower wall 72 of the spacer 52 and the
inwardly
facing edges of the spacer side walls 66 can also engage the front wall 92
(i.e., at
the outward side of the front wall 92) of the receiver 54.
[0053]
Downward force applied against the cover portion 60 can result in a
reaction force against the first ramped surface 80 that can cause the
cantilevered
latch 74 to bias or flex inwardly from a nominal position. As the latch 74
flexes
inwardly, the projection 75 can pass over the third ramped surface 102.
Further
downward travel of the spacer then can cause the latch projection 75 to engage
the fourth ramped surface 104. Continued downward force against the spacer 52
can cause a continued reaction force against the projection 75 and continued
inward flexing of the latch 74. The projection 75 can then continue to ride
along
the fourth ramped surface 104. As insertion of the sash guide 50 continues
under
the downward force, the latch projection 75 can reach the fifth ramped
surface106
near the lower end of the channel 96. When the projection 75 passes the end of
the fourth ramped surface 104, the outwardly and downwardly extending fifth
ramped surface106 no longer creates the reaction force against the projection
that
results in the inward flexing of the latch 74. Thus, the latch 74 can abruptly
"snap
back" to the nominal position where the upper, second ramped surface 82 of the
projection 75 can seat against the fifth ramped surface106 of the receiver 54.
At
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the same time, the spacer 52 is fully inserted into the receiver 54 and the
upper
wall 60 of the spacer 52 can engage the top rail 64 of the window sash 14.
Thus,
full insertion of the spacer 52 into the receiver 54 allows the second ramped
surface 82 on the projection 75 to correspondingly seat against the fifth
ramped
surface106 on the receiver 54, and the upper wall 60 of the spacer 52 to seat
against the top rail 64 of the window sash 14.
[0054] Removal of the sash guide 50 can generally be accomplished by
reversing the steps for installation. As shown in FIG. 9B, though, disassembly
of
the spacer 52 from the receiver 54 can be initiated by an upward force on the
spacer 52 (which, e.g., can be generated by prying the upper wall 60 of the
receiver
54 upward and away from the top rail 64 of the window sash 14 with the flat
tip of
a screwdriver as shown in FIG. 9A).
[0055] It should be appreciated that during assembly and disassembly of
the spacer 52 from the receiver 54, the engagement or interaction between the
several ramped surfaces can be manipulated to require different downward
and/or
upward forces to accomplish the assembly and/or disassembly of the sash guide
components. That is, it should be appreciated that the respective angles of
the
first ramped surface 80 and the third ramped surface 102 can influence a
maximum
downward insertion force on the spacer that is required to generate the
reaction
force needed to bias the latch 74 and enable the full downward insertion of
the
spacer 52 into the receiver 54 as described above. Similarly, the respective
angles
of the second ramped surface 82 and the fifth ramped surface106 can influence
a
maximum upward separation force on the spacer 52 that is required to generate
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the reaction force needed to bias the latch 74 and enable the upward removal
of
the spacer from the receiver 54. Consequently, the various angles of the ramp
surfaces can be refined to necessitate that the force required for
installation of the
spacer 52 into the receiver 54 is less than the force required to remove the
spacer
52 from the receiver 54 or vice versa.
[0056]
Operation of the sash guide 50 can be understood with reference to
FIGs. 1 and 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the window balance assemblies 20 are
disposed in the jamb channels 26 of the window frame 11. The uncurled end
portion 120 of the curl spring 42 is affixed to the jamb wall 32 above the top
rail 64
of the lower window sash 14 by a fastener 44, as shown in greater detail in
FIG.
10. The sash guides 50 are installed on the window sash 14 and extend
horizontally outwardly from the opposite sides of the window sash 14 and into
the
respective jamb channels 26, also seen clearly in FIGs. 2 and 10. As the lower
sash 14 is moved vertically in the window frame 11 between a closed and an
opened position, the sash guide 50 moves with the window sash 14. When the
top rail 64 of the window sash passes the uncurled end portion 120 of the curl
spring 42, the recess 68 in the spacer 52 of the sash guide 50 enables the
sash
guide 50 to pass by the fastener 44 without interference. The sash guides 50
improve the overall aesthetic and finished appearance of the side-load, hung
window assembly 10. Moreover, with the sash guide 50 installed, the side-load
window sash cannot be removed from the window frame 11 in the usual manner,
until the spacer 52 of the sash guide 50 is removed.
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[0057] FIGs. 11-17 show various alternative embodiments of a sash guide
installation, some of which also include optional spring tail covers. With
reference
to FIGs. 11A, 11B, and 11C, a sash guide installation in a side-load, hung
window
assembly similar to that previously described further includes a spring tail
cover
122 that further enhances the aesthetic, finished appearance of the window
assembly. As seen in FIG. 11B, the spring tail cover 122 has an exterior
surface
123 and provides an interior space 124 which, when installed, mounts over and
encompasses the uncurled end portion 120 of the curl spring 42, including the
head of the fastener 44 that affixes the curl spring 42 to the jamb wall 32.
The
spring tail cover 122 also includes a push-in-type mounting fastener 126
(e.g., a
Christmas tree clip) projecting from an interior surface 128 of the spring
tail cover
122. The spring tail cover 122 can be affixed to the jamb wall 32 with the
mounting
fastener 126 passing through a lower, second aperture 130 in the uncurled end
portion 120 of the curl spring 42 (as best seen in FIG. 10) and into a
corresponding
and aligned aperture that can be formed in the jamb wall upon installation of
the
spring tail cover 122. As shown in the figures, the shape of the spring tail
cover
122 can take various forms and still be suitable for its intended purpose. For
example in Fig. 11C, the spring tail cover 132 has a box shape.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative sash guide installation
is
depicted. As shown in FIG. 12, a sash guide 140 that can serve as a trim piece
to
improve the finished appearance of the window assembly can comprise a spacer
member 142 including a generally planar cover portion 144 that can be mounted
directly to the top rail 64 of the window sash 14 by a threaded fastener or
screw
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146. An opening or recess 148 can be included at the outward end 150 of the
sash guide140 that can enable the sash guide 140 to clear the uncurled end
portion
120 of the curl spring 42 and allow the sash guide 140 to pass by the mounting
screw 44. One or more horizontal extension portions or fingers 152 can be
formed
on one side or on opposite sides of the recess 148. The sash guide 140 has an
arcuate inner end 154 and can include a bevel 156 that further enhances the
finished appearance of the window assembly. FIG. 12 shows the sash guide 140
in combination with a button-like spring tail cover 158 secured over the
mounting
screw 44. The spring tail cover 158 can, e.g., be snap-fit over a head of the
mounting screw 44 in a well-known manner. The spring tail cover 158 further
improves the aesthetic and finished appearance of the window assembly.
[0059] Also
shown in FIGs. 13A and 13B is an alternative aesthetic spring
tail cover 160 in combination with the sash guide similar to FIG. 12. The
spring tail
cover 160 can have a hollow, box-like configuration and can cover the uncurled
end portion 120 of the curl spring 42 and the mounting screw 44. The spring
tail
cover 160 can be moveable within the jamb channel 26 as the window sash 14
moves vertically in the window frame 11. When the sash 14 is raised, the
horizontal extension portions 152 of the sash guide 140 can engage a lipped
edge
162 on a top of the spring tail cover 160 so as to carry the spring tail cover
160
vertically upwardly with the sash 14. An open end 164 at the bottom of the
spring
tail cover 160 (see, e.g., FIG. 13B) can enable the spring tail cover 160 to
move
freely over the uncurled end portion 120 of the curl spring 42 and the
mounting
screw 44. When the sash 14 is lowered, the spring tail cover 160 can move
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vertically downwardly by gravity. As shown in FIG. 13A, as the upper rail 64
of the
sash 14 passes by the mounting screw 44 in the downward direction, the top of
the spring tail cover 160 can engage the mounting screw 44 and cause the
spring
tail cover 160 to stop moving vertically downwardly. The sash 14, however, can
continue its downward travel to the closed position and thereby expose a
vertically
extending body portion 166 of the spring tail cover 160. Also shown in FIG.
13B
are optional tab portions 168 that can be included at the bottom of the spring
tail
cover 160. With the tab portions 168 included, the horizontal extension
portions
152 of the sash guide 140 can engage the tab portions 168 and force the spring
tail cover 160 vertically downwardly as the sash 14 moves, e.g., toward the
closed
position. This feature can enable the sash guide 140 to dislodge the spring
tail
cover 160 should it become stuck or is otherwise not able to move freely in
the
jamb channel 26.
[0060] FIG. 14 shows another alternate embodiment of a sash guide. The
sash guide 170 can include a base portion 172 and a hinged cover portion 174.
The base portion 172 can be secured to the upper rail 64 of the window sash
14,
such as by a threaded fastener 176. The cover portion 174 can then be closed
over and secured to the base portion 172 (e.g., with a "snap fit"), thereby
covering
or hiding the threaded fastener 176.
[0061] FIG. 15 shows yet an additional alternative sash guide and spring
tail
cover configurations. Similar to the sash guide installation of FIG. 13A, the
sash
guide 180 can comprise a spacer member 182 including a generally planar cover
portion 184 that can be mounted directly to the top rail 64 of the window sash
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by a threaded fastener or screw 186. However, the cover portion 184 of the
sash
guide180 can include a horizontal tab 188 projecting outwardly toward the jamb
channel 26. The tab 188 engages a corresponding slot 190 in an inward face 192
of a spring tail cover 194. When the sash 14 is raised, the horizontal tab 188
of
the sash guide 180 can engage an upper edge 196 of the slot 190 of the spring
tail
cover 194 so as to carry the spring tail cover 194 vertically upwardly with
the sash
14. When the sash 14 is lowered, the spring tail cover 194 can move vertically
downwardly by gravity. If the spring tail cover 194 becomes stuck, then the
tab
188 can engage a lower edge 198 of the slot 190 of the spring tail cover 194
so as
to carry the spring tail cover 194 vertically downwardly with the sash 14.
Alternatively, the slot 190 can be open ended at the lower end 198 of the
spring
tail cover 194 such that the tab 188 (and sash guide 180) can fully disengage
from
the spring tail cover 194.
[0062] The
foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to
limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular
embodiment are
generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable,
are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not
specifically
shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations
are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
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